Tear Jerker / Fairy May Cry

As is the case with all pages detailing Tear Jerkering Moments, Spoilers Off

Despite their colorful and badass casts, neither Devil May Cry nor Fairy Tail are short on tragic backstories, which still manage to worm their way to the present (and our tear ducts). Meshing the two leaves very few dry eyes as the story goes on.

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Fairy May Cry

Vergil Arc

• Ch 7 Vergil: Fairy Tails first meeting with Vergil is seeing him impale Dante with his own sword. The severity of the injury and their subsequent rage make it clear they thought their new friend had died.
• Ch. 8 Family History: Fairy Tail learns about Dante past: his went on a mission that ended up killing him, with his mom dying when demons attacked their home. He thought his brother Vergil had perished as well, and was happy to find him several years later... only Vergil had become a power-hungry maniac in the interim, with every subsequent meeting devolving into a fight. It's clear just how rough the guy has had it over the years.
• Ch. 10 More Fairies Fall
  • Vergil attack some members Jet, Droy, Macao and Wakaba of Fairy Tail and kidnapped Levy with the other members are concerned and little Romeo is worried about his father's condition.
  • When Vergil beat Alzack, Bisca, and Cana he is about to kidnap Cana and find defeating her too easy for someone considered worthy for an S-Class wizard but probably got it out of pity (we knowing why she wants to be an S-Class luckily she didn't hear that comment).
  • Freed questions why he's doing this he doesn't have any bond or honor for his brother only for Vergil calling them out for betraying their guild before and why they didn't get expelled alongside that failure Laxus. Evergreen tells him to shut up as doesn't even know him only for Vergil to respond that he is a fool to think he could surpass his grandfather Makarov (Thunder Legion are still loyal and heartbroken by all of this).
• Ch. 11 Satan Soul vs Devil Trigger
  • When battling Mira, Vergil uses psychological tactics, bringing up her younger sister Lisanna (who is thought to be dead) saying that she was weak and the weak must die and instead of blaming Elfman she should blame herself, saying that she could have saved Lisanna but just stood there and watched. He then questions if Mira told Natsu (as he was once friends with Lisanna) then telling that her magic is strong but deep inside she is weak and Lisanna paid to price for that. An enraged Mira tells him to shut up.
    Mira: [yelling] YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING YOU HEAR ME?! YOU DON'T.
  • When Vergil defeats Mira, he goes on to scold Elfman, who tells him he doesn't know her, him, and definitely not about Lisanna as far as Elfman is concerned, they both Mira and himself lost a little sister. Vergil questions why he takes to blame not just her.
• Ch. 12 A True Devil
  • Everyone's continued worry at all their friends being attacked, and the fact that several have gone missing in the aftermath.
  • Vergil's encounter with Wendy doesn't even count as a Curb-Stomp Battle, instead being a ruthless monster attacking a child, who spends the entire encounter scared out of her mind. Making things worse is Carla's helplessness to save her young charge, with her subsequent tongue-lashing of Dante clearly being her venting her own sorrow.
  • Dante being distraught at realizing that Vergil is the one targeting Fairy Tail, clearly feeling responsible for his brothers actions and not even trying to deny Carla's accusations that this is all because of him. At the end of the chapter, he even wonders if he deserves to have them as friends, showing just how much the Trauma Conga Line that is his life has really worn him down.
• Ch. 13 A Devil's Game: Dante going to confront Vergil alone, feeling that doing so is his responsibility. Even when the others arrive, he tries to dissuade them from helping, both because he feels handling Vergil is his responsibility (feeling guilt for what his brother did to his friends) and because he fears that they will be killed. Man's lost plenty already, and is clearly afraid to lose more friends.
• Ch. 16 Demons vs. Spirits
  • Vergil manages to bypass Juvia's water body with Yamato, causing her to let out a pained scream, to the watching Lucy's horror.
  • Vergil bringing up Lucy's parents to rattle her, saying she should have killed her father, and calls her weak for not doing so. To rub salt in the wound, he even says she must have inherited this weakness from her mother, as why else would she die so young, causing the normally cheerful girl to attack him with tears in her eyes.
    • The above becomes Harsher in Hindsight when it is revealed the two are related, and Vergil is advising her to kill his uncle and insulting his late aunt. Made worse since the sequel revealed they doted on him and Dante whenever they visited.
  • While it doesn't kill him, how Vergil finishes off Loke is painful to watch, especially for a watching Lucy.
• Ch. 17 Devil Prince vs. Fairy Queen
  • Vergil bringing up Erza's past at the Tower of Heaven, as well as the fate that befell her old friends, especially Jellal, all to rattle her composure. While it doesn't work as well as he had hoped, the normally composed Erza is clearly shocked.
  • Lucy being Forced to Watch as Vergil (in his Devil Trigger) delivers a brutal beatdown to Erza, being unable to assist her friend.
• Ch. 18 Epic Clash: Natsu vs. Vergil
  • The captured members show faith that the combined efforts of Natsu, Gray and Gajeel could take down Vergil, and despite some apparent success, they are sadly dashed. The captives are then Forced to Watch as the half-demon runs roughshod over their friends.
  • Natsu intercepting a swing at Wendy from Vergil and being critically injured with a large bleeding gash from his chest and Blood from the Mouth before collapsing. Everyone is distraught to see the normally energetic young man lying so still, calling out his name in concern, with Wendy tearfully blaming herself and Happy attacking Vergil with tears in his eyes to no avail.
• Ch. 19 A Son of Sparda and a Son of Igneel: Wendy tearfully apologizes to Natsu, feeling responsible for Vergil having injured him so badly. Thankfully, the elder Dragon Slayer is able to reassure her that she has nothing to be ashamed of.
• Ch. 20 A Devil's Home with The Fairies
  • In the aftermath Dante prepares to leave Magnolia and Fairy Tail, feeling that he'd only attract more enemies to attack them. Despite his usual demeanor, it's clear that he harbors immense guilt for everything his brother has done. Thankfully everyone convinces him to stay, making it a different kind of tearjerker.
  • Right before the above, Dante visits his mother's grave, sadly admitting he can't keep his promise to get along with Vergil. It's a somber reminder that despite everything he's done, Vergil is still his brother (whom he still loves) and Dante is clearly depressed by the idea that someday he'll have to imprison or even kill his last remaining family member.

Edolas

• Ch. 21 The Last Promise: While it was done to save Wendy, Modeus being forced to kill his brother causes him to instantly break down, sadly staying that Baul was his reason for living. Made even more depressing by the fact that Dante was willing to let him live in this version, something that the white demon didn't appreciate.
• Ch. 22 Gildarts
  • The chapter opens with Natsu having a nightmare about being unable to find Lisanna in a thick fog. After waking up (in Dante's apartment) the normally energetic Dragon Slayer is uncharacteristically quiet and simply leaves without saying a word.
    • Later, when Gildarts teasingly inquires about their relationship, Natsu somberly states that she died two years prior before making to leave. Despite his words, to Mirajane it's clear he was deeply affected by Lisanna's death.
  • In the flashback, a young Natsu starts to break down during a discussion about parents, with the disappearance of Igneel still being a fresh wound. It's clear that part of the reason he listened to Lisanna's suggestion that the footprints in the woods belonging to dragons were out of sheer desperation to find his father again.
  • Even in the present he hasn't gotten over this, immediately rushing off to find the dragon that nearly killed Gildarts on the slim chance it might know where Igneel is. It's a depressing reminder of how much his foster father's disappearance affected him, made especially sad by how much it departs from his normally upbeat demeanor.
  • While Dante is stopping Natsu from rushing off on his own, he reveals that his own father left their home shortly before his mother was killed and he and Vergil were separated. It wasn't until later that he discovered that Sparda had died, and to this day he doesn't know how.
• Ch. 23 Earthland
  • It's the anniversary of Lisanna's death and both her siblings and Natsu are clearly affected. While Mirajane and Elfman simply prepare to visit her grave, Natsu is uncharacteristically somber for the whole chapter, verbally scolding Grey (and in a quiet voice to boot) for drawing on his face and flatly refusing to fight, even when provoked. Lisanna's death deeply hurt the poor guy.
  • After the guildhall is absorbed into the Anima, Wendy breaks into tears, wondering out loud why she's always left alone. Remember, this is the second guild she's joined since Cait Shelter.
    • While he shows no obvious reaction, it's clear Dante relates to the feeling all too well.
• Ch. 25 The Fairy Hunter and The Black Angel
  • After seeing Lisanna in Edolas, Natsu is bombarded with memories of their childhood and is close to Tears of Joy. When Dante restrains him to prevent him from making a scene, Natsu is clearly distraught and spends several minutes processing the fact that he finally gets to see Lisanna again, but it's not the one he remembers.
  • The flashbacks themselves show how close Natsu and Lisanna were, which makes her death hit all the harder. To elaborate:
    • While paying respects to a grave Elfman made for his pet bird, Lisanna asks Natsu to build one for her if she ever dies, an In-Universe case of Harsher in Hindsight.
    • The day of Lisanna's death really hits hard. Natsu and Happy enter the guildhall to find everyone crying, and Natsu is able to tell what happened just from Mirajanes' expression.
    • Natsu builds Lisanna a grave like he promised, putting it outside the house they made for Happys egg (since she loved watching the sunset there) and tearfully says he can't keep his promise to find her this time.
• Ch. 26 Hunting in Edolas
  • The Edolas Fairy Tail mention that Nelo Angelo killed their previous master, and the memory of it causes Mary to briefly break down.
  • When Lisanna joins the group, Natsu has to remind himself that it's not the one he remembers, and is initially uncomfortable around her. Poor guy.
• Ch. 27 To Take A Stand
  • Edolas Lucy explains her indifference to how her hair looks (in contrast to her Earthland counterpart) is because she and her friends have had to struggle so much just to survive that she's never had time to worry about such things. Edolas Fairy Tail have really had it rough.
  • Dante's shock at seeing his mothers Edolas counterpart.
• Ch. 28 An Unexpected Betrayal
  • The Edolas versions of Natsu and Eva have a hard time believing that the royal forces can be defeated. It's clear they gave up hope of ever being free of Faust's tyranny a long time ago.
  • Continuing from the last chapter, Dante gets to see and talk with his mother again, but it is marred by the fact that this version does not know him and they have no idea how revealing their relation will go, opting to keep quiet. The others look on in sympathy as the cocky demon hunter remains quiet for the rest of their trek.
    • Mixed with heartwarming, but after Lisanna says that in Edolas Eva is Lucy's aunt, a rattled Dante asks to hold off pursuing that information till they've dealt with the current crisis. While part of it is pragmatism, its clear he's not sure how to react to the revelation that he may have more family.
  • The group (as well as Gajeel and Trish) are Forced to Watch as King Faust delivers a speech about using the Lacrima made from their friends to provide plenty of magic for Edolas. Both Dante and Natsu can barely contain their rage, with the others having to talk them down from attacking the king then and there and Lisanna has to physically hold Natsu back.
  • The chapter ends with Erza Knightwalker and Nelo Angelo thanking Carla and Happy for (they think) deliberately leading the group into an ambush. The others look on in shock, with Wendy in particular being distraught at the idea Carla could have tricked her.
• Ch. 29 Extalia
  • Nelo Angelo rubs Happy and Carla's 'betrayal' in the groups face, and takes glee doing it to Wendy in particular while mocking her continued faith in her companion.
    • While Dante was suspicious of Carla, the idea that Happy may have betrayed them greatly shocks the demon hunter, as he had come to trust him greatly during his time in Fairy Tail.
  • Happy is shocked to discover that the mission he was sent on was to eliminate Natsu, causing the normally optimistic cat to experience a brief Heroic BSoD.
  • Carla learns that her 'visions' and the information they provided are what helped the group get captured, and breaks down at the idea that she was a Manchurian Agent and failed to protect Wendy. She tearfully admits that Dante was right not to trust her.
• Ch. 30 Fly! To Our Friends and Into Battle
  • Carla's continued depression over her actions, spending almost the whole chapter in a state of depression, and openly wonders if she has any true agency or free will, or of it's simply a part of her Manchurian Agent programming. What Nabi and Nichiya told her clearly affected the poor Exceed.
  • Marl and Lucky reveal that they were exiled after speaking out against the queen for sending one hundred Exceed eggs to Earthland to hunt the Dragon Slayers in Earthland, which included their own. It says something about the state of Extalia that such a harsh punishment is considered acceptable to their own kind, even when applied to what is essentially a grieving couple.
  • The Reveal at the end of the chapter that the two are in fact Happy's parents! After all this time they finally get to see that their son is alive and well, even if they only got to spend a single day with him. The fact that they didn't inform him of their relation, and their own bittersweet joy at seeing him depart to save his friends will leave very few dry eyes in readers.
• Ch. 31 Code: ETD
  • Dante's continued mistrust of Carla is hard to watch, especially since it's clear that she sincerely regrets leading them into a trap, even unintentionally. Even when the others make him agree to put a hold on things, he makes it clear that she is not Easily Forgiven.
  • The Edolas forces turning on the Exceeds, turning the soldiers sent to aid them into a single giant Lacrima. While they were far from the nicest bunch, the Exceeds didn't deserve that level of cruelty, with even Happy and Carla (who experienced their unpleasant nature firsthand) expressing sympathy at their fate.
  • Byro extracting magic power from Natsu and Wendy is a clearly painful process, especially for the latter, who says that she is scared. The most Natsu can do is encourage her to keep holding on and snark at Byro.
  • Lucy and Lisanna find out that Happy and Carla's mission was to hunt the Dragon Slayers, greatly shocking them both. It hits especially hard when you remember that Lisanna helped Natsu hatch and raise Happy.
• Ch. 32 Fairy Tail Strikes Back: Carla's reluctance to warn the Exceeds of the threat coming their way, saying they're not worth the consideration and even compares them to demons. The poor girl clearly has little faith in her species as a whole, and has to be convinced by Wendy and Trish to go.
• Ch. 33 Clash in E-Land Part 1
  • Gyro and Faust show no concern over Panther-Lily being caught up in the blast from the Lacrima, despite being a loyal servant for years. Coco is horrified.
  • After Coco swipes the key for the Dragon Chain Cannon, King Faust shows no hesitation blasting the poor child with lightning, driving her to tears.
• Ch. 34 Clash In E-Land Part 2): Byro shows no hesitation trying to hurt Coco to get the key back. The poor girl has just been threatened by the two biggest authority figures she's known within the span of an hour, and learns that the Lacrima is made from the Earthland mages allies.
• Ch. 35 Apocalyptic Dragon Chain Cannon
  • When Wendy, Carla and Trish come to Extalia to warn the Exceeds, their response is to laugh them off before mocking and throwing stones at the trio. Trish notes that Carla's comparison of them to demons is sadly spot on.
  • Related to above, Panther-Lily was aware of Code: ETD and sees nothing wrong with destroying, in his own word, 'a kingdom of lies'. Whatever the rest of Extalia did to him clearly left a mark if it led to that level of hatred for his own species.
  • Despite coming close, the group in the castle is unable to stop the Dragon Chain Cannon from initiating Code: ETD, losing their best shot at saving their friends.
  • The guards sent to stop Nelo Angelo from reaching the control room for the Anima are clearly terrified at the prospect of facing him. His one-sided slaughter of them reads less as Evil vs. Evil and more as a monster massacring a group of poor victims, especially since they were just doing their job here.
• Ch. 36 Saving Edolas
  • Minor, but after breaking out his Devil Trigger Dante fiercely proclaims he won't lose his family again. The poor guys lost plenty of important people in his life before and he's very close to losing even more.
  • In light of the current crisis, Queen Shagotte appears before the other Exceeds and sadly reveals the truth: they are not, nor were they ever, the gods they claimed to be, with the whole thing being an elaborate ruse done using her clairvoyance, all in a desperate attempt to make sure the humans never attacked them. All the listening Exceeds are devastated that the thing they've believed in for so long has been a complete lie, many breaking down then and there. While they clearly needed to be knocked down a peg, it's hard to watch just how badly many are affected by having their world view shattered.
    • For her part, Shagotte clearly regrets having gone along with the whole charade in the first place and indirectly causing so much pain to the people of Edolas, Exceed and human alike. In the face of Trish and Carla ripping into her she doesn't even try to defend herself, merely handing the latter a sword, telling her that she deserves justice for everything the now former queen put her through. It's sad to see just how much the guilt of what she's done has eaten away at what seems to be such a kind soul.
    • Carla's own dressing down of Shagotte belongs here, owing to how her 'mission' almost made her complicit in her closest friends death. The young Exceed is close to tears herself and comes dangerously close to ending the queen then and there, something that shocks Wendy and Trish.
  • Trish's backstory is full of this, having been a demon created for the sole purpose of killing Dante. Her resembling Dante's mother was done to make this easier, which was Mundus rubbing salt in the wound given he was responsible for her death and ruthlessly exploiting poor Dante's tragic past. Thankfully, the plan backfired horribly for Mundus so the worst was avoided.
  • A flashback reveals just 'why Panther-Lily was exiled from Extalia: he saved a young child, and brought him to Extalia to treat his wounds. In response, the elders immediately declared him a Fallen and forbade him from returning, with Queen Shagotte saying nothing in protest. After such a betrayal it's not hard to understand his bitterness towards his former home.
  • While Fairy Tail and the Exceeds manage to stop Mundus' plan, Nelo Angelo (in his Onyx Reaper form) makes his entrance by blasting Panther-Lily and mowing down several Exceeds, vowing to kill everyone present in retaliation for their interference.
• Ch. 37 Wrath! The Dorma Anim and The Onyx Reaper!
  • After being blasted In the Back, Panther-Lily falls from the floating islands, with Shagotte and Mystogen expressing concern, as well as guilt that they cannot help him.
  • When Mystogen tries to use his authority as the Prince of Edolas to halt the fighting, Faust immediately overturns the order, while outright stating he's never considered him his son. While Mystogen doesn't seem visibly affected, it's still a terrible thing for any child to hear from their parent.
  • After just having saved their home, the Exceeds come under fire from the Edolas forces, being blasted with 'magicalisation rays' that turn them into Lacrima. What's worse, near the end of the chapter Knightwalkers squad state that they have done so to every Exceed except Happy and Carla. The poor people can't seem to catch a break.
  • Nelo Angelo revealing the Dorma Anim's ability to absorb magic to Modeus solely to rub it in how much danger his friends are in. While the latter looks at the site of their battle in concern, the herald of Mundus quickly impales him, exploiting his empathy to seemingly fatally wound the noble demon, taunting him all the while.
  • Minor, but during Knightwalkers ambush, the soldiers shoot down 'Leggie' (Coco's pet Legion) who falls to the ground far below. The poor girl can't even check up on her beloved pet, with the others who have Flight only having enough strength to carry their allies.
• Ch. 38 Turning the Tide
  • Despite the pleas of Edolas Eva, Lucy and Mary, the rest of Edolas Fairy Tail are reluctant to join in on the fight against Nelo Angelo and the Royal Army, with even the reminder that Dante and the Earthland mages, which includes Lisanna (who they have known for two years) are risking their own lives doing so not convincing them. When called out on this by Eva their reaction indicates that they are ashamed, but all the years of oppression and running mean they have lost hope in actually emerging victorious in any conflict. Sad to see any version of Fairy Tail this reluctant to help people.
  • Carla Taking the Bullet for Happy, who is distraught that she had to do such a thing, and spends the rest of the chapter by her side. Making things worse, because of this, the two are unable to help as their friends get overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the Royal Army, much to their horror.
  • Nelo Angelo continues to lord his power over Modeus, seemingly drawing out the attack on his injured opponent and calling him a disappointment to Sparda's legacy. It gets worse when he see's Edolas Fairy Tails Big Damn Heroes moment, taunting his downed opponent that he can finally kill them all, to Modeus' horror. The apprentice of Sparda is barely able to fight back and comes very close to accepting his death.
  • After her fight with Erza, Knightwalker sadly agrees with Dante's assessment of her as an 'imitation' of the real Erza. While she was a vicious antagonist, and clearly in need of being taken down a peg, it's sad to see such a proud individual refer to themself as something so degrading. Thankfully, Erza is there to convince her otherwise.
  • At the end of the chapter, Mystogan reveals to Panther-Lily that he has determined the best course of action is to remove magic from Edolas entirely, something which shocks the Exceed.
• Ch. 39 Checkmate!
  • While it was done with the best of intentions, and may help them out in the long run, Mystogan removing the magic from Edolas with the Reverse Anima deals a devastating blow to the morale of the people of Edolas. Even the likes of Edolas Fairy Tail, who held out under Faust's oppression for years and regained the will to fight, are left in complete shock, with Edolas Jet (one of their most badass members) saying they may as well be dead. In the Royal capital the citizens are all running around in a panic, facing what is the equivalent of a nationwide blackout.
    • Dante and Mystogan independently state that it won't be long before the confusion turns to rage and the people will likely resort to violence on one another. The latter sadly notes that despite the consequences, this was indeed required to not only ensure they do not become greedy with magic again, but it may be the only way to keep them safe from the Demon World and Mundus.
    • When Lucy and Trish try to comfort the members of Edolas Fairy Tail, Edolas Lucy lashes out at them with tears in her eyes, a far cry from the strong young woman who convinced her guild to fight back. She has to be comforted by Edolas Eva, and cries in her aunts embrace.
  • Mystogans plan to ensure Edolas' stability will make himself The Scapegoat for the loss of magic as well as all the recent unrest so far, feeling that he is undeserving of the throne after being in Earthland for so long. What's worse is his plan is to put Panther-Lily in charge by having his old friend kill him to be the hero who defeated the mastermind, something which the typically composed Exceed calls him out on, with tears in his eyes.
• Ch. 40 Goodbye Edolas
  • The people in the Royal capital are in complete panic, believing it is The End of the World as We Know It and calling the city done for. Many children appear to be separated form their parents and more than a few people are trapped in collapsed buildings, painting a very poor picture for the state of the kingdoms morale.
  • In response to Mystogans plan Panther-Lily offers to play the role of the villain instead, to the princes horror. What's more, his words make it clear he blames himself for his friend being exiled from Extalia, despite the latter's reassurances in the past.
  • The fall of Extalia, leaving the Exceeds homeland uninhabitable in the wake of the loss of magic. This also ends up destroying Lucky and Marl's farm and the small hut they lived in, which was all they had since their exile.
  • As the Reverse-Anima pulls him in, Dante desperately asks Edolas Eva to come with him, having finally revealed their relation in Earthland, and is clearly close to tears as he does so. She gently tells him that she has to stay with her family, in the same way that he belongs with his, which he reluctantly accepts. It's hard to see the normally cocky Devil Hunter so vulnerable, with the presence of his mother (even if it's not his mother) having opened some old wounds.
• Ch. 41 Welcome Home
  • Shagotte reveals the truth behind Happy and Carla's 'mission': years ago she had a vision of Extalia falling at the hands of a great evil (indicated to be Mundus), so she and the elders decided to try and save as many children as they could. Revealing the truth would have caused mass panic and/or resulted in the concerns being dismissed on account of the Exceeds belief in their own superiority, so they fabricated a false 'mission' to send a hundred eggs to Earthland to assassinate Dragon Slayers. While it was done with noble intentions, Shagotte is wracked with guilt over such measures being needed to maintain the God Guise she helped set up, especially since they essentially tore a hundred children from their families under false pretenses.
    • This becomes even worse when it's confirmed that Carla is her daughter, meaning that she had to resign herself to never seeing her own child, knowing full well that she'd likely die before she ever got the chance thanks to her vision. Even in the present she holds off on telling Carla this, feeling she isn't worthy of calling herself a mother until after she's found all the eggs she sent to Earthland.
  • The flashback to Lisanna's 'death' is full of this. While we know she doesn't actually perish, Mira does not, hysterically begging her not to die and being Forced to Watch her fade into the light. The poor girl was broken after this.
    • Lisanna found herself in Edolas after this, apparently just after Nelo Angelo had killed her Edolas counterpart. Edolas Mira and Elfman are overjoyed to see her, and tearfully beg her to never leave them again. Little wonder she was so reluctant to reveal her true origins to them all this time.
  • The scene of Elfman and Mira paying their respects at Lisanna's grave, with even the rain fitting the mood. It's clear that even after several years, the loss of their younger sister is just as painful as the day it happened. Thankfully, Lisanna shows up to turn it into an different type of Tearjerker.
  • Small, but upon watching the Strauss siblings reunite, Dante wishes he could have a reunion like that with his own family. Sadly, he muses that it is impossible, as both his parents are dead, and he has a hostile relationship with his brother, to put it mildly. Seeing Edolas Eva clearly opened some old wounds.

Devil Hand

• Ch. 42 Dawn of Darkness
  • While happy that she's back where she belongs, Edolas Mira is clearly sad that Lisanna is no longer with her. Poor woman lost her sister again, even if under less tragic circumstances.
  • Mystogan/Jellal and the Magic Warfare Captains pay their respects to Fausts body as it is cremated, clearly saddened at his death, with Coco shedding a tear. Despite everything he did, he was still the now-Kings father, and a beloved ruler, with no-one being happy that he is gone forever.
  • While they acted in their countries best interest, the Magic Warfare Captains are clearly guilty at having helped spread so much misery across Edolas and inadvertently helped Nelo Angelo's plan along. Hell, they outright protest at not being executed for their crimes for all of the above, with King Jellal having to convince them to simply help rebuild as atonement.
  • In a way, Dante wondering what his brother is up to, unaware that he is planning yet another method to gain power at the expense of innocents, even teaming up with Arkham. What's more, Vergil resolves to cut down anyone who gets in his way, even specifying his brother in his internal monologue. Sad to see the lingering brotherly affection is not reciprocated.
• Ch. 43 Movement in the Shadows
  • Minor, but Lucy feels weird at seeing Natsu and Lisanna's Ship Tease moments, seemingly jealous of her friends.
  • After Natsu catches Lisanna up on everything that has happened in the two years she was gone, the latter tearfully apologizes for leaving him, her friends and family behind. Sad to see how much she blamed herself for something that was completely out of her control.
    Lisanna(tears in eyes): You all thought I was gone.... I... it must been hard for all for Mira, for Elfman, for Master, for Happy... for... you(crying) I should have... looked for... a way back. I should have come back.
    • The sad part is that while it was out of her control, her 'death' greatly affected all those close to her, being the catalyst for Mira transitioning from a rowdy Tomboy the the Team Mom, and Elfman shifting from meek to the Boisterous Bruiser in the present.
    • Given how Makarov views the guild members as his children he faced every parents worst nightmare. And of course, poor Happy who was just as close to her as Natsu, and just as devastated in the aftermath.
  • Natsu reassures Lisanna that she is in no way at fault for what happened to her, before tearfully admitting he always felt sad that he couldn't keep his promise to find her when she was lost. It's made clear that despite not being present for her 'death', a part of him always felt responsible for it happening and being unable to help. Hell, the entire scene between the two is sad just because of how hard it is seeing two of the guilds most cheerful members break down and reveal the extent of the emotional pain they've been carrying around all this time.
• Ch. 44 Devil Hand
  • Cragnar riling Natsu up by saying Igneel would be disappointed that he's so weak, as well as taunting him about the dragons seemingly being extinct This clearly hits a nerve, sending Natsu into an Unstoppable Rage, and showing how much the thought of never seeing his adopted father agains affects him.
    • The demon also tricks Natsu into nearly hitting Lisanna with friendly fire, with the Dragon Slayer barely stopping his punch in time, shocked at what he almost did. And then the bastard takes advantage, brutally injuring Natsu and swiftly knocking out Lisanna.
    • Making both of the above worse, Lisanna has to watch as her Love Interest has his arm and chest torn by a vicious demon, right before said abduction. All this, within a week of returning, and on what should of been a simple job.
  • In the middle of a conversation with Lucy, Lady see's Arkham on the street, and immediately bolts right over to the window while pulling out a pistol, before frantically looking around for him. Happy and Lucy note her expression is a combination of anger and fear, and it take her a moment to stop shaking and calm down. It's shocking to see how much the possibility of him showing up affects the normally composed Action Girl, who was clearly having a minor Freak Out.
  • When it looks like Natsu might actually beat him, Cragnar decides to kill Lisanna out of spite, critically injuring her. After dealing with the demon Natsu rushes to her side and tearfully begs her to stay with him. Lisanna gives a Dying Declaration of Love, seemingly accepting her fate, and breaking poor Natsu's heart, distraught at the idea of losing her so soon after getting her back. While he manages to save her with Dragon Soul Fire, it was a very close thing, and it's heartbreaking to see how devastated Natsu is at the mere idea of losing her, to say nothing of what everyone else's reactions would've been.
• Ch. 45 Dragon Soul
  • Throughout the chapter, Lucy becomes uncomfortable at being shown how close Natsu and Lisanna are, as well as how obvious it is to everyone that they will get together eventually. The girl is clearly upset about the fact that the guy she likes is blatantly in love with someone else.
  • Elfman and Mira are horrified to hear that demons are targeting their sister so soon after her return, and refuse to let her accompany Dante and the others on their mission. The two do not want to lose their sister again.
  • Even after Makarov gives Lisanna his blessing to go, Mira still refuses to let her unless Lisanna can best her in a fight. The fight itself quickly becomes a Curb-Stomp Battle in Mira's favor, who is uncharacteristically angry, clearly hating having to do this, but not wanting to let her sister go off into danger that she's not ready for.
    Mira: Look at her! One punch and she knows it! Master you give her your blessings, but I can't see why when that was the best could offer! She is not ready for any of this, and she knows it! If she goes on that mission, what more can she do other than get herself in trouble?!
    • The above hits home for Lisanna, who laments how she was effectively The Load in the confrontation with Cragnar. The fact that it's coming from her own sister makes it worse, and clearly strikes a blow to the youngest Strauss siblings self confidence.
    • While all of the above is happening, poor Elfman has to watch his two sisters fight one another, mostly consisting of his older sister (who he greatly admires) beating his until recently deceased beloved younger sister. The poor man is begging them to stop the fight near the end.
• Ch. 46 Fallen Angel
  • After Natsu elaborates on what happened with Cragnar, he expects to be verbally and physically punished by the others (especially Elfman and Mirajane). Even though Lisanna being hurt wasn't his fault, he clearly feels responsible for her near-death experience and can barely look the elder Strauss siblings in the eye. Thankfully, it quickly segues into Heartwarming when they thank him for saving her.
  • While everyone else is getting along on the train (and bonding with Lisanna), Lucy is clearly unhappy, being jealous at seeing Natsu and Lisanna so close to one another. She quickly leaves to clear her head, to her friends concern. Her subsequent talk with Trish confirms that she is jealous of Natsu and Lisanna, and while she accepts that the two will definitely be a couple eventually, it's still painful for her, despite caring for them both.
  • Somewhat related to above, Trish admits that she went through the same thing with Dante for a time, though she's since gotten over it.
  • When Lady brings up how they learned in Edolas that Lucy may be Dante's cousin, the latter hesitantly agrees to have Morrison look into it, and having an uncharacteristically shocked face when she brings it up. It's clear that having lost so much before he's wary of hoping for something this good to be true.
• Ch. 47 Demonic Descent
  • Erza talking to Angel, revealing that she was a slave at the Tower of Heaven as well and asks why Angel would willingly join a dark guild no better than the people who enslaved them. In response, Angel reveals that all she ever wanted was to be free, and that joining the Oracion Seis was the only way out of the Tower of Heaven, before bitterly lamenting that despite that, she still ended up in a cage. Even Erza feels sympathy after hearing that.
  • During her talk with Dante, Lisanna states that her parents died when she was very young, to the point she can barely remember them. This forced Mirajane to act as a parent for the Strauss siblings, with Lisanna saying she had to do 'bad things' just to let them get by. At the age of thirteen no less!
  • Lisanna asking if Dante has siblings, having recalled Cragnar calling him the 'youngest' son of Sparda. After a few seconds, he tells her he has a twin, and simply says that they're 'not on speaking terms' when she enquires further, revealing that he's actually an enemy of Fairy Tail. While he does make sure to tell her to flee if she ever encounters Vergil, it's clear that he's uncomfortable talking about his brother.
  • Lucy talking to Natsu about his feelings for Lisanna, with even Happy being concerned when she doesn't react to his teasing. After Natsu confirms that he does like her, Lucy sincerely wishes them the best, though is clearly saddened that it is not her that can make him happy like that.
  • During the confrontation with Leviatha, Wendy actually recognises her as a member of Cait Shelter named Sheeree, with whom she was friends with. Sheeree angrily insists her name is Leviatha, and clearly holds a grudge against Wendy for as-of-yet unrevealed reasons, eagerly attacking her and expressing a desire to make her suffer. The poor girl just found out a member of her old guild is still around in the worst set of circumstances, and that she not only joined a Dark Guild, but hates her guts.
• Ch 48 The Calm Before the Storm
  • Wendy is still shaken up from her confrontation with Sheeree/Leviatha in the last chapter. Despite Modeus and Carla’s assurances, she can’t help but feel like she is responsible for her old friend joining Devil Hand.
  • When asking Natsu about Vergil, Lisanna is shocked to hear that not only did he attack most of the guild beforehand, but came very close to killing Natsu himself, even leaving a permanent scar on him. Even the normally cheerful Happy is completely sombre when bringing it up, showing how badly the situation affected both of them.
  • Lady is worried and scared after briefly seeing Arkham several chapters before. Not only is she worried about what Fairy Tail may think of her if they find out her connection to him, but she’s afraid that she may lose them like she lost her mother. It's clear his actions left a deep mark on her psyche.
• Ch 49 Rise! Temen-ni-gru!
  • After Natsu tells them to flee, Lucy, Happy and Lisanna are all visibly worried about their friend, especially since he's fighting Vergil. They are all fearful at the very real possibility that Natsu might not make it out of this one alive.
  • Angel reflects on her past sins in prison, feeling great regret for joining the Oracion Seis and wondering why she didn’t just leave to find her sister. She ends up thinking that Yukino has all but forgotten her in the years that have passed, and ends up crying in shame. Anyone who’s seen Fairy Tail will know just how wrong she is, as well as the extreme guilt Sorano feels, believing that after everything she did she had no right to call herself Yukino’s sister.
    • Her situation ends up becoming worse when Iblis, Mammon and Beelzebub arrive and kidnap her. All she can do is struggle futilely as she’s tied up, and silently beg for someone to save her, notably Yukino or Dante. Made all the worse by Iblis giving her a "The Reason You Suck" Speech about how far she's fallen.
    Iblis: Screaming for help? What a shame. You used to be a feared Dark Wizard, one of Six Demons, a legend in the criminal underworld. Now look at you, just a frightened child so easily captured; you're not even putting a fight. You are a disgrace. You have no one to blame but yourself for this. You lost because you are weak and this is what you deserve for that weakness.
    • From the same scene, when Angel expresses shock that Beelzebub (a child) is a member of Devil Hand, he sombrely responds that his childhood 'died a long time ago'. Poor kid must have a very messed up past.
  • Ultear ends up on the receiving end of a breaking speech from Vergil. He asks her if she has yet to kill Gray out of revenge for being replaced by Ur because she sees still has feelings for her mother and considers him family, and wondering if she chose to adopt Meredy so she could be a better mother than Ur, absolutely smashing her Berserk Button. Ultear is completely livid over Vergil bringing up such sensitive topics and vainly attempts to attack him.
  • At one point in his rematch with Vergil, Natsu ends up hesitating when Vergil gives him a Death Glare that makes him recoil and remember the last time they fought, showing just how much fighting Vergil traumatized Natsu.
  • After Arkham indicates that Vergil is behind Devil Hand, Dante angrily wonders what it is his brother is after this time, clearly frustrated with how Vergil keeps putting his friends in danger. Especially tragic given how optimistic he was at the start of the arc, and reinforcing the idea that they may never see eye to eye.
  • Elfman is beside himself following Mirajane’s kidnapping, upset that he couldn’t protect her, and is afraid of losing Lisanna again.
    • From the same scene, he admits that he can barely remember his own parents and that he has no aunts or uncles. The Strauss siblings really are the only family each other has, which makes it all the more tragic whenever they're Forced to Watch the others in danger.
    • Small, but Modeus stops Elfman from charging off by saying he understands his pain, likely having gone through similar situations with Baul.
  • When Devil Hand is raising Temen-ni-gru, it's remarked that the virgin priestess Sparda sacrificed to seal it away must have had siblings to have had descendants. The poor people likely had to watch their sister give up her life to ensure their safety.
• Ch 50 Sinner’s Advent
  • Lisanna is completely shocked to learn that Arkham, Lady’s father, is an enemy like Dante’s brother Vergil. She can’t help but wonder why families just can’t come together.
  • During his exposition about Temen-ni-gru, Modeus reveals that Sparda was forced to sacrifice a mortal priestess in order to seal the tower away. It's clear that the Dark Knight was reluctant to so, and greatly regretted the necessity of sacrificing an innocent to keep the world safe.
  • In the wake of Arkham’s attack on the guild, Dante reveals Lady’s backstory to Fairy Tail. When Lady was young, Arkham became obsessed with gaining Sparda’s power and attempted to become a demon by sacrificing his wife, though he only gained dark powers. Years later when Dante first opened his shop, Arkham tried to harvest his blood to gain Sparda’s power, but was stopped by Dante and Lady. Ever since then, Lady refused to answer to her birth name of Mary, since her mother was the only one to call her that. Everybody in the guild is shocked by the story and feels great sympathy for Lady.
  • Arkham deciding to use the captive Mirajane, Lady, Ultear and Angel as bait to divide Fairy Tail, using the former three against their Family of Choice/the first people they cared about, with them unable to stop him. Especially bad for Angel, who can only whimper in fear of being left at the mercy of Asmodeua.
  • When Dante suggests he and Happy go straight for Vergil, the Exceed tries to talk him out of it, fearfully noting he's not as strong as his brother. As only a few In-Universe hours have passed since Natsu tried to fight him alone, the young Exceed is clearly afraid of losing another friend.
• Ch 51 Brotherly Rivals Evermore!
  • Elfman insisting to Natsu, Gajeel, and Lily to let him go rescue Mira by himself to make up for what happened to Lisanna. Even if his younger sister is finally back, he still blames himself for not being able to protecting her back then.
  • Lady being at the nonexistent mercy of her Archnemesis Dad, who laments on her not turning out to be as evil as he is. To try and 'rectify' this (and Fairy Tails influence), he implants a lacrima into her body, which is implicitly stated to contain a power that will erode her sanity.
  • From the same scene as above, Leviatha asking if she can have her 'reunion' with Wendy, and mentally showing glee at the prospect of her friends showing up just so she can hurt them in front of her. Sad to see how bitterly Wendy's old friend regards her, and how far she's fallen.
  • Beelzebub spending his confrontation with Elfman and Mirajane asking the latter to leave, reluctant to fight anyone. His comment about "his childhood ending a long time ago", monotone voice and the Extreme Omnivore nature of the Wendigo Take Over makes it clear that however he ended up joining Devil Hand, his life prior to that was something horrific.
  • Much to Happy’s horror, Dante loses his fight with Vergil, who manages to steal Dante’s half of the Perfect Amulet. Though he knows Dante will easily heal from his injuries, it’s painful for him to see one of his closest friends bleeding out and unconscious, and unable to do much to help.
  • Just prior, Happy attempts to attack Vergil to retrieve Dante's amulet, crying as he does so, only for the Son of Sparda to hold him at swordpoint, declaring him an insect Not Worth Killing. Adding to the above moment, is Happy being forced to acknowledge that The Power of Friendship isn't always enough to overcome a gap in strength, and sometimes, the bad guys do win.
• Ch 52 Sins Born of Desire
  • Gray and Juvia both feel sympathy for Lady’s tragic past, with the latter saying that a parent should always love their child and never forsake them.
  • Gray being horrified when Mammon encases Juvia in a gold statue, rendering her unable to move after being drenched in molten metal.
  • The revelation that a ton of teenage girls and young women were all kidnapped and traumatized for life by Asmodeua, then known as 'The Black Widow', revealing all of their deepest secrets to her once fully broken. From the sounds of it, she made sure to leave them in a state from which they'll never recover, boasting about how they'll "always be [hers]". She also reveals that she intends to do the same to Angel, Lucy and Lisanna, with Angel already starting to break down from being her prisoner.
    • The fact that Angel agrees with Asmodeua's assessment that she's not worth saving, being genuinely surprised when the girls decide not to leave her to her fate. While she's done plenty of awful things in the past, it's hard not to feel bad for her in this instance.
  • While Taurus more or less brought it on himself by falling for Asmodeua's act, Lucy is still distraught to see him get his neck sliced.
  • Mammon pushes Gray’s buttons by bringing up his desire to gain more power and kill Deliora, which led to Ur’s death. Gray can only lash out in anger as Mammon says that they’re both alike, greedy and desiring more power to fulfill their own desires.
  • Lucy ends up on the receiving end of her own breaking speech as well from Asmodeua, who accuses Lucy of desiring the Zodiac keys all for herself and not caring about her spirits like they’re family. When Lucy tries to retort, Asmodeua turns her attention to Aries, asking her if Lucy ever summons her and the other spirits for just casual conversation, or if she really needs them in a fight. Aries doesn’t even answer with Lucy looking hurt at the lack of response. Grows worse since the first thing Asmodeua does after breaking free is stab the poor spirit, as Lucy looks on in horror.
  • Asmodeua managing to deal with Ares and paralyze Lucy and Lisanna, leaving the girls at the Sadist's non-existent mercy. Lisanna is almost Forced to Watch her friend get tortured, only being saved by Loke's timely intervention.
  • Angel gives all of her Celestial Magic to Lucy so the latter can help Loke and Lisanna, desperate to do something good for once after a life of villainy and crime.
• Ch 53 Advent of the Fairies
  • Due to the nature of Satan's magic, Natsu is Forced to Watch as Gajeel deliberately lets The Brute wail on him in order to wear him down. They may not be the closest members of Fairy Tail, but it's painful for Natsu to see any of his friends get hurt like this, especially when he's helpless to stop it.
  • Despite being their enemy, Modeus and Trish are shocked by how casually Belphegor is killed by Vergil.
  • The above moment is even worse for Modeus, as this is the first time he has met his old teachers eldest son, and it's when the man mercilessly executes his own comrade. Further compounding his disappointment is Vergil's complete lack of remorse for unsealing the Underworld and undoing his father's legacy, with Modeus sadly resigning himself to do battle with his beloved teacher's own flesh and blood.
  • Minor, but Trish displays a sense of inferiority over her lack of a Devil Trigger, feeling useless when Modeus uses his own to take on Belphegor by himself. The fact that shortly afterwards Vergil arrives and manages to both knock her out and steal the Sparda Sword will likely add to it.
• Ch 54 Sins Born of Sorrow: Has quite a Meaningful Name, as it reveals Leviatha and Beelzebub’s backstories, which can really turn on the waterworks.
  • Despite being happy that Lisanna was actually alive, Elfman admits he is still haunted by his Take Over nearly killing her in the past. This, plus the fact that Mirajane ended up having to save him from Beelzebub compounds his insecurity over his ability to protect his family.
  • Beelzebub/Adrian’s may be the darkest/saddest one in the story thus far. Living a normal life with his parents and sister in the mountains, Adrian’s village was attacked by the Wendigo, a mysterious creature that began devouring everything and everyone in its path. Wishing to save his family, Adrian lured the monster into the forest where it was crushed by a rockslide. However, Adrian then became the new host for the Wendigo, and ended up eating his entire village, even his family! Compelled to kill himself, Adrian was stopped by Arkham, who offered him a spot in Devil Hand, with the promise that Vergil would kill him once they achieved their goal. He ended up accepting the offer, out of desperation to finally die, and regretting everything he’s done in Devil Hand.
    Adrian: It’s so unfair! I don’t want to hurt people, but to make this go away, to make this monster inside me go away, I have to do something that’ll hurt countless other people! I’ve eaten so many people I can’t even eat anything else anymore without… Thinking about all that…! Why?! Why can’t I just die?! WHY CAN’T I JUST DIE?!
    • Mira and Elfman both tear up as they offer their own comfort, understanding his pain too well, especially Elfman, who still blames himself for nearly killing Lisanna. They both offer to bring him to Fairy Tail so Makarov can find a way to save him, but he turns them down, unable to forgive himself for his actions.
    • Adrian is finally able to kill the Wendigo by making it eat its own soul, but at the cost of his own soul as well, leading to his death. The way he dies is also similar to Lisanna, as he fades away in particles while smiling. Sadly, unlike Lisanna, Adrian dies for good.
  • As a baby, Sheeree was abandoned by her parents in the ruins of Nirvit and found by Roubaul. It was only them living in Nirvit until Mystogan brought Wendy to them and Roubaul created the illusion of Cait Shelter to show Wendy that it was a guild. Sheeree was left in confusion why he would do it for Wendy but not her. As she and Wendy grew, Sheeree slowly became jealous of Wendy as she learned about Wendy being raised by Grandeeney, having magic (Sheeree had no magic), and even hatching Carla. The breaking point finally came during the Nirvana Incident. Sheeree decided to flee from Cait Shelter, knowing that it wasn’t real but chose to go back once Nirvana was destroyed so she could see if Wendy was all right. By the time she arrived, Roubaul revealed Cait Shelter’s status as an illusion to Wendy and Fairy Tail, but apparently forgot to mention Sheeree, who was nearby. In the aftermath, all Sheeree could do was fall to her knees and cry for Wendy to not leave her alone. Feeling abandoned and vulnerable, Sheeree easily fell under Arkham’s sway, accepting his offer to join Devil Hand, have a lacrima placed in her, and exact vengeance on Wendy, giving in to her jealousy and hatred over how Wendy had a better life than her.
    Sheeree: You had a perfect life, and I didn’t! You had a mother, and I didn’t! You could do magic, but I couldn’t! Why?! Why did you get everything when I had nothing?! Why do you get to be part of a guild full of people who love you… WHEN I DON’T?! (voice cracking) Why did you leave me…? You said we’d be friends… but why did you leave me all alone…?
    • By the time Sheeree is done telling her story, Wendy can only give her a Cooldown Hug and tearfully apologize for leaving her behind, calling Sheeree her sister.
    • Sheeree’s flashbacks reveal that she wanted to come with Wendy when the latter went to help fight the Oracion Seis, only for Carla to refuse due to Sheeree’s not having any magic powers. In the present, Carla feels a great amount of shame and regret as she realizes her own attitude, which Sheeree stated earlier that she hated, likely had a role in her fall to darkness.
    • Likewise Erza and Lady both feel sympathy for her, with the former being remembered how Sho felt like she abandoned him at the Tower of Heaven, and Lady is angered over Arkham manipulating a lonely child to evil. In the end, Sheeree tearfully gives up as the full weight of everything she’s done comes crashing down on her.
• Ch 55 Pride Before Judgment
  • When Gray decides to go off and face Vergil without her, Juvia protests, recalling his prior track record with the man, expressing real fear that the elder Son of Sparda could kill her beloved.
  • Before making his way towards Vergil's location, Natsu briefly hesitates, recalling just how thoroughly Vergil thrashed him in all their previous encounters. He has to briefly psyche himself up to go forward, showing how much his previous defeats rattled his confidence.
  • Dante tries to give Iblis an offer to leave Devil Hand as he hated to see someone with talent like hers go to waste in a dark guild. Only for Iblis, blinded by her pride and enraged at the idea that she might lose, tries to kill him and Happy with her ultimate technique, Heavenly Black Hole, not caring that it ends up killing her. In the aftermath Dante feels somber that Iblis outright chose death over potentially marring her pride.
  • Sheeree's continued regret over having helped Devil Hand and hurt so many people.
• Ch 56 Let’s Welcome Chaos
  • The members of Fairy Tail outside Temen-ni-gru start to lose hope of overcoming the demon hordes, with Cana in particular cursing how weak she believes she is.
  • A small moment comes when Happy notices Vergil has the Devil Sword Sparda and calls it Trish’s sword, only for Vergil to retort that it’s Sparda’s weapon, saying that “a weakling demon bearing that face has no right to wield it”. It’s a likely indication that deep down Vergil is hurting from his mother’s death, and seeing Trish, who was made in Eva’s image by Mundus, is a painful reminder of it.
  • Angel admits to Lucy and Lisanna that for the longest time, she simply desired power for the sake of making the world suffer just like she did in the Tower of Heaven. While she's moved past that by now, it just means she feels empty and devoid of purpose, not knowing what to do without spite to drive her.
  • Lady's reaction to seeing her father's dead body, beyond enraged that she wasn't able to obtain vengeance for her mother and the many innocent lives he'd ruined and exclaiming that as his flesh and blood it was her responsibility to end him. Goes to show just how deep the scars Arkham left in her really are.
  • Sheeree is shocked when she learns the full extent of Arkham’s plans and manipulations, not just for allowing herself to be fooled, but for Adrian as well. Of all the Seven Sins, she sympathized with his situation the most, but didn’t realize just the full extent of his suffering and ends up feeling great regret over not taking the opportunity to help him more.
• Ch 57 Ascension to Hell!
  • Lady seems to feel that she shoulders some of the blame for Arkhams actions by simple virtue of being related, displaying palpable disgust at sharing blood with that monster. Despite her injuries, she still insists on joining Dante and Natsu against Arkham, stating that her soul demands she deal with him for good. Dante himself can't really find in himself to refute her request, even as he and Natsu go on without her.
• Ch 58 Dawn of Light
  • While they mostly take it on the chin, the fact that so many members of Fairy Tail, Blue Pegasus and Lamia Scale accept that they're not going to make it out of this as the demon horde continues to overwhelm them is somewhat depressing.
  • Lady gets her long awaited revenge on Arkham, being the one to put a bullet in his brain and finally finishing him off for good. However her strong front quickly crumbles afterwards, breaking down crying at having killed her only remaining flesh and blood, showing that despite everything he did, a small part of her still thought of him as her father. Thankfully Erza is there to comfort her.
• Ch 59 A Bittersweet Aftermath
  • While it's a result of his own actions, something he says himself, the fact that Vergil declined Makarov's offer to join Fairy Tail and find a better home on account of the bad blood between him and its members is rather sad, especially since it could have paved the road for a better relationship with his brother. Shows that underneath his uncaring attitude, the eldest son of Sparda is aware of how many bridges he's burned so far.
  • Despite the compliments on getting everyone out of the tower, Elfman is saddened at the indirect reminder of Adrian's fate, on top of everything else he went through. Mirajane is right there with him on that.
  • The Trimens are still bitter with Sorano over killing Karen, with Eve saying that despite Karen’s attitude, she was still part of Blue Pegasus.
  • Even though Sorano was kidnapped by Devil Hand, she’s arrested again by the Magic Council to serve out the rest of her sentence as part of the Oracion Seis.
  • In a moment reminiscent of Jellal’s arrest, Sheeree ends being arrested by Lahar and the Rune Knights despite the protests of Fairy Tail and the other guilds, with Wendy and Carla broken-hearted over it. Makarov practically has to threaten Lahar to get him to promise to give her a fair sentence rather than a life one.

Tenrou Island

• Ch 60 He Who Extinguishes Life
  • Lady tells Makarov all about her Dark and Troubled Past, as well as the fact that she killed Arkham, with the normally confident devil hunter being nervous and vulnerable, clearly fearing rejection. Even after Makarov assures her he still sees her as a child of his, she needs to be assured that It's Okay to Cry to finally let her emotions out.
  • Wendy is sad to hear that despite her Heel Realization and turning against Devil Hand, Sheeree will still be serving a year in a juvenile detention centre.
  • Lisanna finds Mirajane at the church, clearly distraught at being unable to save poor Adrian. What's worse, his passing also reminded her of how she lost Lisanna, showing that particular wound hasn't healed yet either.
  • Org's insistence on being the Token Good Teammate for the Magic Council gets him treated with scorn by his colleagues.
  • Zeref appears as in canon, in isolation, and begins to panic when he comes across a group of wolves. After his curse kills them all, he reacts with horror, and tearfully calls out for Sparda, who he misses.
• Ch 61 The S-Class Trials
  • Small, but when asked by Cana, Lucy admits that she and her father haven't spoken in a while.
  • When Lisanna asks her to be her partner for the S-Class Trials, Lucy declines, as she feels she isn't strong enough to help. Despite her accomplishments, she has a rather low opinion of her capabilities.
  • Throughout the chapter, the upbeat and laidback Cana is unusually somber, and drinks enough that the other girls find her passed out in an alleyway, despite her tolerance. Even when she is selected as an S-Class candidate, she is more nervous than excited, mentioning she failed four times prior and is planning to leave if she fails again, a fact that clearly wears greatly on her self-confidence. It's sad to see such a cheerful character so down in the dumps.
• Ch 62 Who are the Lucky Ones
  • Cana's disappointment at her and Lucy being the last to reach the island, as well as her reaction to realising they have to fight Freed and Bickslow, making it clear she doesn't expect to win. The poor girl really needed that win.
• Ch 63 Trial by Fire and Fear
  • Despite her success in the first trial, Cana continues to be quite down, even feeling saddened to hear that Dante and Lady passed. It's clear that she still greatly doubts her ability to win the Trials.
  • Natsu's panicked reaction after seeing Gildarts as Vergil, being reminded of his encounters with the elder Son of Sparda, and is clearly rattled by it. What's more, his insistence on continuing the fight has Gildarts decide to show how much he's been holding back, managing to break the Dragon Slayers will to continue the fight. Even if it was done to teach him a valuable lesson, it's still sad to such a driven and passionate young man have his confidence shattered so much that he meekly surrenders.
• Ch 64 Mest
  • Zeref meets Dante and Lady, and begins to panic once his curse starts to activate, clearly distraught at the idea of harming innocents.
• Ch 65 Enter the Black Wizard and Grimoire Heart
  • Zerefs sadness upon realising that Natsu is not strong enough to kill him, outright crying at the fact. His internal dialogue reveals truly massive amounts of self-loathing due to the damage his curse causes, despite it being involuntary.
  • It's brief, but Natsu see's Dante's unresponsive body in the aftermath of Zerefs curse going off, the devil hunter not managing to escape the blast radius. Thankfully, he recovers a few seconds later.
  • Gajeel accidentally undermining Levy's confidence, causing her to run off in tears.
  • Cana's panicked reaction upon hearing that the S-Class trial is being postponed to deal with the invasion of the island, making it clear she meant it when she said she'll leave the guild if she fails again. This whole thing is clearly eating away at her.
  • Gajeels flashback has him wandering aimlessly in the aftermath of Phantom Lords disbandment, being unsure of what he even wants out of life.
• Ch 66 Clash of Light and Darkness
  • Wendy is saddened at the realisation that 'Mest' is actually Doranbolt, a spy for the Magic Council, and has been using her this whole time.
  • Azuma destroys the airships the Magic Council sent, each of which contained around a hundred people just doing their job. Wendy and Doranbolt are horrified at the loss of so many lives, and the latter may very well have known many of the ones on those ships.
  • Makarovs shock at discovering that Hades (the leader of Grimoire Heart) is none other than Precht, the previous master of Fairy Tail and the one who gave him the position. He furiously questions how he could forsake his own lessons.
  • From the same scene, Hades reveals that Sparda was a founding member of Fairy Tail, and a close friend of all the other founders. Which makes it all the more heartbreaking now that Hades dismisses his lessons as 'lies', as well as serving his Arch-Enemy, Mundus.
  • While they were scumbags, it's hard not to feel bad for the Grimoire Heart mooks that Zancrow and Job killed, having been done in by their own superiors. While Job at least did it to stop them from spilling any information to Dante and Lady, Zancrow did so simply because they admitted Natsu was strong, which the watching Fairy Tail members are horrified by.
  • Zerefs breakdown as the fights all over the island begin, even questioning if Sparda's ideals hold any water, or if the world is doomed to a constant state of conflict.
• Ch 67 The Flame God and the Holy Devil
  • Throughout the chapter, Zeref is able to sense the conflicts going on across the island, but is unable to intervene for fear of his curse simply killing everyone. His internal dialogue makes it clear how much this state wears at him and drives his own self-loathing.
  • Zancrow taking sadistic delight in his threat to make Natsu and Makarov watch as he rapes Lisanna and Wendy, to the two's horror.
    • Which leads to Makarov trying to physically ''crush' the mad God Slayer. Even when Zancrow emits his Black Flames, the master simply resolves it's worth it if he dies, so long as he takes Zancrow with him, to the horror of the present Fairy Tail members.
    • Brief, but after Natsu is engulfed in Zancrows flames, the others think he died.
  • Job destroying Lady's rocket launcher, which she named Kalina Ann in honour of her mother. She's so shocked she can barely react to his follow-up attack, only being saved by Dante in a nick of time... as he takes the hit for her, and she then has to watch her oldest friend almost get killed saving her.
• Ch 68 The Grand Magic World
  • Everyone's reaction upon seeing Modeus getting impaled by Azuma, as well as the subsequent explosion.
  • Wendy's group is shocked to see Lady carrying an unconscious and badly injured Dante, even moreso to hear that he lost, clearly shaking their confidence.
  • When it looks like Rustyrose is about to finish them, Evergreen apologises to Elfman, saying he would have fared better with another partner, her confidence clearly having taken a blow.
  • Doranbolt is horrified to hear that the Magic Councils most likely response to the current crisis will be to use Etherion on the island, killing Fairy Tail and Grimoire Heart members alike. It's clear he's greatly shaken by his superiors actions, and the part he played in setting this in motion.
  • Caprico's attempt at getting Trish to pull a Face–Heel Turn by revealing her past as a servant of Mundus to the others. After, she turns to explain to the others, unusually vulnerable and clearly afraid of their reactions.
  • Caprico's Human Enslavement magic is revealed to use harvested souls of past warriors. Not only are they denied rest, they are forced to serve the agenda of Mundus, who wants to enslave their entire race.
• Ch 69 The Bonds of Family
  • Ultear's recruitment offer to Dante has her point out how much the current world has made him suffer, which he doesn't even deny. Reminder of how much carp he's gone through before the story even began.
  • Cana being so desperate to pass the trial and become S-Class that in spite of Grimoire Hearts invasion, she manipulates Gray to go off alone, and puts Lucy in a magic induced sleep after getting her to tell her where Mavis' grave is. The most she does to ensure her friends safety is hide her in some nearby bushes, showing just how far this obsession has pushed her.
  • Capricorn reveals that he was aware of everything Zoldeo did while possessing his body, likely having had to bear witness to many atrocities the monster inflicted to others. He even expresses remorse for harming Loke and Trish, despite being in no way responsible.
• Ch 70 Awakening
  • During their fight with Kain Hikaru, the Kin of Purgatory manages to grab Trish in his diamond form, and starts to crush her skull. A watching Lucy desperately tries to think of a way to help her, even as Trish screams at her to run.
  • Likewise, Kain Hikaru manages to snag one of Dante's hairs, and forces him to attack his own friends, to the son of Sparda's horror.
  • Everyone being Forced to Watch as Job goes to execute Dante as slowly and painfully as he can, being trapped because of Ultear, and Dante himself being unable to retaliate thanks to Kains Voodoo Magic. This hits particularly hard for Lady and Trish, who are watching their oldest friend get tortured.
• Ch 71 Hope and Love vs Despair and Hate
  • Lucy is greatly saddened when Trish reveals that it was Cana who knocked her unconcious, and willingly left her in danger.
  • Gray is shocked to see Ultear due to her resemblance to Ur, feeling conflicted and disappointed. These feelings grow even more after she confirms that Ur is her mother, meaning his adoptives mothers flesh and blood has joined a guild of monsters.
  • Meredy's backstory tugs at the heartstrings, having been found by Grimoire Heart as she wandered the ruined remains of her hometown, her parents and friends all dead.
  • In the present, she is perfectly willing to kill herself if it means she can kill Gray. Despite being her enemy, Juvia is horrified that she places so little value on her own life.
• Ch 72 Fairy Glitter and the Tenrou Tree
  • The reason for Cana's desperation to pass the S-Class Trial is revealed; Gildarts is her father, and over the years, she's convinced herself she can't tell him this until she becomes an S-Class wizard.
    • Her flashback reveals she first went to the guildhall in the aftermath of her mothers death, having been told her fathers name and where he works. To her disappointment, he fails to recognise her, and while she hangs around for a chance to tell him the truth, she keeps losing her nerve.
    • Eventually, she convinces herself she has to be worthy of being his daughter, and the first time she is declared a candidate for the S-Class Trials, she promises herself she'll tell him after she passes... and then fails. As the years go on, she is selected several more times, but keeps falling short to other members, even those that joined after her. It's clear this has worn down her hope of actually passing, made all the worse that she's mentally tied her success with the chances of her sole blood relative actually caring for her. Poor girl needs a hug.
  • In the present, after being alerted to Lucy being in danger, Cana has a breakdown at the realisation that she abandoned someone who supported her through this whole ordeal, and left her Family of Choice to fight without her. She clearly feels horrible, and states she is willing to accept any punishment for her actions, even expulsion from the guild.
  • Cana's shock at Bluenote easily shrugging off her attack, being depressed that her assistance amounted to nothing.
  • Azuma knocking over the Tenrou Tree and draining the magic of the land leaves Fairy Tail (outside of Dante and Erza) drained in terms of magic and stamina, and at the mercy of their opponents.
• Ch 73 Titania and the Crimson Knight
  • Seeing the state of the Fairy Tail members of Fairy Tail after the Tenrou Tree has fallen is painful. The loss of magic and stamina is so severe that they struggle to move, and a recently injured Cana outright falls unconscious, to Lucy's worry. They're all concerned about the rest of their friends, but powerless to actually do anything to help.
• Ch 74 Frozen Kindred Spirits
  • As a tradeoff for overusing his magic, Azuma is turned into a tree, functionally killing him. Despite being an enemy, Dante and Erza are saddened at the death of Grimoire Hearts most honorable member, noting he would have fit in at Fairy Tail.
  • Meredy is shocked when Ultear begins gloating about having manipulated Gray into performing a Heroic Sacrifice against Hades, as well as openly referring to the members of Fairy Tail and Grimoire Heart as 'pawns' with which to dispose of each other. Her shock grows when Ultear suggests killing Juvia just to further spite and 'motivate' Gray, the young girl growing unnerved by the attitude of her mother figure.
  • While he doesn't let it affect his performance too much, throughout their fight Gray is appalled that his old mentors daughter became such an evil individual.
  • Ultears flashback reveals just why she hates her mother, Ur. As a child, she was brought to the Bureau of Magical Development, where the researchers informed her she was meant to stay to increase her magical power. This took the form of incredibly painful treatments that left the young girl screaming in agony and crying out for her mother. One day, she caught a lucky break and managed to escape, and desperately made her way back to her mother, only stopping to rest when her body gave out on her. What does she find? Her mother training two boys, sincerely smiling as she does so, apparently having forgotten all about her in favour of her new children. This absolutely shatters the young girl, growing to loathe her own mother and willingly sibjecting herself to the tortuous treatment in hope of becoming powerful enough to get revenge. She even discards her birth name of Urtear, wanting no part of her mothers legacy. Villain or not, it's hard not to feel bad for her.
    • The real kicker? Gray and Ultear get a glimpse of Ur's memories, which reveal she took her to the Bureau in order to treat the health problems that arose as a result of a young Urtear's excessive amount of magical power. The only reason she was left in their 'care' was because Brain (their current leader and future leader of the Oracion Seis) lied to Ur that her daughter died, and refused to let the grieving mother so much as see the body. According to Gray, the woman actually cried herself to sleep over her failure to look after her daughter. SO much pain and misery, all as a result of one power hungry madman's lie.
• Ch 75 Into the Devil's Heart
  • Job callously reveals to Meredy that the destruction of her home town from which Ultear found her was actually caused by him, Job, and Ultear herself. The previous display of ruthlessness from her honorary mother and the revelation that she is responsible for the most traumatic event of her life shocks the young girl to her core, beginning to question how much Ultear really cares for her.
  • From the same scene, Zeref's murder of Zancrow is immediately followed by the man expressing immense disappointment that he has taken a life. He then laments that he will be forced to break his promise to Sparda to remain neutral in the world, clearly regretful that he must let him down.
  • We see Prechts fall to Hades, and it is not pretty. Unlike canon, where he came to genuinely believe darkness was the true nature of magic, here it came about when he confronted a projection of Mundus on Mallet Island, determined to vanquish the avatar of the demon emperor in the name of his dear friend Sparda... only to be easily, and mercilessly beaten. To rub salt in the wound, Mundus claims that he is the One Magic that Precht has been searching for, and uses the mans momentary doubt in Sparda's teachings to inflict a brutal Mind Rape, transforming the noble Precht of Fairy Tail into the evil, vicious Master Hades that would go on to plague the world for several decades.
• Ch 76 Out of the Abyss-Into the Daylight
  • Doranbolts palpable sense of regret and guilt as the Magic Council forces flee Tenrou Island. He bemoans that on top of how he manipulated them beforehand, now he is essentially leaving them to die.
  • Elfman being too weak to help as an unhinged Job hefts a scared Lisanna, clearly looking to pay her back for their previous fights in the most painful way possible.
  • Hades unleashing his Devil's Eye causes such a buildup of power that everyone present virtually gives up on the idea of winning against him, with even Dante veing driven to tears of despair.
  • Meredy discretely and warily approaches Ultear, being visibly untrusting of her once beloved Parental Substitute, even as the woman is restoring the Tenrou Tree.
  • Makarov has one last talk with his former master, and despite mostly keeping his composure, is still reeling over the fact that his once beloved mentor has become such a fervent servant of Mundus. Before some parting words of wisdom, he gives the ultimatum that should they ever encounter one another again, he will make sure to end Hades, having resigned himself to his old mentors fall from grace.
• Ch 77 Acnologia
  • Ultear sadly confirms to Meredy that Zancrow was telling the truth, and she did indeed lead the attack that destroyed the young girls hometown. Throughout the conversation, both her words and tone convey the tremendous regret and self-loathing she has developed from her lifetime of crimes finally hitting her, to the point that she tries to kill herself as a means of atonement. Even as she falls deeper into the ocean, she sadly wishes she could apologise to her mother, and acknowledges that she does not deserve a happy ending.
  • Zeref's confrontation with Hades has him drop a bombshell, namely that he was never 'sealed', and in fact isolated himself willingly to avoid hurting others, on top of the fact that he is not a herald of Mundus, rather he is his sworn enemy. As he points out, this means that each and every atrocity Grimoire Heart committed to 'awaken' him and bring about Mundus' will was completely pointless, rendering the pain and misery they caused even more tragic to their many victims. And while him offing Hades is an awesome moment, it also signifies him casting off his morals and empathy, and deciding then and there to walk a dark road, explicitly breaking the promise he made to his friend Sparda.
    • After the above, Mundus communicates through Hades body, revealing that from the very beginning, the mission he gave the man was little more than a means to provoke Zeref to take an active role in the world again, to the shock of the remaining elites of Grimoire Heart. What's more, he makes sure to taunt Zeref about how good it must have felt to give in to his darker nature and murder someone, essentially taunting his oldest victim about having corrupted him. To rub further salt in the wound, he mocks him for thinking he can be a hero when the whole world hates him, and giving an Evil Laugh after the below parting shot.
      Mundus: You are every bit the 'villain' I am. Even if you delude yourself into thinking otherwise, it won't matter. Your fate is all but sealed; sometimes the hero dies at the end. Just ask Sparda... no, better yet... ask your brother.
  • Everyone's disappointment in Cana after hearing about her actions. Especially Cana herself, who bitterly regrets abandoning Lucy and outright states she's willing to accept being kicked out of the guild. Thankfully it doesn't come to that.
  • While Gildart's is happy to learn that Cana is his daughter, he is also saddened at the realisation that he missed out on being a part of her life for so long. Furthermore, he refers to his time married to her mother Cornelia as the happiest of his life, but it's made bittersweet by the fact that she left him eighteen years previously for working all the time, and he obviously didn't get a chance to say goodbye before she passed away. Made worse by the fact that she apparently never told him she was pregnant at the time, painting a sad picture of how their relationship turned out.
  • Makarov ordering the others to escape while he fends off Acnologia, calling it his 'final request', and making it clear he doesn't expect to survive this. Everyone can barely hold back tears as they reluctantly flee, distraught at the idea of the man they see as a father dying. Dante in particular gets flashbacks to the last time he saw his mother alive, and can't bring himself to leave another parent to die.
  • The shock and grief the watching members of the Magic Council forces, Ultear, Meredy and Zeref feel as Acnologia annihilates Tenrou Island, and with it some of Fairy Tail's best and brightest.
• Ch 78 Epilogue - Fairy Tail's Stylish Return
  • The simple fact that seven years have passed with the Tenrou Island Fairy Tail members being MIA. While their friends and allies searched relentlessly for quite a while, they sadly never found anything, and are stuck in a depressing limbo of not quite believing they died so easily, but being scared to hope they might find them again after so long.
  • How far Fairy Tail has fallen from grace in the absence of so many of their prominent members. What was once one of the top guilds in the kingdom has been reduced to the butt of a joke, unable to take as many jobs, losing their own guildhall, and in the present are more or less at the mercy of Twilight Ogre, unable to retaliate even as the brutes vandalize their guildhall and harass their members.
  • Both of the above has taken it's toll on everyone's morale, so much so that many of them actually start crying just from seeing pictures of their missing members. Even the typically composed Morrison shares in their grief, saddened by the apparent demise of some of his oldest friends. Of everyone, Romeo's reaction is the most worrying, apparently not having so much as smiled in the past seven years, and acting cold and apathetic, at the age of ''twelve''.
  • Small, but during his talk with Dante Sparda exhibits a rather severe Guilt Complex, admitting he wouldn't blame his own son for hating him.

Devil's Retribution

Seven Year Gap

• Ch. 1 The Empty Seven Years
  • After deciding to reconnect with her father (as well as introduce Dante) Lucy learns that he passed away a month ago. What's worse is that they were never able to fully reconcile before his passing, something she clearly regrets. Throughout the chapter she is unable to cry, with the lack of closure rendering her unable to fully process her grief. Dante sums it up best.
    Dante: She was just starting to patch things up with her old man, only to find out he's been dead for a while. How do you think she's doing?
  • In his letter to Dante Jude mentions he and Layla were devastated after hearing of Sparda and Eva's demise, even more so since they weren't sure if Dante and Vergil had survived or not. He then admits the reason he never searched for them was out of fear of Mundus targeting his family as well (something present Dante agrees with) though he deeply regretted it later in life. Sad to hear that Dante and Vergil were unknowingly denied a second chance at a happy childhood, all because of Mundus' vendetta.
  • Dante's reaction to hearing about Vergil throughout the chapter. He is unsure about how to react after hearing his brother joined a legal guild, and while willing to try to reach out to him at Lucy's suggestion, clearly doubts that Vergil will reciprocate the feeling or if he has truly changed. It's sad to see how little hope Dante has for forming a genuinely positive relationship with his brother, especially since the flashback showed how close they used to be as children.
• Ch. 2 A Girl Named Patty
  • Patty's tearful reveal that her mom left her at a young age because there were demons chasing her, and to this day she doesn't know if she's still alive or if she'll ever see her again. The reason she ran into an the trap set was because she was just that desperate at the slightest chance to see her again, something the demons trying to kill her cruelly took advantage of.
  • Relating to the above, Lucy empathizes with the poor girl, revealing that both her own parents and Dante's have passed away. What's more, the narration reminds us that many of Fairy Tails members have lost their parent in one way or another. Even the normally upbeat members are sadly no strangers to loss.
  • While he was an Asshole Victim, the Lowell brothers are shocked to discover that their older brother was killed days ago. While they were scumbags willing to hire mercenaries to threaten a child to secure their inheritance they clearly cared for one another and are saddened at his passing.
• Ch. 3 Not Love
  • The mayor forbidding his daughter from seeing Brad despite the two clearly being in love. His behavior strays very close to Abusive Parents territory even slapping her when she disobeys him.
  • Part of the reason Brad fell in love with Angelina is because she was kind to him, something he never experienced before, having only known cruelty from the Underworld. Hell, the fact he seems to just accept the idea that Fairy Tail will kill him, being genuinely surprised when they don't.
• Ch. 4 Be Careful What You Wish For
  • Throughout the chapter, Kerry is clearly in a poor place. He is constantly wracked with guilt over 'killing' his best friend (really the mask demon just did it under the guise of being a Jackass Genie) and believes that he deserves to be in prison. Even after being rescued and having Fairy Tail prove his innocence he still thinks he should be punished for his 'crime'. Adding salt to the wound, his sister passed away while he was in prison, which he attributes to stress from the whole ordeal, furthering his guilt.
  • While talking with Gajeel and Juvia, Totomaru reveals the fate of all the former Phantom Lord members. Most moved on, but Jose underwent Sanity Slippage, blaming all of their problems on Fairy Tail, which worsened when he heard Gajeel and Juvia joined. At some point over the timeskip he, Sol and Aria vanished. It's sad to hear how far the once mighty guild members fell, especially since so many of their comrades were able to move past their defeat and still find happiness.
• Ch. 5 Poker King and Rock Queen
  • Elena and Tim's backstory. After years of practice and hard work to get noticed they actually managed to make it big! Then a demon began to possess Elena, driving her friends away and corrupting her music to make fans go insane before taking her body over completely and turning her into the monster encountered in the present. Elena herself has her mind devolved into little more than a rabid beast that goes to attack anyone listening to her old music, not even recognizing her old friend Tim.
  • While it was all an act, Erza 'killing' Dante hits especially hard because of Patty's reaction. The poor girl has to watch the man who protected her be cut down by one of his closest allies and is close to being hysterical.
  • While they killed King, Fairy Tail was sadly unable to prevent him from killing any of the other players, including Paul, the man they were specifically asked to save. Making things worse, King revealed he killed Sara (Paul's wife and the one who hired them) right after she left the guildhall.
    • Wendy in particular is distraught at their failure to save anyone. Modeus sadly tells her that no matter how skilled you are, there will always be times where you will fail to save people, and all they can do is move forward and try to do better.

Order of the Sword

• Ch. 6 Father's Memento
  • Michelle reveals that she was Jude's assistance and was nearby when he died, sadly unable to see his daughter and make amends. She then spent the next few months searching for Lucy to deliver his memento to her, in a story that moves everyone listening to tears.
  • Dante continues to avoid talking about Vergil, merely telling Michelle that they're not on speaking terms when she asks about him. Even after hearing about his brothers (sort-of) Heel–Face Turn he's still clearly conflicted as to where he and his twin stand.
  • When asked about what happened between losing his family and setting up his shop, Dante reveals that he was found and raised by Nell Goldstein, an acquaintance of his father. Tragically, she was later killed by a demon named Gilver, whom he hunted in revenge. The poor guy lost not one, but two mothers before the story even began.
  • A background check reveals that the Lobster family used to be quite wealthy, but fell on hard times shortly after the Tenrou Island incident. Even more tragic is that Michelle is their sole remaining member, giving her another thing in common to her two relatives.
• Ch. 7 Turbulent Showdown! Dante vs. Laxus!: Despite helping out on Tenrou Island, Laxus is still banished from the guild, something the Thunder Legion are clearly torn up about.
• Ch. 8 The Order of the Sword
  • Played for Laughs, but Coco's complete dismissal of Panther-Lily clearly hurts the poor cat, as he was quite close with her Edolas counterpart.
  • Mary Hughes using her People Puppet powers on Trish throughout the chapter, forcing the She-Devil to attack her friends even impale Capricorn, who was one of the few people to encourage her kinder nature. What's worse is this triggers her memories of being little more than a puppet under Mundus.
  • Nero taking the clock piece from Lucy, with the latter desperately trying to stop him before begging him to not to take it, as its the last memento she received from her late father. Even Nero feels bad, but sadly carries out his orders, albeit with an apology.
• Ch. 9 The Key of the Starry Heavens
  • The Archbishop of Zentopia has been having recurring dreams of an apocalypse for some time now, and admits he's afraid to fall asleep, causing his health to decline, to his subordinate's concern. What makes it sadder is his matter-of-fact preparations for the possibility of his death, to their distress.
  • In the period following Dante and Vergil's parents being killed, Lucy recalls she was sad she never got to see her two friends again, having had very few in her early life. What's worse is that her mother passed away shortly afterwards, and her father became cold and distant, leaving her with no one to turn to. It's a sad reminder that while her life wasn't much of a fight for survival as her cousins, it was by no means without hardship.
  • After discovering a photo album his mother and aunt made showing how close they were growing up (including a picture of Eva's wedding and another of Layla and Jude holding Dante and Vergil as babies) Dante goes off to be alone and process. In his subsequent talk with Michelle he reveals he didn't know his father was a demon until after he lost his home, needing Nell to tell him. Adding salt to the wound, his first reunion Vergil came after Nell died, and his (seemingly) sole remaining family member ran him through with Yamato, kicking off the feud between the brothers that would last to this day. Dante even admits it felt like the universe itself didn't want to have a family, making it clear just how much the tragedy his life really affected him.
• Ch. 10 Journey for the Clock: While discussing the Angelo's status as demonically powered Animated Armor's with Kyrie, Nero brings up that the Orders top brass must know, which includes her brother Credo. Kyrie is clearly torn up by the prospect, not wanting it to be true, a sentiment Nero shares. The two have to deal with the fact that their older brother figure may be complicit in something nefarious, and clearly hope they are wrong.
• Ch. 11 Fairies, Demons, and Angels: Coco being attacked by the Alto Angelo, who she though of as an ally.
• Ch. 12 Calculations and Faith
  • While investigating around Fortuna, Kyrie discovers that Credo is in fact complicit with the Orders darker machinations. Poor girl is in tears over the idea that her brother is involved in such a terrible conspiracy.
  • Mary Hughes using Mira's own exorcised Satan Soul to run roughshod over the rest of her friends, including her brother Elfman. Freed's case was especially sad, as Mary aims at the others unconscious bodies, forcing him to shield them with his body. Mira awakes just as he collapses from his injuries, glad to see she is alright, and forced to see the damage the enemy has inflicted on her friends with the power Mira vowed to use to protect them.
  • Nero has no idea about his origins, having been left at the Orders doorstep with no clue as to who his parents were. Everyone listening is sympathetic.
• Ch. 13 The Holy War Begins
  • The Archbishop of Zentopia appears to have deteriorated further, to his followers distress. Even worse, they hand him over to Sanctus to be taken care of, unaware of the mans true nature.
  • Years ago, Makarov found Kinana when she was cursed to become a snake. Removing it gave her a human body again, but also gave her amnesia, leaving her unsure of her place in the world, though she thankfully found a place in Fairy Tail. Even in the present she can't seem to catch a break, suddenly acting possessed and moving about ina daze.
  • While he admires his friends power and skill, Natsu's internal dialogue expresses some jealousy over Dante's status as his superior in both respects, especially his mastery over his Devil Trigger, compared to how he cannot access either his Dragon Force or Lightning-Flame Dragon-Slayer mode at will. The fact that he can never seem to match his friend seems to wear on the guys self-esteem, made all the sadder by how typically upbeat he is.
  • Minor, but when Erza notices his Devil Bringer, Nero quickly hides it, apparently still ashamed of it's appearance.
• Ch. 14 The Neo Oracion Seis
  • Dante is shocked to see Gilver alive after he made sure to kill him before. The latter spends the majority of their fight taunting him over his seeming inability to avenge Nell, and gleefully rubs the fact that he killed her in Dante's face. The normally flippant demon hunter is enraged throughout the entire encounter, with Gilvers appearance clearly having opened some old wounds.
  • While Fairy Tail is being subjected to a brutal Curb-Stomp Battle at the hands of the Neo Oracion Seis, an increasingly terrified Patty is Forced to Watch the whole thing. She shakingly asks Carla if they can win this one, reminding us that for all her spunk, she is still a 12-year-old girl.
  • During the battle, Gloria manages to take the Devil Sword Sparda from Trish, to the she-devils shock. When talking with Michelle later, she expresses disappointment in herself for letting a dangerous adversary get ahold of it again, feeling she let down Dante, who entrusted it to her. The normally self-assured woman's confidence has clearly taken a beating.
  • From the same scene, Michelle lambasts herself for being unable to help out in the fight at all, bemoaning her lack of any magic powers or combat ability. She is also torn up about bringing the clock piece to Fairy Tail to begin with, and starting the whole horrible chain of events. The poor girl clearly needed a pep talk, which, thankfully, Lucy gives her.
  • Kyrie spies on Agnus and Sanctus to see Credo arrive, as well as the Neo Oracion Seis. The girl is clearly distraught at her brother being complicit in all this and when relaying it to Nero later, bursts into tears. Understandable given her beloved leader and older brother are a part of a terrible conspiracy.
  • Byro's growing doubts at Sanctus' intentions, especially since he is not allowed to so much as speak to his master (the Archbishop of Zentopia). The man may be a Knight Templar, but his worry for his master is both sympathetic and tragic given the current circumstances.
  • The Infinity Clock was apparently made by a group of Celestial wizards from the original Order of the Sword, not out of desire for power, but to provide a way to defeat the evils of the world once and for all. They were all fighting a seemingly endless battle for so long they just wanted an end, and for that purpose used a combination of their magic and demonic energy, despite the unstable combination. Needless to say, it backfired big-time, and they were all horrified at what they created, doing whatever they could to make sure it could never be used again. Even sadder, this led to the disbandment of the original Order, as well as seemingly wiping their presence from history, all to undo one mistake that was made with the best of intentions.
    • Despite not having a hand in it's creation, Sparda clearly feels responsible for the whole thing, calling his failure to destroy the Infinity Clock one of his greatest regrets.
    • After learning the above, Fairy Tail are aghast at having done the opposite of what Sparda intended and unleashing the horror of the Infinity Clock on the world once more. Lucy in particular is hit hard, having insisted she investigate despite everyone warning her against it.
• Ch. 15 Divide and Conquer
  • Kyrie confirms that Sanctus and Credo are plotting something sinister with the Neo Oracion Seis, which the other members of the Order present are saddened to hear. Mary in particular refuses to believe it, showing complete faith in Sanctus while alluding to a Dark and Troubled Past in the process, and decides to leave the meeting, unwilling to 'turn against' the man who took her in and gave her a home.
  • The poor soldiers protecting the churches that the Neo Oracion Seis attack, getting mowed down while trying to do their duty.
  • Part of Cobra's hatred for the world comes from losing his close companion, Cubellios. Not being able to find her, the only way he can see himself finding peace is by destroying the rest of the world. It truly is a sad state of mind to see, even in a scumbag like him.
  • Gildarts, Laki, and Morrison are investigating a barren and run-down series of fields and houses that is revealed to be the Lobster estate. Apparently he family land was hit by a plague years ago and they never quite recovered from the loss, to the point where their sole remaining member (Michelle) essentially grew up in poverty.
• Ch. 16 A New Devil Awakens
  • Doranbolt is shown to have become The Alcoholic over the timeskip, harboring immense guilt over leaving Fairy Tail to their (apparent) demise. He feels especially remorseful about deceiving Wendy and leaving the poor child to die, leaving the employ of the Magic Council and while he accepts Lahars request, still refuses to return working with his old friend. The fact that he chooses to go by the name Mest Gryder (likely as a constant reminder of his actions) paints a sad picture of his current mental state.
  • Gilver continues to taunt Dante over Nell's death, something that clearly enrages the normally unflappable son of Sparda. He then proceeds to show glee in threatening his new friends as well, clearly striking a nerve.
  • Brief, but a young girl named Katja is informed that the church she is staying in will likely be the next to be attacked, and is oddly accepting of the fact that she will likely die soon, to her guardians distress.
  • Despite being reassured by Dante and the others, Trish is still ashamed of having lost the Sparda sword again, feeling she let down Dante and questions her own capabilities. Seeing the normally confident she-devil this morose is hard to watch.
  • Mary Hughes' Dark and Troubled Past is heartbreaking. At a young age she was functionally made a slave by a dark guild and forced to help them steal, in addition to all the physical and emotional abuse they subjected her to. Along with the fact that the Order of the Sword rescued her from this, it's not hard to see where her disbelief at them being up to something sinister comes from.
  • Agnus reveals that the Order of the Sword have Spardas corpse in their possession, and apparently performed experiments on it for years. The idea that not only was such a noble being denied a proper burial after a life filled with doing good, but had his corpse desecrated to fulfill the ambitions of a group of power hungry villains is depressing.
  • The Reveal of how Nero's origin in this story: the Order artificially impregnated one of their members using reproductive organs ripped from Spardas corpse! Poor Nero has the start of a Heroic BSoD before Agnus attempts to kill him. After driving the Mad Scientist off he appears on the verge of a tearful breakdown, calling himself 'just another tin soldier'. Fortunately Kyrie and Coco are there to help him through it.
• Ch. 17 The Black Wings of the Caduto
  • Mests reunion with the Fairy Tail Exceeds is understandably sour, the latter three (especially Carla) still upset at his actions during the Tenrou Island incident. For his part Mest is merely resigned to having them scorn him.
  • Despite being a child, Katja is unsettlingly calm at the prospect of dying, merely stating it is part of her duty. Her background as a descendent as one of the mages used to seal the Infinity Clock meant that her very existence had to be kept a secret, depriving her of any opportunity to leave the church, make friends or have a normal childhood. Everyone is understandably horrified to hear this.
    • The implication that it is the same for the other descendants as well. While done to ensure The End of the World as We Know It doesn't come about, one can't help but pity all the poor people who were deprived of the chance to truly live just by virtue of being born to certain families. Even others learning of them paints a target on their backs, ensuring that they will never know peace.
  • Despite their best efforts, the group is unable to prevent Racer from killing Katja. Despite dying with a smile and encouraging them not to cry, no-one present can stop themselves after seeing such an innocent girl perish. To further drive it home the group imagine her as a member of Fairy Tail, which they offered before, and will never come to pass, with Carla somberly saying that sometimes, you can't save everyone.
    • Her death hits particularly hard for Samuel and Mest, who tearfully remark that despite joining organizations dedicated to helping people, they both just seem to end up hurting them instead.
  • After Kyrie tells her what the Order has been doing (and Credo confirming it) Mary is clearly horrified at unknowingly helping them essentially bring about the apocalypse and is in shock for the rest of the chapter. It hits especially hard you remember the Order rescued her from a dark guild using her for their own purposes and she numbly wonders if she's being used again, driving home how deep this betrayal cuts.
  • When Kyrie starts to get through to Credo Midnight shows up to knock everyone around before taking Kyrie. He then flies off with her as a hostage, rebuffing everyone's attempts to stop him and critically injuring Mary in the process. In the aftermath Credo is in shock and Nero furiously puches the ground before breaking into tears at having failed to protect his girlfriend.
  • The end of the chapter reveals the real Michelle Lobster has been kept in a coma this whole time. An innocent girl was dragged into this whole mess to fulfill the ambitions of a group of omnicidal Straw Nihilist's and a megalomaniac.
• Ch. 18 Despair of the Savior
  • Cobra brings up Modeus killing his brother Baul in an attempt to rattle his opponent. While it's downplayed since Modeus clearly states he's come to terms and accepted what happened, his musings confirm that he does wish he could have resolved things with his brother without bloodshed, even imagining him as a member of Fairy Tail.
  • Gloria finds a Celestial Spirit mage linked to the Infinity Clock that kept himself in stasis to add an extra layer of security to his life-link, essentially sacrificing his life to ensure the safety of the world. Gloria then kills him without batting an eye, rendering his sacrifice pointless, to the horror of the the Fairy Tail and Order members present.
  • While it was perfectly justified, Wendy is on the verge of a breakdown at having killed Erigor, a somber reminder that badass or no, she's still a child being put into life-or-death struggles. Trish and Bickslow have to comfort and reassure her, sadly noting that sometimes non-lethal force simply isn't an option, but using it doesn't make you evil.
  • Byro continues to feel conflicted about his orders, to the point where it hampers his performance when fighting Gilver. While Dante of the rest of Fairy Tail were right on the mark about his blind obedience, it's still sad to see such a resolute man so unsure of himself. Making things worse is these same orders prevent him from stopping Gilver in time to save the royal soldiers, something he is clearly guilty about.
  • The royal soldiers sent to protect the Celestial Spirit mages at each of the churches tragically make little difference. In addition to their presence reminding several members of the Neo Oracion Seis about their mission, most perish in the Dark Guilds attack alongside the mages they were sent to protect, with the Fairy Tail mages being too late to save them each time.
  • Klodoa reveals the Neo Oracion Seis has a seventh member, Imitatia, 'Michelles' real name, who proceeds to run Dante through with her sword to everyone's shock. Making things worse, this came right after she helped hold him up when he collapsed from exhaustion and gave him encouragement and even reminds him of when he met Trish. She then brutally batters him into unconsciousness with a barrage of attacks before dealing with Lucy and Natsu, the former too shocked at the betrayal to fight back properly. The chapter ends with the three captured and being brought to Sanctus and Midnight.
• Ch. 19 Chaos Unleashed
  • A bedridden Mary bitterly acknowledges that she and the Order were the villains of the whole story, acknowledging that Trish and Mira were right on the mark saying Sparda would be disgusted by her. While she was never the nicest individual, it's depressing seeing just how broken Sanctus' betrayal has left her.
    • From the same scene, Credo doesn't even to defend his actions, clearly showing regret at having helped unleash the Savior on the world.
  • Coco and Nero reveal that the Order have been using Sparda's corpse for their goals to Dante and Natsu respectively. The fact that a group of psychopaths desecrated his fathers hits Dante particularly hard, and the normally flippant devil hunter spends the rest of the chapter in a barely controlled rage.
  • Not only does Lucy learn what the Order did with Sparda's corpse, but Sanctus drops another bomb on her: the Order sent Imitatia to be by her fathers side, and used her as a conduit to induce a brain tumor in his brain, killing him, all to obtain the clock piece he held. If not for the ambitions of the madman, Lucy might have actually been able to reunite with her father well before he died.
    • Adding salt to the wound, the entire 'last memento' spiel was a lie from Imitatia (on Sanctus' behalf) to get Fairy Tail to start looking for the rest of the Infinity Clock. The bastard even used her fathers memory to undo all the work done by the original Order of the Sword sealing it away, perverting the legacies of Lucy's father and uncle.
  • Upon seeing Nero use Masayoshi and mistaking it for Yamato, a frantic Natsu demands to know where he got it from. His visible relief when Nero says it is an artificial copy made by the Order makes it clear that Vergil has left a mark on the normally upbeat Dragon-Slayer.
  • At the end of the chapter, Coco tearfully apologizes to Dante for what the Order has done to his father, as well as how she and her friends instigated the whole conflict. The poor girl is in tears for many things that aren't her fault. Thankfully, Dante assures her she is not to blame.
• Ch 20 Storming the Hellgates
  • Throughout the chapter, Dante is in no mood for jokes, and threatens to end Guttman if he doesn't get out of their way. The recent revelations have clearly hit him hard.
  • The Archbishop of Zentopia is revealed to have been reduced to little more than a puppet for Sanctus, appearing in a broadcast to falsely reassure the people of Fortuna that all is well. When Gildarts, Laki and Morrison find him, he can only repeat the words of his speech over and over again, clearly unaware of anything going on around him. Sad to see such a noble soul reduced to such a state.
  • While it shows how much they trust one another, Lady and Erza's mutual pact to kill on another if their respective demonic powers corrupt them can come across as this.
  • We get a glimpse of Racers time at the Tower of Heaven and it casts his fixation on speed in a whole new light. Every day he would run to escape the beating the slavers would give him, growing more and more desperate each time he failed, and in the present, after reaching the point he can barely stand, still tries to hobble away from Mirajane and the Thunder Legion, seeing his old tormentors in their place. This even elicits Sympathy for the Devil In-Universe.
  • The rest of Fairy Tail and the Order members discover Sanctus has been using Sparda's corpse for his own ends, and are all horrified, saddened and angered. The Order members especially, since they essentially worship him.
    • A nearby Byro overhears this, as well as how Sanctus used the Archbishop, becoming distraught at realising what he was complicit in, as well as the source of his new power, before proceding to fly towards Sanctus in a blind rage.
  • Credo cements his Heel–Face Turn, confronting Sanctus and attempts to rescue Nero, Kyrie and Coco... and then gets impaled, as Sanctus sneers at his care for his family. Cue horrified reactions, especially from the Order of the Sword, who call out his name in anguish and they all furiously attack Sanctus with tears in their eyes, devastated at their beloved leaders apparent demise.
• Ch 21 The Battle of Fortuna
  • The chapter opens with Nero trying and failing to reach out to Kyrie and Lucy in a blank void. On top of this, he is Forced to Watch as Sanctus kills Credo, right before they could make amends, and feeling he failed his mentor.
  • Despite Wendy's best attempts, she is unable to heal Credo, with even the normally stoic and logical Samuel desperately asking her to try again, stuttering as he does so. Credo manages to impart information to give everyone a fighting chance, and asks them to save Nero and Kyrie before fading into light and everyone is clearly saddened by his passing, especially the Order members. What's worse, they don't even have time to mourn him, with the current crisis ongoing.
  • Mary Hughes clearly feels great guilt for her previous actions, insisting to Wendy that she doesn't deserve to be healed after everything she's done.
    • From the same scene, Guttman Kubrick is horrified to discover that Sanctus used him to harm innocents, having genuinely wanted to follow Sparda's example and help people. Sanctus really does twist the best intentions of others for his own purposes.
  • The main Hellgate is opened, unleashing hordes of demons upon the citizens of Fortuna, killing several along with the Rune Knights protecting them. The members of the Order bitterly note the irony of their actions putting their own home in such danger.
  • The members of Fairy Tail get a front row seat as the Savior beats the crap out of Makarov, and leaving him at Sanctus' (non-existent) mercy. When it looks like he's about to be finished off, they all desperately yell at him to avoid the final attack, clearly close to tears.
• Ch 22 Between Heaven and Hell
  • Amidst the demons attack on Fortuna, Lisanna finds a young child surrounded by demons and separated from her parents, clearly in hysterics.
  • Despite still being in poor shape from his fight with the Savior and being in no condition to do so, Makarov still insists on helping, even as each attempt at using magic clearly causes him pain. The others have to convince him to let them handle the situation.
  • Despite their best efforts to talk him down, Erza and Modeus are unable to peacefully resolve things with Cobra, who instead grows enraged and confused as to why they ''aren't to kill. Despite having the best semblance of morals amongst his comrades, he has no interest in turning away from his current path.
  • The Archbishop of Zentopia has his faculties restored, and while he rallies the people, somberly says that he bares responsibility for the way things turned out. The man feels guilty for allowing this to happen, despite being an Unwitting Pawn at worst, and woke to find out what his new 'partner' was up to in the worst way possible.
    • Likewise, a listening Byro says he too has plenty to answer for, showing remorse over his prior actions.
• Ch 23 The True Saviors
  • The Thunder Legion, Mirajane, and Laxus prove unable to defeat the Savior, with the latter simply simply accepting they're going to die after wiping himself out with his strongest attack.
  • Erza succumbing to the corruptive effects of her new Devil Arm, with Modeus desperately trying to snap her out of it before she kills Cobra.
  • Imitatia's horrified reaction upon discovering that Sanctus used her to kill Lucy's father (who she genuinely got along with) on top of the latter callously revealing that Midnight had killed Dante. Making things worse, the chapter confirms that she does genuinely care for her 'family', having only agreed to the villains plan since they promised to make a world where they could all be happy... which Sanctus reveals was a ruse all along to further twist the knife, driving the poor girl into an emotional breakdown. She then rushes towards the Savior's core in a desperate attempt to free Lucy and Kyrie, frantically apologising all the while.
    • Then Sanctus absorbs all the magic from her, leaving her as a lifeless doll (functionally killing her), and even mocks her care for her family. Despite working against Fairy Tail and facilitating the plans of a madman, even Nero and Natsu are saddened on her behalf.
  • With the last of her power, Imitatia manages to establish telepathic contact with Dante, Lucy, and Kyrie, appearing before them as Michelle, and revealing her true origins. Turns out, she was a doll that Lucy cherished as a child, but was left alone shortly after her mothers death because seeing her reminded Lucy of that dark time, and was eventually forgotten about. Much later, she was found and given life by Sanctus and Agnus for their own twisted ambitions, turning her desire to help her family into a willingness to hurt others.
    • We get a flashback to Jude's death, and it hits hard for everyone there. While his passing is peaceful, he shows regret at never being able to properly make amends with his daughter, or help out either of his nephews, sad at leaving them to fend for themselves.
    • In her last moments Michelle tearfully says goodbye to her family, saying she was glad to be a part of Fairy Tail, making it clear that she really did feel guilty about spying on them the whole time.
  • In the midst of his "The Reason You Suck" Speech to Midnight, Dante has some Sympathy for the Devil, noting that the man has always been a slave in some form or another throughout his life. Even after leaving the Tower of Heaven, he never got a chance to develop his own ideals and identity, simply modelling himself after Brain, driven home by his inability to understand that power doesn't have to come from sacrifice.
  • Zerefs brief appearance at the end of the chapter has him happy that Fairy Tail succeeded, but cynically notes there will be no end to the power hungry madmen who plague the world. Clear that he's weary of all he's seen in his long life.
• Ch 24 Toward the Future
  • The chapter opens a week after the crisis with a funeral service for Sparda, and it is clearly a somber affair. What's more, Dante insists that they cremate his body for the sadly justified fear that leaving it intact may lead to someone using it like Sanctus and Agnus did.
  • In the aftermath, Madame Kurenai reveals herself to be a demon and longtime friend of Sparda, prompting Dante to ask where she was when he and Vergil lost their home. She reveals that around that time, Dante was found by Nell, and she was unable to find Vergil, eventually assuming he perished. Given what happened to Nell, and how Vergil turned out, it's sad to realise just how easily the Sons of Sparda could have had a proper childhood, only losing out due to very bad luck.
  • We get to learn Kinana's backstory, and it is not pretty. One of the slaves at the Tower of Heaven, she was cursed to turn into a snake (removing her sense of self in the process) after refusing to work, only finding comfort from being with Cobra. Upon reuniting with Cobra/Erik, she is already forced to say goodbye as Lahar and Doranbolt come to arrest him, with her old friend having to pretend to scorn her to keep her from being labelled an accomplice.
  • Throughout the chapter, it is clear that many members of the Order are still mourning Credo's death, and are unsure of how to carry on without him.
  • Byro's continued horror at the disaster his blind loyalty helped unleash, as well as the revelation that his new power came from desecrating Sparda's corpse. Upon being told he is to be instated as Supreme General of the Order of the Sword, he immediately protests, calling himself unworthy.
  • Nero sadly confirms that the Lobster family's relation to the Heartfilia's was a fabrication of Sanctus to further his plans. The real Michelle Lobster was kept in a magically induced coma for several months as well, so Dante and Lucy really don't have the extended family they were so excited about.
  • Despite previous reassurances, Nero still appears to be having an existential crisis regarding his origins, lamenting that he was created as part of a madman's plan to Take Over the World. During the talk he displays uncharacteristic vulnerability, questioning what to do with himself.
  • Likewise, Mary shows immense regret over all the pain she cause, and is outright shocked that Lucy and the others are willing to forgive her. Appears on the verge of tears near the end of their conversation, with her and Nero sadly commiserating over being used as weapons, as well as mourning the loss of Credo.
  • While mostly Heartwarming, Nero and Kyrie joining Fairy Tail has them say goodbye (however briefly) to their lifelong friends from the Order. Many, including Mary and Coco, are outright crying, with the latter hugging Nero as she bids them farewell.
  • Small, but when Makarov takes Gildarts and Macao to the old guildhall, the latter apologises for being unable to hold into the building, clearly having felt he was an inadequate guildmaster.

The Grand Magic Games

• Ch 25 The Grand Magic Games
  • Wendy's reaction upon hearing the similarity between Grandeeney and Porlyusica, and her subsequent disappointment when the healer tells her she doesn't know where the Sky Dragon is.
  • In general, the defeatist attitude the non-Tenrou Island Fairy Tail members have about their chances of rising to the top again. Despite regaining their old members and playing a key role in saving the world, they still heavily doubt their capabilities, showing the past seven years have taken a heavy toll on their morale.
• Ch 26 Grinding Down, Levelling Up
  • Patty's depression throughout the groups training and her breakdown to Wendy. Despite being welcomed with open arms into Fairy Tail, she still feels out of place without magic and unable to directly help any of them, clearly traumatised from witnessing their beatdown at the hands of the Neo Oracion Seis. Wendy and Carla are reminded of Sheeree in one of the worst ways.
• Ch 27 Old Friends
  • While Wendy's reunion with Sheeree is sweet, the circumstances that lead to her joining Crime Sorciere were much less so. Turns out, after Tenrou Island, the Magic Council extended her sentence from one year to five, after which they planned to give her a life sentence as an adult unless she 'agreed' to join the ranks of their soldiers. After being left alone, manipulated by a psychopath in her Moment of Weakness, the poor girl was given the chance to turn her life around, only to have it dashed by a group of Control Freak Knight Templar's to the point where she had no choice but to join Crime Sorciere for nay sort of freedom. Wendy and Carla are appropriately horrified.
  • Apparently, when springing Sheeree, Ultear told her what happened to Wendy and the rest of the Fairy Tail members on Tenrou Island, driving the poor girl to tears. After Ultear revealed her own part in the debacle, Sheeree proceeded to beat her until she was covered in bruises and blood, with the time mage refusing to fight back out of guilt for all the atrocities she committed. Horrified, Sheeree quicly stopped after that.
  • Dante is disappointed to hear from Sorano that Vergil is just as cold and unreadable as ever. He clearly wants to reconcile with his brother, but he's so jaded from prior experience that that part is outweighed by his skeptism, resigned to the idea that he and Vergil will never see eye-to-eye.
  • Small, but Romeo is disappointed when Ultear tells him it would do more harm than good to unlock his Second Origin, clearly feeling he'll fall behind and be unable to help the others.
  • Jellal reveals to Erza that after regaining his memories and recalling all the horrible things he did (and even took joy in), he crossed the Despair Event Horizon and cam dangerously close slitting his own wrists then and there. While Ultear and Meredy managed to spring him in a nick of time, even in the present he still believes he doesn't deserve to forgive himself, at least until he deals with Zeref and Mundus. Guy clearly has a lot of self-loathing.
• Ch 28 Labyrinth Above the Blooming Capital
  • Its revealed that Vergil always knew that Lucy was his cousin and that didn't affect his attitude towards Fairy Tail at all. Despite that Lucy still tries to reconcile with him only for Vergil to turn her down telling her that they are on very different paths as well as showing no empathy for the death of her father. The meeting ends with both Dante and Lucy giving up on reconciling with Vergil something that brings Lucy to tears.
  • The terror everyone feels when Wendy, Carla, Romeo and Patty are missing at the beginning of the games, growing increasingly worried as they fail to find the children.
• Ch 29 Let The Games Begin
  • Wendy feeling depressed at failing to protect her friends and stopping Sid. On top of the injuries she sustained, the poor girl has had her confidence shaken, breaking into tears before Polyusica reassures her.
  • Sparda has a conflicted expression upon seeing Vergil, saddened at the kind of person has become.
  • Jellal seeing Erza reunite with Milliana, Sho and Wally painfully reminds him of all he put them through, even if he wasn't in his right mind. He briefly contemplates putting himself at their mercy, only vetoing that by putting his mission first.
  • Despite Gray and Juvia's best efforts, Fairy Tail still comes last in the first round, to the mockery of the audience. They have a long climb ahead of them.
  • Nullpudding goading Gray into revealing himself during 'Hidden' by continuously insulting Ur.
  • Sorano sees Yukino as part of Sabertooth through the broadcast of the Games, and is clearly worried for her little sister. Made all the worse by the fact that she can't even talk to her despite being so close.
• Ch 30 The Dance of Fairies, Ravens, and Devils
  • While Lucys No-Holds-Barred Beatdown to Flare is cathartic, the latter experiences flashbacks of Ivan beating her for losing, and is clearly traumatised by the experiences. She is quickly reduced to curling in a fetal position against Lucy, outright begging her stop. Even Lucy can't muster up the will to continue. What's more, Flares thoughts reveal that she actually wants to leave Raven Tail, but doesn't out of fear of Ivan, painting a poor picture of her experience in the guild.
  • Lucy is distraught at having 'lost', feeling she has disgraced both Fairy Tail and Sparda.
• Ch 31 Origin
  • Flare's whimpering already painted and awful picture of Ivans treatment of her, and here we get the full thing. As punishment for daring to surrender to Lucy (despite agreeing Flare was outclassed) Ivan has her suspended by chains, with a gag in her mouth and Obra suppressing her magic, all while he mercilessly beats her, and says he 'owns her' when she begs him to stop. Little wonder she broke down in her fight with Lucy.
  • Makarov reveals the reason behind why Ivan was expelled. Many years ago, he took six Fairy Tail members with him to infiltrate a crime front posing as a mages guild, which culminated in the other members being killed by said guilds master when they were caught searching his room for evidence. Ivan recorded this as evidence, and not only showed zero remorse for getting people killed, but intentionally did so, wanting to cull the weak. Little wonder there's no love lost between father and son in the present, and sadly suggests where Laxus got his pre-Character Development Jerkass tendencies from.
  • Sparda and Mavis finally Zerefs actual backstory to the members of Fairy Tail; that he was an earnest and kind young man, whose sole 'evil' ambition was to bring back the little brother he lost to a dragon attack, with nothing being left of his parents bodies. Mundus reached out to him and took advantage of his grief for a Deal with the Devil, helping him create many of the things that haunt the world to this day, like the R-System. Sparda did manage to pull the the young wizard out of the deal, help him accept the loss and make new connections... before Mundus cursed him out of spite, making him kill everything around him uncontrollably, with the only survivors being Sparda and his friend Anna Heartfilia.
    • It doesn't stop there. A horrified Zeref fled and when Sparda and Anna found him, it was with his own heart in hand. Then they discovered the true horror of the Curse of Contradiction, making him kill uncontrollably, and unable to die as a release. Sparda also laments that he was forced to suffer so much right as he was on the verge of finding peace.
    • Sparda also mentions that he tried to tell people the truth about Zeref, but no-one listened, with the Dark Knight forced to watch as history condemned his innocent friend as a monster.
    • Zeref realizing that Sparda was immune to the curse and could likely finish him, begged his friend for a Mercy Kill. Sparda refused, stating after sacrificing the priestesses to seal Temen-ni-gru he vowed to never kill an innocent again, showing that the action haunted him for a long time, and still does to this day.
  • With the above comes the reveal that Sparda actually helped Zeref create the Etherious as a failsafe should his friend fall too far from Sanity Slippage, making the demons using his own power. They were sealed with Body Link Magic to ensure only he could release them, which was undone by his death. As such, he feels responsible for the damage they caused, expressing immense remorse and apologizing to Gray for the pain Deliora caused him.
• Ch 32 The Will of a Man
  • While sympathetic after hearing about Zerefs Dark and Troubled Past, the members of Crime Sorciere sadly note they may still have to consider him an enemy, bringing up how his mental state might have degraded, leaving them no choice but to fight him.
  • Whatever Carla saw in her vision clearly rattled her, as she desperately attempts to pass it off as a nightmare. She's also visibly frightened at the end of the chapter when it looks like part of it is coming true.
  • After acting like a good sport throughout their match, Kurohebi decides to rip Toby's sock to pieces moments after he found it, for the sole purpose of causing him pain.
  • Flare spots Lucy's Death Glare and matches her, only to be caught by 'Alexi' who warns her not to embarrass them again, less he teach another 'lesson'. Flare quickly devolves into desperate pleading, begging him not to beat her again, with even a watching Lucy having nothing but sympathy for her.
• Ch 33 Battle of the Femme Fatales
  • Yukino's breakdown after her defeat at Kagura's hands, actually crying at having let her guild down, made all the worse by her impulsive suggestion of a life-debt for a wager.
    • Later, Master Jiemma not only verbally lays into her, but throws grapes at her when she tries to speak back, chastising her for putting herself in the debt of a 'lesser' guild. He proceeds to not only expel her form the guild on the spot, but orders her to perform a Shameful Strip. Even after Vergil stops the latter from going too far, she is still in tears over being forced to leave.
    • The fact that only Vergil dares to challenge Jiemma over his cruelty, and everyone else's obvious silence for fear of being punished as well, makes Sabertooth come across as eerily similar to an abusive household.
  • While Sorano is proud of her sisters performance during her fight, she is saddened at the reminder that she cannot directly interact with her, or comfort her after her loss. This feeling grows when they deduce that the unknown party behind the mysterious magic may be after Celestial Wizards, and she is distraught at the idea that she cannot try to protect her, instead having to leave it in Vergil's hands.
• Ch 34 Crimson Wrath
  • Sparda reveals he intentionally let Vergil sense his presence to try and talk to him but his eldest son has ignored him and seemingly has no desire to speak to his father. Sparda blames himself for all the challenges his sons have endured, and the various hardships his other loved ones have faced over the years.
  • Its revealed that most of Kagura's family was killed by Zeref's cultists. She learned that her brother Simon was killed by Jellal shortly after learning he was still alive, which according to Kurenai, caused her to become much more stoic and serious and developing a murderous grudge against Jellal. Milliana also shares her hatred and the two of them both want Jellal dead. While Wally does not share their desire for revenge he also states that he does hate Jellal, and Sho agrees with Milliana's desire for revenge, even if he doesn't have the same fixation on it. And poor Erza, who knows he has changed for the better has to sit and listen to her old friends talk about their (sadly justified) grudge against her Love Interest.
  • Yukino reveals that Celestial Wizards became rarer and rarer over the years, to the point she and Lucy may very well be the last ones. As if that isn't sobering enough, the reason she came to talk to Fairy Tail was to offer up two of her Gold Keys to Lucy, feeling that she herself is unworthy of wielding them. The combination of her loss and subsequent exile from Sabertooth seems to have absolutely shattered the poor girls self confidence.
    • Later on, after Natsu and Dante's apologies for having been harsh to her earlier and failing to keep his promise to her sister respectively, she actually breaks down over the fact that the people she just met are treating her with more kindness and empathy than her own (former) guildmates.
  • Rogue's sincere regret over Yukino's expulsion, feeling it was uncalled for, and agreeing with Dante's assessment that Sabertooth is little better than a Dark Guild. This is further exacerbated by the fact that after Dante's attack Jiemma expelled all the members he defeated, which left a bitter taste in the Dragon Slayers mouth.
• Ch 35 There's No Stopping Us!
  • Still angry at Dante's actions the night before, Rufus decides to take his frustrations out on Eve of Blue Pegasus (his current opponent) instead, and brutally finishes the fight with two powerful attacks. As a result, the poor lad is left severely injured and has to be taken to the infirmary immediately, to the concern of his guildmates.
• Ch 36 Thunder and Sky
  • It's not focused on, but Laxus casually mentions that his mother died in childbirth, and he has no particular feelings, good or bad, regarding her when Ivan attempts to coerce him into helping Raven Tail.
  • Flare's genuine shock and sadness when Sapphire reveals she was a member of Mermaid Heel this whole time, especially since she was the only member of Raven Tail to treat her with consistent kindness. Thankfully, her friend makes it clear that part was at least genuine.
  • As he's being taken away by the Rune Knights, Ivan makes sure to give one last verbal parting shot to Laxus and Gajeel on the nature of the secret of Lumen Histoire. The two are somewhat unsettled, and it takes confirmation from Makarov and Mavis that it is nothing sinister to assuage their worries.
  • As she faces down Sherria's God Slayer Magic, Wendy has flashbacks to her encounter with Zancrow and his threats to murder and rape her and Lisanna. She briefly struggles to keep herself from panicking, which shows how badly the experience affected her in spite of how brief it was.
  • Seeing an unmasked Jellal ignites such hatred in Kagura that her control over Archenemy slips, and appears to induce such severe nausea that she falls to knees and has to keep herself from retching or drawing her blade. Milliana also observes this and has a worrying expression of hatred as well. Made all the worse by the two seeing Kurenai, who they view as a mother, defending him from the Rune Knights and letting the man who caused them both so much pain just walk away.
  • When wondering how Ivan came to know about Lumen Histoire given that only guildmasters are privy to the knowledge, Sparda quickly points out it was likely Hades who told him. Mavis starts to cry over how her poor decision is causing troubles for Fairy Tail in the present, and has to be reassured by Sparda before calming down.
• Ch 37 Fangs Bared
  • Sparda gives a brief history of God Slayer Magic. It turns out that Mundus created it and taught it to humans who worshiped him. The magic was incredibly powerful, so powerful in fact that human bodies were incapable of handling it and would eventually by consumed by their own element. Sparda with the help of the Gods managed to modify the magic and make it more user friendly but he was also forced to put down several God Slayers who refused to part with their power.
  • Brief, but Erza's old friends are hurt upon learning that she is working with Jellal in spite of everything he did to all of them.
    • Wally and Sho are saddened at having to promise not to inform their own guildmates about the potential appearance of Zeref and the danger to everyone in Crocus.
    • From the same scene, while Erza's old friends are willing to hear her out, Kagura merely agrees to not interfere in Fairy Tail and Crime Sorciere's mission, clearly harbouring resentment over the whole situation.
  • Kurenai is implied to have something of a Dark and Troubled Past stating that in addition to losing Sparda, her sworn brother, she also lost someone else who she cared very deeply for and came dangerously close to going down a darker path like she's warning her daughters against.
  • Lucy is badly injured in her fight with Minerva. What more she's in tears when she wakes up feeling she has let her Guild down again and needs a pep talk from Sparda.
• Ch 38 Dogs and Pegasi - Lamia and Mermaids
  • Minor, but Natsu admits to Lucy that despite her hope for reconciling with her cousin, he can't see himself forgiving Vergil for everything he's done to Fairy Tail. Given how he usually takes former enemies joining them in stride, it speaks volumes of how much the mans attacks affected him and he is visibly saddened at telling Lucy this.
• Ch 39 Devils and Dragons
  • When talking to Rogue, Lector admits that Sting laughing at Minerva brutalising Lucy greatly unnerved him, in spite of how much he looks up to his friend. The fact that he's actually hesitant to bring this up to him in spite of how close they are, all because of Sabertooth's idea's of "strength" and their punishment for anyone who fails to live up to them, serves to underscore how toxic the guild really is. Little wonder that Rogue decided to leave once the Games are over.
  • While it turns out to have been a big joke on their part, when it looks like Dante, Natsu, and Gajeel have been overwhelmed by Sting and Rogue's use of Dragon Force, the rest of Fairy Tail desperately cry out for them to get up. Macao, Wakaba and Romeo (the members who lived through the seven years without the strongest members) are particularly affected, having their confidence at the guilds ability to make a comeback visibly shaken. Thankfully, it doesn't last long.
  • Surprisingly, one from Sting and Lector as the former is steadily pushed back against Natsu. The Exceed is in tears at seeing his best friend being beaten so soundly, as is Frosch from the same happening to Rogue. Sting himself ends the fight disappointed at his loss, feeling he let his best friend down, made all the worse by Vergil's prior warnings. He was a smug prick that definitely deserved to be taken down a few pegs, but it's hard not to feel bad for him.
  • The narration of the scene from Jellal chasing the hooded stranger is revealed to be a future Levy, who has lost a hand! The fact that the stranger in question turns out to be a lookalike of Lucy with skin so dried it has cracks forming paints a very bleak view of the the future they came from.
• Ch 40 The Eclipse Project
  • The state the Lucy lookalike is in, made all the worse by the revelation that she is in fact a future version of the Lucy of the present. She's so weak she remains unconscious throughout the chapter, having a nightmare/flashback that all but states that most of Fairy Tail is dead, with only a heavily injured Levy and Lisanna escaping with her. Meanwhile, Dante and Natsu decide to Hold the Line against a horde of dragons to give the girls time to escape, and give what seem to be their final words to their friends.
  • Jiemma brutally killing Lector just for baring Sabertooth's emblem, and right in front of Sting. The formerly proud mage can't hold back his tears, furiously attacking his guildmaster while screaming "I'LL KILL YOU" over and over. Even the reveal that Minerva saved him is marred his his guildmate essentially holding his best friend hostage just to ensure he fights better on the final day, clearly feeling betrayed. Throughout the whole thing, the poor guy is barely holding it together, stuttering, crying, and practically begging her to let his friend go.
    • Small, but before the above Sting was genuinely shocked that Lector still stook up for him despite losing, with the implication that he believed his best friend wouldn't value him for failing to keep his promise. Shows just how badly the toxic environment of Sabertooth has affected his mindset over the years.
  • Sparda, Kurenai, and Modeus's account of the aftermath of the battle with Mundus paints a bleak picture for humanity, with many of the dragons deciding their neighbors were little more than food. Which in turn led to a civil war that had the former allies tearing each other apart, made all the worse by demons joining in. Disheartening to hear how fast things devolved so soon after Sparda and his allies finally banished Mundus.
  • The Reveal it was in fact Acnologia who killed Sparda, the Dark Knight having attempted to confront his old adversary upon sensing him so many years ago, and failing to make it home. Dante is incensed both at the fact that he came face to face with his fathers killing without knowing it, and that Modeus knew this tidbit but kept it from him all this time out of fear he'd get himself killed in a futile attempt at revenge. The typically jovial Crimson Knight spends the rest of the chapter in a very dour mood, outright threatening people who act too cryptic.
  • The members of Fairy Tails sadness at letting Darton take Lucy into custody. Even if it was voluntary on her part, they're still clearly saddened at having to leave one of their own in a prison.
  • Yukino's motive for assisting in the Eclipse Gate project, wanting to erase the many years of pain she and her sister went through. Her account of their backstory is rather tragic, having lost her loving parents and older sister from a random attack by Zeref cultists, only narrowly escaping with her life, and not having seen said sister until a few nights ago. Little wonder she wants to undo the source of that pain.
• Ch 41 The Fairy Tactician
  • Sting and Rogue's tactics throughout the chapter has them simply land sucker punches on distracted opponents, both somber as they do so. The latter apologizing as he does so makes it clear they don't want to do this, but have no choice thanks to Minerva.
• Ch 42 Creative Battle
  • It's not focused on, but Rocker being knocked out by Dobengal means his guild ends the final event in dead last. Despite his determination, he wasn't able to make a difference in the end.
  • Yukino pleading with Fairy Tail and Crime Sorciere not to destroy the Eclipse Gate, desperately pleading several of those present for a chance to ensure they all live happy, peaceful lives. And while they refuse, citing happiness with their current lot, Jellal and Sorano both admit that the guilt of their prior crimes still weight heavily on each of them, even if it has lessened over the years.
• Ch 43 True Justice
  • Moloch reveals that he did something to Mavis (implied to be related to why she hasn't aged) in the past that caused her an enormous amount of agony. This in turn devastated Sparda and invalidated the whole reason why he never officially joined Fairy Tail in the first place which was to keep his many enemies from attacking his daughters and the other members of the Guild.
    • What's more the only reason Moloch targeted Mavis was to get to Sparda just like how Mundus went after Dante, Vergil, and Eve killing the latter. Whenever Sparda tried to have a family it was always attacked by his enemies.
• Ch 44 Past and Future Revelations
  • Future Lucy meeting the members of the rescue team, and breaks down into tears at seeing them alive again, spending most of the reunion sobbing into Dante's chest before falling unconscious.
    • Everyone's reactions to seeing this version of Lucy in such a poor state, Natsu outright describing her very scent as being bone dry. Lucy herself is visibly shaken to see such a thing.
  • Sparda and Kurenai recounting the fate of the Yakuma Clan, bloodthirsty warriors who formed a pact with the Eighteen Battle Gods and refused to cease despite the demons warnings. The two demonic warriors were forced to wipe all but a single child out to prevent a repeat of the God Slayers, something that both clearly regret despite the necessity.
  • We get a glimpse of Minerva's childhood, and it underlines how much of a monster Jiemma was. Not only is it more or less stated he raped her mother for the sole purpose of getting a child capable of using their ancestral magic, but he consistently beat her to the brink of death until she managed to do so. Minerva herself refers to it as hell and it's little wonder she feels no grief at his death, outright admitting she would have done it herself had the opportunity arose. She's a petty, sadistic, bully, but it's sadly understandable how and why she turned out as warped as she is.
  • Milliana's remorse over being captured, and the state that Minvera's torture left her in, barely being able to move even after being rescued. And while no one holds it against her, the fact that said rescue results in her officially being knocked out and giving Minerva a point adds salt to the wound.
  • Before their fight begins, Erza tells Kagura how Simon died, Taking the Bullet for her when she tried to do the same for Natsu, barely holding back tears as she describes holding her dying friend in her arms. Making things worse, she admits if she hadn't placed so little value on her own life back then things might have turned out for the better, showing that what happened is one of her greatest regrets to this day.
    • Kagura's reaction, already struggling to keep a lid on her rage at Erza willingly working with Jellal despite everything he did, and being pushed past the breaking point after Erza's reveal, drawing Archenemy, whose power seems to have a grip on her for the first time and is implied to be driving her to murder Erza. Making things worse, the thing that makes her lose control is hearing her brothers voice, leaving her screaming in absolute rage.
• Ch 45 A Love That Transcends Time
  • A flashback shows how Kurenai first met Kagura, in the burnt remains of her hometown. The noble demon bitterly laments being too late to save anyone, as well as the fact that the ones responsible for the tragedy used her old friends name as justification. The sole survivor she finds is a scared young girl hiding in a barrel, who breaks down after hearing that no one else (including her parents and brother) was left.
    • Even after being taken in the young Kagura still has vivid nightmares, waking up crying and screaming for them not to take her.
  • Kagura's state throughout the chapter, falling deeper and deeper under the influence of Archenemy, to the increasing worry of Kurenai and her guildmates. The once proud warrior is reduced to attacking in a savage frenzy, her Devil Arms aura steadily spreading from her arm to the rest of her body as she attempts to murder her opponent.
    • Amongst all those watching, Kurenai is the most distressed at seeing her daughter in such a state, and comes to the sad realisation that she never taught her to let go of her anger, merely bottle it up. Which led to devastating consequences.
    • After breaking free of Archenemy's influence, Kagura herself breaks down at nearly becoming what she hates, tearfully apologising to her brother and mother.
  • Future Lucy's account of the future, where dragons showed up in the middle of Fairy Tails rescue attempt, laying waste to Crocus and killing everyone but herself, Levy, and Lisanna. The last she saw of the latter was the Strauss sibling pushing her through the Eclipse Gate just as dragons closed in, her expression making her friends fate clear.
    • Future Lucy even using the Eclipse Gate came with deadly consequences. Lacking two of the Zodiac Keys, she was forced to substitute her own life force, leaving her incredibly weakened, next to no magic power, dried and cracked skin, and she states that she has very little time to live even if they do make it through this. Even the likes of Wendy and Kyrie's magic have no effect whatsoever, apparently leaving her fate sealed.
    • The fact that Future Lucy was so weakened by the trip she fainted almost immediately and spent most of the days she gained unconscious. Even after all she sacrificed, it came dangerously close to being All for Nothing, a fact that clearly terrifies her. She laments not being able to do more than give them a warning, and breaks down after some reassurance from the others.
• Ch 46 The Demon Within
  • Rogue's talk with Gajeel after losing their fight has him note he truly is weak. What follows is a summary of how he came to join Sabertooth, lamenting how his fixation on strength led to him neglecting his closest friend, on top of his belief that it's too late for him to turn himself around. Thankfully Gajeel snaps him out of it.
  • Just as Rogue is opening up to Gajeel and accepting help to move on from the toxic environment of Sabertooth, he ends up suffering from Demonic Possession at the hands of an entity that proceeds to try and kill his former/current idol.
• Ch 47 Tournament's End - Strength vs. Power
  • Moloch blocking their way and revealing the presence of a mastermind as their deadline approaches sends Future Lucy spiraling into a panic, muttering "Not again..." as she flashes back to the Bad Future.
  • As cathartic as his beatdown was, Sting's desperation as he loses his fight against Juvia can be hard to watch given he's still under the impression that Minerva will kill Lector should he lose.
  • Likewise, after the fight he tearfully admits the truth about how he killed Weisslogia; the dragon told him to do so to give his son might gain greater power to help him, and the event left a very deep scar on his soul. So much so that that he became obsessed with being the most powerful wizard just so his father's awful request wouldn't have been in vain, his tone making it clear he doesn't think it was worth it to this day.
• Ch 48 Mastermind
  • We got context for the death of Skiadrum, the dragon who raised and trained Rogue. After defeating a powerful demon, he Shadow Dragon was afflicted with a potent and painful curse that ate away at his very spirit. The most poor Rogue could do for him was put an end to him, something that clearly still haunts him.
  • Throughout the Grand Magic Games arc the relationship between Vergil and his cousin and brother has been greatly improving with it looking like there was a serious chance of reconciliation. In this chapter it all comes crashing down.
  • Its revealed that Vergil is the true mastermind behind everything that has happened in Crocus and has come up with a plan to kill Acnologia and Mundus. He makes it very clear that at his core his belief that strength is more important then anything hasn't changed at all. Despite all that however he also makes it clear that he does care about Dante and Lucy and even seems somewhat sad when they refuse stating that they will always be at odds.
  • The death of Future Lucy, who ends up Taking the Bullet for her present self and Yukino. Everyone tearfully begs her to hang on, but between the loss of her life force and the wounds from Future Rogue's attack leaves her fate sealed. She gets a few final words off to everyone before physically fading away, not even leaving them enough to bury. Even Vergil is saddened by the loss.
  • The chapter ends with Dante and Vergil once again at each others throats with the former roaring that Vergil has crossed a line. Even Lucy who has been nothing but patient with Vergil up until now is furious and heartbroken with him over the death of Future Lucy which he had a hand in.

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