Would you look at that, in a shocking turn of events I'm not dead. Things happened, internet deserted me in my time of need, AP chem added onto advanced math classes mean please kill me, and then there was Nanowrimo... And then there was Nanowrimo.

The only plus to all of this is I have a slightly better idea of what to do with the next few chapters, but I'm not sure when I'll update again since my schedule has been launched off a waterfall somewhere. Probably floating down the Anduin and into the Sea or something.

Well, there's another plus. Nanowrimo had me working on a collaboration with my sister, Arlewena, and the product should start being available on this site and AO3 at some point in the near future, however I'm not sure how many of you will be interested since the fandoms involved aren't what you kiddos are here for.

Anyway, so there's a chapter for you to read. Thanks for waiting!

Chapter 3: Learning to be Remus Lupin

Remember what I told you, sir.

Don't call me sir, it makes me feel old!

Uh, Mr. Angel?

Father, no. Just Gabriel is fine. Or Loki. Or The Purveyor of All Things Mayhem. Or, even better-

The Pur- what now?

Never mind. Just Gabriel.

Okay, Gabriel. Before you go out there, remember what you've been practicing. Fewer jokes-

Boring!

Don't insult anyone or tease them much-

Jeez, just taking all of the fun out of my day.

I'm sorry, s- Gabriel, but you told me to teach you how to be me. I think you've got everything, so we can go.

Alrighty, captain.

With that, Loki hopped out of the bed onto his two short legs. They were shorter than normal, which was a bit disorienting but nothing he couldn't much handle. He'd just have to make sure he didn't walk like he was uncomfortable with it. He opened the door, and took a step outside.

Wait! Remus exclaimed, Get a book! I always carry around books, I nearly forgot to tell you.

You're such a bookworm. Loki thought as he picked up one of the books strewn about the room. You're going to ruin my reputation with this, I'll have you know.

I'm sorry?

Loki rolled his eyes, adjusting his grip on the book he'd picked up. If this kid didn't like sweets Loki would start murdering people and quickly. That tended to happen when he was deprived of sugar.

As he hopped down the steps of the stairs leading to the living room, he asked Remus, What is your opinion of sweets?

I love sweets! Remus exclaimed, suddenly excited, Especially chocolate.

Then we'll get along just fine, even if you are a nerd. Loki commented, satisfied that his obsession for sweets would not be entirely out of character. After all, what self-respecting kid in my line of vessels doesn't harbor a love for sweets and mayhem?

Line of what now?

Loki sighed, reaching the living room. Ah, I'll explain later.

His mother was up in an instant, "Oh, Remus, good morning! Did you sleep well?"

"Yup!" Loki replied, popping the 'p'. Then he remembered he was supposed to be acting like Remus and said, "Uh, good morning, mum, dad."

His dad looked up from the book he was reading. Evidently that's where Remus had picked up the tendency to read.

"Breakfast is ready whenever you'd like it, dear," his mother said, steering him into the dining room, "I'll fix you a plate, do you want orange juice?"

Just nod. Nothing else!

Loki complied, nodding and biting his tongue to stop himself from making a comment. Alright, alright, kiddo. No need to shout.

He was quickly presented with breakfast and didn't hesitate to savor every bite. This food deal wasn't so bad, really. It was only a bit inconvenient, but the taste of it made up for that. Sure, what he was presented with wasn't super-sugary, but it was still okay. Eating just sugar wasn't good for you, which was honestly very stupid but there were the facts. While he might not mind it, he shouldn't abuse Remus's poor body, nor would the parents allow such a diet.

Once he was done eating, he sat down in the living room to begin to read the book he'd brought with him. He really wished he'd discovered how to put Remus in control, so he could let the kiddo read instead of just looking on. However, that idea was still just a work-in-progress, so he'd have to suffer through reading to keep suspicions down. Not that he hated reading, but it could never hold his attention too long for the most part. Literature tended to repeat the same concepts and ideas, and it got incredibly boring after a while. The children's books available to him, while thankfully advanced for Remus's age, weren't satisfying reads.

"This afternoon we're taking you out." Remus's father remarked suddenly, bookmarking his page in his large paperback and setting it aside.

"Huh?" Loki said, startled at the sudden disturbance of the silence, "Oh, sweet. Where are we going?"

Was that good? Please tell me you're at least a little curious about things normally. Gabriel thought, closing his own book. He had no need to bookmark it- he could easily remember his page.

No, no, you are doing fine, came Remus's reply. Loki breathed a sigh of relief. He had no interest in dealing with suspicion. He'd rather succeed in his trick by leaving none the wiser that he might be something other than what he was supposed to be.

Remus's father looked uncomfortable, but their mother answered, "Into the woods, sweetie."

"Why?" Loki asked, his own suspicion rising and causing him to tense up. He didn't like their tip-toeing around whatever issue it was.

"We're going to have a picnic, won't you like that?" his mother said, not looking at him. Instead she stared at the grain of the end table resting beside her chair. His eyes darted between the two adults, trying to figure out what was wrong. Inside him, he felt Remus quiver, as the boy seemed to be picking up on his suspicion that something was wrong.

Finally, his mother sighed, "It's the full moon, tonight, sweetie." Oh. That made a lot of sense. "We've prepared somewhere for you to stay for the next few nights, where it'll be safe. We'll bring you breakfast tomorrow morning, okay?"

Loki wasn't sure how to react. Remus had gone silent. Loki could feel the child's fear at being left alone, at the unknown that his new status as a werewolf brought.

Gabriel wanted to reassure the kid, but from what he knew of the transformation into werewolf, it wasn't pretty. He couldn't tell Remus it would all be okay, because Loki didn't want to lie to the poor little guy. He might stretch the truth, or bend it a little to suit his needs, but he didn't like lying to a kid. Especially not this kid, not when he trusted him so much.

Loki made his eyes go wide, focusing on the fear he felt radiating from Remus, and let his lip quiver a little as he said, "You're leaving me… alone? All night? But…"

"You don't have to worry." said his father, firmly, "Nothing will be able to hurt you. We'll be there when you're… you again."

"Okay." Loki replied, biting his lip and keeping his expression fearful, "Promise?"

"Of course." Remus's mother said, walking over to ruffle his hair.

As he was told, they did go on a picnic in the woods while they watched the sun sink towards the horizon. Gabriel didn't enjoy it as he should have. In truth, he was a bit afraid of the werewolf transformation. Not for him; he could handle pain. He was afraid of how it would affect Remus. The poor kid had been quiet since they'd learned it was the full moon.

Kids shouldn't have to worry about anything but begging desserts and toys out of their parents.

The little cottage he was brought to was nice. There wasn't much furniture, which was to be expected since he'd only destroy it when the transformation took over. There was a comfortable-looking couch, however. There weren't any windows, just one door that looked strong enough to take a good amount of force. Even if it couldn't, the place would be safe. Gabriel had felt the strength of the warding put on this place when he walked in.

Once the parents had left and the sunset began, he heard Remus whisper, Gabriel? I'm scared. Do you think… will it hurt?

Gabriel sighed heavily, yeah, probably, kiddo. I'm sorry. But I'll be right here the entire time. I'm not going anywhere. You've just gotta be brave. Do you think you can manage it, kiddo?

Okay. Remus replied, sounding a little reassured. In the meantime, Loki settled himself on the couch. He wasn't sure exactly how this was going to go down, but he thought it might be best not to be standing when the moon's light took effect.

He could feel it as soon as it began. Remus's entire body roared, the bones and tissues answering the call of the moon and beginning to move and shift. He could feel the magic trying to conquer his mind, to bring it under it's control. His grace instantly began to fight back, heightening the onslaught of agony. Gasping for air, he forced his grace to stop. The pain lessened, but it was still terrible. The body wasn't under his control, and his mind was slipping, slipping. His mind wasn't meant to be contained like this, and he couldn't see for the pain in his head. His ears were ringing. He might have vomited; he wasn't sure.

His skin pulled tight, his bones ground together. He could hear Remus screaming, crying out in fear. Make it stop, make it stop, it hurts! Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop, stop-!

Gabriel grit his teeth turning to fangs and replied, Calm down, don't fight it! I'm right here!

As the magic forced his mind out of control, he delved inside. He found Remus, and wound his grace tightly around the boy in hopes that it would lessen the effect.

Only one thought was on his mind as he finished. We're going to have to do this tomorrow morning, and every full moon for the rest of Remus's life, unless a cure is created.

Father damn it.

The werewolf thing couldn't exactly keep with my lighthearted tone thus far, but thankfully next chapter will see us with more fun things.

Thank you for reading, and I wish you all a wonderful day.