'Fairy Tail' chapter 508 spoilers: Erza-Irene backstory to be revealed as Crime Sorcière loses to August

Natsu and Gray are finally back to their senses, thanks to the efforts of Erza and the enduring wisdom of the late Makarov. But now a new revelation is about to pit Erza against Irene, the strongest woman of the elite Spriggan 12 army.

The upcoming 508th chapter of the popular Japanese manga series "Fairy Tail" is titled "Pleasure and Agony." It is expected to pick up where the previous chapter left off with Irene announcing that she and Erza are one and the same. But while the resemblance between the two women is uncanny, the similarity seems to end there, especially since their different perspectives have placed them on opposite sides of good and evil.

But more discerning fans of the series have already speculated on the connection between the two women even before the matter was raised. From Irene being Erza's mother to the former being the latter's evil twin, the possibilities seem endless. Now that they have finally come face to face with each other, the life-altering truth is about to be revealed. But since Irene apparently has knowledge of this connection, does this give her an advantage over the clueless Erza?

One interesting possibility is that Irene could also be Erza from a different timeline or an alternate universe. It could also be possible that Irene is just trying to mess with Erza's head and that the physical resemblance is nothing but an unfortunate coincidence.

Chapter 508 may also shift back to the ongoing battle between the five male members of the Crime Sorcière and August, the strongest male of the elite Spriggan 12 army. Is the independent guild really out of options, or will a sudden spark of genius pull them out of the losing end? It is speculated that unless help arrives soon enough, Crime Sorcière's defeat is a foregone conclusion. It will only be a matter before fans find out whether or not August spares lives.

The next chapter of "Fairy Tail" will be published on issue #48 of the "Weekly Shounen Jump" scheduled for release on Monday, Oct. 31.