Episode 294

Natsu vs. Zeref
Japanese Title	ナツ vs. ゼレフ
Rōmaji Title	Natsu vs. Zerefu
FUNimation Title	Natsu vs. Zeref
Information
Japan Air Date	February 3, 2019
Adapted from	Chapter 462 Chapter 463 Chapter 464
Episode	294
Arc	Alvarez Empire arc
Opening Song	DOWN BY LAW
Ending Song	Pierce
Episode Guide
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Natsu vs. Zeref is the 294th episode of the Fairy Tail anime, and the 17th episode of the 2018 series. It airs on February 3, 2019.

Guilds all across Fiore join Fairy Tail in the battle against Zeref's armies. Meanwhile, Natsu and Happy speed off to the west to defeat Zeref once and for all.

Summary

Laxus disagrees with Mavis

At the Fairy Tail guildhall, Makarov states to the Mages that even though they defeated the enemy's first wave, the continent is still surrounded, to which Jet and Droy comment that they will be aided by the rest of Fiore's guilds in the war, a fact that greatly disheartens Mavis. Down at the dungeon, Macao and Wakaba comment on an imprisoned Brandish's attire, before getting reprimanded by Lucy and Cana. Lucy then continues to ask the Shield of Spriggan about her connections with her mother, prompting Brandish to remark that they should just kill her while they have the chance. Outside the guild, a sneaking Marin lurks in the distance, preparing to use Rules of the Area to infiltrate the guild. At the far west of Magnolia, Invel informs Zeref about Brandish and Ajeel's fall, much to Yajeel's despair, who is then reassured by his emperor that the two Shields are still alive. As the Alvarez eastern army storms through Bosco, the northern army will soon clash with both Sabertooth and Blue Pegasus while the southern forces meet Mermaid Heel and Lamia Scale.

Natsu stands before Zeref

Motivated by their allies' actions, the Fairy Tail Mages decide to aid their comrades, with Mavis dividing teams of the guild between the north and the south, tasking Lucy and Cana with monitoring their prisoner and ordering the remaining members to defend their stronghold. Warren then reveals that the east side is being guarded by three of the Four Gods of Ishgar and Jura Neekis, who form the current Magic Council, much to the the Mages' joy. It is then revealed through Warren's Magic Radar that Natsu and Happy have went on their own to fight Zeref, shocking the guild. Gray quickly decides to follow him up but is stopped by Erza. Mavis then ultimately decides to believe in him and proceed with their plan. After finding the army, Natsu compares it to a giant black carpet, before piercing through the front lines with his Fire Dragon Slayer Magic. After blowing through the enemy's forces with the devastating Fire Dragon King's Roar, Zeref appears before the Dragon Slayer, signalling the start of their fight.

Natsu, having removed the seal on his arm, enters Fire Dragon King Mode and continues to overwhelm the Black Mage. However, Zeref quickly retaliates and strikes Natsu, scarring his cheek. He then questions his opponent's newfound powers, to which Natsu reveals to be the last lingering amount of Magic Power left by the Fire Dragon King, Igneel in his body, surprising Zeref. Sensing that his wish might finally come true, Zeref begins tearing, while thanking everyone who has helped him before.

Characters in Order of Appearance

1. Warren Rocko
2. Mavis Vermilion
3. Ajeel Ramal
4. Erza Scarlet
5. Cana Alberona
6. Brandish μ
7. Lucy Heartfilia
8. Makarov Dreyar
9. Jet
10. Vijeeter Ecor
11. Droy
12. Laxus Dreyar
13. Max Alors
14. Romeo Conbolt
15. Elfman Strauss
16. Mirajane Strauss
17. Lisanna Strauss
18. Nab Lasaro
19. Kinana
20. Laki Olietta
21. Freed Justine
22. Bickslow
23. Evergreen
24. Ichiya Vandalay Kotobuki
25. Macao Conbolt
26. Wakaba Mine
27. Marin Hollow
28. Invel Yura
29. Yajeel
30. Zeref Dragneel
31. Orga Nanagear
32. Minerva Orland
33. Frosch
34. Rogue Cheney
35. Hibiki Lates
36. Yukino Agria
37. Jenny Realight
38. Sting Eucliffe
39. Rufus Lore
40. Lector
41. Eve Tearm
42. Nichiya
43. Ren Akatsuki
44. Dobengal
45. Risley Law
46. Araña Webb
47. Millianna
48. Beth Vanderwood
49. Ooba Babasaama
50. Toby Horhorta
51. Kagura Mikazuchi
52. Lyon Vastia
53. Sherria Blendy
54. Yuka Suzuki
55. Gajeel Redfox
56. Levy McGarden
57. Panther Lily
58. Gray Fullbuster
59. Juvia Lockser
60. Wendy Marvell
61. Carla
62. Erza Scarlet
63. Jura Neekis
64. Warrod Sequen
65. Draculos Hyberion
66. Wolfheim
67. Natsu Dragneel
68. Happy

Battles & Events

• Natsu Dragneel vs. Zeref Dragneel (started)

Magic, Spells, and Abilities used

Magic used

• Thought Projection (思念体 Shinentai)
• Transformation Magic (変身魔法 Henshin Mahō)
• Aera (翼(エーラ) Ēra)
• Dragon Slayer Magic (滅竜魔法 Metsuryū Mahō)
  • Fire Dragon Slayer Magic (炎の滅竜魔法 Honō no Metsuryū Mahō)
• Black Arts (黒魔法 Kuro Mahō)
  • Teleportation Magic (瞬間移動の魔法 Shunkanidō no Mahō)
  • Ankhseram Black Magic (アンクセラムの黒魔術 Ankuseramu no Kuro Majutsu)

Spells used

• Max Speed (ＭＡＸスピード Makkusu Supīdo)
• Fire Dragon's Wing Attack (火竜の翼撃 Karyū no Yokugeki)
• Fire Dragon's Iron Fist (火竜の鉄拳 Karyū no Tekken)
• Fire Dragon's Flame Elbow (火竜の炎肘 Karyū no Enchū)
• Fire Dragon King's Roar (炎竜王の咆哮 Enryūō no Hōkō)
• Death Orb

Abilities used

• Flight
• Hand-to-Hand Combat
• Fire Dragon King Mode (モード炎竜王 Mōdo Enryūō)

Items used

• Magic Sealing Stones (魔封石 Mafū Seki)
• Magic Radar (魔導レーダー Mahō Rēdā)

Weapons used

• Magic Spear

Manga & Anime Differences

• The following scenes only occur in the anime:
  • Image of Bisca in Wakaba's depiction of western women's attire.
  • Face shots of all the prominent guild members traveling to each war post.
• Natsu's and Zeref's back and forth quick clashing differed between the two media.
• Minor members in the background have different appearances in the anime.

Navigation

Avatar arc

Alvarez Empire arc

Water Dragon God arc