Y/n Pov

A bright light was all I noticed and I could see nothing else, the scream off a little newborn caught my ears. Where am I, is this the potions doing? "Congratulations its a boy." A womans voice stated happily. "A boy?"  I openened my eyes and stared up to two adults. "How should we name him Darling." The woman asked looking towards the man nearby. "Y/n, I think that fits well." He said calmly and smiled at me. "Our son, he looks so small." He whispered and suddenly both looked away from me. "Grandeeney, did everything go as planned." A voice called out from behind me. I was turned around and saw a short woman with white hair and pale skin color, dressed in a doctors robe. 

Next to her stood a rather muscular male with brown hair, green eyes and broad shoulders in, what I could only know as a Yukata. "Yes Belserion, the delivery was a success, no wonder when the parents are two very strong parents born into a lineage of warriors and wealth." She stated and the man known as Belserion turned to the left. "Princess Irene, come here, this is a newborn child." He exclaimed. A girl around her teen years walked up to him, she had scarlet hair and brown eyes, her expression was warm and kind. "So that's where baby's come from." She stated and Belserion laughed. "Yes Princess Irene."

Princess Irene? Wait a moment, the hair, the eyes and the name Irene, even my name being mentioned, could this be? I felt a cold shiver run down my back. I'm seeing past memories of a newborn, it could only be myself and my parents, but I shouldn't draw conclusions yet. "The kingdom of Dragnof now is one child richer." Belserion exclaimed and proudly pat the little girls head.

Dragnof?, They can't possibly mean that Dragnof do they? This has to be a joke, I'm seeing a place 400 years in the past which I have no connections to. Other than my Dragon slayer magic originating from here. Then how do I see the memories of a newborn.

Everything went blank again in an instant.

I woke up, gasping for air, my body drenched in sweat. Blinking rapidly, I tried to gather my bearings. The room was softly lit by a lamp on the nightstand. I tried to understand where I was but my vision was hazy, I could feel something touching me with a gentle and steady breath hitting my neck. When my vision cleared, I realized I was in a small bedroom. Familiar faces watched over me with concern: Heine, Juliet, Rose, and Irene right beside me, her presence a comforting anchor.

August sat at the side of the bed, his expression calm and unreadable, but I could see a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Give him a moment," he said softly, raising a hand to prevent the others from bombarding me with questions.

As my breathing gradually steadied, I looked around, finally registering where I was. My eyes met Irene's, and she offered me a reassuring smile, her hand gently squeezing mine under the bedsheet.

"What did you see?" August asked after a brief silence, his tone gentle but probing.

Taking a deep breath, I tried to piece together the vivid images that had flooded my mind. "I saw two adults," I began, my voice hoarse. "Then two others one was a woman in a doctor's coat, the other dressed in a yukata with brown hair and green eyes. And there was a little child with red hair...called Irene." I paused, the weight of the revelation settling over me. "It felt like a birth...a newborn sharing the same name as me even."

Irene's eyes widened, her face a mixture of shock and realization. "Did you hear anything else?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper, filled with a mix of hope and dread.

I nodded slowly, recalling the last detail. "Yes. I heard the name...Dragnof."

The room fell silent as no one really seemed to do anything with that name except Irene who bit her jaw shut, the significance of the name hanging heavily in the air. Irene's heart raced, her mind spinning with the implications of my vision. She had always known there was more to my past, but hearing it from me, and in such a context, was overwhelming.

"Dragnof," Irene repeated, her voice trembling slightly. "That's...that's where I'm from. But to hear it connected to you..." She trailed off, her eyes searching my face for answers.

August, observing the exchange, nodded thoughtfully. "It seems the Reality Torpor has revealed more than just a simple vision," he said, his tone grave. "It has unlocked a fragment of your past, Y/n. And it's intricately tied to Irene's origins."

I looked at Irene, my mind racing to comprehend the connections. "I don't understand," I admitted, frustration edging my voice. "Why would I see something from your past, Irene?"

"I'm not sure," Irene replied, her voice soft but steady. "But it means we need to dig deeper. There's a reason our paths have crossed like this."

Heine and Juliet, who had been listening intently, exchanged worried glances. "What does this mean for us?" Heine asked, her voice filled with concern. "Are we dealing with something even bigger than we thought?"

"Let me check something" August took out the ancient tome of Reality Torpor and began leafing through its brittle pages. The room fell silent, save for the rustle of the parchment and the rhythmic patter of rain against the windows. He found the section he was looking for and started to read aloud, his voice resonating with the weight of centuries-old knowledge.

"The visions seen under the influence of Reality Torpor," he read, "are always intrinsically tied to the one who drinks it. To put it simply, if you see something from a particular perspective, it is your own memory, not someone else's."

Everyone in the room looked at August, confusion etched on their faces. He closed the tome and met their gazes, adding, "This means that the newborn you saw, Y/n, was you. You originate from Dragnof."

A stunned silence followed his words. I felt a strange mixture of disbelief and curiosity. "But... I remember them saying something about a rich warrior family," I recalled, the fragmented memory surfacing with more clarity.

Irene, now sitting up and hugging her legs, looked particularly troubled. She had always been reluctant to delve too deeply into her past, especially after the disturbing revelations in Ranoa. The thought of unearthing more about Dragnof, her former home, filled her with a sense of dread.

"I don't want to delve deeper into the history of Dragnof," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. She rested her chin on her knees, her eyes distant. "Every time I've tried to learn more about it, I've uncovered things that are painful, things that challenge everything I thought I knew about myself and my heritage, I don't want to lose what I call my childhood."

Heine, holding Rose, and Juliet, standing nearby, exchanged uneasy glances. "So, Y/n," Heine began cautiously, "if you're from Dragnof, and Irene is too, does that mean..."

"Does that mean we're connected by more than just fate?" I finished for her, my mind racing. "Are you part of the same lineage or something?" Juliet asked in wonder, "Perhaps brother and sister." No that couldn't be, if we were related to one another her smell would be similar to mine.
"We are not related, Juliet." I calmly stated and she nodded.

Irene looked down, her hands trembling slightly. "I don't know," she admitted. "I've always known there was more to your past, but... to think that you, Y/n, are connected to Dragnof as well... It's overwhelming."

Juliet stepped forward, her eyes full of concern. "Irene, it's okay," she said softly. "We'll figure this out together. Whatever the truth is, we'll face it as a team."

Rose fluttered closer, her presence a small comfort amidst the uncertainty. "We're with you," she echoed Juliet's sentiment. "No matter what."

August, observing the emotional turmoil in the room, sighed and placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "This journey will not be easy," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "But understanding your past, Y/n, and how it ties to Irene's, is crucial. Together, you can uncover the truths that have been hidden for so long."

I looked at Irene, who was struggling to maintain her composure. "Irene," I said softly, reaching out to take her hand. "We don't have to do this alone. We have each other, and we have our friends. Whatever we find, we'll face it together."

She looked up at me, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination. "You're right," she whispered. "We'll face it together."

With a nod, August closed the tome and placed it back in a protective cover. "I don't really have more bedrooms so, you all should be staying over at the inn nearby for the night." he advised. "We have much to discuss and prepare for. But remember, the past may hold answers, but it is your actions in the present that will shape the future."

August was right the day was going to an end and we should be getting a room at the inn. We had no idea what could be in store for us tomorrow, but perhaps, just a normal day with August teaching me alchemy.

. . .

Sitting on the balcony of our hotel room in Vriacsea, I stared out at the serene landscape, the setting sun casting a warm, golden glow over the town. Due to the mountains surounding this place the night falls in quite early. The air was calm, filled with the distant sounds of laughter and the occasional chirping of birds. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil within me.

I leaned back slightly my arm placed at the back of my head. The actions I had taken under the Alvarez Empire's banner replayed in my mind like a haunting melody. Every mission, every battle, every order I had followed – all of them done in the name of Alvarez. But were we truly the good side in all those conflicts? The thought gnawed at me, more persistent than ever.

I reached into my pocket and pulled out the necklace with the Alvarez symbol. The emblem, cold and metallic, rested heavily in my palm. It was a reminder of my allegiance, of the oaths I had sworn. I remembered the day I had the emblem of Alvarez burned onto my back, between my shoulder blades. The memory was vivid, the pain searing.

They had held me in place with magic restraining shackles. I couldn't move, couldn't escape. Even Irene had watched, her eyes distant but resolute. It was her idea to place the emblem there, to color it green, just as hers. I could still hear the hiss of the branding iron, feel the intense heat, the searing agony as it pressed into my flesh. The pain was the most intense I had ever felt, leaving a scar not just on my body, but on my soul.

I clenched the necklace tightly, the metal digging into my skin. Was this really how politics worked? Was this the price of power and loyalty? You had to throw down others in order to rise up?

Sitting back up I pulled my knees close to my chest, I watched the children on the street. The laughter from below, the happy voices of the townspeople, seemed to mock my inner conflict. They were free, living their lives without the burdens of political machinations and war. Meanwhile, every action I had taken was intertwined with the advantage of Alvarez. I had believed in our cause, in our strength, but now... I wasn't so sure.

I thought about Irene. She had been a constant in my life, a guiding force. She had watched me suffer through the branding, knowing it was for a greater purpose. But was it truly worth it? Did the ends justify the means?

The wind picked up slightly, rustling the leaves of the trees below. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, a reminder of the beauty and simplicity of life outside the walls of conflict and power.

I couldn't help but wonder if there was a different path, a way to uphold our values without compromising our humanity. Was there a way to rise without pushing others down? These thoughts swirled in my mind, leaving me more conflicted than ever.

As the last rays of the sun dipped below the horizon, I resolved to find answers. To seek a way to balance power and morality. To understand if what I had done, what we had all done, could ever be justified. And perhaps, to find a path that didn't require sacrificing others for our own rise.

The future was uncertain, but I knew one thing for sure – I needed to uncover the truth, not just about Alvarez, but about myself and the choices I had made. Only then could I find peace.

Lost in my thoughts, I felt a pair of arms gently encircle me from behind. Startled, I was about to react when the familiar scent of lilac and strawberries washed over me, calming my racing heart. Irene, she always knew when the come. She pressed a gentle kiss on my neck, her touch soothing.

"Everything alright?" she asked, her voice soft and full of concern. "You look worried, and that makes me worry for you."

She took my hand in hers, her fingers intertwining with mine. The warmth of her touch was comforting, but it did little to dispel the turmoil inside me. I sighed, struggling to find the right words.

"Irene," I began, my voice barely above a whisper, "why did we do what we did in the Alvarez Empire? The slaughter of that entire cult, the infiltration of the magic academy... what was the reason behind it all? The heavy militarization, the disbanding of the dark guilds... I need to understand." I couldn't live with this guilt in me.

Irene was silent for a moment, her grip on my hand tightening slightly. I could feel her breath on my neck, steady and calm, yet it stopped for a moment. We both gazed at the stars slowly appearing in the twilight sky, the first pinpricks of light in the encroaching darkness.

"It's for the good of the world," she finally replied, her voice tinged with a quiet resolve. "Not just for Alvarez, but for the safety of the entire world. The actions we took, the decisions we made... they were necessary. They might seem harsh, even cruel, but if those threats had been allowed to continue, the consequences could have been catastrophic."

Her words hung in the air, mingling with the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of the town below. I listened, trying to reconcile her justification with the memories of the horrors we had inflicted.

Her hand was shaking just slightly. "It's the lesser evil," she continued, her voice softer now. "Even the coming war..."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, turning my head slightly but not quite looking at her.

"You'll understand soon enough," she said, a hint of sadness in her voice, I felt her loosen her grip on my hand. I could feel something wasn't right, the tone in her voice shifted quite strongly. I turned around slowly to face her and what I saw pained my heart deeply. A sight I never wished to see ever again. My hand slowly went up to her face, tears were running down on her cheeks, staining her clothes. "I can't, I can't take this anymore." She reached out with her hands holding onto my shoulders. "I don't want to fight these wars anymore Y/n." She sobbed pressing her head against my chest. 

I enveloped her small frame between my arms. "What do you mean?" I asked and she just stayed silent for a moment. "I don't want to hurt anyone anymore, I hate to do all these things. "I don't want to be strong anymore Y/n, I hate doing it." She wipped the tears from her face. "I only did it because I had to Y/n." I kept looking at her confused but something slowly clicked. "I don't want to help Zeref anymore or Alvarez."

I stroked her back gently up and down. "Irene you don't have to if you don't want to, I'll be the one doing all for us." I whispered and she nodded. "Please never leave me Y/n." I would never dare to do anything like that. 

We fell silent again, just staying like that for a moment until Irene pulled back, her eyes moved to the sky and I too turned around, both of us staring at the stars. The night sky was a vast expanse of darkness dotted with distant lights, each one a reminder of how small we were in the grand scheme of things. The weight of our actions felt heavier than ever, pressing down on me like an invisible burden.

But Irene's presence was a balm, her warmth and support giving me the strength to face the uncertainties ahead. She squeezed my hand gently, a silent promise that we would face whatever came next together.

As the night deepened and the stars grew brighter, I found a measure of peace in that thought. We might not have all the answers, and the road ahead was fraught with danger and difficult choices, but we would walk it side by side. For now, that was enough.

As we stood on the balcony, I turned to Irene and asked, "Do you want to take a bath in the hot springs here in town? I got a message from August saying there's one permanently reserved just for him, and we can use it too if we like."

Irene gave me a doubtful look but then nodded, agreeing. "Sure, but let's take Heine, Juliet, and Rose with us."

As we approached the secluded onsen, hidden away from prying eyes by a natural curtain of lush trees, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. The path was silent except for the soft crunch of gravel beneath our feet, and the distant hum of the town was barely audible. When we finally arrived, the serene atmosphere of the hot spring washed over us, inviting and warm.

Irene began to strip down, and despite my best efforts, my eyes were drawn to her bare body. Her skin glowed in the soft light of the evening, and every movement was graceful and mesmerizing. She noticed my gaze and smiled, a knowing look in her eyes. Stepping closer, she brushed her finger gently over my jawline, sending a shiver down my spine.

"Enjoying the view?" she teased, her voice soft and playful.

Before I could muster a response, she leaned in and kissed me gently on the lips. My mind was left reeling as her ample chest pressed against mine. The warmth of her breath and the softness of her lips overwhelmed me, and I instinctively rested my hand on her midriff, feeling the warmth of her skin under my touch. The kiss was tender, a moment of connection that made the world around us fade away.

She pulled back slightly, her eyes locking onto mine. "Come on," she whispered, a playful smile tugging at her lips. She took my hand and led me towards the onsen, the warmth of her touch grounding me in the moment. We slipped into the hot spring, the water enveloping us in a soothing embrace.

Heine and Juliet were already there, their breasts barely hidden beneath the water's surface. Rose floated happily nearby, her contentment palpable. As Irene and I settled in, I couldn't help but admire the serene beauty around us, the steam rising from the water creating an almost magical atmosphere.

Suddenly, a voice broke the tranquility. "Y/n, you're lucky to be with Irene."

We all jumped, startled. Heine and Juliet immediately ducked underwater, their bodies disappearing beneath the surface as they tried to hide themselves. Irene, however, remained completely calm, crossing her arms and looking amused. I pulled her close to me and made only her colar stand out of the water.

Both girls resurfaced gasping for air. "August, you pervert!" Heine exclaimed, embarrassed.

"Couldn't you have announced yourself?" Juliet added, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.

August laughed, clearly enjoying their reactions. "I didn't mean to startle you all. I was just passing by and couldn't resist."

He settled himself on a nearby rock, still outside the water, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Have you noticed anything strange going on in the town lately?"

Irene's expression grew thoughtful, her brow furrowing slightly. "No, everything seems peaceful. Why do you ask?"

August's demeanor shifted, becoming more serious. "There's been some unusual energy readings in the area for a few weeks now. Subtle, but definitely there. I wanted to make sure you were aware."

Heine and Juliet, still almost completely submerged, exchanged nervous glances. Rose floated closer to Irene, sensing the change in the atmosphere.

"Unusual how?" I asked, trying to understand the gravity of the situation.

August took a moment, his eyes scanning the horizon as if searching for something. "It's hard to pinpoint. It's like a faint pulse, something just beneath the surface. I've been monitoring it, but I can't determine its source."

Irene nodded, her expression serious. "We'll keep an eye out. Thanks for the heads-up, August."

He nodded, satisfied. "Good. Enjoy the rest of your bath."

As he walked away, the tension slowly dissipated. Irene leaned back, her eyes closed, a serene smile returning to her face. I couldn't help but admire her composure and strength, even in unexpected situations.

"You know," she said softly, "you're cute when you're worried about me."

I blushed, not sure how to respond. "Well, I just... I care about you."

She opened her eyes looking at me, her gaze softening. "And I care about you too, Y/n." we both looked into the far distant horizon where a vulcano was throwing out fire constantly, some call it the never ending flame as its rumored to be active since a few tousand years always throwing out hot almost molten rocks and fire, never stopping for even a moment.