Hi. Ten years of Kuroshitsuji and four years of this fanfiction, time goes by so fast. If I don't update by Halloween have a good time and I hope you avoid those weird clowns. The verse below in bold is a couple of excerpts from Tokyo Ghoul's theme 'Unravel', I got the translation from the You Tube video by Hell Ice Craft.

'Tell me, oh tell me, the way this world works,

Just who is it that exists inside me?

Standing here in this twisted and distorted world my figure gives way to a hazy and empty void,

Please don't look for me, my hidden self,

In this painted world of foreign whims,

I never want to see you hurt,

So please don't forget my image…and its brilliance.'

Catching her breath Luka turned back to Remus who was now the owner of two ruby red eyes. Ciel had said that after Sebastian had tried to kill him during his transformation he had slept for a day. Hopefully Remus would be unconscious for a couple of hours so she could pay Sebastian a visit. Just in case she penned him a quick note before shutting his eyes and departing via shadow gate, due to the contract she could go straight to Sebastian's side. Appearing in his flat the demon was in front of her arranging a vase of roses.

"Do you like your present?" Luka could see his smirk in a nearby mirror.

"What?!" shouted Luka as the unsheathed Shattered Soul screeched, "You condemn Remus to life as a demon and call it a present? He can barely abide being a werewolf!"

Sebastian's smirk momentarily faltered, he had never seen Luka so angry, not even when they had made their contract. The nephilim was now in her true form, wings unfurled and her aura blazed red. A small number of multi-coloured feathers were starting to fall as her power colonised the surrounding space. A fine display indeed decided the demon, but, he needed to nip this act of insubordination in the bud. As the enraged nephilim lunged in it was child's play for Sebastian to grab her sword arm and flip her over. Pinning her to the wall one hand on her throat the other on her sword hand.

"Control yourself, I have granted you a boon," he growled, pressing on her trachea just hard enough to impair her breathing.

Still struggling Luka's ire only increased. A boon? Had the demon gone mad? Opening her mouth to splutter her response she was cut off by further pressure.

"I did it for you, you brat!" hissed Sebastian, "Now your precious werewolf can be beside you for as long as you choose,"

Luka faltered. If this was the way Sebastian was going to play it Remus would blame her. He despised himself for just being a werewolf but now he would have to actually kill people… As much as he would hate what he became he would loathe her more for being the cause of his transformation. Would he try to maim himself to put an end to it? Or would he just be driven mad? Their relationship would be over whatever way it went.

Seeing her sword point slowly descend Sebastian released Luka before turning to admire one of her dropped flight feathers.

"I've asked Ciel to meet the pair of you tomorrow. You'll find a box of New Moon Drop on your way out," said the demon calmly as if nothing had happened.

Wilted from the knowledge of how irreparable the situation was and what was to come Luka picked up the tea in a numb daze and exited via shadow gate. Back in the room where her husband lay she slowly undressed before carefully enfolding him in her wings. Holding Remus to her bosom she caressed the hands that were now tipped in black nails. This may be the last time she had the chance to sleep beside him. Sniffling slightly she threw the bed covers over both of them and descended into an uneasy sleep.

As the light of dawn peeped through the curtains Remus stirred. Why was he still fully dressed and yet in Luka's arms? And why had she been crying in her sleep? Raising a hand to wipe away her tears he halted as his eyes caught his black fingernails. Varnish? No, his nails were black all the way through. But how was this possible? This sort of thing had only ever happened during a transformation and that time Luka had helped him regain human form during the full moon but the full moon was more than a week away. The only other species he knew of with black nails were…demons. 'Do you indeed wish to spend you entire life with Luka and not leave her broken hearted?' Sebastian's words echoed in his head. Was this the gift the demon had given him to ensure that his lifespan matched Luka's?

"I'm so sorry,"

Remus raised his gaze to the sorrowful eyes of his wife.

"I had no idea what Sebastian was planning,"

"He's made me a demon?"

"Yes," replied Luka careful not to add Sebastian's words on it being a 'boon'.

Remus fell back on his behind limp. Since contracting lycanthropy as a little boy he hadn't thought any situation could be worse and yet in the midst of the happiest day of his life he had found it. Or, more precisely it had found him.

"I'll fight it, it has to be rev-,"

"The transformation is irreversible. If it were not, Sebastian would have eaten Ciel long ago," somewhat lost for word Luka plumped for the British classic, "I'll put the kettle on, we will be having a guest soon,"

"Sebastian again?" Remus felt too weary to spit out that name with the venom it deserved.

"No, Ciel. I imagine he's here to help you to adjust," replied Luka as she carried her day clothes to the bathroom.

Less than a quarter of an hour later the pair were in the living room with Luka back in her camouflaged, wingless form. As the kettle whistled there was a knock on the door. Whilst Remus answered it Luka prepared the new tea, as the water was added to the leaves both seemed to evaporate to leave a swirl of energy undetectable to the human eye. Exiting the kitchen with the tea tray she found that the former earl had already seated himself. Across the coffee table sat Remus, his eyes focused intently on the older demon.

"Before I begin are there any burning questions?" asked Ciel who seemed to act as if this was a straight forward board meeting.

"Yes. Why in Merlin's name did Sebastian do this to me?" snapped Remus.

"It was a gift, granted not one that was in the best taste considering your pre-existing condition. Sebastian decided long ago that if your relationship managed to last it would only end one way, in your death far preceding Luka's. Seeking to protect Luka from the pain of widowhood Sebastian turned you into a demon to extend your life span," replied Ciel calmly, "Aren't you going to touch your tea, you must be hungry by now?"

Remus looked at the swirling energy in the tea cup, "What is the 'tea' made of?"

"Human souls," said Ciel taking a sip of his own.

"In that case I won't drink it. I refuse to feed off the remains of a human," retorted Remus although both of the others had noticed how his pupils dilate at the sight of the soul.

Ciel sighed, he should have expected this. After all the first time he had met Lupin he had been reminded of the foolish young police man who wished to protect everyone.

"You don't have a choice. You need to eat, and regularly being a fledgling. You'll need at least three souls a week for the first year or two but given that you already use magic you may need even more,"

"I won't kill people just for their souls," growled Remus.

"Suit yourself, just be warned. The longer you starve yourself the more aggressive and feral you will become, hunger is a serious pain for demons. You can try and stave it off by trying to take only blood off people but you are not a vampire and that won't work forever. Sooner or later your resolve will fail and you will kill someone just to eat their soul. I should at this point add that Sebastian will not allow you to feed off Luka,"

Luka's heart sank a little. Until then she had thought of sneaking Remus a little food, after all she wouldn't die like a human. Now there was no way for Remus to live without killing.

Ciel continued to expound on life as a demon. Faster healing from normal wounds, immunity to disease but magical wounds whilst quicker to heal than a human's would still take a little longer and he would be susceptible to potions for the first few years. His more acute demon senses would also develop soon, perhaps over the next week. He would need less and less rest until he no longer needed to sleep, although he could sleep if he wished. After the fledgling years Remus would be able to slowly reduce his food consumption and as a side note given that he started off life as a human he may still be able to enjoy normal food. Both Sebastian and Ciel were uncertain exactly how being a demon would impact on his lycanthropy but it was probable that he would be a wolf demon with canine ears and tail in addition to his wings. Ending on an offer to take Remus hunting Ciel stood to take his leave. Nearing the door he turned to Luka as Remus remained seated on the settee.

"If things become a little difficult here, Sebastian and I are to investigate an organisation on board a cruise liner if you would like to accompany us,"

"I think it would be more prudent and correct for me to stay," replied Luka.

The blue haired demon looked over at his younger counterpart who was staring into space with a darkened expression.

"You may not have a choice,"

Shutting the door Luka turned back to her husband. Just what was she supposed to say?

"So this is it then? Was this Sebastian's plan all along? He couldn't get either of us to end our relationship so he's punished me by turning me into a demon. Come on, you know that this is no gift," Remus sounded oddly calm.

"I supposed it could be seen that way, Sebastian's motives can be quite obtuse at times," replied Luka uneasily.

"Why do you keep defending him?" hissed Remus his eyes shifting to red.

"I'm not, I am merely stating that figuring out his plans are often difficult," said Luka trying to placate him but Remus was now on a roll.

"After everything he's done you are still on his side! After all the injuries you've endured in his service as a doll for his amusement! The manipulation, you said that you didn't want a relationship with him yet he still succeeded in wrapping his tentacles around your heart, even now he won't give up and is but waiting for his father to revoke his decision on your relationship! Exactly what will it take for you to denounce him? Does he have to kill someone you love?"

"He has already done as good as that,"

"And yet you still stand by him. Sebastian really does own you doesn't he,"

Luka bristled at the derision in voice, "You knew that from the start,"

"I misled myself over the degree of your bondage, no matter what you did at his bequest I always thought that I could free you from him. Now my naiveté has damned me," Remus finished in a whisper.

"Do you want me to go?" asked Luka quietly.

"Please, I need time to think,"

Nodding Luka summoned her belongings and left, although not before pocketing some of the tea bags. Hopefully Remus would be sensible but just in case he starved himself.

Once she had left Lupin sighed and rubbed his hand over his emerging stubble. Once again the tea cup caught his attention. It smelled so good and he could feel the beginnings of hunger. Salivating he rushed the cup to the sink and threw it down the drain. No way in hell was he going to eat a human. Following that he grabbed the box of tea bags and flushed them all down the toilet. His task complete he sank down on the bathroom floor. Just what was he to do now? He couldn't go to Grimmauld Place, he could no longer be trusted around people so soon. Perhaps, once the 'honeymoon' was complete he could go back to his flat and try to hold off his hunger.

XXX

Luka cursed Sebastian one again. Where was she going to go for the next week? She couldn't go to her mum's, after all telling her that Remus was now a demon wasn't going to go down well. Sebastian's? Hell no. Ciel's? Likewise. Given that she didn't know what went on during the holidays Hogwarts was also out. So that left her with one choice…

"Yo…What the hell are you doing here Luka? Aren't you supposed to be on your honeymoon?" asked Jim.

"Yeah, about that…can I crash here for the rest of the week, or at least a couple of days?" replied Luka.

"Of course, come on in,"

"What's the problem?" asked Michael as he shifted on the sofa to make room for Luka.

"Well, it kinda goes like this…" began Luka.

"Damn, I know they say keeping in touch with your ex is bad for your current relationship but I don't think the love gurus were thinking of that scenario," said Jim as Luka finished up.

"No shite,"

"So what will you do now? Do you think Remus'll try for a divorce?" asked Michael.

"I don't know if he'll do that but I couldn't blame him if he did. The main thing now is to keep an eye on him if he returns here. If he is set on starving himself he will eventually snap," replied Luka.

"And we should keep all our heads down when he does," continued Jim.

"Yes, he will be stronger than normal due to his demonic powers taking control. Mathew will also be one to watch. Remus is still affiliated to the pack and he may take it as a threat to his authority,"

"Everything just keeps getting more complicated," murmured Michael.

"Yeah, it does," replied Luka.

XXX

Over the course of the week Remus' hunger grew worse. Try as he might to sleep it off as much as possible the pangs kept returning, each worse than the last. That and he was lonely. He regretted sending Luka off and he couldn't contact Sirius. He and Harry might be in danger if they came to the holiday cottage. At least when he got back to the flat in Nottingham he'd be among werewolves and other magical creatures that hopefully he would be less likely to attack. That was the theory.

The first couple of days back in Nottingham were pleasant. Remus was glad to be talking to other people again and working kept his mind off the hunger. Coming up the end of his evening shift Nymphadora Tonks came in with a small order. She courteously asked about his honeymoon, Remus was glad she seemed to be over pursuing him, and she seemed slightly concerned that he hadn't reported back to Order headquarters. He tried to shrug it off saying that he'd been busy and the relieved smile told Remus he'd been believed. Unfortunately as soon as she'd smiled on the cue of a simple lie the thought of how easy it would be to trick her into following him into an alley way crossed his mind. Perhaps ask if they could discuss some more Order matters. A quick Stunner and then it would all be over. Quick, neat and painless. She'd never feel her soul leave her body. Revolted by his train of thought he backed off slightly. Thankfully the pizzas were soon ready and with another smile his would be target was gone. Remus quickly asked if he could work in the kitchens, Jim happily obliged and Remus finished his shift in relative isolation.

Wracked by worry Remus left work carrying three large pizzas that had been ordered by a prank call. Alas, they tasted plainer than they had before his transformation and they didn't make the slightest dent in the hunger pangs. Sighing he wondered what he should do. Could he contact Luka to get him some more tea? He knew he couldn't go to Sebastian or Ciel. As he sunk into further melancholy he suddenly smelt something sweet. It smelt alluring, like the cakes his mother used to make. Perhaps someone was cooking something that would appease his hunger. Oblivious to the fact his eyes were now red he trotted out of his flat to the stair well. Unfortunately there was no cooking. Instead the two orphan werewolves who had been adopted by Polly were on the stairs and the boy had a cut knee. Remus had been drawn there by the smell of the blood. Too far gone to stop he advanced on the children.

"Don't worry child, I'll help you make it better," smiled the demon, the children looked so cute and sweet he just wanted to eat them up.

Evidently sensing the danger they both backed off and the boy growled. Irked by the sound Remus lunged at the child only to be stopped as an enraged Polly's claws slashed down his side. Brought half way back to his senses by the pain he stopped. Assessing the situation in horror Remus Disapparated. He ended up one of the seedy back alleys just off the city centre. He was so hungry he could whimper and now he was nursing an injury. It seemed slow to heal although it was closing up, perhaps it was due to his hunger? Leaning against a wall he sunk back into the madness of hunger and watched as a lone man crossed the street. Clearly inebriated he stumbled from step to step. Remus watched. This was the opportunity he had been looking for. He'd only take a little blood, Obliviate the man and that would be it. No real harm done. Trying his best at a winning smile he walked up to the man offering assistance. It was easy to then drag him back into the alley Remus had come from. Gagging the man with one hand he bit into his throat. Remus groaned happily as thick, sweet blood entered his mouth. In his contentment he didn't notice how he ripped into the man's body and extracted soul. Once his hunger was sated he released the body and sighed, the pangs at last were gone. Only once he had opened his eyes did he realise what he had done. Lying before him was the crumpled and bloodied corpse of his victim. Backing away he ran his hands over his chin and the top of his shirt feeling the damp blood. He felt sick. Falling on his rear he couldn't take his eyes off the corpse. What had he done? Why did it have to come to this?

He didn't know how long he'd been there but eventually there were footsteps. Startled out of his daze Remus tried to move but he was too late and the light that was shone by the stranger made him shield his yes with his blood covered hands. Finally lowering his hand Remus expected to see a policeman or a member of the pack but no, it was Albus Dumbledore. The old wizard surveyed the scene with grave sadness.

"Such a pity my boy, I had such high hopes for your work with the werewolves,"

Saying only that he turned to leave and the light retreated leaving Remus in the dark. Alone.

'Tell me,

Oh tell me,

Deep inside,

Just who am I?'