Umako Classroom Changes: Chapter 10

Umako cantered toward the polo field, mallet clutched in her hand. While her club practiced every Saturday, this day was special. Because of the scarcity of centaur players, they usually practiced against human teams. Although the control of their horses, as shown by the humans, was impressive, they could not approach a centaur's human/horse synergy. The games were always lopsided, with her team easily outscoring the humans even after granting them a substantial handicap.

This game would be different. A centaur team from another city was visiting. Umako was excited by the prospect of a game that might be genuinely challenging. She loved the game; the feel of the turf being kicked up in divots under her hooves, the smell the grass released when it crushed under them. 

By the time Umao arrived, her teammates were already on the field, running laps to warm up. 

In polo, the players do not have fixed positions; each player covers the entire field, following the ball. However, players are numbered one through four, with number 1 being most responsible for offence and number 4 being primarily defensive. Judging by the numbers worn by the other players, she saw she would be playing position two, an offensive position but not the primary scoring one. She was annoyed that position one was being played by Yukio, her ex-boyfriend (if you could call him that when the relationship had ended badly after only a few days). She sighed. She would have to put her feelings aside and work closely with him during the game. It was her job to score if she could, but more often, to feed the ball to player number 1 for a scoring opportunity.

The arrival of the opposing team distracted her from musing about having to work with Yukio. Physically, they seemed well-matched with her team except for one girl who towered over her teammates. 

Most centaurs have an equine body similar to an Arabian horse. However, a few are much larger, similar to a Clydesdale. This girl was one such individual. Her gigantic body was supported by stout legs ending in huge hooves covered in shaggy hair. In addition to her massive equine body, her human torso was heavily muscled, so much that she could be mistaken for the She-Hulk, apart from not having green skin. Her long red hair was done in a braid that reached to her waist. Incongruously, her face was dainty and heart-shaped, with scattered freckles on each cheek. Umako shuddered a little when she saw the girl was playing position 4, a defensive position that would put her in direct opposition to Umako and Yukio.

As Umako had expected, the game was very competitive. The opposing team's defender proved to be a formidable opponent. Umako had expected her to be slow and clumsy because of her size, but that was not the case. She was almost as fast as Umako, though slower on turns. Her strength was formidable. There was a crack like a gunshot whenever she hit the ball, and it rocketed down the field faster than Umako could intercept it.

The scoring went back and forth, with alternating teams leading at the end of each chukka. As the end of the final period approached, the score was tied with less than a minute left. Umako had yet to score a goal, although she had provided critical assistance to Yukio on many of his. 

Humans change horses after each period when they play polo, but centaurs have to play the whole game. The strain of continuous running and making quick turns was wearing on Umako. Her legs were aching, and her pelt was soaked with sweat. She hoped that after the game, she could talk Hiroto into giving her a thorough rub down and massage liniment into her sore limbs.

The 30-second warning had just sounded when Yukio’s team’s number 3 player got a good hit on the ball, sending it directly to Yukio. He picked it up and charged toward the opposing goal, hurrying to beat the clock. Their massive defender was all that stood between him and victory, and she was rushing to intercept him. Umako ran parallel to and a little behind him, unable to do anything but watch the impending train wreck.

Umako was sure Yukio would try to blast the ball past the defender, but just before reaching her, he knocked it sideways, away from the defender and into Umako’s path. The defender scowled at being outmanoeuvred. She jammed her hooves into the ground, sending up enormous dirt clods as she braked and turned, racing to catch the ball. Umako reached it first and sent it through the opposing goalposts with a tremendous swing of her mallet. Looking back, she saw Yukio grinning and giving her a thumbs-up. She still thought he was something of a creep, but she had to admit he was a good polo player.

As the teams congratulated each other on a well-played game, Umkao noticed Yukio lingered with the gigantic defender. He was smiling and laughing; she was batting her eyelashes at him and blushing. A blooming romance, perhaps? Umako giggled at the size mismatch; the top of his head barely reached her bosom. 

“Well, at least she won’t have to worry about any of the horny stallion shit he pulled on me,” Umako mused. “He’d need to stand on a box to mount her, and she looks capable of beating him to a pulp if he gets out of line.”

—----------------------------------------------------

On the way home, Umako’s thoughts turned to Aya. It had been over a month since the orgy at Hiroto’s house, and she hadn’t heard from her. Aya had not been attending school. Umako had tried texting her but got no answer; calls went directly to voicemail, never to be returned.

Feeling self-confident after scoring the winning goal, Umako decided it was time to clear the air with Aya. Walking toward Aya’s home, she ran through various scenarios. Would Aya be apologetic? Would she try to defend her actions? Would she refuse to even talk to Umako?

Arriving at Aya’s, Umako steeled herself and knocked on the door. Aya’s mother opened it.

“Umako!” she exclaimed with a smile, “I’m so happy to see you. It’s been so long since Aya has seen any of her friends. Even her boyfriend doesn’t call on her anymore.” 

“She has been so moody lately,” her mother continued, “She won’t go to school. She just hangs out in her pool all day. She barely speaks to any of us. It all started after the sleepover she had with you last month. Did something bad happen?”

Umako was momentarily startled by this reception. It seemed that Aya had not said anything to her family about the events of that evening.

“May I see her,” Umako asked, holding a neutral expression.

“Well, of course,” Aya’s mother replied, her smile fading due to Umako’s serious demeanour. “She’s out back in her pool. You know the way.” She indicated the side gate that led to the backyard.

Umako opened the gate and stepped into the yard, calling out Aya’s name. There was no response.

She approached the pool and saw Aya lying motionless on the bottom. “Oh my god, she’s dead!” flashed through Umako’s mind, but then she noticed Aya’s eyes moving. Aya did not appear to be aware of her presence.

Umako slapped the pool's surface with her hands and shouted at Aya. Aya surfaced, coughing the water out of her lungs.

“Oh, it’s you,” Aya rasped, her throat raw from the coughing, “What do you want?”

“We need to talk,” Umako said matter-of-factly.

“What is there to talk about?” Aya moaned, sinking lower in the pool, “I’m a monster, and everyone hates me.”

“Don’t be so dramatic,” Umako shot back. “Nobody hates you, but you did a terrible thing, and we are all upset about it.”

“You don’t need to lecture me,” Aya murmured, looking away. “Your friend Serass already did that.”

“Serass?” Umako asked, startled. “What does she have to do with it?”

“She was waiting for me when I got home that morning,” Aya replied, tears welling. “She had my family in some kind of trance, and she tried to make Mika drown herself.”

“What!” Umako exclaimed, “Why would she do that?”. Umako was sure that if Serass had meant for Mika to die, she would be dead, but she was still shocked that Mika had been drawn into this.

“Well, it was a stark lesson in the abuse of power,” Aya sobbed, tears forming in her eyes. “You don’t know what it’s like to have the power of command. As the ability has developed, using it comes so naturally that I don’t even realize I’m doing it. That’s why I’ve kept to myself since that night. I don’t speak with even my family unless I have to for fear of commanding something I will regret later.”

“I see,” Umako said slowly, taken aback by Aya’s tears and trying to understand.

“Please believe me that what happened that night wasn’t planned,” Aya bawled, tears flowing abundantly. “I was drunk and thinking about how attractive you are, and before I knew it, we were making out. I love you, Umako; I would never deliberately make you do something against your will.”

Umako could sense Aya’s authentic remorse. She had come over intending to lecture Aya harshly on how reprehensibly she had behaved but found herself believing that Aya had been as much a victim of her power as her friends. She knelt down and leaned over the pool, hugging Aya, soaking her shirt with water from the pool and Aya’s tears.

“I know you have no malice in you,” Umako whispered, “I couldn’t believe you would ever intentionally hurt me. I’ve been so confused, which has led to anger at you.”

“I’m so sorry,” Aya whimpered.

“It’s ok,” Umako assured her, “I believe it wasn’t intentional. Besides, ever since you kissed me shortly after the Event, I kind of wondered what it would be like to make out with you.” Umako confessed,  blushing.

“And…” Aya prompted

“It was nice. Your pussy tastes like salmon sashimi,” Umako giggled, “But I still prefer boys, I’m afraid.”

“Your loss,” Aya sighed, showing a small smile.

“What about the boys,” she continued, “How are they dealing with it?”

“Well, Kaito seems to have happily accepted his sexual orientation,” Umako replied, watching for Aya’s reaction to the news about her erstwhile boyfriend. “He’s sent me some pictures from school of him and his boyfriend. He says they are very happy together.”

“Yeah,” Aya replied wistfully, “He was a lot of fun, but I always felt something was missing. I’m glad he figured it out.”

“And Hiroto…” Aya queried.

“He’s… different,” Umako replied hesitantly, “He’s been more reserved in our lovemaking, and a couple of times, he’s said something about relationships being much simpler before the Event. One time I think I caught him looking at gay porn, but he closed the window before I could be sure.”

“You don’t think he’s gay, too, do you?”  Aya gasped

“No, I think he’s just confused,” Umako replied, “He can’t understand why he enjoyed the encounter with Kaito so much.”

“You told him that’s just a side-effect of the magic, didn’t you?” Aya asked

“Of course,” Umako assured her. “But I’m not sure he entirely believes me.”

“But I’m not here to talk about Hiroto,” Umako insisted, “What are we going to do about you? You can’t spend the rest of your life hiding in this pool.”

“What choice do I have,” Aya sighed, “My power is getting stronger and more uncontrollable by the day. I don’t know if I can talk with anyone without unconsciously controlling them. I’m not even sure I didn’t influence you to forgive me.”

“I don’t think you did,” Umako said uncertainly, “I was listening very carefully for any hint of singing and ready to smack you if you tried it.”

“It takes a true friend to be ready to whack me if I get out of line!” Aya laughed heartily.

“I think we need to go see Serass,” Umako declared

“Serass!” Aya panicked, “I’ve had enough of her to last a lifetime. She said she would know if I abused my power. If I tell her I can’t control it, she’ll do something awful to me.”

“I imagine she already knows,” Umako said, “Nothing seems to escape her attention. You are in more danger if you don’t learn to control it. No matter how careful you are, it’s only a matter of time until you do something unforgivable.”

“OK,” Aya sighed, “I'll talk to her, but you have to come with me.”

“Of course,” Umako nodded, “I'd never let my bestie face this alone.”

—----------------------------------------------------

Umako entered the café ahead of Aya. It was midafternoon, and there were no other customers present.

“Hello, horse girl,” Serass called out with a smile, “Nice to see you.” Her smile faded as she saw Aya roll in behind.

“I see you are consorting with this miscreant again,” Serass muttered. “Did she command you to  accompany her?”

“Serass, please,” Umako pleaded. “Aya is my best friend and has a huge problem.”

Serass stared intently at Umako. Her eyes seemed to pierce into Umako’s soul.

“ Huh,” she said, “I can see you really mean that. I don't detect any trace of compulsion on you. There must be some good in her if she warrants such loyalty.”

Serass turned her gaze onto Aya and studied her for what seemed like hours but was actually only a few seconds. 

“I see,” she declared, “The girl's problem is more serious than I thought.”

“What is it?” Aya and Umako gasped in unison.

“Not all sirens are equal,” Serass explained, “Some are much more powerful than most. Aya may be the most powerful siren I've ever encountered.”

“Is that bad?” Umako asked.

“Well, beings are what they are,” Serass replied, “Good and bad are human concepts that don't apply. Let me put it this way: Her level of power could subjugate a nation.”

“But I don't want to control anyone,” Aya pleaded.

“Without proper training, you have no choice,” Serass said sympathetically. “When your power fully develops your slightest whim or fleeting thought could compel multitudes to obey.”

Serass's demeanour turned serious.

“I like this world the way it is. I can’t allow an uncontrolled siren power to disrupt things. I'm going to have to exile you to a place with no sentient life so there will be no one you can command.” 

Serass drew her finger through the air, opening a rift in reality that showed an ocean on the other side. The girls gasped at the show of such power. Serass indicated that Aya should proceed through the portal.

Aya recoiled in horror.

“Come on,” Serass cajoled. “It’s a lovely place. The ocean is abundant with plants and animals for you to eat. There are no creatures there that can harm a siren. You can live out your life in peace.”

“But I would be all alone,” Aya protested. “That’s even worse than being trapped in my pool forever. I couldn’t stand that. I'd rather be dead. Can't you just kill me?”

“Wouldn't work,” Serass said impassionately, shaking her head. “The power is bound to your soul. You'd just end up reincarnated somewhere else, and I'd be facing the same problem in another twenty years.”

“I suppose I could devour your soul,” Serass mused.

“Devour my soul!” Aya shuddered. “You can do that?”

“Of course,” Serass said. “It’s quite simple and mostly painless. It’s much like entering a dreamless sleep from which you never wake. It would dissipate your power and solve the problem. Would you prefer that to banishment?”

Aya blanched and stared blankly at Serass, trying to comprehend the dilemma she faced. Slowly, she responded.

“I’ve thought a lot about suicide lately. Avoiding everyone for the last month has been awful. I can't stand the idea of spending the rest of my life alone. The isolation would torment me every day,” she sighed in resignation. “Compared to that, sleeping forever doesn’t sound so awful. If that's the only other way, then do it.”

“As you wish,” Serass replied. She gestured, and a glowing orb rose from within Aya, hovering over her head. Aya’s body slumped lifeless in the wheelchair. 

Serass parted her lips, revealing shark-like teeth, and inhaled. The orb slowly drifted toward her.

Umako watched, frozen with terror, knowing she had to do something.

“Please stop,” Umako begged. “Aya is a good person. Don’t destroy her soul. Maybe she will accept exile if you send me along to keep her company?”

“I can't do that,” Serass explained. “There’s minimal land on that world, and what does exist is barely habitable.”

“I can catch rainwater in a bucket. Aya can bring me food from the ocean. We can make it work,” Umako cried, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“You would do that for her?” Serass asked, curious.

Umako swallowed hard. Was she prepared to join Aya in exile? She steeled herself. 

“Yes, I would,” Umako replied. “I couldn't live with myself knowing there was a way to save Aya, and I didn't do it.”

“Your devotion to your friend is touching. There’s someone I have loved through many lifetimes,” Serass said with a faraway look. “I would not be able to bear her soul being obliterated. Can I condemn you to that?”

Serass seemed lost in thought.

“Perhaps there is another way,” she said quietly. With a flick of her wrist, she returned Aya’s soul to her body. Aya snapped back to life.

“Wait here,” Serass directed the girls, then she vanished. 

“What happened?” Aya said. “I thought she was going to eat my soul. I was floating above my body and drifting toward Serass. I could see you talking to her but couldn’t hear what was said. Then I woke up. What is she up to now? Have you been crying?”

“It’s nothing,” Umako replied, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. “I don't know what Serass is planning, but it can't be worse than having your soul devoured, can it?”

The girls stood around for a few minutes, not knowing how soon Serass would return.

“Looks like it might be a while,” Umako said, “Should we get something to eat?”

“The condemned girl's last meal,” Aya quipped, trying to show a brave face.

“Don’t say that,” Umako scolded her, “It’s not over yet.”

They picked a table and ordered coffee and pastries. Umako, hungry from her earlier exercise, quickly finished hers. Aya had a few sips of coffee and picked listlessly at the pastry.

“I'm too nervous to eat,” Aya admitted. “Why don't you have mine too.” She pushed her pastry toward Umako. 

“Oh no, I couldn't,” Umako protested politely 

“Don’t make me command you,” Aya said with an ironic grin.

Umako grabbed the pastry and consumed it in a few bites.

“Thanks, I was still hungry,” Umako said. “Thanks also for letting me exercise my free will.”

Umako’s response elicited a heartfelt laugh from Aya. For a minute she was just a girl sharing a jest with her best friend and not someone facing a death sentence. 

Serass reappeared about half an hour after she had disappeared, a big grin on her face. 

“Ok,” she said, “It’s sorted. I talked to my daughter Freya. She is Grandmaster of the Academy of Magic at Inasmont on my world. She has agreed to take Aya as a student.”

“Your world?” Aya exclaimed. “You're not from this world?”

“Daughter?” Umako interjected. “You have an adult daughter? How old are you?”

“No, I'm not from this world,” Serass answered nonchalantly.  “Yes, my daughter is grown. We are each far older than you could imagine. Aya will learn about all that at the Academy. I'll explain it to you later, Umako.”

“Other world… MMagic… SStudent… But…,” Aya stammered. She comprehended she might not have to die, but couldn’t quite grasp what was being offered.

“Well, if you’d prefer exile or oblivion…” Serass said, pausing for effect before continuing with a reassuring smile.  “The Academy is your best option.”

Aya, regaining her composure, sighed. “When you put it that way, I suppose I have no choice.”

“Good girl,” Serass grinned. “Come on; we will pop by your house to tell your family you're going away, and then I'll deliver you.”

“Wait,” Umako protested, “Does this mean I'll never see Aya again?”

“Not for a while,” Serass replied, “She will be very busy with her studies. When she's settled in, I will arrange a visit.  Once her education is done, she may return to this world if she has mastered her power. Or she may choose to stay at the Academy. The faculty could use a powerful siren.”

Umako lifted Aya from her chair and hugged her.

“I’m scared. I don’t want to go,” Aya whispered to her.

“I know,” Umako whispered back. “You’ve got this, though. I believe in you. You're going be the best damn siren that world or any other has ever seen.”

Before they broke their embrace, Aya kissed Umako on the cheek and whispered, “I love you.” Umako returned Aya to her wheelchair.

Serass placed her hand on Aya’s shoulder, teleporting them away.

“I love you too,” Umako whispered with glistening eyes.