Chapter Text
~~~~~~ PROLOGUE ~~~~~~
March 11, 2011, 2:18 pm, Japan
JJ was flipping through his binder, with its 18,456 pieces of paper. His assignments. Each paper represented a death. A death that he would cause, and a soul that he would reap. He took his job seriously, and he was damn good at it. As he flipped through he noticed one piece of paper seemed to be glowing. Quickly flipping to that page he stared down at the single line.
Yuuri Katsuki, 2:55 pm March 11, 2011, Sendai, Japan
But as he watched the ink seemed to smear with the flickering light that was emanating from the paper As the glow finally faded and the writing became clear again JJ let out a low groan. The location had changed.
Yuuri Katsuki, 2:55 pm March 11, 2011, Matsushima, Japan
This was unheard of. Once the assignment was handed out it never changed. What now??? He had less than 30 minutes for the finishing touches on the event that would occur at 2:46 pm that would result in the completion of the other 18,455 assignments, so how could he finish the details of that catastrophic event while trying to plan a single, special death at 2:55 pm? Matsushima was not a part of the overall plan, and single deaths were not his specialty. JJ specialized in disasters (natural and otherwise), plagues, and in any event that caused mass numbers of deaths. He almost could not comprehend how to plan a single death. What was so unique about this one he wondered. He was a figure skater. And in the public eye. Was that why? As he pondered the possibilities for completing this one assignment, a smile suddenly came across his face. JJ had SKILLS . JJ was the KING . JJ would make this HAPPEN . Yes, he thought, it was perfect. He'd give this one a death no one would forget. A golden death, a worthy death, just like the gold medal his assignment had recently acquired.
~~~~~~
March 11, 2011, Matsushima, Japan
It was late in the afternoon. Yuuri had arrived in Tokyo earlier, fresh from winning a gold medal at the Junior World Championships in South Korea. Rather than heading home to his family's onsen in Hatsetsu, he was headed to visit his uncle's family who ran an onsen in the Naruko area for a much needed vacation. When the train pulled in the station at Sendai, Yuuri was struck with a sudden idea. He jumped off the train, dragging his meager luggage behind him, and switched to the JR Senseki Line. He had decided to take a detour and visit the famous Matsushima area, thinking to find some inspiration there for his theme for the next season - for his much anticipated senior debut. He was sure he'd come up with something while he was there since the views in Matsushima have always been considered one of Japan's three most scenic views. With his gold medal tucked safely in his luggage, Yuuri was feeling on top of the world, and savouring the fact that next season he'd finally reach his goal of skating on the same ice as his idol and childhood crush, the Living Legend, Viktor Nikiforov of Russia. Finally, he was worthy, he thought. Walking idly through the grounds of the Zuigan-jii Temple, he imagined maybe even getting to speak to his idol during one of the competitions. Contemplating the possibilities and grinning from ear to ear, absolutely nothing could ruin this moment.
But, as he would come to learn, the universe has quite the sense of humour. Dark humour, that is.
~~~~~~
Junior Gold Medallist Yuuri Katsuki Dead in Japan Earthquake
The world of skating is in mourning today following the news of the confirmed death of Yuuri Katsuki, 18, in Matsushima following last week's 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the east coast of Japan. Katsuki's family released a statement earlier this morning confirming that the skater had been visiting the Zuigan-jii Temple when an aftershock following the earthquake caused a golden sachihoko statute to be shaken loose, falling on Katsuki and killing him instantly.
Katsuki was known as Japan's Junior Ace, rising easily through the junior ranks domestically, and quickly climbing to international fame. Although a late bloomer, his highly difficult step sequences and emotive performances catapulted him to the podium in the junior division, his most recent gold medal at the Junior World Championships a culmination of his achievements to date. Katsuki's raw skill and drive were such that it was widely speculated he would soon be giving Living Legend Viktor Nikiforov a run for his money after his entry into the senior division next season. Sadly, skating fans will be unable to witness this potential rivalry...
~~~~~~~
INTERNATIONAL SKATING UNION
For immediate release
Media Advisory
Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Benefit Gala
In honour of 2011 Junior World Champion Yuuri Katsuki (JPN), the International Skating Union (ISU) together with the Japan Skating Federation has approved a traveling benefit gala to raise funds for relief for the survivors of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
The World's top skaters in the junior and senior divisions will perform in selected venues in Asia, Europe and North America. The list of skaters and venues can be found at www.notreallytheisu.com/2011reliefgalaschedule.pdf .
Tickets may be purchased at www.purchaseyourticketshere.com .
The ISU thanks all skaters who volunteered to perform. Unfortunately due to the large response, not all skaters who volunteered have been selected.
~~~~~~
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cgiacommetti_official @thereal-n-vikiforov coming together for a great cause! #ISUJapanreliefgala #wemissyouyuuri #lifeistooshort
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intoxicatedwithChris fantastic performance as always tonight!
Viknik4ever love seeing my boys come together
Icequeen89 such a great cause
Katsukifan Yuuri would be so proud
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~~~~~~ CHAPTER 1 ~~~~~~
October 18, 2014, Detroit, MI, USA
Yuuri Katsuki was a reaper. Or, more specifically, a soul reaper.
He remembered that moment with such clarity it took away his breath with a sharp pang every time he thought of it. Somehow, even after more than three long years, the suddenness, the finality of it all never went away.
He stared down at his body, crushed under the heavy golden statue and sighed heavily, thinking of all his hopes and dreams that also now lay crushed under its weight. All his hard work, all his sacrifices gone in a flash. '"It figures,'" he thought, rolling his eyes, '"a dime a dozen death for a dime a dozen skater." Hearing a noise, he looked up to see Yakov Feltsman, coach for the Russian figure skating team rapidly approaching. Blinking in surprise, he bowed deeply out of sheer habit.
" Hey Katsuki, welcome to the afterlife. JJ was supposed to be here, but with all the assignments he's a bit busy right now." Yakov shook his head slowly, surveying the scene looking contemplative. "Better get you out of here quickly so we can sort you out. Knowing how JJ works, this place is soon going to be a MESS. And no one can see you like this. As far as they're concerned, Yuuri Katsuki is dead."
Before Yuuri had a chance to process anything further, Yakov grabbed his shoulder and there was a slight twist in his guts as the world blurred for a brief second. The next thing he knew he was in a small office facing an older Italian man with a long, thick ponytail. "Hello Yuuri," the man greeted him. I'm Celestino, and I'll be your coach from now on." He chuckled. "Your coach in all things death, that is..."
"YUUUUURRRRIII!!!!! You look like someone just walked on your grave. What's on your mind?" He never could hide anything from Phitchit, his fellow reaper, roommate and best friend. The man was friendly and upbeat, with a personality that outshone the sun. When they were first introduced by Celestino, he had quickly gotten behind Yuuri's defenses and the two had become fast friends. Despite his youthful appearance of 20 years, Pitchit was much, much older than that. Of course reaper etiquette dictated that one never asked about the age of another reaper so he had no idea just how old Phitchit actually was. Their deaths, though, were known to all. And Yuuri's, with its spectacular irony and Darwin award worthy circumstances, was downright famous much to his chagrin. He had initially thought his death was lame, unremarkable in every way. After all, there was a huge natural disaster and he couldn't even be a part of that. He was so mediocre he wasn't even worthy to share the fate of all the others that died that day. That was before he learned how things worked. That was before he knew how hilarious and spectacular the other reapers found his death. JJ was all too proud of himself and his "skills". Speaking from experience, Yuuri personally thought that JJ's arrogance made his assignments suffer needless humiliation.
Rolling his eyes at his friend's attempt at humour, he muttered, "Phitchit, does it ever fade? The memory, I mean?"
The answer came softly, gently. "No Yuuri, the moment of your death and calling to become a reaper will never become like any other memory and fade over time." Then as Phitchit paused, a cheeky smile formed on his tan face as a piece of black hair fell forward across his forehead. "Besides, Yuuri, your death was so SPECTACULAR, who could EVER forget it? JJ really outdid himself that time! I mean, the way he improvised with you making a spontaneous change in plans...talk about thinking on his feet!"
"I was hit by a statue of a FISH, Phitchit. Only 2 people in Matsushima died and the other was from a heart attack! Why couldn't I have died anonymously and with dignity in the earthquake or the tsunami after like everyone else that JJ had assignments for that day? But nooooooo, JJ just had to show off and make my death extra special. He gets away with everything. I mean, the temple doesn't even have sachihoko statues yet no one thought it was weird at all!"
"Aw come on Yuuri... he even chose a gold statue in homage of your medal. It was a magnificent death, just like your career was magnificent."
"Gee thanks, Phitchit. Make a mockery of my career, just like my mockery of a death. My career amounted to nothing. I didn't even get to skate against Viktor." He thought about all the hard work he'd done to get to that point. The literal blood sweat and tears. His whole goal had been to be able to meet Viktor as an equal. To prove that he was capable. It was strange, he knew, and other people would find it strangely obsessive if they found out. But from the first moment he saw him on a tiny, ancient and grainy TV screen, he'd felt this pull towards Viktor. Oh well, he thought. No use thinking of that now. He was very much dead and Reaper Rule #4 prevented him from contacting anyone he knew while he was still alive. No way was he going to risk Yakov's wrath by violating that . He was pulling at his long ponytail as was his habit when he became anxious. Realizing what he was doing, he banished his thoughts of Viktor and gave his hair a final tug, letting the silken black strands spread like a curtain over one shoulder. He needed to focus on the present. Changing the topic, he looked at his watch. "Don't you have to be at school soon? I thought you had Musical Theatre at 3:00?"
"Not today, Yuuri. I cancelled the class this morning after the message from Celestino."
"You got a message too? Why on earth would Celestino call both of us in? I mean, I know you were assigned as my mentor when I was first called, but it's been ages since I was given the green light by Yakov to handle things on my own." Yuuri went back to tugging on his hair while watching Phitchit carefully.
Reclining further on the sofa they were both sitting on, the man just shrugged nonchalantly back at him. "When you've been around long enough Yuuri, you stop questioning the boss. It is what it is and we're just here to maintain the balance of souls between realms. Who knows, maybe we just have to coordinate our assignments so we don't mess each other up."
"I know, I know Phitchit, and you know me, I can't help but worry." The other man eyed him fondly. "It's just lately...I've had this weird feeling. I don't know what it is. Restlessness, maybe? Anticipation? UGH!!!!! Why did I have to keep my anxiety when I died????!!!! Of all the things to leave behind that would have been the one thing I'd have chosen."
"But then Yuuri, you wouldn't be our sweet cinnamon roll would you? Some things are just so much a part of your soul they never change." Phitchit's words were saccharine, designed with the specific intent of getting under Yuuri's skin.
Yuuri glanced over at Phitchit and without a moment's hesitation lobbed a throw pillow at him and launched himself at his friend, tickling him mercilessly. "You will take that back RIGHT NOW!"
~~~~~~
Feeling somewhat mollified after his talk with Phichit, Yuuri walked into Celestino's office fairly relaxed. Then he spied Yakov lurking in the corner and glowering. Yakov was their District Boss, the boss of Celestino, and the highest level of authority on Tir na Beatha (or as they called it informally, the World of the Living). Yakov's presence never meant "good" news. Although he passed on the assignments to Celestino, the only other times he showed up were when a Rule was broken to mete out punishment or grant an exception, or when there was something highly unusual.
Yuuri quickly wracked his brain but couldn't recall any instances where he or anyone else in his unit had broken one of the Reaper Rules. He supposed JJ may have overstepped his authority but JJ, despite his arrogance, always seemed to land just within the Rules. He was a master of pushing the boundaries of the grey areas. Same went for Yurio. Their perpetual teenager fondly known as the "angry kitten" may have a lot of attitude but he never pushed the Rules. Never . After witnessing the consequences once, it was rare for a reaper to even test the Rules nevermind contravene them. And Phichit and Mila were model reapers. So that just left a highly unusual circumstance. He swallowed thickly through the lump in his throat.
Now thoroughly wound up, Yuuri took a place opposite to Yakov using the wall to give him added support and nodded weakly to him in acknowledgement. Phitchit, unfazed as usual, threw himself into one of the visitor's chairs and smiled widely. "So, Ciao Ciao, what's the deal this time?"
Celestino gave Phitchit a warning look and cleared his throat. "Reaper Katsuki, I have called you here today to accept an assignment. Before I hand you this assignment I want to remind you of Rules #1 & 2. Rule #1 - You cannot refuse an assignment. Rule #2 - you must ensure that the assignment ends with the required death. Do you understand me Reaper Katsuki?" The words were spoken with more formality than Yuuri had ever heard from Celestino. And why, after over 3 years he was reminding him of the Rules, Yuuri couldn't fathom...unless this assignment was somehow personal or otherwise difficult.
Yuuri looked quickly at Phichit for support, only to find Phichit staring slack jawed at Celestino. Shit, he thought, this isn't good. Unflappable, dependable Phitchit has been thrown for a loop. Yuuri's anxiety started ramping up to a new level.
"Yuuri," Yakov began as he moved from his corner, `this assignment is going to be particularly difficult for you. I won't lie, although... I'm not surprised about the assignment itself, I was surprised that it was assigned to you in particular. But orders are orders and they cannot be disobeyed no matter how difficult or uncomfortable they are. We called Phichit in today because we think you'll need his support on this one."
"Above all else, Yuuri, remember the consequences. The assignment may be hard, but the consequences are always exponentially worse. You're a solid reaper Katsuki, I trust that you can complete this successfully."
With Yakov's ominous speech complete, Celestino moved to hand him a sealed envelope. As he accepted it he noted with detached thoughts that it looked for all the world like any other assignment. What could be so difficult? All eyes in the room were on him as he shakily opened the seal and freed the piece of paper within.
He looked down at the page and his eyes widened almost comically.
Viktor Nikiforov, 9:19 am October 25 th 2014, Chicago, Illinois USA
"Shit."