User blog comment:Derax-Pagani/Chapter 507: Voice/@comment-4449950-20161026002708/@comment-7418318-20161026063716

I agree on the pointlessness of the Natsu Gray battle and I too would have prefered for it not to happen (or at the very least not happen in this way), but there theoretically could be a method to this madness. It could be meant to keep us on edge and show us that both Gray and Natsu could lose their mind again at any given moment. Not sure if that's supposed to make it better or worse... that'd depend on what will come of it.

I wonder if maybe Meredy could use Brandish's affection for August to get into a triangle spell between herself, Brandish and August, like she did with Juvia and Gray back on Tenrou. Unless August can dispell such a maguilty bond, that'd mean August can't attack her. If it shares unconsciousness the same way it does death, they could even use that to subdue August in a non-lethal way by knocking out Meredy first and having it spread to August. While both are down, clap some magic seal-manacles on August.

Some people would probably complain about August being brought down in such a "lame" manner, but I think I'd like it. It'd be the smart thing to do. Meredy would be hurt a little, but hey, that's better than all of them dying, right?