In a world were reporters behave themselves. Competition is now underway. Songs are up on my Tumblr Lupinthealchemist so you can listen while you read. The tag is On My Love: Family. Enjoy!
It was now time for the first event. Skate Canada International. This was going to be where both Yuuri and Yuri put their months of planning and hard work to the test. The great face off. Yuri was confident he could win. Yuuri was feeling the jitters. Because the event was only a 7-hour drive away, they drove there. This gave everyone time to think and to get some sleep before the official practice. The trunk was loaded with suitcases and costume and skate bags, each labeled with different coloured tape to tell who's was who's. It was going to be a challenging few days. Not only did Viktor have two talented skaters to coach, he also had to keep an eye on Alex. No rest for the weary. Once they arrived at the hotel everyone got dressed up nice for the pre-event interviews. This was the time for the skaters who had this as their first event to share their theme for the season and to talk about their programs. As a coach for this even Viktor had to be there. He had Alex in his arms and the family went off to the preconference.
Once seated each competitor got the chance to explain their plans for the season as well as their theme if they had one.
"Mr. Katsuki-Nikiforov, what can you tell us about what's in store for the season?"
"Well, um. I've upped the difficulty of my programs with the support of Viktor. I guess you'll be seeing more of me at competitions as I'm one of Yuri's coaches. I plan to prove this season that my wins last season weren't a fluke and I'm ready to show that my family's decisions were not misplaced."
"You're representing a different country this year. How has that affected you as a skater?"
"In all honesty, it hasn't. Skate Canada has been there to support us so that we can skate our best out on the ice."
"What can you tell us about your programs this season?"
"That's a surprise. I can tell you my theme thought. My theme for this season is "Life". Everything in my life has changed so much and for the better. I want my programs to reflect that."
"Thank you, Mr. Katsuki-Nikiforov. Now, Mr. Plisetsky, what can you tell us about this season?"
"It's going to be way better than last year. I got to pick my own music and costumes. No more "Fairy of Russia". This season is about crushing records and taking names ya hear me!"
"Strong words Mr. Plisetsky. Now, do you have a theme this season? Last season you never mentioned one."
"The theme for this season is "Rock On!"
"Thank you, Mr. Plisetsky. This should turn out to be an exciting competition."
Once the conference was done the family went out and got a bit to eat. The whole time Alex was excitedly talking about all the stuff they had seen while at the rink. They turned in early so that the next day they could get in a good solid morning practice before the mens short program in the afternoon.
The next morning the air was crackling with energy. Yuuri and Yuri packed up their skates, costumes, and make-up before booking it down to the rink to practice. There were a few skaters to take note of at the competition. Minami was there as well as Chris. JJ was not lucky enough to get the home turf advantage this season. Leo was also present and already on the ice. Practice went well with Viktor handing out corrections were he saw fit. He wanted his boys to do well. After a break for lunch, the skaters retired to their change rooms to get ready for the mens singles short program.
The ice was clean and resurfaced. The skaters in their costumes, hair, and makeup done. Alex was at Viktor's side. It was time to start. Yuuri was going third while Yuri was going last. "At least I'm not first. This is going to be a disaster." Thought Yuuri. When Yuuri was on deck he took off his jacket and gave it to Alex to guard.
"You'll be fine my love. I trust you. You are the ice and the ice is you." Viktor kissed Yuuri's nose.
"Chichi! Mr. T-Rex want's to say good luck!" said an excited Alex. They could feel the tension in the air and wanted to make it better. Yuuri scooped Alex up into a hug before stepping out onto the ice as his name was called.
"Next on the ice, representing Canada, Yuuri Katsuki-Nikiforov!" The audience cheered excitedly as Yuuri skated to the centre of the rink. Yuuri wore a skin tone, full-length leotard that covered his skates. There were two iridescent vertical lines on each side of his torso. Yuuri wore his hair slicked back and out of his eyes. When he got to the centre, he stopped and took his beginning pose. Arms at his sides, feet in ballet fourth position, and head down. The music he had chosen for his short program was "Insomnia" by Ben Trigg. When the cello and violins started Yuuri's arms moved in soft flowing movements while the rest of his body made sharp contracting movements. There was a tiny break in the music, and with that Yuuri entered his step sequence. His feet moved like a whirlwind while his arms continued to move with such soft gestures. Yuuri picked up speed and went into position for his Triple Axel that was landed perfectly. Next was more swift movement into a quad Salchow. There was the smallest wobble in the landing. Yuuri launched into a short combination spin as the music picked up in rhythm. Next was his Quad Loop Triple Toe Loop combination. The loop was a new quad for Yuuri this season. It showed as the landing was just a little shaky. Next was a Flying Sit Spin right was the music hit its climax. Yuuri skated into an elegant ever evolving step sequence. His arms and torso changed from smooth clean movements to sharp isolations at the drop of a hat. Next was the Quad Flip. Yuuri once again proved that he could do it that late in the program as it was a picture perfect landing. Viktor and Alex cheered from the sidelines. Last was a combination spin in the centre of the ice. As the music came to its abrupt end, so did Yuuri. His left leg turned in and beveled, right arm thrown up across his body, left arm bent over his head, with his head turned to the right. The crowd cheered and chanted his name as Yuuri skated off the ice. Viktor scooped him into a crushing hug before going over everything he did wrong. Alex jumped excitedly beside them till Yuri picked them up. They walked to the kiss and cry. Viktor held his hand and continued to lecture Yuuri the entire way.
"The scores for Yuuri Katsuki-Nikiforov"
102.58
Yuuri was currently in first place. It wasn't his best score but it was still well above the other skaters. He still had time to fix things before the free skate. As long as Yuuri stayed in the top 3 he would be fine. Alex handed him back his jacket with a smile. They had done an excellent job of keeping it safe. Yuuri wanted so bad to just go and hide, but he had to stay to help with Alex and to advise his son before he took to the ice. After a short intermission to resurface the ice, the next group was up. They did well, but not a single skater broke the 100 mark. Last but not least it was Yuri's turn. Yuri took off his jacket and skate guards and turned to his parents.
"Remember to watch the timing on you Triple Axel Yuri." Commented Viktor
"And don't forget to feed off the energy of the music." Said Yuuri. Yuri stepped onto the ice as he was announced.
"Last on the ice, representing Canada, Yuri Plisetsky!" There was ruckus applause from a section of the stands full of Yuri's Angels. Yuri skated out onto the ice. His costume was a silver pant and long sleeve combo. Although it was made of fabric, the garment greatly resembled armor. The "cracks" in the metal were coloured red and orange, like lava. Yuri's hair was pulled back into a bun with a thick headband designed the same as the rest of the costume perched on his head. He looked like a gladiator. He was also happy he finally got to wear the leopard print skates he got for his birthday back in March. The song Yuri picked was "Protectors of the Earth" from Two Steps From Hell. A powerful piece of music. Yuri took up position in the centre of the ice. Legs slightly spread, his right arm and head held high. Almost like he was wielding a sword. The music started and Yuri lowered his "sword" Yuri's first element was a step sequence. It was hard to look away. It was like Yuri himself was in a duel with some dangerous foe. He skated and "fought" with his enemy. It was spectacular. Next was a Quad Toe Loop that was landed quite well. Yuri pushed on. He entered into a Quad Salchow Triple Loop combination. The landing on the quad was a bit shaky and that affected the entry into the triple, but he didn't fall and it looked clean. The music picked up tempo and Yuri skated into a Flying Spin. His lines were immaculate. Next up was another step sequence duel. Yuri looked like a fierce warrior out on the ice. The music hit an epic climax and Yuri went into his last jump, the Triple Axel. Clean and strong, just like in practice. Yuuri was always so proud when his son landed his favourite jump. Last was a combination spin as the music died down. The spin was elegant but strong. He ended in the same pose he started in as the audience applauded his efforts. He skated off the ice to meet his family. Alex gave his legs a big hug while Yuuri asked if he was alright after his jump combination. Yuri was nervous and angsty. He just dragged them to the kiss and cry for his scores.
"The scores for Yuri Plisetsky please."
103.05
Just a little over half a point ahead of Yuuri. Both men looked surprised. It would be a very tight race the next day for the free skate. After the final placings were announced the family left back to the hotel to get some dinner. Yuuri Skyped with his family back in Japan while Yuri let Otabek know how he was feeling. Viktor ordered food and entertained Alex to allow the others to get some much-needed rest. He next day would be the battle for the gold.
The next day brought another early morning practice and a very sleepy Alex. Viktor had set up a blanket fort in their change room so that Alex could continue to sleep during warm up. Warm up was relatively uneventful. Though Viktor had his own skaters to worry about. His eyes continually drifted over to Chris. He didn't look so well. While his boys went to go get into costume Viktor confronted Chris in the hall.
"Chris my friend, you seemed a little off during practice. What's up?"
"Oh, it's nothing. During my short program, I had a rough take off on my Quad Toe Loop. Nothing to worry about."
"Chris, please don't over do it. I would hate to see you get hurt." Chris nodded and went to go get ready for the free program. Viktor stalked off to his change room to help get Yuuri and Yuri ready. Once their costumes and hair were done, the family made their way towards the ice. Because they skate in reverse order from lowest to highest, Yuuri was second to last and Yuri was last. Chris was going third to last. The other skaters were trying to up the ante to even attempt to get a spot on the podium. There were many falls. It wasn't until Chris that things got interesting. Chris was wearing some extremely revealing black spandex and skating to "Sweet Dreams" by Eurythmics. He skated into a Quad Salchow. Everything was looking very neat going in. It was the landing that he messed up. Chris went down HARD. The audience gasped as he fell. Chris got right back up again, but he wasn't putting a lot of weight on his left side. He tried to continue on, but without the balance he needed, Chris ended up skating off the ice to the medic team. This was going to be a huge blow to his career. Viktor, Yuuri and Yuri looked on worriedly. Chris was their friend. They hoped it wasn't too bad. Yuuri wanted to go check on him, but he was on deck and had to get on the ice.
"Yuuri don't worry about Chris. He'll be fine. Just focus on the program and don't over do it. If you need to take a Quad down to a Triple, then do it. Please. I love you."
"Just don't take your eyes off me. Same goes for you Alex. You gonna cheer on Chichi?" Alex enthusiastically shook their head.
"Next on the ice, representing Canada, Yuuri Katsuki-Nikiforov!" Yuuri skated out onto the ice. Yuuri was dressed in a pair of simple black slacks. His shirt was pure white and had ruffles at the chest and cuffs. His hair was worn as he normally had it. He paused at the centre of the rink, both hands over his heart, head bowed, and waiting for the music to start. The sweet melody of "Anything I do" by Bryan Adams began to play. Yuuri lifted his head and raised his hands to the sky. He moved into one of the elegant step sequences he was known for. He wanted to portray how much love he had for his little family. The audience was enthralled with his steps. Next was the Quad Lutz, a new one to his roster. It was landed easily. It looked like he was floating. Yuuri had been working extremely hard in the offseason. He had a reputation to uphold. Yuuri skated more with so much love. He picked up speed and into a Quad Loop Triple Loop combination. It was landed with grace even if the landing out of the triple was the smallest bit shaky. But Yuuri wasn't done with his jumps. He skated into his favourite jump, the Triple Axel. The jump was like a breath of fresh air. He continues on into a combination spin. Yuuri was thankful for his good stamina. The next half of the program was loaded with jumps. The second half started and Yuuri skated into a Quad Toe Loop Single Flip Double Toe Loop combination. The landings were clean but the takeoff on the double needed a bit of work. Next was a step sequence to allow Yuuri a bit of a breather before the real fun started. Yuuri did a Flying Sit Spin and out of that a clean Quad Salchow. Yuuri could now do that jump like the best of them. Lastly, there was a short step sequence to pick up speed. Yuuri once again put the Quad Flip at the end of the program. He was a beautiful, ever-evolving monster. Yuuri entered into a Camel Spin before ending his program. His end poses similar to Yuri's agape pose. Everyone was going nuts. Yuuri had just done 5 quads of 5 different types in his program! It was almost inhuman. When Yuuri stepped off the ice he was all smiles. He had made Viktor so proud. Viktor gave him a sloppy kiss while Yuri and Alex gagged in the background. They gave each other a knowing nod.
"Alex, wanna be Chichi's kiss and cry buddy?"
"Ya!" and the two walked off to the kiss and cry while Viktor stayed with Yuri to get him ready. Yuri didn't really want help and just stepped out onto the ice after giving Viktor a high five.
"Last on the ice, representing Canada, Yuri Plistetsky!" Yuri skated out onto the ice. He was wearing his free skate costume from the previous season, but it had been re-dyed and more flames were added. The flames actually looked like flames now. Yuri thought that he liked the costume much better this way. His hair had been teased to stand up a bit and they had given it a once over in red, orange, and yellow 24hour spray dye. Yuri skated to the centre and stopped with his arms folded over his chest. He was skating to an elongated version of "Lite Em Up" by Fallout Boy. When the music started he began to slam his right foot against the ice, sending flakes of frozen water into the sky. He went into his step sequence with an angry presence. This was very much Yuri's style. Next was his first jump, the Quad Lutz. It looked clean on the surface, Yuri continued to circle the ice as he entered into a Flying Sit Spin. Yuri was happy that he was so flexible. His only big hindrance was how tight his binder could get while skating or doing physical activity. Once one Yuri did a clean Quad Salchow into a combination spin. He was entering the second half and did a Quad Toe Loop Single Loop Double Toe Loop combination to keep up the fiery energy. Up next was his Triple Axel. Nice and clean like how Yuuri had taught him. Yuri Continued into his step sequence with a blaze. His eyes looked like they could melt the ice just by looking at it. Next was a Quad Loop Triple Lutz combination. His parents cheered on the side. His last element was a Bielman Spin into his ending pose. He ended with his arms bent slightly back and chest thrust forward like he was about to fight someone. Yuri skated off the ice and was instantly wrapped in the arms of his parents. They eagerly awaited the scores. It was a tight race, but in the end, Yuuri beat Yuri by 0.64 of a point. They wanted so badly to celebrate. Unfortunately, there was some bad news to come out of the day. Chris had torn a ligament in his knee and could no longer compete. It was sad and Viktor Immediately sent him a big bunch of flowers. It was sad, but, as they say, the show must go on.
Hello friends. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I loved making the costumes and picking the music. Although, because I listen to the songs on repeat while writing the programs they very easily get stuck in your head. Well, see you next chapter -Shadows