Zeref Pov

I stood in my grand palace office, the storm raging outside mirroring the tumult within my own mind. Lightning flashed across the dark sky, illuminating the vast landscape of Alvarez for mere moments before plunging it back into shadow. Thunder rumbled deeply, shaking the ancient stones of the palace.

I felt it then, a surge of magic so potent it seemed to ripple through the very fabric of the universe. "What the hell was that." My eyes narrowed, and I turned to the window, my expression thoughtful. "Interesting," I murmured to myself, sensing the powerful magic energy emanating from a distant point. I walked outside to the southern direction. The entire sky seemed to be changing colors.

Invel, standing silently by the door, stepped forward. "Lord Zeref," he said, his voice carefully measured, "is it Acnologia?"

I shook my head slowly, a small, almost amused smile playing at the corners of my lips. "No, Invel. This is not Acnologia." I turned to face my advisor, feeling a dark glee building within me. "Can you feel it, Invel? Can you sense the raw power that's surging through the air?" I shouted and clenched my hand tightly.

Invel closed his eyes for a moment, concentrating. "I sense a powerful aura," he replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "But I cannot identify its source, only that its far away."

My smile widened, and I let out a low, almost joyful laugh. "It is Y/n," I revealed, throwing my hands up into the air. My tone filled with a mixture of pride and malevolence. "This is the power I've been waiting for him to achieve. His Dragon Slayer Drive, has finally awakened."

Invel's eyes widened in surprise. "Y/n? But how—"

I raised a hand, silencing him. "I have been waiting for this moment for so long, Invel. Waiting for this child to reach his true potential. Can you understand what this means?" I stepped closer to the window, gazing out into the storm once more. I placed my hands down on the railing the rain hitting my face, everything to bask in the power of this child, this so powerful warrior, who came to fruition thanks to Irene's more than devoted care. "With Y/n's power now unleashed, Acnologia stands no chance. The balance of power in this world is about to shift!"

I began to laugh, a sound that started as a low chuckle but quickly grew into a maniacal cackle. The raging storm seemed to respond to my laughter, the thunder growing louder, the lightning more frequent. "Yes," I whispered, more to myself than to Invel. "The time has come. The time for our final victory." I was shaking from excitement more than ever. "The time of taking the Lumen Histoire is finaly upon us!"

My laughter echoed through the chamber, mingling with the storm's fury, creating a sinister symphony that resonated through the darkened halls of the palace. Invel watched me, a mixture of awe and unease in his eyes. This was the true face of their emperor, the man who sought not just power, but domination over all existence. The one who loves and hates all living beings.

I turned back to Invel, my laughter subsiding but the mad gleam still present in my eyes. "Prepare everything, Invel. We must make sure that Y/n's power is fully harnessed for our cause. The world will soon know the true strength of the Alvarez Empire, not to mention the power of the Death Dragon, a nickname I picked out just for him."

"So everything you did back then when you felt that insane amount of power destroying the mountain range was for this one moment?" Invel asked correcting his glasses. "All the manpower to search for him and stumble across in a small remote village, from mere rumors alone. Uncertain if he was even real and not just a myth. The reward you gave out if someone brought him to you or called your soldiers to give him a simple letter and reach out to Irene. Risking to throw out milions of Jewel if he declined your offer?" He stated and I kept looking outside. He laughed too now. "We truly underestimate how the web of destiny is woven." 

I turned back around to him. "Invel, make preparations for the assault on Magnolia, in four years time, I want everything to be perfect."

Invel nodded, bowing slightly before leaving the room to carry out my orders. Alone once more, I continued to watch the storm, a dark smile playing on my lips. The future was finally falling into place, and nothing—no one—would stand in my way anymore.

third Pov

Y/n stood on the cliff, holding his helmet in his hands, gazing down at the village engulfed in flames. The fire crackled and roared, sending plumes of smoke into the darkening sky. The sight of the destruction, of the burning ruins, was strangely beautiful, almost mesmerizing. "How beautiful it looks burning," he murmured, the words slipping from his lips unbidden.

Irene watched him closely, her concern palpable even without words. She had seen this before, the allure of power consuming someone. Rose, ever the innocent, tugged at Irene's sleeve, her eyes wide with worry. "What's wrong with Y/n?" she asked, her voice small and fearful.

Irene knelt down, brushing a hand gently through Rose's fur. "He's... fine, Rose. Everything's going to be fine." Her voice held a note of uncertainty, a crack in her usually unshakable confidence. The rain hit her face and the wind threw her air onto her face. She looked up at Y/n, a hint of desperation in her eyes. "At least, I hope so." She did not want him to change, someone she nurtured so much, who she devoted her care to. What she wanted him to turn to was the perfect man, and this could jeopardize her plan.

Irene knew, as did Y/n, that she was too weak to stop him now. Without her Dragon Slayer power, even with it, she might not stand a chance against the power coursing through him. Heine and Juliet stood beside her, their eyes also fixed on the village below, then shifting to Y/n.

He turned around slowly, feeling the weight of their gazes, the weight of their expectations. Irene's face, usually calm and composed, now showed signs of strain, of the burden she carried.

He still did not face them, and just stared down at the village, his head for a moment was turned down to his helmet. "Do the soldiers have any other special abilities?" Y/n asked, his voice a low rumble.

Irene nodded, a slight movement, as she tore her eyes away from the destruction below. "Yes, they can travel at high speed with any vehicle, spreading death and destruction across the continent."

He processed her words, the implications sinking in. These soldiers, the Wild Hunt, were not just warriors; they were instruments of devastation. He slipped the helmet back onto his head, the familiar weight grounding him.

"Get ready and prepare to depart," he commanded, the words echoing with finality. "Only ten of the Wild Hunt will remain with us. The others are to take an airship and pillage the villages they come across. Each of you will get coordinates for the next area from Heine and Juliet through your comunication lacrima."

The soldiers moved with precision, their discipline evident in every action. Heine and Juliet exchanged a glance, their faces hardening with resolve. Irene stood, her eyes meeting Y/n's, a silent promise passing between them.

As they got onto the airship again, the flames of the village still raging behind them, Irene couldn't shake the feeling of foreboding that clung to the air. The path they walked was dark, but it was the only one left. For Alvarez. For the future. For those they loved. Her eyes fixed on Y/n, her heart aching for him, who stood at the front of the deck, in full armor, looking into the distant horizon. 

The Wild Hunt, their eyes alight with the promise of battle, followed them onto the ship, a force of nature ready to be unleashed. And Y/n, with his newfound power, would lead them, for better or worse. The road ahead was paved with fire and blood, but it was a road they had to walk if they wanted to or not.

Irene stood on the deck of the airship, the wind tugging at her long, crimson hair. She watched Y/n, who stood at the front of the deck, his eyes fixed on the distant horizon. His stance was resolute, but there was an unsettling aura around him, something that made her uneasy.

She couldn't shake the feeling of dread that had settled in her stomach. It gnawed at her, a constant reminder of the power he now wielded and the potential consequences, she knew all too well, what this could lead to. She tore her eyes away from him, unable to bear the weight of her own thoughts. The resemblance to him was too much for her, Acnologia, the one who killed Belserion, her Dragon. Irene shook her head. It wasn't just a dragon, he was like a father to her. But seeing Y/n in that pose, he was just standing there, one arm on the pomel of his sword and the other, raised up looking at it while his white and black miasma flowed around the gauntled, the memories came back of that time.

Heine and Juliet moved past her, their expressions serious, and entered the captain's cabin. Orders were orders and they wouldn't dare to act against them. Irene followed close behind, her steps heavy with frustration and helplessness. Once inside, she plopped down onto the bed with a sigh, feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. Rose, sensing her distress, jumped up and settled onto her lap. Irene absentmindedly stroked the Exceed's soft fur, trying to find some semblance of comfort.

"What's wrong, Irene?" Rose asked, her voice gentle and concerned.

"Nothing," Irene replied quickly, but her voice lacked conviction. She could feel the questioning gazes of Heine and Juliet on her, even as they bent over the map on the table, communicating the locations of villages to the other soldiers who had spread out on the airships to carry out the attack.

There was something that confused her. When the transformation happened he shouted something of a voice in his head. She knew she had to know more and it wouldn't leave her alone. Till she knew what it was.

The cabin was filled with the low hum of conversation, Heine and Juliet's voices steady as they relayed coordinates and orders. Irene tried to focus on their words, but her mind kept drifting back to Y/n. She couldn't help but worry about the path he was on, the darkness that seemed to be enveloping him.

She sat up, looking at the map, seeing the villages marked out, each one a target for their mission. It was all so clinical, so detached. She felt a pang of guilt and sorrow for the lives that would be affected, the innocent caught in the crossfire.

Heine glanced up from the map, her eyes meeting Irene's. There was a flicker of understanding, of shared concern. "Are you sure you're alright, Irene?" she asked softly.

Irene forced a smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Yes, I'm fine. Just... tired."

Juliet, ever perceptive, didn't push further. She returned her attention to the map, her brow furrowed in concentration. "The soldiers are in position. We can begin the assault on the southern front as soon as we're ready."

Irene nodded, feeling a sense of inevitability wash over her. This was their mission, their duty. But it didn't make it any easier. She looked down at Rose, who gazed up at her with trusting eyes. All this would not have been a problem if she was still a true dragon, back then she felt no remorse about it, but now every time she sees a corpse she wants to throw up and look away. But she has to stay strong.

"We have to do this," Irene murmured, more to herself than anyone else. "For Alvarez."

But as she said the words, she couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt. She looked back at the door, knowing Y/n was out there, standing strong and determined. She prayed that he would find his way, that they all would.

The ship continued its journey, the sound of the engines a constant reminder of their purpose. Irene closed her eyes for a moment, trying to steel herself for what was to come. They had a mission to complete, and she would do everything in her power to see it through. Even if it meant facing the darkness within themselves.

There was no going back anymore, they would soon pass over the Wescolat mountain pass which lead to the southern country. Irene's eyes shot open, as realization dawned onto her. That village was still in the territory of Alvarez. She jolted up from the bed onto her feet, causing Rose to jump of and crash on a nearby shelf. "We need to go back to the village!" She shouted getting the attention of Heine and Juliet. "What do you mean?" Both asked at the same time.

Irene stormed out of the cabin, her frustration boiling over. She couldn't sit idly by any longer. Striding across the deck, she made her way toward Y/n, who was still standing at the front of the ship, his eyes scanning the horizon.

"Y/n," she called, her voice firm. "We need to stop the airship."

Y/n turned to face her, his expression questioning. "Why? What's wrong?"

Irene took a deep breath, trying to calm the anger simmering beneath her surface. "That village we just destroyed was still in the territory of Alvarez. I need to check something nearby."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "What exactly do you need to check?"

"The village had the architecture of Alvarez, but those living there weren't the natives of Alvarez," she explained. "I think the original inhabitants were eliminated. I need to see if I can find a mass grave nearby."

Y/n's eyes narrowed, and he gave a curt nod. "Alright. We'll go back."

He ordered the airship to turn around, and soon they were descending back towards the smoldering ruins of the village. As the ship slowed to a halt, Irene peered over the edge, her sharp eyes scanning the surrounding landscape.

Without wasting a moment, she jumped from the airship, Y/n close behind her. Heine, Juliet, and Rose followed, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.

Irene led them to the outskirts of the village, her heart pounding in her chest. She had a sinking feeling she knew what she would find. After a few moments of searching, her fears were confirmed.

Before them lay an open mass grave, bodies piled haphazardly in a shallow pit. The stench of death was overpowering, and Irene had to cover her mouth to keep from gagging. Her heart ached as she looked at the lifeless forms, knowing they had been the true inhabitants of the village.

Y/n's face was a mask of fury as he took in the sight. "Barbarians, thankfully we already took care of them." he growled, his voice low and dangerous.

Heine and Juliet stood nearby, their faces pale but determined. Rose clung to Irene's leg, her small body trembling with fear and anger. "Lets go back to the ship, we have a cult to hunt." Irene stated and a bare smile showed on her lips.

As they made their way back to the airship, the weight of their task pressed heavily upon them. The mission was no longer just about extermination; it was about uncovering the truth and righting a terrible wrong. And Irene was more determined than ever to see it through.

Y/n and Irene made their way to the captains cabin, the tension between them thickening. Once inside, they both sat down on the bed. Irene leaned into Y/n, her head resting against his armored shoulder.

"Can you take off the armor, or at least the helmet?" she asked softly, her voice tinged with weariness. She did not like the hard armor and would much more apreaciate feeling his warm muscles against her smaller frame.

Y/n shook his head. "It stays on," he replied, his tone firm.

Irene sighed, frustration bubbling within her. She waited a moment, trying to gather her thoughts, there was one thing she wanted to know. "Earlier, when we were down there, you mentioned a voice in your head. What did you mean by that?"

Y/n's eyes, barely visible through the helmet's visor, flickered with uncertainty. "I don't know what it was. It told me to let my power out. It felt... compelling."

Irene listened intently, her concern deepening. She wanted to comfort him, to be close to him. The stress and intensity of the mission, coupled with her feelings for him, made her restless and yearning.

Before she realized it, she was pushing him down onto the bed, her desire overcoming her caution. She didn't meant to do it. "I want to help you, in my own way" she whispered, her hands fumbling to remove his helmet and hips stradling his lower area.

But Y/n's hands grasped hers firmly, stopping her just before she succeeded. "We're on a mission," he said, his voice a mix of regret and determination. "We need to focus, there is no time for this."

He pushed her away gently but firmly, and then he stood up and left the cabin without another word. Irene sat there, her heart pounding with a mix of frustration and unfulfilled restless desire.

She let out a soft, annoyed sigh, pouting from being rejected and turned to see Heine and Juliet standing at the doorway, their eyes wide with curiosity. Irene's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "How much did you see?" she demanded.

Heine's cheeks turned a deep shade of red. "Everything," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Juliet tried to stifle a giggle, but the corners of her mouth betrayed her amusement. Irene shot them both a look that silenced any further comments.

Irene took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. "Get back to your posts," she said, her voice more steady now. "We have a mission to complete."

Heine and Juliet nodded quickly and sat at the table contacting the other soldiers, leaving Irene alone with her thoughts. She lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind racing. The image of the mass grave haunted her, and Y/n's words about the voice echoed in her ears. She felt a gnawing worry for him, mingled with her own frustration and longing.

As she lay there, she couldn't help but think about the man she cared for so deeply, the mission they were on, and the darkness that seemed to be closing in around them. Her eyes fixed on the ring, its golden shimmer catching in her eyes. Grasping it with her thumb and pointer she pulled on it. "I can't let this distract me." She stated and pulled it off slowly.

"What are you doing Irene?" A soft voice called out. Irene looked up, noticing Rose walk up to her from the foot of the bed, she came closer walking onto her stomach and bumbing her head onto the hand which had the ring on it. "Are you thinking of breaking up with Y/n?" The question made Irene freeze and the Exceed looked at her with her big cat eyes.

"What, no. I just. . ." She tried to say something but pushed it back on. "I'm just confused with all of this, nothing more." She stated and pulled her upwards to snuggle with her.