Colored In Memories

She wasn't ready for it, but she had no choice. It was the only way to get her brother back.

Her own memories for his. The irony was that she'd have to give up a future with her family to guarantee he'd even exist, save his past. The family needed him more. I need him more than I ever got to tell him.

She walked up to the machine held by a pale slender man who stood in the back of the sterile room. His face lacked any color or sense of autonomy. He's so pale, probably a complete wiper. No memories at all. Completely controlled.

She wouldn't be submitting herself to that fate which made her decision hurt less. Just a half wipe. She'd lose all memories of her family and she knew that more than even helping her brother, she was helping herself. You can't miss what you don't know.

The man placed the machine on her head, and she resisted, grabbing his hands as the bulb-like helmet paused over her forehead. "I want to see my brother revived first. I need to know that our deal is held up." She glanced at her arms in front of her. Soon they'd be devoid of color. Will I remember who I am if I don't remember my family?

"I will retrieve the President." The slender man left swiftly, his robotic voice still echoing in the hollow halls. But as soon as the voice faded, footsteps vibrated through the room. Shadows dashed across the walls until the president and his entourage all stopped in sync.

"You called me?" The president stood behind her, his cold breath was harsh over her shoulders. She didn't want to turn to face him, but she dared to do it anyway. For my brother.

"Where is he? You took my brother and I'm here to get him back." She looked at the President and held back laughter. If it wasn't for his army, she would have taken him herself and run away with her brother. He stood there four feet tall with little to no muscle. Has probably never lifted a finger. But why would he. He's been collecting family members to do his dirty work for him. His skin was overly colored from holding family secrets through their 'stolen' memories. What did he learn from her brother’s memories? Would it be something even she didn't know about her family?

"Him?" The president scowled at her, offended by her staring.

"Is he really just a number to you? Take one kid from every household if we can't pay a hefty fee. Just so you can build more castles for yourself?"

"Yes, that is how this society works. You didn't send in your due diligence. I took the oldest kid of value."

"Well fine I'm here. I'll give you memories. Just bring my brother back fully memored first."

"Whatever," he muttered and waved a hand. Two minions stepped in with her brother pale and weak falling out of their hands. They shoved him to the floor. Even his hair had turned into a muted brown. She wanted everything to just run to him and hug him but the old minion with the machine was back and grabbed her wrists, forcing her into the seat and jammed the machine on her head. She flinched as the metal touched her skin. It was icy cold against her forehead.

"No!" The last thing she heard was her brother's voice screaming. I'm glad I won't remember that. Color returned to his face as she watched her own arms pale in comparison. 

His memories flashed above him as she started to lose consciousness. That was us at the family fair! And the fun family dinners! She tried not to frown, hoping her brother wouldn't see how sad she truly was. Wait. What's that? She watched the last memory of his return to him in shock, but before she could process the horror, her mind went blank. Who is that man in front of me and why is he crying?