A/N: Here is the next chapter, hope you like it!
Title: Reigning Memories
Chapter 14- The dastardly rescue
The day was beautiful; robins flew together while sparrows welcomed the rising sun. The cool air swished gently amongst the faces that stood outside the palace, ready for battle.
The seagulls flew overhead, warning everyone of the battle that was going to take place. Sir George had returned to the palace announcing that Emma would arrive in the morning.
Joe was feeling a strange sensation in his stomach, rising within him. A sudden urge to fight, to rescue Francoise. The father never taught him about war and such matters because he believed that war was useless and uncalled for.
Humanity over the ages of course, had proven that wrong. Wars were used to kill and conquer; they were used to spread bloodshed. Unfortunately the human race had long forgotten the peaceful ways and so there was no hope in ever regaining the sense of wars being useless. The second part to this theory is that war is way to prove victory and humanity no matter what, where, and who will always need it. Otherwise there would be no order, whatsoever. Even thought war is a brutal and merciless way to do so, it is the only way humanity can manage. Thus far, this would come to be a war for the ages, to be remembered without a doubt.
Finally a blinding flash of light presented itself on the balcony of the palace. The light soon took the shape of Emma. Emma was ready to fight whoever stood in her way. She was still shaking from the impact that Sir George and herself had had back at the palace. She wavered it off and took her stance, taking her wand in her hand she prepared for battle.
Another light presented itself in the presence of the others. There stood in a glorious outfit that resembled a goddess, the figure of a girl the age of Francoise, perhaps a year younger. "This battle shall change the future considerably; I hope that you all know what." Her voice betrayed her looks, it spoke of great wisdom. The girl floated unto the ground in which the others were standing. "Who are you?" Asked Sir George, uncertain whether the new arrival was friend or foe.
"I am; the figure paused, I am known to your mortals, by the name of Athena." Everyone froze; in their presence they beheld Athena, the praised goddess of wisdom. "Are--are you here to help us?" Joe asked, not certain whether to believe her. "No, this matter does not concern me; it is a mortal's battle. My brother Aries of course, will be beseeching it. I come here in a time of great need for the gods; I come to deliver a message. You see my prince; this is a time of great peril. This battle determines not only the outcome of your beloved, but of humanity itself. If Scarl succeeds than not even the gods shall be safe. His magic will grow stronger every second; he will use Francoise's abilities to his will."
"Francoise's abilities? What are you talking about?" Emma asked while kneeling before Athena. "Ah dear Emma, your magic is nearly at its peak. Francoise is no ordinary princess, you see. The mother of her father which stands at our very presence; Athena pointed to the awe stricken king, was indeed a powerful enchantress. Her powers were sealed in the locket that the princess holds. It originally was supposed to go to thy fair king, but he refused it." Everyone's attention was diverted to the king.
"Alas; everyone looked upon Athena again, that is not his fault. For some in this realm do not confine in magic as others do. I won't keep you any longer, dear heroes. Know this, Prince Joe, your union with Francoise will be one of the greatest in time. You shall both rule magnificently. As for you Emma, your term as queen shall also be glorious, you along with your dear knight." June pinched herself to see if she was dreaming, Jet did the same. Athena looked at the children who were speechless. "Great futures await all of you children, bless it be." With that Athena disappeared as quickly as she had appeared.
Emma looked at Joe, and came to a decision. "Brother, would you like to speak to Francoise, before we leave?" Joe looked at Emma for a moment, her words sinking in his head. "Can you do that?" Emma nodded and set to work. In no time Joe was in a trance while everyone practiced their plan.
It seemed like an endless vortex of darkness for Joe. He felt dizzy and then all of a sudden there was a bright light. He saw Francoise, she was tied up and had an annoyed look on her face. "Joe, Joe is that you?!" She asked franticly. He nodded and told her all that had happened. "I'm so sorry that I reacted that way, I didn't know that she was your sister." Francoise said, blushing with embarrassment.
"It's okay, don't worry we're coming for you. Wait for me." Francoise nodded and then Joe found himself back on the palace grounds.
In Scarl's lair
Francoise couldn't believe all that had happened in her absence. Joe was a prince, this had to be a dream. Everything was going to be all right, Francoise convinced herself.
At that moment Scarl entered her chamber. "Ah dear Princess, it is time."
A/N: Yes, it's true. I've left you all in another evil cliffhanger. I know that they can very annoying, but I just can't help myself. This chapter took me not to long, I'd have to say.
GoldenFeatherDragon: Thank you so much for the reviews, you're so kind! Your story is amazing and I can't wait until you continue.
GoldAngel2: Thanks, I usually do original stories. I just became impressed with the way that other authors were able to put the characters in completely different roles so adequately. I decided to give it try and I think that it didn't come out bad, well I hope that it didn't.