#ft471

So, as I posted recently (seconds before I started this, in fact), chapter 471 was the first one that actually interested me in a long while. It’s not that I don’t like the others, but this one is the first one I’ve actually felt something while reading in a long time. I just knew too much and had called too many things from previous chapters to find any true enjoyment.

Now, chapter 471 brought along some interesting developments.

From here on out, beware of SPOILERS for Fairy Tail 471.

For me, I think it may have been the characters involved that made this chapter for me. 

First of all, we saw Natsu and Lucy again, which I’ve been wanting since the end of 469. Granted, that means there was really only one chapter between, but for the situation at hand it seemed like a very long break. I understand that it was for suspense, but there’s been so many instances like that in this arc that it’s just dragging on and on.

We saw Fried, which was great. Even though he was injured, we saw the way he was interacting with Lucy, and it was a breath of fresh air. Their interaction is just what I have wanted from Fairy Tail -- a brief, comforting interaction to show that the bond of friendship and family exists, even with those who once opposed the guild. This happened later, as well.

And a cute, albeit short, moment for Juvia to be herself, suggesting to sleep with Gray in a sleeping bag for two. Gray, his usual self, refuses to sleep in the oven. And he’s the first to find out the secret about Laxus. He remarks on it so casually that it gives me just a little hope for when he finds out about END and Natsu...but you can also tell that he’s worried.

And Laxus. The fact that he is still suffering from an attack that happened A YEAR AGO is a death flag---a death flag that kills me because, throughout all of Fairy Tail, I feel like Laxus is one of the most well-developed characters. The subtle indication that he may die in the final battles strikes right to the core.

The Sky Sisters are back. This is, for me, another important part of the chapter. Chelia, or however you choose to spell it, was once upset because SHE couldn’t protect Wendy in the reunion arc, but here comes Wendy to save her from Dimaria. I think a big portion of the fight with Dimaria SHOULD be Wendy and Chelia fighting, although I feel like it won’t be the case. And, since Wendy can’t heal herself, Chelia may sacrifice her own well-being to make sure that Wendy can continue fighting. 

Another death flag rose for Gajevy. Levy and Gajeel were alone and talking things out. The petite woman was so concerned about her power, and how she feels that she is lacking compared to others. And then we have the cute, couple-y moment where Gajeel tells her that he will arrest her and gives her a little confidence boost and she smiles at him. If you needed more of a sign that they’re already a thing, here it is, folks. Here it is. In this situation, it feels like one of them will die to save the other. They’re just that close. And while most people are probably in the camp that thinks Gajeel will die to protect Levy--which he would in a heartbeat--I think I’m in the camp that thinks it’s slightly more likely for Levy to sacrifice herself for Gajeel. Whether it be during a fight with Acnologia, and she takes the blow so that the dragonslayers have a chance, or during a fight with someone else, I feel like Levy would want to do something for him after all he’s done for her.

There was so much in this chapter that drew me back in for the first time since the Avatar period, if I’m perfectly honest, and I am honestly more excited about the Laxus and Gajevy in this chapter than anything else.

The death flags are popping up everywhere, and it’s hard to see exactly which arrows are going to hit their mark.