Aya's Academical Year - Part 2

January 1

I know I can’t say this to you in person, but... Happy New Year! I really hope your year started off beautifully. I thought of you a lot during the celebrations.

Over here at the Academy, it was honestly amazing — and a bit insane. We had a huge week-long festival leading up to New Year’s Eve, filled with magical displays, performances, some ridiculous realm rivalries, and plenty of food (seriously, I think I’ve eaten enough coral pastries to qualify as one). Every classroom and realm had their own events and games, and of course, someone decided we needed competitions too — like we weren’t chaotic enough already.

Naturally, they wanted me to represent the Mermaid Realm in the inter-realm games. Neri and Lyara were relentless. I think they’ve convinced themselves I’m some kind of secret weapon just because I’m in the Dark Magic classroom. Maybe they think I’ll hex the competition or something? They kept whispering about “strategic advantages.” Honestly, I’m half-sure they just wanted me there to curse someone. And, well... I might know a curse or two that would come in handy — one in particular I’ve been saving just for you when we meet again. Don’t worry, it’s more pleasure than pain. Let’s just say it’s kinky as hell... but I’m keeping it a surprise for now.

On the last night of the year, we had this massive feast in the Great Hall. All the lilims were present. Yes, even Serass. They showed up looking like walking disasters in designer gowns — powerful, dangerous, impossibly elegant... and completely terrifying. It’s weird. You’d think I’d be used to it by now, but there’s still something deeply unsettling about being in a room full of beings who could snap reality like a twig just because they felt moody. Sometimes it feels like this world is held together by duct tape and the whims of a sadistic coven of glamorously psychotic overlords (and please, please let Freya never read that — I’m pretty sure her glare alone could erase me from existence).

Despite all the magic and noise and laughter, I kept thinking about you. I really missed visiting the temples together — the quiet, the incense, the peace we always found in those sacred places. It made me a little sad to be so far away this year. You always grounded me. Even when everything’s spinning, you made it feel like I had a center to return to. I miss that. I miss you.

But I’m hopeful. Next year, we’ll be walking through the temple courtyards together, offering prayers under hanging lanterns, laughing at how much incense smoke gets in our eyes. We’ll share that moment again — I know it.

Until then, stay safe, stay strong, and maybe think of me when you look up at the stars. I’ll be looking at them too, wondering if you're doing the same.

With all my heart,

Aya <3

February 4

Hey Umako,

How’s the new year treating you? I hope everything’s going smoothly, and that Hiroto is—at least—pretending to be a proper boyfriend these days! You’ve gotta keep him on his toes, after all. 

As for me… well, I’ve been having a pretty good time lately. Actually… I’ve been dating someone! For the past two weeks, I’ve been seeing a merman named Marius. And—get this—he’s half-shark. Yes, that kind of shark. You know they have… two dicks? Yeah. That was a surprise. You’re welcome for that piece of trivia. 

Anyway, Marius is from a long military bloodline in Coarador. He’s studying weather magic, aiming to become a royal guard. I know, I know—you’re probably rolling your eyes right now thinking I’m going full gold digger. But I swear, it wasn’t planned! Everything just flowed naturally. We got paired up during the New Year’s Games, and he told me he was honestly shocked a "foreigner" like me could wield water magic so well. I didn’t tell him right away that I’ve been having secret chant-control sessions with Freya—who’s been way more helpful than I expected. (And intense. Like, really intense.)

Oh! Speaking of Freya—she said she’s removing my collar soon! That means no more accidental chant slips or sudden mind-controlling people mid-conversation. Thank the gods. I can finally speak without worrying about charming someone into walking into a wall.

Honestly, this might mean I’ll be able to return home sooner than I thought… but the truth is, Umako, I’ve been wondering if I want to.

I know it probably sounds crazy. But Coarador is beautiful—rich in magic, culture, and full of opportunity. Being a siren here actually means something. I’ve already received offers to continue studying magic with some rather generous “remuneration,” as the nobles call it. The idea of building a life here… well, it’s starting to feel real. It’s tempting.

That said, if I do stay longer or even move here permanently, it doesn’t mean I won’t visit. You’re still one of the most important people in my life, and nothing—nothing—is going to change that.

So, here’s to new beginnings, strange shark trivia, magical boyfriends, and figuring out where we belong in the world(s). 

Always your dear friend,
Aya 

March 6

It was such a thrill seeing you again, Umako!
I loved every minute of it—and I’m so glad I made it just in time to give you your gift. Sometimes that devilish goddess you call a friend actually is helpful, huh? Even if she drives me insane half the time. Honestly, I already miss you. I hope we won’t have to wait too long before we see each other again.

On other topics... things have been shifting lately. I’ve been spending more time with Freya, and guess what? She told me the collar will come off soon—finally! Yay?! I mean, it’s a little scary, but also exciting. She’s been giving me more attention lately, saying she believes I have real potential. That I should stay and finish my studies here.

And I don’t know what to do.

The more time I spend here, the more I can see a future for myself in this world—one where I’m not just Aya the accident-prone siren, but Aya the mage. Someone who belongs here, who’s respected. But at the same time… I miss my world. I miss the ocean back home, the quiet places I used to hide in, the laughter we shared, you.

Next July we’re going on a guided visit to Brachan and the Church of Lumine. They say people go there when they’re at a crossroads—when they need guidance or clarity. I guess that describes me perfectly right now. So maybe I’ll go, maybe I’ll ask. See if the stars or the gods or something can help me choose where my heart is supposed to be.

But no matter where I end up… you’re always part of my story.
Always.

Your confused but hopeful friend,
Aya 💙

April 12

Dear Umako,

Congratulations! You and Hiroto successfully activated the Pendant of Compatible Flesh. Apart from the obvious physical effects, it also means your souls are now lightly braided at the edges—like a magical friendship bracelet, but stickier. This is good! It enhances intimacy, synchronizes magical resonance, and boosts mutual pleasure by roughly 213% (give or take).

HOWEVER...

I have been notified (by an alarm rune etched on the pendant) that someone else has activated it, and more than once. The soul signature indicates it was your mother.

This is very dangerous.

The pendant is soul-bound to you and Hiroto. Anyone else using it is playing with fire. It’s like invoking a wish with an untrustworthy djinn. Unwanted effects may include (but are not limited to):

• Extended transformation (more equine than expected)

• Uncontrollable libido

• Permanent transformation

• Priapism (erections that won’t go away)

• Unexpected identity crises
  
  

An unauthorized user could probably get away with using it once without permanent damage. However, repeated use can exacerbate the side effects.

Please, PLEASE retrieve the pendant and do not let anyone else use it again. It is NOT A TOY—it is a living, magical construct attuned to you and Hiroto.

I’m sorry I didn’t write you sooner, I was away on an extended trip to Coarador to see Marius (so, yeah, I was kind of preoccupied) and only saw the alarm when I returned to Inasmont. I pray your mother has not suffered anything unpleasant.

With loving exasperation,
✨ Aya