Nexus didn't waver, sliding his face past Bruce's strike while pulling his sword downwards to upset the angle of the attack, even if only slightly. Bruce's thumb glided across his left cheek, pressing against the mask uncomfortably as Nexus bared down on Bruce with his superior height and bulk. But what followed was far from elegant as a response. With his head leaning forwards, Nexus brought their first flurry of exchanges to an end, crashing his forehead against the center of Bruce's face. He followed through, barely dazed by the collision, and dispelled his dagger, grabbing tightly onto Bruce's left arm with his right. Then, with a mighty heave, he bent his body to the right, shifting his weight carefully before releasing all his holds, and tossing Bruce several feet across the room. It wasn't the most stupendous throw around. It felt more grounded, [i]human[/i] even, despite the slight abnormality in his strength. Nexus rubbed his cheek slowly, and then stretched his neck, before summoning a two-handed Katana between both his hands, and taking a new stance. [color=00aeef]"Gather yourself,"[/color] Nexus grunted, waiting patiently for Bruce to reorient himself. [color=00aeef]"If you're to rest my weary soul, show me resolve, one potent enough to aid in tackling a god from his throne."[/color] Nexus narrowed his left eye. [color=00aeef]"Show me something to believe in."[/color]