"This is Archibald Suchot, a treasure hunter, explorer, and engineer." "He spent ten years in Africa building every type of useful thing." "By the way, it's in the heat of Africa that our story begins." "Well, this really isn't Africa:" "it's Connecticut, and this is the house that Archibald lived in before he mysteriously disappeared." "But that's a story that Archibald's grandson would be more qualified to tell you." "You'll see that he's quite a charming kid who answers to the name of..." " Arthur!" " ..." "Arthur." "Where's he gone to this time?" "And the dog's disappeared too." "Alfred!" "Oh, yes, you'll see." "He'll be a great guard dog." "Alfred!" "I wonder what exactly it is he'll be guarding." "If you could at least answer when I call." "Arthur." "Arthur!" "Attack!" "Men, come to my aid!" " Calm down." "It's me, Granny." " Oh, sorry." "I was in Africa." "I can tell." "Did you have a good trip?" "Fantastic." "I was in a tribe with Grandpa." "Look." "Grandpa painted a canvas that he placed in a circle." "That way, the animals pace round and round it, but can't find us." "It's incredible!" "It's all the inventions Grandpa made for the isolated tribe." "Yes, he was more interested in African tribes than he was his own." "Look, he dug a super-deep well and invented a whole irrigation system out of bamboo pods." "You know, it wasn't Grandpa who invented that." "It was the Romans." "They called them viaducts." "Romans." "I never heard of that tribe." "It's a very old tribe." "The leader was called Caesar." "Like the salad?" "Yes, like the salad." "Put that book back where you got it." "We have to go shopping." "Granny, please, could I drive on the way back?" "I don't know, Arthur." "We'll see." "Oh, please." "Grandpa would always" "Grandpa's not here, and I'm in charge." " Did he follow you?" " I don't think so." "Perfect!" "Perfect." "There." "It's all there." "Perfect." "This is wonderful." "Thank you so much." " What do I owe you?" " Are you crazy?" "Nothing." "Nothing at all." "Now get going before he catches you." "I'm speechless." "Thanks so much." "I'm counting on you to let me know how it went." "I will." "I'll call you tomorrow." "Oh, Arthur." "Arthur, it's fine." "You go off and play." "Go off while it's still light." "Absolutely." " Thanks, Granny." " Sure." "Yes!" "Yes!" "World champion!" "Alfred!" "Watch carefully, Alfred." "You are about to witness the invention of the largest irrigation system in the county, bigger than Grandpa's, better than Caesar's." "This is Arthur's... invention." "Perfect." "By the grace of God..." "Alfred!" "Congratulations!" "It's a remarkable invention." "It'll go down in history, believe me!" "Arthur, telephone." "You'll have to excuse me." "Probably the President calling to congratulate me." "It was not the President on the line, but, rather, Arthur's parents calling from the city." "He was thrilled to hear their voices." "One of Grandpa's colleagues." "But I followed Grandpa's blueprints, and it works really well." "I hope you can get here before nighttime..." "How tough times had gone for his family." " We're still in the city..." " Though he missed them terribly," "Athur understood that his parents had gone to the city to find better jobs." "No, not exactly, dear." "Jobs are really scarce these days..." "Although a boy's tenth birthday is supposed to be a happy time, the phone call made him very sad." "You're a young man now, and we gotta all make sacrifices..." "He listened as they apologized over and over again for not being able to be with him." "...sweetie, I promise." "Just keep your chin up." "But we miss you terribly, honey..." "Indeed, times were tough, and his mother and father were doing their best to take care of him." "It wasn't the President." "You know what?" "You're the best granny in the world." "And you're the best grandson." "Go on, blow them out." "Presents first." "Oh." "All right." "This is from Alfred." "I never had a new one before." "Thank you, Alfred." "If you can wait till you're outside to throw it, I'd consider that a favor." "Okay." "You're right." "And this is from me." "This is beautiful." "But how did you manage to bake a cake?" "I thought the oven was broken." "Mrs. Kerman from the hardware store actually made it." "Still like it?" "It's fantastic." "Just too big for three." "Don't be too hard on them, Arthur." "They try their best." "I spend my whole year in boarding school in England." "When I come back for vacation, they're not even here." "Anyway, I'm used to it now." "They're never here for my birthday." "Wait." "Make a wish." "I wish that, for my next birthday, Grandpa would be here to share it." "Every night, this magnificent sunset was all ours." "It's precisely into this landscape that your mother came into the world." "While I was having the baby, your grandfather was painting this." "But what were you doing in Africa?" "Well, I was a nurse and your grandfather was already an engineer." "We met there, and we had the same dream-- to help others and to meet wonderful people." " Who are they?" " The Bogo Matassalai." "Your grandfather helped build an irrigation ditch for them, and in return, they gave him a big bag of rubies." "Really?" "Really." "The Bogo Matassalai were very, very tall." "They say that nature always balances itself with its opposite." "The Chinese call it the yin and the yang, and for centuries, they searched for them in order to find perfect harmony." "And did they find them?" "Yes." "There was another tribe living right next to them, and they had this particular trait-- they were small as a tooth." "And they called them the Minimoys." "Wow." "Did they get along?" "Oh, wonderfully." "Soon they were inseparable, the one side very incredibly tall, the other incredibly small, and only together could they have a complete vision of the world." "Who's this?" "This is the Princess Selenia, daughter of the king of the Minimoys." "She's beautiful." "I mean, this is incredible." "Yes, and the king himself gave your grandfather the secret of how to find him anytime he wanted." "That's what your grandfather said." "I'd like to meet the Minimoys too." "Now, to sleep." "Sweet dreams." "We miss you, Archibald." "We really do." "No!" "How you doin', kid?" "Whoa!" "Ow, ow!" "Think that's funny, huh?" "Go fetch, brat boy!" "Nice shot." "Ah!" "Mr. Davido, you startled me!" "Oh, I'm so sorry." "I've just come to settle things about the land." "No, thank you." "We're not interested." "Irrelevant." "Done." "Signed, sealed, and delivered." "You didn't waste any time." "It was a coincidence, really." "I was in church this morning" "You were in church?" "I've never seen you there." "I usually sit in the back." "It's modesty, really." "You really should've been there." "You would've seen the mayor, who confirmed the document that says in two days' time, this land and everything on it belongs to me, the president of the bank who transferred your debt to me," "and, as amazing as it may seem, you know who else was there?" "The notary and the chief of police, who countersigned the order of eviction." "So you see, there's not a single signature missing, and if your husband does not sign this paper within the next 48 hours," "I will be under the obligation to evict you from this property whether your laundry's dry or not." "Oh!" "You should hang him up to dry as well." " We gonna have to leave the house?" " I'm afraid so." "I won't be able to hold off that vulture Davido much longer." "What about the treasure?" "The rubies that the Matassalai gave Grandpa?" "Your grandpa hid them somewhere out there in the yard." "I dug for weeks." "He hid them so well I haven't been able to find them." "Where you going?" "You think I'm gonna hang around twiddling my thumbs for 48 hours?" "I'm going to find the treasure!" "Just like his grandpa." "You should go and find my car rather than sitting there watching." "I can't believe he'd have hidden his treasure in the yard without leaving some sort of clue or note-- something to help us find it." ""Maltazard, the Evil M."" "I hope I have the honor of meeting you one day, Princess." "In the meantime, permit me to steal a kiss." "Jealous." "I knew it!" ""To get to the land of the Minimoys, put your trust in Shakespeare."" "Shakespeare?" "What tribe is he from?" "House is here, south is that way." "The tree, the elf, the moon." "It's all there." "Alfred, we found it!" "Yes!" " Ahh!" " Hang on there, young man." "Arthur, how many times do I have to tell you," "I don't want you playing in this room." " Excuse me." "Please go ahead." " Thank you." "Granny, who are these guys?" "This gentleman is going to evaluate some of your grandpa's things." "Granny, you aren't gonna sell Grandpa's things?" "Arthur, I'm afraid I don't have any choice." "Yes, we do." "Look!" "It's the map to get to the Minimoys." " What map?" " They're here!" "Grandpa brought them back from Africa with him." "If we can get to them, I'm sure they can lead us to the treasure." "Arthur, you're a big boy now, right?" "You don't really believe there are little elves running around the garden just waiting for you to visit so they can slap a bag of rubies in your hands." "Pardon me?" "Oh, nothing." "I was just chatting with my grandson." "If you have jewels, we are interested." "Unfortunately, not a jewel on the horizon." "Go to your room." "Now." ""Some words may hide others." "William S."" ""S" for Socrates?" "Shakespeare." "William Shakespeare." "Oh." "Not too far off." "Yes." "Better hurry and make your choice before I change my mind." " Come on." "Let's go." " Granny" "Let's go." "$300." "It's not very much for 30 years of memories." "Down payment." "If I sell them well, there's more." "Thank you." " Mrs. Suchot?" " Yes?" "Suddenly, they were on a very slippery slope, indeed." "With Davido's threats looming, hardships began to mount and doom arrived at the door along with the debt collectors." "...and procedural fees added, that comes to a total of $295.05." "May I?" "Here's your change." " Hello." " Sweetie, it's Mom." " Is everything all right?" " Great." "We're cleaning up today." "It's amazing how much old stuff just piles up around the place." "But thanks to Granny, we threw it all out." "Arthur, don't upset your parents." "Did you hang up on your mother?" "Of course not." "It hung up by itself." "She'll call back in a second." "Granny, they've cut the phone line!" "Don't you see what's happening?" "We've fallen into their trap, and it's closing in on us a little bit more every minute, but as long as I live and breathe, they're not gonna get this house." ""Some words may hide others."" "Of course!" "Archibald had left his grandson the following note:" ""Dear Arthur:" "I'm sorry I left you without saying good-bye," ""but just because you can't see me doesn't mean I'm not here." ""I've gone to visit our friends from Africa and recover our rubies." ""If you're reading this, then I probably never returned," ""but there is still hope, for my mission now falls to you-- if you accept it, that is."" "I accept, Grandpa." ""Good."" ""You must follow my specific instructions." ""Only then can you unlock the passage to the invisible world of the Minimoys." ""It can only be opened every ten moons." ""That's ten months to you and me." "August the first." "That's today." "Night brings good counsel, Arthur." "We'll sleep on it." "Tomorrow will bring a solution." " Good night, Granny." " Good night." "World in my hands." "World in my hands." ""Number one, go to the chimney."" ""All of the tools you'll need to make the journey are in my study." ""Hopefully, your clever grandmother hasn't locked the door." ""But if she has, you're a clever boy, and I'm sure you'll figure out something."" "I thought you were in the shower." "No, I was in the living room looking for my sleeping drops, and if you don't get back into bed this second," "I'm gonna make you drink the whole bottle!" "Go!" "Go on, go on." "You know, I don't like to do this, but I'm gonna lock you in." "I don't want you to do anything stupid tonight." " Okay." " Okay." "Alfred, what are you doing?" "Go to sleep!" "Is it the full moon or what?" "Thank you, Alfred." "Granny?" "Chimney." ""Pull the lever on the right." ""Now turn the valve." ""Inside you'll find a key." "Always keep this key with you."" "Always keep this key with you." ""Number two:" "In a suitcase is a diagram."" "Got it." ""And five stone warriors."" "My God!" ""Number three:" "look for the gnome who resides behind the house." "He marks the passage."" "I need more light." "I've seen Granny do this a hundred times." "The brake." "Perfect." "Sorry, old man." ""Number four:" ""place the tribal canvas over the passage," ""and the passage will open at precisely midnight." ""You know where I keep my telescope." "Get it." "It will serve as your transport to the invisible world."" "Now for the dolls." "Alfred!" "Arthur?" "Uh... yeah." " Follow me." " Okay." "Hi." " Time to go." " You're not coming?" "Only one can pass through, and you seem to us to be the best choice to combat Evil M." "Maltazard." "Never, never speak that name." "It brings bad luck." "Okay." "Okay." "Your grandfather went off to defeat him, and now it's up to you to continue his fight." "Thanks for the honor, but I think it might be better if I leave my place to one of you." "I mean, you're so much bigger and stronger than me." "Your heart is the strongest of weapons." "Okay." "First ring for the body... three times... to the right." "The second ring for the mind, three times... to the left." "And the third ring." "One whole turn... for the soul." "There." "The door is open." "You can introduce yourself." " Introduce myself?" " Yes." "And try to be convincing, because you only have five minutes." "All right." "Be convincing." "Okay." "Okay." "Uh... there's a, um... with..." " Archibald?" " No." "Introduce yourself." "I'm his grandson." "My name is Arthur." "And you are...?" "Saimono Matrodoy de Betameche." "Right." "But you can call me Beta." "Pleased to meet you..." "Beta." "Now hold on." "I'm not supposed to talk to strangers." "You better show me some identification." "Go on, go on." "Uh, this is a matter of extreme urgency." "In just two days' time, the garden will be destroyed." "What are you talking about, young man?" "Are you a practical joker like your grandfather?" "This is no joke, Mr. Betameche." "A building contractor wants to flatten the land and build apartment blocks." "Ah!" "What are apartment blocks?" "Enormous houses built from concrete." "They will cover up all the gardens and stop the flowers from growing." "That's awful!" "The only way to prevent this is for me to find the treasure that my grandfather has hidden somewhere." "Then I'll be able to pay off the contractor, and none of this will happen." "That's a really good idea." "All's well that ends well." "See ya." "No!" "To do that, I need to pass into your world so I can start looking for the treasure." "That's not possible." "You can't make a journey just like that." "The council must first be assembled, then you must explain your problem to them, then we break for lunch" "And in two days' time, the land will be flattened and you'll all be dead!" "So you mean this is an emergency?" "Yes, and we have to act now, because the future of your people is in your hands." "The future of the people lies in my hands?" "Someone might take me seriously." "Oh!" "It's okay." "I landed on my hair." "You did well." "I hope it will be enough to convince them." "Oh, Betameche, I just got to sleep two and a half years ago." " What do you want?" " I need you to activate the beam." "Oh, well, yes." "Forgive me, Your Highness." "But I really am royalty." "You're a royal pain in my keister, is what you are." "Hurry." "The boy needs to see the king." "Hurry, hurry." "You know, when I was your age, we used to look to the moon to figure out the time, and we were always on time." "So now, here we go." "One for the body." "And we had respect for those who were asleep." "Two for the spirit." "Yes!" "Cracked my back." "I needed that." "And one more for the soul to go-oo-oo!" "What's happening to me?" "!" "You are going to join our brothers, the Minimoys." "They will lead you to the Seven Kingdoms." "You only have 36 hours." "At noon on the day after tomorrow, the gateway will close again for 1,000 days." "36 hours." "I'll do my best." "Good luck, Arthur." "The key." "You have the key." "The key?" "Yeah, I have the key." "Okay, now go over to the lock." "The lock." "That has to be it." "Good, good." "Now turn the key." " I'm gonna die!" " Yes!" "No, no, no, no, no!" "Welcome to the land of the Minimoys." "It's not funny." "You really scared me." "I thought I was gonna die in that" "That's incredible." "What's incredible?" "I don't know." "Just look at my clothes." "They've changed." "You can admire yourself later." "The council's waiting for you." "Come on!" "Follow me!" "All this excitement's made me sleepy." "How far have they gotten?" "You're joking." "They've only just started." "Princess Selenia." "My little girl." "Father!" "Sorry, sorry." "Princess Selenia, may the spirits of the ancients guide you." "Papa!" "Yes?" "Papa?" " Where are you?" " Down here." "It's me, Pops." "Ah, my son." "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" "Couldn't you have waited ten seconds before playing the clown?" "I got something much more important here." "Oh!" "Because my mission isn't of great importance, is that it?" "And don't tell me you're the chosen one." "I've heard that speech." "Enough!" "Stop bickering, the two of you." "Hm!" "I hope you have good reason for daring to disrupt this important ceremony." "I do, Father." "I have an upperlander with me, and he's just been Minimoyzed." "Who is this uplander?" "His name is Arthur." "He's here to warn us of a grave misfortune, and the future of our people lies in" "Our great misfortune has a name-- the Evil M-- and we have no need of this Arthur person." "As the princess of royal blood, the task of protecting our people falls to me." " Hm!" " Yes, but..." "Cupcake..." "Will she make it?" "It's moving." "I have it, I have it." "I can feel it." "See, you totally sounded way too arrogant." "While the princess gets her second wind, perhaps we should hear this young man." " Where does he come from?" " Chicks dig the hair." " Oh, he's a dreamboat." " He's so hot." " He's cool, huh?" " Ordinary." " My humble respects, Princess Selenia." " Who told him my name?" "My humble respects, Princess Selenia." "My humble respects, Your Majesty." " Yes, my respects" " Oh, Arthur!" "I'm delighted to meet you." "I was a good friend of your grandfather Archibald." "Miro, leave him alone." "Well, young man, we're all ears." "It's like this:" "In just under two days, some men are gonna come and destroy my house, my garden, my world, and your world." "And you-- all two-and-a-half millimeters of you-- you've come to save us, is that it?" "The only way to stop these men is to pay them off." "This is why my grandfather came to you three years ago." "He was looking for a treasure, and I've come to complete his mission." "Your grandfather was a remarkable man." "He taught us so many things." "He was the one who showed Miro how to harness image and light." "Then one day he left in search of his famous rubies which our brothers the Bogo Matassalai had given to him in thanks." "He had buried them in our lands for safekeeping, but as you might expect, when he needed to retrieve them, he couldn't find them." "After wandering through the seven lands which make up our world, he finally found it... deep in the heart of the city of Necropolis, where he reigns supreme-- the Evil M." "And unfortunately, no one ever returns from the forbidden lands." "So" "So, you still set on your big adventure?" "My grandfather is not dead, I'm sure of that." "I will find him, and the treasure, even if I have to wrench it from the very clutches of this miserable Maltazard." "Mamma mia!" "There is someone outside." " It's lucky Gondolo, the mapmaker." " He doesn't look so lucky to me." "I think he needs a new nickname." "Stop!" " What's wrong, Arthur?" " Sire, look over there." "It looks as if a piece is peeling off." "I think it's a trap." "That's a painted canvas." "My grandfather used to do this in Africa to protect himself from wild animals." "Well, we're not wild animals, and we're not gonna leave this unhappy creature to die." "Here, make yourself useful." "Oh, my God." "Gondolo." "Selenia." "Yes." "Take it easy, Gondolo." "It's a trap." "What are those?" "Oh, my God!" "The Seides are back." "Mosquitoes!" " Arthur!" " Close the gate!" "Charge!" "Get him!" "Go get him!" " Let's go!" " Come on, men!" "This is not a drill." "Alley-oop!" "Cherry on top!" " Ready to fire!" " Time to make the jelly!" "Watch out!" "Ohh!" "Follow me to the palace!" "Hurry, Father!" "Yes, yes, I'm coming." "Oh!" "I'm so sorry." "I'm so clumsy." "Ahem." "Perfect timing." "I rather fancy stretching my legs a little." "Father, go and take cover quickly." "Out of the question!" "It's a king's duty to face his destiny, and if only one person is left standing, I will be that person." "Arthur!" " I might have an idea." " Great." "Well, I'm all ears." " Take this." "I'm gonna get my pets." " Your pets?" "Ha ha ha!" "Missed me!" "This is not working." "Gentlemen, it's time for a little reflection." "Ow!" "Ow!" "Watch out!" "The walls are booby-trapped." "Follow me." "That was for Gondolo." "Okay, Romeo and Juliet are really tasty to mosquitoes." "You hold her." "But nothing can beat their love for each other." "Really hate to do this, but they can't stand to be apart." "When I blow my whistle, release your Romeo..." " ...so he can get back to his Juliet." " Okay." "Let's go!" " Oh, no." " Fire." " Ha ha ha!" " Hi." "We're gonna have some fun." "Welcome to a world of" "Ow!" "Okay, here we go." "Ah!" "Come on!" "This can't be more complicated than driving a car." "Whoa!" "Wait up!" "Look out!" "Arthur, stop playing around." "Get serious." "That's the signal." "Fly off, little one." "No, you fool!" "No, it's not feeding time!" "No, not the gap!" "Not the gap!" "Okay, back in the saddle again." "That's it." "I got it." "You just made the "X" list." "Yeah, that's better." "Now let's go for it." "How brave he is, how heroic." "It's amazing how much he's just like me." "He'd make a good partner for you." "Father, I'm old enough to look after myself now." "Forget it, forget it." "Who's next in line?" " Oh, no!" " Oh, yes." " Betameche!" " Arthur?" " Do something!" " Hang on, Arthur." "I'm coming." "What a gift he is." "Come to think of it, he does remind me of you." "You okay?" "Nothing broken?" "I'm not sure." "I can't feel anything on my butt." "Just one question:" "Where did you learn to fly like that?" " Driving with my grandfather." " That makes sense." "Ah, Mogoth, king me." "For being clueless, that went rather well." "Hmm." "Prepare to witness the wrath of Mogoth." "We're not leaving without the princess." "Now, we can do this the easy way or the hard way." "Or my way." "Okay, guys, on three." " Why on three?" " That's just how we do it." " Why not five?" " Are you new here?" "Four of you attacking one woman!" "Aren't you ashamed of yourselves?" " No." " Pick on someone your own size." "Never!" "Long live the king!" "Oh, my daughter." "My child." "I must do something." "Cover me!" "Thank you." "The sword of power." "You foolish child." "It's a miracle!" "Okay, that's enough now." "Get on your knees and beg the princess for forgiveness." "Bruce?" "Mordecai?" "I said. on your knees and beg the princess." "We're sorry." "Now you're sorry, huh?" "Sorry for what?" "Sorry for, you know, trying to kill you and everybody." "I'll think about it." "That's my daughter..." "just like her mother." " You fought like a prince." " Thanks." "This sword seems so light." "It all seems so easy." "Of course, it's a magic sword." "It's been embedded in that rock for years, and you're the one who released it." " Really?" " Yes, my friend." "You're a hero now." "Arthur the hero!" "What's a hero?" "Arthur the hero!" "Long live Arthur the hero!" "Long live Arthur the hero!" "Long live Arthur the hero!" "Long live Arthur the hero!" "Father, now that the sword has been freed from the stone, we must act fast." "I would like your permission to continue my mission." "Unfortunately, I have to agree with you, my child, but I must insist on one condition." "What condition is that?" "Arthur is brave and his heart is pure." "He will go with you." "If that is what you wish, Father." "Well done, Arthur." "I'm sure you're going to make a fine team." "The way is clear." "Are you sure you haven't forgotten anything?" "I'm sure." "Go ahead, let go." "Ohh!" "Father, do we really have to take Betameche with us?" "Even if your brother is still young, one day he will be older..." "Arthur." "If you should encounter a small mole wearing glasses who answers to the name of Mino on your travels, he's my son." "He's been missing for some three months now." "You can count on me." "Oh, thank you, Arthur." "Hey, hero, let's go." "Hey, wait for me!" "You could at least wait for me." "Wait up!" "Your legs are longer." "I'm just a mini-Minimoy." "Boy, I do hope they won't fall into any traps." "I slept like a rock." "Arthur, time to get up." "Selenia, I'm sorry I called you Princess Rude, okay?" " Can we slow down a bit?" " No way." "It's your fault for loading yourself up like a gamallus." "I just packed a little bit of everything." "You know, just in case." " What's a gamallus?" " It's like a pachymollet, only much bigger." " And what is a pachymollet like?" " Like that." "Any chance you got something in your bag for dealing with pachymollets?" "Don't worry." "I got my 300-function pocketknife here." "Double knife, multi-crab clips, soap bubbles, music box, and for when things get really hot, a fan." "That's pretty handy, all right." "Then you got all your classic functions like your tulipan, your matchet, your sunjink, whistler, gullybar." "Nothing in there to cut off your tongue, by any chance?" "No." "But that's your specialty, isn't it?" "Stay right where you are." "Run." "On my signal." "Now." "Here we are." "Look at this place." "They built so much here, I can barely recognize anything." "Anybody home?" "Not many people come through this way." "Once you've tried it, you'll understand why." " Anybody home?" " Excuse you." "Oh, no." "I'm sorry." "I mistook you for a bell." "I-I didn't realize you were actually alive." "Hey, hold on, ma che fai, stupido?" "What do you think you're doin', knockin' out all my customers like that?" "It's not as if I have so many to start with." " Hello." "I am Princess Selenia." " I know that." "And that is your stupido brother." "And who is the third comedian who comes around knocking' out all the customers?" "My name's Arthur, and I'm looking for my grandfather." "Ah, I transported your grandfather a few years ago, an old eccentric madman who absolutely insisted on being transported deep inside Seides territory." "The Necropolis." "That's him, that's my grandfather, and that's exactly where we wanna go." " Sold out." " Ah!" "Necropolis, sure." "Why not the moon as well?" "We didn't ask you for the moon." "We asked for three tickets to Necropolis." "Is that clear enough?" "Arthur!" "Arthur." "You break my door to steal the key?" "Answer me, Arthur!" "Oh, what a job." "Right this way." "Come on, keep it moving while we're young." "Yes, that's a leaf." "Let's go, dandelion." "Hey, that ain't for decoration." "You're gonna need it." "Arrivederci, baby." "The car?" "What's the car doing there?" "Necropolis, ohh." "Oh, boy, here we go." "Ah, here it is." "Oh, wow!" "That's cool." "I got another one just like it in pink." "Wanna see it?" "Beta, we've got enough light already." "Arthur." "Where exactly are we heading?" "We are here, and we're going here." "Oh, my gosh." "I know where that is." "That's right under the water tower." "Giant water tank in the hands of that unspeakable piece of..." "Now I'm starting to understand." " Who are you talking about?" " The most evil of evil." "Oh." "Maltazard." "Holy humpbacked gamallus." "Didn't anyone ever teach you to hold your tongue?" "I'm really sorry." "Arthur!" "Granny?" "And we're off." "Ohh!" "Arthur?" "How long is the ride?" "It's pretty short, as long as we can avoid any unpleasant encounters." "What do you mean by unpleasant encounters?" "Aah!" "Whoa!" "I like it much better when it stops." "We're running out of time." "If we're gonna find those rubies, we need to get crackin'." "Water!" "Do something, Arthur!" "Get us out of it!" "It looks like you two are gonna have to get me out of this." "There's a hole in my boat." "Minimoys can't swim." "Comin' to get ya." "Be right there." " Arthur, please!" " I'm coming, I'm coming." "I know this river." "First there's a bend to the right, then there's a sharp bend to the left." "Minimoys can't swim." "That would've been helpful information to know." "See, I didn't abandon you." "Oh, great." "So instead of the two of us drowning, now all three of us can drown together." "No one's gonna drown, Selenia." "Surely you're not gonna let a little river frighten you." "It's not the river that I'm frightened of." "It's that!" "Arthur, have you ever thrown a sword like that before?" "It can't be much more difficult than playing darts." "Betameche, you go first and Selenia, you next." "Your turn, Selenia." " Betameche, hurry up." " I can't." "I'm slipping." "Selenia!" "We're safe." "Not quite!" "Aah!" "Aah!" "Come on, Arthur." "Hurry up." "We haven't got all day." "I'm coming." "Give me a hand." "Arthur, you were fantastic." "It's already so hard without my husband." "I don't know how I'll survive without Arthur." "I'm sure he's just run away for a spell." "All of these events have probably upset him." " Yes." " I don't think he'd have gotten far and we're gonna do everything we can to find him, ma'am." " Okay." " You can count on us." "What was that?" " Humans." " Really?" "Yep." "Sometimes it's like that all day long." "Oh, rats." "This map's a total washout." "How are we ever gonna find our way now?" "We use the position of the sun to guide us when it comes up." "In the meantime, let's look for a place to sleep." "And make sure you find something comfy, Selenia, 'cause I ache all over." "Beta, if you complain once more, you can go sleep under a bullmunch." "What's a bullmunch?" "It's like a gamallus, only much, much bigger." " Beta, I'm gonna need your knife." " Comin' right up." "Let's see now." "Where did they put that..." "Aah!" "Oops." "Sorry." "Give that to me, Beta, before you end up hurting somebody." "Just hang on." "I haven't had it very long." " I just got it for my birthday." " How old are you?" "I'm 299 and a half." "I'm almost a grownup." " How old's Selenia then?" " Almost a thousand years old." " A thousand years old?" " She likes to act like she's older." "Her birthday's in two days." "How is this working?" "Got it." "Ow!" "What's she up to?" "She's making the bed." "Ah!" "I'm exhausted." "Good night." "Well, he certainly doesn't have any trouble sleeping, does he?" " It's normal." "He's still young." " 300 years young." "That's not bad." "Whoa!" "Ah!" "So good." "What about you?" "Are you really gonna be 1,000 years old in two days?" "Ah, yes, and in two days' time," "I'm to succeed my father and watch over the Minimoy people until it shall come to pass that my own children reach the age of 1,000 and succeed me." "Such is the tradition." "Good night Arthur." "Good night, Princess." "Arthur!" "Mmm..." "Come on, time to get up, boys." "We got a long journey ahead of us today." "Hello!" "I said get up." "Okay, this calls for a change of tactic." "Come on now, shower time." "Oh." "Ah." " That's what I call a rude awakening." " Consider yourself lucky." "She's been waking me up like that every morning for the last 300 years." "Mmm, these are even better than the other ones." "Here, try some." "Tastes good." "What is it, exactly?" " Dragonfly eggs." " Oh, gross!" "Hey, come and take a look at this." "That's awful." "I suppose seen from this angle, it is less attractive." "Anybody have an idea what this thing is for?" "It's an irrigation system." "It transports water" " Water." "More water?" " I'm really sorry." " I had absolutely no idea" " Wait, wait, wait, wait a minute." "You mean that you're the one who built this monstrosity?" "Yes, but I only wanted to water the radishes." "Granny loves radishes." "What?" "You mean you actually eat those disgusting things?" "Let's just hope your invention doesn't fall into the hands of the Evil M." "Otherwise, I have a pretty good idea of what he'll do with it." "Timber!" " Watch out!" " My straws." "They're stealing my straws." "As long as they're getting rid of those things, they're doing us a favor." "Try thinking before you talk, Betameche." "The Evil M knows only too well that the Minimoys can't stand water, and your friend Arthur here just provided him with the means to transport water." " Where do you suppose he'll send it?" " Our village." "Arthur, where you going?" "To repair the damage I've done." "Can't believe that guy." "Humans are really crazy." "I know it sounds crazy, but I think Arthur is right." "They're bound to take the straws to Necropolis, and us along with them." "You're right, that does sound crazy." "It's really nice of you to come with me." "I'm just worried you're gonna do something stupid if I'm not around." "Hi!" "Psst!" "Beta, hurry up!" "Ahh!" "Here we go again." "Do you know at least where this waterway leads to?" "No, but in any case, all rivers and waterways meet up at some point." "You always have such brilliant ideas." "Hold on tight." "Oh, I hate public transportation." "Hello." "Hey, man, what are you playin' at down there?" "If the Seides find us first, we won't have a chance to tell you." "The Seides?" "You got a problem?" "Yeah, I got a problem." "I'm workin' 15 hours a day." "You want me to double it?" "No, no, we're cool, man." "You're the boss." "Get a move on." "The master's waiting." "Oh, yeah, the big boss." "Sure thing." "No problemo." "Double it?" "It's mathematically impossible." "Whatever you do, don't move until I come back and get you." "Got it?" "No problemo." "So where are these refugees of yours?" "You'll love it." "I've hidden them in a mega-discreet place." " Pretty cool, huh?" " Yep." "And mega-discreet, like you said." "Who wants the genie soda?" " Ah, yes, please." " Yes, yes, yes." "Sure." "Thanks." "Hey, Jack, fill 'em up." "This one is on me." "Lily pads and pine needles mixed to a delicious broth." "Everybody make a wish." "Long live the Seven Kingdoms." "Long live the Seven Kingdoms." "Ah, minty fresh." "Ah, yep." "That hits the spot." "Ooh, genie soda always brings good luck." "Oh, sorry." "To the Seven Kingdoms." "As long as you're here with me, there's really nothing to fear." "I'm the boss here." "My name is Max." "Hiya, Max." "And you, young lady, who might you be?" "Selenia, daughter of Emperor Sifrat of Matradoy, the fifteenth of that name, governor of the First Kingdom." "Wow!" "Delighted to meet you, baby." "Jack, same again." "Hey, yo, Easylow." "Yes, boss?" "Let's get this show on the road." "You got it." "Selenia, it's... are you really going to be 1,000 years old?" "Yeah, if you count the years in Selenielle blossoms." "Selenielle is the royal flower." "Oh, okay, Selenielles." "So how old does that make me?" " About the same age as me." " Wow, that's amazing." "So before, were you a little girl like me?" " What?" " No, I mean, I'm a boy, of course." "But were you a little girl like the other little girls?" "No." "I was born as I am, and I've never set foot outside the Seven Kingdoms." "I'd really like to take you to my world one day." "Ah!" "Hmm." "That's Maltazard?" "No." "Lucky for you, it's only Darkos, his son." "Hey, Darkos, this is an honor." "Great timing." "There's quite a vibe going down here this evening." "I can see that." "Organizing parties without inviting our friends now, are we?" "No way." "It wasn't planned." "Just a little something we improvised to impress the new punters, you know." "New faces?" "Warn me if he comes this way." "Hey, Darkos, what's up?" "Selenia, what is a nice princess like you doing in a place like this?" "I just dropped in for a dance." "Well, then, let's dance." "Darkos, sweetheart, I would rather die than dance with you." "Your wish is my command, Princess." "News flash:" "No one disrespects me." "Easylow, get this place rockin'." "Get them!" "Yeah!" "I got you!" "Arthur, look out!" "Hey, they're puttin' up a good fight." "Let's see if they've got the groove." "I think I'll go get some reinforcements." "Yeah!" "I like this kid." "Oh, three against one, huh?" "Check out this function." "Oh, how sweet." " You shouldn't have." " Oh, really?" "I wish I hadn't." "That's my girl." " Holy gullybars, you scared me!" " What are you doing here?" "I lost my knife." "I gotta find something else." " That's not good." " Uh-uh." "My knife!" "That's entertainment." "Aah!" "Easylow, closing' time, I think." " Charge." " Charge, my butt." " Wow, too dark!" "Mordecai!" " That's my foot." "Ow." "One of 'em bit me." "Can someone turn the lights on?" "Come on, man, follow me... if you wanna get outta here." "Look, if you go this way, you'll travel safe." " Maybe." " Oh, great." "This is from Max." "It will take you right to M's quarters." "I'm sure glad I ain't you." "Get down." "Move aside." "Find... them... now!" "What was that unearthly scream?" "Just Darkos throwing a little temper tantrum." "Do you think Max will be able to delay him for long?" "Max is a real smooth talker." "I think we can count on him." "Come on, let's go." "Yeah, right." "How can you even think about trusting a guy..." "Don't start, Betameche." "Just keep walking and shut up, please." "Hey, what's that growling noise?" "What growling noise?" "I don't hear anything." "Cut it out, Selenia." "I know you're just saying that to give me the creeps." " Come on, what was it?" " It's the Yeti." "It's growling because you woke him up." " Now he's gonna eat you." " The Yeti?" "Really?" "While Arthur closed in on Evil M's palace, his granny was about to receive..." " Surprise!" " ...a most unexpected surprise." "Yes, well, this is a surprise." "Where's Arthur?" "Hmm." "This is it." "Oh, come on, boys, let's go." " After you, Selenia." " Princesses first." "Men only act like gentlemen when it suits them, huh?" "Well, princes second." "Guess it's my turn." "What do you mean he disappeared?" "Every night, I told him stories about his grandpa's adventures in Africa, and last night, I told him about the Minimoys." "The Mini what?" "Shhh!" "What are they doing?" "They must be taking food to their master." "Let's follow them." " Do you think he's there?" " Yep." "W-w-w-what are we gonna do, Selenia?" "I'm gonna spoil his lunch." "Unh!" "He's not gonna like that." "But..." "This is where our paths separate, Arthur." "I have to deal with this alone." "What do you mean?" "I thought we were a team." "Well, the team is about to split up." "You're gonna go look for your treasure, and I'm gonna take care of M." "If I succeed, we'll meet back here." "And if you fail?" "If I should fail, I bequeath all my powers to you." "What do you mean?" "Be a good king." "But... we have to..." "Selenia..." "I spent entire days polishing that sword to perfection." "I'd recognize that sound anywhere." "Hmm." "And who else would've been able to draw the sword from the stone besides you, Selenia?" "I'm delighted to see you, Princess." "Likewise." "This way I'll be able to kill you with my own two hands." "Oh, why so much hatred?" "Because you betrayed your own people, slaughtered entire populations, and bound the rest into slavery." "You're nothing but a monster." "Speak not of monsters, nor of things of which you are ignorant." "Back in the time when I was known as Maltazard the Good," "Maltazard the Bountiful, He Who Watches and Protects," "I inspired such trust and confidence that when the drought came, one which lasted 1,000 years," "I was the one they chose for the crusade, with the task of bringing back water, of course, but also all the riches I could reap." "Maltazard the Conqueror." "Oh!" "How they praised and applauded me when I left." "But I faced every hardship quite alone-- the hostile lands, the ferocious beasts, the bloodthirsty tribes lurking in the depths of contaminated plateaus where even the humans dare not go." "But I survived all that." "And having accomplished my mission, I returned to my village..." "Maltazard the Hero!" "Yet it was not long before the diseases and bewitchments which I'd encountered during my voyage began to disfigure my body." "Fear spread through the people-- fear of contamination." "People stopped speaking to me." "They crossed the street when I approached, and very soon, I became Maltazard the Evil" "M." "Uh-uh." "The version recorded in history books is slightly different." "It is said that when you returned from your voyage, you celebrated for months on end-- each day sinking a little further into anger and depression until you began keeping company with the worst kind of insects-- even poisonous ones, like a certain pretty young..." " ...weevil." " Silence!" "You gave your powers to her, she gave her powers to you." "That's enough, I tell you." "I was young." "Ah, well, if you can't control yourself, you shouldn't indulge." "Yes, I know." "I let myself go a bit, and it's true, she stole a kiss from me-- one single kiss which has ruined my entire life." "Next time, try being a little more selective in your choice of friends." "Next time my partner will be the most beautiful of all, she whom I have watched blossom like a delicate flower, and whom I have long dreamt of picking." "Watch yourself." "Delicate flowers might have thorns." "Yes, and this lovely flower alone has the power to release me from the spell that binds me and make me look like my old self again." "Only the very first kiss of a princess has the power" " Excuse me, sir." " Who dares disturb me?" "It's Bruce, sir." "I got a new mask." " Speak up." " It's a trap." "She brought an upperlander with her, sir." "He's the one who freed the sword of destiny." "They've come for your rubies, sir." "Well, Selenia, you're more clever than I thought you were." "Thank you." "You could've saved my life, but you chose not to." "Don't count on me to spare yours." "Don't worry, Selenia." "You won't die right away." "You'll just suffer a little first as you watch the destruction of your people." "Leave me alone!" "Let me go!" "I knew we shouldn't have left him with my mother." "No, it's not Granny's fault." "Ever since we left, Daddy disappeared and she's been a wreck." "Well, what did we expect?" "We've been gone for months." "And it was on this night that Arthur's mother and father would agree that no money problems would ever be enough to keep them apart from Arthur ever again." "We've gotta get outta here, Beta." "We've gotta think of something." " I'm thinking, Arthur, I'm thinking." " What about the power she gave me" " I don't know." " What do you mean you don't know?" "Strangling him won't do any good." "Besides, you better save your energy if you wanna eat." "What do you mean?" "If you want to eat down here, you'll have to teach them something new every day." "Otherwise, you'll go hungry." "It makes sense, complete sense." "Knowledge is the one true source of wealth, is it not?" "What kinds of things do they wanna know?" "Anything will do." "From the elementary laws of physics to the behavioral pattern of winkles." "Even how to cook garden peas." "I taught them to write." "And to paint-- especially huge canvasses-- and to harness light using mirrors and transport water from one place to another." "Yes, that's true, but how did you know all that?" "Because the man who invented all those wonderful things is my grandfather." " Arthur?" " Grandpa!" "Oh, my grandson!" "I never thought I'd see you again." "Let me look at you." "My, how you've grown!" "It feels more like I shrunk." "Yes, that's true." "And how is your granny doing?" "Well, she's in trouble." "Oh, I miss her so much." "Well, with your help, I'm sure I'll get back to her." "Hello, Archibald." "Remember me?" "Betameche?" "Is that really you?" "Mm-hmm." "Oh, I'm so happy to see you again." "How is your father, the noble king?" "He's in grave danger." "And your sister, the charming Princess Selenia?" " Selenia?" " Selenia?" "I failed, Arthur." "I'm sorry." "All is lost." "No." "As long as we're still alive, nothing will ever be lost." "You're so full of hope." "You can never give up hope." "Look at me." "Only yesterday, I was just a small, lonely kid, and today, well, I met a princess." "A happy princess because she's finally found her Prince Charming." "Come on now, you two lovebirds." "It's showtime." " If you would care to..." " Gate open, boss." "My God, when I think that it was I that taught them all this, and now they're gonna use it against us." "When I think that I was the one that gave them the straws." "Look, it's Mino, Miro's son." "He's still alive." "The treasure." "Ah, Archibald." "What a great pleasure it is to see you again." "The pleasure is all yours." "So, Archibald, aren't you proud of the marvelous use I've made of your knowledge?" "Looks like a fine structure." "A shame its only purpose is to flood the Minimoys." "Oh, no, not only that." "We're going to drown them, pulverize them, and destroy them... forever." "They will die in agony with my name on their lips." "Look." "Read my lips." "Mal... ta... zard." "You really are a monster." "Maybe, but I also know how to be noble." "You are free." "See?" "All you have to do is follow this tunnel and you'll be home in no time." "As soon as we're inside that tunnel, you'll flood it." "My poor Selenia, what a twisted mind you have." "Come on, hurry up before I change my mind." " Sire?" " What is it now?" "May I ask Your Highness to grant me one last favor before I die?" "I like this kid." "What is this favor?" "I would like to leave my only valued possession-- this bracelet-- to my friend Mino." "Granted." "Your father sent me." "I'll get you out of here." "You need to signal your position at noon precisely." "Signal my position?" "But how?" "Using your mirrors, Mino." "Mirrors." " Oh, yes, m-m-m-mirrors." " That's enough." "Patience is the only thing for which I set myself a limit." "High noon on the dot." "I shall allow you a head start of three minutes." " I hope he" " We're running out of time." "Hurry!" " Darkos." " Yes, Father?" "Prepare to open the floodgates." "Come on, come on!" "Is there nothing to nibble?" "I do love something to nibble on during a good show." "Wait a minute." "I don't think I can go on any further." "Grandpa, come on, hurry." "You go on without me, and take care of your grandmother." "Tell her that I'm sorry." "Come on, Grandpa." "You can do it." "Arthur, it would take nothing short of a miracle to save us now." "Your Highness, a few tidbits." "Mmm, delicious." "Bring me more." "Yes, master." "There must be a solution." "There's always a solution." "The only solution is to pray, my children." "Pray for a miracle." "A miracle." "A miracle?" "Where?" "Right here, Grandpa." "You're sitting on it." "Look." "Come and give me a hand." "Come on." "Push!" "What is this... thing?" "It's a car; it's a Ferrari 250 GTO, 12 cylinder." " It's a birthday present." " You know how to drive that thing?" "Of course I do." "If the young lady would care to step this way." "Bingo." " Hurry, Arthur." " If we wanna make it the whole way, we have to wind it up as far as it will go." " Arthur, the water's coming." " Arthur, please." "Got it." "This is the first time I've ever taken a girl out for a drive." "Let's just hope it won't be the last." "Step on it." "Faster!" "I just hope there aren't any speed cameras down here or we've had it." "Hey, go to the left." "I'd appreciate a little more warning next time if that's okay with you." "Okay." "Turn right." " Which way do I go now, left or right?" " Down." "Selenia, I don't feel so good." "Just hang in there." "The road is smoother now." "Our countdown to victory has begun." "Shall we prepare your fancy cape?" "Oh, the stress is unbearable." "They have until noon, my king." "Only five minutes left and still no news." "Have faith in them, my good king." "I'm sure they will succeed." "May the gods hear you, Miro, may the gods hear you!" "Look, there's the gate." "Yeah." " We made it!" " Yes!" "Arthur, you're not gonna break down on us now." "Sorry." "I guess we're gonna have to get out and run!" "What?" "What is that rumbling noise?" "I have no idea, sir, but I have a terrible foreboding." "Father, it's me, Selenia!" "My daughter!" "They've returned." "Open the gate!" "Yes, yes." "Open the gate now!" " Close the gate immediately." " Open it, close it." "Make up your mind." "All together now!" "You did it, Daddy, you did it." "You are now the uncontested master of all the kingdoms." "Heaven knows I don't care about titles and honors, but I must admit that it does feel good to be supreme ruler!" "Let us prepare ourselves." "The gate looks as if it will hold." " Not for long." " Oh, my children!" "Papa!" "We missed you, Papa." "Oh, my children, you're this old king's most prized possessions." "Oh, Papa, I missed you, too." "It's noon in one minute." "Hurry up now." "You only have one minute." "We can only hold the water back for about an hour, but I know that I can depend on you." "After all, you're one of us now, and I hope you know that you're always welcome back here." "And a second turn of the wheel for the spirit." "Our lives are in your hands, my friend." "We're counting on you and your grandson." "Don't worry." "Arthur has a plan, and I'm sure it's gonna work." "It's gonna be pretty dull around here without you." "Come back soon, huh?" "At the tenth moon." "That's a promise." "And a third turn of the wheel for the soul!" "Whoa!" "Oh, my God!" "Oh, my God!" "Whoa!" "See you in ten moons!" "Huh?" "Grandpa!" " Huh?" " You okay?" "My brothers!" "Oh!" "I'm so glad to see you again!" "Look at you!" "Ha ha ha!" "Grandpa!" "We've got no time left!" "We've gotta go!" "You're right." "Noon on the dot, and no one in sight." "I'm afraid, though it is a beautiful Sunday, despite it being the day of our Lord, there seems to be no miracle." "So..." "You're right, Davido." "It is a beautiful, beautiful Sunday." "I believe we have some papers to sign." "Am I right?" "Let's go in the living room." "We'll be more comfortable." "While I try to buy time, you get busy finding the treasure." "Mino!" "Mino, where are you?" "Mino!" "This is not gonna be easy." "Okay..." "Light!" "I promised you riches and power, and Maltazard always keeps his promises." "Nothing can stop us now." "The Seven Kingdoms are mine." " Someone's on a power trip." " So now he did it by himself?" "I mean, of course, ours." "What?" "Excuse me." "Could you tell me what time it is?" "I'm kind of far-sighted." " Uh, noon." " Oh." "Thank you." "My fearless and faithful warriors, let the festivities begin." "Opposite angle, 45 degrees, target to rubies." "Arthur, I hope you're watching." "Mino, you're the best!" "What the-- what is he doing?" "Darkos, that idiot will give our position away." " Make him cut that beam immediately." " Cut the beam!" "Huh?" "Oh, sorry." "Because I'm far-sighted-- but I'm also hard of hearing." "You fool!" "You will be sorry that you defied Maltazard!" "Aaah!" "Oh, it's nothing, really." "Bring him here." "You won't like me when I g-g-get angry." "Ha ha!" "Sure you can!" "Show us." "Check it out, guys." "Cool moon." "It's gettin' bigger-- aaah!" "What is this thing?" "Sir, we're forming a committee to discuss possible solutions" "Huh?" "That's... water!" " Daddy, they've blocked the pipe." " Ohh!" "Father, shall I get you a towel?" "W-w-what about me, Father?" "As for you, my son, I hereby solemnly appoint you" "Commander of the Imperial Forces." "Oh, thank you, Father, that's kind of you." "But what about a desk job?" "I'm very good with numbers." "A commander never deserts his post." "Mino... come out." "Yes!" "More coffee?" "No!" "No more coffee." "Thank you." "But what I would love is for you to sign the paper." "Of course." "What did I do with my pen?" "Oh, what a lovely pen." "We have wasted enough time." "Sign!" "Of course." "And now the money." "Huh?" "Oh, the money." "I'd like to see how you're gonna pull one of your tricks now." "Here." "Bravo, my boy!" "So, then..." "Good accounts make for good friends, isn't that right?" "There you are." "Paid in full." "Sir, I must now be saying good-bye." " Good-bye, now." " Good-bye." "Congratulations." "Don't worry, Mino." "I'm gonna take care of you." "Mm-hmm." "They did it!" "Yes!" "They did it!" " Yay!" "They did it!" " My son!" "My boy..." "Oh, I would love my little Mino to see this." "I understand, Miro, but our people are safe and sound, and that is something to be thankful for." "Of course, of course." "Wait." "I" " I think I know what it is." "Ow!" "Hey!" "It's Mino!" " Mino!" "My son!" " Papa!" "Oh, my boy." "Thank the gods you've returned safely." "Well, there you go." "All's well that ends well." "Not quite." "May I?" "How do I look?" "You look wonderful." "As usual." "I'm so sorry I was gone for so long, but I thought I could solve our money problems and come right back." "Well, I hope you enjoyed your solitude, because I'm not letting you out of my sight ever again." "I propose a toast." "The Bogo Matassalai had once told Arthur that the heat is the strongest weapon of all." " My favorite dish." " Where's Arthur?" "Uh, he-- he just went to wash up." "He'll be back in a jiffy." "And now, as he thought of his family and his new friends the Minimoys," "Arthur knew that this was a very good thing, indeed." "Only ten more moons, Selenia." "I will wait for you." "THE END."