Me: Hello my readers! Nothing much to say today so I'll just jump right into the story!

Feliciano: Vee~ My brother's too busy lately, so I'll be here until the story ends.

Me: Isn't he just darling? So much better than what I had to deal with before.

Feliciano: Actually do you know where he is? He only told me it had to do with your story.

Me: Hmm. *Looks at watch.* About now he should be surrendering to the villain and being tossed in a dungeon.

Feliciano: Wha-!

Me: He'll be alright! *Holds out plate of spaghetti.* Have some pasta!

Feliciano: Yay!

I own nothing sadly…

(Line Break)

Suitors on Parade…

Alfred practically skipped into the ballroom where Elizabeta was arranging flowers for the ball. "Mother, have you se-"

"Oh, Alfred! Tell me what you think!" The queen gestured to a bouquet she just finished.

"What is this?" He asked, more referring to the whole set up, but beginning with the flowers.

"Roses, of course!"

"They're red."

"Naturally."

"But mother, I don't want red roses. I want white, like a swan." He trailed of with a cheesy smile. "Have you seen Lovino?"

"No." Elizabeta responded setting the vase on a table.

"Has anyone seen Lovino?" Alfred asked the servants before distracting himself with a plate of hor d'oeuvres. "Would you feed this to a swan?" He asked the man carrying it, whom shook his head with a confused frown. "Take it back. Get something light, something fresh."

Rodreich was rehearsing nearby with a fairly fast paced song. "No, no Rodreich. Hold it."

"What's wrong?" The composer said with a huff. I mean who knew music better than him? Certainly not the prince.

"Tonight the music must be played rubato. Soft and graceful, like a swan."

"A swan?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Have you ever seen a swan, Rodreich?"

"Of course I've seen a swan!"

"If you could play a swan, what would it sound like?" With a tiny smirk, he directed the trumpeter to play one short loud note. It sounded like a bird squawking. Rodreich chuckled. Alfred shook his head good naturedly.

"Soft and Graceful, Rodreich." He turned to the rest of the room again. "Where is Lovino?"

"No one has seen him dear." The queen answered.

"You're kidding. Who's going to be my best man?" He grinned.

Elizabeta's eyes widened. "Best…? You mean! Oh Alfred!" Her face stretched to match her son's and she all but hugged the life out of him. Rodreich began conducting a softer tune.

"Perfect, Rodreich, absolutely perfect." He waltzed with an invisible partner while the queen smiled.

"Don't be so secretive Alfred. Tell me who it is." She begged excitedly. He merely laughed.

(This is a Line Break. I enjoy writing humorous ones.)

At this time Arthur, in his swan form, had been locked away within the dark waterlogged dungeon of Swan Lake's castle by Ivan. The enchanter looked down on him from a small closable wood window. "It hurts me to lock you up this way, Arthur. Hurts me, deep. You understand, don't you?"

He tossed a few red roses to the prince, whom promptly pecked them until they tore out of rage. "Oh, now you're mad at me again. Gosh darn it! Can't do anything right, head full of pudding. (A.N. *Snickers*) That's me. Well, I can't leave you like this. If you're not happy, I'm not happy."

Arthur turned his back, intent on ignoring the man's mutterings.

"Hmm… I know! If you can't attend the ball, I'll bring the ball to you! Let's see, the first thing you need is… a young man."

The swan shot him a dirty look at the comment, and the sorcerer grinned at regaining his attention. "The prince is busy of course, but… I think I can arrange a substitute." He gestured to the cell door. A suit of armor was forcing a fluently cursing Lovino into the cell. He wasn't going without a fight though, when he latched his arms on the door frame sides the metal automaton met his back with a kick and he fell with a splash below.

His head popped out of the water and he flailed wildly until Arthur tugged him by the shirt to a hanging wrist cuff, which he used as a lifeline. "No! Damn it! Get me out of here you-!" He yelled at Ivan.

"I'd love to stay, but if I do then I'll be late; that's tacky." He started to close the window when he caught sight of the Swan's heartbroken look. "D-Don't give me that look, mister, had to be sneaky didn't you? Just had to bring your weakling prince into it didn't you? Well that's fine with me! Just fine with me!" The opening slammed shut and echoed even to the outside where the other humans turned animal listened.

Gilbert hung his head in despair. "Oh, man. This is so unawesome."

(You know you've been waiting for this one. Line Break!)

Outside the queen's castle, suitors from all over were arriving and as they worked the footmen sang their thoughts. "Every single suitor on the planet, prayed to be invited to the ball! Every Edward, Ravis, and Lilli! Would come by coach or boat to be here, most would swim the moat to be here. Just to be at this historic gala! They would walk, or run, or even crawl! Rumor is that at this joyous scene tonight, the prince will likely choose his future queen tonight."

Felix after checking and rechecking his list knocked on the door to the changing room where Alfred and Elizabeta were putting on their elaborate jewelry or fastenings.

"Excuse me, your highness?" He called walking in.

"Yes chamberlain?"

"It's getting rather crowded."

"Very well, you may begin the introductions." Felix nodded and was just leaving when the queen caught his attention again. "And chamberlain?"

"Yes?"

"No mistakes this time." She said referring to a different incident when the man had inadequately checked his list and 30 people arrived without announcement.

"Like, never again your majesty." He dashed away.

Now alone, Elizabeta addressed Alfred. "Promise you'll tell me who it is the moment they get here."

"Oh, trust me, mother. You'll know, believe me you'll know."

(Here we go again!)

Back at the lake, Gilbert, Francis, and Antonio were pacing for ideas. "Ah hah!" The black eagle stopped suddenly causing the frog to bump into him.

"What?" Antonio asked.

"It's coming."

"What is?"

"An idea! A huge, colossal, awesome idea!"

"Sounds good." Francis replied sarcastically.

"I got it! Listen, water leaks into the dungeon, ja? So if there's a leak there must be a hole! We'll find the hole, make it bigger and-" He made an explosion sound. "The prince is free!"

"Um hmm. Oh, oui. Good plan, however I think you are overlooking two problems." He pointed backwards at the moat surrounding the castle and, specifically, its alligators.

"His lordship has a point." Antonio drawled.

"Not to worry. Now, first we need a scout." The bird trailed off.

"Are you crazy? Who's going to jump into this moat?" So said the frog. (A.N. *Snickers*)

"He's got to be a good swimmer." Gilbert took a few steps closer to Francis whom didn't notice the turn the conversation had taken.

"I should say so."

"He'd have to be pretty small too." Antonio blocked the other side.

"Teeny Weeny, not to be seen." Francis agreed.

Gilbert put a wing around the frog's shoulders and whispered conspiratorially to him while looking around like a spy. "And it wouldn't hurt if he was green for camouflage."

Francis began ticking off his fingers, setting a record in obliviousness. "Precisely. Small. Good Swimmer. Green." The dots connected. "Good Grief! You're talking about me?!" He made a leap, but Antonio caught his leg. "No no no no no!"

(Aren't I cruel? ^_^)

Elizabeta came forward to address her guests from all over as they applauded. "Thank you, thank you. Now I know that some among you simply abhor pageants, but having 'organized' a few others in my days (A.N. I'll let you figure out what she means.) I just couldn't resist. Suitors?" She stepped aside. The lights dimmed slightly.

Felix slid out while every potential royal took a stand next to him. "Beauty and glamour and breeding unmatched…"

"Suitors on parade." Sang the chorus.

"Lovely, enthralling, and all unattached. Hoi polloi and those well-bred agree each enjoys a royal pedigree."

"Born for success!"

"Each possesses a spark! Each a remarkable mate!" He fell backward into some of the visiting males and they carried him to the mortified prince Alfred, whom he forced to see his choices. "Boy oh boy, these royal highnesses, all have plusses, they've no minuses! Gaze upon!"

"These Suitors on parade!"

Rodreich jumped in, going down a list. "This princess comes from Colchester, where corn and cotton grows; she plays croquet and harpsichord and sews her own clothes!" A rather… ehm… well endowed young woman bounced past the prince with a small smile. (A.N. Take a guess at each suitor. Just for fun.)

"Miss Natalyia isn't known to take the path of least resistance. She hails from southeast Fradistan, and came the farthest distance." Alfred nervously kissed the frosty girl's hand when she offered it, keeping a close eye on the knife hanging from her sash.

"This prince lives to help the world; he finds no task to menial. And all the other hopeful guys think he's the most congenial." A very happy brunette shook Alfred's hand quickly while blowing kisses at some of the other ladies.

An intimidating blond with pale green eyes and a white hat appeared. "Vash here is from Stutgart, where our swords and armor's made!"

"Gaze upon!" Felix broke in again.

"Suitors on parade! This is the likely occasion, when the heir to the throne picks a wife!"

Those garnering the Prince's attention sang as well. "This may be the day that Prince Alfred will say!"

"Where have you been all my life?" The chamberlain finished with a wink. Some of the girls mock-swooned.

"Brilliant, beguiling, a smiling brigade!"

"Suitors on parade!"

"Each the pride of their community, each a golden opportunity."

"Just the thought that Crown Prince Alfred will, face this choice and go hysterical!" Chanted the suitors.

"Gaze upon! Heap praise upon!"

"These like, radiant, glamorous, luminous, dazzling!"

"Suitors on parade!" The music hit its final note with a crescendo and if nothing else Alfred could admit that it was quite the show.

Felix had just taken what he felt a well deserved bow when a knock shattered the applause and a very awkward silence took its place.

The poor man's mouth fell open in shock and embarrassment. Did this mean that he? Again?

The queen shot him a strained smile. "Chamberlain? All who were invited are present, are they not?"

Ripping out his list, a quick run through revealed he'd made no mistake, but then who? "Like yeah! Uh… I don't…" The knock resounded again, and he gasped.

"Open the door!" Elizabeta ordered.

He raced up the grand staircase and pulled open the barrier, fervent denials on his lips. "It's totally the milkman. It has to be the milkman." An average sized young man with blond hair, emerald eyes, and a set of black and red dress robes entered the ball room. He blushed lightly at the man in front of him then at the attention he had drawn. Felix closed the door behind him with a dramatic, though quiet sob. "Well, it's not the milkman."

Alfred smiled and walked forward to receive his true love. Elizabeta stared. "No. No it can't be." She elbowed her way around some people to get to the court conductor, whom seemed just as stunned as everyone else. "Rodreich, Rodreich. Who is it? Do you know him?" She hissed.

"I-I don't."

The queen shook him by the shoulders in frustration. "Confound it, Rodreich! I know he confides in you! Who is it?"

"I promise I have never seen him before. Although… he does look a great deal like…"

"But it couldn't be. Could it?"

Alfred took the mysterious male's hands. "Oh Arthur, I was so worried! I almost thought…"

With a tentative smile the recent arrival motioned for him to stop. "You should know by now, nothing could keep me away."

(OoO -!)

"I am going to get you for this. Even if I have to come back as a ghost and haunt you!" Francis snapped at Gilbert who was briefing him on the mission.

"Okay, sure, whatever. So Antonio will draw the gators away while you get a running start and make a beeline for the hole in the wall."

"If I can find it, and If the alligators do not chew me before I get there."

"Don't worry. Antonio said just scream and he'll rush to help."

The frog face palmed. "Oh yes! Mr. Molasses will rush to help!"

"That's my awesome plan."

"Suddenly, I'm full of comfort."

"Good, now stretch out." Gilbert flew over to Antonio and went over the plan a second time. Antonio slid into the water with a nod.

"How do I let myself get talked into these things?" Francis complained.

"Alright, on your mark." The eagle picked up a reed to use as a starting flag and the frog knelt down like a runner preparing to sprint.

Antonio splashed around to taunt the gators. "Hey, you leatherheads come and get me!" They took off after him.

"Get set…. Go!"

Francis leapt forward increasingly fast while hopping.

"Faster, faster!" Gilbert stage whispered. The scout for his brilliant plan let out a tiny sarcastic laugh.

"Sure, go on Francis! Race to your death!" One of the alligators noticed him and abandoned its attack on Antonio to get the frog. He hesitated at the rim of the moat before promptly losing balance and falling into the water. "Ahh!"

Antonio in a motorboat like fashion rammed into the gator to distract it then cheekily shot over his shoulder. "Get moving slowpoke!"

"Slowpoke?" Francis demanded insulted. When the second reptile noticed him he dove quickly below the surface and upon reaching the castle walls zipped from crack to crack looking for a breach.

Antonio was clearly having fun teasing his pursuers. " Na na na na na! " He coasted by the stone walls. "Any luck?" The amphibian finally found a hole roughly his size and began to squeeze in, but it was almost crushing. The alligators noticed him again.

In a last ditch effort one slammed into the wall mouth open, unknowingly providing the push that sent Francis flying into the dungeon.

Much to the shock of the Swan Prince a green blur came barreling out of the water, bounced off the wall, and then soared into a set of hanging chains which caught him loosely by the leg and dangled his lord dizziness not far above him. "Francis?" He called with joyful surprise.

"T-To the rescue, Mousier Prince!" He slipped out of the chains and splashed back into the drink.

Outside Antonio swam to the surface and gave the thumbs up to Gilbert whom was watching anxiously on an overhanging tree limb. "Ha! There's the signal! All right Gil, time to brush up on the old diving technique!"

"Chirp!" Suddenly remembering his small passenger Gilbert stopped mid-jump.

"Geez Gilbird! Speak up sooner next time!" He deposited the chick on the branch and resumed his dive into the moat. "Yo, scale-brains! Those turtles are tough eating; why not try a more awesome meal?" That did it. The said scale-brains turned on the new meat.

On their respective sides of the wall Antonio and Francis were breaking the small hole into a large one. When it was good enough Francis popped topside. "We broke through! Come on!"

"Thanks Francis. When this is over I might just kiss you." The swan said in gratitude.

Blinking for only a moment the once ruler of Swan Lake suddenly back flipped in victory. "Whoo!"

Paying no attention to the Frenchmen, Arthur floated over to Lovino and tugged on his shirt, trying to alert him to the exit. Uncomprehending Lovino just pushed him off. "Ach, no, go away! Shoo!"

With a sigh of disappointment the swan dove to meet his friends. After assuring that Gilbert was still keeping the gators busy, Antonio led them out. "Let's go!"

The reptilian monsters rushed them. The first came especially close to Arthur's back feathers before Antonio bit down on its tail. A glare turned on him and all he did was smile. "Hola."

The second snapped at the prince on his way out of the water and if it hadn't have been for Gilbert scratching at its soft underbelly with his talons none them would have escaped.

Arthur took off for Alfred's castle at break neck speeds. "Go, Arthur, Go!" The eagle shouted after him.

(^_^)

Prince Alfred danced slowly with his guest. He was quieter than normal, always glancing around nervously, and looked somewhat… guilty? "Arthur? Something about you seems… I don't know, different.

'Arthur' glanced up in surprise and then smiled disarmingly. "Don't worry. After tonight, everything will be perfect." He offered a gold locket with a swan engraved on it for the taller to put on his neck.

Concern brushed off for the time being, Alfred accepted the locket and clipped it around his love's throat. "Yes, yes of course." Spinning near the band Alfred addressed the composer. "Rodreich, I want to make an announcement. Stop the music."

(Uh Oh…..)

Feliciano: Oh no! What's gonna happen, miss Authoress lady?

Me: Well Feli, I have to wait for reviews before I post the next chapter so I guess we just sit here and watch the actual movie. *Turns on T.V.*

?: *Loud banging on the door.*

Me: Now who could that be? *Walks over and opens the door to reveal Germany.* O_O; Ah, Ludwig. What a… Pleasant surprise.

Ludwig: Where is Italy?

Me: Uh… here. Watching a movie. With me.

Ludwig: Why?

Me: ….Advertising? Please don't take him Germany! I need some company while I write this thing, Lovino's been thrown in a dungeon, France is a pervert, I have no idea where Matthew is an-

Ludwig: *Slaps hand over her mouth.* FINE! Fine, if you let me supervise until he's done here I will allow him to stay!

Me: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ! :D

Ludwig: How much longer will it take?

Me: I dunno.

Feliciano: Vee~ Please review!