Chapter Text
Once upon a time, in the great city of London, lived the royal family. Recently, the princess’ engagement was announced, to a handsome young man from the royal family of Scotland. While everybody was celebrating, some people were calculating. Calculating plans on how to steal the princess, Princess Elizabeth.
~~~
Hidden behind an alleyway just outside of London, was the base of the “Phantoms” who either were just thieves meant to look pretty and cool, or a very secretive group who conducted various acts of sabotage to the British government, though they weren’t widely known. It’s rumored the reason they steal and play, is because they are either poor or they just want some fun, but nobody knows the true reason.
Phantom Awesome- I mean, Gilbert, is a confident, egotistical guy. He often prides himself on being the “leader” of the Phantoms, because he comes up with their plans. He has a little brother who he is training to become a Phantom too, but he seems more interested in journalism than stealing with his awesome brother.
Antonio is the laidback man of the group. He likes to make food, and often shuts down plans and cheers up the group of thieves. He also has a little orphan he cares for, who seems like a brat, but Antonio cares for him anyway. He is also playful, and may even be gentleman-like.
But the real gentleman? The only who has their “secret name” figured out is Phantom Rose, Francis. A flashy French man who is all about love. He often reads romance novels, and has already had a lot of lovers, even in his late 20s. He is also a great cook, and knows the way to make anyone’s heart flutter with his charm. He doesn’t have any siblings like the other two, but he likes to call himself “big brother.”
“Bueno tardes! Have you guys heard the news?” A Spanish voice said as Antonio jogged into the room, smiling at Gilbert and Francis, A boy close behind him. “Stop being so loud…jerk…” the boy shouts sleepily.
Gilbert tips over his chair, glancing at the two. “Ah, Romano!” Francis waved playfully. “Oh, Romano just woke up so he is kinda tired…” Antonio says, chuckling as he pat Romano’s head.
“But anyway, did you hear the princess is engaged!?” He cheered, Francis returning a flashing smile. “Ah yes! Isn’t it quite beautiful? True love, I mean.” Gilbert rolled his eyes, chewing on his dinner. “Ja, ja. I don’t really get it.” The other two men turned to Gilbert with an annoyed look, but only Francis spoke. “Hmph. I reckon you haven’t seen them together? The princess seems truly infatuated by him, non?” Antonio nodded in agreement, but Gilbert was still defiant. “Meh, meh, meh…” he mocked, receiving a glare from the Spanish man.
“Either way, I’m glad the princess is happy! She is very good with her work in England. She may even be one of the most loved princesses ever! Do you guys remember how she helped the farmers out in the countryside?” Antonio chatted, clinging onto an empty chair next to Francis.
The leader Phantom was eerily quiet. Everyone in the room seemed to notice, but tried to ignore it. “Hey you guys…” Gilbert began. “U-um, yes Gil?” Antonio replied, giving an anxious look. Gilbert had weird crazy plans, but this time seemed different. He once suggested they try to steal the Declaration of Independence after seeing a movie. “Do you guys want a lotta money?”
“Gil…Whatever you’re thinking…I don’t think it’s worth it…” eased the Spaniard. But Gilbert shook his head, “We should kidnap the princess.” Silence followed almost immediately, but then an uproar erupted from the two other men plus the boy. “Gilbert! Mon dieu, we can’t kidnap the princess! She just got engaged to her love! Why would we kidnap her?” Francis couldn’t believe the audacity of Gilbert! This was definitely one of the most ridiculous ideas Gilbert has ever thought up. “No, no! Listen, we kidnap her for ransom, and we got even more money to have those fancy little jewelry that both of you like! And also we get fame.”
“You jerk! That is one of the worst ideas you have ever had!” Romano grumbled out.
“I have to agree with Romano on this one. Sure, we have retrieved some jewelry and nice expensive diamonds and clothing, but kidnapping someone is…!”
“Unacceptable!” Francis finished for Antonio. “I know it sounds crazy, but trust me! We wouldn’t hurt her or anything…”
“They would probably kill us before we can even do anything.” Francis interrupted. Every thing was a serious suggestion, so the two more competent men have to seriously shut Gilbert’s ideas if it sucks, or else he will insist on it.
Gilbert stood up from his seat, with a determined and serious expression. “I am serious about this!”
“We know you are! Which is why we are stopping you.” Gilbert rolled his eyes. “Did you watch a movie about this or something?” Francis chuckled, but Romano shook his head. “Nah, I bet he just thinks it will make him more ‘awesome’ if he kidnaps a princess.” Gilbert turned to the proud brat, “Oi! You brat! I am really cool!” He grumbled in reply.
“That’s it! I am gonna kidnap Princess Elizabeth!” Gilbert declared. His friend’s eyes widened. “G-Gilbert! You’re gonna influence Romano!” Antonio said jokingly, receiving a smack from the younger boy. “Hmph! I am not a kid! I can tell when something is stupid!”
Francis had enough of this. He did warn Gilbert that the last dumb idea he would come up with was going to be his last straw, and he was keeping to his word.
“Gilbert. I warned you if there was another stupid idea like this, I would leave!” He reminded the German man. Antonio and Romano looked surprised, but Gilbert narrowed his eyes. “Oh yeah? Do it.” He dared, sneering at Francis. The Frenchman nodded, not phased nor hesitant. “Oui, I will!” Francis responded boldly. “We all have a lot of money, but I know I have the most!” He grabbed the jewelry laying on the table nearby. He then began to walk away.
“Francis! Wait—! Where are you going, amigo?” Antonio asked, a confused and surprised expression on his face. Romano was frozen behind Francis, with his eyes wide but with an unreadable emotion. Francis turned to Antonio, and did a small little smile, which confused the Spaniard even more. “Keeping to my word!” He replied to Antonio, but his tone was a bit different, like he was trying to communicate something.
“Ja, ja! Go and leave!” Gilbert announced to Francis. The latter nodded, turning around and walking straight out of the alleyway. “A-Antonio? Where is Francis going?” Romano asked his older caretaker. “I-I don’t know. I hope he comes back though…”
~~~
Before being friends with Gilbert and Antonio, Francis was a lone “phantom,” who was sneaky, being good at hiding and getting his way. To be honest, Francis kinda missed that life. He wasn’t sure why, but he wanted to get out and steal by himself. Of course, he is going to return to his friends! He just wanted some alone time.
While roaming the dark but illuminated streets, he came across an advertisement of the sort on a light pole. Before he could read it, a soldier dressed in red and white approached Francis. “Excuse me, sir.” Francis turned, to see a brown-haired man. “You aren’t apart of the princesses engagement party, are you?” He asked.
Francis wasn’t sure if he should be flattered, but then he realized he was in front of a brightly lit up building. He took more glances at it, and he could make out dancing and such. Francis shook his head. “No sir, I-It seems I just found my way in front of the place where the party is taken place.” The man’s brown hair bobbed as the man nodded. “I understand. Sorry for disturbing you. Have a good night.” The soldier then monotonously walked away into the building. He was kinda blah.
While walking away himself, Francis realized that this is where the princess probably was currently! Hmm…perhaps he should warn the princess of her impending kidnapping?