Everything is pretty much the same except everyone has a bit of supernatural lineage to them.
Viktor is still a living legend in the skating world, but he also has strong living dead traits and comes from a lineage with strong vampire traits.
One the other hand, Yuuri's family's lineage is so mixed at this point they don't really have a dominant trait which is not wholly uncommon but doesn't help Yuuri's self esteem and him thinking that he's really nothing special.
Things still follow the anime plotline, Yuuri is still surprised when Viktor shows up at the onsen as his coach, and Yurio still follows Viktor to Japan like the demanding werecat he is.
When Viktor announces he's taking time off to be Yuuri's coach, rumours spread among his fans that Yuuri must have bewitched Viktor somehow. The more rational part of Viktor's fanbase pooh-pooh these claims because everyone knows that vampires are resistant to that sort of magic and speculation continues with everything from blackmail to Viktor really just losing his touch as reasons for Viktor's decision.
Of course, Viktuuri really do just fall in love and then Yuuri discovers that when he's inebriated, one particular supernatural side of his family comes out particularly strongly: siren.
@stillwaitingformagic I hope you liked this. Thank you for sending in the prompt!
Send me a trope + character(s)/pairing and I will outline a ficlet for you!
In which Viktor is a lost prince and doesn’t know it, Yuuri is a syren who wants to see his Queen happy and Yura is a noble stowaway who wants to be free.
(And also in which there is no universe where they do not find their way to each other and no universe in which their love does not change the world)
(Title quote from ‘the tide rises, the tide falls’ by H.W.Longfellow)
A/N: Birthday fic for @adreamingsongbird, I’m pretty sure that this will be your last present today and I hope you like it!! You’re an absolutely wonderful person Rimi and I really, really love you!! I hope you have a wonderful year and that you get only the best of what life has to offer because you deserve nothing less!
Chapter 1
It started like this. Falling, hard and fast. Something that must have been an uncontrollable descent into madness.
It started like this. A wish made under the light of a thousand stars, to hold on and never let go.
Though neither of them would remember it later,
it started,
with a kiss.
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Viktor has only ever known the sea.
Well no. Not exactly.
He's known seagulls and his crew and Makkachin! The light of his life, the star of his heart, his best friend. And he loves the sea. He's had the best moments of his life on it, he's met people he'd be willing to die for on it, hell, there's very few memories he has off of it.
It's just that sometimes it gets a little... lonely, is all.
Make no mistake, he loves the life he leads adventuring on the seas, and he loves the crew that he's gathered. But none of them understand what it's like to give you life to the sea and have her take and take and take.
Sometimes it feels like she's left nothing behind.
He thinks the stowaway they found when they left the Royal Port, Duke Nikolai's grandson, Yuri, might come the closest to understanding, but for all his faults, Viktor wouldn't wish the life he's had to lead on him. Giving your heart to the sea, leaves a gaping hole that can never be completely filled.
(It has been two decades since he last saw his mother.
She'd warned him. She'd told him, again and again and again to not go too close to the shore, that it would take him away, away from her, from their people, his family-
He'd forgotten, too captivated by the water, the waves, that voice.
And he's had to live with that since he was seven.
It was his fault, all his fault if he'd just listened-
He's had to live with that and he thinks that has been punishment enough)
Viktor believed that one day, one day, he would find something that made the year's he'd given to the sea (and all the mistakes he's made-) worthwhile.
He had to believe. He wanted to believe.
(He needed to believe.)
But belief, did not mean that he would stop searching. All he had left of his mother (their home, their people-) was the seashell crest that he had found on his clothes when he had first washed up at the Royal Port. It was his only physical link to his past and he'd do anything to keep it safe. Unfortunately for him, no sailor or landsman seemed to recognise it. (Which, honestly? Made no sense. The only people who had crests were nobility and it was unreasonable that no one he'd met on all his travels would recognise it.)
But Viktor held onto hope that one day he'd find something that would guide him home. And then maybe, he wouldn't be.... sad. Yes, sad, anymore.
"Viktor! Yura just threw a bucket of fish at Georgi, get down here and make sure that he doesn't kill the kid!"
Well, sad or not, he doesn't have the time to spend (waste) thinking about himself, he has a ship to run.
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Yuuri can feel the magic swirling around him like a tangible thing.
The magic he was born with - Shifter Magic - while hard to accurately control, is something that has always answered his call when he's needed it. It used to be small things - changing the colour of his eyes, the shape of his tail - and then larger things as Minako took over his training - but today, with the added knowledge he has gained at Court, today, he can feel all the magic in the water bending to him.
It sings, and Yuuri can feel the syren in him trill a reply. Yuuri feels like he could do anything, be anyone and that's what Minako's been trying to teach him, isn't it? The power to give himself the freedom to be anything.
He thinks that this is what being invincible feels like.
"Well done Yuuri."
He starts. He had been so engrossed that he hadn't noticed the queen, the Queen, come up to him.
"Th-Thank you, Your Majesty." He says. "Is there anything I can do for you?"
"You could resume that lovely show. Has anyone told you how mesmerizing it is to watch you work? If I hadn't studied the subject extensively, I would assume that it was Syren charm - but I have studied the subject and I know enough to know that this? This is all you. And that’s a wondrous thing, Yuuri"
Yuuri has died.
That's the only reasonable explanation.
He's died and ascended to a higher level of existence. Because there is no way that the most powerful shifter ever recognised by the Currents is telling him that his magic is mesmerising.
No. Way.
"I'll admit - when Minako approached me asking to allow you to study at Court, I had my misgivings. But you've proven them all wrong, Yuuri. And gracefully at that." She laughs, "In fact - I'm sure that if you wanted to, you could ask the Court to help you stage a revolt and they'd create an army to follow you!"
Yuuri stiffens, because he loves his queen and he would die for her should she ask, and he says quietly, "I-I'm sorry Your Majesty, but I think you underestimate h-how much the Court loves you."
Because everyone knows what she's given up to keep them safe.
(Yuuri remembers the stories his mother told him - of how the kingdom rejoiced when the Crown Prince was born. She was one of the first to be appointed to the Queen's Guard and thus has pictures - pictures she's shown him of Queen Vasilisa with the newborn Prince.
It is the happiest Yuuri has ever seen her.
He also remembers the day his mother came home pale-faced and harried. He remembers her clutching him and his sister to her chest and telling their father in broken tones that the Prince was gone.
That he'd been snatched away by the Currents. That the Queen was powerless to stop them.
(If she did try, the kingdom would fall - the Currents did not take lightly to being crossed.)
She'd said that the Queen could keep track of the Prince's life force but that she couldn't go to him. A law she'd said. Once an untrained Royal left Court, they had to come back themselves and no help could be given or arranged for by a Royal.
This meant that not only could the Queen not go - she couldn't send anyone in her place.
Which meant that the Crown Prince - all of seven years old - was alone.
"Vasi, gods Toshiya, Vasi says that she can't leave and I've never seen her so devastated and I could never do what she's done, gods.”
He remembers those words.
His mother was crying.
Yet no one's seen the Queen shed a tear.)
The Queen is smiling at him, "You never cease to surprise, do you Yuuri?"
He swims forward and offers her his hand, "I-I'm not very sure about surprises Your Majesty, but would you care to join me for some tea? Aunt Minako disagrees but I've always found tea relaxing after practice."
She takes his hand and says, "How could I ever turn down tea with you, Yuuri? You always have your mother's blends and those are better than any others in all the realms I've visited. Besides, I still need to talk to you."
He frowns, "Is there something wrong Your Majesty?"
"Minako submitted your request to visit the Human world with an entourage of your choosing, now that you've mastered giving yourself legs. And I am inclined to approve it, but I would also like to hear you explain why you want to visit the human world and to see whether you can convince me to let you go, hmm? I'll meet you at the pavilion in a few minutes."
She let's go of his hand and swims forward to join her Guard and he can see Minako smirking at him - and when did she even get here?
He loves his Queen - but she and her Guard terrify him, and he's grown up with a very healthy respect for all of them as a result of it.
But, she'd said that she was considering letting him and his entourage go to the human world, and if that was true, if their request might really be granted, then he needs to ensure that they don't fail her final test. Only the best are allowed to venture into that world after all, and she has considered many hopefuls before but none of them have ever made it past tea.
However, he thinks that he will make it. He believes in the power they hold together.
(And Yuuri can't wait.
To see the music and the dancing and the singing he's only ever heard about from his teacher and his mother. To feel the magic of an entirely new world. To go on an adventure.)
(And also to fulfil a promise, no matter that he's forgotten he made it.)
(The Currents are churning again.)
(It is time for the Lost Prince to come home)
(Art by the ever-wonderful @riki-cartblog who is an absolute gem and who I am so incredibly lucky to know! It was an absolute honour to work with you Riki, thank you so much!)
(Edit: Because I’m a moron and an idiot I forgot to mention what a huge thank you I owe to both @adreamingsongbird and @riki-cartblog for being my first friends in the trfl fandom (and what fucking luck is that??? that one of my first friends was the writer herself???) and for just being all round amazing friends in general, I love you guys!!)
'While returning from a trip with Viktor, Yuuri makes a mistake while on the road resulting in an intense panic attack. Viktor attempts to talk him down. Panic attack warning, angst, light romantic implications, and a frustrated Yuuri.' I was in an angsty mood. I listened to "Unico" by Wednesday Campanella while writing this, give it a listen. https://m.fanfiction.net/s/12653386/1/Unico ........ "Are you sure? I can drive the rest of the way." "No it's fine. I got it, really." Yuuri had given him a small smile of reassurance then. If only he could feel that reassured now. They'd been driving for about an hour and Viktor should have said something, he noticed the way Yuuri's shoulders were getting tense and how he'd let out a small but audible gasp when a car beside him did something unexpected. All it took was a large red truck speeding up from behind trying to get in front of them and another car veering alittle close on their other side to pull the last straw. "Ah!" Yuuri released a startled gasp. "Yuuri? It's okay just slow down, okay." He didn't slow down. "Yuuri." He tried to keep his tone even. It appeared he couldn't hear him, too caught up in his own thoughts. His expression was pained, his eyes wide with shock and he started hyperventilating. "Yuuri. Yuuri! Pull over! Pull over now!" He wasn't listening, the truck began squeezing pass trying to get through and it seemed Yuuri's foot was anchored on the gas. They were speeding so fast, they were moments away from slamming into the car suddenly in front of them. "YUURI!" At this point he had released the wheel completely and Viktor leaned over as fast as he could to take it and began getting them over to the farthest lane. "Breaks Yuuri!" It took him a mintue. He hesitated but slammed the breaks a bit too hard. Viktor leaned back. He was still panting, his eyes squeezed shut. He put his hands on the wheel to ground himself. It didn't seem to work. He sat tense with his shoulders hunched up to his ears and his knuckles went white with his harsh grip on the steering wheel. Silence stretched on. "Yuuri, Yuuri-" "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" He slammed his fists on the wheel repeatedly and shouted through grit teeth, "I know! I know!" He released a noise that was somewhere between a roar, a growl, and sob. Viktor just sighed and looked down at his lap and waited for him to calm down. Once the car was still again he chanced a glance at the other. He was starring at his lap, his face twisted in anger that seemed to be directed at himself but his grip on the wheel relaxed. He slowly sank forward and put his head on the wheel. Viktor opened his mouth to speak but was taken back when Yuuri's shoulders started shaking slightly and though he hid his face he heard the painful sob that he tried so hard to keep down escape him. He looked so terribly small, trying to fold in on himself, looking at him hurt. He froze. He kicked himself at not knowing what to do. It was like his brain didn't know how to react to the situation (as with most events dealing with intense feelings). Comfort didn't seem the right option and scolding was definitely out of the question since Yuuri had done quite a number beating himself up emotionally. He should really say something. He opened and close his mouth again searching for words when Yuuri spoke instead, his voice muffled by his posture. "God. I can't do anything right, huh?" He said and Viktor could taste the bitterness of his tone. He released a self deprecating laugh that almost sounded like another sob. "Why am I like this. Why can't I just function like a normal person." He seemed to be talking more to himself now. "Yuuri... It's okay, you didn't mean to-" "I almost killed us." He finally turned slightly to aim a brown eye up at him from his forward slouch. "Alright. Yes, you panicked. You couldn't help it. It was just your natural response to-" "That doesn't make it ok. At a party with too many people fine, before a competition sure, not while on the high way." "You shouldn't be so hard on yourself. That's all I'm saying. You have a knack for being hard in yourself." Maybe that was too much? He waited gauging Yuuri's expression. It was blank for moment, then thoughtful and he sat up at last and ran a stressed hand through his hair, pushing it back. "No. I don't think I'm hard on myself. I mean I don't try to be. To myself I feel I'm just being truthful. But... I can see what you mean... kind of." He looked away out the window at the continued bustle of the road. His eyes looked really lovely then. He wiped away his remaining tears and Viktor spoke again, "I... I can't say I know what you're going through or that I know what that feels like when... that happens but I just want you to know that I'm always here if you want to talk or cry or... I know I'm not the best at this," he smiled and saw the corner of Yuuri's mouth go up just a little, "but I'll always try. And-and I'm sorry I started yelling. That probably didn't help the situation." He rubbed his neck sheepishly. "No. You had every right to panic. You had every right to be scared and you...you handled it just fine. If you hadn't took over who knows what would have happened." "Has that happened before when driving?" "It hasn't. That's why I'm so frustrated." He paused seeming to weigh whether he should say what he wants to say next. "It's just... really hard. It affects my everyday life and it's not like I've ever gotten proffessional help. I'd feel weak in doing so like I can't even manage this on my own. I tried once to talk to someone and they suggested medication." "Do you think that might help?" "I dont know... It's just in Japan things are different. People don't talk about such things." "It's not too late, Yuuri." He looked at Viktor in confusion. "You can try again... to get help... or not. I'd help you through whatever you choose." "As my coach." Viktor gave a half hearted shrug and a smile, "Or just as a person that cares about you." He looked over and even in the dark could tell he was blushing. "I think... I want to try that then." He sat back finally looking completely relaxed and the redness of his eyes from crying seemed to subside. He couldn't help but be reminded how terribly beautiful Yuuri was and not just by the way he looked as he gazed off emotionally sated. The way he could experience his emotions so passionately and so thoroughly was truly beautiful. His glass heart shined brightly at moments like this. "Soo... I'm guessing you should drive us the rest of the way, you know if you aren't too tired." "I should be fine." He smiled wide at him. Yuuri just stared back for a while before smiling briefly and adjusting his glasses. He swung the door open and began walking to the other side. Viktor scooted himself over till he was in the other seat. Yuuri got in the passenger seat and put on his seat belt. They began to drive again. Viktor drove with one hand on the wheel and one resting between them. They'd been driving for half an hour when he felt the warmth of another hand over his own and he couldn't help the gasp that came from him. He looked over and saw Yuuri relaxed in his seat starring out the window and his cheeks weren't aflame like he expected them to be. He wanted more of this if for a while longer. He wanted Yuuri to keep opening up to him. He wanted Yuuri to keep surprising him.
Katsuki Yuuri had never been kissed before in his life. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to be kissed, that he had had opportunities and simply didn’t take them. No, he had never had the opportunity, mainly because other people seemed to simply not be interested. At age ten, it wasn’t a big deal. He didn’t care that other kids didn’t have crushes on him like his friends seemed to. It wasn’t a priority to him. Even as he grew into adolescence, it didn’t bother him. He saw his peers begin to date, but it didn’t mean anything to him. He knew that he was too busy training to even think about dating, and that he shouldn’t be acting on his feelings for anyone anyway. The realization that maybe this wasn’t normal happened when he was eighteen, in Detroit, talking to his new roommate. In the middle of a conversation, he had suddenly realized that no, he had never been kissed. The exclamation of “how?” and that he “couldn’t believe that” didn’t make Yuuri feel better. It made him look on himself and think, huh. You’re right. How? Then again, Yuuri could believe how. He knew he wasn’t really.. desirable. Not in that way anyway. Not in any way. And even though from that point on, Yuuri continued to act as if it didn’t matter to him, it did. It nagged deep under his skin, whenever he saw a couple, or craved some sort of affection. A thought of “you’re not good enough” traced through his mind whenever he saw a love story on TV, or when he read a romance novel. Deep down, he knew it wasn’t a big deal, but he couldn’t stop himself from asking, what’s wrong with me? Why am I the one that no one wants to kiss? At that point, there hadn’t been anyone he had really wanted to kiss. That didn’t stop him from wanting it, and wanting it deeply. And it only got worse when Viktor showed up.
It was all he could think about some days. What would it feel like? Just to touch their lips together, to be that close and intimate to the man? Even with that fantasy in mind, Yuuri became terrified. He was now 23 and had never kissed another person in his entire life. Would he even know what to do? If someone he really liked (Viktor) decided to just suddenly kiss him, would it be terrible? He had no experience, had no idea what it would feel like, or what felt good. What if he messed it up, and they rejected him? They would know that he wasn’t good enough, and should never have tried anyway. The fantasy turned into more of a nightmare each time it entered his mind. A comfort came in the fact that he knew no one felt that way about him, especially not Viktor. People just didn’t think of him like that.
Which was why he was always missing the signs. He missed Viktor glancing at his lips while he was talking, or even when they were just hanging out. He missed Viktor touching him all the time for no reason, going out of his way to be close to him. Yuuri didn’t notice that his personal space was constantly being violated, or at least he didn’t notice that any of these things meant anything. He especially didn’t notice that Viktor was intending on a lot more than a hug after his free skate. Their reunions were always emotional after a routine, and Yuuri was expecting a lot after a routine like that. And Yuuri missed the warning signs. He missed the eyes locked on his lips instead of his own eyes, missed the heat in Viktor’s gaze instead of his usual proud one.
But as their lips connected, suddenly Yuuri didn’t care anymore. He didn’t care that he could have been kissing Viktor long before this moment, or that he could have kissed anyone before. He didn’t care that he hadn’t been kissed for 23 years of his life, because this one kiss was worth the wait.
Who is Yuri Plisetsky? He's not Agape. Not a “prima donna” ballerina. And definitely no Russian fairy. No, Yuri Plisetsky is an angry, loud, in-your-face, Russian tiger who will take to the ice and give you a brilliant gold-worthy performance you will never forget. ... a piece on Yuri's rationale for skating to "Welcome to the Madness". Rated for the actual foul-mouthed language in the story itself, courtesy of one Yuri Plisetsky. Go here on AO3 to read the whole piece.
Yuri is awoken by the soft morning light drifting in through his window. A soft breeze flutters the curtain, gently lifting a strand of hair, tickling his nose. Stifling a sneeze, he slides out from underneath Otabek's protective grasp. Otabek stirs a bit from the sudden loss of warmth, but returns to sleep with nothing more than a stuttering sigh. Yuri releases a breath of thanks. This morning he has plans for his love. He tip toes hastily into the kitchen, finally releasing his sneeze into a towel. Feeling relieved, he furiously sets about the kitchen. Removing knives, grabbing butter, grabbing eggs, grabbing vanilla, dumping flour, beating frantically, cranking the heat.... too hot! Lowering the heat. Panting a bit, and most certainly sweating from the infernal heat of an oven on a spring day, Yuri proudly places four beautiful pancakes and two perfect eggs on a plate for his lover. Yuri has never been natutally adept at being domestic. Despite the prodding of Katsudon and Victor, he never found much use in it. Why make your own food when you had the money and support to not? That was before he found Otabek. Staring down at his masterpiece (he silently thanks Victor for the recipe long ago), he rejoices in having finally found someone worth making food for. He hopes it's any good. It is. (And it's especially good when tasted in his lover's mouth)
I feel like Yuri!!!on ice has one of those rare fandoms where no one bashes on people’s fanart
-Like theres no hate if people draw Yuuri chubby or skinny, because hes been both in canon.
-people arent upset if a character like Phichit has a skin tone thats slightly lighter/darker than in the show
- even if Yuuri/victor is drawn being in love with some other character, theres no harsh backlash on the artist
- We have people who took the time to make sure artists that didnt want thier work translated and reposted were receiving praise and respect, and polietly asking others not to follow blog that repost those works anyway
- not to mention all the writers who politely credit people’s prompts and artwork for fics they write
We have such a great community, and im so proud to be a part of this fandom
Shreya has ruined my life. I’m in Yuri!!! on Ice hell. Save me. It’s on AO3 too.
Grandpapa was leaving Russia once more but this time it was to Barcelona. Victor hated the thought of Grandpapa leaving. It seemed that he had only just returned from his last trip but there was nothing Victor could do to stop it. Instead he was left to get ready for the ball that was being held to celebrate both Grandpapa’s return and departure. The balls were only ever fun for Victor to watch the many friends and family members dance around in such a manner it made him jealous. Of course he wanted to dance as they did but his Grandpapa said it would be best for him to learn when he was older and had grown into his body. Apparently his small frame wasn’t something to get used to as his body would change once he became a man. That’s what Grandpapa said at least.
Victor did his best to follow what he was told but he did sometimes sneak off to watch some of the other children practice their ballet and dancing in one of the many great rooms of his home. He just had to make sure it was done in secret or he would get scolded for acting secretive in his own home which would be seen as suspicious. What reason would a Nikiforov have to hide while in their own home? Victor liked to pretend he had many secrets but in all honesty the only secrets he had were between himself and Grandpapa, although he figured his parents were in on those as well.
Victor was in his nice black dress pants, a pair of shiny black shoes, and a freshly ironed white shirt paired with a red tie. Red was always the color he wore for Grandpapa because it created a twinkle in his eye that made Victor feel proud. It wasn’t a hard thing to do and Victor actually liked the color red more than any other color in the world. His tie had his initials sewn in gold so that no one could dare claim it belonged to them. Not that anyone would ever pass for him with his silvery hair that matched his mother’s. Grandpapa’s own hair looked similar but had lost some shine due to his age.
Once Victor deemed himself ready he hurried out of his room and through the halls to reach the ballroom. Even before he was there he could hear the music playing from the orchestra that his father had arranged for. He slowed down a bit just to spin and twirl for fun before he’d have to remain still next to his Grandpapa during the rest of the ball. He laughed to himself while he spun, pretending to have a partner to dance with before he composed himself to walk into the ballroom.
He saw the many colors of the lady’s dresses moving gracefully around the ballroom as they moved in turn with the men. It was easy to just get lost in thought while watching them waltz about, which Victor had done plenty of times before. He didn’t have the chance this time as he heard his Grandpapa call his name from the top of the staircase to his right. Grandpapa was seated in a golden chair almost resembling a throne and watched Victor as he approached.
“I see you still enjoy watching the others dance.” Grandpapa said as he looked Victor up and down. Victor caught the twinkle in his eye at the sight of the red tie he had chosen.
“Yes.” Victor answered with a nod, “I am eagerly awaiting the time it is deemed fitting for me to learn how to dance. I’ll also be eagerly awaiting your return. It’s not fair that you’re leaving again so soon.” He looked down at his own shoes, thinking about how dull the home would be without Grandpapa.
Grandpapa sighed knowing that the conversation would be a repeat of the many others that happened before when he left to travel. “I know Victor but this time I have a surprise for you.” He offered with a smile.
That immediately caught Victor’s attention as he looked up at his Grandpapa questioning, “Really?” The excitement on his face was obvious enough that it made Grandpapa chuckle a bit. Surely the surprise wouldn’t be about learning to dance because he hadn’t grown enough just yet but Grandpapa never did disappoint with any sort of gifts or surprises.
“Yes but it will be our little secret.” Grandpapa said with a wink as he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small red velvet colored box. He held it out offering it to Victor and his eyes watched patiently to see his response.
Victor slowly reached for the box, not wanting to seem too impatient or eager, and held it in his hands. “Spasibo Grandpapa.” He said before he opened it to reveal a pendant. It was on a silver chain and in red lettering against a silver background it read “See You In Barcelona”. Victor raised his eyebrows in shock as he read the words. “Really Grandpapa?” he questioned in an excited tone.
“Yes, really.” Grandpapa replied. “You’ll be joining me there soon enough. It’s about time you joined me for a trip.”
“I can’t wait!” Victor said with a smile as he closed the box and clutched it tightly. This was better than learning how to dance because he wouldn’t have to be separated from his Grandpapa. On top of that he would finally be able to travel outside of St. Petersburg and visit somewhere new in the world.
“And don’t forget this.” Grandpapa added as he pulled out a small red and gold music box, “Our lullaby to keep you company for while I’m away. Your necklace is the key to make it work, without it no one will ever know what it is.”
Victor nodded and took it in his hands, all ready hearing the melody play in his head. Grandpapa was very creative when it came to finding a way to keep things a secret. Now he had two surprises and a grand trip to be excited about.
Before Victor could begin to imagine what other surprises Grandpapa would have in store for the trip the music in the ballroom abruptly halted and he saw a man walking amongst all the men and women dancing. They immediately moved out of his way, clearing a path for him to walk.
The man was someone who Victor recognized but hadn’t seen for quite some time. JJ had been banished from ever coming to the Nikiforov home by both his father and his Grandpapa. Victor didn’t understand everything that had happened between the men but he knew that it was enough to end the years of friendship that they had shared. Victor looked at Grandpapa to see his reaction but only saw a stone cold gaze that followed JJ as he moved towards them.
Victor’s father soon appeared in the way of JJ’s path. JJ came to a stop, looking between Grandpapa and Victor’s father before a grin appeared on his face.
“You know better than to be here JJ. Leave at once while you can.” Victor’s father commanded, his loud voice reverberating in the ballroom for all to hear.
“What makes you think that you can get away with this Nikiforov? After all these years you think that you can just toss me aside?” JJ questioned, equally as loud.
Victor knew that they were both trying to be heard by everyone in attendance in order to prove a point. One could never back down from their word so it was best to make sure everyone heard and knew what you were willing to do.
“You know damn well what you did JJ. Now leave this house.” Victor’s father answered calmly, which only served to anger JJ even more.
“Humor me then and explain to everyone what happened.” JJ countered. The delightful mood that filled the ballroom previously was now replaced with an eerie feeling that something was about to go terribly wrong. The only answer JJ received was silence even though Victor was curious to know what happened. Surely not everyone in the room knew what happened but they probably knew well enough to mind their own business.
“I’ll leave, but I swear on my life all of you Nikiforov’s will die by my hand. You will pay for what you have done to me!” JJ shouted as he unsheathed his sword and raised it towards Victor’s father. “You will regret what you’ve done to me and it will be your fault for what happens to them.” Slowly he backed away and moved out of the ballroom.
Victor’s father had his hand on the hilt of his own sword that was at his side but didn’t remove it as JJ left. With a nod of his head though Victor watched as some men discreetly left the ballroom, likely to follow JJ and make sure that he never returned.
“Never fear my boy.” Grandpapa said to Victor, “Men like him never get far in life because they can’t be trusted.”
Victor only nodded in response as the orchestra began to play once more and dancers began to move about gracefully once more. The atmosphere returned to what it had been and it seemed as though everything regarding JJ had been forgotten.
While Grandpapa was away to Barcelona Victor did his best to keep busy while at home. He attended to his studies and did what was expected of him. It would have been the same as usual but he had heard some of the servants whispering about the people in the city. They were upset with the Nikiforov’s for some reason or another, which made no sense to Victor or anyone else in the household, but it was all word of mouth. Sometimes people said things to cause trouble so Victor ignored it.
Soon enough Grandpapa was back home from his trip and Victor enjoyed his presence. There were no more whisperings or rumors of what the people in the city were saying about the Nikiforov’s. Everything had been forgotten it seemed.
Then one-night Victor was awakened by his mother’s worried voice, “My love you must wake up. We have to leave.”
“Hmmm?” Victor questioned, still half asleep and wondering why his mother was crouching beside his bed in complete darkness save for the flicker of light coming off from the candle she held.
“Get on your warmest coat quickly we have to leave now.” She said a little more sternly as she shook him a bit before removing his blankets.
Being exposed to the cold outside of his blankets woke him up a bit more and he realized this surely wasn’t any sort of game. “Yes Mama.” He sighed as he sat up and went over to his closet to get changed.
“You must be quick my darling. We don’t have much time.” She added as she stood and moved towards the door to his room, placing her ear against it.
Victor changed out of his night clothes and put on a shirt and pants before grabbing his warmest coat as his mother had instructed. He grabbed a pair of boots and slid his feet into them before moving towards his mother.
“What is going on?” he questioned as he tried to rub the sleep from his eyes.
“We must leave. It is not safe here. Stay close to me and we will meet with your Grandpapa.” She answered.
Victor nodded before she slowly opened the door and grabbed his hand. She lead the way through their large home with fast quiet footsteps while Victor did his best to keep up. He realized that everyone was leaving their rooms and heading the same way they were. Why it was no longer safe in their home he did not know but it didn’t seem right. Home was always a safe place to be.
They were in the large ballroom when his mother started to move faster. Being quiet was no longer useful now as he could hear men shouting and gunfire from outside. It was then that he thought of his Grandpapa and remembered that his pendant necklace was still back in his room.
“My necklace!” he yelled at his mother, who didn’t hear him as she continued to move forward. Victor yanked his hand from his mother’s grasp and took off sprinting back to his bedroom.
“Victor!” she called out, but by then there were so many others in the ballroom that her voice was drowned out with the pounding footsteps from inside the room.
Victor raced into his room and grabbed the red velvet box that held the necklace from Grandpapa. As he reached for his music box his mother appeared in the room.
“Victor!” she shouted as she slammed the door behind her and wrapped an arm around him.
“I couldn’t leave them.” He started to answer but he realized it didn’t matter as the gunshots got closer and he knew that the men were in the hallway.
It was then that the wall opened, revealing a door and a small plump dark haired boy.
“You must leave now!” the boy said pointing inside the door he had emerged from, “This will take you to safety.”
Victor looked between the boy and his mother, unsure of what to do. He had never known there was a secret door in the wall of his room before but now didn’t seem to be the time to ask questions. His mother only stared at the dark haired boy as if weighing their options.
“Hurry!” the boy said, “There isn’t time for this!”
Victor’s mother pushed him forward before following after him. Victor held on tightly to the red velvet box and slipped it in his coat pocket. Before he could put away the music box though he realized that it had fallen to the floor after his mother had pushed him. It was too late now as the door in the wall was closed behind them and he heard the men yelling in his room.
With his mother guiding him from behind and the faint outline of the candle creating a little light around his shadow he walked forward. He didn’t know if the dark haired boy was safe or not because while they traveled through the walls all he heard was destruction. It sounded as though the house was being torn apart and although he wasn’t there to see it that didn’t make it any harder to imagine.
The secret tunnel that they walked through soon came to an end outside of house and Victor was immediately grateful for his boots and warm coat. The ground was covered in snow and he could see his own breath. His mother immediately blew out the candle and tossed it aside before taking his hand to lead the way once more.
They hurried towards the gardens, which Victor imagined would help them lose anyone who tried to follow them. As they started to cross the bridge that was just before the garden a cloaked figure appeared at the end holding a sword. They stopped in their tracks, unsure of who it was now blocking their path.
“Give me the boy Nikiforov and you may be spared.” The cloaked figure said while waving the sword at them impatiently.
“Never.” Victor’s mother answered as she moved to stand in front of Victor. He was left to peer around his mother’s leg, now knowing that it was not a friend in front of them.
“You could live if you do.” The cloaked figure offered as they removed their hood, revealing that it was JJ who stood in their way.
Victor’s mother knelt down and faced Victor saying, “Hold tight.”
Before Victor could even nod his mother had picked him up and rushed over to the side of the bridge. The next thing he knew they were falling down, although it wasn’t a long fall, and he landed hard against his mother but knew she took the brunt of the fall as she let out a loud gasp. They had landed on the ice from the stream that ran beneath the bridge. Victor moved off his mother and stood up to help her to her feet as well.
“No!” JJ shouted from up on the bridge before he too jumped down to follow after them.
Victor and his mother hadn’t moved too far away due to the slippery ice but Victor soon fell as JJ grabbed onto his ankle.
“You’re not going anywhere!” JJ shouted as he was laying on the ice, clutching onto Victor’s ankle to keep him from leaving.
“Let go!” Victor shouted as he tried to kick at JJ while his mother pulled on his hands to try to help him break free.
CRACK!
The sound made all three of them stop what they were doing as they looked at the ice below them. The cracks started forming from beneath JJ and were spreading out from under him towards Victor and his mother. The temperature under the ice was surely colder than what they were dealing with above it which made JJ quickly grab on tight to Victor.
“You’re coming with me!” JJ shouted in desperation, knowing that his weight alone was causing the ice to crack beneath him.
“No!” Victor screamed as he slid closer to JJ. With the shortened distance between them Victor kicked as hard as he could landing a blow right on JJ’s face. This caused JJ to yell out in pain and loosen his grip just enough Victor’s mother to pull free him from his grasp.
The ice finally gave way and Victor watched as JJ slid into the freezing cold. His mother tugged his hand and they slid their way across the ice towards the gardens once more. They moved as quickly as they could considering they didn’t want the ice to give way beneath them as well. Victor wasn’t sure how long they ran through the night but when they did finally stop he was greeted with hugs from both his father and Grandpapa.
He couldn’t stay awake long enough to hear what was going on and was soon fast asleep. When he did wake up he was greeted by Grandpapa with a bowl of warm stew. Victor quickly took the bowl and began eating it, grateful for the warmth it provided as well as something to fill his belly.
“We have to leave the country Victor. It’s time for us to go to Barcelona. Your mother and father are all ready on their way there.” Grandpapa finally said once Victor was done eating.
“They left me?” Victor questioned with tears in his eyes as he looked up at Grandpapa.
“Only to keep you safe.” Grandpapa answered, “It’s safer for us to travel separately.”
“That’s not safe.” Victor replied, “We all need to stay together.”
Grandpapa shook his head while mumbling something about not understanding but Victor did understand. How could they stay safe if they weren’t together? They were only safe with each other it seemed.
“We need to get going to the train station to leave for Barcelona.” Grandpapa stated as he stood up and walked towards the door.
Victor didn’t know what to say but knew it was best to do what Grandpapa asked of him so he got out of the bed he had slept in and followed. It seemed like Grandpapa was in a disguise though as he wore more layers than usual to try and hide his face. Victor was given a furry hunting hat to put on his head and was told to tuck his silver hair under it.
The walk to the train station seemed to take a long time but Victor had never been to the train station and after all the running he had done with his mother the previous night he felt like any distance was too great to travel by foot.
There was a large crowd of people at the train station and Victor couldn’t make out much of anything with all the noise. He clutched Grandpapa’s hand and followed. It was getting dark meaning that the last of the trains were leaving the station, which accounted for all of the people there. Grandpapa moved towards the tracks before starting to hurry after one of the trains ahead that was just taking off.
“Keep up my boy!” Grandpapa shouted as he pulled Victor along.
Victor did his best to keep up as it seemed with each step he took Grandpapa pulled him another two. He almost wondered if his feet were moving at all as they got closer to the slow moving train. Grandpapa jumped up onto the back of the train pulling Victor behind him but Victor was unable to get up onto the back of the train. His weight caused his Grandpapa to fall forward but the men on the back of the train grabbed onto him.
“Don’t let go!” Victor cried out.
“I won’t!” Grandpapa replied.
Just as Grandpapa started to reach out for Victor’s other hand to make it easier to pull him on board Victor hit into a pole on the edge of the platform. This sent Victor falling to the ground as Grandpapa lost his grip on him. The sight of his Grandpapa was the last thing Victor saw before everything went to black.
