Out of the Nest (2024) Movie Script

Once upon a really long time ago,
the Rooster Emperor of ancient Castilia
started a really important tradition
in order to preserve peace in the Empire.
Every New Year's day,
the Emperor would wake up,
get a brand new haircut,
and then greet the sun at dawn
with his powerful call.
In return,
the sun would promise to shine
warm and bright on Castilia
for another prosperous year.
But one year,
an evil Dark Wizard
showed up with a magical staff.
He stole the power of the sun
for himself.
The Wizard was wicked
and so was his reign.
Everyone in the empire lived
in fear and despair
until the seven bravest warriors
in the empire
rose to the challenge.
They fought and defeated the wizard,
and sent his evil forces back
into the shadows.
The leader of the Seven Heroes,
Zhao, became Castilia's beloved Emperor
until his death.
What happened to the other heroes?
No one really knows
I'm so late!
Why always me?
- Arthur.
- Morning.
Late again, Arthur?
Yeah! Later, Mrs. Wang.
Alright, time to pick up the pace.
Think I'd let
a presumptuous kid like you?
- Coming through.
- Hey.
Come on, kid!
Oh! Sorry.
I got this!
Arthur! Watch where you're going.
Sorry, Mr. Tang.
First delivery in three, two, one.
Your pastries, Mrs. Li.
Thank you, Arthur.
Pastries! Delivery.
Hey, Arthur, you want to play?
Can't. I gotta run delivery.
Ughh! Not even halfway done?
Alright then, shortcut it is!
Hey, Mrs. Cho. Catch!
Hey! I'm walking here.
Sorry.
- Delivery.
- Finally.
Last street and then I'm done.
Yikes.
It's here.
The New Year's Festival is upon us.
Who knows what that means?
It's time for the whole kingdom
to look our best.
Correct!
This is the busiest season
for us coiffures.
Everyone must look sharp
for the festivities.
Prince Damien must greet the sun
as it rises to ensure that
it goes on shining for another year.
The Prince must be
at his best for the ceremony.
And it falls to us to see that
he is groomed, styled, and prepared.
Can I cut Prince Damien's hair?
Of course not!
Master Toad will choose
the Emperor's barber
from among the teachers
and the senior apprentices.
To prove oneself a master of
the art of hairstyling
is the ultimate achievement.
It is therefore imperative that
you all keep to your studies
while the senior students prepare.
Where is he? He's late.
I don't have all day.
How long have we been waiting?
Please don't go, everyone.
I'm sure Arthur will be here any minute.
He must have gotten a flat tire.
Yeah!
Arthur, why do you always do this?
Keep customers waiting.
That's it. I'm leaving.
No, no, no. Please wait.
Don't go, Mr. Guo.
How about a free haircut
for a family member?
That'd be great.
Too bad it'll never happen
since clearly Arthur's
not planning on showing up!
Don't you train at the academy, too?
You can cut my hair.
Mine, too.
Come on, kid.
Anything is better than this.
- Arthur!
- Hey everybody.
Sorry, I'm late.
Another flat tire! Can you believe it?
No, I can't.
So sorry, everyone.
Thank you for waiting.
Really, I promise
I'll give you the best haircuts
in all of Castilia.
You'd better.
You'll look like
a billionaire, Mr. Fong
and for the best price.
Everyone, please follow me.
You can't keep doing this.
Not now, Shun.
You were late again
and left me here
to face everyone by myself.
It's showtime.
No. Showtime was an hour ago.
We need to focus on the now.
It's time to create some art.
Alright! How about
three customers all at once?
Alright, let's see if you're
as good as the kid says you are.
I'm even better.
Okay. Perfect.
Is everyone ready?
Yeah!
Okay. Now
One two three!
What have you done?
I look like a hamster!
What? You don't like your haircuts?
You don't understand artistry.
The styles are fit for a superstar.
Arthur?
Yes, I'm Arthur.
I'll be right with you.
Arthur!
Oh! Master.
- What are you doing here?
- I can ask you that.
What are you doing here?
Uh, practicing?
I can't fix my hair.
This hairdo just won't do.
Ladies and gentlemen,
my barbers will take care of you
and fix your hair.
What do you mean "fix their hair"?
Those are my masterpieces.
You, come with me. Now!
Hey! They're gonna ruin it.
Master, why?
What do you think you're doing, Arthur?
Just getting in extra practice, Master.
Look, if I'm gonna cut Damien's hair, I
You? Cut Prince Damien's hair?
You think I'd let
a presumptuous kid like you
touch Prince Damien's hair?
What?
You used those people, Arthur.
When you cut a person's hair,
you take their identity
their very being into your hands.
You betrayed that trust.
I was sharpening my skills
for Prince Damien.
Not my fault
they were too unstylish
to appreciate it.
We do not "practice"
with someone's image.
The barber's duty is
to trim away all impediments,
all excess
and reveal
the customer's true best self
to the world.
There's no place there for arrogance,
selfishness, or showmanship.
Selfishness?
Master, I look at people
and I see the same old boring haircuts.
I give them awesome new styles.
How is that selfish?
You must learn to see others
for who they are
and could be
Not as opportunities
to show your skill.
You must listen to what they want.
Then you must pause, think and reflect.
Before you act.
Who is that? What do you see?
A handsome goat with great hair!
I see a young man of great promise
who does not yet understand who he is,
or what he can be.
Who who am I then?
Only you can answer that question, Arthur.
Perhaps cleaning the steps
will help you uncover that truth.
What no! You can't make me.
And don't bother coming back in
until the job is done. Okay?
Make sure you finish your deliveries.
Fine
Good morning, Arthur.
Can't wait to try the festival cakes.
Happy Coronation, Arthur.
You too.
This New Year's festival is extra special.
Why, Mommy?
Because we're getting a new Emperor.
- Wow.
- Thank you, Arthur.
You're welcome, Mrs. Cho.
Make sure everyone in the palace
is well-groomed for the ceremony!
It's important to begin
a new year feeling new.
Yes, Minister.
All the invitations are sent out?
- Yes, Minister.
- Excellent! Thank you.
Oh, it's almost time, Damien.
Are you excited, dear?
Yes, I am.
Hello there, little one.
Mom and Dad are excited to meet you.
So, your coronation ceremony
is around the corner.
- Are you ready?
- Of course, he is.
Uncle Cronus!
Aren't they the most perfect eggs
you've ever seen?
Of course, without a doubt.
- But you know what they say?
- What?
A watched egg never hatches.
He's right, dear.
Let's go have some tea
and give them some quiet.
"Perhaps you'll find your true self."
I found him, Master.
And he's tired of scrubbing
Hello? Anybody down there?
Look, I don't know who you are,
but if you're one of the students,
I wasn't complaining about Master Toad!
You You can stop right there.
- Please?
- Must speak
to Toad.
This'd better be important.
I'm sorry. She was asking for you.
Canis?
You know her?
Canis, who did this to you?
Toad, they're after the children!
Damien's children.
What? Damien's children
haven't even hatched yet.
Who could be after them?
You're not making sense, Canis.
Canis, stay with me. Who did this?
The Order of the Claw?
But
Damien's children
The royal heirs.
These eggs must be Damien's children
still unhatched.
What?
Master Toad.
What is going on?
How do you know her?
What happened to her?
Oh, and why is she running around
with most of the royal family
in a sack?
Excellent questions, Arthur.
Thank you. And?
I can't answer any of them.
What?
Huh? Master Toad?
Is something wrong?
Adepts, gather up
your students in the Main Hall.
We must evacuate the academy.
Master, why?
I do not have time to explain.
We are all in terrible danger here.
Move swiftly,
and leave no one behind.
Defend the village and the students.
- I will join you when I can.
- Yes, Master.
- Arthur.
- Master.
I need you to come with me
to take the eggs to Jacobus,
the Hermit, in the Sunken Forest.
What do you mean?
Canis, do you feel well enough to travel?
I think so.
Wouldn't it better if I just stay here?
Come with us. I can't leave you here.
It's not safe. The Order of the Claw
will be here any minute.
- You must protect the eggs at all costs.
- What? Me?
- No!
- Stop.
Here, you carry this.
I can't. No!
We have to make our way to Jacobus.
You will help us get the eggs to him.
Jacobus can be difficult to find.
When we get to the river
inside the forest,
we'll sound this whistle.
The future of Castilia depends on you.
I believe in you, Arthur.
Wait.
Why do I have to carry everything?
I mean, you
Move! Toad's feet!
Run, Arthur!
Arthur, just go!
-Go
-Go now!
I'm not going anywhere.
Go!
I'm alive?
I'm alive!
Hello, my lovely eggs.
Another day ends, another step
closer to hatching time.
Now who's ready to get tucked in?
Well, I suppose the princess
is having herself a sit with you?
Let's check on your brothers and sisters.
Well, that's not
Oh, my!
Oh, my!
Oh, my gosh!
Oh, my golly!
Oh, my God!
The Princess
Someone find the Princess!
No
I didn't sign up for this.
What the?
Oh, come on.
Sir, I really don't want to do
this to you.
Also, I can't stop it.
See? When you mess with the goat,
you get the horns.
I'll be taking those horns off.
It's just a goat joke. A figure of speech.
I'm quite attached to my horns, actually.
Get it?
Attached? No hard feelings. Right, guys?
The whistle!
Nice! I took the whistle
without knowing what song to play.
But if that stops you from killing me,
I might learn a song
and play it for you.
Any song you want.
Any request?
Out of our way, old man.
This isn't your business.
Whoa!
Ouch.
What the?
How did you get them?
When did I get onto this?
Let me get this straight.
You mysteriously appeared
and did wushu on those villains,
rowed me away to who knows where,
but you don't talk?
Of course not.
Why would anyone tell me
why I'm fighting Claw Goons over eggs,
or why my home was on fire,
or whether my family is alive?
Sorry for freaking out on you,
cool but silent wushu guy.
I'm just a hairdresser, you know?
I'm not some hero guy who fights evil
and saves people by rivers.
This isn't
I don't know how to handle this.
Thanks for saving my life.
No one else in the academy.
And no eggs.
Those eggs have got to be here.
You won't find them in the village.
What do you mean?
I mean, they're already gone.
They escaped
and, I think, really away from here.
What have you done, frog?
First, I'm a toad, not a frog.
I gave the eggs
to our most gifted student.
He has mastered the scissors
and the comb
and a dozen styles of martial art.
He could be
on the other side of the world
or right under your nose.
It would make no difference.
You'd never find him.
And even if your men can track him down,
they'll regret it for the rest of
their short, painful lives.
It's not my fault
You're not my real Dad
Where did you get the whistle, kid?
Oh
This! Who gave it to you?
Well, Master Toad
had me wear it for him.
It's supposed to help us find Jacobus.
Guess it still works.
You're Jacobus.
Last time I checked.
And you must be Toad's student.
Where is Toad? What happened?
I'm not sure.
Master Toad and the fox
were meant to be right behind me.
But they never showed up.
And what do you know about
these eggs with the royal seal?
Well, Master Toad thought
they were the Prince's
Prince Damien's children?
And the Order of the Claw?
Is there anything else
you can tell me, kid?
I'm not a kid!
My name's Arthur.
And no.
Seems like you know more than I do.
We should be safe here
while we wait for Toad and Canis.
Huh.
Abracadabra!
Whoa! Where'd you learn that?
There are many forms of magic.
Some stronger than mine.
- Do you live here?
- For a long time now.
Hey, what is that?
Watch yourself, kid.
Look at these.
I wonder who carved them.
I did.
Really?
Hey, that one looks kinda like
Emperor Zhao.
- It is.
- And who's that?
His younger brother, Cronus.
Prince Damien's uncle.
Wait is that you?
What's with all the questions?
Canis? And Master Toad?
What is all this, Jacobus?
It's in the past.
That's all you need to know.
It's the Heroes of Castilia!
Were you one of them? Was Master Toad?
Toad was our leader.
- What do you mean?
- He was the Emperor's barber.
His most trusted advisor.
He tried to protect the Emperor
on his own,
but the Dark Wizard was too powerful.
So Toad assembled us.
All seven of us fought.
But Toad
was the bravest warrior I've ever seen.
All these years,
and he never told me?
Why?
He was protecting you.
From the Order of the Claw.
Huh? For what?
Your parents were
two of the Seven Heroes, Arthur.
And my best friends.
They dealt the final blow
that defeated the Dark Wizard.
But his staff was far stronger.
They didn't make it.
My parents are gone?
I just can't believe it.
I never had any parents
And now I never will.
Think again, kid.
They saved the empire.
And Toad saved you.
It was supposed to be me
who took you in.
And I couldn't do it.
But Toad was brave.
He raised you, cared for you as his own.
He sacrificed everything for you.
For your parents.
Tomorrow we'll make
our way back to the palace.
Get some sleep.
- Hey, Jacobus?
- What?
Do you have a blanket or something?
Master Toad. You raised me
as your own for all these years.
I'm so sorry I took you for granted.
Wake up, Arthur!
- They're here.
- What?
The Order of the Claw.
Where?
You're gonna have to get these eggs
to Castilia yourself, Arthur.
Me? Aren't you the hero?
It's your turn now.
The only way
Damien's children survive
is for me to hold off the Claw
while you get away with the eggs.
But what about Master Toad?
Can't he
Toad isn't coming, kid.
Stop calling me kid!
Then grow up.
I don't know why they want these eggs.
But I do know that we will risk our lives
to protect them.
That's what Toad would do
and so would your parents.
Arthur, you are their only hope.
You're right. I can do this.
It's just
They'll hatch without us.
They'll be so afraid and confused.
It won't come to that, dear.
We'll find them.
Life is not fair.
I mean, really not fair.
On the bright side,
at least maybe I might
get to see Castilia.
Yeah, you're right.
I should get to that.
No!
No, No, No! Please, please.
No, no, no.
Buddy, you gotta' stop this.
Now is not the time to
I'm telling you.
I'm serious. Don't do it.
Well, now you've done it.
What am I supposed to do with you?
Whoa, stop, Tiny. Easy. Stop that.
Really, I mean it. Stop that!
Get back here. Where are you going?
Come on!
Whoa, that's one mighty big chick.
Well, ain't you one AA extra large?
Let's get you back in the sack
with your tiny sister here, huh?
Oh, don't you dare! That's so
That's so not cool.
I mean, that's impressive.
But not cool!
What is wrong with you all?
Why are you all like this?
Uh-oh.
No.
Hey, that was an accident.
Come on, stop it.
Stop. I didn't mean to. Wait.
Hey, that was an accident.
Not the egg!
Alright, good.
Now that everyone is back in the bag,
settle down and relax.
We've got a long way to go
and I need you to
Watch out for the arrows?
The Claw!
Hey, guys.
Nice to see ya again.
Alright. Got it.
What's this?
Go on! Keep sending us arrows,
we'll just send them right back.
Oh, boy, here comes another one.
Wow. Smart move, buddy.
What?
Any last words?
Yeah. Don't look down.
What the?
Oh, you gotta be kidding me.
It was really great seeing you.
Hey, what are you doing?
Hey, don't eat stuff off the ground.
That's gross.
Cut it out, you two.
Now, let me count.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Seven chicks.
Hey, Red, stop that.
Hey, Yellow, come on.
Right, I can see that calling you by
the colors isn't gonna work.
How about some names?
Uh, I've never had to
name anything before.
Never even had a pet.
You sure like playing
with that stick, huh?
I'll call you "Twig."
You're like a firecracker,
so, "Spark."
And look at you covered in mud.
You'll be "Terra."
And you, you're blue like water.
So I'll call you "Puddle."
You look like you're out of breath,
you look like you just fell off a tree.
I'm gonna call you "Puff" and "Leaf."
And finally you.
You seem pretty calm
compared to the others.
You must have nerves of steel.
I got it. I'm gonna call you "Tin."
Or "Bucket"?
Guess we should find
something to eat, huh?
Where are we, anyway?
We'll find a town or something.
Okay, that's the plan. Let's go.
Why is everyone staring at us?
Oh, no! They know who you guys are?
Hey, you! The goat with those chicks.
Put some clothes on those kids.
This is a decent town,
filled with decent people. Like me.
Oh! That's why we're here.
Clothes shopping with the kids.
Go on now, off to the clothes shop.
But he does have a point.
We don't want to draw attention
to ourselves.
Let's see, there's gotta be somewhere
to buy tiny clothes around here
Yeah, I know! I'm working on it.
- I lost all my cash back there.
- Step right up.
Step right up and be a winner right here.
Can you believe these prices?
- Oh, man.
- Aw, too bad.
You almost had that one.
Just one more silver piece
for another round.
Actually, we just used
our last silver piece, Mister.
- Then, get lost.
- But
Paying customers only. Beat it!
Kids these days.
Hey! Hey! Hey! Wings off the merch.
You gotta play the game to win those.
Here you are! What are you all doing?
Oh, hello. Welcome.
Are you the guardian of
these adorable chicks?
I'd bet you'd like to win
them some stuffed toys.
Well, I would,
but we don't have any silver pieces.
You know, this game looks pretty simple.
I bet even Puddle here
can get those targets in one try.
A newly-hatched tyke like him? Ha!
Yeah, right.
I'll tell you what. Free game.
Just because he definitely can't do it.
There.
Good luck! Don't poke your eye out.
Well, this is gonna be good.
What the?
Awesome.
It's a fluke.
He can't hit three targets at once again.
Oh, he totally can.
Yes!
Alright, fine.
Let's make it more interesting.
How about
One soft toy for each one of you.
In exchange with
those shiny scissors at your hip there.
Deal?
What? Is a little bet
too much for you to handle?
Deal.
That's the spirit.
Time to prove that it wasn't a fluke.
Damn.
That little
Haha, too bad.
Looks like he's not as good
as you thought.
Hey, you did your best, Puddle.
Everything's gonna be okay.
We'll figure it out.
Alright, a deal is a deal.
Now pay up.
Yeah, I know. Spark!
Hey, hey!
Get down here, you little brat.
What do you think you're doing?
Hey! He cheated.
- Boo!
- Shit.
Uh Yeah, a magnet?
How does it work anyway?
I was framed.
Right, let's get some food.
Oh, I just got an idea.
Will you guys help me?
Wow, great job!
We're all set up.
Now we just need customers.
Okay, who wants a haircut?
Get your haircuts. One silver piece.
And if you're not satisfied,
it is free of charge.
How about you, Miss?
Me? Oh uhh Sure.
So, what can I do for you today?
Oh, wait, I know!
How about an angled bob?
Or ah, I got it.
Maybe a layered cut? Middle part?
Whatever you think is best, I guess.
Not like it matters, anyway.
Is something wrong?
Why don't you tell me about it?
I don't know. I don't want to be a bother.
No, please. It's okay. Go ahead.
I just feel like a nobody.
Maybe it's my looks or something.
I just never felt like people
see me, you know?
Just a face in the crowd and
You know what?
I'm sorry! I'm rambling again.
No, I'd like to hear
what you have to say.
Go on.
Everyone always wants
to talk to my sisters
but nobody even gives me a glance.
Like I'm not even there.
That sounds really hard.
It does.
But who can blame them, you know.
I know I'm not pretty like my sisters
or the life of any party.
It's just me. A boring girl
with a boring look.
That's not what I see.
Wow.
It looks incredible.
- Thank you.
- No, thank you.
And thanks for listening to me.
Hey, I see you.
Master Toad was right.
Look alive, chicks.
Alright, who's next?
Hi, there. How's your day going?
Tonight will be our first date.
I want to look stunning.
I haven't had a meal like this in ages.
But you all earned it.
Thanks for your help.
Wait, I earned it too.
Oh, okay.
Wanna play it like that, huh?
Where is he?
Who?
The goat! Traveling with chicks.
He's here. Isn't he?
Uh, well, I'm not sure.
Spit it out.
Tell me or I will search the rooms.
Come on!
We gotta get out of here, now!
Come on.
Be nice to each other.
And the Seven Heroes
kicked the Dark Wizard's butt.
It was my favorite story growing up.
Yup, seven of them.
Just like you guys, really.
Your grandpa saved the kingdom.
So did my mom and dad and Master Toad.
Spark, no fire!
Come on, little one. I got you.
Okay, now you finished your business.
- Go take care of yourself. Goodbye.
- Let's go.
Bye, good luck.
Who's there?
Huh? One wet goat
and a flock of fledglings?
Thought you were more of them
Claw Goons
stirring up troubles.
Wait, what? Claw goons?
Ain't you see them? All in black,
asking questions like they own the place.
I may be old,
but I still know
the Order of the Claw when I see it.
I know they were looking for
a hair cutting goat
with a little flock of chicks in tow.
Well, if you're enemies of the Claw
Hey, cut it out.
you're friends of mine.
Follow me,
I'll get you dried off and fed.
I'll find some clothes for you to change.
I'm old but still remember
when the dark wizard reigned
and the Order of the Claw
was still in power.
I remember what they did,
I was there.
Dark times.
Terrible times.
Here, take this.
No, it's for you, Sonny.
I'll see to the little wee ones.
Wait.
So you saw the seven heroes
defeated the wizard
and saved the kingdom?
Yeah! With my own two eyes.
We once sheltered
Emperor Zhao himself right here,
under this very roof.
He was just "Zhao" back then,
he hadn't been crowned yet.
But he was the prince of men,
just the same.
You know, it's been a long time
since we've had a proper hero
under this roof.
It's nice to have one here again.
Uh a hero?
Yes. You, sonny.
I'm not a hero.
I'm barely even a barber.
I'm just for now, a babysitter.
Nothing to being a hero but
helping out those in need, sonny.
And don't talk back to your elders.
It's rude.
Understand, hero?
I Yes, ma'am! And thank you.
If there's anything
I can do to repay you,
like chopping wood,
whatever you need,
I'd be happy to help.
The wood has been chopped
for the season, sonny.
But if you know how to use those scissors,
I'd love to get my old man's hair cut.
He's gotten a might prickly lately.
Of course, I'd be honored.
Oh! I'll fetch him from the forge then.
Husband! Come get your hair cut!
Good man.
My husband has been needing
a trim and combing for years now.
See, we don't get a lot of visitors.
Uh it's barely noticeable.
My scissors!
Oops. That's a shame.
Your scissors broke
because of his long, hard hair.
That's too bad.
Peng, could you be a dear
and see to those scissors?
What's he doing?
Peng? He's the finest smith
in Castilia, Sonny.
He's going to fix you up
a new pair of scissors
to handle his messy quills
and anything else you throw at them.
He is the finest smith in Castilia?
Of course!
You don't think
Emperor Zhao came out here
to visit us for nothing, do you?
He needed a sword,
and my dear Peng
forged the very weapon that
ended the dark wizard's reign.
He sticks mostly to horseshoes these days,
but I am sure he can whip up
some scissors for you.
Oh, my! He's using the very same metal
he used to make Zhao's sword.
These will be very special scissors.
Now stay still, dear.
We don't want to spoil your haircut.
Now there's my handsome husband.
Come on, dear.
Let's make some beds for the hero
and these dear little princelings.
Princelings? So you knew?
Of course, dear. There's no hiding it.
They are Emperor Zhao's grand babies.
This one has his strength.
This one, his temper.
His ingenuity.
His pride.
His easy nature.
His worry and cares.
And this little one has his wisdom.
And you're no prince
But you have Zhao's own heart.
He has a kind and joyful soul.
The Order of the Claw
will be looking for you.
We'll get you some disguises
and show you the way to Castilia tomorrow.
For now,
you all need to get some rest.
Sleep tight.
Thanks for the ride, Peng.
Okay. As soon as it's safe,
I'll come right back for them.
Hey, hey. You're not coming with me.
Get back in there. Come on!
Okay, guys. Listen to Peng.
I know, I know. And it itches.
But I have to blend in.
Now, you all be good.
Behave.
Hey, stop. Not so fast, buddy.
Uh, I'm here to deliver
a message to Prince Damien.
What's the message?
It's very important.
It's about the royal eggs.
- Your hair looks so weird.
- Yeah.
I know. The style is a little different
but I was trying
something new for the festival.
I love it!
It takes a lot of guts
to grow out hair like yours.
I don't normally do this, but follow me.
I'll help you seek an audience with him.
Just wait right here.
I'll see you
and your amazing haircut later.
Welcome! Welcome, dear boy.
I'm told you have information
regarding a highly sensitive royal matter?
Yes, I do.
I just need to speak to Prince Damien.
Right away! Where is he?
Oh, it's alright.
I'm Cronus, Damien's uncle.
Well, I'm so close with my nephew,
I'm practically the Emperor myself.
Whatever it is,
you surely can trust me
to deliver it to him.
Hot tea? Festival cake?
It's the best in Castilia.
Made right here in the palace.
Not like those squashed ones
from the academy.
No, thank you.
Suit yourself.
You don't trust me?
No, it's not that.
I understand.
You must have endured a lot to get here.
Compliments of the palace
for your services.
Of course, just tell me the message
and they're all yours.
I'm sorry, sir.
But I really do need to talk
with Prince Damien myself.
He's gonna want to hear
what I have to say.
Fine. Have it your way.
General!
You are with The Order Claw?
No, of course not.
They're with me.
I am the Claw!
And you've made a huge mistake.
Did you think that stupid disguise
would work, Arthur?
What a terrible delivery boy.
Can't even deliver a simple message.
What would Master Toad think of it?
Let me go!
Where are the chicks?
Somewhere safe from you!
Take him to the dungeons.
Find those chicks.
That idiot must keep them close by
and I need them by tomorrow's ceremony.
It's time for the next phase of my plan.
I would give anything
to have them back home.
We have located the eggs,
and the kidnapper.
Where are they?
They're in a remote village on
outer reach of the empire,
along with a large treacherous faction.
- "Order of the Claw."
- The Claw?
No, it can't be.
As your royal advisor and your uncle,
I recommend that
we send all of the palace guards
to overwhelm the villains
and recover your children.
Yes, certainly.
Send them all. Every single one.
Stop right there!
If you hurt a single feather
on them, I'll
Arthur!
Master?
Master!
Jacobus, Canis. What happened?
We've got to get out of here.
There's no use, Arthur. The vines.
They're made with dark magic.
- They're too strong.
- We have to try.
We have to get out of here
and save the chicks.
Chicks? So that means
They hatched!
Yeah. Right on a raft
heading to a waterfall.
And you've been looking after them
this whole time?
By yourself?
And I tried so hard to protect them
from the Order of the Claw.
But I failed them.
I failed you.
Cronus is gonna find them.
Cronus!
Of course, he's the one
behind all of this.
I should have known.
But what does he even want with them?
They're just innocent chicks.
He wants to use them as leverage.
Leverage? For what?
To force Prince Damien
to give up his throne
at the New Year's Ceremony at sunrise.
Come on, we can stop this.
We have to get out.
It would take Emperor Zhao's sword itself
to cut through those vines.
The more you try to destroy them,
the stronger they grow.
We've tried.
There's no way out. Sorry, kid.
I have your children, Damien.
You do? Where are they?
Well, bring them to us, Cronus.
First, we have some things to settle.
Bring us our children, Cronus.
Now. That's an order.
The time has come for us
to end this little charade.
You don't really want to be
Emperor, do you?
This isn't a time for jokes, Uncle.
I'm completely serious.
What are you talking about?
Succession!
It is my turn to rule Castilia.
Our turn. The Order of the Claw.
My babies.
My babies. Look at you.
Where are the other two?
If I am crowned as Emperor today.
Then I suppose I might let you
have your little family back.
Sign this writ of abdication
and make a public announcement
before the ceremony.
Uncle Cronus!
Family shouldn't fight each other.
Family, eh?
You really have no clue.
Today, in front of all of Castilia,
you will make it so! Abdicate
or say goodbye to
your precious chicks forever.
Come on, guys. We can't give up now.
Not after everything I've
we've been through.
I don't know what to say, Arthur.
The truth is,
I never really understood
what it was like
to really care for something
until I met those chicks.
I thought I had it all figured out.
But as it turned out, I didn't!
Leaving the academy was scary,
and confusing,
and I was mad when you sent me
away with those eggs, Master.
I thought it was one of your ways
to discipline me.
But I see now,
you were just being a parent.
And parents
will always look out for you,
no matter how hard it is.
You've given me so much.
Taught me so much.
How to give an amazing haircut.
Also, how to truly be of
service to others.
To care for them.
And I think
I think my parents
would be really grateful
to you for that.
'Cause I know I am.
I'll never give up on you, Arthur.
I know.
Which is exactly why I'm not giving up
on those chicks, either.
Now who's with me?
It's useless.
We've already tried everything.
Come on, guys. You all are part of
the Greatest Warriors of all time.
You're the Heroes of Castilia.
I know you still have that fight in you.
He's right.
But these vines are so strong.
If only I had my scissors.
Scissors wouldn't help
in this case, Arthur.
These might!
See, I met this cool porcupine guy, Peng.
The finest smith in Castilia?
Yeah! You know him?
He forged these scissors
from the same steel as Zhao's sword.
I wonder if they could
Puff? Twig?
You got away.
Where's everyone else?
Captured? By who?
Really? Do you know where they took them?
You can understand them?
Yeah, can't you?
No!
The Claw Guards have captured
the other chicks
and taken them to the Prince.
That means it's already begun.
Then we gotta hurry. Come on.
Citizens of Castilia.
We gather tonight to begin a new year.
It is our tradition that
the Emperor will greet the rising sun
ensuring another year of light,
peace, and prosperity for our empire.
With the unfortunate passing
of my brother, Zhao,
a new Emperor must rise to greet the sun.
Traditionally, the crown would pass
from father to son,
handed down along the Royal bloodline.
But that won't be happening this time.
Prince Damien has chosen
to forfeit his royal birthright.
He will abdicate the throne
and pass it to me.
Cronus, your new Emperor of Castilia.
Please. Please.
This is for the good of the empire.
This is what Damien wants, after all.
He'll tell you himself.
My dear people of Castilia.
Unfortunately, what Cronus says
is not true!
Jacobus?
No one puts my chicks in a cage.
Prince Damien doesn't want to
forfeit the crown.
Cronus blackmailed him.
Cronus has deceived all of you.
That's that's not true.
Liar! You kidnapped the royal heirs
and threatened their lives
unless your nephew agreed to surrender.
And now all of Castilia knows it.
You will not be Emperor today, Uncle.
It is over.
Now step aside.
We have a ceremony to finish.
You are not Cronus.
No, I am not.
Cronus, stop.
The Dark Wizard's staff.
If you're not Cronus, who are you?
Stop him.
Fools, you thought you defeated me
all those years ago.
The Dark Wizard?
Yes, I used the last of my strength
to take control of Cronus' body.
- No!
- No!
This ends now, Cronus. Surrender!
Never! Castilia is mine.
They're growing back.
Come. Hurry.
What do we do, Master?
Run, Arthur!
His power comes from the staff.
You must destroy it.
You can't run from me.
Fools! Submit to your emperor.
No, come back.
What are you doing?
You guys shouldn't be here
Never mind, just jump.
That's it, chicks! Grab anything you can.
Good, now keep going
while I distract him! I have a plan.
You try my patience, boy.
Over here, ya big Octopus.
What? The most powerful
dark wizard in the world
can't even catch a little barber?
There!
Arthur!
Your hair is long.
I'll give you a free haircut.
No, No!
I am the Dark Wizard.
You haven't heard the last of me.
Oh, my children.
It's over. Castilia is free.
Master.
Kid.
I know, I know. We did it, guys.
I'm ready.
It is my great privilege
to name this year's student
who will have the honor of
grooming the Emperor before the ceremony.
I present to you,
Arthur, master stylist.
Are you ready, Royal Barber?
And advisor to the royal children.
Go ahead, Arthur. You earned it.
All done, Your Majesty.
To a new dawn.
And to the new heroes of Castilia.
Hey, Shun.
How's the new job?
It's great!
Whoa, look at that.
Perfect condition! Impressive.
My bicycle. How do you like it?
I love it.
And it'll be even better
if I can reach the pedals.
Hey, don't worry, Shun. You'll get there.
It just takes a little time, you know?
Time? Oh, no!
What time is it? I'm late.
Master Toad is gonna be so mad.
Bye, Arthur.
See you! And have fun cleaning the stairs.
What?
You'll see.
Oh, come on. Hold still, Spark.
I know.
But it's a special day. For all of you.
My job is to make you look your best.
Hmm perfect!
Are you all ready
for your big surprise?
Go on.
Careful, now. Be gentle.