"To create a plan, it is important to have a clear sense of knowing the details as the location, timing, and methodology of executing it," Jacques exclaimed.
"But why do we need a plan?" asked Arieshell.
"I have a feeling we were brought here to help bring an end to evil," he answered.
"Evil? Who could be-"
"Henry and Father," whispered Belle.
Jacques pointed to Belle, "Correct!"
Gus rubbed his white and smooth beard. "It's amusing, isn't it?"
"What's amusing?" asked Arieshell.
The walls of the kitchen fell silent for a moment. The room fell silent as everyone exchanged glances, eagerly awaiting a response or reaction from someone. Belle lifted her head, inclined to speak.
"None of this is amusing to me. Jacques is on the right track," she forced herself to share a solemn expression with Jacques. "If you have any suggestions. Then, please go ahead."
"The most important task is to find your best friend," he declared.
"W-William, but why?"
"I'm not completely sure yet, but I have a sense that he's an important part of this plan."
Arieshell shuttered with anticipation. She couldn't comprehend the uncertainty of this 'so-called plan.' Her mind went to her father and brother again. They need to gather ideas on how they won't follow them.
"We need a plan to ensure my family won't find me."
"That and Belle's father and this Herny," stated Jacques.
"Ah-ha! I figured it out!" exclaimed Gus.
"What?" asked Arieshell.
"Think about it. When we arrived, Belle was frightened," Gus moved into the living room. "She told us that a man came here looking for his friend."
Jacques had a puzzled expression, "What about it?"
"Isn't it coincidental that no one was here besides Belle when we arrived?"
Jacques crossed his arms. "Are you saying Henry is responsible?"
"I dealt with his family before," whispered Arieshell.
Belle raised her hands in dismay. Jacques watched her fingertips shake as her body fell back. Gus hurried over to catch Belle.
His eyes met Jacques.
"Put her on the couch," he instructed.
Arieshell's eyes dilated as she witnessed Belle's condition. What's the matter with her? Is she alright? I'm willing to help in any way I can. What led to her fall? Arieshell sensed her throat tighten. As an outsider, she felt unequipped to help.
She observed Gus positioning Belle on the couch as Jacques brought a wet rag. He gently placed the object upon her smooth and cool forehead.
"Is she going to be alright?" Arieshell asked.
"Yes, Belle is overwhelmed. That's all," answered Jacques.
"Henry clearly traumatized her," suggested Gus.
"It's my fault," Belle declared, taking harsh breaths with every word she spoke.
Gus and Arieshell glanced at Jacques for guidance. However, Jacques was bewildered. He sat across from Belle and clasped his hands together. Arieshell approached him and took a seat beside him.
"What do you mean by it's your fault Belle?" asked Arieshell.
"I allowed Henry to knock Armand out. I don't remember where he took him."
"Why do you think that?" questioned Gus.
"I told you. He originally came because he was trying to find his best friend, Lou."
"So you were distracting him?" requested Arieshell.
"Henry was using me to enchant Armand, giving him enough time to strike him in the head," Belle bit her lip. "I had no clue that was his intention."
Jacques raised his head. "You were a pawn in his revolting game. It's not your fault. We need to stop him before he goes too far."
"How?" Both Gus and Arieshell asked simultaneously.
"Find William!"
With a sudden burst of energy, Belle lifted herself from her reclined position and turned to face her allies in the room. Her eyes were filled with a newfound comprehension, shining brightly with a sense of understanding.
"I might know where he is."
"Tell us," said Jacques.
"He was going to England for college."
"Do you remember the name?"
"I believe it was London Bridge University," recollected Belle.
Arieshell straightened her posture. "I'm sorry, but how are we planning on getting there? I still need to address my family will be searching for me."
Jacques stood up. After a brief moment away, he wandered back into the kitchen area, searching for a particular item - an aged, worn map with visible water stains scattered throughout its surface.
Jacques picked up the object and carried it to the living room, where he sat beside Arieshell and gestured toward a spot.
"This is the English Channel between England and France," Jacques explained, "We will be using this route to get to our destination."
"But I can't be in the water, or my father and brother will know where I am."
"You don't have to worry. We will take my ship."
"Wait! Why not take the train?" asked Gus.
As soon as Jacques looked up at him, his face contorted into a scowl of unmistakable anger, making it clear that the situation was far from ideal. He considered the suggestion to be unintelligent and poorly planned.
"They could track us down, know where we are heading, and find us quickly. I'm not going to take that chance."
"What do you mean by them? Are there multiple people we are running from?" questioned Arieshell.
"Well, depending on if Belle joins us, there is no doubt Henry and her father will be searching for her," stated Jacques.
Arieshell slumped back, "And my family," she muttered.
Jacques wrapped his arm around her, "Don't worry, your father and brother won't suspect you on a ship, especially a boat that will travel from place to place."
Arieshell blushed and felt a rush of warmth spread through her body as Jacques's strong arm embraced her; Arieshell couldn't help but bite her lip in anticipation, hoping he wouldn't notice her reaction to his touch.
As Arieshell tried to regain her voice, her gaze fixated on his dark brown beard, which bore a remarkable likeness to her brother's. Arieshell's cheeks turned red again. Stop it! Control yourself! He's human! You're a siren. It'll never work.
"Arieshell?"
As Jacques spoke, his voice was both deep and gentle. The sound of it stirred up unexpected emotions in her, feelings that she couldn't quite make sense of. She turned to face him, trying to keep a neutral facial expression despite the turmoil inside her.
"Yes? I am here. Sorry."
"You're okay? You seem," he hesitated, "Out of it."
"I think so? This is all so overwhelming."
"I understand. I will protect you."
Her eyes grew wider as if trying to take in every detail of the scene before her. Protect me? I'm uncertain about being protected. Maybe my Father was correct in his assessment.
"I can protect myself, thank you."
"I'm sorry. What do you mean?"
"I'm a siren, a princess, a god-"
"Goddess. I know, but it doesn't mean you can't have friends having your back."
He had her there.
Jacques licked his lips. "Imagine the danger of being discovered as a siren or goddess – caught and powerless, with no one to turn to for assistance. What options would you have in such a dire situation?"
Arieshell's eyes grew wide as she considered her options. While her siren song was tempting, she knew it was far too dangerous, even risking using her voice.
As Arieshell pondered Belle's explanation about Armand and Lou, she couldn't help but wonder if Henry was behind it all. While she knew Belle wasn't to blame, the thought of Henry's possible involvement weighed heavily on her mind.
She sighs, "You're right."
"You're strong, Arieshell. There's no doubt about that," he declared.
Arieshell's cheeks flushed as she instinctively reached up to touch her warm face. "T-thank you."
Belle suddenly spoke up, "I want to come."
Jacques lifted his gaze to Belle. "You sure?"
"Yes, I need to find William myself."
"You still need help," exclaimed Jacques.
"I know."
"What about Armand and Lou?" Arieshell questioned.
Her hands flew to her mouth in shock, eyes wide with surprise.
"Yes? What about them?" asked Gus.
Arieshell jolted in her seat.
"We will wait for them," suggested Jacques.
"Wait? Why?" asked Gus.
"If we leave now, Belle's father will know something is up. We need it when they don't expect it. In that case, if Armand and Lou do come back. We can fill them in."
"I like that plan," said Belle.
"I do too, but what about my father and brother?" asked Arieshell.
"We'll lay low. I can go outside in the village while you can stay here with Belle."
Gus coughed lightly and spoke, "Excuse me, what about me?"
"You will have a choice. You can come with me to the village or stay here with Belle," Jacques replied, rolling his eyes.
"Ooh! Okay, I got it."
"Hold on a second," Belle interrupted, "I'm not sure how we're going to manage to wait for Armand and Lou, any ideas?"
Arieshell's gaze rested on Jacques as she asked, "Do you have any ideas on how we can ensure their well-being and survival?"
"I know they were sent to an insane asylum. Armand is very clever and strong," Belle said.
"Are you thinking that they will escape?" asked Arieshell.
"Yes."
"We can't be sure," stated Jacques.
"You said that we need to stay low. We don't know when we can go to England. Is it possible that Armand and Lou could escape in the meantime?" asked Belle.
"It all comes down to how determined they are to break free. There's always a chance," explained Jacques.
"Hold on, Belle! Do you recall the asylum's name?" asked Gus.
Belle hesitated for a moment, then spoke up. "Have you ever heard of Spring Grove Asylum? I don't know what happens there. However, something about it gives me the chills."
Gus's heart raced as his eyes grew wide with fear, "No!"
"What? What is it?" asked Jacques.
Gus was caught in Arieshell's watchful gaze as he got up and began pacing back and forth with an unmistakable sense of urgency. Arieshell couldn't help but notice the uneasiness in his demeanor. It sent shivers down her spine.
"Gus! Answer me!" demanded Jacques.
"Your father!" Gus yelled.
Upon hearing something unexpected, Jacques was startled and took a step back. He took a moment to collect himself before inquiring, "What about my father?"
Gus sighed heavily and said, "When you were born, your mother and father were in a disagreement about who would take care of you. Your mother had your father placed in that asylum. He made me promise not to tell you. I'm sorry, Jacques."
Jacques remained silent, slouching into the armchair with a blank stare fixed on nothingness. His heart was pounding faintly as tears streamed down his cheeks. He swiped the tears away and tried to regain his composure.
He sniffled. "We'll wait for Armand and Lou. That's final."
"Jacques, I'm sorry."
"It's alright, no need to apologize. It's surprising to know that I was important to someone." He replied, shaking his head."
"I care so much about you," responded Gus.
"So do I. We're family," declared Belle.
Arieshell placed an arm around Jacques. "Your display of respect and kindness during our encounter has made a lasting impression on me. In turn, I am committed to treating you with the same level of consideration and care."
"Thank you. I appreciate that."
"We will wait for Armand and Lou, and they can be informed of our plan to overcome the evil Henry!" suggested Gus.
"Or instead of waiting, maybe we should help them escape?" suggested Arieshell.