Avatar of the Frozen Behemoth: Volume 1

Chapter 12: Senroco Awakening

The snow beneath Yukio's boots crunched softly as he, his mother Calista, and little sister Amara stepped onto the frosted plateau of Mount Aurora. The ancient peak, bathed in the ethereal glow of the full blue moon, was a natural gathering place.

On a raised part of the plateau, high-ranking soldiers and King Sinclair were seated in quiet anticipation. Nearby, a few Senroco members knelt, awaiting the start of the ritual, their traditional robes and majestic ice fans glistening in the moonlight.

Yukio glanced around, taking in the scene. "Look at how the ice reflects the moonlight," he said to his mother. "It's like the mountain is alive." Calista smiled and followed his gaze. "The crystals were placed here long ago to catch the moon's light. It makes Senroco so special."

Amara pulled at Yukio's sleeve, her eyes wide with wonder. "Do you think the Behemoth will show up tonight?"

Yukio chuckled softly. "We might not see it, but its spirit is definitely here."

As Yukio observed, he noted that the Spadian princess that everyone has been talking about was among those gathered at the peak but was not yet visible, her figure obscured by the high-ranking officials and the backdrop of the ritual's intricate preparations.

The plateau was abuzz with reverent whispers and the muted sound of distant conversations. The air was thick with anticipation and the promise of a profound connection to their past.

As Yukio scanned the plateau, he overheard a group of boys nearby. They were talking in hushed voices, but their words carried clearly in the still night air.
"Did you see Sinclair's daughter? She's got to be the prettiest girl in Spadia. I mean, just look at her." One boy leaned forward, eyes gleaming with excitement, a wide grin stretching across his face.

"Yeah, I bet she's up there looking all cute and sexy in her beautiful Senroco outfit. I'm gonna ask her out after this," another chimed in, puffing out his chest with exaggerated bravado, his tone dripping with confidence.

"Good luck with that. You think you have a chance?" One of them snickered, crossing his arms and rolling his eyes. His expression was mocking, lips curled into a smirk as he leaned back against the stone railing, clearly enjoying the banter.

"Why not? I'm pretty charming," the second boy shot back, winking exaggeratedly, his voice playful yet brimming with arrogance. He flicked his hair back as if rehearsing for an audience. "I bet she'd love to go out with a real man once I ask her out after tonight. Just watch."

"Good luck with that! You think you stand a chance?" one of the boys shot back, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow, a teasing smile on his lips. "You're more like a jester than a prince!"

"Oh, come on! I've got the moves! Just imagine it: me and the princess dancing under the stars. The King will see how good I am for her!" he said, puffing out his chest and striking a pose.

"Yeah, right! As if the King would let a clown like you near his daughter! He'd probably throw you out for even trying!" the skeptical one laughed, shaking his head.
Yukio raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He'd heard the rumors about the Spadian Princess before-the girl with hair like spun moonlight and eyes that seemed to hold the winter itself. The boys spoke of her in hushed tones, like she was some untouchable goddess, but to Yukio, it was just another distraction from what this night was supposed to be about.

You'd probably trip over your own feet and embarrass her," the first boy replied, smirking. "But hey, I can charm her. Girls love a guy with confidence, right? And I've got plenty of that!"

"Sure, confidence! But you're going to need more than that to impress her!" another chimed in, laughing. "What if I write her a love poem? Something about how her eyes sparkle like the stars and how I'd protect her from any danger. She'd love that!"