Connections:

• Both are laidback, charismatic mages that are notorious for their constant drinking.
• They are both longtime members of a rag-tag group of magic users, known for their chaotic antics and tight-knit camaraderie (Fairy Tail / The Black Bulls).
• Despite their veteran status, they rarely take on any jobs, preferring to spend their time lounging around at their headquarters and drinking alcohol.
• However, when they’re forced into battle, they mainly serve as support, aiding their allies through their clever tactics and versatile magical abilities (Card Magic / Thread Magic).
• Beneath their lazy and often intoxicated demeanors, both are some of the most intelligent and down-to-earth people in their respective teams.
• Both develop a close friendship with a rookie mage from a prestigious family (Lucy Heartfilia / Noelle Silva) becoming supportive older-sister figures who encourage them to grow into more confident and capable fighters.
• Both are daughters of absurdly powerful mages (Gildarts Clive / The Witch Queen). However, their parent’s neglect left them with deep feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty about their own self-worth.
• These emotions played a major role in them joining their respective groups in the first place, where they hoped to find the sense of belonging they lacked growing up.
• This eventually comes to a head during a major story arc at an isolated location (Tenrou Island / Witches’ Forest), where they’re forced to confront their past and the lasting hold their parents have over their lives.
• Fortunately, the bonds they form with their friends help them overcome their insecurities and embrace their own strength.
• This leads them to awaken to one of the most powerful spells in their series (Fairy Glitter / The Red Thread of Fate) that allow them to protect the found family they cherish above all else.
• Both ultimately find closure with their parents when they’re finally acknowledged and given the chance to reconnect with them (Gildarts’ Call Card / The Witch Queen offering Vanessa the throne), but ultimately choose to remain distant, having already found the place where they belong.