What Friends Are For

Troublesome Endings

Lily was wondering what trouble her Aunt was in that her brother had to come back from VFD for her when they reached the docks.

"Ok, Lily. We're going to need to think sneaky. The quickest way to Olaf's house is through the tunnels, so you go that way, I'll go on foot."

"Split up?"

"And take them by surprise. It's foolproof, I promise."

"Ok, Trevor, if you're sure."

"Don't worry, Lily, we'll be back on the island with your friends in no time." Trevor walked off, watching Lily climb into the tunnel. Lily listened to his footsteps fade, then went to search the boat. A flashlight would be helpful.

However, she didn't find any flashlights. Or maps. In fact, nothing on the boat looked helpful to her or even VFD. Then she started to think. If Trevor had no radio, and no food for traveling, not to mention any safety equipment, then how did he plan on getting to Peru, let alone learning about Aunt Norma being captured by Olaf. Suddenly two arms grabbed her, one hand over her mouth so she wouldn't scream.

"Stay quiet. Your brother might still be able to hear us." Not believing who said this, she turned to look at Olaf. He nodded as if to answer her questions. "He thinks he has a whole plan, but I have something he doesn't."

"Body odor?" Olaf gave her a look.

"Look, you can either take showers or get things done. I prefer to get things done. And I have company arriving. Follow me."

"Last time I followed you anywhere I ended up with a haircut, shoved into the trunk of your car, and all for a fortune that Trevor spends on who knows what. Do you have my Aunt captured or not?"

"Norma? She visited, but she left. So did Fiona and Hooky. I got a radio call that I could find you at the docks."

"So why are you doing this?"

"Because I owed your mother a favor. And despite what I said and what you think, I didn't start the fire to your house. Other houses, but not your house."

"Then who did."

"I don't know. Some mysterious are unsolvable for a reason, Detective."

Suddenly they heard a noise from the sea, and a submarine came up.

"Looks like your ride is here." Olaf said as Norma opened the hatch. Norma reached down to give her a hand when they all heard a yell. Turning, the three of them saw Trevor, running to catch up with them. Grabbing Lily's hands, Norma pulled her in and looked at Olaf. He gave her a nod and disappeared into the tunnels. Then they started up the engine and headed for the island.

"How did you know where I would be?" Lily asked as she put on a diving suit.

"I radioed Olaf for some help. He might be treacherous, but he once was a good friend. Hopefully he'll change back to a nice person, but I have my doubts he'll make that much effort. Saving you was just repaying an old debt."

"And Trevor?"

"He's young and hot-headed. He has wicked mentors and a horrible hobby, but I'm sure we can figure out how to make him the brother you remember. Come on now, your friends are waiting."

Klaus was the first one to greet her by pulling her into a hug. Lily was so happy she even kissed him. Sunny interrupted by shouting "EWW!" While bringing out a cake with Lily's name on it. Violet was fixing a piece of equipment when she stopped to go give Lily a friendly hug. Isadora was next, and although Quigley was studying a map, he paused to say hi to Lily too. Fiona went over and happily told her that her brother and her where going to get there step-father and bring him back to the sea, and Duncan said hi to her at the same time. She could see that Fiona had also found a new friend, one she liked more than Klaus, in Duncan Quagmire. They dropped the eight of them off at the Shade island and headed to find their step-father. Kit came out, Beatrice in her arms.

"Hello Lily."

"Hello Kit. I told you she would be a girl."

"And you were right. A good detective--"

"Has her moments." Lily kicked the sand sadly and walked away, her friends watching sadly. Klaus followed her to some tide pools and sat next to her but she wouldn't look away from the water.

"I can't say I know what you're going through, but I know you have good friends who will help you with anything."

"Thank you Klaus, but I really want to be alone right now." To her surprise, Klaus held her hand instead, making her look up.

"I'll always be here for you, Lily." He told her with a smile.

Unfortunate things happen in the lives of the Baudelaire, Quagmire and Shade Orphans. Luckily that was what friends are for.