(Young Rhino and Shauku are seen walking in the Pride Lands)
Young Rhino:
Mtoto! Where'd you go? Mtoto?
Mtoto:
Here I am! (Laughs) (Mtoto sprays Young Rhino and Shauku with water)
(All Laughing)
Young Rhino:
Okay, you got us!
Mtoto:
Wait. Do you hear that?
Shauku:
I don't hear anything. (Gasping)
(Everyone hears the squawking of the birds)
Young Rhino:
Are those birds?
Shauku:
A lot of birds.
Young Rhino:
(Whimpers) You don't think they're vultures, do you?
Shauku:
Vultures?
Mtoto:
You know who we need right now?
(The Lion Guard shows up)
Kion:
Lion Guard, this way!
Mtoto:
(Mtoto waves at Beshte) Hi, Beshte!
Beshte:
Hey, Mtoto!
Bunga:
That's an un-Bunga-lievable bunch of birds!
Kion:
Yeah. I wonder what's going on.
(The lion guard goes to Mizimu Grove and birds gather around)
Beshte:
Look at that! I've never seen so many birds in one place.
Fuli:
So what are they all doing here?
Kion:
I bet Ono could tell us. But I don't know where he is.
Ono:
I'm right here! I got us a spot right in front!
Fuli:
In front of what?
Kion:
Let's find out.
(The lion guard all walks up to Ono)
Ono:
Can you believe he's really back? After all this time?
Kion:
Who?
Ono:
Hadithi!
Bunga:
Who-dithi?
Ono:
Hadithi? The legendary eagle? Every bird in the Pride Lands has heard of him!
(Kion smiles at Bunga)
Bunga:
Uh, Ono, we aren't birds!
Ono:
But you don't have to be a bird to have heard of Hadithi. Creator of the Hadithi Spin? (Ono shows the lion guard the spin) Three mid-air loops and a corkscrew? I think. I've always wanted to ask Hadithi exactly how it goes. And now I can. If I can get up the nerve, that is. He's kind of my idol.
Beshte:
He sounds Poa, Ono.
Ono:
Oh, he is. And smart. They say whenever he speaks, nuggets of wisdom fall from his mouth.
Bunga:
Pfft! Big deal. (Bunga eats bugs) Nuggets fall outta my mouth all the time.
(Birds Squawking and chirping)
(Ono smiles as Hadithi lands in Mizimu Grove)
Hadithi:
Greetings, my friends.
Male Raven:
Say something wise, Hadithi!
Hadithi:
The higher you fly, the more they'll look up to you.
All:
Ahhhh! Ooooooooooh!
Ono:
"The higher you fly, the more they'll look up to you." That is so deep.
Bunga:
Really? Seems kind of obvious to me.
Fuli:
(Softly) Bunga, shh! Ono really likes this guy!
Ono:
Isn't he amazing?
Kion:
Oh, yeah!
Bunga:
Hey, Ono. Let's ask him about his spin thingie. (Bunga walks up to Hadithi) Yo, Hadithi!
Ono:
(Ono stops Bunga) Bunga! You can't just talk to Hadithi. He's the Raven Rescuer from Red Rocks. The Starling Savior at Summer Springs.
Hadithi:
Don't forget the Guardian of the Great Egret Escape.
Ono:
Oh, I would never... (Gasps) Uh, Bunga? Is Hadithi actually talking to me?
Hadithi:
Indeed I am, young egret. You seem to know a lot about me.
Ono:
Oh, I do, Hadithi. Sir. (Clears throat) In fact, I would have to say I'm your biggest fan?
Hadithi:
My biggest fan? (chuckles) Are you sure, young egret? As you can see, I have many.
(Music starts)
(Birds sway back and forth as they listen to Hadithi)
Hadithi:
¶ I'm not one for boasting
¶ But what they say is true!
(Hadithi starts walking)
¶ I happen to be the best
at everything I do
¶ So what's the point of fighting the energetic crowd
(An egret falls over)
¶ When they wantto scream and shout ¶ And chant my name out loud
Birds:
¶ Hadithi, the hero!
Hadithi:
¶ Wherever I go
Birds:
¶ Hadithi, the hero!
(Birds hold Hadithi)
Hadithi:
¶ They worship me so
Birds:
¶ Hadithi, the hero!
Hadithi:
¶ Oh, I must agree
Birds:
¶ Hadithi, the hero!
Hadithi:
(Hadithi flys)
¶ It's all about me!
¶ Ravens I have rescued
¶ Freed finches from the fray
(Hadithi stops a hyena and saves the birds)
Hyena:
(Yelps)
(Ono and Hadithi fly)
Ono:
¶ And the egret's great escape
Hadithi:
¶ Oh, that was a busy day
¶ But most of all I'm famous for that legendary wing
¶ Against hungry crocodiles
¶ With my Hadithi spin
(Hadithi does his spin on the crocodiles)
(Birds and Hadithi are on a tree)
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
Hadithi:
¶ Wherever I go
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
(A blue turaco falls)
Hadithi:
¶ They worship me so
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
Hadithi:
¶ Though I must agree
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
(Hadithi holds a bunch of birds on his wings)
Hadithi:
¶ It's all about me
¶ Yes, I must truly be humbled
(Hadithi puts his wing around Ono and birds fly around them)
¶ By all my fanatical fans
(Hadithi flys with the other birds)
¶ Yes, it's so hard to be humble
¶ But that's just the bird that I am
¶ That I am
(Egrets fly in the sky)
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
Hadithi:
¶ Wherever I go
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
(Hadithi flys with the birds)
Hadithi:
¶ They worship me so
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
(Hadithi lands and the Lion Guard watches him)
Hadithi:
¶ Though I must agree
(Ono smiles at his hero)
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
Hadithi:
¶ It's all about me
(Birds lands)
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
Hadithi:
¶ It's all about me
(Birds lands)
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
Hadithi:
¶ It's all about me
Birds:
¶ Hadithi the hero!
Hadithi:
¶ It's all about me ¶
(Music ends)
(Birds cheering)
Hadithi:
Thank you so much! You're the wind beneath my wings! But you may just be my biggest fan after all.
(Simba and Nala walk up)
Simba:
Perhaps. But don't forget. You have fans all over the Pride Lands.
Hadithi:
(Hadithi bows) King Simba. Queen Nala. You honor me with your presence.
Nala:
We're glad your travels have brought you back to the Pride Lands, Hadithi.
Simba:
Yes. Your return has brought great joy all over the Savannah.
Kion:
Mom? Dad? You've heard of Hadithi?
Nala:
(Nala turns to Kion) Oh, yes. Hadithi is a hero to animals throughout the Pride Lands.
Simba:
We all know, Hadithi is a bird who never thinks of himself. Especially when an animal needs help. When a hero like Hadithi returns to the Pride Lands, it is important for us to mark the occasion. And this is why we'd like to honor you at Pride Rock with a Royal Mud Print ceremony.
Hadithi:
A Royal Mud Print ceremony? For me?
Bunga:
A Royal Mud Print ceremony! Un-Bunga-lievable! What's a Royal Mud Print ceremony?
Ono:
Hadithi will press his talons into wet mud! When it dries, his prints will be preserved forever alongside those of other heroes!
Kion:
I've seen those prints! But I've never seen the ceremony.
Ono:
(Laughs) I can't think of anyone who deserves it more.
Simba:
And as guest of honor, it is tradition that you share your great knowledge with a younger member of the Pride lands. Now, who should it be?
Kion:
(Kion looks Ono) Dad, over here. Him! Him!
Simba:
Ah, perhaps, young Ono.
Ono:
Me?
Hadithi:
Very well. If that's your tradition.
Simba:
Is there anything else you need?
Hadithi:
Oh, that's very kind of you, King Simba. But, I don't need much.
Simba:
Very well.
(Simba and Nala start to leave but Hadithi stops them)
Hadithi:
Although, uh, speaking of tradition, as guest of honor, I assume that you'll be building me the traditional ceremonial nest?
Simba:
The ceremonial nest? Hmm. I've never heard of that.
Nala:
But we've also never had a mud print ceremony for an eagle before.
Simba:
That's true. Birds do these things differently.
Ono:
The Lion Guard would be honored to build the traditional ceremonial nest! Uh... Wouldn't we? (Ono looks at his friends)
Kion:
Uh... Sure. Honored.
Simba:
Then we shall see you at the clearing by Pride Rock just before sundown for the ceremony.
Hadithi:
Thank you, Lion Guard, for your kind offer.
Bunga:
Aw, what's a little favor among heroes?
Hadithi:
I assume you know how to use the proper leaves for the nest.
Beshte:
The proper leaves?
Hadithi:
In keeping with tradition, the ceremonial nest should be made of the leaves from the top of the tallest tree in the land.
Fuli:
Seriously?
Hadithi:
Well, I don't just make up these traditions.
Ono:
It makes sense, the fronds at the top are the softest. Fit for a hero.
Hadithi:
Exactly, Ono. Maybe you do know what you're talking about.
Ono:
Oh, uh, I do?
Kion:
Of course, you do, Ono. And while Ono spends time with Hadithi, the rest of us can go get the special leaves. Right, guys?
Fuli:
Uh.
Beshte:
Maybe?
Bunga:
Sure we can! Just point me to the tallest tree.
(The scene transitions and Ono and Hadithi fly away while Kion and the rest of the guard go get the leaves)
Beshte:
It sure was nice of you to let Ono stay with Hadithi.
Fuli:
Shouldn't we be doing more important things than fetching leaves from the tallest tree? For some eagle we've never heard of?
Kion:
(Chuckles) But my Dad's heard of him.
Beshte:
Yeah! And he's Ono's biggest hero!
Kion:
Right. So let's go find that tallest tree.
(The scene transitions and Hadithi and Ono are seen talking to animals at Big Springs)
Hadithi:
The higher you fly, the more they'll look up to you.
All:
Ah.
Zito:
(Zito turns to the other elephants) That's all well and good for storks, but elephants don't fly.
Ono:
I think what Hadithi is trying to say is, we all have challenges that require us to rise above ourselves. To become better than we are.
Zito:
Ah. Thanks, Ono. Wise words, Hadithi.
Hadithi:
Indeed.
(The scene transitions and the rest of the lion guard is seen at a tall tree)
Kion:
Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to leave Ono behind.
Bunga:
I got this. "Zuka Zama!" (Grunting) (Bunga climbs the tree) Whoo! A-ha! Whoa! You guys should come up. I can see everything from here!
Fuli:
Just get the leaves and come down!
Bunga:
But it's the tallest tree in the Pride Lands. (Bunga looks around) I can see Pride Rock. I can see Mekundu Cliffs. I can see the tallest tree in the Pride Lands. Uh-oh.
Fuli:
Did he just say he could see the tallest tree in the Pride Lands?
Kion:
(Groans) Yep.
(The scene transiitins and Hadithi and Ono are seen talking to birds)
Hadithi:
And everyone will look up to you.
All:
Ah.
Hadithi:
Thank you for coming, everyone. And don't forget my Royal Mud Print ceremony tonight at sundown.
(The birds start to come near Ono!)
All:
Hadithi. Hadithi! Hadithi!
Ono:
(Ono puts his wings out) Everyone! Back off! Give Hadithi the respect he deserves!
(The egrets fly to the ceremony!)
Hadithi:
Thank you, Ono. It seems you're a natural, too.
Ono:
I am? Me? In that case, do you think you could show me the Hadithi Spin?
Hadithi:
Well, I'd rather not muss my feathers so close to the ceremony. Why don't you show me, and I'll tell you if you're doing it right.
Ono:
Uh, okay! Great! Okay. Here goes. (Ono gets ready to the spin) Three mid-air loops and a corkscrew. Hadithi! You watching?
Hadithi:
I sure am! Give it all you got.
Ono:
One. Two. Three! (Ono tries to do the spin but fails) Oof! Ahem! I, uh... I think possibly I forgot to compensate for the wind.
Hadithi:
Well, that's your mistake, the wind always compensates for me.
Ono:
Oh...
Hadithi:
Never mind. Try it again.
Ono:
You'll see, Hadithi, this time I'll get it!
(The scene transitions and Lion Guard walk the leaves in Mizimu Grove)
Beshte:
Almost there, little B.
Bunga:
(Bunga trips and drops the leafs) Ah! I got an idea. How about we put the ceremonial nest right here?
(Mtoto and Young Rhino try to get a spot up front)
Young Rhino:
(Chuckles) I want to sit right up front.
Male Duck:
Hey, birds only.
Young Rhino:
But we're Hadithi fans too!
Mtoto:
It's okay. We'll find another place to sit.
Beshte:
That was very nice of you, Mtoto.
Mtoto:
I don't mind, Beshte. After all, you're still my number one hero!
(Kion and Fuli are seen sitting waiting for Hadithi)
Kion:
Huh. Lot of animals want to see Hadithi.
Fuli:
Huh. I guess. So, where is he?
(The scene transitions and Ono is seen doing the Hadthi spin while Hadithi cleans up)
Ono:
One. Two. Two and a half loops! Almost there! What do you think, Hadithi? Hadithi?
Hadithi:
Oh! Uh. Oh. Looked great, Ono.
Ono:
You weren't even watching.
Hadithi:
I'm sorry, but I have to look my best! It wouldn't do for my fans to have their hero show up looking like he just came in from a windstorm! Although, it might make me look even more heroic.
Ono:
One more try! I bet I can do it!
Hadithi:
I doubt that. Time to go! (Hadithi leaves)
Ono:
What? But you said I was a natural. (Ono follows Hadithi)
Hadithi:
A natural with the crowd. You give them what they want. You play them perfectly.
Ono:
Play them? What do you mean?
Hadithi:
You always tell them exactly what they want to hear!
Ono:
I do? But, I'm just being honest.
Hadithi:
Being honest. Oh, isn't that interesting.
Ono:
(Ono uses his vision and sees klipspringers in trouble) (Gasps) Hadithi! Klipspringers in trouble! On the rocks just below.
Hadithi:
Klipspringers are excellent climbers. They got up there, I'm sure they can get down.
Ono:
I suppose. I guess you guys will be fine. (Ono spots Janja's clan going after the kilpspringers)
(Hyenas laughing)
Ono:
(Gasps) Hyenas? Hadithi! It's Janja and his clan! They've got the klipspringers cornered!
Hadithi:
A whole hyena clan?
Ono:
We can take 'em out with the Hadithi Spin!
Hadithi:
Uh. Oh. Uh, I don't think you're ready for that, Ono. And, I wouldn't want you to get hurt. Especially so close to my ceremony. Speaking of which, come on. We're going to be late. (Hadithi flys away)
Ono:
But, the hyenas.
Hadithi:
Can't keep my fans waiting.
Ono:
Hadithi? Why're you leaving? Guess it's up to me.
(The scene transtransitions and animals are seen at Mziimu Grove waiting for Hadithi)
Mtoto:
Look! Here he comes!
(All animals cheering)
(Hadithi flys in)
Simba:
Welcome, Hadithi.
Hadithi:
Thank you, King Simba. Very soft. Yes, this will do.
Kion:
(Kion notices Ono's missing) Where's Ono?
Hadithi:
(Hadithi turns to Kion) He's, uh, still trying to get the Hadithi Spin right. I'm sure he'll be along shortly.
(Kion and Fuli look at each other)
Simba:
Animals of the Pride Lands, we are fortunate to have a great hero among us today. The legendary Hadithi.
(Animals cheering)
Simba:
As you all know, Hadithi is a true hero. A brave bird, who always answers the call. When someone needs help, Hadithi never thinks of himself. He thinks of others, no matter what.
(Hadithi has a weird look on his face)
(The scene transitions and Janja and his clan sneak up on the Klipspringers)
Klipspringers:
(Bleating)
Janja:
What's the matter, klipspringers? No place to go?
Cheezi and Chungu:
(Laughs)
Cheezi:
Yeah! Good one!
Chungu:
(Laughs) It's funny 'cause it's true!
Ono:
Back off, Janja!
Chungu:
Uh-oh.
Cheezi:
The Lion Guard?
(The hyenas spot Ono)
Janja:
(Snickers) No. It's just little Ono. All by himself. Ignore him!
Ono:
You asked for it. Time for the Hadithi Spin.
Janja:
The what?
Ono:
The Hadithi Spin! One. Two. Oof! (Screams) (Yelps) (Ono tries to do the Hadithi spin but gets stuck) (Groans) Oh, no! (Straining) It's no use. I'm stuck.
Chungu:
(Chuckles) Ooh, Janja! You hear that?
Cheezi:
(Laughs) Sounds like we're gonna have klipspringer with a side of Ono!
Janja:
You go ahead, boys. I'll round up the main course.
(Cheezi and Chungu go after Ono)
Ono:
Oh.
(The scene transitions back to Mizimu Grove)
Simba:
And once Hadithi presses his talon into the mud, we can all be reminded of his bravery. His strength. And his selflessness. The sacrifice a true hero always makes to help others. And there are few heroes as true as the one we have here. Hadithi!
(Animals cheering)
Simba:
Ready?
Hadithi:
(Hadithi gets ready to put his prints in the mud) Remember, the higher you fly, the more they'll look up... (Hadithi stops putting his prints in) Aw, who am I kidding? You shouldn't look up to me! I'm no hero!
(Animals Gasping)
Hadithi:
But I know a bird who is! And he's in trouble!
Kion:
Ono!
Hadithi:
Lion Guard, follow me! (Hadithi goes back to Ono)
Kion:
Till the Pride Lands ends...
Lion Guard:
Lion Guard defend!
(The scene transitions and the Lion Guard follow Hadithi and sees Ono trapped)
Ono:
(Straning) Come on.
Kion:
There's Ono!
Beshte:
(Gasps) He's trapped!
Fuli:
I'm on it. "Huwezi!" (Fuli goes to help Ono)
Ono:
(Groans)
(Hyenas laughing)
(Cheezi and Chungu sneak up on Ono but Ono sees Fuli)
Ono:
(Grunting) I'd back off if I were you.
Cheezi:
(Laughs) What for? We know you're all alone, Ono.
Fuli:
I wouldn't be so sure about that! (Fuli shows up to stop the hyenas)
Chungu:
Uh... Uh-oh. I don't think he's all alone no more.
Fuli:
(Snarls) You got that right.
Chungu:
Run!
Fuli:
Let's get you out from under there.
Ono:
Don't worry about me, Fuli. Go help the klipspringers!
Fuli:
You got it. (Fuli goes to help the klipspringers)
Hadithi:
Amazing. Even when you're trapped, you're still more concerned about others.I think I could learn from you. You're a true hero, Ono. (Hadithi helps Ono and lifts up the rock that's on his wing)
Ono:
Thank you, Hadithi.
Hadithi:
Sorry I left you behind, Ono.
Ono:
Well, I'm sure you had a good reason.
Hadithi:
Ono, it's time you knew the truth.
Ono:
The truth?
Hadithi:
None of the stories about me are true. That day at Misty Falls? I fell out of the sky. There's no Hadithi Spin. There never was.
Ono:
Yeah. I kind of figured that out. Right about the time I crashed trying to do the Hadithi Spin.
Hadithi:
Oh.
Ono:
But, it doesn't mean there can't be one now! Follow me, Hadithi! Here we go.
(Janja is seen sneaking up on the klipspringers)
Klipspringers:
(Bleating)
Janja:
(Growling)
(Kion and Bunga come to stop Janja)
Kion:
Back away, Janja!
Janja:
How're you going to stop me, Kion? I'm between you and the klipspringers.
Bunga:
Yeah, but, we're between you and the way off this cliff.
Kion:
Right.
Janja:
So? Why would I want to leave? There's so much here to eat.
Kion:
Not for long. Now, Beshte!
Beshte:
(Beshte moves a rock) "Twende Kiboko!"
Kion:
Go, guys! Go!
Fuli:
(Fuli helps the klipspringer) Come on, klipspringers! Follow me!
Janja:
You can't get away that easy!
Cheezi and Chungu:
(Yelling)
Hyenas:
(Grunting)
Cheezi:
(Laughing) Sorry, Janja!
Chungu:
Cheezi pushed me!
Janja:
(Groans) Never mind! Come on!
Kion:
Hurry! Klipspringers! Run!
Bunga:
Fast as you can, little klippies!
Klipspringer:
(Bleats)
Janja:
Now!
(The hyenas start to go after the klipspringers)
Hyenas:
(Laughing)
(Hadithi and Ono spin around the hyenas)
Janja:
What?
Hyenas:
Whoa!
Ono:
Come on, Hadithi! This is fun!
Janja:
(Stammers) Wait, did he say "Hadithi?"
Ono:
(Whooping) Yeah. (Laughing) (Ono spins around the hyenas)
Beshte:
"Poa!"
Bunga:
Wow! Look at him go!
Kion:
I don't know who's more impressive, Ono or Hadithi!
Bunga:
I do! Go, Ono!
Kion:
Yeah! Go, Ono!
Hadithi:
Yes. Go, Ono. (Hadithi joins Ono)
(While the hyenas start to feel nauseous)
Chungu:
Whoa. I don't feel so good!
Cheezi:
(Laughs nervously) I think I'm gonna lose (Gags) my lunch!
Janja:
Fur brain! We all are!
Hyenas:
(Screaming) (The hyenas fall into a river)
Cheezi:
Who was that big guy with the feathers?
Janja:
Don't you know nothin'? That was Hadithi, the legendary eagle!
Chungu:
We got beat by a legend?
Cheezi and Chungu:
(Laughing)
Chungu:
Oh, my gosh. That's great!
Janja
(Groans)
(The scene transitions to later that night, Ono puts his feet in the mud print)
Hadithi:
I was supposed to pass my wisdom on to you. But instead, you passed some wisdom onto me. You know why, kid? 'Cause you're a natural. A natural hero.
(Ono smiles at Hadithi)
(Animals cheering)
Bunga:
Way to go, Ono!
Hadithi:
Animals of the Pride Lands, I give you Ono the egret, creator of the Ono Spin.
(Animals cheering)