The next morning, the two traveled far from the village to where the old man lives.
Diana: So you sure you know where you're going?
Mataro: Hup! Just stick with me, Diana. I know these woods like the back of my hand. (noticed the back of his hand) Hey, that's new.
Mataro trips over an edge and Diana quickly catched him before he falls. Mataro screams as Diana holds him. He stops to notice her holding him still.
Mataro: (chuckles) You're funny. You know, I thought you were gonna…
She drops him on the ground then walks off. Mataro raised his hand up.
Mataro: (offscreen) Wait for me! (lowers his hand)
Later, the two entered a fog as Mataro held Diana's hand for comfort. A few reindeer see them and trot away into the woods. They walked over to the cabin and knocked on the door. There was no answer. Diana wipes the mist of the window and looks through it.
Diana: Guess he's not home.
They heard some wood cutting nearby. The two were startled by it. They starts to hear it down to the woods. As they follow it, they find the old man chopping some logs in half with his axe.
Diana: (quietly) That must be him right?
Mataro: (quietly) That's definitely him.
As Klaus chops off a log with his axe, Diana gasped in fear.
Diana: (quietly; nervous) You sure he's not an axe murderer?
Mataro: (quietly) I don't think so.
Diana: Alright, just ask him for the map… and we'll go. (clears throat as they approach the woodsman) Hello. (clears throat) Hello. Mr… um… (noticed his name on the axe) Klaus, I take it? You remember me from the nice delivery mail you give me? The one about something you had? (chuckles) Diana Cavendish, former postal witch, but we never properly...
Klaus holds out a cutted-side log and rips it in half with his bare hands. The two gulped.
Diana: Uh... I, uh... You see, Mr. Klaus, it seems like word got around that you have a daughter who somehow went beyond the map and, uh… (sees his hook Klaus pulled out) heard about the secret location of the… (as Klaus makes a noose knot) witches. (coughs) So I figured you have the map that has it, we're just coming in and just borrowing it so...
The big man then holds up what appears to be a noose and hands it to the witch.
Diana: Oh, God. Okay. This is it. Here it goes.
She starts to put it around his neck, only for Klaus to grab it and hook a birdhouse on it. He swings it and throws it up to a tree branch to be latched on. On the trees, we see lots of birdhouses with birds inside them.
Diana: Whoa… That is... totally normal. Not a symptom of any mental illness or anything.
Klaus: (walks away) Go away.
Diana: Wait! (trips) Mr. Klaus, sir!
Cut to him heading to his cabin.
Diana: (offscreen) You don't understand! I can't just live here with people forcing me to be as their pet.
Klaus: Not my problem.
Diana: (comes up the hill) Just please listen! We need that map. We'll just borrow it and…
Klaus: No. It does not exist.
Diana: (as Klaus enters his house) Wait! But, but, but, you said.. (the door is closed)
Diana was shocked. Even Mataro.
Mataro: Welp, we tired.
Diana groans in anger and walks to the door. She tries opening it, but it was locked. She then bangs her fist on the door.
Diana: Mr. Klaus! Open up!
He won't respond.
Diana: (groans; facepalms) Humans these days...
She then sits down near the door and tries to think how are they gonna get the map. Mataro then noticed a back door in his cabin. He goes in without Diana noticing. Inside, a pic shows a young Klaus and Lydia near a witch who served them pretty well. Klaus adjusted it but was saddened to miss his wife from far away. Klaus was stubborn but his heart has a soft spot.
Mataro: (offscreen) Mr. Klaus?
Klaus: Hmm?
He turns around and looks down to see Mataro in worry. His eyebrows raised.
Klaus: Wha-what are you...
Mataro: We're here for the map. To the great unknown.
Klaus: Hmm… (sighs) I don't know where it is.
Mataro: The map?
Klaus: The place you talk about. (walks to his stuff) I don't have it. It's not in my possession anymore.
Mataro: Oh… it's gotta be here.
Klaus: It's not here…
Mataro: Huh?
Klaus: (sighs) Get out, please. Before you make anything worse.
Mataro: But… but… we came all this way for...
Klaus: (in rage) Get out!
Mataro gasped in horror then winced in fear. Klaus calms down but knowing how this happens to his daughter once. He didn't mean to scare the child. Not the way her daughter thinks. He sighs then kneels down to him.
Klaus: Why did you come here?
Mataro: Huh?
Klaus: Explain.
Mataro: Oh,... um… (gets up) When the mail route was terminated, some of the witches, including Diana, were brought off by Weasel. I picked her out before it all happened and… she's… not liking the concept of being a pet as a witch. She wants to be free. So… we came to find the place where all witches are free to be whatever they want. And… your daughter has a map of it. If we can just…
Klaus: I don't have a daughter.
Mataro: Huh?
Klaus: (sighs) Not anymore.
Mataro: But you had one right?
Klaus: It's all rumors, kid. Not all facts are true. Details count the most.
Mataro: But… but what about your daughter? Is she real or not?
Klaus: (sadden) ...I wish she was.
Mataro: You know where she went?
Klaus: (sighs; gets up and walks away) Same place she went before she's gone.
Mataro: The Great Unknown…
Klaus gets out a map and rolls it on the ground. He gets out a black chalk and draws a line to the path on the map then over the edge of the map.
Klaus: That's where she went. She heard about the witches living there. Guarded by a bear… and a burnish.
Mataro: Burnish?
Klaus: A fire warlock… hidden in the woods. You and your witch will never make it.
Mataro: Whoa… well… maybe you should… come with us. You know where she went right?
Klaus: (moans) It's not gonna be easy, kid. I'm not sure if I can come.
Mataro: Sure you can. I need to help Diana to be free so she can be my witch again. I dreamed of being in love with a witch since the day I was cursed to be young forever.
Klaus: Hmm… you sure you didn't knock your head too much?
Mataro: Look, we just need to get there. If we go there, we promise to find your daughter. If she's real or not.
Klaus starts to think this through. A small wind drifts to the pic of his family. Looking at it, he decided to make a decision. Outside, while Diana thinks, Klaus opens the door from the inside and pushes Mataro outside. Diana noticed.
Klaus: (offscreen) Tomorrow, we leave. I come with you.
Diana: Huh? Wait what?
The door closed.
Mataro: Thank you, Klaus! (to Diana) Great news, Diana, we're going to the great unknown!
Diana: Great!
Mataro: And Klaus is gonna take us there.
Diana: Huh? Don't tell me that creepy guy is coming with us?
Mataro: He's not creepy. He's just… lonely.
Diana: (sighs) If he makes a wrong turn, I'm blaming this on you.
She gets up and walks off.
Mataro: I'm sure he'll help us.
Diana: (offscreen) I doubt he will!
The next day, they traveled by canoe in the river. Klaus was rowing while Mataro looked over the map. Diana was looking at the path ahead while noticing the fishes in the water, swimming at the opposite of where they're going. Later that night, Klaus finished with the tents while Diana and Mataro were sitting next to a campfire. Mataro was eating some fish while Diana preferred to eat sushi rather than fish. As the storm comes in, Klaus gets to his tent and rests. The two noticed the sky above about to rain.
Mataro: You can sleep with me if you want?
Diana: (sighs) No thank you. You'll kick me out like the last time I used to sleep in a tent.
Mataro: (gets up and goes to his tent) It won't happen again. You're my witch, remember?
Diana: I'm still not your pet, Mataro.
Mataro: Don't forget who saved you from Weasel.
Diana groans but as the rain comes in, she is not amused and goes to his tent to rest. In his tent, Diana moves him over to get some space as she lays down and rests her head on the pillow. She sleeps peacefully. Mataro scooched in from aside of her, having her arm around him and sleeps while snoring. Her eyes snap open and notice she's hugging Mataro while he's sleeping. Diana groans in dismay. The next day, they continued the path in the river. A flock of birds flies in. Diana looks at the river while Klaus rows. Mataro appears aside from her and feels the water moving by his hand. Diana noticed it then he gave her a small splat of water to her face as a joke. He chuckles while Diana is upset. She splat some water on him as payback. She giggled as she started to like this. Later that other night, under a full moon, continued rowing.
Mataro: (singing) Row your boat, row your boat, gently down the stream. Merrily, merrily, merrily, lifes a witch's dream.
Soon, green fireflies appeared around. Diana noticed them in awe as she had never seen them before since her childhood.
Mataro: Whoa… what are they?
Diana: Fireflies…
Mataro: Huh?
One flies near Diana. She holds out her hands for it to land and when it does, she catches it and takes a peek. He then shows it to Mataro with her hands open. Mataro was in awe, then chopped it with her startled by his manners. The firefly, being live, came out of Mataro by his ears. Diana was shocked but giggled to see how well he does. Klaus noticed the joy from her and softly smiles from the day it reminds him of how he used to have some joy. At the next tent out, the two started to get along. Mataro plays the harmonica for Diana but offers her to play it. However, due to his saliva covering it, she gags then pushes it back to him in disgust. Mataro shrugs then plays it. The next morning, they row down the river, only to see rapids up ahead.
Mataro: Rapids!
Klaus: Whoa!
The canoe goes down a fall and moves through the rapids. Klaus steers the boat away from the rocks as they move. Diana screams while Mataro enjoys the ride like a rollercoaster.
Klaus: Ho, ho, ho!
The boat went down another fall, drenching the two wet. Mataro shakes the water off like a dog and some drops hit Diana. She then shakes as well, only for her hair to be fuzzy from being too much water. Mataro chuckled while Diana blushed.
Klaus: You like that, huh?
Diana groans and dries her hair back to normal.
Diana: (to Mataro) Glad you've enjoyed this more than I do.
Mataro: (chuckles) At least things didn't get any worse.
Then, two sprouts of water spring out from under the canoe. It was leaking. Diana and Mataro's eyes widen.
Klaus: We walk now.
Soon, a mysterious woman comes to Mataro's cabin. It was a young woman of tall stature with a pale skin complexion. Her eyes are a greenish shade of teal. She paints her eyelids with pink eyeshadow. Her short, lavender hair has a wavy hairstyle, with a lock that usually covers her left eye. She wears a red, gray and white suit that covers most of her body, with a lapel that reaches the height of her ears. She has a brown leather saddlebag. In the same colors as her suit, she also wears a large red cape and high-heeled boots. As she enters, she starts to inspect the room a bit. Using something in her hands, she used strange magic of high tech sorcery to detect any footprints of a witch. Diana's footprints appeared on the floor. They led out of the cabin to the hill up.
Croix: Hmm… interesting.
Later outside, the clans holding pitchforks and torches, waited outside the cabin for the woman to come out.
Mr. Ellingboe: Well?
Croix: There's one witch not far. Seems it's heading north as far as it goes.
Mrs. Krum: Hmm… it seems the witch we've seen must have gone away after "Rumors" of a mail route was terminated.
Mr. Ellingboe: Yeah… (then) who's terminated again?
Mrs. Krum: I, I... I mean... How have we never defeated you?
Croix: Just don't get your hopes high up. (walks away) The witches you're after are loose in the woods as I heard. (holds Weasel's hat) Thanks to someone who used to bring them.
She drops the hat down and steps in it, then follows the path to where the witches go to.
Mr. Ellingboe: Eh… why do we hire her again?
Mrs. Krum: (groans) When all odds are dropped,… always go for the even. (chuckles evilly)
As we fade from the clans, we later come back to the three as Diana carries a sleeping Mataro on her back. Klaus was leading them the way as a guide.
Klaus: We're getting close. Our daughter was more on the mountains than gold.
Diana: (struggles to carry Mataro) And you sure it's where the witches are?
Klaus: As my daughter told me about them, possibly.
Soon, Mataro wakes up with a yawn.
Diana: (groans) Finally.
Mataro then sees something and hops off of Diana then rushes past Klaus to somewhere.
Diana: Mataro? Mataro, wait!
Diana rushed after him and found him through the bushes.
Diana: There you are! (goes to him then kneels down to him) You almost got me so… (noticed him looking at something in awe) Mataro?
Mataro then points to where he's looking. Diana turned her head in his direction and her face was in awe. She gets up and the camera pans behind them to a view of the great unknown.
Diana: The Great Unknown…
Klaus then arrived to them.
Klaus: The ancestors my daughter told me there were witches.
Diana: Huh?
Klaus: ...they used to roam here… until times changed for the better.
He then walks away, leaving Diana and Mataro in confusion. They looked at each other in confusion then shrugged. Later, as they went downhill, they found an old cabin in the clear plain.
Mataro: Whoa...
Diana: Is this…
Mataro: It's… a cabin.
Klaus: Hmm… someone lived here. (walks away)
They opened the door to see the place covered in dust and webs. Diana coughs then waffs.
Mataro: Whoa… so cool! Look at this!
Diana: Yeah, Mataro, we're looking alright. No need to be too excited over it.
As he laughed, Klaus started to inspect it.
Klaus: Hmm… We're not off maps.
Klaus found an old pan lying on the ground.
Klaus: Probably a prospector, I guess.
We cut to Diana and Mataro outside as Klaus throws out the useless junk from the cabin. Even a bear trap.
Mataro: What's he doing?
Diana: Hmm… probably spring cleaning.
Mataro: (inspects the bear trap) Whoa…
Diana noticed he's going to hurt himself by the bear trap when he touched it.
Diana: Wait, Mataro!
He touches it and Diana moves him off right before it sets off. It nearly got him. Diana sighs in relief.
Diana: (groans in anger then puts down Mataro) You should be more careful. We're not in the village anymore. We're just here to find the place so that I can be free from anyone who uses me as a pet.
Mataro: Even… your family?
Diana was taken aback by this question.
Diana: Uh… Maybe. I mean… I haven't thought about that since that bath night.
Mataro: Maybe… I can be your family.
Diana: You mean your dream? Hmph. I would not marry a young child like yourself, remember?
Mataro: I know… but… you're far from home as well.
Diana: Well, that's true… but we can't be bothered by anyone. Sacrifices have to be made.
Mataro: Like your family?
Diana: Um… yeah?
Soon, Mataro gets hit by a whiskey bottle tossed out by Klaus himself.
Klaus: (offscreen) Trash.
Mataro: Oooh…
As he is about to uncork it, Diana takes it and throws it into the river.
Mataro: Aww…
Diana: Remember, Rule #2?
Mataro: I know…
Diana: You're still too young to drink. A proper young lad must drink better nutrients.
Mataro: Like piss?
Diana: Ugh. No. Why would you think of that?
He points to her stomach. She realized what she meant.
Diana: Yeah… that's still rule #1.
Mataro: Right… right.
Diana: I'll just go get some food by the river. (walks offscreen)
Mataro: Yeah…
Later that night, Klaus was finished with the cleaning and rested on his bed. Near the fireplace, the two were sitting down eating some fish. Mataro eats like a slob while Diana eats her sushi like a proper girl. Soon, some drips of Mataro's fish splashed on her face. Diana noticed and wipes her face clean. Noticing Mataro is not well behaved, she was disgusted with the way he eats. Soon, she takes his food.
Mataro: Hey!
Diana: If you're gonna have me around as your pet, at least eat properly. Like so.
She used a knife and a fork to cut a piece of fish then served it in Mataro's mouth to taste it.
Diana: Close your mouth…
He closed it while chewing.
Diana: Chew it slowly…
He chews it slowly…
Diana: Now swallow.
He swallows it, then burps.
Diana: (in disgust) Eeh. (waffs) It's…. Still a work in progress.
Soon, horns were heard.
Mataro: Is that the clans?
Diana hears the horns to be different. They sound like wolves.
Diana: I don't think so? Why would it be the clans?
Mataro: They come by their battle bell. That's when you know they'll attack.
Diana: Huh. At least they won't find us out here. But whatever's out there must be wild…
Klaus: (offscreen) The ancestors…
Diana: Huh?
They see Klaus still resting in his bed.
Klaus: (offscreen) Ginrou.
Diana: Ginrou?
Mataro: Must be a dog thing.
Diana: Yeah…
Chapter 3:
The next morning, Klaus fishes for fish while Mataro plays around. Diana, however, was sitting on top of the cabin, all curled up while still thinking about missing her family. She still worried to miss them. On Mataro, he then finds a golden object in the river. He picks it up and it's a big hunk of gold.
Mataro: Whoa… (then) Meh.
He then tossed it away until he heard something in the woods. Something was lurking from far away. Mataro starts to be curious. Looking back at Diana on top of the cabin, he then goes out to find it. On Diana, she noticed Mataro leaving.
Diana: Mataro? (calls him out as he left) Mataro!
She gets up and runs off.
Diana: (to Klaus) I'll find him before dark!
She follows Mataro to a plain field of grass, leading to a forest of pine trees.
Diana: Mataro! Come back!
Mataro noticed the slender build and relatively short stature figure going into the woods until he was stopped by a grizzly bear! Mataro stops and backs away. The bear roars at him. Diana comes in and scares him off with her magic. The bear retreated.
Diana: (looks at Mataro) Are you alright?
Mataro: Yeah...
Diana: Where were you going?!
Mataro: That weird figure I saw went into the woods.
Diana: The woods?
She looks at the tree path near her beyond the river. Pulling out her wand, she decides to go in.
Diana: Stay close, Mataro.
Mataro nodded and went with her. Unaware, the figure can be spotted above the trees without being noticed. It was armor that is jet black, sleek, and tall, with stilted blade-like legs with whitened segments. His helmet's visor resembles jagged pointed teeth and ends in two horn-like flairs. It was a burnish as it lit his hand up. In the woods, the two stayed together while looking around in the woods. Howls were heard. Mataro got scared. Diana was brave. The figure sees them from above and lights up his fire. As the two kept walking, a fireball was fired from above. Diana looks up and moves Mataro out of the way. The fireball impacted on the ground.
Mataro: Whoa!
Diana: You alright?
Mataro: (sees more coming) Look out!
More fireballs were thrown. As they dodged it, they noticed they didn't burn the trees. They were different. Mataro realized what they are from.
Mataro: Burnish.
Diana: Huh?
Mataro: (looks up and tries to find him; spots him) Up there!
The two see the figure holding a fireball. Diana fires a shot, but it dodges the attack. Soon, a fireball/magic shot firing montage played out. Short but wild til Diana got a shot of him. It then falls down into the ground with his helmet cracked. It moans in pain until Diana pressed his chest on the ground with her barefoot. She then aims her wand at him.
Diana: Don't move.
Soon, the figure noticed the wand aimed for his head as he saw Diana glaring at him while Mataro was curious about him. His helmet shows a piece of what he looks like.
Mataro: Hold on.
Mataro then takes the helmet off and shocks the two in surprise. Mataro drops the helmet. Cut to reveal to show his head was pale skin, and light green-blonde voluminous hair. His eyelashes and eyebrows are the same color. His eyes are pink, though often reflect purple and orange hues. It was shocking for Diana to see.
Diana: A… girl?
Lio: I'm a boy.
Mataro: Ouch.
Diana gasps and backs away as he gets up.
Diana: (blushes nervously) I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to...
Lio: You two are trespassing.
Diana: Huh?
Lio: You're trespassing in Witches Keep. Get out.
Diana: Wait, hold on. What is...
Lio: (casts a fireball) I said get out!
Diana: Would you please let me finish?!
Mataro: Hold on. Who are you? A burnish?
Lio: Burnish? Hmm… nope. Just Lio. (runs off)
Mataro: Lio…?
Diana: Hey, wait!
Soon, he was gone. Diana was shocked to see him, but as he left, Diana started to wonder where he came from. That night, Diana thinks it through near the fire while Mataro plays the harmonica. He offered it to Diana, but she didn't bother with it, so he resumed playing. Klaus noticed her despair, thinking about the same witch he had when he was young. The next morning, the two re-entered the woods to find Lio.
Mataro: Why are we coming back here, Diana?
Diana: To find that Lio guy. He didn't know I was a witch the whole time.
Mataro: You think he'll listen this time?
Diana: I just know it.
Soon, they looked through a bush to see Lio meditating near the river. He looks different. Lio wears a black leather jacket adorned with military-esque cords, zippers, and belts. Underneath he wears a long-sleeved white shirt with frilled cuffs and a cravat. He wears a pair of cropped black gloves and pants that resemble sleek biker pants with built-in kneepads and multiple fastening belts. His shoes are black with two buckles. Diana's eyes widen in shock.
Diana: (quietly) It's him!
Mataro: Huh? (sees him) that guy? He looks different.
Diana: Shh!
On Lio; he was relaxed, peaceful, and calm. Above him, a branch drops a droplet. When the droplet touches down, Lio begins to do some moves and catches the droplet. He then guides the droplet through his arms then finally drops it to a small plant which drops the droplet to the river. The two were in awe. Soon, Lio sonically picks up the two's location. Locks onto them and fires a fireball.
Lio: I know you're hiding! Show yourself!
Diana and Mataro come out after dodging the blast. Their hands were in the air.
Diana: We mean no harm.
Lio: Huh? You two again? I thought I told you two to…
Diana: Hear me out! (takes one step) My name is Diana Cavendish. I'm a young witch from the Cavendishes. THE Cavendishes. I know it's a long story on how I got here, but…
Lio: You don't look like a witch.
Diana: Huh?
Lio: You got the wand, sure. But you don't have a witch's hat or its shoes.
Diana: Wha? (noticed what he means) Ooh… that's a funny story actually.
Lio: You have no intention to stay at Witches Keep. Only Witches allowed. Take yourself and your little boy out of here before I burn you all to hell!
Mataro: Hey! I'm her master! She's my witch!
Lio: Your master?
Diana: Mataro!
Lio: You think I would fall for that? You humans are nothing but trash. Trying to wipe out the history of the witches itself. I mastered fire by my own people. And some of you witches took me in after the incident. But hearing one girl saying a witch doesn't prove to be holding a wand with magic around as a witch.
Diana: But I am a witch! Why won't you listen?!
Lio: 'Cause you're about to wear my patience. And by three, you're both dead. One…
Mataro: Uh… Diana?
Diana: No, Mataro. We can't.
Lio: Two...
Mataro: But he's gonna kill us…
Diana: I know what to do.
Lio: Two and a half…
Soon, we enter shotgun mode to see Diana about to pull out her wand when he goes to…
Lio: Three!
Diana quickly fires her wand at Lio, pushing him into the river. Mataro gasped.
Mataro: You hurt him?!
Diana: Uh.. I thought I was gonna freeze him. I don't know why… (realized; groans) Forgot to pass my freezing spells.
Soon, they see Lio about to fall off a waterfall. Diana gasped and quickly rushed there with Mataro. A huge log was there at the edge, allowing Lio to grab a hold of it just when he was close to the edge. Diana and Mataro stopped by the log.
Mataro: How do we get him out?
Diana: My magic can't carry him off.
Soon, she looks around and sees a branch out of the log. She then gets an idea. She tries pulling the log via branch, but it snaps off. Diana groans and tries to pull the whole log. This time, Mataro helps out. Together, they pulled the log away from the waterfall, allowing Lio to get back on dry land. Lio coughs out some water from him.
Diana: Are you okay?
Lio: (coughs) You… you… (groans) You're dead meat!
Diana: (slaps his face) Hey! I saved you! Treat your witch with respect!
Lio groans in anger, but is shocked for a girl to slap him like that.
Lio: You… almost killed me.
Diana: I was going to freeze you! Sure I'm not like the others, but I am a proper witch. A witch who wants to be part of a family. I was taken by a few humans just to be adopted by… this kid. Being far from home makes me worried and that if anyone tries to adopt me, it will be like that Weasel guy. So I'm only asking you if you can take us to the place where Witches deserve to be free.
Lio: Hmm…
Looking at her Luna Nova dress, she does come from a witch place like the other witches. Lio noticed this in shock. But doesn't know if he can trust this girl a bit.
Lio: (sighs) Fine. (gets up and walks away) Follow me. Owl Lady's not gonna like what I bring.
Diana and Mataro: Owl Lady?
Later, the two followed him through a path in the woods. Lio looks back at Diana behind him with a glare. Mataro looks nervous about him.
Mataro: You think he'll not hurt us?
Diana: I think he won't.
Mataro: And maybe he'll love you?
Diana's eyes widened in shock.
Diana: (shocked) Maybe… not.
Lio: Almost there, you two.
Soon, they entered a sanctuary of over 100 young witches. All at the same age at Diana. It was a sunlit village full of trees, people, and elaborate tree houses with an twisted up tree in the middle.
Mataro: Whoa…
Diana: What is this?
Lio: ...Witches Keep.
Soon, Diana's pack noticed her alive.
Akko: Hey! Look! Diana's alive!
Luz: Diana!
Soon, the girls rushed to her with a group hug. Mataro and Lio noticed in shock.
Diana: Girls?! Girls!
Lotte: We were so worried.
Sucy: I was not worried if you're gonna die.
Amanda: We thought you were gone when we scrammed from that Weasel guy.
Diana: (chuckles nervously) Good to see you girls.
Akko: (sees Mataro; gasped) And you brought Mataro with you! (hugs Mataro; chuckles) Glad you brought him alone. I was worried we lost the little one.
Mataro: So Weasel was right! You girls did run away from him.
Diana: But… back here? How?
Willow: (as they stop hugging her) The Owl Lady knows.
Diana: Huh?
Owl Lady: (offscreen) What is going on here?!
Everyone looked up to find the leader of the witches standing tall while hoping down in her owl staff. She then lands on the ground near the group.
Owl Lady: Hmm… What on earth have you brought now, Lio?
Lio: Um… these two came here and…
Luz: Owl Lady! These are our friends. Diana and Mataro!
Akko: Diana's our witch who's a leader and Mataro is Diana's master.
Diana: What?
Owl Lady: Ahh… I see you girls already know these two. Though there are no boys in this village… I'll let this slide.
Mataro: But… I was cursed by a witch.
Owl Lady: And that sold me to slide. I am the Owl Lady, protector of the witches. (a beat) This is called an introduction. I am introducing to you two.
Diana: Oh. I think I got it but… why are you…
Owl Lady: Lady Diana, is it? I was like your age until my school years finally taught me something over the years. Being someone's master is BORING…. So! Since I'm so bored about it, I caused a little chaos at school and hid myself here so that I may never be brought by anyone. Some of the witches around you don't like the concept of that.
Amanda: And we learned it the hard way by that Weasel guy.
Diana's Pack: Yeah!
Diana: So… this is where you girls can be free? Just like Klaus' daughter?
Owl Lady: Don't know who that is, but… yes. But may I ask why you wanna live with us for a reason?
Diana: Well… I was… having a rough life back home until I was taken through a journey to this cold yet… wet and disgusting place called the Yukon. And it's not my good choice to be a witch. But… throughout the journey, I met a few friends,… got adopted by an unmannered child,... and now here we are. Free from my adopted worries of being in someone's hands.
Mataro: And her family.
Diana's eyes widen in shock.
Diana: Yeah… that too…
Owl Lady: Hmm… Homesick. (examines her a bit) I've seen this before. What you need is a little free spirit in you to get your mind off your family for a bit. It works for me and the other witches.
Diana: You think so?
Akko: Trust her, Diana. She's crazy but wild!
Owl Lady: (to the witches in the village) Girls! We have a new witch with us today and our guests have had a long journey, so let's show them some hospitality, Witches Keep style!
The witches cheered. Later, we see them go hunting using their wands. They hide behind bushes as they watch their prey move about, unaware. Owl Lady makes some strange hand signals by her commands. The witches nodded. Diana and Mataro, however, don't understand that. Then, the witches pop out of the bushes and cast their magic at the prey. Diana struggles at first, but then manages to catch one. Later, a feast we made for the witches in the village. A Gaulish version of the feast. The girls were gossiping while Diana was eating her food like a proper lady. She did notice Mataro being examined by a few witches who are curious about him. Diana starts to worry. Unaware, Lio was glaring at them from far away. He doesn't trust them a single bit. The next morning, they used spears to catch fishes in the river. Some of them used small spears as arrows and fired them with bows. Akko's bow was designed like the Shiny rod as a mini version of that. Lotte tries to teach Diana how to fire an arrow at the target. Diana fires her arrow, only to ricochet and hits her behind. Diana gasps in surprise and sees the arrow sticking out of her behind. Mataro chuckles but Lotte comforts the disappointed Diana. Later, back at the camp, they ate some fish Klaus found. The two eat while Diana tries to practice a bit. The humans noticed her.
Klaus: Your girl is training pretty well.
Mataro: Yeah...
Later that morning, the witches take off on their flower-copters. At first, Diana was nervous to try, but then, she jumps and her flower-copter flies her through the village. Lio notices this from above and groans to see her enjoying it like a spoiled brat. Lotte then helps Diana with her aim and she fires on the target. It may not be on the bullseye, but she's getting there. Later that night, some witches played their music while a traditional witch dance was placed. It was like a modern version of the yukon dance but wild as they are. Mataro joins in the dance like a wild animal and offers Diana to come in. She shook "no," but her fans, Hanna and Barbara, shove her in there in excitement. She then glares at them only to be dragged by Mataro himself. After many dances and magic practicing, Diana fires four bullseyes in a row. Everyone congratulated her. Later that night, back at the cabin, the two chuckled while being on top of the roof.
Mataro: You know I gotta say, you're not bad at being a free witch.
Diana: (chuckles) And you're not bad at being a good dancer.
Mataro: I got some moves, but… eh…
Diana laughed then gave him a nuggie.
Mataro: Ah! Wait it, Diana!
Klaus looks up to see them and smiles softly. He sighs and walks to them.
Klaus: Seems you found what you're looking for, you two?
Diana and Mataro: Huh?
Diana: Oh! Yes, Mr. Klaus. I felt like I was free from… from… well..
Mataro: Ah, cheer up, Diana. Just smile for a bit and enjoy yourself!
Klaus: (chuckles) You know, I remember the day I first had that very same smile on my face.
Diana: What? What smile? I wasn't smiling. I was squinting. From the sun.
Klaus: Right. I didn't want to admit it at first either. (chuckles) She used to tease me about it.
Diana and Mataro: "She?"
Klaus: My Lydia.
He goes in as the two were confused. Later inside, Klaus pulls out his family book and shows them his history.
Klaus: I remember when I found this spot in the woods that she loved. And I built us a house right here. Away from it all. But it wasn't gonna be the two of us for long.
We fade to a flashback of a young Klaus having a wonderful life with his wife, Lydia.
Klaus: (voiceover) We wanted children. Lots of them. Running around, laughing, getting in trouble. While we waited, I started making toys for them. And we waited, and I kept making toys and more toys.
The man was finishing up another toy for his future children.
Past Klaus: (to his wife) Oh! Here's another one. What do you think?
The wife hugs her husband as we come out of the flashback.
Klaus: And we kept waiting, but they never came... And then... she got sick. I was worried. If I don't find someone who can fix her… she would die. When Witches are around… I started looking for one. Until I come across, a girl with red hair. Short hair, same dress as Diana,.. And even barefooted like her.
Diana notices in shock and looks at her feet.
Klaus: She helped me and… she cured my Lydia… but since we can't have a child… we decided to keep the witch as our own. A girl who goes by Chariot du Lord.
Diana: Chariot of Dreams...
Klaus: Over the years, she was curious about her adoption. And always looked around my toys. Seeing her play with them, makes her wonder about the world. She wants to make it better but… knowing the kids outside… they haven't got a single joy in them. So… she did something wonderful. Every year, by Christmas season… on the day my wife was born... she would use her magic to donate all the toys I made to the children around the village. It brought me joy to myself. And to Lydia to how she would have wanted. As years rolled by, my daughter was curious… about something else. She heard about the witches and never came back… we had to let her go… and I was in a state of depression. I moved to the yukon and started making birdhouses. She loved birds, so I just kept making birdhouses. But then... Then you two showed up. And seeing you two connected together makes me remember the child used to have. I should be thanking you two right now. Glad you finally found your place.
As he closes the book, he goes off to bed.
Mataro: Boy… I thought his wife was gonna die. Right, Diana? (sees her depressed) Diana?
Diana: Chariot of Dreams… she was his daughter.
Mataro: You okay?
Diana: (sighs) Learning about that still reminds me of how I was born. Lost my mom, my dad, my family. I don't know what to think of right now. If I don't find my own path to be witch then… then what am I supposed to do? Stay in this frozen world forever, hanging out with an old woodsman, surrounded by wild witches, and never wanting anything more? Back home, I've got pretty much everything. But here... I'm just... another irrelevant, pointless... nobody.
Mataro: At least you have me to keep you by.
Diana: Yeah… but… I prefer to be alone.
Mataro: Huh?
Diana: I don't want to be with you anymore. (gives him a drink) If anything happens to you when I'm around, they either hurt you or worse.
Mataro: They were curious like you. (uncorks it) You should be proud to find your home.
Diana: But to give it all away for missing my family. I know there's a lot to explore, Mataro, but this world is a dangerous place. And I can't risk losing you. You don't know what's gonna come after you!
Mataro: But what about you?
Diana: I'm fine with my magic.
Mataro: No… you're not. You were hurt, remember?
Diana: (groans) I know… but I'm ready now. And tomorrow… I want you and Klaus to leave.
Mataro: What? No! Don't leave me be. I still love you.
Diana: But I can't keep you! I'm not a pet! I'm a witch. You still don't get it. We had our ups and downs… but tomorrow we'll be our last day together. (sees him sobbing) Hey, hey… it's… it's gonna be alright. I'll be fine.
Soon, he hugs her by her waist in comfort. He cries to see her go. Diana never felt this close in a while. She starts to feel his sadness flowing through her. Diana then embraces this and hugs him with her arms around him.
Diana: It's a nice summer together...
We pan away from them in the cabin. Meanwhile, in Klaus' old cabin, the clans searched around to find the witch. Inside, Choix and the two clan leaders find a map with some black chalk on it. Croix examines it and pulls out a map from the Weasel. She then looks at where it's leading them.
Croix: Ahh… they're heading to the river for gold. The Great Unknown… where all the witches who are outcasts… are being hidden there.
Mrs. Krum: I think we just hit the jackpot, huh. (Mr. Ellingboe was about to speak) If you ask me "who" right now, I swear!
The next morning, Diana looks outside the cabin one last time while Mataro and Klaus watch her go.
Mataro: You sure you wanna do this, Diana?
Diana: It's the only way I can be a better Cavendish. I don't belong here. Nor anyone. (to Klaus) Klaus… thank you.
Klaus: Mmm… everyone is out to get something. But a true selfless act… always sparks another.
Mataro: Where did you hear that from?
Klaus: Oh, just something... someone used to say.
Diana: Right… (kneels to Mataro) You'll be safe with Klaus, for now. Can I promise you to behave like a proper man?
Mataro: Uh… I promise.
Diana: That a boy… (gets up and looks at the witches over the river) Alright. I guess this is it.
Mataro: Be careful, Diana.
Diana: I will...
She then runs off to join back to her pack. Mataro, worried about her, starts to follow her without notice. Soon, Mataro follows her back to the village of witches, where the witches welcomed her back. They gifted Diana with a flower hat as to make her one of them. Mataro feels worried about her and walks away. However, Lio seems to notice this without being spotted. A human boy and a young witch together? Something he doesn't understand why. Later that night, a feast is held. Diana was sitting alone without Mataro to joke around. She found her place, but she was missing something. Looking back at Mataro's empty seat, Diana felt some sadness in her. Liking worried about losing her family with him around. Akko and the other girls noticed this.
Akko: Diana? Are you okay?
Lotte: You don't look happy.
Sucy: Just the way I like it.
Diana: (sighs) It's nothing.
Amanda: Hey! Where's that little guy that picked us out back at the mail service? Haven't seen him since he's with Diana all the time.
Diana: He's long gone by now.
Diana's Pack: Huh?
Diana: I had no choice. I don't wanna be with him as a pet. I'm not like the rest of how the world works.
Hanna: But he likes you...
Barbara: ...just the way you are.
Diana: I was selfish to him… like the rest of you idiots. But… What am I supposed to do, huh? Stay forever in this little village? Hanging out with an old woodsman? Surrounded by wild witches? Never wanting anything more? You girls ever thought about that?
The pack muttered in question.
Akko: (sighs) A little…
Diana: Huh?
Akko: When he picked me out… me and Mataro were together. Went out some hikes, skipping rocks, even used my behind to… you know… but we were suddenly feeling connected by our calling. I have seen Chariot before. She told me about it.
Diana: About that… I've just learned she used to be like me. And Akko… a little bit. And she spread joy to the world by what Klaus made.
Lotte: Klaus?
Luz: Claus?
Willow: It's Klaus. With a K.
Luz: Oooh…
Diana: He told me and Mataro his story. Hearing his wife sick reminds me of how my mom was sick. Making me lose my family. My honor… to the Cavendish name.
Diana was saddened. A tear drops from her. The girls feel worried about her.
Akko: (comforts her) There, there, Diana. We're your family now.
Diana: I prefer mine… my aunt, my sisters, my…
Diana realized her family was not the way she imagined after her parents moved away. All she could think about was her uncle. Kind and sweet to her like Mataro.
Lotte: We understand your family is rough… but being with a different family, can have different outcomes. You should be proud Mataro is taking care of you as a little brother.
Sucy: And to let him make your stomach as a..
Diana: Okay, I get it. (sighs) It doesn't matter now. He's gone with Klaus… and I'm alone with you girls…
Mr. Ellingboe: (offscreen) You mean witches?
Diana: Yeah… Wait. Who said that?
Witches: (offscreen) We've been invaded!
The girls turned around to be surrounded by the clans. Their village is found!
Owl Lady: We've been spotted! Lio! Get rid of them before…
Mrs. Krum: Oh, I think he's busy at the moment…
Olaf holds Lio hostage. The girls gasped.
Diana: Lio…
Mrs. Krum: It wasn't easy to find you witches but thanks to an unlikely ally who used to be a witch, she found where we can end your kind off.
Mr. Ellingboe: And lookie here! It's a whole buffet of witches! How nice...
Owl Lady: You leave my girls alone!
Mr. Ellingboe: Your girls?! Pfft. Give me a break.
Mrs. Krum: When will they learn?
Mr. Ellingboe: (to the crowd) Hey! That weird lady thinks she's a mother to these witches!
The crowd laughs at the witches. The Owl Lady groans in anger.
Owl Lady: Girls, protection mode!
The witches went into protection mode around the village.
Owl Lady: This is your only warning, clans! Let go of my Lio or we'll do this the hard way.
Mr. Ellingboe: Oh, I think we have made our decision since your kind ruined our tradition! Centuries of glorious hatred, passed down through generations! Ruined by a witch of your kind who goes by the time of Shiny Chariot.
Diana gasped with her pack.
Mrs. Krum: And that town we once lived in was built on resentment and spite! It was our tradition to battle! And it must stay that way as long as a Krum...
Mr. Ellingboe: Or an Ellingboe…
Mrs. Krum: ...have something to say about it! (then) Bell, please!
Olaf rings the battle bell they carried and the clans charged at the witches causing a big fight cloud to erupt in the middle of the battle. In the midst of the battle, Diana ran past some fighting clans against witches and weapons being thrown around. She ran to a cart that was lopped on one side.
Diana: (pants) How did… how did they know we're here?
A beaten citizen fell on the other side, launching her up in the air, only to be saved by a freed Lio who caught her and ran away from the battle. Soon, he skids on the ground to a stop and drops Diana in rage.
Diana: (groans) Ow! (rubs her behind) Could you please drop me safe… (sees Lio upset) Lio! You're…
Lio: You betrayed us!
Diana: What? No! How would I…
Lio: (upset) You knew that kid you have brought them here. Didn't you?!
Diana: I don't know what you're… (realized) ...Mataro! (runs off)
Lio: Hey! Come back!
Soon, an explosion was heard. Lio had no time for this. He then goes off to save the witches. Back at the cabin, Mataro feels sad to leave without Diana. Klaus was busy packing up while Mataro looked at one last look at the forest, worrying about how he feels for Diana being part of something she likes. Klaus notices this in worry and walks to him in comfort.
Klaus: She's gonna be alright, little one.
Mataro: (sighs) I hope so…
As they left the cabin, unaware that when they got outside, the cabin exploded behind the two! They turn and see the cabin in flames.
Mataro: Whoa! What the…?
Soon, Klaus was shot in the heart. Klaus yells in pain and kneels down.
Mataro: Klaus!
Mataro comes to him only to see it fired by the woman who led the clans. She has an evil smirk in her face.
Croix: Well… the man who raised Chariot himself. About time I got to meet first hand to see you come all the way out there. Or should I say last since… you know how life is going to happen.
Mataro: Who are you?!
Croix: Ah… a child. The one who has a witch with you. I've seen what you two are and I know your bond between each other. You two can't get along until you come here, defying destiny at it's hand.
Mataro: Our bond? What is this all about?! Gold?
Croix: Oh please… The gold is nothing compared to what I'm here for. The clans want me to find the witches and here I am. Right now, they're destroying what's left of their kind.
Mataro: (gasped) Diana!
Croix: Magic is starting to be a threat to mankind. And while some accepted it, some don't like the clans. You remember the incident, right? They blamed it on them for the mess they've made. I was once a witch… but seeing what Chariot did made me change my mind.
Mataro: (shocked) What…?
Klaus: (groans in pain) Stand back, kid. (to Croix) All right, Croix... Do what you will with the gold. But no one gets hurt.
Mataro: Croix?
Croix: (chuckles evilly) It's still about the gold, huh? It's everywhere, Klaus. I've seen what your daughter can do and was once a friend to me. But causing her magic to destroy everything we've known proves witches are not meant to exist. They need to be gone… (cocks her pistol) ...and you've crossed the line.
Mataro: No!
As she was ready to pull the trigger, just then, they looked up to see Diana leaping in the air from the burning cabin and kicking Croix in the face with her bare foot. Diana skids on the ground as Croix was on the ground, not defeated by that hit.
Mataro: (sees Diana) Diana!
Diana: Go now!
Croix: Ah… the girl who became a witch… how pitiful your master is just a young child.
Diana: He's not my master!
Croix: Oh really? Then why did he say Diana to you, hmm? You're one of them of course.
Diana groans in anger.
Mataro: Stay back, Diana! She's the one who made a deal with the clans!
Diana: What?
Croix fired a shot at Mataro but he dodged it.
Diana: Mataro!
Croix: See? You do care for your master after all.
Diana: (groans) Just what do you want?!
Croix: Hmph. Same ol' witchy humor. Maybe… this will put an end to you.
She pulls out a baton, which scares Diana in shock.
Croix: That's right… you're from the Cavendishes are you? Far from home, stuck in an icy Yukon with a young child to keep you company by.
Diana walks back slowly…
Croix: I've seen you every day trying to be like your mother wanted and until some of my men shipped you all the way here just for you to listen to your child while the clans try their luck at stopping you.
Diana stops near the river. She gasped as she turned around. Croix was getting close.
Croix: I'm impressed by how you learned and behaved very well. From a small child to a grown witch. Congratulations, Ms. Cavendish. You passed your human exam.
Diana: Is this what… is that what all this is about?
Croix: Eh… no. You're still a little brat as always. Never listened to anyone… and never do.
Diana gasped. Croix swings the baton down, but it was grabbed by Diana, surprising the woman.
Diana: Not true… You're right about one thing… I do care about that human boy.
Soon, Diana used her wand to fire Croix into the burning cabin, destroying her for good. Diana pants, throws the baton away but kneels down in defeat. Soon, Mataro came and hugged her.
Mataro: Diana!
Diana was surprised to see him but comforts him
Mataro: You came back!
Diana: I'm sorry, Mataro. I… I didn't know those clans would attack and… (noticed Klaus hurt; gasped) Klaus!
She gets up after hugging Mataro then runs off to Klaus, laying on the ground. Mataro comes to her in worry.
Diana: Klaus! Are you…
Klaus: (groans in pain) I'm fine…
Soon, Diana noticed the wound on Klaus's chest. She gasped in fear. Diana quickly pulls out her wand til…
Klaus: No…
Diana and Mataro: Huh?
Klaus: Leave me be… I've done much for you two… the clans are not giving up while the threat is done… Croix has been helping them for years… but the clans feared about the witches' protector… Ginrou…
Diana: Ginrou?
Klaus: A wolf… made to protect the witches in the woods. It's the only thing… that scares the clans… go… save them. I've sensed you've grown kind… to the humans around you, Diana. You… have grown up so fast… like mine… (coughs in pain; chuckles) What an adventure… (sighs) I'm coming, love.
Soon, Klaus rests and starts to fade away like magic. Diana and Mataro were in awe.
Mataro: He's… he's gone…
Diana: Yeah… (realized) The clans!
Mataro: You think they'll be okay?
Diana: I don't know! I… I… (gets an idea) Ginrou… we need it…
Lio: (offscreen) It won't be easy…
They turned around and sees Lio.
Lio: Ginrou's only a fairytale. He can't be real… (Diana and Mataro looked worried) But…
Diana and Mataro: Huh?
Lio: There is a way we can bring him.
Back at the village, all of the witches were tied up in one big pole over a bunch of chopped wood, ready to burn them down.
Mr. Ellingboe: For the actions that you have caused our village to be destroyed years ago, witnessed by those whose lives you made us lost, your actions hereby declared to be… guilty!
The clans cheered.
Mrs. Krum: And to you witches, because of your crimes: execution!
The clans cheered again but made the witches worried.
Akko: No!
Mr. Ellingboe: (holds a torch) Do you have something to say about what you've done?
Lotte: Uh…
Sucy: Can we go home now?
Mrs. Krum: (groans) Witches these days. Light them up already!
Mr. Ellingboe: Alright, alright, I was getting to that. (clears his throat) Any last words before we send all of you to your graves?
Amanda: (struggles to get out) Just what until I get my hands on you…
Mrs. Krum: I think they disagree.
Mr. Ellingboe: Well said. On the count of three, we burn these witches to the ground!
The clans cheered while Diana and Mataro got in position with Lio.
Mr. Ellingboe: One… (Diana nodded to Lio and Mataro as the boys got to work) Two…
As his torch was getting close… a howl was heard. The clans noticed.
Mr. Ellingboe: What was that?
Mrs. Krum: Hmm… just wolves.
Soon, another howl was heard but louder.
Krum Female: (sees something; gasped) Look! Up there!
They all turned and looked up to see the wolf spirit Ginrou in real life. All blue flames as a god wolf. The clans were shocked
Mr. Ellingboe: The beast is real?! (then) I'm out! (runs off)
Mrs. Krum: Coward! It's just fake!
The wolf howled, proving it to be real. The clans then retreated from it one by one. The witches were shocked to notice this. As they all left, Diana comes and unties all the witches to freedom.
Akko: Diana!
Lotte: You came back?
Diana: You think I would want to leave you all behind?
Amanda: Now that's what I'm talking about!
Luz: Now that was pure magic!
Willow: Wait… did you bring the spirit…
Diana: It wasn't easy though.
They all looked at the spirit, only for it to be some fire made by Lio while Mataro was making wolf noises through his horn. The witches were in awe.
Owl Lady: Impressive…. She is home, girls!
The witches cheered and the group hugged Diana for saving them. She chuckled while they hugged her. Even Mataro who joined in. Later that morning, Diana was looking at the burned cabin all alone. She sits on a rock looking at it. Diana feels sad for some reason. Mataro comes in and comforts her.
Mataro: Sorry that you have to go… and I'm sorry for Klaus.
Diana: No… I'm sorry… what she, Amity, or even anyone who sees me with you can be true… for some reason while I don't like humans, there's… there's something bothering me that makes me feel close to them. Something I've never felt before. A calling Chariot said. Somewhere in there.
She feels her chest beating.
Mataro: So… you still want me to leave you, right?
Diana: (sighs) Actually… after being with you a lot… through those awful things you've put me through… (softly smiles) I guess you can stay with me for a while.
Mataro: You mean..? As your master?
Diana nodded softly. Mataro squeals in excitement then hugs her surprisingly, which shocks her a bit. Diana embraces this and hugs him in comfort.
Mataro: Sorry, you can't be with your family again…
Diana: Well, yeah, sure, kid. I'll miss them. With the big house, the having my every whim tended to, the silk sheets. Oh, God, the silk sheets! Can we change the subject? (they both laugh) But yeah… (they stop hugging) At least I'll have you to remember them by. (rubs his hair a bit)
Mataro chuckled til…
Akko: (offscreen) Hey!
Diana and Mataro: Huh?
They see their pack far away, waving to her.
Diana: Guess they need us. (looks to Mataro) You ready?
He nodded. Diana offers him a piggyback ride and starts to carry him away from the distance of the cabin. Mataro looks at the cabin in sadness.
Mataro: Goodbye… Klaus.
Soon, months later, Diana and Mataro adjusted to their new life in the woods.
Narrator: There is a place in these mountains… where a new breed of witches roams. A wild one and her boy. But wiser than human or witch. Because of the witch that runs at the head of the pack. Now they live without fear and flourish.
Later, they started galloping on deers like horses through the plains.
Narrator: Some say it's just a legend. Not so. You see… some people know her once… when she's a little girl… a girl raised in a family ages ago… of naturing being part of one.
Diana, with Mataro beside her, then stops near the old cabin.
Narrator: And even though this land is hers, every summer, when she comes down to the valley, she remembers kind hands and old masters…. Before she went to her own. She became her own master… by her master.
Diana then sees Chariot far from her, smiling softly at her. Diana nodded to her then made the deer run to catch up to the others. Mataro holds on to Diana as it goes.
Narrator: Before she heard… the call.. of the witches.
Later that night, as all the witches sleep in their houses, we pan to Diana's new home as she rests in her bed with Mataro snoring aside her. We pan to her head sleeping restly til her mouth softly smiles to know about her human boy… feeling her whole again. The screen fades to black.
THE END!