Avatar of the Frozen Behemoth: Volume 1

Chapter 14: Yukio's Unsettling Visions

As the final phase of Senroco concluded, applause rippled through the crowd. The crystalline lights slowly dimmed, returning Mount Aurora to its usual serene darkness. The villagers began making their way back down the pathways toward Spadia, their voices buzzing with excitement and admiration for the ceremony.

Yukio walked alongside his mother, Calista, and his younger sister, Amara. The little girl was practically bouncing with excitement. She was skipping alongside her mother and brother, and couldn't contain her excitement. her eyes wide with the wonder of all she had just seen.

"Mommy, did you see how the crystals glowed so bright? And the way the dancers moved, like they were floating! And-and did you see the princess? She was so pretty!" Amara gushed, her voice full of awe.

Calista smiled warmly, holding Amara's hand. "Yes, Amara, it was beautiful. The Senroco ceremony has always been special, but tonight felt different, didn't it? Everything seemed... more alive."

Yukio, still caught up in his thoughts, nodded absently. "Yeah, it was... something else," he murmured. He was mesmerized by Spadia, especially by Evie, whose voice and presence had captivated him more than he ever expected. But the haunting vision he experienced earlier lingered in his mind, casting a shadow over his amazement.

Calista chuckled softly, giving her son a knowing look. "You've never spoken so highly of Senroco before. Usually, all I hear is how it's the same old thing every year. What changed your mind?"

Yukio hesitated, then forced a small smile. "I guess I was wrong this time. The singing was better this year. Especially Evie's voice. It was... incredible."

He admitted, trying to keep his tone light. but inside, the questions still spun in his mind. Did anyone else feel it? That strange, cold world? And why did the Spadian princess seem to experience it too?

Amara, still teasing, giggled. "I think Yuki's got a crush on the princess!"

Yukio rolled his eyes with his face flushed but managed a smile. "Amara, knock it off. It's not like that, I just... liked her singing, that's all."
Calista noticed the slight tension in his voice and gently squeezed his shoulder. "Yukio, is everything alright? You seem... off."

He shook his head slightly, unsure of how to explain what he didn't even understand himself. "I'm fine, Mom. Just... thinking about the ceremony. It was... different, that's all."

They continued down the mountain, heading back to the snowy town of Spadia, Though Yukio's thoughts drifted back to the vision. The more he tried to shake it off, the more it clung to him. He didn't understand what he had seen, why reality had twisted in such a way, or why Evie had been the only other person who seemed to experience it.

As they finally arrived home, the familiar warmth of the house welcomed them. Calista immediately moved toward the kitchen, announcing with a gentle smile, "I'll start on dinner as promised."

Amara, full of energy, scampered off to gather her toys. "I'm going to make my dolls do the Senroco dance like the performers!" she declared, her voice bubbling with excitement as she set up in the living room.

Yukio, trying to keep a calm exterior, headed to his room. He closed the door behind him, letting out a small breath. What was that? The memory of the vision tugged at him, but he pushed it aside for now. I can't let it get to me.

Dinner was soon ready, and they gathered around the table. Yukio ate quietly, keeping his focus on the meal. Calista, noticing his unusual silence, asked gently, "How was Senroco for you this time, Yukio? You usually find it a bit repetitive."

Yukio forced a small smile, keeping his tone light. "It was different tonight. Evie's performance was... captivating."

Amara, always the little tease, grinned. "You're just saying that because you like her!"