"It takes a village to raise a child," Mr. Poe coughs, driving the children. "What a lovely, lovely aphorism. An aphorism is a phrase that can sound mysterious, but in fact is very wise".
Y/N and Klaus slowly look to each other before rolling their eyes.
"We know what an aphorism is," Y/N says annoyed, growing tired of the coughing man after the long drive.
"Well, perhaps you also know that the responsibility of raising children belongs to a community. That is exactly what is going to happen to you children at VFD," Mr. Poe pays no mind to the girls remark. "Instead of having one guardian who could possibly turn into a villain, you will have 100 people caring for you all at once! What could go wrong?"
"Everything's already gone wrong! We've lost our friends and my brother twice," Y/N snaps.
Klaus gently takes the girl's hand, a simple attempt to try to calm her down. Mr. Poe was only trying to help. Trying being the key word.
"Yes, well..." Mr. Poe fumbles for a few seconds, unsure of how to respond. "Here, look at this brochure".
Violet takes the paper from the man, skimming through, "An entire village taking care of us? That's a lot of people," she tries changing the conversation, feeling tense.
"I do prefer an individual guardian, but neither that, or an academic institution seems to be working for an unknown reason," Mr. Poe shrugs.
"The reason isn't unknown, the reason is Count Olaf," Klaus crosses his arms.
"Yes, well, I doubt he will be able to find you children all the way out here," Mr. Poe brushes off the comment, like always.
After many long, agonizing minutes continuing in the car, Mr. Poe finally reaches the town. "VFD," Mr. Poe grins, stepping out. "What a lovely fountain".
"Don't most fountains typically have water?" Klaus asks, helping his sisters and Y/N out.
"Typically, but this is a dry county. There is no water," Mr. Poe explains.
"It actually means there's no alcohol," Y/N speaks up.
Mr. Poe coughs in their faces, without covering his mouth, "Now, you children wait here while I go into town hall and finalize your paperwork. Then I'll be leaving you. Don't feed the pigeons," he says before heading into the building.
"Crows," Y/N sighs in disgust, wiping her face off.
"Crows are harmless," Klaus piggybacks off what Mr. Poe said.
"I really hope Jeremy and the Quagmires are here somewhere," Violet scans the area.
Before the children can get a good look at anything, Mr. Poe returns, clearly wanting to get back on the road, "The Council of Elders will see you now".
"The Council of Elders?" Klaus questions.
"Will see you now," the man nods. "They are very wise".
"If they're so wise, maybe they can help us," Violet smiles, quickly heading into the town hall, holding onto Sunny.
"Goodbye Mr. Poe," Y/N eagerly says, following Violet with Klaus to her side.
"You sounded a little too happy saying goodbye," Klaus chuckles.
"He just gets annoying after awhile," Y/N smiles sheepishly.
Violet politely shushes the couple before opening the doors to the town hall, where it appears the whole town has gathered. Before them sit three older folks, dressed in all black.
"Hello, my dears!" one of them smiles.
At least they seem friendly.
"We are pleased you have made it," the other woman speaks.
"Step onto the platform so that your elders can get a good look at you," the man says.
Violet sets Sunny down once they are on the platform, "Hello, my name is Violet-"
"Silence!" the lady in the middle yells, slamming down her gavel.
"Rule number 902 states that no one may talk while on the platform," the man explains.
So much for that friendly feeling.
"Children, we know your story well. The loss of your parents and countless guardians, and how you've been pursued by a relentless Count Olaf who is out to steal your fortune," an Elder says.
"We have recently created a new rule to solve this issue," the man says.
"Rule number 9,833 states that no villains will be allowed within city limits," the middle one declares.
"I'm sorry, but-" Y/N starts.
"Silence!" they each yell.
"Now, the next order of business. When children have guardians, their guardians make them do chores. We are all your guardians now," the woman gestures to the crowd behind them
Klaus and Y/N take a quick glance at the people sitting at the backs, before glancing at each other, not liking the direction this is heading.
"It follows that you will be doing all of our chores!" the man finishes.
Everyone in the room begins to cheer, clearly satisfied they no longer need to do their own chores.
"Any questions from the town members?" an Elder asks.
"Where are these children going to live? I am all for having them do our chores, but I don't want noisy children cluttering up my home!" a man in plaid pants questions.
"The orphans will live with our handyman, Hector! Isn't that right, Hector?" a lady Elder declares.
A man, presumably Hector, rises from his seat in the back. He attempts to stumble out a few words, clearly nervous. Before he can even say an actual word, he faints, falling back.
"The Council of Elders takes Hector's latest fainting spell as Hector will feed and clothe them, and teach them our rules so they won't do anymore terrible things, like talking on our platform!" the man explains.
"Now, we will hear from our police chief!" a woman says.
Bursting through the door, an all too familiar blonde haired woman walks through wearing a police costume.
"Esme," Violet whispers.
"If Esme is here, that means Count Olaf is too," Klaus puts together.
"That means so are the Quagmires, and my brother," Y/N finishes.
"Greetings, everyone!" Esme speaks in a weird accent, shoving the children to the side. "You may call me Officer Luciana".
"We have to tell the council," Klaus whispers.
"Silence! Whispering is still talking, and you're talking on the platform. No talking on the platform!" the middle one yells.
"Unless you are the chief of police," Esme says slyly. "As chief of police, I will make sure any rule-breaking is punished. I am personally a big fan of severe punishment. I will personally take care of people who break even the tiniest of rules.
"Now off you go to your new home!"
