Juvia stares at the big gate in front of her. Never once in her life she even thinks that this is why she comes back to Fernandes manor, and yet, here she is, in front of the big estate she once called home.

If she has to be honest, Juvia never thought that Gray would agree to help her get to Crocus. Just last night she was in Gajeel's apartment and today, she is in Crocus to see her family. Thanks to Gray that she's able to get here in one night. She had thought that they might need to take a train to get here but her beloved Gray-sama surprised her when he told her to get ready in an hour while he was preparing for the overnight trip.

Turning her attention to Gray, who seems to finally let the tiredness take over him as he lets out a big yawn, quite sleepy and exhausted after a long trip. The bluenette asks him to stay in the car and get some rest but Gray insists on coming with her. There's no way he would let her walk into a lion's den like this.

"Gray-sama, are you sure you don't want to rest up first?"

"I'm good. Don't worry about me."

Her blue eyes look at him, concerned and admired at the same time. For him to go as far as to take her on an overnight drive like that, Juvia is very grateful.

"Well then, let's go in, shall we?"

She pushes the security bell on the gate, a voice pops up asking who she is while Juvia answers, knowing very well who is talking to her.

"Lady Juvia? O-Of course, one moment please."

A small smile forms on her lips, the lovely butler truly never changes, still the kind man she remembers back in the old days. The big gate opened, allowing Juvia and Gray to drive into the estate, parking just in front of the enormous door. The butler welcomes her with a warm smile on his face, it has been so long since he last saw her.

"My lady, it's very nice to see you again."

"Juvia misses you a whole lot."

The butler shows them the way to the guest room, asking if they want some tea or baked treats but Juvia declines. She is here for two reasons, to see her brother and to speak with her father. The butler stares at her for a bit, not knowing what to say. After what happened yesterday, he doesn't think that it would be a good idea for her to come and talk to William, not when he's still very angry about Jellal's situation.

When Juvia heard the news, she only sets her mind on one thing, to see her brother. But on the way here, her mind starts to think about different things. How would her father react when he sees her? What had he done to Jellal? What he would do to her? Will she be safe here, even when Gray is with her?

So many questions and yet, so few answers. But that can't stop her, not when she knows that her brother is in great danger. Juvia grips the teacup tightly when the butler tells her what happened last night, and what punishment Jellal is currently facing. He advises her again that this is not the right time for her to come and ask for an audience.

"Thank you for your concern, but Juvia can't back down. She can't."

Not when she has gathered all her courage to be here, to be at this place she once called her home. On her way to Crocus, Juvia had thought about many things. Why her father acts the way he acts, why the change of heart, why go through all the pain and grief just for her mother who passed away years ago?

The love William has for Elizabeth is admirable, but at the same time, that love set him down the road of self-destruction. A man who enjoyed being with his family so much is now a tyrannical father, a man who enjoyed music so much is now only focused on perfecting every single technique he lays his hand on, a man who loves his wife dearly is now using that same feeling to turn away from the truth, the truth that his beloved Elly is no longer here with him, with them…

But Juvia can see it, somewhere in his heart lies the love he has for his family, somewhere in his body lies the soul of a once kind and loving man. Maybe to her brother, defying him is the only way to get out of this living hell, but for Juvia, she wants nothing more than to bring that kind soul back. Despite everything he has done to her, she still loves her father a lot and that love for him still hasn't changed after all these years.

"Please, Juvia needs to see him."

"I…" the butler lets out a sigh "Why don't you see your brother first, lady Juvia? Master Jellal is sure pleased to see you again."

"Of course…"

The butler leads the way to Jellal's room and knocks on the door, smiling when the older bluenette's eyes are wide open when he sees his beloved little sister. Jellal pulls her into a big embrace, squishing her body tightly against his own as he exhales as if all his worries just magically disappear when he finally sees his sister. The butler bows his head, taking his leave while letting them have a reunion moment.

"Why are you here? And why is Gray here?"

There are so many questions he wants to ask her, but seeing the bluenette right here in front of him may be the only thing that helps him regain his sanity back. In one night, Jellal thinks about all of his actions, his words, his plans and everything that is going on in his life.

He had gathered enough courage to speak up about his decision, a selfish part of him wanted to tempt the man. Just because he has everything handed to him thanks to the name Fernandes doesn't mean that he is obligated to every single order coming from William. Maybe Jellal is a spoiled son, maybe he just wants to escape this living hell, maybe he just wants to find his sense of self, he doesn't know anymore.

When he announced his decision, Jellal was ready to throw away everything, his dream, his goal, his dignity, just to get a taste of freedom. The freedom that he has yearned for so many years. To break free of the chains his father has on him, that has always been his ultimate goal.

Even when William destroyed his phone, Jellal still has the evidence stored in his laptop, just one push and he can surely bring down his father. But when he was faced with the decision to upload the files, the bluenette found himself hesitating to do so.

"Why, Jellal-nii? Why…?"

Why would her brother do such things, she surely can't understand…

"Even if I do it, he can still find ways to have people's opinions on his side…" Jellal lowers his head, almost feeling ashamed to admit "But then again, part of me doesn't want to do it. Why can't I do it? Am I that much of a coward?"

Juvia shakes her head, she understands the feeling very well. Despite how much pain William has caused, how can they possibly do that to the man they called father?

"If you need my help, then tell me, Jellal-san." Gray turns to them "You both might feel guilty for putting your father in a tough spot, but not me. I have to obligation to hide this evidence away. With Ultear's help, I might be able to make a case out of this."

"Gray-sama…"

Juvia almost can not hold back her gasp when she hears this. But her heart sinks once she knows how truthful his words are. Gray is not a Fernandes nor he is a Lockser, he doesn't have any obligation to walk on eggshells just to please someone. After what William did to him, for Gray not to report the incidents was quite a shocking move, even to her.

"Ultear?"

"My sister, Ultear Milkovich. She is a prosecutor at Magnolia city attorney's office."

The thought of having Ultear be the one who arrests her father scares Juvia even more. How can she possibly look at his family when William was the one who caused Gray so much pain?

"Don't worry, I haven't talked to Ultear about this." the raven head smiles gently as he pats her head "You don't need to overthink this situation."

She wants to speak up but decides to shut her mouth. She is grateful that he has not brought this topic up with his family, she shouldn't be so selfish to ask him to make this a promise between them.

"But why are you here Juvia?"

Jellal turns his attention to his sister. He doesn't want her to be here. She can be in danger if she doesn't get out of this place. But his sister just gives him a small smile, reassuring him that she has everything under control, maybe…

"You can't be serious..." the older bluenette stares at her, shocked and utterly confused "Gray, you don't have anything to say about this?"

"I… You know how she is…" the raven head scratches his head, exhaling.

"Juvia, you can't do this. What if something happens to you? What if he does something to you?"

"Jellal-nii…please…" she looks at him, almost pleading in a way "This is the only chance she has to speak with father…"

The older bluenette doesn't know what else to say, he wants to stop her, but the way she looks at him makes him stop at his track. He's worried about her, he fears that man might do something to her, something that will make Jellal regrets his decision to let her do what she wants. What can he possibly do…?

"Lady Juvia, are you sure about this?"

The butler walks in again, this time, he's wearing a serious look on his face. Just like Jellal, he isn't sure whether he should let the bluenette meets William or not. However, the man lets out a chuckle when he sees determination shine in her eyes, exactly like how lady Elizabeth was when she is fixed on doing something. Like mother, like daughter, after all…

"Alright, I'll lead the way."

"Wait, you can't possibly…" Jellal still wants to voice his objection.

"Master Jellal." the butler turns to him "There is no better opportunity than this time right now."

Gray walks up to the bluenette, offering to go with her but she softly declines. This is a father-daughter reunion, a talk between them, she doesn't want anybody to get involved, even if it's her beloved Gray-sama. The raven head looks at her, he can sense earnestness and determination flowing around her. There's no turning back now, this is the obstacle that Juvia has to get through by herself.

Sighing, Gray reaches behind his neck and unclasps his necklace chain as he gives it to her, much to the bluenette's surprise. This necklace was the last thing he got from his parents, a silver sword that is attached to the silver chain.

"Gray-sama, your necklace…" she looks at the piece of accessory in her hand "But you never…"

"It's for you to hang on to it. If something happens, let this be the courage that you need to face your father."

The bluenette's eyes widen as a small blush adorns her cheeks. To accept something this precious from her beloved Gray-sama makes her heart flutters even more. A soft smile appears on her lips, painting a ray of sunshine on her lovely face. To have someone so loving and caring by her side at times like this, Juvia is truly grateful.

"Thank you, Gray-sama…"

With that, Juvia follows the butler to her father's study room, her hand still holding the necklace tightly. The butler is curious about their relationship, if his young lady has found someone who she can truly rely on, then he is pleased to entrust her happiness in the hands of that young gentleman.

On her way to the study room, she can feel her heart beating faster, louder. The thumping sound is almost too obvious, especially when there is a deep silence surrounding her. The butler doesn't say anything, there's nothing he can say or do to make her rethink her decision. As she is one step closer to her destination, Juvia can feel how sweaty her palm is, how her body begins to tremble, how her cold sweat starts to fall. She holds onto the necklace tighter, reminding herself of Gray's words.

Mother, please… Give her the courage she needs to face father…

"My lady…"

Juvia stands in front of the big door. Despite being so worried and anxious seconds ago, Juvia feels a wave of calmness wash over her. Her grip on the necklace loosens a little bit, she finds herself taking a deep breath, calming the nervous system in her body before nodding her head, letting the kind butler opens the door.

"Master William…"

"What is it?" the man looks up from his document.

"Lady Juvia wishes to see you."

The man raises a brow, his daughter is here to see him?

"What kind of joke are you making?"

He almost laughs at the idea that the little girl is willing to face him and yet, when the familiar bluenette appears at the door, William stops what he is doing.

She turns to the butler and nods her head, signaling him to give them some alone time, a father-daughter time.

"Well, what do you know…" William smirks "First is that stupid brat, now is his stupid little sister."

"Father…" she speaks up, her voice as soft as a feather "It's been a while, how have you been?"

"Asking about my well-being when you know full well what your stupid brother had done?" he asks her in a mocking tone "Cut the chit chat, what do you want? No, why are you here in the first place?"

"I'm here to talk to you, Father."

He frowns at her way of talking, it's in first person…

"Well, it's about time you drop that stupid third-person talk."

She just looks at him, her sapphire blue eyes are boring right into his soul. He is almost taken aback by it as if that person is looking at him right now. That blue eyes, that ocean-colored hair, that face…

That face…

Elly…?

"What do you want?"

"There's a performance at Magnolia University at the end of this month, I will perform in it. I wish for you to come and see it."

He almost laughs at her request. Coming to that school and watching her performance? Who does she think he is? He doesn't have time for some child play, nor he has time to watch a stupid performance.

"And why would I go to that event? Is it so special? With so many talented people? That even I, the great William Fernandes, have to come and watch?" he sneers at her.

But she doesn't faze at his words, not at all. Just like Gray told her, the necklace she is holding in her hand shall be the source of courage she needs to face him.

"I believe that we will put on a good show and you will enjoy it, Father. Besides, if you hate me that much, wouldn't you be pulling me out of the show after what happened with Jellal-nii?"

The pen in his hand snaps into halves, he looks at her with sourness in his eyes. Of all people, she is the last person he wants to hear this from. So she knows what happened to that stupid brat...

What is she going to do? Laugh at him? Telling her brother to give her the evidence so she can report it to the police? Using the evidence against him? He is William Fernandes, he is not at the mercy of anyone but himself. There's only one person who can bring him down, and that is himself.

"I can see fear in your eyes, Father. I understand what you're thinking about…" Juvia continues "Have no fear, she is not planning to do any of that."

"And why should I believe you? You and your brother all want the same thing, to be freed from me, do you not?"

"That is true, but that doesn't mean that's the only way to freedom."

And he laughs, he laughs out loud like a madman. Oh Juvia and her kindness, always putting it on the wrong person. With just a snap of his finger, he can wipe both of them out of their existence in the music industry. With just one word, he can have the evidence destroyed without anyone's notice. William lets out a big sigh, the thought of toying with his daughter's mind surely brings some joy in his life.

"You see, that's why you and your brother can never win agaisnt me. You both are far too weak."

"No, we're not. We are not weak at all." Juvia looks at him "The weak person in this room is you, Father."

William stops what he is doing and glares at her. The nerve she has for calling him a weak person, should he remind her of how powerful he is? Maybe a lesson or two should be enough to put some sense into her.

"Loving mother so dearly, loving her so much to the point that you cast away your family, your children, your joy in music. Hiding away from the loss, using power and money to buy your happiness." Juvia's eyes are boring into his soul as she speaks " You are a coward.

"Shut up…"

"A man who hides in his own insecurity."

"Shut up!"

"A man with nothing more than a broken heart and a broken family."

"SHUT UP!"

Juvia doesn't flinches when William sweeps off the table in a fit of his anger. He looks at the bluenette, his eyes are threatening to tear her down if she even dares to utter another word. But she can't stop there, not when she has come this far.

"That is who you are, Father. That is who you truly are." she continues "I understand, I understand very well your pain, your broken heart and your broken soul. I understand how painful it is to lose someone you love so much."

"Understand? What do you understand?" he snarls at her "Me? A broken man with a broken heart? Who do you think I am? Why would I be missing someone who died ages ago?"

Juvia can see through his lies, if there's anything she's right about her own father, he is never a good liar when it comes to his beloved Elly. While he can come off so strong about not missing his wife, the misery in his eyes as his body trembles slightly can not escape the bluenette's eyes.

"If you accepted the fact that she passed away years ago, you would never pay her so many visits, you would never lay down a bouquet of calla lilies every time you visit her, you would never play her favorite song in such a loving way in front of her grave like that. You would never do all of that if you don't miss her."

He wants to snap back at her, telling the bluenette that she is being delusional, that what she sees is nothing but an illusion she builds up for herself. But those words can not come out, the lump in his throat is hard to swallow when he is now confronted with the truth by no one but the daughter he has given up a long time ago. Never in his life would William thinks that the person who is challenging him is no other than his own daughter, Juvia Lockser Fernandes.

He turns his back to her, looking at the clear blue sky slowly turning dark. One drop, two drops, then the rain starts to fall, the pitter-patter sound hits the glassed window, almost soothing, as if it's clearing the heavy air in the room. The corner of his lips curls up unconsciously when he sees the rain, it reminds him of his beloved Elly and how much she loves these soft rainy days.

"It's raining…"

"It is, Father…" she steps forward, just close enough that he can hear her answer.

People tend to hate the rain, it's troublesome, it's sad, it's gloomy, and nothing about that rain signal happiness. But his Elly loves the rain, because there's always a rainbow after a rain. She fell in love with William on their first performance on a rainy day, their wedding was a day after stormy weather, and they even welcome their daughter on a pouring day. The sky might be crying right now, but Mr. Sunshine always appears after that, bringing rays of happiness and hope and the colorful rainbow to cheer up everyone.

The rain is very special to him, to Elly and to their two children…

"Why saying all of this? Why try so hard for something that would never happen?"

William wonders, he wonders if he is asking himself that question or if he is asking his daughter.

"Because I know that the kind and loving soul is still resting inside of you, the one that enjoys playing his music and loves his family dearly…" she responds, a small smile forming on her lips as she watches the rain

That smile, the one that he used to think it's ugly and disgusting, the one that reminds him so much about his late wife. Everything about Juvia, from her hair to her eyes to her face to that smile to her whole personality, everything is exactly like her mother. A mini version of Elizabeth Lockser Fernandes.

William remembers how much he hates that face, how much pain it brought to him when he saw Juvia's face. Like a dreadful reminder that his beloved Elly is no longer here with him. But now, that smile of hers, along with the rain helps soothe the pain in his heart, the pain that has never been addressed, the pain that he has avoided for so long…

Elly… My sweet sweet Elly…