Flame Of Siberia: Yuri!!! On Ice Sequel

Chapter 5 - Part 2

Natasha's POV

As the four of us sit down in the front row of the stands in our team jackets, there is a definite tinge of importance and strictness in the air. Yakov is already standing near the wall of the rink with a stereo to his left, and in his hand are four sheets of paper and four CDs. Without a doubt, the CDs contain the music for our programs and our choreography is written all over the sheets of paper. My legs begin to quiver at the thought of what could possibly happen as we prepare for our programs to be formally issued.

"This year will be your first competitive season as a Council of Four. We will be attending the Grand Prix series, with the final in Salzburg next December. I expect great things from all four of you," Yakov begins.

"The programs Lilia and I have choreographed for you this season will push your skating to new heights. But it is up to you to work harder than you have ever worked in your lives to be able to perform them to a standard that is even close to acceptable. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, Coach Yakov," the four of us answer.

"Good," Yakov says with a slight smile. "I will start with the short programs. Mila, this one's yours."

The music playing out of the speakers is instantly recognisable as the soundtrack from La La Land. It is dramatic, bubbly and fun, just like Mila. There is no doubt that she will slay a program to that music.

"I want you to imagine you are more than just a skater. I have seen your performance skills grow over the years, and skating to a musical theatre track will put those skills to the test, no doubt," Yakov instructs.

"I can do it. You can count on me," Mila responds.

Yuri's music plays next - a remix of the iconic theme from the opera Tosca. The pounding beat behind the orchestral theme sets the overall mood on the brink of explosive - I can feel the ice melting just from the thought of Yuri skating to this.

"The music you will skate to is a nod to one of the greatest operas of all time. It is worlds different from what you have skated to before. As I have told you many times, now is your time to mature as a skater and show a more passionate, masculine side to yourself. And this is a chance to prove me right," Yakov continues.

"Got it," Yuri affirms.

It's Georgi's turn soon after - he will be skating to Debussy's Clair de Lune for his short program. The atmosphere is much more soft and emotional than before - this sounds to be a program that will really touch the hearts of the audience.

"I don't want you to hold back for your last competitive effort. Captivate the audience and never let go."

"I will, Yakov. Don't you worry."

It's finally my turn - I can't help but quiver in my skates as the nerves build up inside me. What will my fate be?

A lively violin theme plays through the stereo. Being the classical music nerd at heart that I am, I recognise the music to be Beethoven's famous Kreutzer violin sonata. Viktor always gave me music that reflected my personality - but this is not like me at all. The polar opposite, in fact.

"For your senior debut, Lilia has choreographed you a routine inspired by a classical ballet Allegro. It is the perfect chance to show us what you are made of, with a program that requires you to skate with great style and power as well as the fundamental stamina and technique."

A piece of paper is placed in my hands, the choreography written down in Lilia's neat, swirly handwriting. Immediately I see an amalgamation of triple jumps, step sequences, spins and spirals - and that is just the short program.

Yakov's words suddenly don't seem to register in my mind as I become overwhelmed with worry. Can I do this? I can't do this. Oh God, what have I got myself in for...

"Yuri, we will begin with your training," Yakov instructs. Without hesitation, I dash in the direction of the reception as I hold back my panicked tears.

"Natasha, aren't you coming with me?" Mila calls.

"I... I'll come in a second," I stutter as I shut myself in the changing room and let my hair down, squeezing my scrunchie like a stress ball as I try to regulate my breathing. Five minutes turn into ten, and then fifteen. I am so absorbed in my fear that I don't notice Mila enter the room to collect her handbag. 

"Hey, Georgi and I spent ages looking for you," she says gently as she sits next to me. "What happened?"

I sigh, looking at my scrunchie, then at Mila. She knows exactly what is up without me having to say a word. 

"Is it because of your program?" she asks as she places a hand on my back, stroking it in circular motions to calm me down. It reminds me of what my mother used to do when I was little.

"Yes," I breathe. "I've never seen such difficult choreography in my life, not even from Viktor."

"You see, Natasha, this is why Viktor moved you up into the Council of Four. He is the type of person to always want the best from everyone who comes into his contact, and he obviously sees a very gifted skater in you. I know it's scary, but all these trials and tribulations will turn you into the skater of your dreams," Mila responds.  As scary as my given short program seems, a new flame begins to burn inside me, giving me the desire to finally achieve my goals as a skater.

"Just like my mum?" I say hopefully, a smile creeping up my face.

"Just like your mum," Mila smiles, wrapping me up in a sisterly hug and rocking me in her arms. "It's going to be fine. Yakov's not as scary as he looks, I promise."

"Thanks, Mila. So much," I reply as I we let go and Mila gets her car keys out of her bag and I tie my hair back up. 

"It's no problem. Anything to help a friend in need," Mila responds. "Come on, let's go back to my place until it's time for our training."