Hello there boys and girls, back again for another instalment of Homecoming!

Enjoy!

Neptu and the others had followed Zynna to her office, where he could see the box filled with scrolls sitting on her desk.

"Hyperion and I were sifting through these scrolls while you were dealing with Arno," Zynna said, picking up a scroll from her desk. "And we found something that may help."

"May?" Neptu asked. "You're not certain? Maybe we should look through all of them before we-"

"Neptu," Zynna interrupted. "Magnus wrote this." This made Neptu widen his eyes in surprise.

"Magnus?" He asked. "Really?" Zynna nodded.

"Okay, keep us up to speed," Elizabeth said, speaking up. "Who's Magnus?"

"An ancestor of mine," Neptu said, looking over at her. "He lived around three hundred years ago. He's one of the first named Devil Slayers we can trace back too."

"And also one of the most revered," Zynna added. "He served with Zentopia for years." Neptu took the scroll from Zynna and slowly opened it, reading the opening sentence.

"My name is Magnus Skylancer, General of the Exorcist division of the Zentopian holy army. And if you are a Demon slayer, rejoice. You are not alone. You will be saved."

"That sounds pretty definitive," Abigail said, arms crossed. Neptu nodded.

"It sure does," he said.

"Keep reading," Zynna said, leaning on her desk. Neptu nodded and opened the scroll more.

"In the history of the human race, we have always fought as hard as we can to survive. The Dragons being one of the biggest fights on record. And in those times, warriors were called upon to act as apart of their race, and to ensure it's future. The Dragon Slayers of the old days used the dragons own magic to slay them and ensure humans were no longer preyed upon. And we followed suit. Years ago, we decided it was worth a try. We captured demons and used techniques developed by the Zentopian church to steal the magic from the demons and used it against them."

"Okay okay, hold on." Quinn said, holding his hands up. "Ancient Devil Slayers stole their magic from demons? That's hardcore."

"Seriously," Tristan agreed.

"After the dragons were dealt with, It was Zeref and his demons," Hyperion said. "And not even all demons answered to him, either. Some are more ancient than even him." Neptu knew who Hyperion was referring to. The Demon Lords.

"So they needed to find an answer," Gin summarised. "What's next?" Neptu looked back down at the scroll, finding where he left off.

"It worked so well it was like a miracle. The demons crumbled beneath their own magic like paper under water. The strength they wielded was more than we could have ever imagined. By teaching a small army these techniques, it was as though the Gods themselves had sided with us. We cut down so many demons with their own powers, and it seemed we would finally be free, no longer prey to stronger beings. Alas, fate had decided we were not destined for such an ending. We failed to take into account what side effects might happen as a result of the magic we had stolen. And it cost us.

Demon Slaying magic dooms all to turn into the very beings we stole the magic from. It infects the human body and slowly turns you into a demon."

"Huh?!" Neptu shouted after finishing reading. "I'm turning into a demon?!"

"Shit..." Zynna hissed, arms crossed. "I was worried that was it."

"Keep reading!" Abigail shouted. Neptu needed no encouragement, now he was terrified.

"The demons magic infects the human spirit, and slowly turns it into a demon. Like the Dragon Slayers, who have disappeared like those they swore to slay, we will turn into that which we swore to kill. It is an inevitable, irrefutable fact. If you are a practitioner of Demon Slaying Magic, you will become one. And if this is the first you're hearing of it, I'm sorry. I know it's scary. But, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

You see, for almost one hundred years, Demon Slayers have fallen prey to the infection the magic brings with it. Sometimes later, sometimes sooner, but they always do. And with that, more demons are around to kill, so the magic cannot be lost until we are finished our duties. To truly put an end to it, we must root out the cause. And the cause is the infection. With the infection always turning Slayers, we must always be around to root out the cause. And I have found the cause. Working together with the Zentopian inner circle, I have found a way to save us."

"So there's good news, then." Tristan said. "Thank God."

"Keep reading" Gin said.

"As I said, the biggest problem we encountered while trying to find a cure is the infection of the human soul. The demonic power infects the humans soul and joins with it, making a simple removal near impossible without killing the Slayer. For years we could do nothing but watch as people were lost to the darkness. However, we have found the light. Using techniques refined over many, many years, we have finalised a technique to cure the infection. However, it is not without danger. The technique involves the Slayer fighting off the infection.

Literally.

Taking inspiration from demonic powers we have seen used against us, we have found a way to give shape to the infection in the mind of the Demon Slayer. The Demon Slayer will have to fight off the infection face to face, within their own mind. If the Slayer falls, their body is consumed by the demonic power and they become a monster. If they succeed, the infection is neutralised, saving them from this fate. Be wary, this will not be an easy fight. Depending on how ingrained the infection is, it may be the fight of your life. I urge caution to any Demon Slayer reading this. It will not be easy, it will not be painless.

But if you are strong, you will survive."

Finishing the scroll, silence fell over the office. For a few moments nobody spoke, before Quinn sighed.

"Now what?" He asked. "We have a situation on our hands."

"That's obvious," Abigail said. "We need to find a way to save Neptu, and fast. Did it even say how to perform this ritual?" Neptu weakly looked over the scroll again, shaking his head.

"They're aren't any instructions," he said.

"Of course there is," Zynna said, pointing to the scroll. "Magnus said he worked with the Zentopian inner circle to figure this out. We just need to go and see them."

"Yeah, that'll be easy." Tristan said, rolling his eyes. "Zentopia doesn't just let anyone in, you know. Their headquarters is pretty hush hush these days."

"I'm sure they'd let us in, right?" Elizabeth asked. "If me mention Magnus or the Skylancer name, I'm sure they'd let us in."

"Do we really have a choice?" Gin asked. "If Neptu is turning into a demon, we need to get him there fast. Right Neptu?" Neptu didn't respond to this, he just stared at the open scroll in his hands. He was turning into a demon. Him. That had to be the most ironic thing he'd ever heard in his life. Was this life's cruel way of punishing him for what he'd done? The things he'd said?

"Neptu?" He looked up as Elizabeth put a hand on his shoulder, watching him carefully. "Are you okay?"

"...Yeah," he said. slowly. "Yeah, I...I'm fine. I just got some pretty bad news though, huh?" No one responded to his bad joke, which only worsened the storm brewing in his stomach. "I think I might hurl," he stated flatly.

"Don't do it in my office," Zynna snapped. "Man up, you'll be okay. We just need to get you to Zentopia."

"Where even is Zentopia anyway?" Gin asked. "I've been all over this country, and I never saw it."

"It's up in the mountains in the North," Abigail said. "Pretty secluded, but I guess that's kinda the point."

"What if I don't make it there?" Neptu asked. "What if the infection catches up to me?"

"Stop it, Neptu." Zynna advised.

"What if I turn on the way there? Or while we're there? I'm a danger to everyone around me!"

"Join the club..." Gin muttered.

"Take a deep breath," Elizabeth said, rubbing his back as Neptu felt panic settling in. "It's going to be okay."

"We should set off for Zentopia as soon as possible," Zynna said. "Even if he's overreacting, it would be best to get Neptu there as soon as we can."

"So when are we leaving?" Tristan asked.

"You guys aren't going anywhere," Zynna replied, gesturing to The Cross and Gin. "They wouldn't let Gin in in a million years, and I'm not comfortable leaving him here by himself. It's not safe."

"I'm coming," Elizabeth said. "Don't fight me on this."

"Liz-" Zynna started.

"The others can protect Gin just fine," Elizabeth cut in, looking defiant. "I'm coming with you guys."

"How come we can't come?!" Quinn demanded. "Gin is a big kid! He can look after himself!"

"You really want to leave Gin here in a den of people who wouldn't accept him if they knew what he really was?" Zynna demanded. "Xeros allowed him to stay, but if others here found out he was a Demon Lord, all hell would break loose."

"It's okay guys," Gin said. "I'm sure Neptu will be okay, and he'll be back before we know it. Right Neptu?" Neptu looked over to the boy asking him this question, watching him carefully. Despite the tense atmosphere in the room, Gin had a smile on his face. This allowed Neptu to calm down a bit, if only slightly.

"Right," he answered. "Don't worry guys, I'm sure things will be fine."

"You're lying," Abigail said. "Bit I suppose we really don't have a choice in the matter, do we?"

"No, you don't." Zynna said, turning to look at Neptu and Elizabeth. "Now, I suggest you two pack a change of clothes or something because we aren't wasting any time. We're leaving. Now."

Neptu had already tossed a few articles of clothing into a bag, but he'd since busied himself by smoking on the railing of his room. He'd already nearly emptied the pack, and he felt no less calm. The scroll Magnus had left his family had shocked him to his very core. The magic he had used all his life had infected him, tainted him. Now, if he didn't reach Zentopia and find a way to cure himself, he'd be lost to the darkness. Turned into a beast akin to the one that stole his family from him.

It wasn't very easy to swallow, needless to say.

Growling, Neptu tossed his finished cigarette on the balcony, lighting another. This was so much to handle, he wasn't sure what to do. He was thankful Zynna had taken charge back when he finished reading the scroll, otherwise they'd probably still be waiting for him to come up with some kind of plan.

"Neptu?" Neptu jumped and turned rapidly, finding Elizabeth standing in his room watching him. He watched as her eyes darted down to the cigarette in his mouth, and she frowned. "What the hell are you doing?"

"Nothing," he answered immediately, spitting the cigarette out onto the floor and stepping on it. Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at him and walked forward, kicking his foot out from atop the cigarette. She stared down at it, before slowly looking back at him.

"I didn't know you smoked," she said.

"Of course you didn't." Neptu hissed, pocketing his hands. He ignored the feeling of the pack pressed against his hand. "I didn't let you know."

"Why not?"

"Because I know it's a filthy habit and you'd get on my ass about it." This response did not seem to please her.

"I get on your ass because I care, you know." she said. "Without me you'd have died five times already."

"You don't have to bring it up," Neptu grumbled.

"...You do it because you're stressed, don't you?" She asked, making him raise an eyebrow. Smoke, I mean."

"Oh, yeah." He said, looking away from her. "Sometimes shit gets to heated and I need something to clear my head. It works. Usually."

"But not this time, huh?" She asked, making him nod. "Neptu, it's okay to be scared. You're going through something terrifying. Any normal person would be crying with fear."

"I know," he replied, glaring at his feet. "But this feels like a cruel joke. Me, turning into a Demon. How much more ironic can you get?"

"You read the scroll yourself," Elizabeth said. "It's happened countless times before, and will probably continue to happen as long as Demon Slayers exist. You aren't the first of your kind to feel like this has to be some joke."

"I know, I know." Neptu said. "But...It's just so damn terrifying."

"I know." After a silence, Elizabeth walked closer to Neptu,and he felt her hand cup his cheek. Neptu looked up to find her meeting his gaze, smiling warmly. "You'll be okay, I know it. You've survived worse than this. That infection doesn't know what it's up against." Neptu watched her warily before he sighed and chuckled.

"You sure know how to raise a mans spirits," he said. Elizabeth giggled, but did not release Neptu's face.

"I have to do it all the time around you rain clouds," she said, There was a silence between them, followed by a tension Neptu didn't recognise. Before things could get any weirder, his door was opened, and the two of them jumped apart.

"What the hell are you two doing?" Zynna demanded. "Let's go already! We're burning daylight!" With this she left, leaving the door opened.

"She has a point," Neptu said. "Come on, let's go."

"R-Right," Elizabeth said, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Let's go." Following her out, they walked through the halls of the mansion in silence. Once they reached the exit, Neptu was greeted by the site of Xeros, The Cross, Gin, and Arno standing near a carriage.

"What're all you guys doing out here?" He asked, confused.

"To see you off, dipshit." Tristan said. "What other reason would be here."

"We were gonna go into New Avalon, but decided to wait," Gin said, smiling. "After all, we need to wish you luck."

"Exactly!" Quinn said, a high energy as ever. "So, good luck man. Make sure you kick that infections ass for me, okay?"

"Gotcha," Neptu said, unable to surprise his smile as he punched Quinn in the shoulder. As soon as he did, Abigail hugged him.

"Be safe," she said. "And come home, yeah?"

"Of course, I'll do my best." He replied, returning her gesture. Neptu looked over at Tristan, who raised an eyebrow.

"I ain't hugging you," he said, making Neptu laugh. Tristan held out his arm, smirking. "Good luck man, we're all with you." Neptu nodded and clasped his hand, squeezing it tightly before releasing him.

"Thanks." Finally, he looked at Gin, who still had a small smile on his face.

"Don't make my trip here for nothing, yeah?" He said. Neptu nodded.

"I'll do my best," he replied.

"Best of luck, Neptu." Xeros said. "I would be saddened to hear of your turning."

"So would I," Neptu replied, tossing his bag in the back of the carriage. "Look after my friends, Xeros. If I come back and they've been hurt by anyone..."

"Of course," Xeros said. "This is their home now. They are safe here." Nodding, Neptu looked around at his friends. He took the time to memorize their faces, lest this be the last time he saw them.

"We'll be back before you know it," Zynna said, climbing into the carriage. "Look after the place, eh Dharen?"

"Of course Zynna," Dharen said. "everything will be perfect upon your return." Nodding, Zynna looked over to Neptu.

"Come on little brother," she said. "We've got a infection to expunge."

After seeing Neptu and the others off, Gin had followed the remained of The Cross, Dharen and Hyperion to New Avalon, under the pretence of needing some supplies for the gardens around the mansion. Once getting there, Gin found it incredible how similar the entrances to the cities seemed. Sure Old Avalon had been torn apart, but Gin could still make out the entrance arch, the fountain, and the markets surrounding it. Even the layout of the buildings were very similar.

"It's so pretty," Abigail said, looking out over the city. Gin nodded.

"It sure is," Gin agreed.

"Alright people," Dharen said, stepping ahead. "I need a bunch of supplies for a new patch of the garden, so I'll need you all to run around and get some for me. And before you accuse me, it's a massive list and would take me alone several trips."

"Damn, you caught me." Quinn said, looking unimpressed as Dharen handed out lists of materials. From what Gin could see, his list mainly contained seeds for shrubs and plants, and a few gardening tools listed as important because the old ones were rusty and useless. Splitting off from everyone else, Gin wandered around the city looking for his target. The market had many stores all over the place, so he really had no place to look.

Best to ask, right?

"Excuse me," Gin said, walking up to a woman working a produce stand. "I have a list of things I need to get for a friend. Could you help me find where to go?" The woman smiled back at him.

"Of course dear," she said, extending an open hand. "Let me see." Gin handed over the list, and the woman scanned it quickly. After a few seconds, she smiled. "Yep, you can find all this stuff over at the Garden Emporium."

"I see," Gin said. "And where would that be?" The woman handed the list back and pointed to Gin's right.

"Down there," she said. "Take your first left, and it should be the second store on your right." Gin smiled.

"Thank you very much," he said.

"No problem dear, no problem." Grateful for the directions, Gin turned and walked in said direction. But soon, he encountered a sight that twisted his stomach.

Sitting on the side of the street was a small figure, probably of a child's. They were wrapped in a bundle of rags and cloth, which didn't look very warm as the winter months approached. There was one tiny hand extended from the rags, shaking a can. Probably looking for money.

Gin knew the position, it was one he'd been in many times himself. No money, no home, hoping the kindness of strangers would save him. But now that he was in a position to help, he found himself unable to turn away. Approaching, Gin found the rags turned to him and shook the can in his direction.

"Please Mister," a small girls voice asked from the rags. "Can you spare any jewel?" Gin bent down, giving himself a better look at her features. His heart hurt s he was greeted by the sight of a gaunt face, and sunken red eyes watching him feebly from under the rags, dark black bangs hiding the other half of her face.

"What're you doing out here, kid?" He asked. "Don't you have anyone looking out for you?"

"No," The girl answered, looking down. "I lost my family."

"How old are you?"

"Six and a half, sir."

"Fucking hell..." Gin muttered, staring at his feet. "Seriously?"

"Yes, sir." Gin wasn't completely surprised, as families abandoned children all the time. He knew that better than anyone. But seeing someone else suffer through this was heartbreaking.

But he did have a solution.

"Hey," he said, patting the girls head. "I belong to a guild that runs out of the forest near here. Why don't you come back there with me? We'll get some food into you, some proper clothes, the works." Gin smiled as the girls bright red eyes lit up.

"Really Mister?" She asked. "You'd do that for me?"

"Of course," Gin replied. "I've been where you are, and I don't want to see it happen to someone else." With this, Gin was taken aback as the girl sprung from her seat and hugged Gin as tightly as she could, making him laugh. "I do have some errands to run though, is that okay?"

"Of course mister!" The girl said happily. "I'll help! I'll do whatever I can!"

"Stop calling me mister," Gin said as he placed her back on the ground. "My name is Gin."

"Mister Gin, got it!" She cried out, making Gin roll his eyes. "My names Anna! Happy to meet you!"

"Happy to meet you too Anna," Gin said, extending his hand towards her. She grabbed it happily, and to feel her tiny hand in his, Gin felt a flutter in his heart. This was a good thing he was doing. He was saving someone unable to do so themselves.

Somehow, he imagined this was what Fairy Tail felt like regularly.

"Come on Anna," he said, leading her along. "He have some things to get, and I'll bring you home."

"Yes sir!" As the pair walked away, Gin suddenly felt a cold shiver go down his spine. Turning, he was met with a strange sight. Despite the hustle and bustle of the street, a woman stood in the middle of it. She was wearing a dark dress, and her hair was just as black. Her eyes and lipstick could only be described as the colour of blood, and they made her quite a spectacle.

Just as soon as Gin saw her, she disappeared into the crowd. Gin watched out for her, but he did not see her again.

"What's wrong, Gin?" Anna asked, watching him with a curious look. Gin watched even longer for the woman before he slowly turned back around, confused but not to worried.

"...Nothing," he said. "It was nothing."

Nothing, he says. Anyway, hooray for another Homecoming chapter! Definitely going to get these out faster. Also look out for a new chapter coming to 2nd Generation soon too! I hope you enjoyed, leave a review! Let's try and get five!