Ok guys, confession to make. I'm not going to e able to update very often now, as I am currently in the process of working on a proper novel. In terms of priorities, this fanfiction isn't at the top. However, I'll keep the (apparent) quality same as always.

PLEASE REVIEW. And enjoy.

'Xanth?'

It was later that evening, and Xanth and I were in the car, heading for the party. The sky was tinged with the slightest crimson, as if a last defense against the dark. The shadowy forms of trees flashed past at the side of the road. The girl, Amber, lived a little way out of town, and the city had given way to green.

I'd actually changed into a shirt for once, a greyish, casual thing I cared little for. Xanth said it looked good on me, even when I pointed out it wasn't black, and therefore wouldn't suit me. He was wearing a dark t-shirt and jeans. I felt as though we had somehow, by some bizarre misfortune, swapped outfits.

He turned his head a little, blonde quills swaying.

'Something wrong?'

I leant my head against the door window, gazing at the darkening woods.

'Why don't I remember?'

He watched me for a while, not needing to look at the road.

'You said you did.'

'Almost. The memory's returning. But its like…' I thought for a moment, hand grasping air, as though trying to pull a tangible recollection to the surface of my mind. 'Its like thinking through a cloud. Like remembering a dream.'

He didn't speak.

'So why didn't I remember her face?'

'Haven't got a clue.'

I looked at his face. Caught a glimpse of something there.

'That's bullshit.'

He looked back at the road. I nudged his arm.

'Xanth? Please?'

'You won't like the reason.'

'Is that why you didn't say anything? You recognised her. You had to have done'

'Yes. I did. And I'm sorry.'

'Then tell me.' I gripped his arm harder. 'Because its my head. It's fragmented, twisted and messed up. But its my head.'

Silence. The Xanth leant back and sighed, running a hand through his hair. I watched him for a moment before he replied.

'After I drank my fill from those two scumbags, we got a cab back to our hotel that we were staying in. You remember? With the atrocious curtains?'

'I don't remember the cab journey.'

He nodded.

'You were acting strange. Stranger than usual. It was scaring the driver. You had your head in you hands, muttering like you were possessed.'

I tried to think. Perhaps it was a memory, perhaps it was the result of my imagination, but in my minds eye something swam into view.

'About what?'

'Rose.'

Silence. I felt a little sick.

'Please don't tell me-'

'Yes. You did see her. And you took a liking to her. That's what was driving you even madder than you normally are. You'd fallen in lo-'

'Don't.' I put my face in my palm, and let out a slow breath. My stomach twisted. 'Don't say it.'

'After we got back, you locked yourself in your room.' Xanth continued after a pause. 'Without a word. Quarter of an hour later, I hear banging coming from behind the door.' He was quiet again, as if reluctant to rein his words into his mouth. 'There was black smoke issuing through the cracks.'

I hadn't remembered that part. I wouldn't have. Memories of Shift were always hazy at best.

'I broke open the door. You were sitting on the bed. I don't know if you were aware of you thoughts, but you appeared to be attempting to make severe alterations.'

'How so?'

'With a metal hammer. To your own forehead.'

Silence filled the car. All that could be heard was the purr of the engine, and the whisper of air outside. Unconsciously, I reached up and touched a lock of hair, hanging in the centre of my forehead. There was no mark to suggest that any damage had been caused, but I knew. Xanth was telling the truth. I had tried to physically smash the sentimental side from my brain. And I had been in Shift.

'What then?' I asked after a minute. He sighed.

'You looked at me, whispered something, and collapsed. You were unconscious for a good nine hours.'

Nine hours, and a day's memory loss. All in an effort to remove the human side forever. To ensure that I remained mentally damaged. It had almost worked. Almost.

We drove on, into the dusk. A moment later, I turned to Xanth.

'Where the hell did I get a hammer from?'

He laughed. I shook my head, exasperated.

'I have no idea,' he answered. 'Came in useful though. When I had to repair the door.'

'Oh, well, that's fine then.'

'We're here.'

I looked up. Xanth pulled onto what appeared to be a drive, disappearing between the leaves of a hedgerow. It twisted a little, suddenly opening out onto a large open gravel space, parked cars, and a huge, imposing house. It gave of a sense of the twenty first century, with huge, glass windows, and a roof that had an impressive warped effect. There were circular wooden steps leading up to it, upon which lounged a group of teenagers that I recognised from our year. Most of them had a bottle in hand- one, a wiry boy of medium height and eye-catching, bright purple hair combed over one eye, had a cigarette in his hand, blowing smoke rings into the evening air. Xanth pulled into space with a crunch of gravel, and I leant back, gazing in admiration at the palatial abode. There was the sound of music thumping from inside.

'Told you she was loaded.'

'I didn't dispute that for a second.' He got out, and I followed him, the drive's surface crunching underfoot.

As we neared, one of the guys on the steps stood, and gave a drunken wave. I inwardly chuckled. He was drunk already, and we were only five minutes late. At least the evening would be entertaining in some form or another.

'Hey! It's the British guys!'

He launched himself at Xanth from his step in an aerial hug. Xanth caught him in the crook of one arm, face entirely deadpan, and lowered him to the ground. There was laughter from his friends. The guy looked bewildered.

'You are just…awesome' he said, swaying slightly. Xanth shrugged.

'The feeling is mutual'

The door opened, and I caught sight of the tall form of Amber, descending with aristocratic grace towards us. She was wearing a bright orange dress, and her hair hung loose in immaculate curls. The effect was spoiled somewhat by the bottle in her hand.

I've never been drunk in my life. Anything that upset the clarity of thought was a big no-no for me. Besides, alcohol leads to a lack of inhibition, and it's my inhibitions that stop people from dying around me. I didn't want to risk it.

'You guys just going to stand around in the cold, or what?'

'Just arrived.' I said. 'Where's Gatsby?'

She pointed at Xanth. 'You, big guy, have a crowd to please.'

'Um…'

Xanth didn't have a chance to answer, as she took him by the arm, and led him inside. I rolled my eyes, and followed.

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Thanks for reading.