Nero's Life Redux

Chapters

Chapter 2: Time fades
Chapter 3: Rememberance
Chapter 4: The Task
Chapter 5: New Faces
Chapter 1: Same story different ending

Chapter 2: Time fades

As years passed Nero found new a amazing things about the world around her, her favorite thing was The Elements of Harmony, the greatest legend in Equestria. Everyday during, well anytime she would read about the elements. She didn’t really talk to the other ponies at the orphanage. She just studied and read her fiction novels. Nurse Care thought Nero could use somepony to interact with, so she found somepony. They were both around the same age. They were about nine years old. This ponies name was Vinyl Scratch. Yes the DJ many of you all know was an orphan, well at least in this world. The both got along very well as the both enjoyed music. But later on something happened. One day Nero woke up and Vinyl was gone, nopony knew what happened to her she was just gone. She left a note saying not to look for her. She was fulfilling her dream. This took a toll on Nero for the worst. She mainly stayed in her room after Vinyl left, only coming out on normal occasions to do her daily things…

< Five years later >

Nero was in her room reading one of her fiction novels meant for a more older audience.

“Huh, seems like he’s gonna die...” Nero continued to read her gorey novel then got to a spot and stopped “Yep, predictable.” Nurse Care walked in and saw Nero on her bed reading.

“Oh, am I interrupting?” Nero shook her head “Okay good, what are you reading?”

“Oh it’s a novel about this group of ponies traveling to a distant planet because of some distress call they got and then it turns out everypony is dead on that plant and it’s overrun by these alien zombie hybrids.” Nurse Care just stared at Nero

“Wow… sounds, um interesting...”

“Eh...The deaths are so predictable… but it does have a interesting story.” Nurse Care smiled

“Well le-”

“The main character sounds kinda hot.” Nurse Care stared at Nero. “What? Gotta like something other than the blood, guts, and story.” Nurse Care shook her head rapidly then continued her sentence.

“Well, um, Clark would like to see you.” Nero ears pointed up in curiosity. “Come with me.” Nero followed Nurse Care to Feather Pin’s office. Of course Nero just referred to Feather Pin as just Clark, as that was his last name. Once they reached Clark’s office they both walked in.

“There’s my two lovely mares!” Nero and Nurse Care both smiled. “Alright, so Nero you are probably wondering why I had Care bring you here. Aren’t you?” Nero nodded her head. “Well, I am happy to let you know, we found somepony who would like to adopt you!” Nero’s eyes widened.

“Really!” Clark nodded “Who? What’s their name? What do they look like? Are they married?”

“Why don’t you ask her.” Clark motioned for somepony to come in and Nero heard the door behind her open. Nero turned around and saw a light brown unicorn with straight slate blue mane and tail and her cutie mark was a stethoscope wrapped around a writing feather and a clipboard.

“Hello!” The unicorn said “My name is Jane Care. I am a Psychiatrist and I’m Sarah's sister, or as you call her Nurse Care.” Nero turned to Nurse Care and she waved. “So, you like to read I heard?” Nero nodded.

“Yeah, it’s really the only thing I do around here anymore ever since Vinyl left.”

“Oh, that’s right your friend left. I’m sorry, but hey just wait you’ll meet more friends. Some you won’t forget.” Jane walked up to Clark and said something that Nero couldn’t hear. They just whispered a couple things. When they finished they walked over to Nero.

“Well, Nero are you ready to live your life?” Nero nodded then gave Clark a hug. When they finished Nero walked over to Nurse Care, aka Sarah, and gave her a hug.

“I promise I’ll come back and visit.” Nero finished saying goodbye then went to go pack her things…

< A Few hours later >

“So, what do you think?” Nero looked around at Jane’s house. It was big, to say the least. And to say the most, the walls had many paintings and pictures of Jane, what Nero assumed were her parents and friends, and Sarah. Many other pictures had Jane and some child. Nero assumed that these random children were some of Jane’s patients since she is a Psychiatrist. Nero looked around some more and saw some flowers and some books. After looking around Nero looked at Jane

“I like it.” Jane smiled then told Nero follow her as Jane grabbed Nero’s bags and brought them upstairs

“Okay.” Jane said as she set down Nero’s bags in front of one of the many doors that flooded the upstairs hallway. “This here is your room, I haven’t need much use for a guest bedroom but now that we’re gonna be living together I have use for this room.” Nero just looked at the door “Okay, well I got some paper work I gotta file, so I’ll be downstairs if you need me.” Jane walked downstairs and Nero opened the door. When the room was in full view Nero was awestruck. The room was beautiful. Nero’s new room had a little window seat she could read from and look at the beautiful landscape. The room had furniture and even it’s own bathroom, Nero was at home. When Nero got done, admiring her new room. She heard Jane call her name…

< Five years later >

“Surprise!” Nero had just entered her home and she was surprised by Jane, Sarah, and Clark as they had planned a party to celebrate her nineteenth birthday.

“I knew something was up when you guys wanted me to go look at instruments.” Jane came over and hugged Nero.

“How's it feel to be nineteen?”

“Oh, it feels like I’m getting older”

“Wait until your my age.” Nero snickered at Clark’s comment. Then they all had fun watching Nero open Clark’s, Sarah’s, and Jane’s gift they had given her. Clark gave nero a guitar, even though she was a pegasus and may have a hard time playing it she didn’t care. Sarah got Nero a bracelet that had small little green gems in it and a quote. The quote read. True Friends are never apart, maybe in distance, but never in heart. Jane gave Nero and old version of a history book on Equestria. Nero gave each of them a hug for their gifts. After they were done with Nero’s party, Clark and Sarah left and Nero went to her room. When Nero went into her room her attention was drawn to her bed, more specifically what was on her bed. There was a medium sized box wrapped in black and white wrapping. Nero walked over to it and looked at it. When Nero was done trying to guess what it was she opened it. There was a long black box, a locket necklace, and a note. Nero took a look inside the locket and there was a picture already in it. It was Nero’s sister. Nero took a look at the note and it was again another note from her parents, the note read

Dear, Nero

We hope you enjoyed your nineteenth birthday and enjoy this locket, we had one remaining picture of Z for you. The empty slot however is for your special somepony, keep it empty until you find that special pony that makes you happy. And the box. Open it when your special day comes our little moony

Happy birthday, Love Your parents.

Nero began to tear up. She had no idea how she was getting these, or why her parents had these little ‘gifts’ waiting for a time like this. Nero didn’t care, this was amazing.

“Wow, and I thought my gift was good.” Nero turned around and saw Jane in her doorway. Jane walked over to Nero and sat down next to her. “So, that’s Z. Huh, Sarah never really told me much other than she was a zebra.”

“Did you know my parents”

“Not really. Sarah and Clark talked to them more than I did.” Nero looked back down at the letter from her parents. “But what I do know about them is that they loved you and your sister more than anything in the world. And they would never give you two up… even if it cost them their lives...” Jane put her foreleg around Nero. “And I would do the same...”

< A few days later >

“Did this really happen?” Nero and Jane both had just read that a mare in downtown Manehatten had been murdered, by multiple stab wounds to the chest.

“Yes, unfortunately this is the world we live in today. The princesses discover new technology and weapons and the world goes nuts.” Nero just stared at the newspaper they were reading. Jane closed the newspaper and got up. “Well I best be going. I’ll be back in a hour or so.”

“Explain to me why you have to go to work so late again?”

“Just some papers I forgot at work. Don’t worry I won’t be gone long. But by the time I get back you’ll be asleep.” Nero nodded. “Alright goodnight.” Jane kissed Nero on the forehead then headed out. Nero got off the couch then headed up to her room. Nero go into her room and put her necklace and bracelet on her night stand then fell asleep.

Later that night something odd happened, Jane still was at work and Nero was sound asleep, while she was asleep, something strange happened. Nero’s necklace began to glow then it changed it’s color. Her necklace went from neon green to black and white. However this isn’t the only weird thing that happened that night. Nero was having the most bizarre dream she will ever have..

Nero’s dream was a large world filled with tilted floating buildings, signs, and sidewalks. Nero looked around her.

“Hello?” Nero said to the emptiness of floating buildings, signs, and sidewalks. As she spoke her voice echoed throughout the weird world. “Hello?” Nero repeated “Is anypony here?” Nero got the same answer as before, her own echoing voice. Nero sat down and thought to herself. ‘What is this place? Is this my dream?’ Nero then noticed a large bright orange sphere of to her side. She walked over to the sphere and as she got closer Nero could hear fire, but as she looked around she saw no sign of any fire whatsoever. She then realized that the sound of fire was emitting from the sphere, Nero got right up to the sphere… and it spoke to her…

“We are coming, Child of the damned! Our fires will burn all you love!” Nero jumped back, the voice that spoke sounded as if multiple voices were speaking at once each voice similar, but each voice at a different pitch. Nero began to back up from the orb then she ran in the opposite direction of the sphere, before she reached the end of the platform she was on. Nero sat down and closed her eyes, then something shined in her face. Something red. Nero opened her eyes and looked at the shining object, it was her necklace, her necklace was red.

“What? You weren’t red before.” Her necklace changed its colors back to it’s normal neon green color “Alright, whatever this place is starting to mess with me.” After a few minutes of complete silence, Nero’s necklace changed colors… again… this time it changed to a swirl of black and white. “Another color change!? The last one didn’t really bring nice things.” Nero began to look around her for the orange sphere or anything else that is weird and terrifying. She saw nothing and heard nothing. Nero stopped turning around in circles, she just sat there and looked around.

“Are you looking for us?” Nero turned around and saw two floating orbs that seemed to be little white and black fireballs.

“Who and what are you!?” Nero paused “And are you two on fire?” The white orb, who had a mare's voice, spoke first.

“I’m Yin.” The black, stallion voiced orb spoke next

“Yang. And to answer the fire question, no. The whole fire looking thing is just for aesthetics.”

“Oh, but if your names are Yin and Yang, shouldn’t Yin be black and Yang be white?” Yin and Yang stayed silent

“We have tried to figure this out, but we just see ourselves as the little dots on the Yin-Yang symbol”

“Now that we got got the who out of the way, what are you two?”

“We are spirits.”

“Okay, spirits ask me one more question do you two know why you’re here, more importantly, why I’m here?” The two stayed silent for a few seconds. After the silence Yang spoke.

“Well, we do not know the real reason, but I’m gonna go ahead and take a guess and say your necklace brought you here… somehow, and I say that because you said it changed colors. And I only know of one gem out there that can do that… I think… Do I?”

“Um, Yang? Are you alright?”

“He’s fine, it’s just the both of us have been experiencing memory loss.”

“Really? huh, the more I think about it the only things I can remember is the fire that killed my family, the orphanage, and I can hardly remember my sister.”

“Hmm… how odd.”

“Well, anywho as to where we are, this is Limbo.” Nero looked around, then snickered “What?”

“So, Limbo does exist… wow.”

“You didn’t think Limbo existed?” Nero nodded

“Yeah, I’ve only read about it in books and fictional novels.” Nero began to walk around and Yin and Yang followed behind “By the way, my name’s Nero.”

“Nero.” Yin said

“Nero...” Yang said a little quietly. “Nero?” Nero turned towards Yang “I might have just realized why we are here, and I’d really hate to be the bearer of bad news but… You aren’t safe. Something is after you. I don’t know what it is but I can feel it’s power. You must get somewhere safe, somewhere where you know you’ll be protected.” New just looked at the ground and snickered

“Wow, I guess I’ve been on edge for a good reason then.”

“Excuse me?”

“Ever since I left the orphanage I’ve felt like I’ve been watched, by something. Hunted by something. Well if what you’re saying is true and I’m not being paranoid. Then I have a pretty good idea of where to go.”

“Good, now I have a feeling we will be wi-” Yin and Yang disappeared and so did the world around Nero, then she heard a voice speak, Jane’s voice.

“Nero? Nero wake up...”

Nero opened her eyes, she was back in her room. Nero turned to her side and saw Jane trying to wake her up.

“Did you sleep well?” Nero nodded and Jane smiled “Good...” Jane’s smile was short lived however as her smile faded into a worried expression. “Nero, I have to tell you something...” Nero sat up on her bed and looked at Jane.

“Me too Jane.”

“Okay, well you go first.” Nero rubbed the back of her neck.

“I had this.. ‘dream’, where I was in this place called Limbo and these two spirits came and talked to me. One of them told me I was not safe and I needed to get somewhere safe.” Jane looked at Nero with a serious expression

“Wait, you had this… dream?” Nero nodded “Then it has begun...”

“What?”

“Nero, I am going to be honest with you, you are in danger. That fire that killed your parents wasn’t natural disaster. Some… thing… was trying to wipe you and your family out. And if what you’re telling me is true, than a chain of events has been triggered that will lead to the end of the elements, the Princesses, and the end of Equestria. So we need to get you out of here… but where can we take you?” Jane started thinking of places to take Nero while Nero took in what Jane just said.

“Ponyville.” Jane stopped and looked at Nero “The elements of Harmony are in Ponyville, if whatever is after me comes there, the elements will do something.”

“The elements may not be able to stop… him, but it will slow him down. Yes! Okay pack your things.” Nero nodded and Jane ran out of Nero’s room and Nero quickly pack her belongings. Then her and Jane headed towards Ponyville...

Chapter 3: Rememberance

Jane and Nero were on their way to Ponyville when on the way Nero found a mailbox., this mailbox stood out to me because it had two beamed eighth notes and a treble clef symbol on it. As Nero was staring at the mailbox somepony, other than Jane, spoke to her.
“Um, excuse me, Miss, is everything alright?” Nero turned to her side and saw a grey earth pony with velvet eyes, a dark mane and tail, and a pink bow tie.
“Sorry, it’s just… um, is this your mailbox?” The mare snickered and nodded

“Yes, the two cutie marks were Vinyl’s idea.”

“Vinyl...” That name make Nero freeze. Nero had not heard that name since the orphanage. “As in Vinyl Scratch?” The mare nodded “Does she live with you!?” The mare backed up a little then Jane stepped forward.

“Sorry… um, what’s your name?”

“Octavia Melody.”

“Sorry Miss Melody, it’s just she hasn’t seen Vinyl since they were both in the orphanage.”

“Wait, your name wouldn’t happen to be Nero would it?” Nero nodded “So you’re the mare Vinyl talked about so much.” Nero smiled “Well, a friend of Vinyl is a friend of mine. Would you like to come in?” Nero looked at Jane then Jane smiled and looked at Octavia.

“We would love to Miss Melody.”

“Please, just Octavia.” Jane and Nero followed Octavia to a small little house they were next to.

“So Octavia, how did you meet Vinyl?”

“Well her, adopted, parents didn’t really treat her well. And I found her on the street messing with a can, I told my parents about it and well… let’s just say that’s the reason I moved out.” Jane looked at Nero who was very excited about seeing Vinyl

“Well, you two have had a… interesting life so far.” Octavia nodded. When they entered the house Octavia jestered for Jane and Nero to enter and then once they were both in she shut the door behind them.

“Vinyl!” Octavia yelled

“If this is about the whole carrot stall incident, I wasn’t there!” Octavia had a weird look on her face

“What? No!”

“Oh… forget I said anything.”

“Vinyl, I found somepony, somepony you know!” There was silence then some hoofsteps. And then in came Vinyl, a white unicorn with Crimson eyes and an electric blue mane and tail.

“Octy, I know lots of ponies you gotta be-” Once Vinyl saw Nero she froze “-specific...” Nero walked over to Vinyl. “Wow… you’re, different”

“Age, will do that to you Vinyl.”

“Nero, wow I...” Vinyl looked at Jane “Who are you?”

“I’m Jane, I adopted Nero. I also have a family member at the orphanage you two went to, but let’s not talk here. Shall we find some seats and I tell you about me and Nero’s lovely time together.” The four walked into the living room and Jane started her little story. “Well, like I said, I have a family member that works at the orphanage. These two know her as Nurse Care.” Vinyl went wide eyed

“You’re Care’s sister?” Jane nodded

“Indeed, her name is Sarah and she told me about Nero, she told me how she loves reading and is a very smart mare. So when Sarah told me how poor Nero hadn’t been adopted, I came by and now she’s my adopted daughter. I learned a lot about Nero, she showed me her love for music and the supernatural. Well I say supernatural, but really I mean magic, alternate universes, angels and demons, and anything mythological.” Jane looked at Nero and pulled her in for a hug “She’s been a great addition to my life and I never regret anything… but” As soon as Jane said but the smile on Octavia and Vinyl’s faces faded. “Right now, is kind of a weird time. I’m taking Nero to Ponyville because she needs a safe place to go. As she is being tracked by something very dangerous. We don’t know what it is but I am for sure the thing tracking her had some assistance in that fire that killed Nero’s family.”

“Wow,” Vinyl said “That sucks, if there is anything we can do. Let us know.” Nero smiled

“I really wish there was something you could do, but this entity following me, seems to have power beyond anything we’ve ever seen before. Once I get to Ponyville, I’ll be safe.” Vinyl smiled

“Well, I’ll meet you there I guess. Me and Octy were thinking of buying a place down there, cause sompony we know who really cares about us is there and she wants us to go there.”

“Sounds good, come on Jane we got a long road ahead of us.” Nero gave Vinyl and Octavia a hug and Jane thanked them for their time. The two walked out and resumed their journey…

Ponyville, a peaceful town filled with hard working ponies and, of course, home of the Elements of Harmony. Nero got a good look at the town before Jane showed Nero were they would be.

“Well, it’s still here.”

“Jane what’s this place?”

“This is my literal home away from home.” Jane opened the door “I have the paperwork for this house still so nopony can take this place without my authorization.” Nero walked in and looked around “So...” Jane levitated some papers over to Nero “Here’s my authorization.” Nero looked at the papers

“What? You’re giving this house… to me!?” Jane nodded “Does that mean you’re leaving me here.”

“Nero, I can’t stay, the thing that’s following you has my scent, and it thinks you’re always with me, so if I stay in Manehatten, I can distract whatever it is and give you time...”

“Time for what?” Jane chuckled

“That, you have to find out. You know this place use to belong to your parents, they then gave the papers to me and told me to give ‘em to you.” Jane hugged Nero “I’m sorry I can’t stay, my paths my own, I can’t help you walk yours, if I am having trouble walking my own.” Jane kissed Nero on the forehead and walked out of the house. Nero was now alone. Jane had given Nero a house of her own and left her here with no advice on where to go.

“Why can’t anypony stay?” Nero sat down on the floor and her necklace, changed colors… it changed to black and white “Wait...” Nero turned around and saw nothing. “Yin? Yang? You two here?” Nero walked around the house looking for them. When she check the downstairs Nero walked upstairs and searched two of the three rooms upstairs, the last room was the master bedroom, aka Nero’s new room when she got to the door and opened it she heard voices. When the door was fully opened Nero saw two ghostly figures, one was a black unicorn and the other was a white Pegasus, the white pegasus was listening to the black unicorn.

“...I mean I guess I could see how an evil entity could stand out here, but I still think-” Nero cleared her throat and the ghostly ponies went silent then they turned around and walked away from the window they were looking out of and over to Nero.

“Seems you two are still here. And you two actually have bodies.”

“It would seem that way, by the way, why didn’t you stay with those two mares a little while longer? Octavia and Vinyl was it?”

“Wait, you were there!?”

“Well no...” Yang said

“We were in limbo, but we were in a reflected version of this world.” Nero glanced back and forth at the two “Yeah, when we’re are here with you we are basically in this world, but in Limbo.” Nero rolled her eyes

“‘Cause that makes since...” Nero walked over to the window in her new room and looked at the new town she lived in. “This place… it seems...”
“Dangerous?”
“Covered up?” Nero turned around
“Dangerous? Covered up? What do you two mean by that?” Yin and Yang both walked up next to Nero
“It seems, there is more to this town than meets the eye Nero.”
“Yes, me and Yin feel a disturbing presence in this town, not evil, but definitely something to worry about.” Nero began walking around her new room as Yin and Yang continued talking “I would guess that it’s just some criminals and bad things that go around every town. But it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t let our gua-”
“Guys?” Yin and Yang turned towards Nero. She was standing next to a medium sized chest that was in her closet. “This is from my parents… more specifically my dad...” Yin and Yang walked over to Nero and the box she found. On top of the chest was a folded note that read ‘This is for your safety Nero - Love your Father’ and an indent in the box that was shaped like the crystal attached to Nero’s necklace. Nero looked at Yin and Yang and the just shrugged. Nero places her necklace inside the indent and the chest opened up. And what Nero, Yin, and Yang saw inside shocked them. Inside was a highly modified revolver… and another note that read.

Limbo’s Moon
LM-.44

Chapter 4: The Task

The revolver had a normal mouth grip and had two barrels along with a flip-up style reflex sight.

“Why would my father give me something like this! Any and all weapons are banned from anypony other than the military and the royal guard!” Nero looked at the letter “This better give me a good reason...” Nero opened the letter and read it out loud…

Nero,

Your mother and I hope you never have to use this. this here is a weapon forged by our magic. It is a revolver, with two barrels that shoots nine shots, each shot duplicates itself into the other barrel to allow the revolver to fire two shots at once, without using more ammo. Essentially you are firing eighteen rounds. The top barrel shoots modified .44 rounds that can have the power of a .458 Devastator, if you charge your energy into it, but has the size of a .30-06 Springfield round. The bottom barrel, which is the barrel that duplicates the round, fires a magical version of the round. This round is pure limbo magic, a bullet torn between worlds. The mouth grip can also be flipped to allow you to test out your necklaces’ powers. this revolver also comes equipped with a blade at the bottom in case... things… get close, the blade can be extended or retracted.. The scope on the revolver is also a custom reflex sight that can display the lethality of things and how damaged they are. The more red the outline of something the more hostile it is, the redder their body parts are the more damaged that specific body part is. Use this only in extreme emergencies as the princesses have a ban on weapons in equestria. Be safe my sweet little girl. I would hate to see you go down a life me and your mother did…
we love you…

Your Father.

“My father wants me… to use this on criminals! Doesn’t he know ho-?”

“Nero!” Nero stopped and looked at Yin “I think your father is speaking about a threat greater than just your average criminal.”

“What do you mean? You said it yourself, it was just a weird feeling about this place.”

“Yes, but anything with enough magical power can easily cover its... scent, so to speak.” Yin, Yang, and Nero walked over to the window “Hopefully my senses are right and nothing here is just covering its power… because if so...” Yin looked at the revolver. “Us, and this town, is in big trouble.” Nero looked at the revolver “What did my dad mean by, ‘my necklaces powers’?” Yang continued staring outside

“I know what he meant...” Yin and Nero looked at Yang “Now I remember where I have seen that type of crystal.” Yang looked at Nero “While the crystals shape and color are… somewhat easy to come b, by normal standards. The crystal you possess is a special crystal used by ancient unicorns to store unicorn magic in, this allowed them to put the crystals in armor, accessories, clothing and allow its wearer to hold whatever magic the crystal held. However such crystals are extremely rare and are considered ‘black magic’ as sometimes the wearer might experience some bad side effects. But as it seems your parents are very skilled in the arts of magic. I believe they know what they’re doing. And as I said before, whatever powers they stored in that necklace… you are able to use.” Nero looked at her necklace then back up at Yang.

“How do I know what I have and what I do not have?”

“For starters, you have a very special magic most unicorns don’t even know they have, it what most like to call, sixth sense. That’s why your necklace changes colors. It warns you when there is danger, it tells you when you’re safe… and I am still trying to figure out what we have to do with the necklace. I have come to the conclusion that your parents created us to watch over you and that’s why… but it still doesn’t explain the memory loss. Next thing we can check is telekinesis.”

“How am I supposed to do that?”

“telekinesis works by concentrating on what you want to levitate, so...” Yang pointed at the revolver “Focus on the revolver.” Nero looked at the revolver “Just concentrate and if the necklace has telekinesis, it should-” Nero’s necklace began to glow a dim neon green color and the revolver was surrounded by a green aurora the revolver levitated into the air.

“Oh my gosh! I have magic! Holy sh-”

“Shush!” Nero went silent. The room was filled with the magical sound of Nero’s new found power. “I sense something… it’s-” Yang was cut off by multiple knocks on Nero’s front door. “Somepony knocking?” Nero shrugged then put the revolver down and walked out of the room. Yin and Yang disappeared. “Nero?” Hearing Yang’s voice in her head made Nero jump “Sorry, did I scare you?”

“Don’t, freaking do that, douche!”

“Sorry”

“What do you want?”

“Well, I just wanted to say, I might have a fun activity for you if you come into Limbo tonight.”

“You couldn’t tell me tha-”

“Hey? Is somepony in there? And are you talking to yourself?” Nero froze then walked towards the door, and opened it. The pony at the door was none other than the Element of Laughter. “Hiya! My names Pinkie Pie! I noticed that you came into tow, and I’ve never seen you before which means you’re new ‘cause I know evvvvvverrrypony in Ponyville sooooo, Welcome!” Nero just smiled and chuckled

“Honestly saw this one coming... Hi my names Nero, I’ll be straightforward with you and just say, that staying away from me would be a good idea, I am kinda in a crisis right now and I have no idea what’s going on in my life but I think I’m insane! Bye!” Nero shut the door and Pinkie just sat there. A few seconds later the rest of the Elements of Harmony showed up.

“Sugarcube? You alright?”

“Yeah, it’s just that mare was really happy, but she said she was having a crisis and she thinks she is going insane.”

“Well maybe she’s jus’ overflowing with work of sumthin’ come on, lets leave the girl alone.” The elements walked away, all besides Twilight.

“Yo, Egghead, did you hear AJ? We’re leaving her alone.”

“Yeah, I heard… what an odd mare she must be...” Twilight began to walk with the other elements. Nero was in her house and sitting on her couch. Yin and Yang appeared in their orb forms.

“I have no idea what’s going on in my life but I think I’m insane? Bye!?”

“What? I told her the truth, I have no idea what’s going on with my life and I honestly think I’m going insane.” Yin and Yang both shook their heads “Look, I’m not gonna lie to an Element of Harmony. The only thing I need to lie about is the gun. Until the time arises I don’t need to go waving it around.” Nero got up from the couch and began to walk up to her room. Nero laid down on her bed and drifted to sleep… Nero’s necklace changed colors…

The world around Nero was miss matched and filled with floating buildings and other odd objects. “Back here again, eh?” Nero walked around until she found Yin and Yang. Nero’s necklace changed and Nero turned around to see two familiar orbs “So, Yang. WHat’s this fun activity you have planned.”

“First, you’ll need your gun… which isn't here… crap I didn’t think this through.” Before anyone else could speak multiple platforms moved to form a very windy and destroyed bridge. At the end of the bridge was a medium sized chest. Nero looked at both Yin and Yang. “Well, only one way to go.” Nero ran across the bridge jumping over the holes that were in the bridge that leaded to an infinite drop into the abyss. As Nero was running and jumping she could hear whispers and see ghostly figures wandering around. Nero paid no attention to the figures and ran towards the chest. Nero reached the chest and it was the exact same chest as the one in her closet, holding her revolver. Nero guessed this was the same thing and placed her necklace in the indent. The top of the chest opened revealing the gun her father gave her. “Huh, would you look at that. Still remember how to do your magic.” Nero nodded then concentrated on the revolver. When Nero picked up the gun she noticed that the mouth grip was no longer in the position for a pony to comfortably aim. Nero held the revolver in her necklaces magic grasp and looked down the sight. Nero flipped up the reflex sight and flipped it back down checking if it was functional.

“So, now what do I do with it?” Multiple shadow like dummies appeared out of thin air and Yang moved in front of Nero

“If you are going to have to have to use this someday, you may want to practice shooting it”

“Pfft! How hard can it-” As Nero was waving the gun around she fired a shot into the ground “-be...” Yang floated over to the gun to take a closer look

“You know, before you go waving it around… check the safety.” Nero just stared at Yang. “Okay, now all you need to do is take out these...” Yang looked at the Nine dummies, then he made one disappear. “Eight, dummies.” Nero nodded then took aim at the dummies. She shot the revolver at the closest one. The two bullets both shot out at the same time one leaving a normal smoke trail, the other leaving a trail of white and black smoke. The two bullets connected with the dummy and destroyed it. Nero had a big grin on her face then shot the other six dummies. The last dummy was left alone, Nero took aim shot… and missed… “Nero, come on you shot the other seven.”

“No, I shot at it… I think it moved...”

“It’s a target dummy. Let's just reload your gun and try again.” Nero examined the gun looking for a way to reload it.

“Um… how?”

“You see that little button above the trigger, press it.”the necklace magic pressed down on the button and the revolver snapped open

“AH! What’d I do!”

“Nero, calm down that's just how some revolvers are reloaded.”

“Oh… but-” Before Nero could speak a group of nine bullets appeared out of thin air in front of Nero and fell to the floor. “Oh, that's convenient.”

“I’m guessing your were about to ask about the bullets.” Nero nodded then used her necklace powers to levitate the bullets into the revolver. Nero clicked the revolver backed together. Nero took aim at the dummy again, she shot, then missed again. This time the three noticed the dummies slight shift it did.

“See! It moved!” Yang and Yin were silent “Guys? Everything oka-”

“Nero… get your gun ready...” Nero looked at the dummy and the dummy formed into a solid body, then more dummies appeared, these ones looking exactly like the living dummy. Nero aimed her revolver at the moving dummies and flipped up her sight. The out line on the dummies was a medium shade of red, which meant they were hostile. Nero took her shots. This time the hostile dummies didn’t dodge out of the way they just tried to move towards Nero, but Nero was too fast. Within one whole cylinder Nero took out all the dummies.

“What were those things!?” Nero screamed at Yin and Yang “Those things, were like… like-”

“Demons” Yin said

“Demons? They exist?”

“Unfortunately, yes. If demons are here, then that means we found out why your father gave you that gun. He didn’t want you to use it on criminals, he wanted you to protect yourself from demons.” Nero looked around searching for more demon dummies that might pop out of nowhere.

“So, I’m guessing this, evil entity, that is hunting me… is a demon. Is that correct.”

“The power we felt these shadow dummies had are somewhat like the evil power we felt following you, just weaker.” The three just stayed silent for a few minutes thinking about what they would do next. Nero just kept her revolver ready and loaded just incase more demons showed up. But after a while, nothing happened and Nero woke up…

Nero leaned up from her sleeping position and stretched. Nero looked out the window and saw that Ponyville was bursting with life, as usual, and nothing bad was happening… yet. Now that Nero found out that there was a possibility that she was being tracked by demons it made her life and anypony’s life she is around a bit complicated. But now Nero realized that she now had a task, with this revolver from her father, and the threat of demons invading the town of the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, Nero had the task of protecting Ponyville from any possible demon attack… and this wasn’t going to be an easy task for Nero to complete...

Chapter 5: New Faces

Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter.

Chapter 1: Same story different ending

Do you believe in parallel universes? More importantly, have you heard of them? Do you know what they are? Now, I am not saying you lack the sufficient brain cells to know what a parallel universe is, it’s just surprising how many people have never heard of parallel universes. You see, parallel universes exist, they are out there waiting to be explored. But, where there is a parallel universe there is a parent universe, or to correctly say, Master Universe, the universe that began all the other parallel universes. Now, there are not an infinite amount of parallel universes, but every minute, and every hour, and every day more parallel universes are made. It would take hours, weeks, even months to visit them all… he he… luckily time is all I have...

The room was silent and the only thing able to be seen is a small marble in the middle of the room. After a few seconds of silence a raven’s claw came down and picked up the marble. Then threw it into a bag filled with other marbles.

“...and that is number six-hundred fifty-five.”

“Nicely done,” The raven bowed to the black pegasus that talked to him.

“Well, who else was going to help you go through six-hundred fifty-five different alternate worlds. A hoof-full of them being alternate worlds of us.” The raven closed the bag and the rest of the room lit up.

“You two done in here?” A orange earth pony was in the standing in the exit of the empty room.

“Yes, yes we are.”

“Good, cause we’re all out watching Caroline practice for her race. Come on.” The orange earth pony left the room and The Dark Grey Pegasus followed her. The Dark Grey Pegasus turned around and saw The Raven just standing there.

“You coming?” The Raven looked at The Dark Grey Pegasus.

“You go on I’ll catch up.” The Dark Grey Pegasus left and The Raven was left in the empty room alone. “Ah...” The Raven walked over to the bag filled with marbles. “There may be six-hundred fifty-five different worlds we've discovered so far but there will only be on REAL world. All these others are just sister worlds, including our own.” The Raven stared at the bag. “Although, you probably wanna here the real story of This world.” The Raven continued to stare at the bag. “Yes, it’s quite an interesting story indeed however, This world’s true story was a bit more complicated than the other story you have probably heard. As well as the others. Some things still stand while others are just dust in the wind.” The Raven opened the bag with his wings and looked at the marbles. "Let’s remove the curtain and unveil the true story, so that it may no longer hide behind shadows.” The Raven picked out a marble with his mouth and placed it on the ground. The marble was glowing. “Ah, world number nineteen. The first of the guardians worlds.” He pulled out another marble this one was a little bigger than the others. “And the world that began it all.” He looked at the smaller one. “Lets open this one first...”

Nero’s Life
Redux

Before we begin our story, let's familiarize ourselves with this world. The world I am about to tell you about is very different from the Equestria you have seen before. This Equestria has weapons, technology (phones, computers, mp3s, ipads, etc...), and some major bands and famous people. They’re ponified of course. So if you hear of something that is not in the Equestria you know, that’s because this is just one of many Parallel universe’s of the Equestria you know.

To understand Nero’s story first one much put themselves in her position. So I ask of you dear reader, to not only read this, but think that you are Nero. Picture yourself witnessing each event she goes through. Only then could you understand her pain.

Nero was not fortunate like most other… well ponies. It is still odd for me to speak of our characters as small horses rather than people. As I have live many, many millenniums. Thus I have told many, many stories. None the less her story must be heard. Let us begin with her childhood. Actually before that, let me describe her. Nero is a dark grey, almost black, Pegasus with a Yin Yang symbol as her cutie mark, as they call it in Equestria. No one knows why this is her mark. She was merely born with it. You are probably wondering, how is one born with a cutie mark. Well our main character, Nero, is a special mare. Even her parents wondered how this happened. Then again her family is a very magical family. Well her parents are. I guess if this story is going to start somewhere, it might as well start at the orphanage she grew up in...

Before the orphanage, she lived in a small little town in Manehatten, but, fate caught up with her and fate did not treat her kindly. Her whole home town was burned to the ground by an unknown force. The fire killed her parents. Nero was able to survive thanks to a necklace her parents had made for her. The necklace has magical abilities that have saved her life more than once. Nero was not left alone though, or as far as we know so far. Nero had a sister and as far as she knows the fire killed her as well. Her life didn’t stop there. While her home town was burned down, she was given a new home. Just outside her old home town was an orphanage. This orphanage had been there for years and was where Nero’s sister was from. Nero remembered the place, but, knew nopony there. When she went to the orphanage she could see loads of fillies and colts having fun playing games and talking. Seeing this put a smile on Nero’s face. Then when she walked up to the orphanages front door, something weird happened…. Nero passed out. Before she completely blacked out she could hear the fillies and colts all stop and run near her asking if she was okay. One filly ran inside and went to go find the closest Nurse, when the filly came out one of the orphanages nurses came along with her. The nurse looked similar to Nurse Redheart. The nurse that came out had a red mane and tail as well as red eye’s. Her mark that she had was a red cross. She also wore a red and white necktie. The white on the necktie almost blended in with her white coat. As soon as the nurse saw Nero, she gasped and ran up to her. The nurse looked at the filly that came and got her.

“Quickly! go tell Mr. Clark to come to my office as fast as he can!” The filly nodded and ran inside. The nurse put Nero on her back and carefully ran Nero to her office. When Nero started to regain consciousness. She looked at the room around her. Not remembering where she was, nor how she got here. One thing Nero did know was that she wasn’t alone. She could hear voices behind a closed door and see two shadowed figures facing each other. Nero could hear them talking about her, or as far as she could tell.

“Do you think it’s too late?” One of the shadowed figures, who Nero could tell was a mare do to her voice, said. “I hope that's not why she is here.” As the other shadowed figure, who had a deeper voice than the mare, began to talk he moved around and got closer to the door.

“Sarah, I think it’s already begun, let’s worry about that later right now we need to get her ready for-” As he was speaking he opened the door and ended his sentence when he saw Nero awake and sitting up on the medical bed. They both stared at her. Before either of them could say anything Nero spoke.

“Where am I? Am I at the orphanage?” The nurse walked forward.

“Yes, yes you are.” Nero looked around. Not saying a word. “You remember this place, right?” Nero nodded. “Do you remember, us?” Nero looked at the Nurse then the stallion. She stared at the stallion for a little longer than the nurse. The stallion had a light brown coat, with a dark brown mane and tail to match. He also had a tie and glasses, giving him a scientist type of look. After Nero looked at both of them she spoke.

“Should I?” The nurse and stallion both looked at each other with worried faces, then back at Nero.

“Well better get the introductions out of the way then” The stallion said with a pleasing grin on his face. “My name is Feather-Pen Clark, but the fillies and colts around here refer to me simply as Mr. Clark.” Nero smiled

“Hi, Mr. Clark.” Feather-Pen did a head bow in response. The nurse smiled and looked at Nero.

“My name is Mrs. Care, or Nurse Care as the little fillies and colts like to call me.” Nero smiled at Nurse Care.

“Can I call you Care?” Nurse Care nodded. Nero felt happy and safe around these two, she couldn’t quite put her hoof on it, but it just felt right.

“Alright, Nero come with me and I’ll show you to your room.” Nero nodded and followed Nurse Care to her new room. The hallways filled with the sounds of fillies and colts laughing from their rooms. Once they reached Nero’s new room, Nero looked at Nurse Care.

“Why do I already have a room?” Nurse Care’s smile faded

“Do you know what happened to your town… your… your p-parents?” Nero’s smile faded as well then she slowly nodded

“Oh yeah that’s right, I’m an orphan now...” Nero began to cry a little

“Hey now,” Nurse Care leaned down and wiped the tear off Nero’s cheek. “We’ll take care of you, and I assure you, somepony will take you in.” Nero smiled then walked into her new room. “Okay, I’m gonna let you get comfortable, I’ll be back I just have to go and check a few things.” Nurse Care closed the door to Nero’s room and Nero began to walk around. Nero noticed that the room was pretty big for a single filly, but she didn’t complain in her eyes this was better than living on the streets alone. When Nero went over to her little wardrobe, she heard a noise, it sound as if something was teleported. Nero turned around and saw a medium sized box on the bed.

“Don’t remember that being here.” Nero walked over to the bed and got on it to see the top of the box. On the box was a letter.

Nero,

We hope you enjoy your new life and always remember us. We will send this box to you when you get to Red-Top Orphanage, we will always love you and never stop chasing your dreams.

Your parents

“My p-parents? How did they know I would go here!?”

“Because.” Nero turned around and saw Nurse Care. “Me and Clark knew your parents, this is where they got your sister, and they told us that if anything happened to them, to get you and Z here, no matter what. We got you, did… did Z?” Nero slowly shook her head. “I’m sorry, but we will take good care of you, don’t worry.” Nurse Care hugged Nero, then Nero went to bed...