A Change in Perspective
Chapter 1
"стоп! That is all wrong, do it again from the beginning!" Yakov shouted from his place by the barrier of the Ice Rink. Viktor panted from his place in the center of the ice.
"нет! What was wrong with that?! I skated that perfectly." Viktor replied irritably, scowling at the younger skaters who were chuckling at him. Yakov glared at the younger skaters making them shut up.
"I agree with Viktor, the routine is perfect, what is he doing wrong?" Said Yuri Plisetsky from where he was standing on the sidelines with his arms crossed over his chest. The other skaters stared at the "Russian Fairy" in complete shock. No one could ever remember a time when Yuri said something positive about Viktor.
"Technically the program is fine," Yakov growled, scowling at the insubordinate teen. "However," He continued addressing Viktor this time. "You are not telling the story of the piece, you are not skating with any emotion."
Viktor almost growled, he opened his mouth to speak but Yakov held up a hand to interrupt him.
"I know you are not happy skating to this waltz but, I think that this piece will help you grow as a skater." Yakov said, and then sighed almost fondly.
"You are already twenty-seven Viktor; I know you have no intention of retiring yet but, you need to start skating as if each season could be your last." He said seriously, and then he grinned. "I know how much you enjoy surprising the audience and, I can't think of a better way of you doing that than by you skating as the woman. You have to show that you don't always have to be in control of every situation, you are demonstrating that someone else can lead. By dancing as the woman you are showing that there are still more sides to you than just Viktor Nikiforov. You are still an A-list skater that is capable of adapting. You have been skating more masculine pieces recently it will be a surprise to the audience." Yakov elaborated and Viktor felt like bashing his head on the barrier wall in frustration.
"And how am I supposed to skate like a woman when I have NO IDEA how to do so?" Viktor practically growled at his coach very much resembling a certain blonde skater.
The other skaters in the rink shrunk back in terror at the malicious smirk on their coach's face. "It is a good thing that we have certain resources at our disposal that can help you learn." He said, then, Yakov turned and looked at the entrance of the ice rink as a tall shrewd looking woman stepped through. Yelps of terror could be heard from the likes of Georgi, an older skater, and a few of the other skaters.
Viktor regarded the woman closely. He had to stifle an immature snigger as he heard Yuri remark, "Oh man, who is this ведьма?"
Yakov scowled at the two skaters and motioned the both of them over to him. Viktor glided over to the wall while Yuri trudged his way over. When they reached where the other pair stood Yakov gestured to the woman beside him and said, "Viktor, Yuri; this is Lilia Baranovskaya, she was the Prima Ballerina of the Bolshoi Ballet."
Lilia scrutinized the two skaters then turned to Yakov and said, "Let me see the younger one first, if I don't like what I see then I'm leaving." She then seized Yuri and started muttering something about 'good teeth'. Viktor winced as she pulled Yuri's leg up to almost touch the back of his head. Viktor thought it was remarkable how much Yuri resembled a cat the way he was all puffed up and hissing and spitting profanities.
Lilia finished with Yuri then turned to Viktor. She continued her poking and prodding on Viktor and, while Viktor was no slouch he didn't have the same flexibility as the younger skater did. He had to hold back a whimper as she stretched out his leg.
Lilia released his leg, "Feh," she scoffed. "We shall have to start from the basics for both of you. Pack your bags; you will both be coming to my home to practice ballet."
Viktor and Yuri stared at her in shock. "What?! Why me? I understand having this old geezer do remedial training but not me. This is such bullshi-!" Yuri started to say but Lilia cut him off when she grasped him by his jaw in one hand.
"Such filthy words coming from such a lovely mouth." Lilia said scowling at the blonde teen. "While Viktor is in need of ballet to help with his free program, I am choreographing your free skate. As such I need to see all of what you are capable of. The program I have in mind for you is very technically difficult and relies heavily on ballet skills. You are not in the Corps anymore, yes, you will be the Prima, you will outshine them all." She said and Viktor could see a fire in Yuri's eyes at her words.
"If Yuri keeps up that attitude then this should prove to be a very interesting season." Viktor thought to himself.
Viktor cringed as Lilia turned to him with a sharp glare on her features. "And you, we shall start from the basics and work out way up. You need to completely relearn how to move if you are to succeed at the program Yakov has for you." She said seriously, Viktor knew she was right but he still couldn't see how a man could possibly dance like a woman.
Lilia then turned to all three of them. "Pack your bags, you will be staying at my home in order to make the most of our time before the Grand Prix." She said.
Then she turned to Yakov and said, "That includes you too Yakov."
Yakov stared at her in shock, "W-wait, what?!" He stammered.
"Wait, can I bring Makkachin?" Viktor asked worriedly, if she said no then he would have no-one to watch his precious poodle.
"And who is Makkachin?" Lilia asked regarding Viktor curiously.
Yuri groaned audibly and growled, "His damn dog."
Lilia cocked one eyebrow, "Will she behave herself?" She asked, Viktor nodded. "Then she can come." She declared, then turned and walked out of the building.
Yuri grumbled, "I'm going to go pack, I will meet you back here then we can all go to Lilia's."
Victor nodded, "See you soon." He said as he left to pack as well.
Hey all! My name is Renee1202, thank you so much for reading my new fic! Please review, let me know what you think. I will do my best to update once a week but, honestly I work part time and go to college full time so I might be a little inconsistent. Also don't panic, we will be seeing our precious Yuuri soon enough 3. I will see you all next chapter! :3
Translations
Стоп- stop
Нет- no
Ведьма- Witch/Hag