Not gonna lie, this chapter was fighting me tooth and nail.

"He was royalty. So what? Everyone had a flaw."

~Gena Showalter

I lazily meandered down the street, effortlessly projecting the impression that I was just another noble girl taking her pet for a walk. Alepou easily kept pace with my heels as we wandered.

The Raiju himself was in fine form, practically strutting as he reveled in the attention and awed looks directed towards him. I fondly rolled my eyes and let him have his moment to shine as he bounced a few steps ahead of me.

Demons, of any species really, had one major flaw. All of them fell under one of the Seven Cardinal Sins, whether they liked it or not. It was in their nature or became part of it after they were turned. Alepou clearly fell under pride, and from what little I knew of his story, it was no surprise that he did. Most yōkai were like that, but Daiyōkai, especially Kitsune and Raiju, were even worse. Vanity and pride were an everyday part of their lives and a significant indicator of their power.

The little fox-like creature strutting down the street like a pampered exotic pet practically radiated pride and had no shame in displaying it for the world to see. I chuckled as Alepou puffed out his chest at a particularly awe-filled comment on the streaks of blue in his fur. I lightly tugged at the leash to get his attention even as he traded sniffs with a gorgeous Iceberg Shepard. "Come on Romeo," I whispered just loud enough for him to hear. "We need to get to the museum soon so we can get a look at those artifacts."

Alepou whined slightly in displeasure, but a slight mental nudge and a pang of urgency soothed away any fear that I was pushing a bit too far. Alepou gave me a yip and nudged my hand as he trotted ahead and started leading me towards the museum. When I began to lag begin, he turned and playfully barked at me before he raced forwards, tugging the leash out of my hands as he went.

With a laugh on my lips, I ran after him. "Alepou!" I called out as he tore down the street, looking as any fourteen-year-old chasing her pet would. "Come back here, you little shit!"

Alepou didn't pay any mind to me even as I raced after him. Eventually, the two of us ended up in front of the museum. Alepou had slowed down and made a show at panting for breath as if he was tired from running. I was also panting, though that was for play, as I looked up at the tall marble building in awe.

"You shouldn't run away from me like that!" I scolded gently, conveying amusement through our bond even as Alepou's tail and ears drooped in the real world. I playfully sighed and gently took up the leash again. "Come on, you silly boy, let's see if they'll let us in here for a while."

The moment I strode through the museum's doors, however, I let my easy-going facade drop. Confidently I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin as we started towards the front desk.

The lady sitting there was pretty at least, long, deep pink hair twisted up into a bun and held by two sicks. Her pretty brown eyes were partially hidden behind reading glasses. "Excuse me, miss?" I called, getting her attention as I approached.

"What can I help you with, young lady?" She pleasantly asked, a gentle smile curling up her mouth. "Are you looking for the children's section?"

"Actually, no." I shook my head. "My companion and I are here on assignment with a mage from Fairy Tail. We would very much appreciate it if you could point us towards the history section or the archives."

The woman looked taken aback for a moment before adjusting her glasses and stood up from the desk. "Very well. Follow me." As we walked, she introduced herself as Alina Santiago, one of the many educators that wandered the halls and led people on tours.

She led us towards the back in silence for a few moments before we emerged into a room filled with books from floor to ceiling. "This is the main archive for the museum records and a second workshop for our archaeologists when they need more space. Might I ask what exactly you're looking for? Maybe I can help you find it."

"Our senior partner is currently investigating the different robberies and muggings that have taken place over the last few months," Alepou answered. The Raiju continued to look up and down the various shelves for the books we needed even as she looked at him in shock. "Last night, he linked them back to a set of artifacts that the museum is currently in possession of, but loans out frequently to the city's higher class clientele."

"We just want to make sure the last piece of the set is still here and well protected," I assured as I ran a finger down the books' titles on the opposite walls. "As well as find out more about the history of the artifacts in question. If they are connected to what we suspect, they do not belong in human hands, and we will be oath bound to return them to their original owners."

Alina nodded in understanding. "Which set are you investigating? Depending on how high profile they are, I may be able to get you direct access."

I thought it over for a moment. "I believe Gildarts and Captain Blast called the set 'The Seven Sins of Agdradoz.'"

Alina looked taken aback, but after a second of silent shock, she bit her lip in thought and stepped towards the bookshelves. "Agdradoz, I know that name from somewhere." She mused as she ran her hand across the top shelf for a few seconds, before stopping as her hand landed on a thin volume titled, The Monarchs of Ginestra. "Here we go. The lineage records from when Ginestra was still a monarchy." She flipped it open to the back of the book and ran a finger down the index within. After a moment, she tapped a finger on a name and flipped the book open to that page. She turned the book around and showed me a picture of seven young men in the prime of their youth, a young woman, an old man, and two very young boys that were settled in one man's arms.

"This was the Royal Family of Ginestra that ruled until the kingdom's fall," Alina explained as she tapped the picture. "King Obelix, his seven sons, his daughter-in-law, and his two grandsons were the country's last rulers before it fell. Each of the Seven Princes were said to be war mages specializing in different magic areas, which was highly frowned upon at the time. One day, the city was invaded and nearly destroyed by a greater demon named Agdradoz. Records state that it killed King Obelix, his daughter-in-law, and his grandsons in the fight, and the princes were so enraged that they battled and killed it at the cost of their own lives. The Seven Sins of Agdradoz are the only pieces of the Prince's regalia recovered after the battle and entombed with them when they were buried. Archaeologists rediscovered the tomb about a six months ago. It was determined that the pieces would be displayed here as a monument to their sacrifice."

I took the book from her and looked over the picture, before kneeling down before Alepou. "What do you think? Is it them?"

Alepou studied the picture before nodding to himself. "It's definitely them." He confirmed. "Lucifer, Mammon, Asmodeus, Leviathan, Beelzebub, Belphegor, and Satan. The Seven Princes of Hell, high ranking Generals of the Celestial Demon King."

"How exactly do you know this?" Alina skeptically questioned as I placed the book on a nearby table.

"I'm sorry I don't believe we introduced ourselves." Alepou apologized as his form began to expand and shift until he was the size of a small pony. "My name is Alepou, and I am the Raiju of the Celestial Demons. I work closely with those chuckleheads every day, and I would be a poor commander if I didn't recognize my general and his brothers."

My mouth twitched up into a grin at her flabbergasted look. "I'm Vega, a wizard in training. I found the first key in their set a couple years ago, and they asked me to be their contractor. They're sworn to my bloodline for their protection, mainly so no one with bad intentions can use them, and also so I can start teaching people how to treat them with respect."

Alina blinked again. "My apologies for doubting you, then Alepou."

"Don't apologize for that." Alepou shook his head. "You're merely being cautious. My kind hasn't been seen in Earthland for quite some time, and with good reason. It's only natural that you wouldn't recognize me."

"So, where do we go from here?" I interjected before Alina could start quizzing Alepou about ancient history. "Obviously, we need to keep the Armband of Wrath out of their hands. From what I understand, this cult has been hiding for several years." I continued, worry wrinkling my forehead as I thought through our next move. "They only started actively searching for the artifacts after they were unearthed again."

"That is an excellent point." Alepou hummed. "With all of the artifacts in reach, we cannot guarantee that the cult won't try again. The only way to truly assure their failure would be to secure at least one piece, ideally two, in a place that they cannot access."

"It might be better for you to take it to the Celestial World and entrust it to the Princes." Alina reasoned. When both of us looked at her in shock, she shrugged. "It's not like anyone else could retrieve it from there. The Princes would fight tooth and nail to keep it safe, and you could always give it back to the museum after everything has passed."

"If the curators even want it, or any of the other pieces, back after everything is said and done." I pointed out. "The artifacts are obviously powerful, and they clearly have a purpose to the Cult if they're trying so hard to get them. It might just be better if the artifacts don't remain in human hands."

"I agree." Alina picked the book up and slotted it back into its place on the shelf. She turned towards us again, her eyes sharp and hard with determination. "Follow me. We'll get the armband from the vault, and you can keep it safe until this blows over."

Alepou and I nodded as we trailed after her.

The Armband of Wrath was impressive, to say the least.

It was made of beaten silver and obviously intended to encircle the bicep of a particularly muscular man. In various sizes and cuts, several rubies formed into an intricate seven-point star coat of arms that glittered against the silver like a bloodstain under the light of the display case.

"Wow." I breathed in awe as I gingerly set a hand on the glass, turning my head and wandering around it briefly to catch the marvelous light effects. "It looks incredible."

"It certainly is." Alina softly agreed as she deactivated the alarm systems around the piece. "A marvel of ancient jewel-craft. Almost the entire set is like this, beaten silver with the jewels of their sin arranged into the Ginestra Kingdom's crest. The only one that is different is the Bracelet of Pride, which is beaten gold instead of silver, and worn by the crown prince." She lifted the glass casing and took a step back as Alepou took one forward. "Please be careful with it." She urged. "The last thing I want is for it to be damaged."

Alepou nodded as he gently took the armband in his mouth. He turned around and met my eyes as he let out a huff around the armband. I nodded to him as I raised his key.

"Gate Closure!" Alepou dissolved into a scattering of gold, and black sparks, the Armband of Wrath held securely in his jaws.

"I'll summon Alepou again in about thirty minutes," I stated as I placed the Raiju key back onto the ring. "He'll have the armband secure by then, and we can go a retrieve the necklace."

"Good idea." Alina nodded as we started back up towards the surface. "The more pieces you secure, the fewer citizens will be in the line of fire."

"I'm still wondering why they haven't pushed harder." I wondered as we climbed the stairs. "It's a miracle no one has ended up dead yet."

"I agree." Alina commiserated. "The cult members seem to go out of their way to make sure no one dies in their attacks. Roughed up a bit, maybe, but not dead."

We continued on in silence for a few more minutes, reaching the museum's lobby again before I paused mid-step as a thought occurred to me. "Alina? How many people live in Ginestra?"

Alina paused and rested her chin in her hands for a moment as she considered my question. "Well, despite appearances, Ginestra is really only occupied by the gentry and moderately wealthy. Merchants pass through quite often, but they've stopped coming as frequently with everything that's been going on. These days, there are roughly seven to eight thousand people in the city at any given time."

"Shit," I growled as I turned around and headed up the stairs. "Alina? What do you know about rituals?"

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Alina rear back, her face rapidly paling as the implications hit her. She quickly followed after me, though, despite her palpable fear. "I know most of them are pre-Zeref and were banned specifically because most of them involved human sacrifice."

"The worst of them involved sacrifice on a genocidal scale." I worriedly amended as we burst through the balcony's magnificent glass doors and into the bright sunlight. I squinted out over the city, trying to recall the map that I had seen on the table in my room that morning. "If I remember correctly, the various thefts and muggings have taken place at different points, mainly near the city's defensive walls."

"Ginestra is built on a grid circle pattern," Alina could obviously see where I was going with my thought train. "Like an old magic circle. It was said to be part of the city's protection, a superstitious rite."

"But what if it wasn't?" I returned, looking out and tracing the lines. "Do you have maps of the old city and the new?"

"Back in the archive, yes." Alina nodded.

"We need to see those maps side-by-side. If what we suspect is true, the entire city is in danger."