Out of the Nest (2024)

[bunniefuu]

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 k*lling 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 g*ons 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!

- sh*t.

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 g*ons

stirring up troubles.

Wait, what? Claw g*ons?

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.