5 Point Discussions – Fairy Tail (2018) 16: “Across 400 Years”

The truth about Natsu’s origins is laid bare, but will that stop him from stopping Zeref for good? Remember, if you like this article and 5 Point Discussions, please share it on Facebook or Twitter! It really helps. And if you’ve got any comments or questions, please hit me up @SageShinigami.

1. We’re almost 300 episodes in, but yes, give me the delicious Blue Screen of Death for Natsu. In the middle of his battle with Zeref, Natsu stops to refocus himself as he tries to maintain control over the magic he has from Dragneel. While that happens, Zeref decides to explain Natsu’s life story.  He holds nothing back: he explains the two of them are brothers, he learns he grew up four hundred years ago, and that he was sent to the present day by the dragons who hoped to become strong enough to take down Acnologia. When Natsu tries to express doubt at all of Zeref’s words, Zeref responds by shooting a hole in the book of E.N.D.–because it’s the book representing his life force, as Etherious Natsu Dragneel–and it brings the dragon slayer to his knees.
After so long seeing Natsu be this unshakable rock of a character either out of belief in his friends or sheer stupidity, watching him become shaken even if just for a moment was a great change, showing the character is capable of emotions outside of jovialness and anger.

2. One thing I didn’t like is how unified everything becomes after Zeref gives his monologue. We learn that the Eclipse Gate seen about three arcs back was what was used to send our heroes into the future, but afterwards we learn there was a Celestial Mage family placed in charge of watching over the gate through the generations. The mage who finally opened the gate to allow the dragons to exit into the present day turns out to be Layla, Lucy’s mother. This means Lucy’s destiny was always irrevocably tied to Natsu’s. I know how narratively appealing this can be to some authors, but it also makes it look like the world you spent a decade developing has only a single story being told instead of multiple.

3. Speaking of characters showing previously unseen emotions, our floaty blue cat gives us a lot this week for a character that’s just been used as a punchline about fish. Despite hearing Zeref’s explanation, Natsu has no problems going for the kill on his brother. While he’s shaken by the news, ultimately his loyalty to Fairy Tail overrides everything, and he goes for the last blow even as Zeref explains that when he dies, Natsu dies as well.  The only thing that stops him? A last minute save by Happy, who pulls him away from the battle because he doesn’t want to lose the friend he’s known all his life.
It’s a sweet moment, reminding us of the bond shared between Dragon Slayers and their feline buddies, and making you realize just how much trouble Natsu’s in. Generally Happy is unconcerned because he knows no matter the situation, Natsu will find a way to survive it–but here he was in enough danger for Happy to finally have enough and remove him from the fight forcibly. Of course, we have bigger problems now…as the episode ends with our lead hero mysteriously unconscious.

4. This episode is full of reveals and powerful emotional moments…but the biggest shocker happens underneath Fairy Tail’s guildhall, in the cell containing Brandish. With the sealstone chains on her for too long, her spell finally wears off on Marin, who sneaks into their base.  While Brandish thinks she’s about to be freed, instead we get a completely different turn and he starts choking her. The motivation doesn’t really need explanation–she shrunk him to the size of an ant and demanded he paint her toes for her amusement–but it’s still heavily uncomfortable to watch. Brandish is very much in the position of “mistreated bad guy who eventually changes sides”–she’s won no battles, been harassed by a couple of old dudes, and nearly murdered by her own subordinate. Even when she was being taken serious briefly she gets knocked out by Cana because she gets distracted with her allergies.   This plus whatever her tie is with Lucy’s mother is going to lead to her leaving the Spriggan 12 sooner rather than later.  You know…if she lives.  The scene changed as she started to black out, so that’s up in the air.

5. Next Episode: Or nevermind, I guess. She’s alive and I guess Lucy saves her.  Whatever Brandish is mad about is revealed next episode, and we hopefully start the journey of her getting over the extremely petty mindset behind blaming a child for the actions of a parent. Meanwhile, presumably one of the many squads facing off against the Alvarez army is likely getting squashed next week. One or two of them is bound to win, but one of them is going to lose.
Fairy Tail is available for streaming on Funimation and Crunchyroll.