//------------------------------//
// Time is Ticking! 
// Story: Equestrian Tales: Reformer's Quest 
// by PonyJoel 
//------------------------------//

Discord watches as the Elements of Harmony are now choosing a new set of wielders. He is now seeing the end of days. Cheering on the heroes of the new timeline as he evaporates. His tail and wings are gone. He's enjoying the show as Nero comes for a visit. 

"So, enjoying the show?"

"Nero, please. You feed on fear and I...no longer fear you."

"Is that so?"

Nero grabs Discord and throws him on the floor. Discord spits a little then Nero steps on his tongue. Discord removed his tongue and grows a new one. Unfortunate for him, it speeds the process of his disintegration.

"Careful, you may not exist by the time Sunset saves the day." Nero laughed. 

"She will stop you. They will stop you in that timeline."

"I know."

"Wait...what?"

Nero chuckles. 

"I know they'll stop me. This is a test."

"A-A-A-A test?"

"To defeat my opponent, I have to learn from my opponent."

Discord begins to pant. He's powerless to do anything when Nero. He can only watch. 

"You see, I know that Twilight and her friends are special but Sunset Shimmer, she's the key to your demise and yet, you allowed love to make you stronger but blind as well."

"It doesn't matter. You will fail Nero."

Nero chuckles as he stares at Discord. 

"And you will lose something precious to you more than your own life. I look forward to that day when I come back from the other side."

"Good luck. The gates are sealed."

"Are they?"

"Yes, there are!"

"Believe in your lies all you want. It won't change a thing."

Discord gives Nero his version of the Stare which only made Nero laugh more. 

"You are such a child."

"If, you're here then who's in there?"	

"A clone of mine. He knows how I think and react. Though there is a flaw. He thinks he is the real me and the others don't have a clue."

Nero leaves Discord for now. Discord is in disarray. He doesn't know what to do. How to handle all of this. All he can do is what the inevitable. 

Discord saw how things were taking a different turn. Everyone united and each of them hurting Nero. Discord shouted cheerfully as the Elements of Harmony hits the clone. He was surprised that the clone is still standing. Laughing and mocking his enemies that the attack fails. When Nero collapses, Discord is hoping to see Sunset Shimmer delivering the final blow, however, it was Starlight Glimmer who went up to the clone and killed him right then and there. Discord could have sworn that Nero said that Sunset is the key but now, Nero has another enemy to look out for. Discord smiles knowingly that he'll have another friend to team up with. As he saw his friends going back in time, he is no longer disintegrating. He is back to his normal chaotic self. 

"I'm back!"

"For now that is."

"Nero!"

"Enjoy the victory but the war is about to begin."

Nero leaves a second time. This time he won't be coming back as his essence disappears. 

Discord teleports to the Friendship castle and celebrates with his friends. He'll soon get to know Starlight Glimmer as he plans on having her join the Reformers team. In due time though, he'll have to sit down and talk about Nero the Necromancer.