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Count Olaf watched the sky as the crows flew by. His spyglass was old and rusty and hasn’t been cleaned in over decade but despite that, it was still very much in good use. He watched as he saw the white speck of the sugar bowl fall out of the crows grasp and into the laundry suite, he gritted his teeth in irritation as he couldn’t go retrieve it without the three codes to open that pesky VFD lock! He stumbled around frustratedly, almost tripping over Klaus who was sitting on the grassy ground, his arms around his legs, seemingly out of it. He was almost in a rocking back and forth position, clearly traumatised and feeling every ounce of regret after what had just happened with Dewey… Klaus was stuttering out, mumbling under his breath, things like, ‘What did I do…?’ which didn’t sound so much of a question but more of a existential question, a word which here means ‘A question which is deep, and philosophical that explores the nature of existence.’ Well, that’s what Count Olaf thought it meant at least… having to endure Snicket’s terrible and insufferable ramblings of the correct meanings of words sort of … blend together in his memory. He was also saying things like, ‘It’s my fault…’ and ‘I killed him…’ Count Olaf rolled his eyes as he walked up to the boy, giving a harsh kick into his rib. “Ow!” The boy yelled out in pain, immediately giving his attention towards the man that was supposedly his father… “Get over it, boy! It happens to everyone!” Olaf said to him harshly, Klaus attempted to stand up on his legs, wincing in pain. “Get over it? Get over it! I… I killed a man… I fucking killed a man! In what fucking world does that happen to everyone!” Klaus shouted, Olaf looked at him stunned for a second, before returning to his sadistic meaner, “I meant, ‘Dying happens to everyone’ not whatever you fucking said brat.” Olaf sneered, “Still!” Klaus stuttered out as he looked away from the man and sniffled, wanting to cry but he couldn’t get them out of his eyes. Mostly cause Count Olaf was right fucking there, ruining it…

Olaf rolled his eyes again, “Hey… It’s alright, it was bound to happen at some point, might as well happen earlier rather than later.” He said as it sounded like he was trying to comfort him, but Klaus knew there was a vile hidden truth behind it. “What’s that supposed to mean?” He asked bitterly, “Well, Not only for the death of the Giuseppe Verdi guy- whatever his name was- but for your brain to finally act on your psychotic tendencies, although we will have to work on it- because it being an accident just doesn’t work-“ “Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! I don’t have any psychotic tendencies! I’m not fucking psychotic, I don’t have any kind of disorder of any kind that would bring that part out of me, And I’m nothing like you! So stop acting like one bad, horrible act I did was one step closer to me becoming fucking Count Olaf. Jr! Just… Just leave… Just fucking leave me alone!” Klaus interrupted him with tears and anger in his eyes, his face red from rage, his hands shakily covering his face as his pupils darted around in his scleras, letting his built up emotions out, the trauma he’s been inflicted to this past week was figuratively killing him and everything was just so confusing and irritating to him, not to mention he doesn’t even now if his mother is alive or not… he closed his eyes tightly as he looked away from the man that held a blank expression, frustration in his eyes. He sighed loudly, once again rolling his eyes in irritation, stepping closer to his son and placing one of his grimy hands on his shoulder, “Klausy Bear-“ “Don’t fucking call me that! Leave me alone, you… you… you aren’t my fucking dad!” He once again interrupted with once again denying reality and letting himself believe Olaf’s just lying about the whole father-son thing just so he can control him better… but as both you, the viewer and I know this simply was far from the facts… He had swotted the hand on his shoulder off him fast and hard as he attempted to run, Count Olaf sneered in both pain and rage, growling in anger as he reached for the boy that was trying to escape his clutches, wrapping his arms around his waist once again as Klaus struggled in his grip, screaming. Olaf was shushing him as he reached up and placed one of his dirty hands that still clung around his waist on his mouth, covering his screams for help. But little did Count Olaf know, is that for that few second period of when Klaus’ screams weren’t covered, someone heard and they quickly rushed over behind the bushes.

“Count Olaf.” The man said sternly, Olaf immediately looked up to see his associate- friend? Co-worker? Whatever he was! It didn’t matter, he was here regardless, “Ernest, thank god! The Snicket brats getting reckless, I need you to take him back to room 362 and lock him up there as I go wonder around the hotel for not only the fucking Baudelaire’s but also those three stupid phrases I need for the VFD lock on the laundry door.” Olaf said as he roughly passed a weeping Klaus into the man’s arms, who was wearing a concerned expression that slowly turned into smirk. “Will do. But one thing first.” He said, “What is it?” Olaf said as the man stepped closer to him, barring some rope in his hands instead of Klaus that had been hanging off his belt, which gave Olaf the implication that he was Ernest, a smirk plastered on his face as he grabbed onto Olaf’s arm roughly, Olaf looking at him with a confused expression, “I’m not Ernest.” “Frank.” Olaf said through gritted teeth as his hands were tied behind his back, his brow furrowed in anger. Frank looked back to Klaus as he was finished with Count Olaf, “You ok? Little Snicket lad?” Frank asked him concerned, “Never say that again.” Olaf interrupted low in a almost warning tone of voice but no one payed attention to him as Klaus looked at him with tears flowing from his eyes, shaking his head ‘no.’ “Ungrateful brat.” Olaf sneered under his breath, “Don’t pay attention to him, he’s just trying to aggravate you…” Frank said kindly, “And it was fucking working until you came along and ruined it!” Count Olaf interrupted saying, looking sternly and deep in Klaus’ eyes, “He’s becoming more and more like me every day.” He said with a sinister grin as Klaus let out a sudden breath out of fear and anger of what Olaf just said, “Quiet. Let’s get moving.” Frank said sternly as he directed Klaus to follow them into the Hotel Denouement as he pushed Olaf along. He didn’t follow for a bit out of fright of people calling him out for the murder of Dewey… God! What would Frank think? He took some deep breaths to get himself to calm down from his hyperventilation as he found himself walking inside the large organised building.

*

“Excuse me, Your Honor. I caught Count Olaf lurking in the hedges.” Frank stated as he walked closer to a woman with a judge wig on her head and a man with a slim hair style who was wearing a suit with a flower sticking out of his pocket, in which they were talking to the Baudelaire’s. Klaus only a few feet behind Frank, but no one seemed to notice him yet. “Thank you Frank.” The judge said, “Nice try, but this isn’t Frank, it’s Ernest!” Olaf said with a wicked smile, “I already told you, I am Frank.” Frank said calmly, “Curses!” Olaf cursed, looking away with frustration. The woman approached Olaf, “Olaf?” She said sternly but it came out with as shaky as if she was just as scared of him as everyone else was, “Well, if it isn’t the nosy neighbour … and the coward. I hope you’ve been picking up my mail, Justice Strawes.” Olaf said with a smile, “My name is Justice Strauss, but to you it’s ‘Your Honour!’ You won’t be receiving mail for a very long time, Olaf. Not unless you change your mailing address to prison.” Olaf looked at her confused, “Why would I change my mailing address to prison?” He asked, “Cause you’ll be a prisoner!” Justice Strauss admitted, Count Olaf rolled his eyes in response. Klaus was eavesdropping on the conversation, his dad- … Count Olaf was neighbours with a judge? Well she certainly wasn’t very good at doing her job then, who knows how long Olaf has been doing these wicked, horrible, vile things while next door- or across the road from her, under her supervision.

“Lock him up until the trial!” Justice Strauss called out, “Oh, yes, Lock me up!” Olaf said sarcastically, “We can’t have treacherous people running around a hotel. There might be decent, noble people here!” He called out, rolling his eyes. Klaus looking down regretfully and unfortunately knowing he was right, his mind immediately going back to that wretched book he found in his mothers carnival tent, the things VFD did to recruit members into their secret organisation was fucking disgusting. Why was he swearing so much today…? He didn’t think for too long before familiar a voice spoke up, “There are decent, noble here!” Violet argued, “Violet’s right, VFD is here, and they’ll make sure you pay for your dastardly crimes.” The man with the flower in his suit pocket injected, Violet shot him an unsure look, she obviously knowing the truth behind VFD as well, she wasn’t sure about that but she knew- hoped… that Kit would be back soon to prove her previous statement to be true. Count Olaf unfortunately noticing her unsure look and decided to have a little fun with it.

“I see your news friends are keeping you in the dark. But you already know a lot of their secrets, don’t you Violet?…” He said sinisterly, Violet could feel herself tense as a shock of fear spiked up her spine. His statement caught Klaus’ attention, “Violet, what does he mean?” Violet felt sweat fall from her forehead as Sunny, Jerome and Justice Strauss looked at her with a curious and worried look that made her think she’d just been outed as a traitor, Frank looked down with shame, him being the only true VFD member in the group, he knew exactly what Olaf meant. She turned her attention back to Count Olaf with a worried look as he started talking again, “I bet your self-righteous volunteers never told you what’s in the sugar bowl, why it’s important, or how it was stolen, but I could. Oh, the secrets I could share…” He spoke low, Klaus looked in shame, and regret… he skimmed the book, he did see a picture of a sugar bowl but he passed by it thinking it wasn’t important, how could he be so stupid! “About VFD, about your parents. You think you know this story, but you don’t even know how it begins.” Olaf said sinisterly as he tried to egg on the Baudelaire’s, of course he would tell them but he has to get what he wants first, and that’s their fortune. “We’ll find out the truth, the real truth.” Violet muttered under her breath sternly, not taking his word for it. “Not if I’m in prison. I’m your last chance to learn what really happened. I can tell you things that you’ll never learn on your own.” Olaf said with a vile smile, Violet shook her head in denial but she couldn’t stop her brain from thinking he was telling the truth, Olaf smile as he believed he got her, Sunny looked up her concerned while as usual the adults stood around doing nothing and letting this awful man manipulate the Baudelaire girls. “We’d rather see you in behind bars!” Violet said making Olaf drop his vile smile, “Your choice…” he spoke low, shaking his head to indicate she was making a mistake, “Let’s go, buddy.” Frank said grabbing Olaf by the arm, walking him to a closet door. “Frank, we’re sorry about your brother.” Violet said with a sorrowful expression, Klaus looked away with regret and guilt as he watched his father get locked up, “I don’t see what the big deal is. There’s still two of you.” Count Olaf said inappropriately, Frank’s expression turned from one of sadness to rage as he twisted Olaf’s arm in a fit of rage, “Ow!” Count Olaf winced as Frank threw him in the closet, Olaf looked towards Klaus his eyes going wide, Klaus’ breath growing shaky as Olaf smirked sinisterly at him, “One last thing, my son kil-“ Olaf managed to say before the door was closed and locked on him. Klaus looked towards the ground, his eyes wide knowing exactly what Count Olaf was going to say, his breath shaky as Frank walked away.

“Klaus!” Klaus eyes widened as he turned his attention towards the group of people at sudden scare of a familiar voice, his breath came with a shudder as it reminded him of how he scared her only moments before Dewey’s death. Klaus saw Violet running towards him, he got a small glimpse of tears in her eyes, Sunny following behind only a few steps back, she wrapped her arms around the shaky boy, he flinched with the sudden affection, how long has it been since he’s had a hug? Klaus out of sudden shock, fear and hurt, pushed Violet off him, she looked at him concerned and worried, “Klaus..?” She said, as he looked down, away from her… She looked down to see his arm wrapped around his chest as he winced in pain, his pupils shaky in his scleras, his breath was caught in a shudder as he couldn’t take his eyes off of the door Count Olaf was locked behind. “What did that bastard do to you..?” She said through gritted teeth as her expression grew dark, Klaus didn’t answer as he heard two approaching footsteps come closer to them. “Violet, we don’t really a prove of you talking to strangers... let alone hugging them.” The man with the suit said, “He’s not a stranger-“ “Did you meet him at Purfrock Prep then?” Justice Strauss interrupted, “I-“ … she stuttered for a second, “We … actually met in the Mortmain Mountains.” She on purposely left out the part of how they actually met, not wanting to frighten the two adults in front of her. “Oh, was he a part of those Snow Scouts?” Justice Strauss asked, “Uh…” Violet stuttered, looking at Klaus who was giving her a look back that laid trauma behind it, so much trauma… his eyes wide and frightened.. angry and confused… He didn’t realise coming face to face with Violet again would be so painful, not only due to his own trauma that laid within his scars, but what recently happened with Dewey he wasn’t sure if he could look at her without guilt and regret, he made her drop that harpoon gun. It was his fault. “No…” The adults looked at her confused, “His name is Klaus, Klaus Snicket.” Violet announced him to the two adults. “H- … hel- … Hello…” Klaus waved slightly before lowering his hand incredibly fast just incase they caught a glimpse at the bandages around his wrist.

The man narrowed his eyes in suspicion, he held out his hand towards Klaus, “Pleasure to meet you, young man. My names Jerome.” Klaus looked at the hand intensely, after a few seconds he took it hesitantly, Jerome with suspicion held up his other hand and started to slide up Klaus’ sleeve, Klaus immediately jumped and yanked his arm away from the man, his breath shuddering, his eyes wide as the man invaded his privacy. Violet shot Jerome a look of ‘What the fuck’, while Jerome shared a look with Justice Strauss. “Snicket?” Justice Strauss said, “Like ‘Jacques Snicket?” She asked, “He’s… my uncle who I never met.” Klaus mumbled under his breath, Justice Strauss nodded her head in response. “Well, I’m sorry for your loss, anyway.” She stated, Klaus looked down with sorrow, “To catch you up, Snicket. Tomorrow we will be having a trial for the horrid man that’s locked in that closet.” Klaus looked towards the closet slowly again, shuddering his breath, closing his eyes as his hearing started to play tricks on him, hearing constant loud knocks coming from inside the closet. “Tomorrow..?” He muttered, “Well… it was originally going to happen on Thursday, but due to the sudden death of a hotel manager, Jerome and I had to quickly rearrange things.” Justice Strauss said, Klaus looked down with guilt. Violet looked at the boy with a sad expression, placing her hand on his shoulder carefully, he flinched a bit so Violet took her hand off him, “It’s not your-“ “Now, Baudelaire’s. Tomorrow’s a big day, you will need your sleep.” Jerome interrupted Violet. “Jerome’s right, you children have been through a lot, you need to rest.” Justice Strauss said. Violet sighed, looking at Sunny, it has been a while since they last slept, but that was due to their fear of Count Olaf kidnapping them in their sleep. Sunny could probably sleep but Violet knew there wasn’t a chance of her going to sleep without waking up and screaming from a nightmare. “And I’m sure Snicket would like some sleep too.” Justice Strauss said. “My names Klau-“ “Come along, children.” Justice Strauss interrupted Klaus as she directed the children to follow her and Jerome. Both Klaus and Violet shared a look of worry and irritation as they followed the two adults, Sunny clutching onto Violets hand as they headed towards the elevator.

Jerome pushed a button that read ‘300-349’ and the elevator started heading up. “Justice Strauss, are you sure the High Court can handle Count Olaf?” Violet asked with worry and concern, Klaus couldn’t help but stare at the locked door that hid his father. “I don’t blame you for having doubts, Violet. Count Olaf fooled me once before and I’ll never forgive myself, but as I said before there are two other judges on the High Court, and I’ve known them for years, and they’ve always been very concerned whenever I’ve reported on your case.” Justice Strauss answered Violet, hopefully giving her some reassurance, Klaus still stared at the locked closet door, tuning the woman out. “I hope you can forgive me, Baudelaire’s, and trust me. But if not, you can trust the law.” Justice Strauss looked down at Sunny before returning her attention towards Violet, Violet didn’t look convinced, but she still nodded her head slowly, Justice Strauss returning with a small smile.

*

The door shut on the children as Jerome began to walk away followed shortly by Justice Strauss as she locked it. “She locked the door.” Violet said, “Maybe I deserve to be locked up.” Klaus sat on one of beds as Sunny sat across him, Violet swiftly turned to face him as those words left his mouth, “Dewey is dead, and it’s all my fault.” Klaus brought his knees to his chest as his voice began to weep, his eyes teary. “It’s Count Olaf’s fault he’s dead. He’s the one that brought the harpoon gun into the equation. And tomorrow, we can help put your dad- I mean-“ Violet sighed heavily, too late now. “Don’t. I already know…” Klaus said, Violet looked at him sadly. “We can put him behind bars for good…” Violet continued what she was saying, “Doubt it…” Klaus mumbled quietly under his breath. Violet founded around under her flaneur disguise, looking for the bear that she had retrieved before Frank bought Count Olaf into the building, bringing Hyde out from under her shirt. “Klaus…” she muttered as she handed him his bear back to him, he looked at it for a split second before Violet found the bear gone from her grasp and into Klaus’ as he started to let his tears fall when he hugged Hyde close. “Y-“ he stuttered, “Th-“ he couldn’t form words as he sobbed. Violet looked at him with a small smile, “You fixed him…” Klaus muttered out through his sobs, “The charred fur was bothering me, so I decided to fix him, but not only that… I thought it would make a nice, pleasant surprise and hopefully make you happy.” Violet said keeping out the part about the camera for now, she’ll inform him of it later when he’s more so calmed down. “Thank you… it does make me happy…” Klaus said quietly as he hugged the bear close to his chest.

Violet shared a look with Sunny, “We… we ran into your mother actually.” Violet said, Klaus immediately beamed his head up to look at her, “You did? She’s alive?! Where is she?” He said rather loud with worry, “She actually brought us to the hotel but had to leave suddenly, she was supposed to be back hours ago but when her taxi turned up… it wasn’t her.” Klaus’ expression frowned as he looked down, he felt sick. “Oh god, what’s she going to think when she finds out I killed the father of her unborn child…” Klaus mumbled through sobs, begging to cry again. “She’s going to hate me…” Violet shook her head, “It wasn’t you, it was Count Olaf, he was barring the harpoon gun, she will blame his death on him.” She said reassuring him. “And besides… I was the one holding it, I’m more likely to be blamed than you.” Violet said with a sorrowful expression. Klaus shook his head, his hand covering his face to wipe his tears away, “Don’t blame yourself…” Klaus mumbled, “Well, if your allowed to blame yourself, I should be allowed to blame myself.” Violet interjected, causing Klaus to let a little chuckle slip, making Violet form a small smile on her lips.

“I wonder what they would think of me when it’s revealed that I’m his son…” Klaus said quietly, Violet sighed, “Do they have to know..?” She asked, Klaus sighed, “No… but knowing Olaf, he’ll reveal it in front of everyone tomorrow if he doesn’t get his way.” He said, Violet responded with a sigh, “That does sound like something he would do…” “Then they’ll lock me away with him, only cause I’m related to him…” Klaus muttered. “I don’t think they’ll do that, well… at least not with him…” Violet said. “We’ll have to prepare for any tricks Olaf might pull then.” She said, looking at Klaus, “Do you know anything about Criminal Law?” She asked, Klaus sighed heavily, “No… I don’t…” he looked around the room, “We are in room ‘342’ though, that’s the Dewey Decimal Number for ‘Criminal Law…” Violets head beamed up, “Coincidence” Sunny cooed which meant, ‘That sure is a coincidence.’ Klaus turned his attention towards the dressing table, opening the draw, his eyes meeting a book titled, ‘Criminal Law.’ “It’s almost morning, and there are lots of laws. We’ll have to read pretty quickly.” Violet said, Klaus nodded his head in response, opening the book up to the first page.

*

The clock bonged as it hit 12:00, morning had come and gone and now it was in the middle of the afternoon, Violet and Klaus stayed up all night and half of day reading from the book of Criminal Law as Sunny got as much sleep as she could, before she woke up from her own little nightmare. Violet was fixing her hair as Klaus was putting the book back in the draw, “It feels wrong to go to court wearing disguises.” Violet said, “Tell me about it…” Klaus replied, looking down at his own disguise that Olaf forced onto him when they arrived at the hotel yesterday, “But it’s better than the clothes that I’m wearing underneath.” He said sadly. He was referring to the red and yellow? (It was hard to tell now) jumper he was wearing, it was covered in his blood - dry blood - and it was sure to bring up suspicion and lots of questions. Violet only nodded in confusion but after seeing Klaus’ hand travel over his chest with a wince she nodded in understanding… still having no idea what Count Olaf did to him but she’s sure Klaus will tell her once he’s ready too.

“Look!” Violet heard Sunny say as she had made her way over to the closet to see if it really had a baby cradle in it or if it was just the closet that Klaus was trapped in by Count Olaf, after he had told the story to her of how he escaped while they Violet took over with reading for a bit, but her eyes were met with two dresses and she quickly got Violets attention. Violet made her way over to her younger sister as she pointed towards two dresses that were hiding within the closet, one long purple one, and one incredibly short pink and white one, Violets eyes meeting a note, her eyes glazing over it, “It’s a note from Justice Strauss.” She said, picking the note off the long dress carefully, “‘I hope these fit. I know you’ve grown.’” She said, Klaus’ eyes hit the floor with sadness but he understood why he didn’t have one, Justice Strauss couldn’t possibly have known about his existence before this. “We haven’t just grown. We’ve changed.” Violet said to Sunny, briefly looking at Klaus, “All three of us…” Klaus gave her a small smile before the door opened making all three of kids jump. “Baudelaire’s, why haven’t you changed? The trial is starting.” A man with a top hat said, his eyes glazed from the Baudelaire’s to Klaus, “Who’s this?” He asked, “Uh.. Mr. Poe, this is our friend, Klaus.” Violet announced him to the man, Klaus gave a small wave, “Well, then. Baudelaire’s and … Claus … Justice Strauss sent me to escort you and to give you these blindfolds.” Mr. Poe said, “Klaus.” Klaus corrected him bitterly, “Blindfolds?” Violet asked, “Everyone wears a blindfold to enter a High Court trial. Haven’t you heard the expression, ‘Justice is blind?’” Mr. Poe said, “Yes, but it means that justice should be fair and unprejudiced.” Violet said, “Well, the High Court ruled that we should interpret that expression literally, so everyone must cover their eyes before the trial starts.” Mr. Poe stated, “Scalia.” Sunny cooed, “What my sister means is the literal interpretation makes no sense.” Violet said as Klaus looked at her confused, still not being able to understand her. “Well, the interpretation of laws can be perplexing, like the interpretation of sausages. I’ll wait in the hall.” Mr. Poe said as he handed Violet the blindfolds before shutting the door on the children. “I don’t like him.” Klaus muttered bitterly, Violet sighed, “Same.” Sunny said, “He got my name wrong…” Klaus said.

*

“Can’t see…” Sunny cooed as Violet pulled her blindfold over her eyes, “That’s the point of a blindfold, Sunny.” Violet said, “Silly invention! Yours better!” Sunny said which meant, ‘This is a silly invention! Yours are way better!” Violet smiled, “That’s very kind of you, Sunny.” She said looking at Klaus, “You good?” She said to the boy next to her who was cleaning his glasses with a cleaning cloth he found in the draw, “Hmm. I’ve been better.” He said as he placed ‘his’ reading glasses and the cleaning cloth into his pants pocket, his vision immediately growing fuzzy as he grabbed a hold of Sunny’s hand, pulling his blindfold down with the other. “Alright, then.” Violet spoke as she grabbed ahold of Klaus’ other hand and opened the door with her other, pulling her blindfold down. “We’re ready.” She called out, unsure of where Mr. Poe was. “Excellent! I’m wearing a blindfold, too, so you’ll just have to feel around with your hand to find me.” Mr. Poe said feeling around with his hand, looking for Violet. Accidentally tapping Violets shoulder as he began to feel downwards to look for her hand, Violet went up with her hand to feel for Mr. Poe’s hand, they soon connected, and Mr. Poe began leading them towards the trial.

“This is like the blind leading the blind, an expression that I just made up myself.” Mr. Poe claimed, “It’s already an expression. It means the people in charge don’t know any more than the people following.” Klaus corrected, “That’s hardly seems relevant, whoever you are again. This way to the elevator!” Mr. Poe said, Klaus rolled his eyes behind the blindfold, “Klaus.” He said as he was pulled by Violet, who was pulled by Mr. Poe as they rounded a corner, they heard a bump as Mr. Poe had ran into something, “Oh, sorry. Ma’am, excuse me.” He said as they continued down the hallway, “I have to tell you, children-“ Mr. Poe started as they entered through a doorway, him running into a wall, he screamed in fright, groaning a little as his nose began to hurt. Feeling around with his top hat to find the next obstacle so they don’t walk into it. “I have to tell you children-“ he started up again, “I had my doubts about Count Olaf from the moment I placed you in his care, and today, the world will finally see the truth!” Mr. Poe declared. Both Violet and Sunny shook their heads in denial which of course no one saw, Klaus felt his breath start up at the mention of his father but hopefully no one noticed its increased speed. “It’s hard to see anything with the blindfolds on.” Violet said as Mr. Poe walked into a statue of an elephant, “Oh, what a lovely sculpture of a snake.” He said as his hand felt its trunk. The elevator gave a digging sound as its doors opened to the left of the group, “This must be the elevator over this way-“ Mr. Poe gave a yelp of pain as he ran into something, “That hurt…” he groaned as he walked into the elevator, almost kneeling over in pain, Violet had to grab onto the man’s shoulder since he had let go of her from the pain.

Justice Strauss hit the gavel on the sound block, “Attention, everyone! The trial is about to begin.” She called out, Violet, Sunny and Klaus and Mr. Poe were still walking through the crowd of people, “If you are still standing, please take your seats.” Justice Strauss continued, “How can we find our seats? We can’t see them.” Violet called out to the Judge, “Oh! Uh, um… move to your left.” She directed Mr. Poe as he moved to the left, bumping into someone, “Oh, no. Sorry, my left.” Justice Strauss corrected herself, “A little more. Little more.” She said repeatedly as Mr. Poe tripped over someone, “Ooh, not that far.” Justice Strauss said as Violet and Sunny sat down, Klaus left standing as Mr. Poe got up to his seat. “Um…” Klaus tried feeling around for his seat but ended up falling on the floor, “Ow!” Klaus yelped in pain, “Klaus! Are you alright?” Violet tried to check if he was ok but she couldn’t see where he was so she just had to settle for yelling out to see if he was alright. “I’ve been better!” He yelled back in anger, “Oh, sorry. My bad, we weren’t allowed to rearrange any more of the trial, so you’ll just have to sit on the long green sofa over there.” Justice Strauss pointed towards her left, “Where?” Klaus said with a groan, “Oh, right. My left, sorry.” She said as Klaus grumbled as he began to carefully walk over to the green sofa, his knees hit the button as he sat down, letting his head fall back with a groan, his whole body ached from the fall.

“Remember, if anyone peeks, they will be held in contempt of court. Is everyone seated?” Justice Strauss called out to everyone, “Good.” She said as she saw nearly everyone nod, “You may remove your blindfolds.” She called out and everyone began to remove their blindfolds, Klaus putting ‘his’ reading glasses back on. We just put them on.” Violet said, “Don’t be silly, Violet. Justice may be blind, but the High Court ruled the evidence must be seen to be believed.” Mr. Poe said. “You will put the blindfolds back on for the verdict.” Justice Strauss said, “That doesn’t make any sense.” Klaus grumbled from over where he sat, Violet looked over to see where he was, pretty far away from her and Sunny. “Baudelaire’s, I see you found the clothes I left for you.” Justice Strauss said getting Violet’s attention, “They fit perfectly, thank you.” Violet said, Justice Strauss returned her with a happy smile before she slapped down the gavel on the sound block to shut everyone up, seeing as they were talking far too much and loud. “All rise for the High Court Judges, myself and my esteemed colleagues.” Everyone stood up from where they were, looking up to see two people standing behind one of higher verandas but still close enough to hear, “Why are they so high up?” Violet asked, “The High Court ruled to interpret their name literally.” Justice Strauss answered, “You may sit.” She said as everyone sat. “Bring in Count Olaf!” Justice Strauss yelled out as a door from behind Klaus opened up by either Frank or Ernest, his eyes wide with fear, his breath shaky as his worst nightmare walked out and stood right beside the sofa, his bindings having come off as he somehow got them off himself and his smile so sinister it made his blood go cold.

“Please, hold the applause!” He called out as almost nearly everyone started clapping for him, Klaus tuned out the sound of clapping as reality started to slow down as he continued to stare at his father with fear, “No, don’t clap for him!” Everything sped up again as Justice Strauss called out to everyone, “This is a courtroom, not a theatre!” She said as Olaf turned his attention to Klaus with a smile and gratefully sat next to him on the sofa, Klaus quickly shuffled away from him, “I thought this was a hotel.” Olaf said as he crossed his legs and hanged his arms under his head, “It’s a hotel acting in the role of a courtroom.” Justice Strauss told him as Count Olaf rolled his eyes before looking over at his son with a smile, as he shuffled closer to him, placing his foot back on the floor, reaching with his hand to touch his face to make the sore on his cheek linger under his touch, “Hey, Klausy-“ Klaus swatted his hand away from him, hard. As he made his way over to the other end of the sofa, leaving Olaf behind at the other end, sneering, shaking his hand in pain as he returned to his previous position. Klaus looked towards Violet who was looking at him with the exact same expression, Klaus started to stand up, “Sit.” Justice Strauss said to him, “But-“ “Sit!” She yelled not having any of Klaus’ shit as he sat back down shakily and uncomfortably as Count Olaf looked at him with a smirk. Klaus sat right at the end, in the corner of the sofa as his head was resting on his hand, that was being held up by his shoulder, not wanting to even get a glimpse of Count Olaf but it changed the fact that he could feel his aura, picking at his lip skin in fear.

“Thanks to the efforts of many concerned parties and a banker, I have compiled a comprehensive file on the Baudelaire case.” Justice Strauss said as she held up a book to the audience, “I submit to the Court ‘The Complete History of Injustice’ or ‘Odious Lusting After Fortunes.’” Justice Strauss said, “Olaf.” Sunny cooed, “I titled it myself.” Mr. Poe said, “Sadly, I must also submit this harpoon gun, which was used to kill a hotel manager late last night, but we’ll discuss that later.” Justice Strauss said sorrowfully, Klaus looked down at the floor, closing his eyes in guilt as Violet gave him a brief look of sadness at the same time Olaf looked at him with a wicked smile, Klaus tried his best to ignore him. “The judges will now hear this case, while the authorities wait outside to apprehend any guilty party who tries to escape.” Justice Strauss said looking at Count Olaf who rolled his eyes and mocked her under his breath, Klaus flinched as he lifted his hand to make mocking movements. “I call our first witnesses.” Justice Strauss said as she ignored Olaf’s inappropriate gestures, “That’s you, Baudelaire’s.” She told them as Violet and Sunny at each other, with a sigh from Violet they got up from their chairs and headed to the stand.

Violet and Sunny sat down as they faced the court, Violet looked towards Klaus as he looked back with both a smile and a little wave, he looked physically uncomfortable but Violet waved back with a small smile, Olaf rolled his eyes at the gesture. Violet looked at Justice Strauss, “Justice Strauss, can you please move Klaus? He isn’t comfortable sitting next to … him.” Violet whispered to her, “Oh, Violet… wish I could but the High Court has a very strict policy on seating arrangements, he’ll just have to make do.” Justice Strauss whispered back, “But he’s physically shaking, can’t you make an exception?” She begged under her breath, “I’m sorry, Violet. I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do about it.” Justice Strauss said, “But-“ “Enough, Violet…” Justice Strauss interrupted her softly as Violet looked away with sadness, looking towards Klaus to see him give a gesture of, ‘well… you tried…’ with a sad expression, Violet sighed heavily as Justice Strauss began speaking.

“Please state your names. We know them, of course. It’s just standard procedure.” Justice Strauss said to the Baudelaire’s. “Violet Baudelaire.” “Sunny Baudelaire.” They said, “Occupation?” Justice Strauss asked, “Inventor.” “Chef.” They answered, “I object!” Count Olaf called out making Klaus jump, “Their proper occupation is ‘orphan,’ or inheritor of a large fortune.” He said making Klaus scoff, “Your objection is noted, though I caution the defendant about speaking out of turn.” Justice Strauss said to him sternly, “Is this out of turn?” Olaf asked, “Yes!” Justice Strauss yelled, Count Olaf nodded at her. Justice Strauss turned to look at the Baudelaire’s, “Baudelaire’s, you have traveled a great distance and suffered a great deal, but you’re finally safe-“ “No they’re not…” Olaf muttered under his breath which only Klaus heard, giving a shudder at it. “-among friends and associates, classmates and co-workers, faculty members, and countless neighbours, reporters, theatregoers, fashionistas, doctors, nurses, carnival guests, mountain climbers, telegraph operators, and deep-sea divers. They have been watching you all along the way and are prepared to speak out on your behalf, but the most important testimony is yours. Go on, Baudelaire’s. Tell us your story. And this time, we promise to listen.” Justice Strauss said wholeheartedly to the two children, ‘Then why didn’t any of them help them?’ Klaus thought to himself as he listened, trying his best to ignore the menacing aura that was next to him.

Violet let out a shudder as she looked to the crowd, ‘Will they actually? Or will they just pretend like they always do…’ she thought, closing her eyes and letting out a deep breath, she decided to take her chance. “It began when our parents told us to take a rickety trolley to Briny Beach, it was a grey and cloudy day, so we had the beach to ourselves.” It occurred to Klaus that he actually didn’t know the whole story, he only heard bits while Violet and him were climbing up the Mortmain Mountains to rescue Sunny. “We were testing an invention when we saw a figure in the mist. It was Mr. Poe from the bank. He told us…” Violet stopped with a stutter, breathing out as she looked towards Justice Strauss, “Take as long as you need Violet…” She whispered to her, Violet nodded in return, taking another deep breath. “He told us our parents have perished in a terrible fire…” Mr. Poe gave a little cough, “We went to live with Count Olaf.” He looked at them with a growing smirk, “He slapped me across the face! He put Sunny in a cage and dangled it out of his tower window! He tried to fucking marry me!” Violet didn’t care if she got weird looks if she swore, her mother always said there were far better words to use in anger but she couldn’t think of any to describe how she was feeling right now, as she was replaying every traumatic moment that happened to her in her head. Klaus put his hand to his mouth in shock as his eyes wondered over to look at his father who had a smirk across his face, his face was almost green with disgust. “He poisoned Uncle Monty, he drowned Gustav Sebald in his pond! He threw Aunt Josephine to the leeches! He hypnotised me at Lucky Smells Lumber Mill!” Klaus felt like he was going to throw up, “He conspired with Georgina Orwell, Esmé Squalor, and Carmelita Spats. He kidnapped the Quagmire triplets from Purfrock Prep, selling them off in an auction, sealed in a red herring, and then hid them in a crow fountain within a town in which he was going to burn us at the stake and murdered Jacques Snicket!” Olaf knocked Klaus’ shoulder playfully with a vile smile across his face as if he found it hilarious, he’s going to throw up.

“He kidnapped me at Heimlich Hospital, which he later burned down! He did the same too Caligari Carnival where he kidnapped Sunny and fed Olivia Caliban to the lions!” Violet felt tears in her eyes, embarrassed to cry in front of at least 50 plus people so she kept her tears from falling. “He kidnapped Klaus Snicket at the Mortmain Mountains!-“ Klaus let out a shudder, “-Everywhere we went, we tried to tell people who he was and what he was capable of! But they wouldn’t listen… nobody would listen!” Violet began to cry, letting the tears fall. “How simply dreadful!” Mr. Poe said, “We lost everything.” Violet cried, “Expect each other.” Sunny cooed, “We survived because we believed that one day we’d find a safe place. Where people would listen to us. And believe us. We’ve suffered so much, but the root of our suffering is one man. That man… Count Olaf…” Violet looked angrily at Count Olaf as Klaus was red faced, every word that fell from Violets mouth was disgusting and horrifying it made him angry, he felt his chest go up and down as his heart pumped with anger, he no longer felt the need to puke but he did feel the need to punch his father in the face till it bled. “This world won’t be quiet or safe until he’s behind bars! And all decent people have their day in court.” Violet yelled, “Thank you…” she said a little calmer after a few second period of trying call down. She laid her head back in the chair, breathing in and out to catch her breath, placing her hands over her eyes as she whipped her tears from them.

The entire room fell silent, nearly everyone looked at the Baudelaire’s in disbelief, a few were teary eyed, some were mad, mad at Count Olaf, and some were just mad in general because they didn’t want to be here or hear the orphans sob stories. A woman with a bird hat stood from her seat, a smile was across her old, wrinkly face, she brought her hands together. Violet, Sunny, Klaus and Count Olaf were caught off guard at the sudden sound of clapping, Olaf looked at her angrily while the Baudelaire’s and Klaus looked at her in disbelief, soon enough the whole entire courtroom stood up and started clapping (well expect for four people of course) for the children, Klaus tried to join in but Olaf let out a growl seeing his son clap for the orphans, his enemies, and pulled Klaus back down to the sofa with a yelp.

“They’re so brave!” They heard Jerome call out, “They’re so organised!” What’s that Babs? “They remind me of myself!” Vice Principal Nero said, “If only you children had told me what you were going through.” Mr. Poe said. Justice Strauss stood up, clapping along as well, “Thank you, Baudelaire’s. We are grateful for your courage. You may step down now.” She said to them, gesturing to their seats, Violet held her hand out for Sunny as she helped her younger sister down and they made their way back to their seats. “I had planned to call other witnesses, but your testimony was so compelling, I hate to waste another second.” Justice Strauss said, “I’m going to consult with my fellow judges, and if you agree, we can declare these unfortunate events over at last.” Justice Strauss called out. “That’s a relief. That book on criminal law said that trials can last days or even years.” Violet said to Sunny as she nodded. Violet felt something hit her leg as she looked at what it was, ‘a cloth?’ She looked at it confused before she followed where it could’ve come from, her gaze meeting Klaus secretly pointing towards a calm Count Olaf, that certainly was suspicious… and that made her worry… Justice Strauss received a note from her fellow judges, “It seems my fellow judges are ready to deliberate. So without further a do we will now retire to decide the verdict.” Justice Strauss said after reading the note. “Rest assured, Baudelaire’s, your word is all the evidence we need.”

Violet stood up, “Your Honour, wait!” “Violet, do you have an objection?” Justice Strauss said confused as everyone else looked at her with confusion, “Violet?” Sunny cooed, “What you doing?” She said, “Justice Strauss says our word is enough to convince the judges, but it’s never been enough to convince anyone before, and Count Olaf knows that. Look how calm he is, these people need to hear from someone else. Someone who knows all the wicked things Count Olaf has done, someone who wouldn’t pass up the chance to speak in front of a crowd.” Violet whispered to Sunny. “Baudelaire’s, is there a problem?” Justice Strauss asked as Sunny nodded her head understanding her big sister. “Not at all, Your Honour. We’d like to call a witness of our own.” Violet stated, “A witness calling another witness? That’s highly unusual.” Justice Strauss said, “According to the book on Criminal Law, a witness may question another witness if they’re acting in loco advocatus.” Violet stated, Justice Strauss giving her a soft smile. “In the role of an attorney. I see you’ve kept up your legal studies, but wouldn’t you rather see this story over, once and for all?” She said, “We would. That’s why we have to do this.” Violet said, Justice Strauss sat back down, “The floor is yours, Baudelaire’s.” She said, “Thank you, Your Honour. We call Count Olaf to the stand!” Violet announced as Justice Strauss gasped, soon after her everyone gasped, Klaus glared towards Count Olaf as he barred a wicked smile, slowly standing up, “You may applaud.” He said with a smile as he made his way to the stand, the court clapping for him as he sat down, Violet approaching him.

“Will the defendant state his name.” Violet said, “Count Olaf.” Count Olaf said with a smile, “Occupation?” She asked, “Impresario.” He folded his legs as he stated his occupation, “Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” Violet said glaring at the man, “I have never told a lie in my life.” Count Olaf claimed, “Bullshit!” Klaus shouted from his seat, “Silence! It’s not your turn to speak!” Olaf yelled at him before Justice Strauss could do anything, “No! No. Actually, Klaus come on up, you can share your introspective from your point of you from when you were stuck with him for almost a week.” Violet declared as Klaus hesitantly approached the two, Olaf giving him a sneer as he approached closer to them. “You lie all the time, what are you on about?” Klaus stated, continuing the previous conversation, “You can’t prove that.” Count Olaf said, “That’s the whole point of this trial.” Violet stated. “Ah, but I’ve always been honest about my about my desires, Violet, you, maimed or dead, and your fortune in my rarely-washed hands. And you, Klaus…” he stopped talking for a second to look him up and down, “Hmm. I want you regardless of your fortune.” Klaus felt sick, he took a step back, Violet looked at him with a sorrowful expression, “You can sit back down if you want-“ “No. I have - maybe not as much - reason to be up here as much as you, Violet.” She nodded.

“That’s more than the rest of these people can say.” Olaf muttered under his breath, “These people are here to help us.” Violet stated, “Help you?” Olaf weezed, “Look around! I see a banker who cares more about a promotion than two orphans.” He pointed to Mr. Poe, “Vice President of Orphan Affairs.” Mr. Poe said, Klaus and Sunny giving him a glare in response, “I see a man who was too afraid to protect you, and a woman who values paperwork over people’s lives.” Count Olaf pointed towards Jerome and Babs. “I see a Vice Principal who was more than happy to let me into his school, as long as I stroked his ego.” “That’s a lie!” Nero stood up, “He only stroked my- … violin.” He quickly sat back down, “I see rich people who only cared about you because you were ‘In,’ and villagers who only took you in to do their chores. I see volunteers whose complicated codes and pretentious literary references are useless against the real treacheries of the world. And presiding over them all, a justice so blind, she let me marry you!” Count Olaf said low as his voice had risen for most of his observation. Violet looked at the man with sorrow while Klaus looked at the crowd of people with disgust, these people disgusted him, he looked back to Violet with sorrow, “These so-called decent people have done more to help my schemes than any of my associates. They should be up here right now.” Count Olaf said. “They’re not. You are.” Violet stated, “Yes. But you’re up here too Violet. And Klaus… dear Klausy-Klaus, oh, do I have a few things to say about you to the court…” He muttered the part about Klaus so only the two of them to hear, Klaus felt bile rise up his throat as he gulped in worry. “But first, let’s start with the you, Violet and your dear, sweet baby sister should we?” He muttered to Violet as he began to stand up from his chair. How were people not hearing him?

“Tell me, on Mount Fraught, what despicable act did you perform to rescue your sister, Violet?” He asked, Violet went silent, Klaus looked at her with worry, him being there and all he knew the answer to this, she looked to Klaus and sighed, “I held Esmé-“ Violet muttered, “Ah, louder, please, for the court!” Count Olaf yelled, “I held Esmé Squalor hostage-!” Klaus gave her a sorrowful expression as she left him out of it. “And when you needed to reach VFD headquarters in the Mortmain Mountains, what did you help me do?” Count Olaf asked, Klaus looked at Violet confused, ‘Fuck.’ Violet said to herself, not wanting to face Klaus, “I- …” “Violet..?” “I … burned down … Caligari Carnival, but-“ Violet saw Klaus step away from her as his eyes went wide, she didn’t look at him as her breath shuddered, “You said he did it..” He muttered under his breath, “Oh? Didn’t know that one did you.” Count Olaf smirked as Klaus looked away from Violet with betrayal. Olaf returned his attention back to Violet, he’ll get back to Klaus later… “Klaus, I’m-“ “Let’s hear from some witnesses. You!” Olaf interrupted Violet as he pointed towards a crowd member, “Who caused all the terrible accidents at Lucky Smells Lumber Mill?” He asked, “Ah, Violet Baudelaire, but-“ “You!” Olaf pointed to Babs, “Who stole Hal’s keys and broke into the library at Heimlich Hospital?” “Uh, Violet Baudelaire, but-“ “You in the crow hat! After the Baudelaire’s were accused of murder in the Village of Fowl Devotees, did they accept their punishment?” Olaf said, “That baby busted them out of jail!” “You were going to burn us at the fucking stake!” Violet screamed as she looked to Klaus to see him flinch away from her, she gave him a sorrowful expression, “Klaus, I’m-“ “You burned down my home!” Klaus yelled out, his tears fell down his cheeks as he clutched into Hyde that he had hid under his jumper that was hidden under his disguise shirt, that Olaf had given him. He pulled him out to hug for comfort, he felt himself kneel over, almost falling to his knees but he caught his stance. “Klaus-“ “And I don’t need to ask you who shot Dewey Denouement, for I was there.” Olaf said low, getting the Denouement brother’s attention along with everyone else, Klaus immediately grew scared as Violet stared at Olaf with a shocked gaze. “It was Violet and Sunny Baudelaire, by the pond, with the harpoon gun.” He smiled sinisterly at Violet as she stared back at him with disbelief, Klaus looked at both of them with an intense expression, still having betrayal lingering all over his face while disbelief started to creep its way over it.

Everyone behind them gasped at the reveal of Dewey’s death, Franks expression turned dark with betrayal as Ernest’s grew with shock. “Violet, is this true?” Justice Strauss asked her, Violet looked at her sorrowful as she looked towards Klaus, “Let me remind you, you’re under oath.” He smiled wickedly. Violet shuddered, “It’s not the whole truth, he’s manipulating the facts.” She said, Klaus’ expression grew dark. “Klaus is a witness too, he can confirm what happened!” Violet stated as everyone looked towards him, “Klaus, please, tell them it wasn’t our fault.” She said to him as he knew she was only talking about her and Sunny… “Yes, Klaus. Tell them whose fault was it, what you got hiding behind those reading glasses of ‘yours’, sonny-boy?” Olaf said reminding him of the fact he’s his dad without telling everyone in the room that he was, but he could if he wanted to… Klaus shuddered looking between Violet, Sunny and his… father… Klaus gave up with a sad sigh of guilt of the death of Dewey and looked away from the girls and Count Olaf as he made his way back to the green sofa and sat on it sadly, slouching over as he looked over his bear that Violet had fixed, reminiscing over the reveal of what really happened to his home… he couldn’t look at his bear without crying. Count Olaf chuckled lightly, “Klaus…” Violet said quietly.

“You’re not the innocent orphans you’ve let these people think you are.” Count Olaf gestured his hand over towards Klaus as Violet let out a shudder, “You’ve lied. You’ve stolen.” Olaf began to stand up, “You’ve abandoned people. You’ve set fires.” He was now towering over Violet, Klaus started to tear up at the mention. “Time after time, you have relied on treachery for survival, just like everybody else.” Olaf’s voice grew louder, “Because here is the real truth that no one is willing to tell you…” he stopped for dramatic effect, “There are no noble people in the world.” Count Olaf said sinisterly low. Violet glared at him with tears in her eyes, “Our parents.” She said gesturing towards Sunny doing so. Olaf let out his own little shudder, “I see your parents never told you about that night at the opera, and that box of poison darts.” He smiled wickedly as he sniffled, his shiny eyes glistening as if he was about to tear up himself, Violet looked at it in disbelief, she thought she was hallucinating for a second, Klaus looked up, it getting his attention for a split second. “What happened?” Violet spoke softly as she frowned, Count Olaf looked down at her with a frown as he crouched from his waist up to get closer to her, “Like you deserve to know.” Violet opened her mouth in shock as a snort came from Esmé Squalor, Olaf smiled wickedly at her, “You have to earn that information. Just know, that children will pay for the sins of their parents.” Violet glared at the man, “That is enough!” Justice Strauss slammed the gavel down on the sound block, “Count Olaf, return your seat!” She yelled at him, “Violet, please return to your seat.” She asked her politely, Olaf shot Violet a vile smile before returning to his seat, next to Klaus who wore a irritated face, what made it worse is that he was looking at her, not the evil, vile man next to him…. She sighed sadly as she sat back down next to Sunny.

“I told you those Baudelaire’s couldn’t be trusted…” Count Olaf muttered to Klaus, “You never said that.” Klaus said sternly, “Didn’t I? Oh. Well, now I’m telling you…“ Olaf mumbled, “You can’t trust those, pesky Baudelaire’s, Klaus. They always end up either betraying you or breaking your heart in some sort of way…” Count Olaf muttered quietly through his gritted teeth as he got closer to Klaus, Klaus looked down at his newly fixed bear, tears flooding his eyes. “I thought Violet was my friend…” … He hiccuped through his sobs … “she’s just my … fucking! … arsonist…” he sniffled, Olaf nodded his head in understanding, “Life will fuck you over like that…” He muttered as he tried reaching over to wrap his arm around his sons shoulders before Klaus flinched away from him, moving away, “Don’t touch me.” He said sternly, Count Olaf only sneered at him, ‘Dart! Almost, got him. Oh, well. At least he doesn’t trust the Baudelaire’s anymore…” He smiled wickedly, looking down at his hands, his smile turned to one of confusion, “Aren’t you a little old to be having stuffed toys?” He said, Klaus looked at him sternly before sighing heavily, putting Hyde back under his shirt feeling a sense of anger towards the bear…

“Now, there’ll be no more interruptions or distractions.” Justice Strauss said as she received another note, her expression frowned as she read it, “I’m… I’m sorry, Baudelaire’s, but… my fellow judges want to know how you plead.” She said sadly, Violets mouth opened with shock, standing up slowly, “But… we’re not … we’re not the ones on trial.” Violet stuttered out, “This trial is for Count Olaf.” She said, “I don’t like it any more than you do, but in light of recent evidence, I don’t have a choice. How do you plead, Baudelaire’s?” Justice Strauss asked them, Violet looked to Sunny as she looked to her with worry and confusion, “We’re innocent.” Violet said, “No you’re fucking not.” Klaus muttered under his breath, causing Olaf to smile sinisterly at them, “Are you sure you can say that, after everything we’ve heard?” He said sinisterly gesturing his eyes over to Klaus, Violet let out a shudder looking back at Justice Strauss, “We’re innocent, enough.” She stuttered out, “You burned down my home!” Klaus stood up with anger, his tears ricocheting, yelling at Violet. “Klaus-“ “Shut up! I don’t want to fucking hear it!” Justice Strauss began hit the sound block with the gavel, Klaus ripped his bear out from under his jumper that was under his shirt, “Take the stupid bear! I don’t want to ever be reminded of you, in fact, I don’t want to fucking see you right now!” “Order in the court!” Justice Strauss yelled out as the back and forth continued. “Klaus!” “Fuck off!” Violet held Klaus’ bear in her hands as Klaus began to stomp away from the trial, Violet didn’t see where he was going but Count Olaf sure did as Klaus walked into the open elevator, hitting a random button as the doors closed, he sat down and started to cry through his anger, as the elevator went up, but he wasn’t going anywhere… he just wanted to get away from the commotion.

Count Olaf looked at Violet with a dark smirk, Violet looked down at Hyde as she sat back down, trying her best to keep herself from crying. “Wow, Clouse really needs to learn some better words than swears.” Mr. Poe said to Violet, but she ignored him, god! What has she done? No. It wasn’t her fault, it was his. It Klaus’ fault for not listening to her when she tried to tell him that Count Olaf forced her into burning down Caligari Carnival. What’s she saying? It’s Count Olaf’s fault! She sighed sadly, of course Klaus wouldn’t listen to her, he’s just like his father in that way… Justice Strauss looked at Violet sadly, “Violet..?” Violet sniffed, “I’ll be ok, we’re innocent, enough.” She told Justice Strauss again, not looking away from the bear in her hands, Sunny placed a small hand on her arm, Violet gave her a small smile in return, Justice Strauss replied with a nod, looking up at her fellow judges. “The judges will now convene to reach a verdict. Everyone, put your blindfolds back on.” Justice Strauss said as Violet hoped the High Court and come its senses and listen to them… Everyone started pulling their blindfolds back over their eyes, “You, too, Baudelaire’s.” Justice Strauss said to the two girls, Violet started helping Sunny with hers, “No! Don’t want it on.” Sunny cooed with worry, she had a bad feeling about this, “Sunny, we have to put our blindfolds on if we to see justice served.” Violet said quietly, afraid she’ll let her tears fall. “We won’t see at all!” Sunny said as she looked around in complete darkness, Violet already fiddling with hers. Justice Strauss grabbed The Complete History of Injustice as Violet pulled her blindfold over her eyes. It grew uncomfortably quiet before a mouthed screech was heard.

“Justice Strauss?” Violet called out, no answer… “Justice Strauss cannot replay right now.” Violet and Sunny immediately looked up as a horrifying male voice spoke as everyone looked around confused, “She’s concentrating very deeply on this case. Justice Strauss is fine. She made that noise because she’s enjoying a delicious piece of saltwater taffy.” A unnerving female voice said as yelp was heard from the stand, a long with a grunt of anger. “Those voices sound familiar…” Violet said, “Peek!” Sunny cooed, “We’ll be in contempt of court, Sunny.” Violet replied, “Maybe court deserves contempt.” Sunny said as Violet nodded and took her blindfold off. “The Baudelaire’s have taken off their blindfolds!” The woman said, “They’re guilty of contempt of court.” The man said, “Eyesore and Saber…” Violet muttered under her breath, “We certainly are! This court is worthless and dishonourable!” She called up to the two sinister adults, “Two of those judges are working with Count Olaf!” She called out to everyone, “That’s absurd. Justice Strauss can tell you we’ve served on the High Court for many years.” Saber said, “Although she can’t tell you that now because she’s just taken a vow of silence.” Eyesore said. “Justice Strauss, those judges are-“ Violet looked towards the judge to only see her being dragged away by Count Olaf, “Fuck!” She sneered under her breath, “Everyone, take off your blindfolds! Count Olaf has kidnapped Justice Strauss!” Violet called out to everyone.

Count Olaf made his way to the elevator, pressing the button, barring the harpoon gun at Justice Strauss face Count Olaf heard the loud ramblings of the court, but he wasn’t really paying attention to it, he just knew it wouldn’t be long before some of these idiots actually started listening to the Baudelaire’s and took their blindfolds off, growing impatient he started pressing the button over and over again. The elevator finally dinged as the doors opened. With a growl, he pushing Justice Strauss inside it violently, causing the boy that was hiding in there to jump back with surprise, whipping his tears. Olaf gave him a little nod, as he pressed the down button, “What are you doing?” Klaus said sternly as he stood up, the doors began to close, Count Olaf was about to say something before two familiar hands rushed up and stopped the doors from closing. “Going down?” He said looking at Violet. “We’re going wherever you’re going.” She said sternly, walking into the elevator, Sunny following behind her, Klaus gave her an sneer before looking away from the girls, “I’m going to the laundry room.” Count Olaf said as he chuckled wickedly, the elevator dinged as it began to close again, this time actually closing.

Violet turned around to see Klaus, “Klaus?” She said in surprise as he looked away from her, she sighed sadly, “I’m sorry-“ “I don’t forgive you.” He said cold, interrupting her. “But-..” “Leave me alone.” Klaus said sternly as he leaned against the elevator wall, away from his arsonist, “Just know that … it wasn’t my intention to burn down your home…” Violet said softly turning around, giving up and stopped trying with a sad sigh, turning around to face the horrid man at fault, who bared a vile smirk. “Don’t you love it when history repeats itself?” Count Olaf said sinisterly, “What’s that supposed to mean?” Violet glared at the man, “Ooh, nothing. It’s just, this is just what happened between me and your mother.” He muttered only to Violet, her eyes growing wide as she turned to look at Klaus with a heavy sigh, Olaf chuckled lightly behind her. The elevator dinged as it arrived at the basement that laid the laundry room, the doors opening. “I have to retrieve the sugar bowl, then I’m going up to the roof to retrieve the Medusoid Mycelium, then I’m going down to the lobby to poison everyone, then I’m going back up to the roof to escape the authorities. It’s a lot of ups and downs, but hey, so is life.” Count Olaf barring the harpoon gun in his hand at Justice Strauss’s face as Violet and Sunny walked in front of him and Klaus trailed behind them in a depressed state, flinching whoever Olaf got close to him. “You can’t retrieve the sugar bowl without the code.” Violet reminded him, “Sure you can. This hotel is like a library, and you can find anything in a library if you have one thing.” Count Olaf as they stopped at the laundry door, “A catalog?” Violet said, “A hostage!” Olaf giggled as he dug into his pants pocket and pulled out a note that was stained red, “I found these clues to the code on that waiter that I boiled, and I’m sure the answers are in that black book of yours.” Olaf said sinisterly as he pulled the gag off Justice Strauss’s mouth, “Tell me, or eat harpoon!” Olaf yelled at her, “Never!” Justice Strauss yelled back, “Baudelaire’s, help me overpower this villain and bring him to the lobby so justice can be served!” She said to the two girls. “Like they know anything about justice…” Klaus mumbled sadly under his breath as he stood behind Justice Strauss, Violet shot him a look of sorrow before she answered Justice Strauss.

“The other judges are his associates. They’ll never put him in jail.” She said, “But I’ve known them for years! And they’ve always been very interested whenever I’ve mentioned you children.” Justice Strauss said confused, “Of course they are, you fool! They’re on my side of the schism! That trial was rigged from the start!” Count Olaf yelled at her, she returned with a gasp, sadly facing the Baudelaire’s, “I’ve failed you again, Baudelaire’s.” She said sadly as Violet shared a look of sadness with her, “You will fail me if you don’t help me open the lock. The first clue is an injury that fell before the Little Snicket Lad when he was climbing a rollercoaster.” Count Olaf read the first clue, Klaus’ head immediately perked up, ‘Of course VFD also knew about that… well Olivia knew of it as he recalled, so it made sense that everyone else in the damn cult knew as well…’ He sighed heavily as he saw his father barring the harpoon gun at Justice Strauss, his mind immediately going back to Dewey… he sighed sadly. “Well?” Count Olaf demanded as Justice Strauss grunted trying to pull away from his grasp, he saw red as he harpoon scratched her cheek a bit, it didn’t draw blood but it did go bright red, she let out a little yelp.

“I broke my arm.” He couldn’t stop himself as everyone turned to look at him, “Klaus, what are you doing!?” Violet yelled at him, as Count Olaf looked at him with a wide smile and Justice Strauss looked at him in horror, “After what happened to Dewey, I don’t want to see anyone else achieve the same fate as him. Besides, every bloody noble person in VFD has failed at what they’re ‘supposed to do’ so why should I protect this fucking thing?” He said crouching down to the lock and proceeded to type ‘Broken Arm.’ Olaf smirked with a satisfied sigh, “I honestly thought it was talking about your uncle, now move out of my way, brat! I know the next one.” He crouched next to his son, pushing him out of his way as he proceeded to type, “P-O-Y-S-“ he sounded out along with it, “Those letters don’t spell anything.” Klaus stated, “Spelling doesn’t count!” Count Olaf said, “Yes, it does!” Klaus told him, “Tell me the phrase and I’ll type it in.” He said, “Fine.” Olaf groaned, “The second phrase is the weapon that left me an orphan.” Count Olaf said low, Violet had to hold back a gasp, Klaus looked at him dumbfounded, “You expect me to know that?!” He said at his dad. “From that next at the opera?” Olaf yelled as if Klaus knew what he was talking about, “What fucking opera?!” Klaus yelled back at his father, “Oh, right… I never did tell you that story did I…” He gritted his teeth as he sighed, “You got caught up in your own ego.” Klaus stated, “Shut the fuck up!” Olaf yelled at him, “The weapon that left me an orphan was a ‘Poison Dart’” he muttered as Klaus turned to the lock and typed ‘Poison Dart.’ “The sugar bowl is so close I can taste it! The third clue is the famous unfathomable question in the best-known novel by Richard Wright.” Count Olaf read the final clue, “That’s actually an interesting question.” Klaus said, “No one cares! Type it in!” Olaf once again yelled at him, Klaus turned to the lock and typed in the answer to the famous unfathomable question in the best-known novel by Richard Wright. The locked clicked as the door swung open and Count Olaf rushed in immediately searching for the sugar bowl.

Klaus stood up with a stern look, watching his father search for an item that somehow had connection to VFD, ‘Did he make the wrong choice?’ He let out a shuddered sigh as Olaf grunted as he searched for the sugar bowl, ultimately finding nothing, “Where is it?!” He yelled, a realisation came to Violets mind, “The sugar bowl isn’t in the laundry room!” She said, Justice Strauss gasped as Klaus looked at her with shock “Of course it’s here. I saw that crow get shot and the sugar bowl fall into the vent.” Olaf said as he searched the sheets again, throwing them to the floor. “That vent doesn’t lead to the laundry room. Dewey was right. The lock is a decoy.” Violet said, “Then where is it?” Olaf asked like a warning, “That secret died with Dewey Denouement…” Violet said as she looked at Klaus, whose facial expression turned from one of shock to guilt, realising his attitude from earlier… looking down at his hands, seeing the bandages, his chest began to ache as he felt the knife Count Olaf used against him across his chest, his leg started to twitch, he winced as put his weight on it, his sores telling him he let Count Olaf get to him. ‘He let his dad get to him! God, he’s a awful person! There’s no way Violet would’ve burned down his home on purpose! He’s a horrible friend, he should’ve listened to her!’ His eyes wondered over to the chemicals that sat on a table, his eyes widened with an idea, ‘No. It’s a horrible thing to do, it was a terrible thing.” He looked at his father as he saw himself as him in his future if he does this, but… at least with this… people will actually see it … and smell it and quickly get out before anyone gets hurt… right? He knew those people in the court were dumbfounded but they had to listen to reason if there was a fire, right? If they warn them about the Medusoid Mycelium they might not listen, but… if there’s a fire. He was doing a terrible thing for a noble reason, and he’ll pay for it one day, it’ll come back to bite him when he least expects it, but he was willing to take that chance. He felt his hands linger hot, as if they were on fire… looking down at them, ‘Oh, god! He’s really risking his future here…!’ He let out a shudder as he felt his eyes linger with tears, he let his red hot hands fall to his side, staring at his dad, his possible future. ‘There’s no turning back from this…!

“Then I guess he’s not the only volunteer who will die today. If I can’t get what I want, then nobody will. I’ll unleash the Medusoid Mycelium and destroy every soul in this hotel! Those volunteers never thought I was noble enough. I’ll show them! Those judges never thought I was wicked enough. I’ll show them, too! I will get my revenge on everyone, and volunteers and villains alike will perish in anguish!” Count Olaf yelled in both anger and hidden pain. “You’ll die with them.” Violet said, “Oh, no. I’ll just push the Carmelita III off the roof and sail away.” Olaf smiled wickedly, “You can’t sail a boat off a ten-story building. The force of gravity would smash it to pieces!” Violet told the vile man, “Well, then, I suppose I’ll add ‘gravity’ to my list of enemies.” Count Olaf muttered, “I’ll get the boat off the roof!” Violet announced, “Violet, no!” Justice Strauss said, “What you doing?” Sunny said with concern, “Nobody’s safe as long as Count Olaf’s here. We have to get him far away, Sunny.” Violet whispered to Sunny, “Let’s go! It’s time to poison this hotel.” Olaf said sinisterly, Klaus took a deep breath out, closing his eyes not wanting to look at anyone when he says this,

“Burn down the hotel.” He muttered, Violet giving him a look of horror and disbelief while Justice Strauss looked at him shocked, “What the fuck did he say to me?” Count Olaf demanded, “He … he said …” Violet stuttered, “I said ‘Burn down the hotel!” Klaus said rather loudly, shooting his eyes open with irritation, just wanting to get this over with. “What, wait. No!” Justice Strauss exclaimed, Klaus stared at his father as his expression turned upside down as a smile appeared on his face, his eyes shining with excitement and happiness, looking like he was about to cry from joy of what he just heard come out of his own flesh and bloods mouth. Klaus felt sick. “My own flesh and blood is following in my footsteps! I told you it would happen, I was a good father after all!” Olaf cheered, “You are a terrible father! I just think burning down the hotel is better than poisoning it!” Klaus said sternly, sick to his stomach at how happy his father was. Violet looked at him baffled, Justice Strauss’s mouth was wide open with shock at what she just heard what Olaf called the boy next to her. “Oh, whatever, a plus is a plus! I was so busy planning revenge I forgot to take time for my hobbies.” Olaf laughed, looking over to the chemicals that Klaus had been staring at, “I’ll just pour those flammable chemicals one those sheets.” He said taking the lid off two of them and started pouring.

“Klaus, whatever are you doing? Innocent people will get hurt.” Violet said, Klaus shuddered, “If we wan people about the fungus, they might not listen. But if there’s a fire…“ “They might listen, and evacuate the building.” Violet said for him realising his plan. “And be safe.” Klaus said, Violet looked at him sorrowful, “It’s a terrible thing…” she said, “But we’ll be doing it for a noble reason.” Klaus said, “It’s wicked…” Violet muttered, “People aren’t either wicked or horrible…” Klaus started recalling back to when they were on Mount Fraught and had a conversation about wicked vs. nobility, “They’re like cafe salads…” Violet interrupted, Klaus looked at her confused, “Fernald talked about the subject on the Queequeg.” Violet muttered, “You were on the-! We’ll discuss this later..” Klaus muttered as Count Olaf poured the last container of flammable chemicals and turned around to face the children and the judge who was confronted Olaf, “You’ll never get away with this! I have all the evidence of your treachery right here!” She yelled as Olaf looked at her sinisterly, before he ran up and struggled to get it out her grip, after some fighting Olaf ripped the big black book from the judges grasp with a yelp, “Thanks for the kindling.” Olaf sneered as he threw the book in with the sheets. Justice Strauss picked something up from the floor as Count Olaf brought out his lighter from his pocket, he flicked it open as he got a vile idea, looking towards Klaus and gestured for him to come to him with a sinister smirk.

Klaus gulped, knowing what Olaf wanted him to do, he looked to Violet who wore a sorrowful expression before looking away with sadness. Klaus stepped forward hesitantly until he was next to his father, he passed the lighter to him, “It’s time to take up the torch.” He said to him sinisterly, Violet closed her eyes out of guilt, Olaf said the exact same thing to her back at Caligari. Klaus took it hesitantly, flicking it on, staring at the flame in mesmerisation as Olaf stared at him with a sinister smile. Klaus let out a shudder, turning towards the sheets and book, closing his eyes, a few seconds of silence went by before Klaus threw the lighter into the basket. He screamed as the fire blew up in his face, stepping back in shock, hands covering his face, tears falling from his eyes as his pupils shook in his scleras. Everyone else looked away as Count Olaf stared at it with a vile smirk, turning towards Klaus, “I’m impressed.” Klaus’ pupils looked at him, “I’m proud of you, son.” Count Olaf said soft but it made Klaus ill, he looking back to the fire, ‘Did he do the right thing?’ He certainly didn’t feel like he did... Olaf looked to the girls, Violet was letting her tears fall as she barred a blank expression, Sunny looked at the fire in shock but it was mesmerising, and Justice Strauss held her hands over her mouth in shock. She mouthed ‘Son?’ Under her hands, “It’s time to unleash a deadly fungus.” He said with a sinister smirk.

Count Olaf shoved Justice Strauss in the elevator, the Baudelaire’s and Klaus right behind them as they joined them to escape the fire, Olaf pressing the ‘roof’ button as the elevator doors closed with a ding. While inside Violet and Klaus started pressing every one of the buttons below the roof button, ranging from 100-150 to 550-600 to 950-999 (the roof being 1000) , “What are you doing, you brats? If we stop on every floor, I’ll never reach the roof in time to poison everyone!” Olaf yelled at them, darting his eyes between the two kids, looking at Violet with anger, and at Klaus with perplexity, Justice Strauss gasped still trying to get over the reveal of the Snicket being Count Olaf’s son. Hey eyes going wide realising the children’s plan. “That’s brilliant! If we stop on every floor, we can warn everyone!” She exclaimed, “And save all these people.” Klaus said, Olaf sneered at him, frustratedly, “Only the ones who will believe you.” He said sinisterly, he leaned forward towards Klaus’ ear, “And to think I was proud of you.” He whispered to him, Klaus felt a shiver go up his spine as his pupils shrinked in his scleras, he quickly swatted him away, ignoring him still seeing red, orange and yellow from the flames he set. The elevator reached the lobby where the trial has taken place.

“The hotel is on fire!” Klaus yelled out to the crowd of people that still were wearing their blindfolds, Violets face fell with irritation seeing that nobody believed them, ‘figures…’ Count Olaf gave Klaus a sneer before he shoved his away, that’s when two sinister people stood at the elevator entryway, “A fire? Olaf, you’re finally thinking big.” Eyesore gave praise, “There’s no fire!” Count Olaf lied, “The boy is just trying to trick you! Whatever you do, stay where you are!” Count Olaf said with a grin as Justice Strauss looked at her ‘fellow judges’ with anger, “Klaus isn’t lying! Can’t you smell the smoke?” Violet yelled, Olaf pushing her away as well. “That’s just the curry from the kitchen for the cocktail party I was planning to make, but some waiter decided to take a dip in it.” He said cold to his mentors. “Typical Olaf. Throwing a party instead of starting a fire.” Saber said, not realising the meaning behind the sentence Olaf had spoken, “And after we tried so hard to set a bad example.” Eyesore told him in anger, “You have disappointed us for the last time.” Saber scolded him, “You certainly have.” Olaf said sinisterly with a vile smile as his mentors looked around a bit confused, “You’re a disgrace to the legal profession!” Justice Strauss screamed at the sinister duo as the doors closed on them and the elevator went up to the next floor, “Fire! Fire!” Violet yelled as she saw people, “Argh! Violet? You shouldn’t ass false reporting to your list of crimes.” Mr. Poe said still wearing his blindfold, Violets face dropping in disbelief, Klaus’ face growing red with irritation, “Next, they’ll be saying Count Olaf is here!” Vice Principal Nero said also still wearing his blindfold, laughing, “Count Olaf is here! There really is a fire! You have to leave!” Justice Strauss yelled at them as Count Olaf shook his head with a smirk, Klaus growing more irritated at the two males stupidity as Violet’s face grew red with frustration, “Follow me. I’m such a genius, I’ll find the exit blindfolded.” Nero stated grabbing Mr. Poe head, “It’s like the blind leading the blind.” Mr. Poe said swinging his hand around to grab at the elephant sculptures trunk, “I got you, sir!” He exclaimed as the four out of five people in the elevator looked at the two in disbelief as the elevator doors closed with a ding and went up to the next level. “Fire!” Violet yelled out, “Fire? Oh, no! No, no, no!” Babs rapidly said as she brought out her paper bag and started hyperventilating into it, “I think the stairs are this way!” Jerome exclaimed pointing towards the right, “I think the stairs are that way!” Babs said pointing left, “I don’t like to argue. Let’s compromise and just stand here.” Jerome said cowardly as the people in the elevator looked at them sorrowfully as Olaf smirked, their plan didn’t seem to be working… The elevator door closed and went up to the next floor, “Esmé, Carmelita, the hotel is on fire. You have to get out!” Klaus told the two females, as Olaf looked at them sinisterly, “Why should we listen to cakesniffers?” Carmelita said, “She’s right. You are just as dishonest as your ‘disgrace of a boyfriend’ dad.” Esmé said to Klaus as his anger started to build up at being referred to being ‘just like his dad.’ “No, seriously, it’s a big fire. I swear.” Olaf said, stepping foot in front of Klaus as Justice Strauss nodded, “Also, the sugar bowl is definitely not down in the laundry room.” Olaf said with an exaggerated frown, sounding like he was lying, Justice Strauss shook her head ‘no.’ “He’s lying. We’ll take the stairs to the laundry room and grab it ourselves! At last, the sugar bowl is mine!” Esmé yelled as Carmelita smiled wickedly, the elevator closed on the two of them as Count Olaf sent them to their dooms. The elevator finally reaching the roof.

The Baudelaire’s and Klaus rushed out the elevator as Olaf shoved Justice Strauss out. “Well, this wasn’t my intention, but at least we got to start a fire.” Count Olaf smirked as he glanced over at Klaus, who looked away from him with a shudder, Olaf chuckled a bit looking towards the ground as a ball stood by his feet, he crouched before it, taking out his knife from his inner jacket pocket. “The fire isn’t burning quickly. People will escape.” Violet told Justice Strauss, “But it isn’t burning slowly either. What if some people don’t?” She interjected, “I’ll save the Medusoid Mycelium for a rainy day.” Count Olaf said sinisterly as he started cutting into the ball. “If we didn’t do something, Count Olaf would have poisoned everyone. What choice did we have?” Klaus said to Justice Strauss, “I was right to have an off feeling about you, ever since you arrived here, nothing but misfortune has been happening at this hotel!” Justice Strauss said to Klaus, who returned her statement with his mouth gapped open in disbelief, “Now, I know why. You’re just like your father.” Justice Strauss spoke cold, her words laced with venom and hatred, Klaus stood completely still as the words haunted him, they repeated in his head as his pupils shook uncontrollably, he looked down at the ground with regret, feeling guilty just for merely existing in this cruel. “It’s not his fault! He was just as much dragged into this as you were!” Violet confronted Justice Strauss. Count Olaf had successfully cut through the ball to reveal a familiar deep sea divers helmet that had been stuck onto a plate with gum, smiling wickedly at it. Suddenly a loud crash came from the elevator as a bit of wood dust came out of it, “We don’t have time for this. The fire is weakening the structural integrity of the building. We have to go.” Violet said sternly, “Klaus, help me pull this down.” Violet said, managing to break Klaus out of his trance, Klaus helped reach for one of the tarps that covered two chairs that would be used to shield their bodies from the sun, Violet knew this because she saw Esmé and Vice Principal Nero under one earlier.

“We’ll Attach it to the oarlocks with the Devil’s Tongue knot and make a drag chute.” Violet said as Klaus nodded, thinking back to the time he first met Violet in that runaway trailer. “Violet, Sunny…” Justice Strauss stuttered as the Baudelaire’s hoped on the boat with the Snicket boy… “I know it seems like running from the law is the answer, but it won’t help. Why, when I was your age, I spent years as a horse thief before-“ “We’re running out of time!” Violet interrupted her as Olaf approached the boat, still holding the harpoon gun in his hand while under his arm laid the Medusoid Mycelium. “I’ll stand here and supervise.” Count Olaf said, “You’ll push the boat to the edge of the roof, or we’ll all die.” Violet sternly told the man with a glare of anger, Olaf stuttered a bit before eventually groaning, “Fine.” Violet and Klaus tried the ropes from the tarp to the boat, as Count Olaf started pushing the boat towards the edge, straining as he did so. “Justice Strauss, come with us.” Violet said to the judge, “No, it isn’t right! You can’t run from the scene of a crime. Come with me, Baudelaire’s, and we’ll explain everything to the authorities.” Justice Strauss said as Count Olaf hoped into the pool to push the boat along, placing the helmet and harpoon gun in the boat. Klaus frowned as Justice Strauss clearly didn’t care about him, looking away, focusing his attention on something else while he tried not to cry. They might not believe us. Or they might be enemies. Look at the High Court.” Violet said, “That’s no excuse for running away!” Justice Strauss said as she started pulling the boat towards her using a giant spatula she found, Olaf groaning as he tried heaving the boat away from her grasp. Once the boat was close enough, she dropped the spatula and grabbed the side with his hands. “Justice Strauss, the law isn’t always just. it isn’t always good.” Violet said through tears, “That may be so, but I can still give you a home. I can keep you safe. I’ve been following you for so long, and you’ve always been out of my grasp, but I have you now, and I won’t let you go.” Justice Strauss said as tears fell from her eyes. Klaus looked towards his father who was straining trying to get the boat out of the judges surprisedly tight grip, he turned back to Violet, “Violet.” He muttered to her as she nodded her head at him through her tears, “We’re sorry.” Is all Violet said as Sunny reached for Justice Strauss’ hand and bit on it hard enough so she’ll release her grip, Justice Strauss gasped in pain as she let go of the boat, ‘allowing’ Olaf to heave it away from her, he chuckled as he pushed the boat towards the edge. Justice Strauss stood back as the boat got closer and closer to the edge, she covered her mouth in fright. “I’m the captain!” Olaf exclaimed as he hoped into the boat, his clothes drenched, “And I say shiver me timbers!” He called out with a wicked smile as the boat’s front drifted over the edge, Olaf quickly sat back down as the Baudelaire’s clutched onto each other as well as Klaus as he did the same to them, Count Olaf held his grip onto the sides of the boat, Justice Strauss gasped as the boat went over, all kinds of screams erupting from the boat as it went plunging to the ground, the tarp opened as it caught on the wind, making the boat float over to the water, landing safely as the tarp drifted in the water.

Everyone caught their breath as they looked around their surroundings making sure they’re ok. Klaus put his hand on his chest as he breathed in and out in fright, he looked behind him to fire before looking away in pain, it hurt to look at, he just hoped that most of people in the hotel get out in time. Violet looked towards the fire as well after she successfully calmed down, although her body was still a bit tense, “It’s a terrible fire… at least if any volunteers see it … they’ll know the Last Safe Place isn’t safe anymore…” She said as she was still trying to catch her breath, “Oh, they’ll know more than that.” Olaf stood up with a wicked smirk, already getting over the fact they just fell from a 10 foot story building. “They’ll know that I’ve won, that treachery has triumphed, and that the my son and the Baudelaire orphans are in my clutches at last.” Count Olaf said with a sinister smirk as he began to laugh, Violet rolled her eyes as she looked to Klaus as he felt bile rise up his throat, the after effect already hitting him hard. “It’ll be ok, I’m sure they’ll be safe.” Violet gestured towards the hotel, “It’s not their safety I’m worried about…” Klaus said, as he handed his head over the side of the boat ready to spew if needed, it sounded selfish but after what he had to adore in his fathers ‘care’ he thought he had a reason to think it. He sighed heavily, taking a glimpse back at the fire before looking away in guilt, “Hey, at least we’re even now.” He smiled a bit trying to lighten the mode, it made Violet chuckle a little, “I’m sorry for … not telling you earlier, about the fire at Caligari, I don’t know why I didn’t say something… I guess I was just worried you’d have the same reaction you had earlier…” Violet apologised to the little Snicket lad, “Hey, I forgive you, I … realised that my attitude wasn’t the best and the mere thought of my attitude barring a small resemblance to …” Klaus shuddered taking a small glimpse at Count Olaf, who was still cackling, Klaus sighed heavily. “… my father … absolutely killed me!” He said figuratively, “So, I’m sorry for yelling and for all that stupid stuff I did at the trial.” Klaus apologised back, turning his head back over the boat, still worried he was going to throw up his guts at any second. Violet reached into her dress top, taking out Klaus’ bear, “Does that mean you would like Hyde back?” She said holding his bear out to him, Klaus nodded taking the bear into his grasp, “Very!” He smiled, hugging his bear close, as he believed it was safe to bring his head back from over the side, Violet smiled back, Sunny listening onto the conversation smiled also, the only one that didn’t smile was Olaf as he turned around, looking at the children with a sickening smile, “Get this boat moving, brats!” He yelled at them as he sat down, the kids sighed and Violet and Klaus stood up and started putting up the sail as the boat sailed out to sea, unsure of where they were going or where they were going to end up, the kids just hoped it was somewhere where Count Olaf wouldn’t be a threat.