Author: Trinity J. Choi

“W-who are you?”
Those were the three most painful words I’d heard my entire life.
“Someone who loves you dearly.” I responded, unable to control the slight crack in my voice. I could see my face shining back at me through her empty eyes. The reflection of a sister she doesn’t recognize. Hopefully she’ll live in blissful ignorance, bear children, build a new family, and die never knowing the truth that almost cost her her life.
“I’m sorry, I-I’m confused-” Vicki started to fully wake up, pushing herself up from laying on her back. Her gaze hovered from the tears illuminated by moonlight, streaming down my face to the trees that surrounded us. She stared eyes wide and mouth agape as she took in the unfamiliar environment she found herself in.
A cold wind blew, leaves rustled, and a chill ran down both our spines. Reaching out, I tucked a piece of loose hair behind her ear and wrapped my cloak around her.
Vicki looked back up at me with her brows furrowed, but she glanced back between the trees once we heard the sound of shuffling footsteps grow closer. Bright white lights flickered as they enclosed us. We both squinted and her breathing became unsteady, lifting her hand to shield her eyes.
My head ached, I knew so much more than I had seconds before.
A loud voice boomed among the crowd of armed creatures: familiar but inhuman, deep and threatening.

“Vickaria the Kingslayer, you have been discovered. Obey and your people will live.” Vicki whipped her head around to look at me, her eyes wide with fear.
It’s too late for me to change my mind and run now.
Stumbling to my feet, I held my hands up in surrender. Sounds of cocking guns filled the quiet woods, further confirmation of how my story will end. If it is to be in her place, then so be it. “Vickaria isn’t the real Kingslayer, it’s me!”
“Ryana you have no involvement in the corruption within our Sky Castles. Vickaria is the leader of the rebellion. Turn her into us and we will continue to keep you and your colleagues safe while we return Earth to its former glory.” There was a murmur of agreement among the faceless crowd.
Smoke covered skies, oil filled rivers, and every animal but us wiped out of existence. We knew it was all a lie now, they’d probably just kill us all.
I glanced down at Vicki, she was running her fingers through the dying grass and feeling the dirt under her palms. She may not recognize it now, but she was willing to die for this place just minutes ago.
The piercing sound of Oli’s voice screaming the truth through everyone’s screens that day, suddenly came to mind. My head pounded, recollecting of the noise his throat made, slit as he fought and screamed to the very end.
It’s difficult to tell what memories are mine and hers. I’m starting to understand what it feels like to lose someone you love. I can’t imagine what she went through.
Vicki waved her hand to speak, “I-I really don’t know what’s going on! Please tell them! The last thing I remember is–”
I interjected before she could finish, “If you don’t think I’m telling the truth, check my memory! Yeah that’s right, I know you guys can do that!”
In the dark, the creatures exchanged glances. As far as they’re concerned, memory is the only true piece of evidence. I placed my hand on Vicki’s shoulder with a stern expression. The more she didn’t know, the safer she was. “Go on.” I prompted her.
“I don’t know how I got here and I’m not a Kingslayer! How do you know my name?!” She cried out, “Where am I?!”
There was a mumble amongst the crowd, confusion most likely. The owner of the intimidating voice stepped forward.
We finally got to see his true form, a tall and gruesome looking thing. With each step, it inched closer to us. I knelt down and wrapped my arms around Vicki, her shoulders rejecting my embrace. The self proclaimed ‘King’ stopped in its tracks just a few inches away.
“Do you know this woman?” It asked Vicki, a talon pointed in my direction. Covering half her face with my cloak, she shook her head violently. The King looked me over with a sharp toothed smile.
“Leave Vicki alone, and I’ll show you how I did it.” I whispered, quiet enough that only the three of us could hear. “Swear that you will use it to erase what she found and things can go back to the way they used to be.”
A simple exchange: my life for everyone else’s.
“What makes you think I’ll oblige?” the King asked, leaning closer. Vicki’s eyes darted back and forth as we spoke, curiosity getting the best of her yet again. I pulled the cloak further over her eyes. More flashes of memories, a younger version of myself tucking me into bed.
“It’s that or I turn and run right now, your men will kill me on the spot, and you’ll never know how to take people’s memories.” I spoke those last few words as quietly as I could, praying that Vicki couldn’t hear.
The King’s smile gradually turned downward. “Fine. As long as everything’s destroyed.” It kneeled to meet Vicki’s eyes. “Count yourself lucky, Kingslayer.”
With that, the King walked away. A wave of its talons, and a herd of creatures overcame us. Sharp claws pulled and tugged at us, forcing us to separate. It was instinct that forced me to cling onto her for dear life, “I love you..” I managed to blurt out, completely aware of how little it meant to her. But it meant everything to me.
Dragged away, I watched her form blend into the darkness. Letting out a sigh of relief, I closed my eyes and recalled her most recent memory, just before I stole it from her. Arguments, tears, and broken promises. I used her little discovery against her.
It’s my job to take responsibility, it has been since she was born. I just wish memories could be deleted instead of taken. I don’t want to die, but ‘as long as everything is destroyed’ means the truth can only disappear if it’s host does too.