Another Universe 2023 Version

7.

Every day goes by in a blink of an eye, Y/n's time here is growing large with every second and so is her worry. What if she'll never get back?
The only person who can tell her his Urizen. She has to talk to him.

Meanwhile Nero walks into the kitchen where he finds Nico. "Hey, tough guy", She says and then notices his unusual expression. "Oh no, what happened?"
"Nothing", He sighs as he sits down at the table next to the mechanic. "What do you mean nothing? You look guilty." Nero rubs his temples. "Nothing is what I feel guilty about."

This peaks Nico's interest. "So, what didn't you do?"
Nero finally looks at Nico. "I didn't tell her."
"Tell who what?" Nero raises an eyebrow.
"What? You expect me to know what you're talking about all the time?" Nico crosses her arms in front of her chest while Nero only sighs.

"I didn't tell Y/n about the dreams." Nico's eyes widen. "Wait, you mean those weird dreams about you and another girl?" Nero nods.

"That girl in my dreams is Y/n. Ever since she came here I've been trying to ignore it but I can't."

As Nero pours his heart out he forgot one important thing. Y/n lives in this house as well and heard everything. She was just about to enter the kitchen as she suddenly heard her name.

"I can't get her out of my head." Nico sighs.
"Do you like her for her?" Nero thinks before answering that question. "Or do you like her because you constantly see her in your dreams?"

Y/n holds her breath in anticipation as her stance grows tense.

"At first I was confused, the face I saw every night and fell in love with was suddenly in front of me."
A sigh escapes his lips. "But getting to know the person behind that face changed everything."

Y/n's assumption quickly turns negative. Every time someone start like this it always ends badly for her.

"I didn't fall for the face this time but for her and she is everything I've ever imagined."

For some reasonY/n can't feel happy about Nero's confession.
The character she loved ever since she laid her eyes upon him likes her. This is every nerd's dream come true. Why can't she be happy about it.

"Go on, tell her", Nico yells. "What if she doesn't like me back?"
I do.
"I see how you two look at each other. She likes you!" It's true.
"When all of this is over she'll go back home and we'll never see each other again."

Engaging into this relationship will only end in sadness. A sadness both don't want to endure.
"I don't know, Nico."
"I swear to god, Nero. You need something new after Kyrie. Y/n is right there and you'll just let her go?" Nero hums.
"Who would I be to force her to stay? I'd be a selfish asshole."
"Be a selfish asshole!"

Y/n had heard enough, creating even more conflict inside her heart. Leaving is the only option.

Urizen is the only option.

Without making too much noise Y/n goes back into her room to pack her things. This ends now before more can happen. She puts on the clothes she came here with and grabs the gun Nico gave her. Hopefully Urizen is still interested in her so his demons won't kill her on the way up.

Suddenly she hears a knock on the door.
"Don't come in."
"Y/n, it's Nero. Can we talk?"
"I'm busy." As she turns around with a bag and gun in her hands she bumps into Nero's chest.
"You were saying?" His voice reflects his anger and so does his face.
"I can explain", Y/n says in a panic as Nero towers over her like an angry giant. "Where are you going?"
"Out."
"Out where?"

Y/n's grip around the grabs tightens. "For a walk." Nero raises an eyebrow clearly seeing through her lies. "You're going back, aren't you?"

She knew he'd figure it out right away but still feels surprised by his words. "To Urizen", He continues asking, disappointed in her decision.
"Yes", Y/n says after gathering her courage.
"I want to know why that thing brought me here. Me of all people. Why go through the trouble of portals just to bring someone like me here?"
Nero sighs. "You really want to know?"

Y/n nods. "Fine. But I'm coming with you."
"Nero-"
"No discussion. We've been planing on going after him anyways."

So this is it. The story begins once again. A month has passed and tomorrow is the 15th of July.

"We ride early", Nero says still with disappointment in his voice. "I know", Y/n mutters under her breath knowing what's about to happen.

While Nero walks through the events of the game all Y/n can do is stay with Nico and hope that Nero finds enough phones in town. Otherwise there's no chance she can reach Urizen. She's no fighter.

"Nero." Just as he wants to walk out the door he turns around to face the girl calling after him. There are so many things to say but nothing can come out of her mouth except: "I'm sorry."
"I know." Without another word Nero leaves the room hurt and disappointed.

She wanted to leave without telling him, without saying goodbye. There's no time to think about these emotions, he has to prepare for a long day.

A long day of running and fighting.