Dear readers, before you begin I would like to say a few things about this work.

Originally, I had been enthusiastic about writing this piece with a bit of a comical side to the plot. However, after reading numerous anti-Jellal posts stating that it had been better if he died in the Tower of Heaven, I have decided that this fanfiction will decide for me whether or not I would've preferred Jellal dead. The posts have been bothering me ever since I read them, and I am an unwavering Jellal stan. Many claim he cannot be redeemed, despite the canonical explanation that Ultear possessed him. To not disappoint, I will say there is a major character death ahead. Please read at your own risk. Everything about this is dark, like the Tower of Heaven arc.

Raison D'être

Chapter 1: Adopting a Sister

Year x781

Her elementary years went by quietly, without friends or happiness or laughter. Juvia held the bouquet of roses as she stood on the stage where hundreds of parents came to congratulate their children for passing school. Nobody came for her, nobody. Even though she graduated as one of the top students, it's not like anybody cared. She looked so dreadful in her graduation cap and gown. Everything was black and white, just like her memories.

Everyone started complaining about how the inclement weather ruined the scenery outside. Typical self-absorbed parents, concerned about the weather only because they wanted to take photos outside. Then they'd brag about how their child became a mage, even if they could barely use magic. She could get rid of their misery, simply by leaving the place. It was better than hearing everyone whine about rain. One. Two. Three. Her heels clicked the floor gracefully as she made her way towards the exit.

Her teacher stopped her, "Juvia, where do you think you're going? You still haven't gotten your certificate."

She plastered a smile on her face, "Juvia doesn't feel so well. Juvia thinks she should head home."

"Do you need help? I can always arrange a ride home."

Nothing like, please stay, or I can assist you while you stay here. She wanted Juvia gone, only to see the smiling faces of the parents who came out for their precious children. She envied every single one of them. What crime had she committed that she lost her parents as such a young age?

"No, Juvia will be fine." She locked eyes with her teacher and took a step away from her until she bumped into something—or rather—someone. If the man didn't have an iron grip on the documents he was carrying, they would've fluttered all across the hall.

"I'm so sorry," he apologized, like any civilized man.

Juvia held her hands out in front of her, "No, it was Juvia's fault! She didn't watch where she was going."

"Were you heading out?"

"Yes," she answered quietly, memorised by his hazel eyes and the tattoo around his right eye. He didn't look that much older than her, and he was very beautiful, as she put it.

"But aren't you a graduate here? Judging by your appearance, I don't think you should be leaving so soon."

The conversation was interrupted by Juvia's teacher, who approached him with a newfound happiness. "Oh, Councilman Siegrain, how good to see you here."

His lips curved into something polite to hide his irritation. Nobody noticed the malice in his intentions. Not in the least. "The pleasure is mine. Might I ask who this young lady is? She hasn't been recognized as a mage and she's already leaving."

"Yes, you see, she wasn't feeling so well. The poor girl bumped into you accidentally. I was arranging for a ride home." Explained the teacher with embarrassment. Jellal raised an eyebrow.

"And you're just going to let her leave? You should've sought medical attention as soon as you heard about her condition." The older woman was taken aback by Jellal's criticism. He had a very nice way of saying things without beating around the bush.

The little girl laughed, "Juvia is fine. She assures you it's nothing serious."

"If you insist," he eyed Juvia, noticing that she wanted to leave the place. For a fourteen year old, she was very reserved unlike the rowdy children. He turned to the teacher, "Here are the documents approved by the Magic Council. Make sure each student has two sheets of certificates. If they lose it, the Magic Council requires a letter to be submitted about the loss and we will replace it as soon as possible."

She took the files from his hands, and bowed down. "Thank you for coming all this way to give them."

"Of course, glad to be of assistance." He headed out to the front door before Juvia caught his hand.

"Wait!"

He craned his head to Juvia, remaining passive. Typical, he fit in so well with the Magic Council. She asked her teacher, "May Juvia please get her certificates and leave? She have some urgent matters to take care of."

"Sure," she said without hesitation. It didn't take long to find Juvia's name, since Jellal had the decency to sort out the files by last name. "It's been a pleasure teaching you, Juvia."

"Same here," she waved at her teacher, giving yet another fake smile before following Jellal outside. She held out her umbrella as they stepped outside

"Well, what's this matter of urgency? I'm sure you didn't enjoy it in there. Was it because of the parents?"

Her eyes widened in disbelief. He could read her so easily, like nobody else had. "How did you...know?"

"Juvia Lockser, you're a Water Mage who's been attending this academy in order to control your magic." He looked up at the sky, and held his hand out of the navy blue umbrella he held over his head. "I believe you're the cause of this rain?"

She bitterly chuckled, "Yes, Juvia bets you must despise her for it. Like all the others."

"Contrary to what you think, I love the rain."

This man took Juvia by surprise. She felt so relieved to hear someone say something good about the weather around her. "You're...serious?"

He nodded, continuing to stare at the clouds. "It's a beautiful part of nature. The rain is necessary to allow everything to bloom. Everyone overlooks it, when really, it plays the most important role in sustaining our world."

"Nobody's ever accepted the rain, Juvia has always been a burden everywhere she went because she carries this gloom." She dropped her umbrella and silently wept. "Yes, she is the Rain Woman. Drip drip drop. But you, you like the rain."

He smiled, before pointing out, "Look, the sun's come out."

She surveyed the area in awe. Everything was so beautiful, the leaves and petals were sprinkled with little droplets of water as the sun gave off radiant energy. "This is the first time Juvia's ever swwn the sun. And that's—is that a rainbow?"

"Yes. Do you like the weather?"

"It's beautiful and warm. It truly is a sight to behold. Thank you," more tears stained her face, tears of happiness. She never knew of acceptance, and this one man made her feel like she was on top of the world.

Despite being a mastermind criminal, Jellal couldn't help but smile at her newfound happiness. Aside from trying to resurrect a forbidden mage, he was a morally good man. "You should smile more often, it suits you." He looked his wrist and into the small lacrima which served as a watch on his hand. "Now that I'm done for the day, I guess I'll be heading home."

"Siegrain!"

"Hm?"

"This won't be the last time we meet, right? You're like family to Juvia, like- like an older brother."

"If you think of me as your older brother, I have no problem with that. Come visit the Magic Council whenever you like."

"Juvia will, thank you!" she cried out in joy. She twirled around, feeling like the luckiest girl alive. She had barely met this man, but she felt like she had a family.

Jellal smirked after recalling the small interaction with Juvia today. "Family, huh? Sounds like I have another pawn for the Tower of Heaven."

He couldn't call her a pawn, not after how sweetly she smiled at him when he strolled across the lavish halls of Era. It'd only been a day since they last met, and she visited him with overwhelming ecstasy.

"Siegrain!" she waved at him, running towards him at a fast pace.

Jellal didn't expect to see her all the way in Era at such a short notice. "Juvia, what a surprise."

"Of course, silly. Having an older brother means the entire world to Juvia."

Normally any mastermind criminal would laugh it off and call the girl crazy. And Jellal would agree with that, Juvia was insane to think Jellal could ever play the role of an older brother. But he was a proficient actor. After all, he'd been acting like a good person ever since he wormed his way into the Magic Council. "I see, it must be lonely, not having any of your relatives around."

As if he was one to talk, he never knew the faces of his parents to begin with. Juvia gave a sad smile as he brought up a sensitive subject. "Do you have any family, Siegrain?"

"No, so I guess the idea of having a younger sister seems tempting." Misery indeed loved company. He thought that his reputation as a villain hit an all-time low because he was playing house. He convinced himself she was going to get him closer to his ultimate goal, but he knew he was lying to himself. What more did he need than a subordinate and his intellect? Perhaps this was a form of entertainment, a distraction from his council work.

A distraction from the Tower of Heaven.

However, he'd rather be in Juvia's company than Ultear's. The older woman proved to be a handful, but at least she followed his orders without question. Then again, this was Ultear he was talking about, she was called a witch for a reason.

"Does that mean Juvia and Siegrain can help each other?"

He deadpanned, even strangers helped each other. So he wanted to ask, what kind of question is that?

"Of course. I'm able to offer assistance anytime." Easier said than done. Jellal didn't think it was even possible to involve her in his sketchy schemes. She didn't possess as much knowledge as he did, so his plan could backfire. And Juvia was so young and innocent, he didn't want her knowing he was in the midst of building a tower meant to revive people from the dead.

"Juvia could use your help. She's trying to join a guild, but has no idea which one she should join. Any ideas?"

He gave it a thought before an idea popped up in his brilliant head. Jellal found a way to use her in his plan, and it seemed like the most effective way to incorporate her in order to get closer to his sacrifice. Yes, if she joined Fairy Tail, he could keep tabs on Erza without being suspicious. Even though he used a Thought Projection, he didn't really know how Erza was. He still hadn't met her in person, albeit he heard about her on Sorcerer Weekly, known as Titania.

"I have a great recommendation. Why don't you join Fairy Tail?"

Her mouth gaped open, "Please don't take this offensively, but Juvia isn't sure if Fairy Tail would be a good choice. From what Juvia hears, they don't have a good reputation with the Magic Council."

"But who better to suggest a guild than a councillor himself? I hear many good things about them," from myself.

She looked at him cheerfully, "Juvia thinks Siegrain is funny. How old are you?"

It was a very random question, but he got asked a lot. Many people thought he wasn't qualified for the job, because he was so young. They were all jealous mages who never got the opportunity to fill a vacant position on the council. "Sixteen," he casually replied, as if he didn't get a seat on the Magic Council as a teenager.

"S-sixteen? Juvia thinks you're amazing for getting a position at such a young age. She's so proud to have an older brother like you!"

He looked at her amusingly. "Really? You give me far too much credit. It's possible to do anything as long as you put your mind to it." He trailed off, remembering his ultimate goal. Jellal didn't bask in his glorious titles like the other people. He only got those titles to proceed further with his plan. Only then, would he show the world the power he had.

No, he wanted to show it to Erza, lest she ever forgot about his existence.

"So, will you consider joining Fairy Tail?"

"If Siegrain thinks it's a good idea, then Juvia will join Fairy Tail. She has no worries now that the rain doesn't follow her."

"I think they would've accepted you regardless. That guild is very unique."

"Then Juvia trusts Siegrain's decision." Speaking of trust, Juvia had an idea in mind. "Now that we're siblings, Juvia was thinking that we should trust each other with our stuff."

What she called ingenius, Jellal thought was ludicrous. Nevermind visiting each other often, Jellal thought she was insane. She wanted to entrust her things to a man she literally met yesterday. Although, he couldn't blame her for the rather bold move. The first rule to establishing a partnership with someone was to trust them. "So, what did you have in mind?"

"Sharing a house?"

Jellal blinked, then blinked again. Did she just suggest sharing a house with him? Sure, that's what siblings did, but it's not like they were biologically related. Telling the entire continent that he adopted a sister would be nothing short of scandalous. And he could not let her see the blueprints for the Tower of Heaven. Juvia would probably rage at the idea of resurrecting Zeref. Erza would at least half-expect that, considering her longing hatred for him.

"Juvia, that's jumping the gun, don't you think?"

She placed her hands on her lap, taking a seat on the ledges without windows to separate the interior structure of the Magic Council from the vast garden. It was a breathtaking sight. "You're right, Juvia apologizes for her audacity."

Jellal thought it was pathetic that he held a soft spot for Juvia. Of all people. not even Erza could make him feel this guilty. To be fair, he considered her to be a deserter to his cause, unlike his other former friends who stayed back to help construct the tower. "What about getting a spare key for each other, if that makes you feel better?"

Her eyes instantly lit up, "Yes, Juvia thinks that's a better idea! Juvia has always wanted to see where Siegrain lives."

"I do have a condition for that. You should always tell me beforehand before inviting yourself into my place." He didn't want her lounging around in his study, where the mastermind was doing his job as a villain to interpret his enemy's weaknesses. He was currently setting more plans into notion, many which were potential experiments with Fairy Tail.

He feared she would grow accustomed to the typical Fairy Tail way, coming inside uninvited like the infamous Natsu Dragneel, who had sneaked into people's homes more than a few times.

"Of course, that goes without saying. Juvia would hate it if she barged in on you showering." She exclaimed jokingly.

Even if it was a joke, awkward silence hung the air for a minute before the Wizard Saint cleared his throat. Now he was very reluctant on giving her the key.

Nonetheless, he paid it no mind. "Alright then, that about settles everything. I have important matters to attend to, so I should get going."

"Juvia will come by tomorrow and give you her key as well. It was nice meeting you, Brother."

He waved at her, before silently cursing himself. Why did he decide to have a little sister again? Oh, the extremes he went to just to see Erza's face again. Jellal Fernandes—the most evil villain—was this desperate to see one person. He wanted to laugh.

He barged into Ultear's office unexpectedly like a little kid. She thought he was adorable, but the feelings weren't mutual. If she hadn't proved to be of help, he would've killed her by now. Her remarks crossed this very thick line Jellal made to separate him and Ultear. She always called him names, and openly admitted that he was handsome, which he had no comment for. He wondered if Erza would think he was attractive, because really, that's the only person he was concerned about.

This time, she was productively doing her paperwork, which had piled up over a span of a few weeks. The Magic Council was growing wary of her, because she was irresponsible, unlike himself. In fact, the geezers were more than delighted to have a resourceful person such as himself. "What is it, Jellal?"

He crossed his arms, taking a deep breath. "What would you say if I told you I adopted a sister?"

She cocked an eyebrow and stared at him in disbelief. Her mouth hung open and her eyes were wide, before bursting into hysterical laughter. "A brother, you? Jellal, are you out of your mind? First you create an alias named Siegrain, and now you're going around adopting people? Are you trying to have a family? Next thing you know, you're bringing a spouse home."

Ultear read his mind easily when he stiffened, before he irritatingly glared at her. "If I had a jewel for every time you made fun of me."

"I'm not one to judge. Anyways, who is it? It'd better be someone who looks like you."

He was confident she wouldn't be disappointed. Truth be told, Jellal couldn't let anyone down. All he did was impress and impress, so people kept demanding more from him. "She has blue hair, if that satisfies your description."

She studied him with mild interest, noticing his carefully chosen words. Despite being by his side, Jellal didn't trust her fully. "That's fair. And, is she supposed to help us in any sort of way?"

"Ultear, you do realize this is my plan? I'm the genius who came up with this well thought out scheme. There is no us in this, it's only me. You're the sidekick who does the dirty work."

"Sidekick doesn't do my role justice," she commented.

"Right, what's the term again? Servant."

She simply sighed, continuing with her penmanship which was much messier compared to Jellal's. Nobody could even call his writing messy, it was immaculate, just like his entire being. "Don't get over your head, Wizard Saint. I'm still older than you."

"Which clearly says nothing about the mastermind of this plan."

"Okay okay!" she snapped. "Back to my original question, how is she of any use to your idea?"

Jellal wasn't smug about his achievements, but he did show a hint of pride when Ultear acknowledged the plan to be his. And she was right, no words could describe the pinnacle of his accomplishments.

"She's going to join Fairy Tail."

The raven haired mage chuckled momentarily, before an evil glint shone in her eyes. "Is this your way of getting closer to Erza before sacrificing her? This is perfect, your sister will set you both up, and then you two will fall in love. Then, you'll have to give up the girl you love so dearly. How pitiful." She wiped away an imaginary tear.

Jellal showed no sign of denying it. "You could say I'll be pretending to fall in love with her."

"Mhm, just like you always said. Don't give me that talk, I know you like her. Poor Jellal, he has an obsession with his childhood friend."

He resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "I do not."

She ignored his false statement and looked more serious than ever before. Just because she was evil, it didn't mean she couldn't give good precautions. "Take my advice and don't go near Fairy Tail. If you develop an emotional bond with Erza, it'll be much harder to sacrifice her."

Jellal took that into consideration, but if he stayed away, the remaining years would be uninteresting before getting to Heaven. Maybe he could drop hints to Erza, or watch her grow as a person more closely. It was shocking to see the changed person she had become, as if she forgot the memories she made with her childhood friends. "I know where my priorities lie, Ultear. I won't let her come between my plan to resurrect Zeref. I'm so close, only a few years."

She said lowly, "Yes, I'm impressed you've managed to get this far in such a small amount of time."

Master Hades would've loved to have someone like you in our guild. But unfortunately, you're just a diversion. A distraction meant to buy my people some more time.