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[The date is May 11th. The afternoon sun is shining down on a bloomy Gravesfield, covered in purple lilac trees and white turnips everywhere among the grass fields.]
[In the Town square, everyone has gathered for a special annual event. This event is known as the "Gravesfield Spring Market", where some of the inhabitants have set up colorful stalls in order to sell flowers, vegetables, fruits, necklaces, and so on. In the middle of the square in front of the Whittebane Statue, a band wearing fancy suits are playing "Bossa Nova" music for the audience watching.]
BAND MEMBER: Thank you, thank you!
[The band stops playing and they receive ovation from the audience. As they walk off the stage, a short, old woman with gray hair and round glasses steps up on the platform.]
MAYOR MAVEN: [She grabs the microphone] Thank you, Violet Marimbas for that astounding performance! However, I'm afraid that our concert has come to an end. But feel free to stick around, as the ceremony won't be over until later tonight. I'm Mayor Maven, and I hope you'll enjoy the Gravesfield Spring Market!
[Mayor Maven walks off the stage and the audience applauses her as well.]
[In another area of the event, the same girl working as barista at Robin's Roast Café has arranged a market stall. She has several silver necklaces on display.]
[Someone familiar proceeds to approach the barista girl. That person is none other than Masha, who is now seventeen years old.]
MASHA: [Intrigued] Woah! These are some fancy necklaces ya got here!
BARISTA GIRL: Thanks! I found them in my Grandma's attic. [Chuckles] She insisted that I should sell them!
MASHA: [They inspect the necklaces closely] Your Grandma is gothic by the looks of it...
BARISTA GIRL: Yeah, it runs in her veins. [Thoughtfully] I sure hope I'll meet her on the other side...
[Hearing this, their eyes widens.]
MASHA: [Distraught] Oh. Is she...?
BARISTA GIRL: Haha, no of course not! She just moved away to Canada, that's all!
MASHA: [They exhale, relieved] Ah, that's a relief to hear...
BARISTA GIRL: Say, shouldn't your friend be with you right now? [She smirks] You two look so cute together!
MASHA: You mean Luz? Pshh! We haven't talked in years after she stopped hanging out with me...
BARISTA GIRL: No, I meant the other girl. The one with the cute hairstyle!
MASHA: Oh, you're talking about Vee! Yeah she's supposed to be here right now, but I haven't seen her anywhere.
[Masha suddenly notices an intimidating necklace with a dragon symbol on it.]
MASHA: [They point at the dragon necklace excitedly] Ooh! How much for that dragon necklace?
BARISTA GIRL: Hmm... That'll cost you twenty dollars!
[They start fumbling in their pockets. But the only thing Masha have on them is their cellphone.]
MASHA: [Annoyed] Ah, bummer! I forgot my wallet at home!
BARISTA GIRL: Well, then maybe Vee could help you out with the payment?
MASHA: [Even more annoyed] Have you already forgot that she's not here?
BARISTA GIRL: You could always give her a call! She shouldn't live far away from here.
[They ponder about the suggestion.]
MASHA: ...Maybe I should do that, actually.
[Masha grabs their phone and starts typing a message to Vee.]
[It switches perspective over to Vee...]
[At the Noceda residence, seventeen-year-old Vee is in the backyard, in her human form, dressed in a green apron. She is harvesting parsnips in their vegetable garden by lifting them up from their roots.]
VEE: [Straining herself] Hnghh! Geez, these vegetables are quite hefty!
[She finally manages to lift it up and puts it among other parsnips in a basket.]
[Luz walks up to her from behind.]
LUZ: Wow! Look at you go, queen!
VEE: [She wipes sweat off her forehead] I'm just doing my job, big sister!
LUZ: Thanks for lending me a hand with those vegetables. They can be quite heavy to pull up. [Worried] But are you sure you can handle it alone?
VEE: Of course I can! [Teasingly] Because unlike you, I'm a strong girl who can tolerate anything!
LUZ: [She scoffs and smirks] Oh yeah? You think you're stronger than me?
VEE: Oh, I know I'm stronger than you!
[Luz rotates away from Vee.]
LUZ: In that case, do you think you can handle me in a match of... wrestling?!
[Without warning, Luz throws herself onto Vee and makes them both fall to the ground. They playfully wrestle each other on the grass, laughing while doing so.]
VEE: Ow!! Ahahaha!
LUZ: Hahaha!
[Camila is watching their sisterly tournament on the veranda, smiling to herself.]
CAMILA: Luz!
[Luz stops playing and turns to Camila.]
CAMILA: ¡Apurate! I'm ready to travel to the Demon Realm, now!
LUZ: [Remembering] Oh right, I almost forgot about that! Ya voy, mama!
[Luz stands up and dusts herself off.]
VEE: Aww, you're leaving so soon?
LUZ: We'll only be gone for a day! You could come with us, if you want to.
VEE: [Unsurely] No that's okay, I can take care of myself. I'm just worried that my disguise will run out while you guys are gone...
[Luz puts her arm on Vee's shoulder.]
LUZ: [She smiles at Vee] If you ever need more magic to shapeshift again, you know where you'll find us!
[She stands up and strolls over to Camila.]
CAMILA: [Turns serious] Remember to not invite any strangers to the house, Vee. Friends only, okay?
VEE: [Rolls her eyes] Yeah yeah, I got it, Mom!
CAMILA: And don't forget to harvest all the parsnips before we get back. [She blows a kiss at Vee] Mwah! I love you!
[Camila and Luz enters the house and leaves the backyard. Vee waves after them.]
VEE: Byeeeee!
...
...
[Vee rotates back to the parsnips again. She grabs another stem sticking up from the soil and starts pulling on it.]
VEE: [Straining herself] Gnghh! Come... on!!
[After a few seconds of struggling, the "parsnip" finally pops up from the ground...]
VEE: Huh??
[But as shown, it isn't a parsnip. What Vee managed to harvest was in fact, a carrot.]
VEE: I don't remember planting you in here... Is this a carrot?
[Vee checks in her gardening book. She riffles through the pages until she gets to a page with a picture of a carrot.]
VEE: [Excitedly] It is a carrot!! [She picks up the carrot] How did you get in there, you sly, little devil? You're very different from the other parsnips, aren't you?
[She freezes as she remembers something; something she has been contemplating about for a while... She turns silent.]
VEE: Mmm... Yeah, you're very different. [She turns silent]
(DING! DING! DING!)
VEE: Wha--?!
[The notification sound is heard from Vee's phone, which startles her as she cries out in surprise.]
VEE: [She hastily grabs her phone] Masha?!
[Vee sees that she has gotten a text message from Masha. She presses the link and Masha has sent the following: Where are you??? We were supposed to meet!!]
VEE: [She reads the message] "Where are you?" [Gasps] The Spring Market was Today??!
[She tosses the carrot into the basket and gets up on her feet.]
VEE: [Frantic] Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! Masha is gonna kill me!!
[Vee rips off the apron, leaps over the fence and runs away, disappearing further down the street.]
[Further down the sidewalk, Vee runs along, panting. Her demon abilities manages to make her run slightly faster than usual.]
VEE: How can I be so stupid and forget about something this important??
[She manages to bump into several pedestrians on her way.]
VEE: [Stressed] I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!!
[She bumps into an old man with a cane.]
OLD MAN: [Shaking his fist angrily] Hey, watch where you're going!!
VEE: Sorry, old man!
[Vee finally brakes with her feet as she recognizes the statue of the two Wittebane brothers. However, she understands just how big the market actually is, as all the market stalls takes up the entire square.]
[She turns shocked.]
VEE: How am I supposed to find them in this crowd?! This place is enormous!! [She sighs] Oh, well. I'm just gonna have to start looking.
[She starts walking towards the marketplace...]
VEE: Wha?!
[...But right as Vee is about to enter the area, someone grabs her hand from behind and pulls her back. She turns around and sees that Masha is standing next to her.]
MASHA: [They smirk at Vee] You don't need to go find me... I'm already here!
[She suddenly realizes that Masha is holding her hand. Vee's cheeks instantly reddens.]
VEE: [She blushes and retracts her hand] Ehehehe... Y-Yup, there you are! I was gonna go look for you, but you're standing next to me! Heh...
[Masha stares at her, confused.]
MASHA: [They gesture to Vee to follow them] Come. I want to show you something!
[Masha turns around and strolls off. Vee quickly follows her.]
VEE: Wait, where are we going?
MASHA: You'll see. There is a small favor I need you to do for me!
VEE: I hope it's not something extreme. [Miffed] I already have my hands covered with soil after doing some favors for my mom!
MASHA: [They chuckle] Haha, no! It's not that serious! You'll see what I'm talking about when we get there.
[The pair enters another area of the marketplace. They stroll up to the market stall where the barista girl is present.]
BARISTA GIRL: [She notices Vee] Ah, finally you're here!
VEE: Um... Who, me?
BARISTA GIRL: Yeah! Masha told me how lonely they were without you.
MASHA: [Jokingly] I certainly did not say that!! [They glance at Vee] But it's nice to have you here...
VEE: ...So what's the favor you wanted me to do?
[Masha points at the dragon necklace on display.]
MASHA: I need you to lend me twenty dollars for this dragon necklace! [Embarrassed] I forgot my wallet at home...
VEE: [She exclaims] Twenty bucks?! Geez, I don't know, Masha... That is a lot of money.
MASHA: [Nonchalantly] Don't worry, I'll pay you back when we get back to my place!
[Right as Masha says "my place", Vee blushes again.]
VEE: [Convinced] I-I do have a few pennies on me, now when I think of it.
[Vee fumbles in her pockets. She grabs a handful of golden coins that she has on her.]
BARISTA GIRL: [She groans] Ugh! Finally, someone's buying something...
[She puts the money on the table. However, the barista girl notices something.]
BARISTA GIRL: ...What kind of money is this?
[It is revealed that the coins are Snail currency from the Demon realm.]
VEE: What do you mean?
BARISTA GIRL: [She inspects a Snail coin closely] These don't look like cents... They look like another currency!
[Vee starts sweating anxiously.]
MASHA: They kind of look like snails, to be honest.
VEE: [She chuckles nervously] Ahahaha!! That's because they are snails! It's a form of currency in another country.
BARISTA GIRL: Uh-huh. And what country?
VEE: [Stammering] Um... Uh... D-Demonica...?
[Vee facepalms over what she just said.]
BARISTA GIRL: Yeah, that sounds realistic. [Firmly] But I'm afraid I can't accept these.
VEE: W-Why not?
BARISTA GIRL: [Blatantly] Because I only accept money that isn't from a foreign region.
[She turns even more worried and upset than before.]
VEE: [She implores] Isn't there any way I could get it?! I could pay you back when I have the chance!!
[Masha notices that Vee is starting to panic.]
MASHA: Vee, it's okay! It's only a necklace.
VEE: No, it's not okay!! I promised you I was gonna help you out, and I failed you!
MASHA: [Calm and collected] Just try to calm down, alright?
[Vee starts to hyperventilate thereafter. Masha tries to comfort her. The barista girl is unsure of what to do.]
BARISTA GIRL: [Surrenders] Okay, okay, fine! Just take it, already! [She hands the dragon necklace over to Vee]
[She drops the necklace into the palm of Vee's hands.]
VEE: [Calms down slightly] R-Really?I--I can't accept this! Isn't this considered stealing?
BARISTA GIRL: [Annoyed] Look, did you want the necklace or not? You should be grateful I'm giving away things for free!
VEE: Uh... [She grins] Y-Yeah... I am grateful, I guess.
BARISTA GIRL: Good. Pleasure doing business with you...
[Masha grabs Vee's hand and smiles at the barista girl.]
MASHA: [Waving her hand] Thank you so much for the gift!
[They drag Vee along as they both walk away from the market stall.]
BARISTA GIRL: [She gazes at them as they leave] Yeah, whatever.
[After they've strolled a few feet away from the stall, Masha halts and glances at Vee.]
MASHA: [Worriedly] Hey, that wasn't a real panic attack back there, right?
VEE: [Acts cool, lying] What?! Pshh, naah! I only pretended so I could persuade her into giving me the necklace!
MASHA: [Intrigued] No way, you can do that?! You could make someone do anything for you!
VEE: Yeah, but I'm not the type of girl to do that. [Turns cheeky] And I believe that this belongs to you, my love!
[Vee hands over the necklace with the dragon symbol to Masha.]
MASHA: [They put the necklace on] Aww, thank you! I owe you one for being so nice to me...
[Vee's cheeks reddens again and she smiles, flattered.]
[...However, Masha's eyes widens as they notice something wrong with Vee.]
MASHA: [Surprised] Whoa! Have you always had those white spots on your face...?
[Vee is now revealed to have white freckles on her cheeks as the magic is starting to wear off, supposedly from all the stress she's been facing.]
VEE: W-What are you talking about?
MASHA: Take a look for yourself.
[Masha opens the camera app on their phone and puts it in "Selfie mode". They hand Vee the phone and she sees her own reflection on the screen.]
VEE: [She notices the white freckles] HUH?!?!
[Vee quickly turns away from Masha and covers her face with her right hand.]
VEE: [Whispers to herself, alarmed] Oh crap, the magic is starting to wear off!! If it runs out completely, I'm screwed!
MASHA: ...Who are you talking to?
[Vee realizes she was talking to herself and turns back to Masha.]
VEE: [Smiles nervously again] Eheh, no one in particular! A-And I think these white spots are just an allergic reaction.
MASHA: What kind of allergy?
[Vee goes quiet again, trying to think of something to say in response.]
VEE: T-That's a story for another time. [Diversionary] Say, how about we continue exploring the market, eh? We have much left to check out!
[Vee steps behind Masha and starts pushing them. Masha is still very puzzled about what just happened.]
MASHA: O-Okay...?
[Later on, Vee and Masha have made it to the middle of the town square, walking alongside each other.]
MASHA: [Inspecting her necklace] I must say, I'm starting to get used to this dragon necklace, now!
VEE: Yeah, it kind of suits you. It's like a mix between imperial and gothic style!
MASHA: [They wink] I think you look pretty, too, with that new look you have going on.
[Vee realizes again that she still has the white freckles. She whimpers, embarrassed.]
MASHA: [They gasp as they notice something] No way, is that a Shoot-a-shot machine?!
[Masha halts and points at a basketball arcade game that has been placed next to them.]
VEE: Oh yeah, I remember this!
[They approach the basketball game.]
MASHA: Me and Luz used to play this all the time at the summer camp! [Energetic] They had an arcade there that you could go to during the breaks.
[Masha still hasn't realized that Vee was pretending to be Luz back at the "Reality Check Summer Camp".]
VEE: [Winces] Yeah... You and Luz.
MASHA: You wanna give it a shot? If you get over a thousand points, I'll buy you a milkshake, later.
VEE: ...But we don't have any money, remember?
MASHA: Maybe your "Foreign currency" will help us out!
[Masha holds up a snail coin that Vee tried to pay with earlier. They put the penny in the coin slot.]
ANNOUNCER VOICE: [From the machine speaker] Welcome to Shoot-a-shot!!
[Against all odds, the Snail manages to make the arcade machine activate. Five basketballs falls down the ramp.]
VEE: [Surprised] I can't believe it; it actually worked!! How did you do that?
MASHA: I don't know?! I thought it would spit it out again!
VEE: [She thinks to herself] Maybe Eda calibrated it while she was terrorizing the town...
MASHA: Eda? Who's Eda?
[Vee realizes she said Eda's name out loud.]
VEE: [Embarrassed again] I've said too much, haven't I?
[Masha grabs a basketball from the ramp.]
MASHA: You wanna do the honors? [They hand the basketball over to Vee]
VEE: [Unsurely accepts the basketball] Okay... But I'm not as good as you think.
MASHA: It's simple! You get points for every time you shoot the ball into the hoop.
VEE: I suppose I'll give it a try...
[Vee presses the "START" button and a timer pops up on a screen. It starts at 60 seconds and begins counting down.]
VEE: Here we go... Hup!!
[She tosses the first basketball lightly, but she misses the hoop.]
ANNOUNCER VOICE: [From the machine speaker] Ooh, that's too bad!
VEE: Aw, shucks! That means I lose, right?
MASHA: No, keep going!! The clock is still ticking!
[Vee hurriedly grabs another basketball and throws it. She misses again.]
ANNOUNCER VOICE: [From the machine speaker] You are terrible at this game!
MASHA: C'mon, you almost got it!
[She throws a third basketball, but it hits the rim and bounces away.]
ANNOUNCER VOICE: [From the machine speaker] A toddler throws better than you!
VEE: [Frustrated] Okay, that voice is seriously starting to get on my nerves.
MASHA: [Exclaims] Ignore the voice, just keep throwing!!
[Vee throws her fourth ball and misses.]
ANNOUNCER VOICE: [From the machine speaker] You throw worse than my Grandma!
[She growls, annoyed by the voice from the arcade.]
[She then throws her fifth ball and misses once again.]
ANNOUNCER VOICE: [From the machine speaker] You would never join my team if I was the coach!
[Vee frowns as she shoots her sixth basketball. It misses.]
ANNOUNCER VOICE: [From the machine speaker] Just give up, already!
VEE: Grrrr...
[Building up anger, she starts gnarling her teeth. Vee throws again and misses.]
ANNOUNCER VOICE: [From the machine speaker] Hey, did you drop in from "Loser Town" or somethin'?
VEE: [She outbursts] SHUT UP!!!
[Eventually, she enrages. Using all of her strength, Vee hurls the last basketball with force. The basketball penetrates right through the hoop and leaves a massive hole in the arcade machine. Masha is left with their mouth agape...]
[The machine starts malfunctioning and glitching. On the screen, it now says that Vee managed to get a score of 1,000,000 points.]
ANNOUNCER VOICE: [From the machine speaker] Congratulations! You win!!
BYSTANDERS: Woo-hoo!!
[The score catches everyone's attention. An entire crowd of bystanders surrounds Vee and Masha and starts applauding them.]
WOMAN IN THE CROWD: That teenage girl just scored a million points!
GUY IN THE CROWD: How is that even possible?!
[Vee is staring down at the ground while breathing heavily, trying to control her emotions after the outburst.]
[Masha realizes that something is wrong with her mental health. They approach Vee slowly.]
MASHA: [Concerned] V-Vee? Are you okay?
VEE: [Panting] I... I don't know... I feel like I'm gonna-- WAH?!
[Then abruptly, Vee's green serpent tail grows out from her back as her magic is getting used up. Masha gets startled and takes a step back.]
VEE: Oh, no!!
[She tries to cover it up, but the tail is too big for her hands. The onlookers goes over to chattering quietly with each other about Vee's tail.]
VEE: [Uncomfortable] P-Please turn away, everyone... T-There's nothing to see here!
GUY IN THE CROWD: [Silently] Is that a real tail?
WOMAN IN THE CROWD: [Silently] I think it might be a costume...
[She buries her face into her hands, getting more and more anxious.]
[Masha is aware of Vee's discomfort and intervenes. They dash in front of her and protects her from the observers.]
MASHA: [Exasperated] Okay, show's over, everyone!! There is nothing to see here, so just turn away!
[Masha leads Vee out of the crowd, having her arm around her shoulder. Everyone gets out of the way as the pair passes by.]
MASHA: [Comforting Vee] Come on. Let's go somewhere where people won't stare at us!
[Vee cheers up a bit, finding relief in Masha's presence.]
VEE: O-Okay...
[They leave the area, but everyone continues staring at them.]
[Someone familiar is seen in the crowd, as he peers over another person. That guy is none other than Jacob Hopkins; the former GHS worker that captured Vee two years ago.]
JACOB: [He peers at Masha and Vee] Hmm... Interesting...
[A while later again, Masha and Vee are sitting by a picnic table next to a hot dog vendor, present in the marketplace. They are sitting across from each other.]
VEE: Thanks for protecting me from the crowd earlier. I thought I was gonna get humiliated there for a second...
MASHA: Don't worry about it! [Ashamed] ...And I'm sorry if I was stressing you out. I get kinda competitive around those arcade games.
VEE: [She smiles] It's okay, I forgive you.
...
...
[It goes awkwardly silent between them. Masha glances at Vee's tail, which is now wagging back and forth.]
MASHA: [They break the silence] So, um... How long has this been happening to you?
VEE: What do you mean?
MASHA: Y'know, the tail... and the... the white spots all over your face?
VEE: [Shrugs it off] Oh, it's nothing, really. It's just a birth defect, that's all!
[Masha is not amused over Vee's answer.]
MASHA: [They raise an eyebrow] A "birth defect". Really...
VEE: Yeah, it kind of runs in the family!
MASHA: [Questioning] So you're telling me everyone in your family has tails like you?
VEE: Yeah, pretty much!
MASHA: [Annoyed] Okay I know you're lying, so just tell me the truth, already.
[Vee gives in.]
VEE: [She makes a defeated sigh] I guess I can't hide it anymore... I'll tell you the truth, but you can't tell this to anyone else!
[It switches perspective to the guy running the hot dog vendor. He is a blonde, middle-aged teenager with acne, wearing a red and yellow uniform.]
[Jacob stands up next to him, wearing the exact same uniform.]
JACOB: Hey, do you mind if we switch places? I need to spy on those teenagers sitting over there!
[The teenager stares at Jacob with a weirded-out face.]
BLONDE TEENAGER: That is extremely weird, dude.
JACOB: [Growls, frustrated] Grgh! Whatever, just get out of here!
[The teenager runs away and Jacob takes his place.]
JACOB: [He inspects Vee's tail] I recognize that tail from somewhere. I'm gonna get to the bottom of this!
[Jacob begins eavesdropping on their conversation. Vee begins telling the truth.]
VEE: The truth is... This is not what I actually look like. This appearance is just a disguise that I've been using in order to hide away my true form. [Hesitant] I'm-- I'm a shapeshifter!
MASHA: [They gasp, amazed] Get out of here!!
VEE: The problem is that I need magic in order to shapeshift. [She rolls her eyes] And since I don't have magic, my disguise is starting to run out, which is why my tail is showing...
[Masha is completely lost for words.]
MASHA: I-- I don't know what to say. All this time, magic has actually existed all around us... [Turns curious] So since I know about your secret now, does this mean I get to see your true form?
VEE: No!! No one can see it! Everyone would freak out if I showed my true self!
MASHA: Vee, we've been friends for almost two years now. I think I could handle it.
VEE: [Unsurely] I--I'm still not sure if I'm ready, yet. I don't want to frighten you with the way I look.
[Masha nods, understandably.]
MASHA: Don't worry about it. If you're not ready, you can show me whenever you feel like it.
VEE: [She smiles] Thanks, Masha. You're a good friend.
MASHA: [They lean closer to Vee] So... You said something about magic being involved in your disguise, right? How exactly does that work?
VEE: It's a very long story. But since you want to know so badly, it all started with--
???: Ah! There you are!
[Someone interrupts Vee right as she was about to tell her backstory. The person is a middle-aged man with white beard and hair. He is wearing a green coat and black jeans, completed with some red business shoes.]
???: [He approaches Masha] I had a feeling you would be around here somewhere!
MASHA: Dad?? I didn't expect to see you around here!
[It's revealed that the man is Masha's Father.]
MASHA'S DAD: Well, I figured that I could shop for one of those fancy necklaces you've been nagging so much about!
MASHA: Oh, you don't need to buy me that, anymore! My friend over here already covered that for me.
[Masha shows their Dad the dragon symbol on the necklace.]
MASHA'S DAD: [Inspecting the necklace] Whoa, that looks so intriguing! It almost looks like an amulet...
MASHA: [To Vee] Yeah as you can see, my Dad is also a fan of mystical objects and witchcraft. Just like me!
VEE: Ehehe, yeah...
[Vee makes an awkward grin, feeling uncomfortable again.]
[Masha's Father proceeds to lean closer to Vee.]
MASHA'S FATHER: You're Vee, right? [Gratefully] Thank you so much for buying that necklace for them! Masha's been talking non-stop about something new to put around her neck.
VEE: W-Well, I'm glad I could help.
MASHA: She didn't actually buy it... It was more of a present that we received.
MASHA'S FATHER: [To Masha] So let me guess, did you two also buy the realistic tail that she is wearing?
[He points at Vee's tail, still wagging.]
VEE: M-My tail?
MASHA'S FATHER: [Intrigued] It looks so intriguing... I also like the way it's wagging back and forth. Is it a robot-tail?
[Masha notices that Vee is feeling more and more uneasy.]
MASHA: [Annoyed] Yeah, we're not really supposed to talk about the tail, Dad!
MASHA'S FATHER: What?? I'm just complimenting her cosplay!
MASHA: Yeah, but maybe she doesn't want to be complimented!
VEE: [She acts pleasant] No no, it's okay! I can take it, Masha.
MASHA'S FATHER: See? It doesn't hurt to ask! So, Vee... How exactly do you attach the tail to your body?
MASHA: [Exclaims nervously] Dad??!
MASHA'S FATHER: [He shrugs] I'm just curious about how it works!
MASHA: Yeah, but that question was very uncalled for!
[Then, Vee hurriedly gets up from her seat.]
VEE: Well it's been fun today, Masha, but I really need to get going, now!
MASHA: Already? But weren't we supposed to walk over to my house?
VEE: [Visibly upset] Y-Yeah, but maybe we could do that later? I think I need to be left alone for a bit...
MASHA: Oh. I can understand that...
VEE: [Awkwardly] S-See you later!
[Vee walks away from the picnic bench, hanging her head downwards.]
MASHA: [To their dad, snarling] What do you think you're doing?!
MASHA'S FATHER: What did I do??
MASHA: You embarrassed her by asking her dumb questions!!
MASHA'S FATHER: [Raises his voice, grumpily] Well excuse me, but that tail can't possibly be real, right?!
MASHA: [Miffed] By the sounds of it, you should've attended that summer camp. Not me!
[In the background, Jacob follows Vee with his sight.]
JACOB: I can't believe it... It's her... [Overjoyed] It's actually her!! It's the same demon creature I captured two years ago! So that's where she was hiding this whole time!
[He rubs his hands together.]
JACOB: [Mischievously] Well this time, I will make sure she doesn't escape from me again! And when I recapture her, Mayor Maven will finally let me work for the government!
[After he is done talking to himself, the same blonde guy from before confronts Jacob again.]
BLONDE TEENAGER: Hey dude, my boss just called me. He said that you're fired for trading shifts with me, dude.
JACOB: [Hostile] I don't even work at this vendor, you idiot!!
[Jacob pushes the teenager away from him and runs off, disappearing behind a bush.]
[After a long promenade, Vee has made it back to the Noceda residence again. She strolls up to the front door.]
[Downhearted, she reaches for the house key in her pockets and is ready to unlock the door.]
VEE: Hm?
[Vee rotates to her left and checks out the backyard. She spots the unfinished harvesting of the parsnips that she left behind when she was in a hurry.]
VEE: I suppose I could finish pulling up the parsnips while I'm at it...
[She steps away from the porch and walks over to the vegetable garden behind the white fence. She gets down on her knees and begins pulling on a parsnip...]
VEE: [Straining herself] Hngh!! Give in, already!!
[An hour later, the sun is setting in the horizon. Vee enters the house from the backyard, carrying a basket filled with parsnips. She walks across and enters the bathroom next to the kitchen.]
[In the bathroom, she turns on the faucet by the sink and water starts running down. Vee grabs a parsnip from the basket and begins rinsing it from dirt and soil.]
VEE: Let's get you all nice and clean, my darlings! [She puts the parsnip aside and reaches for the basket]
[However as Vee picks up another "parsnip" from the basket, it's shown to be the carrot that she harvested earlier.]
VEE: ...
[She stares at the carrot thoughtfully, in silence. She notices that the carrot is completely spotless from any dirt, despite it being pulled up from the ground.]
VEE: I don't think you need to be washed, little friend. [She puts the carrot aside] AAHH!! What the–?!
[After putting the carrot aside, Vee tilts her head upwards and looks herself in the bathroom mirror. She sees that sharp fangs are now sticking out of her mouth.]
VEE: [She groans tiredly] Why does this keep happening to me?!
[She is close to punching the mirror, but she calms herself down.]
VEE: [Collects herself] Okay... Vee, just calm down. You don't have to show yourself to anyone until Luz comes home! She'll have all the magic for you to consume when she gets back.
[After rinsing, Vee opens the door to her and Luz's bedroom upstairs. She enters, carrying the basket of vegetables with her. She puts it on a shelf next to the bunk bed.]
VEE: [She checks out the sunset from the window] Hopefully they will be back in the morning...
[Vee stroll's over to the lower bed where Luz usually sleeps.]
VEE: I hope Luz doesn't mind if I use her bed. [She lays down on Luz's bed and tucks herself in]
[Before going to sleep, Vee stares at the basket on the shelf. The carrot is sticking out among the parsnips, peeking out from the basket.]
[Vee closes her eyes and drifts off to sleep...]
[Change to nighttime. Outside the window, the full-moon and stars are visible in the sky. Vee is sleeping soundly in the bed, leaning to the side.]
(Knock!) (Knock!) (Knock!)
[Someone knocks on the window. It makes Vee wake up.]
VEE: [Wearily] Mmh... What's going on...?
[She sits up and rubs her eyes. She turns to the window and sees Masha standing outside on a ladder.]
VEE: Masha?
[She gets up and slides up the window.]
VEE: [Surprised] W-What are you doing here?
MASHA: I came here to check on you! You never came over to my place like we said!
VEE: [She cringes] Ssss... Yeah, sorry about that. I was tired when I came home and--
[Masha interrupts Vee by putting their finger in front of her lips.]
MASHA: Shh... It's okay, we can hang out now, instead!
VEE: [Exclaims] R-Right now?! But it's in the middle of the night!
MASHA: It's better late than never, right?
[Masha slides down the ladder and lands on their feet in the backyard.]
MASHA: [Distant] Let's get going! There's something I want to show you!
[Vee reluctantly sighs and climbs out the window. She slides down the window before climbing down.]
[Over at Masha's house, it's revealed that they live in a small, french country-style mansion, with the exterior walls being made out of bricks and the roof tiles being painted in black.]
[Inside the mansion, Vee and Masha are tiptoeing in the upstairs hallway. The hallway walls are painted in black as well.]
MASHA: [Whispers to Vee] Try not to wake up my Father! He's a good sleeper, but he can wake up pretty easily!
[They sneak across an open door, which leads into Masha's Father's bedroom. Their Dad is sleeping in a king-sized bed, snoring loudly.]
MASHA'S DAD: [Talking in his sleep] Wh-- Who goes there?! Get out of my house...
[They enter Masha's room and gently closes the door behind them.]
VEE: [She takes a look around] Whoa! Is this your room? It's so... invigorating.
[Masha's room is shown to be decorated with several posters of "Emo rock" bands. There is also a nonbinary flag hanging over their bed.]
MASHA: [Apathetic] Eh, it needs a little redecorating here and there... But it's comfy, right?
[They rush over to their nightstand and grabs their wallet.]
MASHA: [They take out a 20-dollar-bill] Oh and by the way, here's the twenty bucks I owe you!
VEE: F-For what?
MASHA: For the necklace you got for me, silly!
VEE: [Confused] ...But I got the necklace for free?
MASHA: I know, but it's still worth twenty dollars. So it's only fair if I give you twenty dollars!
[Masha grins somewhat creepily at Vee. Vee suspects that they are hiding something.]
VEE: [Suspiciously] Masha... Why exactly did you bring me here?
MASHA: [Gives in] Okay, I'm not entirely sure if this is gonna work, but the reason I brought you here is because I wanted to show you this.
[Vee sits down on Masha's bed. Masha grabs a deck of cards sitting on their desk. The cards are revealed to be "Hexes Hold'em" cards.]
VEE: Hexes Hold'em cards? [Joyfully] I forgot you had these!
MASHA: You mentioned before that you needed to consume magic in order to shapeshift. I believe that these cards are enchanted with magic, so that's why I want you to have them.
[Vee accepts the card deck. She sniffs the cards and senses that there's still magic in them.]
VEE: ...If I drain all the magic from these cards, they'll be useless to you. Aren't you gonna be upset when they stop working?
MASHA: [Shrugs it off] Don't worry, I already have another set of them. There's a bunch of these decks back at the museum!
...
...
...
MASHA: [Continues] But... I am gonna be a bit upset when you return back to normal again.
[Masha makes a concerned expression. Vee glances at Masha.]
VEE: Look, I know you want to see my true form so badly, but you have to understand that I don't want to frighten--
MASHA: Yeah, yeah, I know... But why are you so determined to not be yourself??
VEE: W-What do you mean by that?
MASHA: [Sincerely] You are hiding from everyone by being someone you don't want to be! This is the perfect chance to show the world who you are, but you are abstaining yourself!
VEE: Masha, you have to understand that where I come from, my species were hunted on a daily basis! I don't want to risk the same thing happening around these humans!
[Masha sits next to Vee on the bed and grabs her hands. They hold them firmly.]
MASHA: [Confidently] But I am not someone that would hunt you, right? You're the best friend I've ever had, and no matter what happens, I would never leave your side!
[Vee ponders again in silence. Disappointed, Masha looks down at the floor.]
MASHA: [Sad acceptance] But if this is what you want to do, then I won't stop you. I'm not gonna interfere with your choices...
[But Vee has already decided what to do. Determined, she puts the cards aside and stands up.]
VEE: No, you know what? You're right! I'm gonna show you what lies underneath this disguise!
MASHA: Really? [She laughs] Yes!!That's the spirit, buddy!
VEE: But I'm only gonna show this to you because I trust you! After that, I'm returning back to my human disguise!
MASHA: [Respectfully] I understand completely! It's your choice, remember?
VEE: [She inhales and concentrates] Okay, here I go... It's time to finally let go.
[She starts to transform as her body starts morphing. Her skin turns green and her clothes start to fade away.]
MASHA: What the–??
[After the transition is done, she is finally back in her basilisk form.]
[Masha is speechless, completely flabbergasted.]
MASHA: [Stuttering] O-Oh my goddess... You are... Y-You are--
VEE: What, is something wrong?
MASHA: No, I'm fine. [Nervously] I just didn't expect you to be a serpent, that's all!
VEE: I'm not really a serpent... I'm actually a basilisk... from the Demon Realm...
MASHA: [Weirded-out] "Demon Realm"? What's a Demon Realm??
VEE: [Shyly] There's a lot of things that I still haven't told you. But since I've shown you what I look like normally, I am willing to confess everything.
[Still nonplussed, Masha stands up from the bed.]
MASHA: O-Okay, I'm listening?
VEE: [She confesses] The Demon Realm... is my home. It's an alternate dimension that exists outside of this world, and it's where I originally came from. I escaped that place because some very bad people wanted to hunt me down; it made me set foot here in Gravesfield ...and it made me take over other people's lives.
MASHA: What do you mean with "Other people"...?
VEE: [Embarrassed] When I mean "Other people", I mean Luz. She went missing in the Demon Realm one day, so I decided to disguise myself as her and live her life here in the Human Realm.
MASHA: S-So the girl I was hanging out with all the time at Summer Camp... It was you all along?
VEE: I'm afraid so... I never wanted to tell you this, because I was afraid you would hate me for it.
[Masha speaks in a softer voice, feeling betrayed and deceived.]
MASHA: [Distressed] So that's why Luz stopped talking to me... We never knew each other to begin with!
[They start feeling lightheaded and dizzy. Masha sits down on the bed again, grabbing their head.]
VEE: [She slithers over to Masha] Masha, are you okay?!
MASHA: Y-Yeah, I think I need a minute... I-It's a lot of things to take in all at once.
[Vee notices how visibly upset Masha looks. She backs away a bit.]
VEE: [Ashamed of herself] I-I'm sorry. I--I didn't mean to upset you like that. I made things worse, didn't I?
MASHA: No!! No, not at all! I just--
[Masha gets interrupted by someone opening the door to their room. It reveals to be their Father, who has woken up.]
MASHA'S FATHER: Hey Masha, I heard some noises downstairs and thought I could check on you-- [He shrieks] AHH!! What in heaven's name is that thing?!?
...
...
[Vee and Masha quickly glances at each other.]
MASHA: Ehehe... Surprise, Dad!
[Masha's Father dashes in front of them and protects them behind his back.]
MASHA'S FATHER: [Hostile to Vee] What kind of creature are you?! I thought the pest control got rid of all of you rodents!
VEE: I'm not a rodent! And I'm not here to hurt anyone!
MASHA'S FATHER: You broke into our house to hurt my child, didn't ya?! [Livid] And how are you talking??!!
MASHA: Dad stop it, you're scaring her!
[Vee glances at the window next to Masha's bed.]
VEE: [Low voice] No... Your father is right. I hurt your feelings by telling you the truth.
MASHA: No, Vee, don't say that!!--
MASHA'S DAD: What is it talking about, Masha?
[Vee climbs up on the windowsill and opens the window.]
VEE: It was a mistake to show myself... [She looks at Masha with teary eyes] Goodbye, Masha.
[She exits through the window and falls to the ground.]
MASHA: [Immediately runs up to the window] Vee!! Vee, wait!
[Looking out the window, Masha sees Vee leaping over the fence in their backyard and disappears.]
[Masha slowly rotates to their Father, antagonized over his behavior.]
MASHA: [Furiously] Dad... What did I tell you about embarrassing my friends?!
MASHA'S FATHER: [Bewildered] That monster was your friend?!
MASHA: Yes, and she's no monster!Now get out of my way!!
[Determined, they storm over to the door to the hallway.]
MASHA'S FATHER: Where are you going?
MASHA: I'm going to get my friend back! Don't follow me!!
[Masha slams the door shut behind them, leaving their Father behind in the room.]
[He is silently in thought...]
MASHA'S FATHER: [Still in shock] I really need to get that kid into family therapy...
[Outside, Vee slithers down the sidewalk at a fast rate of speed while panting.]
VEE: [Apprehensive] What was I thinking?! I should've just stayed at home like I was supposed to!!
[Masha exits their house and runs down the walkway. They follow Vee down the same path she escaped into.]
MASHA: Vee, come back!!
VEE: [Confident] Don't worry, the witches will help me! I'll just head over to the Demon Realm portal and they'll give me all the magic I need!
[Vee runs across a pedestrian crossing.]
VEE: AHH-!!
[Being halfway across, she almost gets hit by a white semi-truck. Fortunately it screeches to a halt. The man driving the truck peeks out the window, wearing a red cap and overalls.]
TRUCKER: [Heavy countryside accent] What in tarnation are you?! I almost ran you over!
VEE: Please, sir! I don't want to hurt you...
TRUCKER: You done look like one of those folktale creatures! [He squints his eyes] Are you the Loch Ness Monster everyone's talkin' about??
[The word "Monster" makes Vee whine.]
VEE: Grah!! [She turns enraged and smashes the windshield on the truck with her tail]
[She continues crawling away. The trucker exits his semi-truck.]
TRUCKER: [Exclaims] My windshield!!
MASHA: Vee, please wait!!
[Masha runs past the distraught trucker.]
[Further down the road, Vee contemplates.]
VEE: Everyone's right; they've always been right! I'm a disguisting freak!
[She makes it up to a crowd of people blocking the way on the pavement.]
VEE: [She pushes everyone out of the way] Sorry, I need to get through!
[Everyone stops to stare at her as she passes by. They do things such a point at her, laugh at her, and so on...]
VEE: [She covers her face] I don't belong here... I don't belong anywhere! I don't even belong in the Demon Realm!
[Masha also makes their way through the same crowd.]
[Vee cuts a corner behind a house and exits the crowd mass. Masha does the same.]
MASHA: [While running] Where exactly are you going?!
VEE: I'm getting everything back to normal! It's the only way to make things right!
MASHA: What do you mean "Make things right"? You're not making any sense!
VEE: [Angrily] Just leave me alone!!
[Vee runs out on the busy road to her right, almost getting hit by several cars. Some of them manages to brake in before hitting her.]
MALE DRIVER: [Honking his horn angrily] Hey!! Get out of the road, you idiot!
[Vee continues running. She stops in the middle of the road, in-between the two lanes where the white line is.]
MASHA: [Shouting] Vee, this is not helping!! You're making things worse than before by showing yourself in public like this!
VEE: And why do you care?! I hurt you before by telling the whole story! I might as well throw myself into a river at this point...
MASHA: [Pleading] I wasn't hurt from what you said! It was a lot to take in all at once for me, so I hesitated! But you did the right thing telling me the truth, okay?!
VEE: Wha--!!
[She almost gets hit by another car passing by and turns back to Masha. Seeing their soft expression, Vee gets a hold of herself and calms down.]
MASHA: [They reach out their hand to Vee] I know I can still trust you...
[Vee gazes at Masha's hand, deciding what to do next...]
[...Then suddenly, wailing can be heard in the distance. Vee spots some police cruisers heading her way down the road, with the sirens turned on. Her eyes widen again in horror.]
VEE: T-They're after me. The people... They called the cops on me! [She begins crawling away again]
[Vee disppears behind some trees after making it over to the other side of the road.]
MASHA: Wait, stop!!
[Masha also runs across the road. On the lane, they, too, almost gets hit by a car, coming to a halt.]
FEMALE DRIVER: [She peeks out the window] Are you insane?! I almost had you killed right there!
[Masha ignores the upset woman and continues following Vee.]
[Further away from the police cruisers, Vee is hastening down the neighborhood, more agitated than before.]
VEE: I'm not getting captured again. I'm not getting captured again. I'm not getting captured again!
[In the distance, the renovated old house next to the Noceda residence is visible. The Collector's portal by the front door can also be seen.]
VEE: [Gasps in ambition] I see the house! I see the house!!
[With her last remaining effort, she slithers over to the house with the goal of reaching the portal. Vee crosses the empty road and enters the property.]
VEE: Once I get to that door, I can finally return to the way I used to be...
[She is close to reaching the doorknob.]
VEE: What the–?!
[Unaware, Vee accidentally glides over a snare trap attached to a tree. The rope tightens around her tail; she gets reeled up in the air and gets hung upside-down.]
VEE: What, no!! No! No! No! [She begins squirming in panic] What is this??
[Jacob, with red paint on his face, ascends from a bush. He confronts the frightened basilisk, who glares at him.]
VEE: You again...
JACOB: [Ominously] Hello, old friend! Remember who I am?
VEE: [Glowers] I could never forget that face, you deranged psychopath!
JACOB: It's been a while since we last had our little confrontation. How have you been?
VEE: I was good until I saw that pathetic face of yours!
JACOB: [He chuckles] Oh, you're so judgmental, Vee. And trust me, everyone thinks I'm pathetic... But I'm not a quitter, despite all the criticism I receive daily!
[Vee quavers upon hearing Jacob mentioning her name.]
VEE: H-How did you--? How do you know my name?
JACOB: Oh, I know lots of things about you! Lots of things...
[Jacob grabs a knife from his pockets and walks behind Vee. He cuts the rope off; Vee plummets to the ground.]
VEE: [She quickly stands up] Back off, or I will--
[Vee freezes when she feels the sharp knife being pointed against her back.]
JACOB: [Whispering threateningly] You better do exactly as I say, or I will slice off your head with this knife!
[With no other choice, Vee obeys starts moving forwards.]
JACOB: [He and Vee takes ten steps forward] Good. Now turn right.
[They both take four steps to the right, with Vee still being help at knifepoint.]
[Behind the bushes, they approach a white delivery van. In the back of the van, there is a door with metal bars leading into an empty cargo area.]
JACOB: Open the door.
[Vee slowly opens the metal barred door.]
VEE: So what happens now-- AH?!
[Jacob pushes her into the back of the truck. He slams the door shut and secures it with a padlock, making Vee get stuck in the cargo area.]
VEE: [Graps onto the metal bars] Please! Why are you doing this to me?!
JACOB: [Sinisterly] Oh, I think you know why. In our last encounter, you escaped and made a fool out of me!
VEE: You were keeping me locked in a prison cell and wanted to do experiments on me! I had no other choice!!
JACOB: While that might be true, I was simply just giving you a new chance to move on. If I had let you continue your normal life, you would eventually get caught by the townsfolk, and you would get killed.
[Realizing that he is right, Vee starts to tear up again.]
JACOB: [Continues] But don't worry, you won't be seeing me much longer. You'll be useless to me once I turn you over to the government. Once I reveal my discovery, they'll offer me a job as a professional researcher!!
VEE: The government...?
JACOB: [He waves] Happy travels, Vee!
[He pulls down the roll-up door and shuts Vee in, leaving her in the darkness.]
VEE: [Muffled shouting] You can't do this to me!! Let me out! LET ME OUT!!
[Jacob whistles a tune and strolls over to the front of the van. He opens the car door and enters the driver's seat.]
[Right as he does so, Masha runs out from the bushes.]
MASHA: [Shouting] Vee?! Vee, are you here, buddy?!
[They hear tires screeching. Masha turns to their left and sees the van reversing out from the compound.]
MASHA: Why did that van leave the Noceda's house...?
[The van drives away. Masha follows the van with their sight, realizing that Vee has been kidnapped.]
[Masha scurries back to the mansion again. They enter the compound and approaches the garage with quick steps, next to the large estate.]
MASHA: [Frantically] This is bad! This is bad! I need something to catch up to her...
[They pull up the garage door and hurries inside. Masha takes a look around.]
Masha: Now where could that be somewhere...? [They switch on the lights] There it is!
[In the corner of the room, a red moped similar to a Vespa is present.]
[They hurry to the moped and quickly finds out the keys are missing.]
MASHA: [Irritated groan] Argh!! Dad must have put the keys away! But maybe I could lockpick it...
[Masha begins fumbling with the ignition lock, trying to fit their long nails into the hole.]
MASHA: [Focused] Come on... come on...
[Their Father suddenly opens the door leading into the mansion.]
MASHA'S DAD: Masha??
MASHA: [Startled, but also relieved] Dad!! Oh, thank Goddess you heard me!
MASHA'S DAD: What are you doing to my moped...?
MASHA: I need to borrow it to get Vee back! Do you have the keys?
MASHA'S DAD: [Strictly] Vee, you're seventeen. You don't even have a driver's license, yet!
MASHA: I knooow! [Pleads] But this is important! She is heading out of town and I need to find her immediately!
[He considers giving them the keys, but hesitates.]
MASHA'S DAD: [He raises his eyebrow] And it's not to show it off to your friends, right?
MASHA: No, of course not! Dad... Please let me have this!
MASHA'S DAD: I suppose I owe you a favor after I scared your little reptile friend away. Here, you can have 'em! [He tosses his keys over to Masha]
[Masha catches the key to the moped. They shove it into the ignition hole and the moped starts up.]
MASHA: [Victorious] Yes!! Thank you, thank you! I promise I'll bring it back unhinged.
MASHA'S DAD: I know you will. Have a safe journey out there!
[They sit down on the moped and begins revving up the engine...]
MASHA'S DAD: Wait!!
[...Masha is close to driving off, but their Dad stops them.]
MASHA'S DAD: Don't forget to put on a helmet before you leave!
[They roll their eyes and puts on a red helmet sitting on the ground.]
MASHA: [They smile] Thanks for being such a great Dad...
MASHA'S DAD: I might be a great Dad, but I'm definitely going to prison for letting you do this.
[Masha giggles and turns the throttle. The moped drives out of the garage at full speed.]
[Going back to the Jacob again, he has made it out on the freeway with the van. He is humming along with the song playing on the radio while driving.]
JACOB: [Remembers something] Ooh! Maybe I should call the Mayor and tell her I'm on my way!
[He irresponsibly grabs his phone from the glove compartment and begins phoning the Mayor of Gravesfield.]
...
...
[Switching over to a new location. In the outskirts of town, a large manor is resting on top of a hill, with a road leading up to the front gates. In one of the rooms inside the manor, Mayor Maven is sleeping in her bed.]
(((Vibrating)))
[Her phone on the nightstand starts ringing, vibrating.]
MAYOR MAVEN: [She wakes up drowsily] Mmm... Who's there...?
[She grabs her round glasses and puts them on before checking her phone.]
MAYOR MAVEN: Who on Earth would call me in the middle of the night?? [She answers the call and holds the phone close to her ear]
JACOB: [From the other end] Mayor Maven!! Are you there?
[Hearing Jacob's voice, Maven pinches her forehead.]
MAYOR MAVEN: [Frustrated] Oh, for crying out loud... What do you want now, Jacob?! It's four in the morning!
JACOB: Yes, I'm fully aware of that. [Eager] But I assure you, I called you for a good reason!
MAYOR MAVEN: Let me guess, you made another revolutionary discovery--
JACOB: [Interrupts] I have made another revolutionary discovery!
MAYOR MAVEN: [Sarcastically] Yup, I called it...
JACOB: And trust me, this time my discovery will literally blow your socks off!
MAYOR MAVEN: [Raises her voice] Mister Hopkins, last time you tried to convince me that the moon landing was fake! How exactly am I supposed to believe you this time?
JACOB: This time it's different, I swear! And for the record, the moon landing was fake!
[Maven facepalms.]
JACOB: No this time, I actually have solid proof! I have captured a demon!!
MAVEN: [She freezes] Wait... Could you repeat that?
JACOB: [Proudly] You heard that right! You remember that green little shapeshifter I've been mentioning to you? Well, I'm driving it to your location right now!
MAVEN: R-Right now?! Jacob, I'm trying to sleep here! And once again, how am I supposed to believe that you're telling the truth?
JACOB: [Desperately] The creature is in the back of the van, and I promise I'm telling the truth right now! Could you please just me another chance to prove myself? Pleaaaaseee...?
[Maven goes silent. After reasoning with herself, she sighs.]
MAYOR MAVEN: [Reluctantly] Very well, I'll give you one more chance.
JACOB: Yes!!
MAYOR MAVEN: But if you screw this up again, I'll throw you out of town with my bare hands! Head first!
JACOB: You won't be disappointed. I'll be there in about fifteen minutes, byeeeeeee~!!
[Jacob hangs up the phone. Behind the walls, he can hear someone sniveling.]
[He slides open a viewing slot next to him and sees Vee lying down on the ground with tears running down her eyes.]
JACOB: [Smug] Aww, don't be so upset... The scientists will take better care of you when I hand you over to them!
[He closes the viewing slot, leaving Vee in the darkness again.]
JACOB: Now let's see what else is on the radio!
[A parody of "A Horse with No Name" by America starts playing.]
JACOB: Oh, I love this song!! [He turns up the volume and bobs his head to the song]
[Meanwhile behind them, someone is approaching them at full speed. It is shown to be Masha on their Dad's yellow moped.]
MASHA: I hope I'm right about this...
[They drive the moped forwards to the back of the van. They try to reach the handle on the roll-up door, but to no avail.]
MASHA: [Straining their arm] Hngh!! I can't... quite... reach it!!
[Masha draws back their arm and looks around. They propel the moped over to the left side.]
[Checking into the front window, they see Jacob driving, singing along with the radio.]
JACOB: [Singing] I've been through the valley on a horse named James!
It felt good to be out of Spain!
In the valley, you will remember James--
MASHA: Ugh! Of course it's that guy again...
[Masha steers the moped to the backside again.]
MASHA: [Glances down at the moped] Dad's gonna kill me for this, but I have no other choice...
[They begin standing up on their seat, with the right hand still on the throttle. Masha prepares herself to jump...]
MASHA: Waaah!!
[They leap over to the back of the van. Masha lands on a small ledge.]
[With no one controlling it, the moped starts to swerve. It falls to the side and scrapes against the asphalt until it comes to a stop.]
MASHA: [Surprised] Oh! Well, I guess the moped didn't get so damaged.
[Suddenly a red car drives right through the moped without stopping, wrecking it completely.]
MASHA: [Miffed] Typical...
[Masha begins knocking on the metal.]
MASHA: Vee?! Vee, are you in here?!
[Inside the van, Vee lifts her head up from the ground.]
VEE: Masha?
[Masha rolls up the door and spots Vee behind the bars.]
MASHA: [Overjoyed] Vee!! I'm so glad you're okay!
VEE: W-Why are you here?
[They begin inspecting the padlock keeping Vee inside.]
MASHA: I'm rescuing you, you dummy! And don't worry, I'll free you from this lunatic!
[Masha takes off the red helmet. They begin striking the helmet against the padlock in order to break it.]
MASHA: [Grunting for every hit] Almost... loose... gngh... Vee, come help me out with his lock!!
[No response from Vee.]
MASHA: Vee, what's wrong?
[Depressed, she is facing the corner with her head turned downwards.]
VEE: [Soft-spoken] Y'know... I realized something while I was running away. Why is it that whenever I try to make things right, things always change for the worse instead?
MASHA: Tch! Come on, Vee, you know that's not true!
VEE: [She faces Masha] It is true! I came to this realm to escape imprisonment, but everyone wants to hurt me here, too, just like in the Demon Realm! I don't belong anywhere, Masha... And I certainly don't belong in Gravesfield either.
MASHA: [In disbelief] S-So what are you saying? Don't you want to be rescued...?
[Vee faces the corner again.]
VEE: Perhaps not... I think I belong in a prison cell. Because at the end of the day, everyone is gonna look down on me no matter what. It's the way things were meant to be...
[Masha says nothing. Vee goes silent as well, accepting her fate.]
[...But Masha is unable to accept Vee's choice and begins growling. They go back to hitting the padlock with the helmet.]
MASHA: [Grunting louder] Grah! Gyah!!
VEE: What are you doing?
[Vee slithers up to the metal bars.]
VEE: Masha, stop it! I told you I don't want to be rescued!--
MASHA: No, it's time for me to tell you something! I don't know what you are or where you came from! But you're still my friend, and friends have to look out for each other! [Shouts furiously] Now help me with this lock, already!!
[She is taken aback by their sudden yelling. Vee finally gains a bit of confidence.]
VEE: Okay... I guess I'll help you. [She grabs onto the padlock]
MASHA: Do you have something to strike with?
VEE: I could always use my tail?
MASHA: Won't that hurt you??
VEE: [She shrugs] Eh, I've been through enough pain today, already.
MASHA: [Braces themselves] Okay. begin hitting!!
[They begin bashing the padlock with brute force repeatedly; Vee uses her tail and Masha uses their helmet to strike.]
MASHA: Wait... Isn't he gonna notice the banging?
[It quickly shows Jacob again. He continues singing along to the tune.]
JACOB: La, laaaa la la la la la, la la la, laaaa laaa...
VEE: [She overhears his singing] Nah, I don't think that'll be a problem.
[They continue their hitting. Nothing seems to be happening.]
MASHA: Is something happening??
VEE: It doesn't look like it... [Painfully] My tail can't handle much longer!!
[Masha spots something in front of them. The Mayor's manor is seen in the distance.]
MASHA: I don't think we have much time left.
VEE: What do you mean...?
MASHA: The van is driving up to a manor... I think it's the Mayor's property.
VEE: [Horrified exclaim] Wait, the Mayor?! Then what are we waiting for; let's break me free before he gets there!
[They hit again. The van is nearing the gates to the manor.]
[After a bit more bashing, the padlock is finally starting to loosen.]
MASHA: There we go! A few more strikes should do it!
[Vee delivers the final blow and the padlock breaks into pieces. The metal barred door swings open.]
VEE: [Worn out] Ah, finally! That took way more effort than expected...
MASHA: [Panting] Good teamwork, my demon companion!
[After the success, Masha locks eyes with Vee. They start feeling attracted towards her, as Masha's eyes begin to sparkle.]
VEE: [Confused] What are you looking at, Masha?
MASHA: [Lost in thought] Oh nothing, I was just thinking about something.
VEE: [She checks behind Masha] So, um... What's the next plan?
[Masha rotates and becomes aware of how fast the van is heading up the road.]
MASHA: [Dazed] Woah, that is really fast. [She rolls down the metal door, then grasps onto the ledge.]
VEE: What should we do?
MASHA: We're gonna have to jump!
VEE: Are you crazy?! Jumping from this speed will probably kill us!
MASHA: We don't have a choice! Let's just try to aim for the grass next to the road!
VEE: I-I'm not so sure about this.
[The van is exceedingly close to reaching the gates. The outside of the manor is being patrolled by police officers.]
MASHA: [Impatiently] Come on!! Just grab my hand, already!
VEE: [She grabs Masha's hand] Fine... But let's do it after a countdown, okay? I'll start counting! In three... two--
MASHA: Juuuump!!
VEE: Wait, what-- AHHH!!
[Masha leaps off the ledge and tug Vee with them. They aim towards the grass next to the road.]
VEE: Ouf! Ouw! Owf!!
[The pair tumbles down the steep grass hill before falling into a bush at the bottom of the incline.]
[Few seconds later, Vee and Masha stands up in the bushes, covered in grass and dirt.]
VEE: [Happily] I can't believe it; we made it! And we didn't get wounded either! I thought we were gonna die after--
MASHA: [They cover Vee's mouth and whispers] No time for talking! Let's get out of here before they see us!
[Masha leads Vee away from the manor, heading towards the forest next to the manor.]
[Jacob has made it to the manor entrance with the van. The iron gates slides open and he is allowed to steer the vehicle inside.]
[Mayor Maven is waiting on her parking lot dressed in a white morning robe and slippers. One male and one female cop are also there with her.]
MAVEN: [Grumpily] I can't believe I'm actually going through with this...
[Jacob parks the van in front of her.]
JACOB: [He exits the van] Why so many cops, Mayor? I thought you didn't want an audience!
MAVEN: [Pleasantly] Since we're dealing with a supernatural object, they should at least be on standby for now. So where is this "creature"?
JACOB: I have it in the cargo area! But first, I want to make a proposition to you.
MAVEN: [She raises an eyebrow] Go on...?
JACOB: If I'm gonna hand over the demon to you, I want to be hired by the U.S government in exchange! I know you are powerful enough to make it happen!
MAVEN: [She considers] Well even though you're a madman, that sounds reasonable enough.
JACOB: [Energetic] Really?! Does that mean I'll get the job?
MAVEN: Don't get excited; I'm gonna have to see the creature first before I make my decision.
JACOB: Oh yeah, right. F-Follow me, ladies and gentlemen!
[Jacob, Maven, and the two police officers saunters over to the back of the van. The metal door has been rolled down by Masha.]
JACOB: [Rambling] The demon is right behind this door! Like I said before, it will literally blow your socks off!
FEMALE COP: [Eagerly] Just show us, already!!
JACOB: Feast your eyes, everyone! Let me introduce you to the shapeshifter!
[He rolls up the door and makes a confident face while being turned away from the cell. Obviously, the cargo area is completely empty, with the metal barred door opened.]
[Maven and the police patrol are not amused.]
MALE COP: There's nothing there.
JACOB: What?! [He rotates to the van] T-That's impossible! How did it escape my prison cell??
[Jacob goes down on his knees and peeks underneath the van. He begins sweating out of fear.]
JACOB: I can't believe this... This can't be happening to me!
MAYOR MAVEN: [Exasperated] Jacob Hopkins, what exactly are we looking at?!
JACOB: [He nervously stands up again] Don't worry, I can still fix this! The culprit may have escaped, but I can still find them!
MAYOR MAVEN: "Escaped"?! You promised me I wasn't gonna be disappointed, and now you don't have it with you?!
JACOB: I had, but-- it managed to break free from the van. J-Just give me another chance to find them!
MAYOR MAVEN: [Shakes her head in disapproval] No, I'm afraid my patience has ran out with you. Police, seize this man!
[The two police officers steps up to Jacob and grabs him by the shoulders. The female cop puts handcuffs on him.]
JACOB: Wha- What are you doing?!
MAYOR MAVEN: Mister Hopkins, you are hereby banned from entering Gravesfield for being a disturbance to the public. Do not show your face here ever again!
[They begin leading him to a nearby police cruiser.]
JACOB: [Furious and indignant] Y-You can't do this to me! Do you know who I am? I am conspiracist Jacob Hopkins, and I will not tolerate this treatment! You hear me!? I will NOT tolerate this treatment!!
MAYOR MAVEN: [Apathetically] Yeah yeah, go find another town you can terrorize.
[Despite Jacob's struggles, they shove him into the back seat, forcing him to sit down.]
JACOB: This isn't over, Mayor! I will have my revenge on this town one day! You have treated me like garbage--
[The male cop slams the door on him and his shouting gets muffled.]
[The officers enters the front seats and drives away with Jacob detained for good. Maven watches the car leave the scene.]
MAYOR MAVEN: I really need to find another job...
[After running through the forest to get out of sight, Vee and Masha have arrived in a field with pink lilacs and roses dispersed everywhere. Next to the bed of flowers, there is a lookout point with a view of the town from a cliff. The morning sun is peacefully rising in the horizon.]
[The teenagers stops to take a breather.]
MASHA: [Panting, they look around] He didn't follow us, right?
VEE: No... I think we're safe.
[Exhausted from all the sprinting, Vee and Masha walk over to a tree and sits down on the grass.]
VEE: [Softly] Hey, Masha?
MASHA: Yeah?
VEE: Forget what I said before. I'm happy you came to release me.
MASHA: [They glance at Vee, seeing her downhearted expression] Really? You don't look very happy about it.
VEE: Yeah, I'm still worried about Jacob. Don't you think he's gonna come back for me eventually?
MASHA: [Shrugs it off] Eh, he's probably getting kicked out of town at this point. I wouldn't worry if I were you.
VEE: [Worriedly] But what about the other townsfolk? A lot of people saw my face while I was running away... They're probably out looking for me as we speak!
[Masha is unsure of what to say in response.]
MASHA: Well... If that's the way you feel, then maybe you should go back to your human form again?
[They reach for their pockets. Masha reveals the "Hexes Hold'em" card deck from earlier.]
MASHA: I still have the cards with me if you want to convert!
[She timidly accepts the cards]
VEE: I appreciate the offer, but... [Gloomily] ...Is this really the way to go? Is hiding the only solution I have left?
[Masha caringly puts her arm around Vee's shoulder.]
MASHA: Humans are... complicated species. Whenever we see someone that's different from us, we freak out. Some people are just not ready to accept who you really are, Vee.
VEE: I guess you're right... [She sadly lowers her head.]
MASHA: But hey...
[Vee rotates her head to Masha again.]
MASHA: [Wholeheartedly] ...At least I'm a start, right? Because no matter how worthless you may feel, I think being different is a good thing.
VEE: Y-You really think so...?
MASHA: [They face Vee and smiles] Like I said before; no matter what happens, I will never leave your side...
[Vee smiles back at her. They share eye contact again, affectionately.]
[A few seconds later, they both realize they're holding hands with each other. Vee retracts her hand and her cheeks redden. Feeling affectionate towards Vee, Masha blushes as well.]
VEE: [Shyly] I, um... I think I'm ready to return to my human form again!
MASHA: Y-Yeah, you go ahead and do that!
VEE: [She focuses] Okay... time to concentrate, Vee.
[With her powers, Vee inhales. She starts absorbing the magic from the cards. Masha is witnessing the process in amazement.]
[With the magic ultimately drained, the symbols on the cards disappear. Vee begins transforming with a white glow. Finally, she has shapeshifted back to her human form again, wearing a pumpkin sweatshirt, black jeans and boots.]
[Masha gently caresses Vee's right cheek.]
MASHA: [Blushes again, fondly] There's the sweet, little girl that I remember~...
VEE: [She rests her head in Masha's hand] What do you think should be the next step in our journey...?
MASHA: I think our next step is to take things slowly. Our journey is gonna tough, but eventually, everyone in this town will accept your true self.
VEE: I like that plan very much.
...
...
...
[Unsure of what to do next, Vee and Masha embraces in a warm and gentle hug. Lovingly, they refuse to let go, having their heads leaned against each other.]
MASHA: [Soft whisper] So does this mean I get to visit the Demon Realm someday...?
VEE: Maybe we should wait with that, for now...
[The warm embrace continues. The white lilacs around them glisten in the sunlight...]
[Back at the Noceda's Residence, a few hours later...]
[At the old house, Luz and Camila exits the Collector's portal and steps into the Human realm.]
CAMILA: [Inhales] Ahh... Dulce hogar!
POLICE OFFICER: [Distant] And what did the suspect look like?
[In front of their driveway, someone is talking to a police officer. It reveals to be the disturbed trucker from earlier.]
TRUCKER: [Tense] I'm telling you, partner! The creature was green, had no legs, and it was heading this way!
POLICE OFFICER: [Writes in his notes] Yeah, could you give me some actual descriptions, sir?
TRUCKER: What, you don't believe me?!
POLICE OFFICER: To be honest? Not really.
[The cop walks away. The trucker immediately follows.]
TRUCKER: [Disgruntled] Oh, come on!! I'm telling you the truth!
LUZ: [Perplexed] What on Earth is that all about??
CAMILA: ...I honestly have no idea.
[Luz and Camila starts to approach the Noceda residence.]
LUZ: Do you think that guy was talking about Vee?
CAMILA: We're about to find out...
[Camila opens the door to the house. She and Luz steps inside.]
CAMILA: Vee?! Are you in here?
LUZ: [Shouting] Vee, we're home!
[No response.]
CAMILA: She's upstairs, hopefully. I'll go check on her.
[Camila walks up the stairs to the upper floor. The door to Vee and Luz's bedroom is closed.]
CAMILA: [She knocks on the door] Vee? It's me, your Mother!
[She slowly opens the door...]
CAMILA: Vee, are you--
[Peeking inside the room, she gets met with Vee and Masha sleeping in Luz's bed. They're sleeping in a cuddled-up position, endearingly having their arms around each other. Both of them are smiling with their eyes closed.]
[Luz appears behind Camila. Camila notices that they're both covered in dirt.]
LUZ: [In surprise] Woah! What is happening in here?
CAMILA: [Smiling sweetly] I think they've had a busy day after harvesting all those parsnips.
[Camila sneaks into the room and grabs the basket of parsnips sitting on the shelf.]
CAMILA: We should probably leave them alone. They've earned their rest. [She strolls back to Luz again]
LUZ: [Adoring] I should be mad at Vee for sleeping in my bed... But that is actually really cute!
CAMILA: Come on, let's go downstairs and make parsnip gratin!
[She exits the room and closes the door behind her.]
[Vee and Masha continues their peaceful nap. It is also shown that Vee is sleeping with the carrot she picked up earlier, holding it firmly in her hands.]
[The episode ends.]