Soltina/Memories

## Chapter 1

My story is also my big sis’s story. The only reason I’m here is because of her, after all.

My sixth birthday... was when I accidentally realized I had strange powers. I didn’t learn they were the powers of a witch until much later.

Mommy, Daddy! Look at what I can do!

When I showed off my powers to them, their expressions immediately dropped, and I was thrown out of the house like a bag of garbage.

“Disgusting,” they spat. “If I knew you were going to be a witch, I would *never* have given birth to you.”

I didn’t understand what had happened. But, this door was never going to open for me again. And when I realized that, tears began falling from my eyes.

The door opened again, and the one who came flying out... was Big Sis.

## Chapter 2

“It’ll be okay,” she said, before holding out a stuffed bear she had made for me.

My mind struggled to keep up, but I accepted her present. hen Big Sis pulled me into her warm embrace. “Happy birthday,” she hummed.

You can’t, Big Sis... You’re going to be kicked out, too...

Tears streamed down my face, and once they started, they never stopped. I held the stuffed bear close to my chest and wept in Big Sis’s arms.

After that, the two of us went into hiding. Everyday was tough, but just knowing Big Sis was waiting for me at home... was all I needed to be happy.

But... I guess witches really aren’t allowed to find happiness.

## Chapter 3

The Inquisition appeared without warning. They had found out I was a witch.

While I shook in fear, Big Sis turned to me and gave me an awkward smile.

“I’m not a witch, so they won’t capture me. Sol, you go get a headstart and I’ll catch up.”

I believed those words. How could I not? I was so scared... The Inquisition’s famous for their cruel torture methods. Not a single witch captured has ever returned from there.

I escaped outside the city and waited for Big Sis. But no matter how long I waited, she never came.

Where is she...? Did something happen...? Worry began welling up inside me, and I remembered that awkward smile.

That’s right...! Why didn’t I realize it...?! Big Sis only ever gives that kind of smile...when she’s telling one of her bad lies...

My worries only grew from there, and soon, I caught wind of a rumor. That a witch named Lunalynn had been captured.

## Chapter 4

Big Sis isn’t even a witch... Why did they capture her?!

...It was for me. She let herself get captured so I could run away.

Of all the witches captured by The Inquisition, not a single one has ever come back. They’re all tortured in the cruelest ways...

Big Sis... You’ve always protected me, and yet I haven’t done a single thing for you in return... This can’t be how it ends...

Whenever I was sad or felt like crying, I would hug the stuffed animal Big Sis gave me—the bear that was filled with her love and warmth.

...That’s right. She’s always been the one saving me. But now it’s my turn to do the saving. I’m going to save you, Big Sis...!

## Chapter 5

I wanted to go to where Big Sis was, but a huge mountain of ice blocked my path. That’s when I met the nice Duke.

His curse dissolving staff helped us climb to the summit, and there, we saw Big Sis... who had become a Witch of Qlipha.

Big Sis would never hurt a fly... How could she...? All of a sudden, the ice started showing us her memories.

The Inquisition’s torture methods were far crueler than the rumors made them out to be, and Big Sis’s heart broke from the pain. That’s how the Curse that freezes everything was born.

For them to do such horrible things to you... Just you wait, Big Sis. I’m coming to save you.

## Chapter 6

Big Sis, there are so many things I’m thankful to you for... and I’m not just talking about this bear. You’ve given me more than I could ever ask for.

So I’m begging you... Don’t say such a sad thing like “Goodbye...” I don’t want to go home to an empty house anymore.

No one can get through to a witch that’s gone berserk. But I continued to try.

Because I know that Big Sis is kind. Whenever I was crying, she would always be there by my side. Please... come back to me, Big Sis!

Suddenly, I felt Mister’s staff connect my voice with Big Sis.

“...Sol? Were you the one who called out to me?”

A warm light starts dissolving the land of ice. Welcome back, Big Sis.

## Chapter 7

Big Sis and I are now living together in Mister’s country. It’s a wonderful place where us witches aren’t discriminated against.

She never stopped apologizing to me, saying that it was all her fault that I got injured.

You’re the one covered in wounds, but you’re still only worried about me... You never change, huh, Big Sis?"

There’s no need to apologize though. If it’s for you, Big Sis, then I’ll do anything.

“Why...?” You can’t even figure that much out, Big Sis?! Hah...I had a hunch, but you really don’t know, huh?

This is the perfect opportunity, so I’ll tell you why. It’s not because we’re sisters, or because you saved me. The reason is much simpler than that. Much more important than that.

It’s because... I love you, Big Sis!!