YOUNG WOMAN: Somebody told me once that if you stand still in the forest long enough, you'll see signs of a hidden struggle... raging between forces of life and decay... that the survival of the forest itself depends on the outcome, and that the good guys need all the help they can get, and that if you don't believe it, take a close look. And if you still don't... look closer. (squawking) (quiet whirring) (squawking) (beeping, whirring) (beeping) MAN (gasps): Oh! Oh! Um, mm-hmm, mm-hmm. (excitedly humming a tune) (gasps, grunts) (grunts) Ah. Oh, oh, oh, oh! (man panting) (man whoops, stammers, laughs) (panting, stammering) (grunts) (gasps) (grunts) 1 1 1 (birds squawking, cooing, warbling) (whistling through air) (grunts, pants) (cawing) (grunting) (gasps) (creaking) (yelling) (rapid, rhythmic grunting) (grunts) Whoa! (cawing) (grunting) (grunts) (panting, gasping) Need a lift? I don't need your help. Uh, you're running out of branch there, buddy. Still don't need your help. (yelling) Whoa...! (screeches) (grunts) (caws) (grunts) (screeches) Why aren't you with your group? What? I fly faster alone. How do you not get this? You're not the only one on this team, you know. So yell at one of them for a change. (grunts) You hear that? What am I supposed to do with this kid? Ah, you're right. (grunts) You've got your own problems. You're a Leafman. You know how important today is. You know what? I'm thinking maybe I'm just not cut out for this. That's the problem: you are cut out for it. But I'm tired of waiting for you to prove it. Get a bird, and get back to Moonhaven, or you're done. (laughs): What?! You're not gonna help me now? I just did. That's cool. I could probably just jump from here. Just follow that last guy down! (soft thud) Whoa! Incoming. (chuckles) Bet they didn't have bugs like that in the city. Yeah. I miss it already. She talks! Something on your mind, kid? (sighs) What do you say to a total stranger? Stranger? You and I go back 20 minutes. Not you... Larry. I mean the person I'm visiting. I'm leaving you out here with someone you don't know? (gentle laugh) It's okay, Lar. We weren't always strangers. Maybe now things'll be different. # And everyone says this love will change you. # Well, I ask, does anything ever stay the same? # No, no, no. # It's strange changes. # Changes... (music continues on radio) That-that's not a house. That's termites holding hands. No offence. Don't worry, Lar. I'll be... Call if you need a quick getaway, kid! Fine. (insects chittering) (sighs heavily) (tapping quietly) (echoes): Hello? (echoes): Anyone home? (equipment beeps quietly) Hello? (door closes) Okay, uh, well, actually, you know what? I just check this bee... Uh, yeah, yeah, no, that's-that's, you know, that's right there. Uh, um, and then we have, uh, it's, uh, I had it... Oh! No, it's over here. Okay, yeah, there we go. Okay, good. Uh, let's see. Uh, oh, boy, uh, made of, uh, oh, my gosh, I don't know, polished acorn shell and thin... leather? Perhaps mouse hide. Uh, pardon me, excuse me, sorry. Correction, not mouse hide. Shrew, perhaps, or, uh... You know, actually it could be vole. Hi, Dad. (mutters) Oh! Uh... Mary Katherine! Yeah. Uh, you're here! Mm... Yeah. I didn't realise today was today. It always is. Hey, let me look at you! (sighs) Oh. You look just like your mother. Well, I mean, like she did. I-I mean... I mean, you would, you would, if you know what I mean. Do you want to talk about it if that's...? Thanks, but I've been reading up on the five stages of grief. I'm working through them myself. I'm good like that. (sighs) There actually are a few things I'd like to talk about. (dog barks) Oh, oh, oh! Ozzy! (grunting) Look who's back! Ozzy? He's... still alive? Yeah, I mean, well, you know, most of him. He may be down to three legs, but he'll make a break for it the first chance he gets. (loudly): Ozzy... go say hi. Here, boy! (laughs): Eh, there he goes. His depth perception's a little off, and he has a tendency to run in circles. Hey, but that was closer than usual, you know? (chuckles) He remembers you. (clattering, Ozzy barking) So, I have a little surprise for you up here. Just-just follow me, take a look. Ozzy... no... no kisses. Well... here we are. Welcome home. It's... like I never left. All your things are here, you know? You got your dolls and, uh, your pictures, uh, your turtle. Uh... oh, dear. Uh, well, uh, it's good to have you back, Mary Katherine. Actually, I go by 'MK' now. Oh. MK! Well, I like that. It's, uh, it's more, um... grown up. (beeping) Oh! Um, hmm. Do you have to get that? Oh, no. No. That was just one of my sensors. Uh, I got a lot going on right now. Today is actually a highly unusual day. It is both a full moon tonight and the summer solstice, which only coincide every hundred years or so, so, you know, I mean, well, you can imagine, you know, it's just crazy over here. Hey, uh... you probably want some time to settle in. I'm just gonna let you be. Make yourself at home, Mary Kather... Oh. Nope. Who's Mary Katherine? MK, I mean. (running footsteps) (sighs) (sighing) Okay, Mom, I'm trying. That was the deal. (Ozzy whines) (whirring) (beeping) (gasps): Oh, my. Hmm. Huh... (wings whirring) 1 1 (gasping) Oh! They're here! Huh? Come on, Mom, you're gonna miss them! Oh! Hey, Leafmen! Huh? Wha...? (wings whirring) (leaves rustling) 1 Queen Tara, we need to discuss today's ceremony. The Boggans have crossed our... You're not getting enough sunshine. Yes, it's Ronin. Well, I think he looks silly kneeling, too, but I can't get him to stop doing it. I think the Boggans are scouting our defences. You know they'd do anything to stop you from choosing an heir. But don't worry, I've got a plan. When we were kids, he wasn't so serious. Would you like to hear my plan? And he had the sweetest smile. Look, instead of a public ceremony, I go in with a small platoon, pretend we're stopping for a drink. We grab a Pod, bring it back to you. It blooms, the life of the forest continues. We're in, we're out. (laughs) It doesn't work that way. I can't choose unless I'm there. It's about the feeling. I get it from the Pods, I get it from the forest, I get it from all of us. QUEEN TARA: There we are. Don't you have feelings, Ronin? Yes. I feel this is a bad idea. The Boggans have never been this aggressive. (grunts) I'm not completely helpless, you know. I am aware. But you're the life of the forest. Looking after you is my duty. Is that the only reason you do it? Isn't that reason enough? If that's the only reason there is. Your Majesty... (softly): Yes...? I'm... not ticklish. (laughs): Oh! You used to be! (sighs) Very well. I understand your concern, but this is the one day in a hundred years I can choose an heir. If I don't do this today, there won't be a future to protect. (squawks) (panting heavily) I don't think I saw a salute, Boggan! (chuckles) (angry jabbering) (low growl) (squeaky jabbering) We had a little skirmish with some Leafmen this morning. A rat got caught in the crossfire, so I got a new coat. (laughs) It's, uh, just like yours. (nervous chuckle) Did you find the location of their ceremony? Uh... yes, sir! It's way outside of our borders. You mean their borders? The Leafmen think they can keep us contained, surround our beautiful island of rot with their hideous green forest. So arrogant! All in the name of balance. I'm sick of balance! No matter how much of the forest we destroy, the queen regrows it with one wave of her hand. She needs to be cut down! At the root! Exactly. Today we'll show them you just can't stop the rot. If the queen dies without an heir, the Leafmen can't regrow anything. The balance swings in our favour forever, leaving you and me rulers of a desperate, desiccated kingdom. I won't let you down... ...Dad. I know you won't. You look good in rat. It's... slimming. (chuckles) (lively chatter) Yeah! (laughter) (in distance): Look out, look out! Here comes your star pupil. (gasping breaths) (screeches) (Leafmen laughing) Where have you been? Wait, you're mad? You told me to get back, and I'm back. On this. (coughing screech) And you want credit for that? You're late. Find a real bird, and get back to your group. You know what? No. What did you say? I'm not doing it. I'm not a kid anymore and I'm tired of you treating me like one. I'm trying to help you, trying to look out for you. I never asked you to do that! Your father did. Well, you can stop. I absolve you of all further responsibility in the raising of young Nod. Don't walk away from me-- I-I'm your commanding officer! Not anymore. I quit. Hyah! Whoa! That-a-girl! Easy, easy, easy...! What are you looking at? Nothing. I have no opinion on this. Everyone, mount up! (lively chatter, music playing) Parade! Fun! Smiling. (lively chatter, exultant shouting) MK (calling): Dad? Dad? Is this a good time to... talk? (grunting): Oh! Well, hold on, I'll be right down-- aah! Oh, good... (grunts) DAD (laughs): Ozzy! Ozzy, stop! Fetch the camera! Why do you have security cameras, anyway? Do people around here... steal old newspapers? Oh, no-- no, no-- they're not security cameras. (groans) No, I have an extensive network, all through the forest, yeah. I-I don't know how much your mother told you about my work. (insect buzzing) Um, she... Nothing. Just that you have a delusional belief in an advanced society of tiny people living in... the woods, and it... well, it ruined your career. Not to mention, your marriage. Or... something. (laughs) Well, your mother had a wonderful sense of humour. But I'm not delusional. I know they're out there; it's intuition, like-like scientists intuited the atom. These little guys are a big part of the ecosystem-- the engine, if you will-- and I will prove it-- here. (bats screeching over speakers) You have bat sounds on your iPod? Why? To study them. They don't really fly in your hair, you know. I mean, that's... that's a myth. Uh, but I was trying to identify the frequencies that draw bats to gather with their own kind. So I slowed the sounds down, and I put them through some proprietary filters, and guess what I heard? (weary sigh) Voices? Yes! (radio static, indistinct voices, faint music) (low growling) (whispers): Isn't that cool? Okay, if tiny men are flying around in the forest, how come I've never seen them? No, that's easy. (laughs) It's... I mean, it's the same reason we can't hear them-- they-they just move too fast. Like insects. Didn't you ever wonder why it was so hard to swat a fly? My theory is, they're actually living faster. Like in a different dimension. So no matter how fast we think we are, to them, we're just big and dumb and... (slow-motion, distorted): slow... (normal speed): Have you ever seen one? Uh, well, you know, uh, I have... You know what, just because you haven't seen something doesn't mean it's not there. (insect buzzing) I... you know, that's, uh... Come on. (growls) Okay, we need to talk. I know it's a lot to take in. I mean about us. Oh, no, no, we'll do it together. Yeah, both of us. Here. I made this for you. Dad... look... I am almost old enough to be on my own anyway, so I think it would be better if I just... Um... y-you don't want to live here? That's what you want? No, it's not what I want! I want you to stop-- all this-- and be normal. I just, I want a dad who's not... (beeping, bell ringing) Oh, um, okay, this is big. This is a big thing going right n... Uh, let me just find, uh... Where are you going? I'm just going to investigate, you know, rather... Okay, something-something must be happening, uh... Whew! Uh, let's see, where's my camera? Are you serious?! I have to catch these things in-in the moment, while they're happening, otherwise, you miss a chance that could be gone forever! You're missing a chance right now! Are you even listening? Look, you've got to believe me. I am so close-- all I need is one little breakthrough. This could be it! I will clear this all up when I get back. I promise. Sure, Dad. I'll be here. In reality. Bye, Ozzy. It's not you. Uh, Larry, I need that getaway cab. I said, pick me up by the... Hello? Ugh! No bars! (Ozzy yapping) (gasps) Ozzy! Heel! Stop! Play dead! How are you so fast on three legs? (crows cawing in distance) Ozzy! Ozzy...? Ozzy! (wings buzzing, whirring) 1 1 1 1 Isn't she pretty? She's awesome! She moved those trees with her mind! Mom, can I be queen when I grow up? Oh, honey, it doesn't work that way. Today, Queen Tara gives her power to a special Pod so the life of the forest will continue. It's all very mysterious. And... sweetie, what are you doing? Mmm... (gasps) Mom, I did it! Did what? Aw! She's coming! Don't do anything to embarrass me, or it could ruin my chances of being a Leafman. Why do you want to be a Leafman? They got to wear uniforms. Me, I like to let it all hang free. You see this? You see that? Yeah, don't-don't do that. That-that's vile. Come on, I know you got a little belly, too. (laughing) Gentlemen. Hey... Your Majesty. Hello. It's all right. Relax, it's just me. Mub, Grub, it's a very nice-looking group of Pods. I might have a hard time picking one. Do you have a favourite? Well, Your Majesty, we have had quite the debate. Really gone back and forth. You'll note the carefully curated selection of sizes, densities, colour. With so many variables, you can't be too hasty. Boom! Right here. Biggest in the bunch! QUEEN TARA: Hmm... Well, that's one way to go. How about... that one? Wha...?! That one?! For real? But it's so... Perfect! It's perfect! Excellent choice, Your Majesty! Sometimes the biggest one isn't the best one. Ow! (quietly): I told you, she doesn't like gaudy, Mub. Unlike you, she's got class. This is it. This is the one. Oh... Mmm... (quiet chirping) (quietly): Boggans. 1 (screech) (screeching) Your Majesty! Get to the barge! (Leafmen grunting) (wings buzzing, whirring) Move around the back! Around the back! (Marigold Girl screams) (gasping) MARIGOLD GIRL: I told you she was awesome! Hold the formation! Keep it tight! This is it, Mub-- my chance to be a Lea... Aah! What? Your chance to be a what? (screeches) (grunting) (grunts) Ronin! (growls) (Queen Tara grunts) 1 1 (snarling) Ozzy? Oh, come on, Ozzy! (wind rushing, trees creaking) (grunting) We had numbers! And we had the surprise part! How are we losing? Patience, son. The forest wasn't grown in a day. But we can destroy it in one. Right? Hah! That's the spirit! You take the Pod, I'll take the queen. (grunting, panting) (Queen Tara gasps) (laughs) Nice one! You're stealing my moves, kid! Your Majesty, come with me! Take her to safety! I have to lead them away from the crowd! You're totally my hero! (gasps) (grunts) (whistles) (pants, grunts) Okay... so maybe you were right. Remind me to gloat later. (wings whirring) (gasps) (both grunt) (chuckles) (Ronin gasps) Son! No...! (gasps) (thunder crashes) (thunder crashing, rumbling) Ozzy? (gasps) (thunder crashes, rumbles) (gasps) 1 (soft, echoing exhale) (grunts) Aah! (panting, grunting) (gasps, yells) (grunts, groaning) Huh? (groans) (gasps) Are you okay? Are you all right? (groans softly) Oh, my gosh! That-that's an arrow. Should... should I pull it out? I-I don't know what to do. Take the Pod... to Nim Galuu. Nim what? You need a doctor. Somebody call... What is this thing? (gasps weakly) It's the life of the forest. (leaves rustling) (Queen Tara groans softly) Tara! So serious. (long, echoing exhale) 1 1 1 1 1 I'm so sorry. What did she say to you? Something about... Galuu? Or a canoe...? Nim Galuu. The Scroll Keeper? We don't know anything about the Pod without Tara. Maybe he does. Take the Leafmen to Moonhaven. Fortify it. Keep everyone safe. What about you? Mandrake will be looking for this Pod, but he won't be looking for a Leafman traveling alone. That's not what I meant. I know what you meant. I'll send word when I reach Nim's. Who are you people? Is this some sort of reenactment... or some...? That's a big bug. No, it's about average, actually. (giggling) Then what, I'm tiny? (gasps) Oh, no. No. No, no, no, no, no. No... What...? No, no, no, no, no, no... I'm not sure why the queen brought you here either, but she gave you that Pod. So you're gonna have to come with me. Make me big! Excuse me? I'm not going anywhere until you make me big again! Uh, you know what? I don't do magic. You can talk to Nim Galuu about that. He might know something. Might...?! Whoa, whoa, whoa! Not so fast, soldier boy. You do not yank on a Pod, okay? Especially when it's attached to something so lovely. Talking snails. Actually, he's a snail. I'm a slug. No shell over here, baby. It just slows me down. Ronin, right? Head of the Leafmen? Big fan. I just love what you do with your jaw. Yes, that! We are the official Pod caretakers, sir. It can't survive without us. We keep it moist. Moist is what we do. You're kidding. You're not kidding. Fine. Word of the queen's passing will travel fast. We have to travel faster. With all this extra weight, we're going to need another bird. Bird. Of course. By any chance... you don't happen to be part of an advanced society of tiny people living in the woods, do you? (Mub and Grub laughing) RONIN: Some are more advanced than others. (spectators cheering) RACE ANNOUNCER: And that's another lap down. These racers are in it to win-- and they better be, we've got some heavy betting in the crowd today. They're clustering together... I'm telling you, this is where I belong! You belong in the back of the pack! I mean racing! You know, the best man wins. No other rules, nobody telling you what to do. You talk too much! And you ain't winning this race! Sorry, can't hear you! Going too fast! Hyah! Hey... (laughs) Nice old fleabag you got there. It's not the bird, it's how you ride it. Yeah? Prove it. Fetch! Whoa, whoa, whoa! ANNOUNCER: Now that's a dirty trick, which, let's face it, is exactly what we've come to see. FEMALE ANNOUNCER: Final lap! ANNOUNCER: This is bird racing, folks, it's not a parade. Looks like Nod's out of the race. ANNOUNCER: Wait a minute, is that...? Nod is down but not out! Don't let his old bird fool you! The kid's on the comeback trail! You know what we'll do if you win? I don't know, lose? ANNOUNCER: It's the final lap. They're beak to beak, wing to wing-- and it's Nod by a tail feather! The odds-on favourite takes it home. I bet there's a lot of happy faces in the crowd right now! (Nod grunts, groans) Is that the best you've got? (punch thuds, Nod groans) GOON: How was that? NOD (groaning): Better. Nod, you know I like you. Yeah, I like you, too, Mr. Bufo. And yet, you don't do what we agreed. We agreed that you would lose, but then you win. Now, I can't help it if I'm fast. You want me to lose, you gotta give me some better competition. It's called teamwork. Maybe if you understood that, the Leafmen wouldn't have kicked you out. They did not kick me out. I quit. (scoffing) I admire your independent spirit, Nod. I'll miss that. (snaps fingers) Feed him to something. A snake would be good. Nah... snakes just swallow you whole. Now, if you put him in a hornets' nest, that's a show. Aw, look, it's Ronin, defender of the weak, pooper of parties, here to ruin the fun. I didn't ruin all of it. I let you hit him. Twice. Hop along now, little froggy. Easy, Ronin, it's a big forest out there. Even Leafmen gotta sleep. You're wasting your time. I'm not coming back. I'm not asking. Oh, I see. The old reverse psychology. Make me feel guilty; get me to beg you. I didn't come for you. The queen is dead. What?! How? Boggan ambush. Ronin, I don't know what to say. I'm... She was your... I'm sorry. What's going to happen to us? To the forest? If we don't get the Pod to Nim Galuu's, the forest will die. NOD: Let me grab my saddle. (scoffing) What?! No. I didn't ask for your help. NOD: Really? 'Cause it sounds like you could use a rider with my... Ability to absorb punches? The situation's desperate. Let's not make it hopeless. All right, well, who's with you? Who's riding point? (Mub, Grub and MK laughing) (MK whoops) MUB: Uh-oh. Get your saddle. I'll get my saddle. (anxious laugh) Oh, my... Oh, I mean, this, I mean, this doesn't make any-- I mean, it makes sense if... (guffawing) Mary Katherine! Mary Katherine, you're not gonna believe these readings. They are off the charts! The wind, and the rain and lightning! And the birds were flying! In a storm! Okay, and that's not normal. Which proves, I mean, which would prove... (stammering) Actually, you know what? I'm going to make some lunch and I'll tell you all about it. (Ozzy barking) Ozzy, what are you doing outside? Did you see it, too? Tell me you saw it. (yelps happily) Hey, Mary Katheri-- Or, no, MK! MK, what did you want to... talk about? What... what is it, Ozzy? (Ozzy panting excitedly) # You make me... # You don't have a girlfriend. You don't need a lot of calls or text. You need data ` for dating sites, like Honey Badger. (LAUGHS) You do have a girlfriend. You need less data and more calls ` lovey-dovey calls. # You make me... # You don't have a girlfriend again. She won't return your calls. You need more text. Things change. Now your Prepay can too. Get more of what you need and less of what you don't with Vodafone My Flex Prepay. Hey. I'm Nod, by the way. Hi. MK. Yeah. Could you just face the way the bird's driving? Nah, don't worry. She practically flies herself. Great, because this... this whole bird-riding thing's new to me. Are you serious? And, uh... Well, we got to fix that. Here, put your arms around me. I just met you. Okay, but you're going to want to hold on to something. (MK screaming) What is wrong with you? Do you know how hard it is to do that without falling? I do now. Nod, perch your bird. NOD: Hey, I'm just trying to keep things... light. MK: What did that? RONIN: Mandrake. Tara's power always kept him in check. Now nothing can heal what he destroys. Except that Pod. We have to go around. What, just for one scout? Ever see just one Boggan? Hold on to me. Still barely know you. Hyah! (MK screaming) Nod, wait! (birds screeching) Whoa! Get to the ground! (Nod grunting, panting) This way. (screaming) (screeching) NOD: Other way! (MK gasps, screams) (both grunting and groaning) (bird screeches) What was that thing? What, you've never seen a Boggan? Someone had a happy childhood. Come on. Let's regroup. You mean up there with those things? They almost killed us. Don't turn around. (gasps) Is it a Boogie? Walk towards me slowly. (gasps) (sniffing) (gasps) Oh, it's a mouse. Hi, mousie. I was going to scare it away. What are you doing? Oh, look at its little hands and its little whiskers. Aw. (gasps) (gasps, screams) Hello! Other person! Jump. I can't jump that high. (mouse growls) (screams, grunts) Whoa! Did you see what I just did? Out! Jump out! (mouse snarling) Oh, great. Hey, over here. Over here. (grunts) Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! (roaring) Fuzzy mousie. (grunts, yells) Nice tail. It's flexible. (grunting) Help! (growls) (whimpering) They have very sensitive whiskers. You know, I had this. Uh-huh. Are you all right? Dad? I had the most messed-up dream. There were talking slugs and tiny little soldiers and... (gasps) GRUB: Hello. Ah, man. Now, let's move. Where there's mice, there's bound to be chipmunks. (both shudder) New seating arrangement. (whistles) You're riding with me. (sighs) Thank you. RONIN: You're with the slugs. Ugh. Disgusting. Do you and me have a problem? Uh, I don't think so. What was that over there? A little chitchat? That's real cute. You trying to jump in? What are... what are we talking about? There's a code amongst men. It goes something like this: I saw her first. (MK yelps, grunts) Ow! You're a slug. So? You think she'd want you? Look at yourself. Oh, that's right, you can't, because your eyeballs are stuck all the way inside your head. What's wrong, flat-face? Are you going to cry? Do you want me to call your flat-face mommy? You know you're not insulting me, right? You're just grossing me out. You've been warned. Ow! (grunts) (wood creaking) (chittering, hissing) 1 Hey, if this is a bad time, I can come back when you're done gardening. (grunts) Hey! I imagine you're wondering why I invited you here. I was frog-marched here at spearpoint. (groans) How is that invited? I let you keep your legs. (laughs) Comedy. Terrific. Funny psychopath. There are rumors that the Leafman Ronin was at your place of business and that he may have rescued a Royal Pod. (laughs) Real smooth. You got rid of the queen, but let her Pod get away. Plus your idiot general gets himself mulched. (chuckles) That idiot general... was my son! (whooshing, clattering) 1 (gasps) (hisses) (whimpers, gasps) Uh, uh, of course he was. He had your good looks. And your healthy grey complexion. And forgiving nature. Shut up! What's it going to be, Bufo? Are you going to talk? Or are you going to croak? (whimpers, sobs) Where are they taking the Pod? (distant animal calls) It's clear. Hyah. (Nod grunting) Why is he even with us? He's not helping. Well, when he's not being an idiot, he's a pretty decent flier. (Nod grunts) (Mub screams) RONIN: Could be one of the best. Plus his father was my friend, so I do what I can. 'Many leaves, one tree.' What does that mean? RONIN: We're all individuals, but we're still connected. It's what we live by. Hyah. Maybe you're connected, but I'm kind of on my own. No one's on their own. Not even him. (Nod grunts) Hey, Nod, how's the view? (Grub, Mub and MK chuckling) 1 RONIN: Well... here we are. I thought this was a secret Leafmen mission. How many people did the queen tell about this? RONIN: They're here looking for answers. Nobody knows that the queen has gone, only that the blight is spreading. So, this Nim guy can tell them? He's the keeper of our history, but even he may not know about the queen. He's not always up to speed. But he'll help, right? He's, like, the wise old man of the forest. Uh, he's more like the crazy uncle. The whole meadow just died. Everything was green, and now it's gone. I grew up in that meadow. MALE: Why isn't the queen doing anything? FEMALE: If anything happened to her, everything's going to rot. We're doomed. We're doomed! Get a hold of yourself! Oops. Sorry. NIM (echoing): Friends! Neighbours! (dramatic music plays, crowd gasping) Prepare to see your worries... disappear. (crowd gasping, oohing) I know rumours have been flying... (crowd gasping) ...but the truth is never as bad as it seems. I have just returned from deep inside this tree, from the Rings of Knowledge... (crowd gasping, exclaiming) ...where every memory, every event that ever happens in the forest, is recorded in these scrolls. (band plays flourish) (Nim grunts) # Listen, party poopers, I got something to say. # Dry your weeping eyes, we're going to be okay. # So you don't have to worry 'bout a doggone thing. # The Rings of Knowledge know everything. (both gasp) # The scrolls never lie and, honey, neither does Nim. # It's right here in my hands, all six of them. # So tuck your little fears and put 'em right into bed. # It says right here that the qu... That the... that the queen is... Uh... What? Well? What? I mean, uh... Ah, just tell us what it says. What's it say? He doesn't know anything! (crowd booing) Fraud! Tell us something! # D-D-Dry your weeping eyes, we're going to be fine. # Everything is really... # Aah! Ronin! Did you hear about the queen? This is terrible! I know, but... We got to do something. We got to keep everyone from freaking out. Yes, that's why we... And the Pod-- we got to make sure the Royal Pod is safely hidden, far away. And... (gasps) What'd you bring it here for? The queen's last words were: 'Bring the Pod to Nim Galuu.' She say anything else? Specific instructions? Maybe a note? Those were her last words. I thought you were magic. Magic might be stretching it. I'm charismatic. Possibly charming. Do you know what to do with the Pod or not? Not a clue, but I do know where to look it up. Follow me. FEMALE: There he is! (crowd booing) Phony! Um... no, it's this way. GRUB: The Rings of Knowledge. Is everything that happens really recorded right here? NIM: Oh, yeah. MK: And you've read all these scrolls? Eh, I've skimmed them. So, is this event being recorded right now? Of course. (grunts) Is this? Yes. How about this? (chuckles) Yes. BOTH: What about this? Yep. That should be it right here. Thanks, Marty. BOTH: Aw. Okay. Blooming a Pod. Got to go way back for that. Here we go. Let's see. 'Pod, care of. Must keep moist.' Well, good news is, once the queen chooses it, it's going to bloom, no matter what. But it has to open tonight, in the light of the full moon, when it's at its highest peak. Yep, solstice, full moon, highest peak. Mentions it a bunch of times. What happens if it blooms out of the moonlight? Unclear. The last part's missing. I got to be honest, termites have been a problem. So, here I thought we were doomed. This calls for a celebration. I suppose we've earned it. Wait. This is going to sound weird, but... I'm not from this world. (chuckles) And I thought maybe something in these scrolls could tell me if there's a way for me to get home. The scrolls don't tell the future, they only guide us with the knowledge of the past. Hey, that's a great line! You guys got that, right? So you can't help me? I didn't say that. I can't read this. It's just dusty. Blow it off. (MK gasps) It's you. But I saw you turn... into moss. Come closer. Oh, this is perfect. You can make me big again. Closer. (rumbling) (MK gasps) It's a memory. If you can hear me now, it means you got to Nim's. The Pod needs you. I can't be around for it anymore. (blows) MK: No, don't do that! Why would you give that to me? You don't understand. I have to get home. This has nothing to do with me. You're here for a reason. Maybe you don't see the connections yet. But just because you don't see them doesn't mean they're not there. I know you're scared. Just stay with the Pod, be with it when it blooms, and then you'll get back what you've given. (echoing): You'll get back. You'll get back... (MK gasps) Well, that was intense. I got to read more of these. That means... I can get home. Well, if you want to go home so bad, then why'd you leave? (indistinct chatter) Lose the sword, Ronin. We're done. We're not done until the Pod blooms. We're bringing it home to Moonhaven. I need you to watch it while I tell the rest of the Leafmen to expect us. Hey, I helped you get here, but I haven't changed my mind. Do you think, just because you're not a Leafman anymore, you're not a part of this? Well, the fate of that Pod affects all of us. The queen is gone. (crowd gasping) But, as always, she looked out for us, even in her final moments. Tonight, when this Pod blooms, a new queen will rise. I know you're sad. I am too. But Tara wouldn't want us to mourn. She'd want us to celebrate her life. And the life of the forest! To the queen! To Queen Tara! So, stay with it. And don't lose the sword. (groans) Look, I'm... I'm thinking that I didn't make the best first impression. It's okay. I've never had a guy fight a mouse for me before. (chuckles) You're not... you're not from around here, are you? What makes you say that? If you were, I'd remember you. To Queen Tara! To the queen! You want to go somewhere quieter? Will that be okay with Ronin? Yeah, he said to watch the Pod, but there's nowhere safer than Nim's tree. I think he's just pretty upset about the queen. Here, let me show you something. (gasps) What...?! (MK screaming) (grunts) Huh. That actually gets easier. What is...? (gasps) Wow... 1 (deer inhales) (deer exhales) NOD: Grab on. What? Put your arms around me. But I barely know you. Well, do you want to ride him or not? 1 NIM: The scroll said there was nothing you could do to save her, Ronin. You have to know that. Send a code to the Leafmen. Let them know the Pod is safe and we're bringing it home. You heard him. Go tell 'em, boys. And it's happy hour at Nim's! Or just do the first part. 1 1 MK: I got to admit, flying's nice, but this is riding in style. (chuckles) Yeah. You know, not... not everyone can do it. You have to be gentle to ride a deer. My dad taught me how. It's one of my best memories of him. You must really miss him. I know how that feels. (hisses quietly) Fruit fly, huh? So, uh, what's it like having such a short life cycle? (boy's voice): It's great, mister. (voice aging): When I grow up, I'm going to... (old man's voice): wish I had done more with my life, sonny. (groans, wheezes) The forest trembles at the passing of the humble fruit fly. (rumbling, crowd gasping) (roars) (crowd screaming) Excuse me, but I've lost something very dear to me. It was left by a friend who's... no longer with us. (roaring) (frightened yelp) (gasps) You found it. If you want to take this Pod, you're going to have to go through us. Relax. I'm not going to hurt it. I need it alive. Well, we're the only ones that know how to keep it that way. Thanks for the tip. (both yell) Stay with the Pod-- that's all you had to do. Yeah, but I just thought that... Do you ever think about anyone besides yourself? It wasn't all his fault. And you. I expected as much from him, but I thought you would know better. We're really sorry, okay? We just... I don't want to hear it. That was the last part of the queen that I... that any of us will ever have. The queen gave it to me. I should have been here with it. I'll do whatever it takes to help you get it back. I appreciate the offer, but Wrathwood is too dangerous. But you can't go alone. What about the whole leaves-tree thing that you said? Nim, tell him. Look, kid, the moon's coming up. That's bloom-or-die time. So, if no one has a better plan... Why don't we sneak in, in disguise? Great idea. I'll go as a grasshopper, and you can be my cricket lady friend. It's dangerous. I might get killed. I thought you'd like that. I don't have any Boggan armour handy. Do you? I know where we can get some. Well...? I got to say, six hands are better than two. That's been my experience. You might want to hang on. Hyah! NOD: Whoa! MUB and GRUB: Stop! Please! MUB: Please, stop! My son was born on a night like this. These were his baby fangs. And here's the first skin he ever molted. He was big for a larva. He took after his mother. Oh, your stories are boring and torturous! (sobs) The Leafmen took him from me. So I took something of theirs. It's basic etiquette. An eye for an eye. Ow! Ow! Jerk. Tonight, your Pod will bloom here. And when a Pod blooms in darkness, it belongs to the darkness. It will become my little dark prince. I'll destroy the forest with the very thing you hoped would save it. (splutters) (both laugh) I hate to break it to you, but it doesn't say that in the scrolls. It does in the part I have. (both grunt in shock) 1 1 NOD: Hey, the Boggan armor-- where is it? (MK grunts) MK: Over there. RONIN: Let's make this quick. (grunts) (grunting) Come on. (whimpers, groans) Ow! (grunting) That was awesome. (coughing) Here. Up we go. Ugh! That is some static cling. No, that's metal. Don't touch that! (MK screams, grunts) Ow! (whispering): Knock it off. Ow. Quit it. Ow! No, you quit. I'm not doing... Ow. Stop. I'm not doing any... RONIN: Now. Come on. You know, some of this stuff looks familiar. Hey, that's my saddle. Where are we? (booming footsteps) (gasps) Oh, it's where this guy lives. (Nod laughing) NOD: I can't believe it. He's been crashing around the forest like a bear for years. Most stompers just come and go, but this guy's relentless. MK: Wait. Stompers? NOD: Yeah. You know, like us, but big and dumb and slow, always stomping on things. Stompers. RONIN: And this one is obsessed with finding us. Obviously, that's a security risk. Can't have one of his big, fat feet stepping on Moonhaven. One of his ginormous, flabby, dirty, stinky... Okay, I got it. So we've been throwing him off the trail. So you're just messing with him? But he's found all this stuff. He only finds what we want him to find. Look at his map. We've got him looking everywhere but where we are. NOD (laughing): I love how this guy talks. (slow-motion): 'Look at this flower.' (Ronin and Nod laughing) (slow-motion): 'I hurt my elbow.' I think that's kind of mean. (slow-motion): 'Who said that?' It's his life's work. He's my dad. He what? I'm a stomper. (chuckling): What happened? You got shrunk? Yes, which he knows. Seriously? It's been a weird day for everybody. You got a problem with stompers? A stomper squashed my uncle. (gasps) Oh, my gosh. Really? No. I'm messing with you. (MK groans) Too far? Try it again. Maybe she'll punch you harder. (grunting) (slow-motion): I'm sorry. (normal voice): I guess she's right about me, huh, Ozzy? All I seem to be able to do is... (slow-motion): drive people away. No, Dad, you didn't. I'm here! And you're right about all of it. Don't stop looking. Not now. (birds chirping) (snorting, panting) Dad! Dad, just turn around! (sniffing) Uh-oh. Ozzy... no kisses. (MK gasps, screams) (Ozzy growls) (Ozzy yipping) DAD: Ozzy! (panting) Hey, how do I look? Scary as ever. (MK screaming) Are you okay? (growling) Run! Ozzy, will you please stop? (Ozzy yipping) (gasps) Oh! Oh! (stammering) Oh, yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah! They're here! Th-th... th-th-th-they're in my house! (stammering) (grunts) (vacuum whirring) (both screaming) No! (Ronin grunts) (yells in pain) (slow-motion): Ow! I hurt my elbow! NOD: Did you hear that? He said it! (laughs) (gasping) (grunting) 1 (grunting, stammering) Whoa! Oh, oh, oh, oh! (vacuum whirring) (MK screaming) (gasping) No! Don't let go! Don't let go! (screaming) (groaning) (Nod gasps) (gasping) Well, hello there, my little friend. Dad? Dad! (gasps) Uh... (stammers) Dad! Dad! (slow-motion whimper) (slow-motion snoring, grunting) (kisses) RONIN: Let's go. You can't stay. You're with us now. I'll come home soon, Dad. I promise. Come on, MK, we got to go. (sighs) You think he's okay? Yeah, he'll be fine. Their heads are like rocks. Uh, uh... smart rocks. (Boggans hissing) That's a whole lot of ugly. Ugh! It smells like something died in here. Something did. NOD: How do we know where to go? RONIN: I've been here before... with your father. He never told me about this. He never got the chance. 1 (both grunt) How's my dark prince? Ugh. It's fine. Good. Because, if it dies, you die. We know. You said. Ugly says 'what.' What? Nothing. (giggling) (gasps) Shh. 1 1 There's our exit. Meet me back here when you've got the Pod and the slugs. How are we supposed to find them? Follow the slime. (groans) MK: Aren't you coming with us? Ah, I'm going to make sure nobody follows you. Don't worry, you get the easy part. I get the fun part. (grunts) Hey, look, it's a Leafman. (chittering) I'll keep this simple. I run, you try to catch me. 1 NOD: Let's go. (both grunt) (both gasp) (shrieking) When I get big again, I am so coming back here with a can of bug spray. Mub. Grub. MUB: We're down here! I told you she'd come for me. (chuckles) This girl is smitten. Mmm. Hand me the Pod! Oh, come on. You should work on your grip, my dude. It's a bit womanly. (Nod grunting) No, no, no, no, no! Whoa, whoa! (chuckles) Hurry, before the guards come back! GRUB: Too late. I have a plan! Quick! Everybody, hide in your shells. Oh. I have another plan. (grunts) (squeaking) Huh? (MK gasps) (Mub and Grub grunting) NOD: Go! Go! Go! MUB: Ow! That hurts! Those are my eyes! Can you go any faster? (Nod grunting) It's kind of hard when you're pulling on my brain. (Boggans hissing, growling) MANDRAKE: Ronin! What a surprise. I get so few guests. Could be the stench of death. Some people don't care for it. It's all right. Ronin's an old... Uh, what do you call someone you've known a long time and always wanted to destroy? I expected you to come. But I didn't think you'd come alone. Who said I'm alone? (Mub and Grub grunting) (gasps) MK: Whoa. (growling) Ow! Oh, so what's the plan here? A hundred Leafmen? A thousand? Don't flatter yourself. (all grunting) Well, now I'm just embarrassed. I completely overprepared. (howls) (Boggans screeching) 1 Go, go, go! (grunts) (grunting) (MK gasping) I'm afraid you'll find getting out is a lot harder than getting in. (Mandrake screaming) (Boggans screeching) NOD: Ronin! Hang on! Go! Take the Pod to Moonhaven! I'm not leaving without you. Now you're starting to sound... (grunts) like a Leafman. Ronin! (Boggans chittering) Come on! (Mub whimpers) (grunting and groaning) (whistling) Hyah! (Boggan growls) 1 1 1 We've been waiting for you. Where's Ronin? He... gave us a head start. But the Boggans aren't far behind. 1 1 (cheering, indistinct chatter) 1 You guys made it. I knew you would. You got that from the scrolls? Some things you just know. 1 1 Let's see. Moonlight comes in here, moves along here, reaches the Pod here... at the moon's highest peak. Only time it can bloom. Do you know what this means? We single-handedly saved the forest! Eye five. Down low. Too slow. (chuckles) (Grub growls) So, when the Pod opens, what happens to you? I think I go home. Well, I-I guess this is... Yeah, I guess it is. 1 1 (onlookers gasping, murmuring) Mandrake's bats. (bats screeching) (howls) They're not attacking; they're just... blocking out the moon. Are you ready for this? Are you kidding? We're outnumbered, out of time, and the fate of the world is at stake. Why did I quit again? See you up there. Soon as I can find my... helmet. Thank you. Hey, guys. I'm going to need a uniform. And a bird. Oh, that's... You... That's all right. I'll find them myself. A Leafman makes do. (bats screeching) (Leafmen yelling) (yells) (yelling) (grunting) (MK grunting) What are you doing? I'm going to help. Whoa, whoa! You heard the queen. If you want to get home, you have to be here, with the Pod, when it blooms. Isn't that what you want? So I should just sit here? I didn't say that. Then I'm going up there. I didn't say that, either. You don't even know what you're saying. I'm saying, who gives up everything for a world that's not even theirs? Dad. My dad does. I have to get my dad! Where do you think you're going? The queen said I was here for a reason. This must be it. That's my girl. Hyah! (gasps) Oh, come on! (grunting) (bird squawking) Mandrake-- he's headed for Moonhaven. Grub! The Pod! It's blooming in darkness! (gasping) Whoa! Hyah! Hey, Dad! Come on, I need your help! (alarm beeping) (moans quietly) Whoa... whoa... whoa-oh! (groans, moans) (Ozzy barks, whines) (alarm continues beeping, Ozzy whimpers) (beeping stops) (groans) They're all right about me, Ozzy. All these years, just chasing things that aren't even there. I actually thought I saw my daughter, two inches tall, stuck in a bug jar. I've... I've... I-I-I've lost my mind. And I am talking to a dog. (sneezes, panting) Hey, Dad! Come on, I need your help, Dad! (whirring, powering down) (gasps) What? No! No! Dad, look at me! I'm right here! Just check your cameras! Ozzy, please. I've made up my mind, okay? (barking) Quiet! I-I don't... I-I don't care anymore. All I want now is to find my daughter! Dad, please! Please! I need you! (screeching) (MK gasps, screams) (grunting, gasping) Wha...? (gasps) MK! (clamouring, grunting) (gasping, yelling) (grunts) 1 (screeching) Ugh! I am so over Boggans! Aah! (gasps) (Ozzy snarling) (Boggan screeching) Ozzy! (whining) Dad! 1 (speaking slowly): Don't faint! (slow-motion): I won't! (rapid speech slowing): How did you find me? (slow-motion): I got your message. You were right. About what? About everything. I'm sorry. (normal voice): Me, too. (slow-motion): How did you get so small? Dad, it was amazing! They're real! (bats screeching) And they need your help. Follow me! (grunting) Missed me. I wasn't aiming for you. (gasps) (bones rattling) (yelling) (grunting) 1 (all yelling) Ooh! This must be the delivery room. Whoa! Boy, are you lost! Down the hall, make a left, and, uh, then when you see the janitor with a weird eye... Shut up! (grunting) My dark prince. Come to Daddy. I don't think it likes you. Ronin! You know how many Boggans I had to fight to get here? Seriously, I lost count. Well, what's one more? Wow! It's all real! It's really here! Dad, the bats-- we have to get them away from the moon. (slow-motion): It's so beautiful. There's no time! But what matters most is... Not now! Oh! (normal voice): Oh! You want me to play the frequencies (slow-motion): that attract the... (MK grunts with effort) (frequency oscillating) (MK grunts) Run! I'll find you, Dad! I just have to get back before... (screeching) Oh! Oh! Oh, oh! Oh, oh, oh! They really do go in your hair! Oh! (screams, grunts) (screeching) (grunting) This time, when I leave you for dead, you'll stay that way! What's that little saying you people have? 'Lots of leaves,' something-something? Very inspiring. But in the end, every leaf falls and dies alone. (yells) (grunts) No one is alone. Not even him. (screeching) (yelling) (all grunting with effort) (Ronin and Nod grunt) (Mandrake screaming) (gasps, screams) (rumbling) (raindrops pattering) (flowers and leaves rustling) You don't have a girlfriend. You don't need a lot of calls or text. You don't have a girlfriend. You don't need a lot of calls or text. You need data ` for dating sites, like Honey Badger. (LAUGHS) You do have a girlfriend. You need less data and more calls ` lovey-dovey calls. # You make me... # You don't have a girlfriend again. She won't return your calls. You need more text. Things change. Now your Prepay can too. Get more of what you need and less of what you don't with Vodafone My Flex Prepay. 1 1 1 (onlookers gasping) Look after them for me. There's that smile. (onlookers gasping in awe) Your Majesty. 1 (laughs) You look terrible. Hey, did you see how many times I got hit? I learned that from you. (laughs) You're not going to make me say all the stuff I learned from you now, are you? Well, you'd have learned a heck of a lot more from your dad. I was a pretty poor substitute. Ah, don't beat yourself up. Lately you've shown some real promise. MK: Oh, please. Just say you love each other. I thought we just did. Hey, you're still here. Yeah. I guess I missed my chance. I'm sorry. But not completely sorry. Wow! Strong grip! What's happening? NIM: A queen brought you here. How about a queen sends you back? (grunting with effort, gasps) It's working! We have to say good-bye! RONIN: What for? You're part of us. 'Many leaves,' I always say. I mean, I mean, the Leafmen say. N-Not that I'm a Leafman. Says who? (gasps, coos) MUB: We'll find each other! Just follow the slime! I will, Mub. You're really leaving. Put-put your arms around me. 1 1 1 1 I always hoped if I, uh... if I proved it to her... ...she'd, uh... you know. 1 Well, what do you think? It's perfect, Dad. Except the boots are higher and the sleeves are longer. And they wear, they wear actual helmets, not acorns. Really? Well, they should seriously consider the potential. (Ozzy barking) Ozzy! Here you go, boy. (playful growling) (snarling) (clanking, shattering, crashing) (alarm beeping) Um... Go. It's always for you, anyway. (computer beeping) (rapid speech slowing) Hey. (over speaker): Hey! How's work? Ah, it's not work when you love your job. 'Many leaves, one tree,' that's what I always say. Uh-huh. What do you think you're doing, Leafboy? Leafman. You know it's Leafman. Is it? MUB (over speaker): I wasn't sure. Hey, MK! What's going on, baby girl? Hi, Mub. We were talking. There's a big sack of 'shut your flat face' over there by that tree. (over speaker): Why don't you go pick it up? Listen, slick... (over speaker): Guys, don't fight. Oh, it won't be a fight. I could whip him with both eyes behind my back. I'd like to see you try, jelly butt. I didn't want to have to do this! (Mub munching) (MK gasps) Ew! Mub, get him out of your mouth! (curious grunt) Dad, I gotta go, uh... I gotta go Heimlich my friend out of a slug. Yeah, that looks pretty weird. Oh, here-here-here, don't forget this. (slow-motion): Tell them about the acorn helmets. Or you could tell them yourself. (laughing giddily) Come on, Ozzy! (slow-motion barking) (normal barking) (both laugh and shout happily) (screeching) (buzzing) www.able.co.nz Captions were made possible with funding from NZ On Air. Able 2015