Telling Stories

In many films or stories, the hero or heroine, or a friend tells a story that sets the plot forward. He or she can tell a story to:
 * Explain the events in his or her past that made the protagonist who he or she is.
 * Warn of an impending danger.
 * Explain what sent the villain down a dark path.
 * Talk sense into someone.
 * Support a loved one.
 * Because they want to.

Examples

 * Henry Van Cleve tells his life story to the devil because he wants to go to Hell.
 * Willy Wonka tells Charlie Bucket how he planned the Golden Ticket contest so that he would win and inherit his factory.
 * Before the events of Coco, Miguel Rivera tells the story of his family's past, that after his great-great grandfather left his family and never returned, his wife, Mama Imelda, banished music from her life and that rule is passed on to his relatives.
 * Obi-Wan tells Luke the story of how Darth Vader became bad which would be expanded in the prequels.
 * Hagrid tells Harry Potter (very relucenty) the story how he got the lightning-bolt scar on his forehead the night Lord Voldemort killed his parents and tried to kill him as an infant, who survived the Dark Lord's killing curse, thus giving him the title as "the boy who lived.
 * Robyn Starling tells Tom and Jerry the story about her beloved father and her wicked Aunt Figg who took over the house in his absence.
 * Zero Moustafa telling the story of himself and Gustave H to the Young Author. Likewise, the Author later writes a book with this story.
 * R.L. Stine tells Zach the story of how he became the horror writer he was.
 * Eggs, aided by Fish, tells Winnie Portley-Rind the story of how he was given to the boxtrolls by his father.
 * Future Launchpad McQuack tells Gosalyn Mallard the story how Darkwing Duck became Darkwarrior Duck.
 * Rubber Chicken tells "Ace Reporter" Gosalyn Mallard his side of the story and his nemesis Cement Head, who has been framing him for his crimes
 * Splinter tells a boy named Danny his story about his master Hamato Yoshi and his arch-rival, Oroku Saki
 * Blake Belladonna tells Sun Wukong the story of how the White Fang became a violent evil organization and how she herself left to become a Huntress.
 * Chuckles the clown explains to Woody how Lotso was replaced with another toy, which was the once kind bear's very beginning of darkness and that he now rules Sunnyside like a prison.
 * Mrs. Georgina Leary explains her story to Andrew Waltrip and her kids that she was abused in her childhood by Tabitha Harperstein.
 * Jennifer Honey explains her story about her childhood, that she lost her parents and is mistreated by her Aunt Trunchbull to Matilda Wormwood.
 * Tigress tells Po the story of how Shifu raised Tai Lung, and how Tai Lung turned evil.
 * Simba tells Kion the story of how Scar once led the Lion Guard, and how he lost the Roar of the Elders in The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar.
 * Osmosis Jones tells Drix the story about he accidentally made Frank vomit in front of Shane's teacher.
 * Branch tells Poppy and the other trolls the story of how singing caused him to lose his grandmother.
 * Stefano tells Alex the story of how Vitaly became so mean and hotheaded after suffering a freak circus accident.
 * Pacifica Northwest tells Dipper Pines the story of why herself became so mean and snobby because she never stands up to her parents in Gravity Falls episode "Northwest Mansion Mystery".
 * Grim tells Billy and Mandy the story of Jack-O-Lantern and why people play tricks on Halloween.
 * Fix-It Felix Jr. tells Sergeant Calhoun the story of Turbo and how he got himself unplugged.
 * Littlefoot's long-lost father Bron explains to him that he tried to look for a new home for his wife and unhatched son, but when he returned, the earth shake had come and his wife had died, and Littlefoot was nowhere to be found. After several days of searching with no success, Bron came across other abandoned young longnecks. So he raised them as his own. And soon more longnecks joined Bron, making him the leader of the longneck herd.
 * Monty Uno tells Nigel Uno about Father is actually Benedict Uno (Monty Uno's younger brother) and is actually Nigel Uno's evil uncle who threatened upon children world domination just like the evil Grandfather did it.
 * Lapis Lazuli tells Steven how she got imprisoned in the mirror by Homeworld during the Rebellion.
 * Goku tells the others of how he escaped Planet Namek's destruction.
 * Dean Winchester explains to his brother Sam his love for Scooby-Doo lore, Castiel explains to them how he got sucked into their TV, and the Ghost Kid explains to them why he has been attacking them.

Quotes
"You see, DW thought you ran away because he wouldn't let you help him. I tried getting him interested in his work again but it was no use. But then, one day everything turned around for him...he rediscovered his true purpose: to fight the forces of evil; it was time to get tough, real tough. Ah, the city loved him, he scared every crook out of St. Canard; but DW said that the city was still in danger [we see Darkwing Duck with Blood-red eyes harassing an overweight man] (Darkwing: Ceist and desist, citizen! Eat that and your cholesterol level is shot! You're inviting a heart attack, pal! Now get home and steam veggies before I really get mad!) {the man runs away} He wasn't Darkwing Duck anymore, he was Darkwarrior Duck."

- Launchpad McQuack telling Gosalyn the story of how Darkwing Duck became a sadistic and brutal sociopath known as Darkwarrior Duck.

"(Jonathan notices a picture of a count and his wife hanging on the wall.) (Jonathan: Wow! I know her! I've seen that picture at the ruins of Lubov. There's a whole legend around that lady.) A legend? (Jonathan: The Lady Lubov. The story is that a lonely count met her by chance, and they say that no two souls were ever meant for each other. Eventually, they settled down at Castle Lubov and had a child. But then, a horrible tragedy happened. A fire started mysteriously one night, and it killed both of them. When I was at the castle, I could still feel their powerful love. They say it's as if a soul is still trapped in the ruins themselves.) (somberly) The legend is wrong. It was only the wife that died. (Jonathan: Oh.) And it was no mystery who killed her. She was killed by your kind! THEY are the real monsters. I built this place for my love, to protect her child. As a father, you do everything to keep your family safe, even if you have to break their trust. But now, Mavis has feelings for you."

- Jonathan telling Dracula the story of the Castle Lubov tragedy. Dracula explains the REAL tale, telling him that his wife was killed by humans.

"Once, there was an ancient kingdom, its name long forgotten, ruled by a wise and fair king who was much beloved. And when he grew old, he divided the kingdom among his four sons, that they should be the pillars on which the peace of the land rested. But, the oldest prince wanted to rule the land for himself. He followed his own path, and the kingdom fell - to war, and chaos, and ruin."

- Queen Elinor telling Merida the story of the selfish prince to remind her of the outcomes of her actions.

"I had a babysitter back then, kids. (Andrew: Is that true?) Mm-hmm. I was nine-years-old. (Sophie: Well, I'm not nine yet. But I'm going to be in three months later.) (Greg: I'm 12-years-old.) (Vincent: We know how old you are, Greg. I'm two years younger than Andrew.) (Mrs. Leary begins to tell her story to Andrew and her kids.) Anyway, kids, I had a babysitter when I was nine-years-old. (While Mrs. Leary speaks, we see a flashback in her childhood.) Years ago, my parents were going to town. I wanted to go with them, but they hired someone to watch over me while they're gone. My babysitter was a mean lady and treated me very badly. (Andrew: What's your her name?) Tabitha Harperstein. (Andrew: That's the same person who ambushed me outside.) Yes, I know. So anyway, Tabitha bossed me around, and made my life miserable. (Mrs. Leary was on the verge of tears.) When my parents got back, Ms. Harperstein lied that she was nice to me, and my parents didn't believe me. (The scene changes back to the present.) (Greg, Sophie & Vincent: Sorry, Mom.) (Sophie: Oh, poor Mom.) (Andrew puts his hand on Mrs. Leary's hand to cheer her up.) (Andrew: My family didn't accuse Tabitha of hurting me, either. And I'm sorry.) That's okay, Andrew. (She sniffles.) (Vincent: I guess you and Mom share everything in common, don't you, Andrew?) (Andrew: Yes we do, Vincent. It's terrible.) (Greg: I know. What she did to your parents had to be worse than the time that terrible woman killed our father twelve days after Vincent's first birthday.) (Vincent, sniffles: Don't remind me, Greg.) (Andrew, puts an arm on Vincent: It's a sad day for all of us.)"

- Mrs. Georgina Leary telling her story about her childhood to Andrew and her kids.

"(Po: Guys, guys, I know about Tai Lung. He was a student. The first ever to master...) (Tigress leans close to Po's face.) (Po:...the thousand scrolls of kung fu. And then he turned bad, and now he's in jail.) He wasn't just a student. (While Tigress speaks, we see the whole flashback of Shifu finding a baby Tai Lung outside of the Jade Palace.) Shifu found him as a cub...and he raised him as his son. (Tai Lung pulls Shifu's left moustache off and laughs.) And when the boy showed talent in kung fu, Shifu trained him. He believed in him. He told him he was destined for greatness. It was never enough for Tai Lung. (Flashback cuts to a full-grown Tai Lung demolishing a training dummy.) He wanted the Dragon Scroll, but Oogway saw darkness in his heart, and refused. Outraged, Tai Lung laid waste to the valley. (Tai Lung bursts into the doors of the Jade Palace.) He tried to take the scroll by force. (Shifu leaps at Tai Lung to deliver a kick.) And Shifu had to detroy what he created. (Shifu imagines Baby Tai Lung running towards him, and he hold his kick back.) But how could he? (Tai Lung knocks Shifu down, and jumps up to get the scroll. Oogway knocks the evil snow leopard out with strikes at his pressure points. Tai Lung fell to the ground in a heap.) Shifu loved Tai Lung like he'd never love anyone before...(Young Tigress in the training hall strikes a dummy in the same manner as Tai Lung, and Shifu corrects her form. Young Tigress felt sad.)...or since."

- Tigress telling Po the story of how Tai Lung turned evil.

"Aw, man, this is like a dream come true. (Sam: Your dream is to hang out with the Scooby Gang?) Sam, growing up on the road, no matter where Dad dragged us, no matter what we did, there was always a TV. And you know what was always on that TV? Scooby and the Gang! These guys... They're our freakin' role models, man! Except Fred, he's a wad."

- Dean Winchester explaining to his brother Sam his love for Scooby-Doo lore.

"It was thousands of years ago. I was only meant to visit [Earth] for a short time, but I got caught in a middle of a war. It was awful! I was picked up by a Homeworld soldier and confused for a Crystal Gem and used as a tool. They asked me, "Show us your base!", "Where is your leader?" I didn't know. I couldn't say I'm not one of them. I was left behind. And there I stayed. Freedom in my sight, but out of reach for ages, until I was found."

- Lapis Lazuli tells Steven how she got imprisoned in the mirror by Homeworld during the Rebellion.

"When your grandfather Mufasa was about your age, his younger brother, Scar was the leader of the Lion Guard. Scar also have the gift of the Roar. The Roar made Scar feel powerful. But that power went to Scar's head. He began to think that he should be king, instead of his older brother Mufasa. So Scar ordered the Lion Guard to help him take down Mufasa. When the guard refused, Scar was furious. And then, Scar used the roar to destroy the Lion Guard. What Scar didn't realize was that by using the Roar for evil, he would lose the power of the Roar completely."

- Simba telling Kion how Scar lost the Roar of the Elders.

"When I was younger, I suffered from terrible allergies that kept me indoors. And all the kids threw rocks at my window and called me names. So I created my OWN friends - monsters, demons, ghouls, to terrorize my neighborhood and all the kids that made fun of me. And they became real to me. And then one day, they actually... became REAL. My monsters literally leapt off the page. As long as the books remain locked, we're safe. But when they open, well, you've just seen what happens."

- R.L. Stine telling Zach and Champ why he became the horror writer he truly is.

"Sun, are you familiar with the White Fang? (Sun: Of course. I don’t think there’s a Faunus on the planet that hasn’t heard of them. Stupid, "holier than thou" creeps that use force to get whatever they want. A bunch of freaks if you ask me.) I was once member of the White Fang. (Sun, choking on his drink: Wait a minute! YOU were a member of the White Fang?!) That’s right. I was a member for most of my life actually. You could almost say that I was born into it. Back then, things were different. In the ashes of war, the White Fang was meant to be a symbol of peace and unity between the Faunus and humans. Of course, despite being promised equality, the Faunus were subjected to discrimination and hate. Humanity still thought of us as lesser beings. So, the White Fang rose up as the voice of our people. And I was there. I was at the front of every rally, I took part in every boycott, and I actually thought we were making a difference, but I was just a youthful optimist. Then, five years ago, our leader stepped down, and a new one took his place. A new leader with new a way of thinking. Suddenly, our peaceful protests were being replaced with organized attacks. We were setting fire to shops that refused to serve us, hijacking cargo from companies that used Faunus labor, and the worst part was, it was working. We were being treated like equals, but not out of respect. Out of fear. So, I left. I decided I no longer wanted to use my skills to aid in their violence, and instead, I would dedicate my life to becoming a Huntress. So here I am: a criminal hiding in plain view, all with the help of a little black bow."

- Blake Belladonna telling Sun Wukong how the White Fang became the villainous organization it is today and how she left it to become a Huntress.

"(Velma: There has to be a logical explanation for what's going on.) (Shaggy, terrified: Besides a ghost hunting us down to collect an inheritance?!) (Scooby-Doo: Yeah, what he said!) (Daphne: What would a ghost need with money?) (Velma: Precisely! And besides, there's no such thing as ghosts. [Scooby and Shaggy notice a silhouette outside the window.] So, once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.) (Shaggy, pointing towards window: LOOK!) (The rest of the group noticed the silhouette as it inches closer towards the window. The Winchesters go towards the edges of the window, ready to take on the mysterious. Once the figure enters the room, Fred tackles him.) (Fred: Gotcha! [covers the figure in a curtain, which disorients and subdues him.]) (Dean, preparing to beat the figure: Not today, freak!) [Dean removes the curtain, revealing the figure to be none other than...] (Dean and Sam: Cas?!) (Shaggy, confused: Like, you know this guy?) (Sam: Uh, yeah. He's-he's a friend of ours.) (Daphne: Neato!) (Dean: Castiel, the Scooby Gang.) (Shaggy: "Castiel"? It sounds like a great Italian pizza place! [chuckles]) (Castiel, shaking Shaggy's hand: Uh, it's a pleasure to meet you.) (Scooby-Doo, shaking Castiel's hand: Nice to meet you, too.) (Castiel: Sam, Dean, this dog is talking.) (Dean: Yep.) (Sam: Cas, how did you get here?) (Castiel: Well, I was looking for you at the bunker, when...) [A flashback taking place prior to Castiel arriving in the Scooby-Doo universe begins.] (Castiel, in flashback: Sam, Dean, I'm back from Syria with fruit from the Tree of Life. The Tree was guarded by a pack of djinn. I killed most of them, bargained with the rest. I think I'm... technically married to their queen now. [enters the "Dean Cave"] Hello? Sam? Dean? [sees an episode of Scooby-Doo on the TV that Dean and Sam are somehow appearing in, when the TV shots a purple beam that sends Castiel, minus the sack of Tree of Life fruit he was carrying, into the cartoon.]) (Castiel, present: I saw purple sparks, then a flash of light, and the next thing I knew, I was in this strange... world.) [In the flashback, Castiel looks at himself as an animated character before running after his friends, who drive off.] (Castiel, present: I saw you race off and been trying to catch up ever since.) [Flashback ends] (Sam: [to Castiel] You saw purple sparks? [to Dean] Dean, that's like with the killer stuffed dinosaur. And they were both in that pawn shop. Maybe this is all connected.)"

- Castiel explains to Dean and Sam Winchester how he got sucked into their TV just like they did.

"(Betty: So, what made you move to Wilsonville? More people move out than move in.) Well, I never knew my dad, but my mom said he was from somewhere around here. When Brad and I split up, I didn't have anywhere else to go, so I just packed up the kids, and here we are. I have to say, though, it really does feel more like home than anywhere else I've ever lived. (Betty: What was your dad's name? I might know the family.) Just Dad. My mom died when I was small, and she never told me his name. But she did tell me that he was the love of her life."

- Christine Eisley explaining her story to Betty.

"(Blucher: Follow me, lad. We have many things to do today. I want you to visit a very special place. You're going to see something that very few have seen. (opens a door, revealing a hallway filled with statues.) Welcome to the Hall of Heroes.) The Knights of Valour! (Blucher: Indeed. Each unique and one of a kind. Each the essence of altruism and courage.) This is incredible! Sir Grower, Sir Agliff, Sir Pledorphin! (comes to an empty board.) And this one. (Blucher: Someone who no longer deserves to be here.) Sir Heraclio. (Blucher: Your grandfather's murderer.) The reason my father despises knights. (Blucher: Things are never that simple.) No-one's ever told me what really happened. (Blucher: That's why you're here.) (they continue down the hallway to another statue.) There he is, the last of us. My best friend, Sir Roland, your grandfather. Now, do you have the key that granny gave you? (Justin looks confused.) The key, laddie!) (Justin hands out the key. Blucher takes it and uses it to open a chest, but it's empty.) Where's the sword?! What does this mean? (Blucher: It means your quest is just beginning.) You know where it is, don't you? (Blucher: Of course I do. Let me tell you a tale, the true tale of your grandfather and the sword. When we defended the Walls of Rue, our King died, and the Queen was left alone, heartbroken, and too troubled to govern. Your father decided that rather than follow in Sir Roland's steps, he wanted to be a lawyer, and the Queen relied on him to help her rule the kingdom. But every change brings more change. Oaths and deeds invaded every part of our lives. The Queen believed this would bring an end to the kind of fighting that had killed her King, so ignoring her heart, she signed that fateful decree and outlawed knights. All of them obeyed, save one. Sir Heraclio accused the Queen of being weak, and the lawyers of usurping her power. He lunged towards the Queen and Reginald, and that is how two knights who had once been comrades in arms fought to the death. Sir Roland disarmed Heraclio, he had the opportunity to kill him...but he hesitated, and so Sir Roland's sword was stained with his own blood, and the most noble hero the land had ever known paid the highest price to save his son and his kingdom. And the rest is history.) Sir Heraclio has the sword. Then I'll find him. (Blucher: (laughs) Easy, laddie. First, you have to be prepared. He's a great fighter, and you're a scrawny little runt. He'll chew you up and spit you out.) And? (Blucher: (laughs again.) I like your spirit. Come on, we've got work to do.)"

- Justin listening to Sir Blucher's story about how his father and the Queen outlawed Knights and how Sir Heraclio subsequently killed Sir Roland.

"What did you say your wife's first name was? (Will: Darcy.) So what was the long story you didn't want to make long? (Will: I come home from work two weeks ago and she's texting on the phone. I ask her who with, and she says "Nobody." So I say "Let me see the phone", she says no, this goes on five or six times.) Wait a minute, you're losing me. (Will: She's texting.... There's this guy we both went to school with. He's a cop, he's a PA State Trooper, and he's always had a thing for Darcy, going way back.) (Connie: (over radio) 1206, where are you?) 1206 here, Connie, we're just passing milepost 57. (Connie: You're about a mile and a half behind.) How far out of Arklow is 777? (Connie: Seven and a half miles, it picked up speed. You better step on it.) I'm stepping on it, in it, around it and through it, Connie. Thank you. Over. (Will: She's texting on the phone, I keep on asking for it, she keeps on saying no, and...she starts to walk away and I grab for it.) You hit her? (Will: No, no, no. I mean, I scared her, but I didn't hit her. Anyway, I drive up to this guy's house and tell him we need to talk, let's take a ride. He jumps in my truck and starts in with "You've got it all wrong, we're just friends." Then he stops once he sees...the gun I got sitting on the dash.) Oh! (Will: I look him in the eye and I say "She's my wife. You find a new friend.") You pulled a gun on a cop?! (Connie: (over radio) Frank? Frank, 777 just passed milepost 61.) Thank you, Connie. (Will: You wanna hear the kicker?) Yes, I do. (Will: It wasn't even him that was texting her, it was my sister-in-law. Anyway, by the time I get back, his buddy's there waiting to serve me with this restraining order. Darcy wouldn't even look at me. So I'm living with my brother. There was a hearing today. The judge ordered a 30-day extension. It's like one minute, everything's going okay, and the next, it's all falling apart faster than you can put it back together.) Yeah. Never too late, though."

- Frank Barnes listening to Will Colson's story about an incident with his wife.

"(Author: It is an extremely common mistake. People think the writer's imagination is always at work, that he's constantly inventing an endless supply of incidents and episodes, that he simply dreams up his stories out of thin air. In point of fact, the opposite is true. Once the public knows you're a writer, they bring the characters and events to you. And as long as you maintain your ability to look, and to carefully listen, these stories will continue to seek you out over your lifetime. To him, who has often told the tales of others, many tales will be told. The incidents that follow were described to me exactly as I present them here, and in a wholly unexpected way. A number of years ago, while suffering from a mild case of "Scribbe's Fever", a form of neurasthenia common among the intelligentsia of the time, I had decided to spend the month of August in the spa town of Nebelsbad below the Alpine Sudetenwaltz, and had taken up rooms in the Grand Budapest, a picturesque, elaborate and once widely celebrated establishment. I expect some of you will know it. (turns to his younger self in 1968) It was off season, and by that time, decidedly out of fashion, and it had already begun its descent into shabbiness and eventual demolition. What few guests we were had quickly come to recognise one another by sight as the only living souls in the vast establishment, although I do not believe any acquaintance among our number had proceeded beyond the polite nods we exchanged as we passed in the Palm Court, in the Arabian Baths, and on board the Colonnade Funicular. We were a very reserved group, it seemed, and without exception, solitary. Perhaps as a result of this general silence, I had established a casual and bantering familiarity with the hotel's concierge, a West-continental known only as Monsieur Jean, who struck one as being, at once, both lazy and really quite accommodating. I expect he was not well paid. In any case, as I stood conferring elbow-to-elbow with Monsieur Jean, as had become my habit, I noticed a new presence in our company: a small, elderly man, smartly dressed, with an exceptionally lively, intelligent face, and an immediately perceptible air of sadness. He was, like the rest of us, alone, but also, I must say, he was the first that struck one as being deeply and truly lonely. A symptom of my own medical condition as well. "Who's this interesting old fellow?" I inquired of Monsieur Jean. To my surprise, he was distinctly taken aback. "Don't you know?" he asked, "Don't you recognise him?" He did look familiar.) (M. Jean: That's Mr Moustafa himself. He arrived earlier this morning.) (Author: This name will no doubt be familiar to the more seasoned persons among you. Mr Zero Moustafa was, at one time, the richest man in Zubrowka, and was still indeed the owner of the Grand Budapest.) (M. Jean: He often comes and stays a week or more, three times a year at least, but never in the season.) (Author: Monsieur Jean signalled to me and I leaned closer.) (M. Jean: I'll tell you a secret: he only takes a single-bed sleeping room without a bath in the rear corner of the top floor, and it's smaller than the service elevator.) (Author: It was well known, Mr Moustafa had purchased and famously inhabited some of the most lavish castles and palazzos on the continent. Yet here, in his own nearly empty hotel, he occupied a servent's quarters? At that moment, the curtain rose on a parenthetical domestic drama, which required the immediate and complete attention of Monsieur Jean, but frankly did not hold mine for long. However, this premature intermission in the story of the curious, old man has left me, as the expression goes, "gespannt wie ein Flitzebogen," that is, on the edge of my seat, where I remained throughout the next morning until, in what I have found to be its mysterious and utterly reliable fashion, fate once again intervened on my behalf.) (Soon afterwards, the Author and Mr Moustafa are sitting at a table together in the hotel's dining room, and Mr Moustafa is placing his order to the waiter.) Two ducks roasted with olives. Rabbit, salad? (Author: Mm-hm.) Pouilly-Jouvet '52, plus a split of the brut. (The waiter snaps his fingers in the air, then leaves.) That should provide us ample time, if I commence promptly. (Author: By all means.) (The waiter arrives with a drink bottle, and pours it into their glasses, then leaves again. They raise their glasses and drink from it.) Well, it begins, as it must, with our mutual friend's predecessor. The beloved, original concierge of the Grand Budapest. It begins of course with... (Title card: Part 1 - M. Gustave.) (Later on) There are still faint glimmers of civilization left in this barbaric slaughterhouse that was once known as humanity. He was one of them. What more is there to say? (Author: What happened in the end?) In the end, they shot him. So it all went to me. (Author: [voice-over] After dinner, we went to collect the keys to our rooms, but Monsieur Jean had abandoned his post.) I expect he's forgotten about us. (Author: [voice-over, while Zero goes behind the concierge counter, readjusts the crooked Boy with Apple and gives the Author a key to the M. Gustave suite] In recent years, of course, such properties and holdings as the Grand Budapest had, with very few exceptions, become common property. While the precise terms of his negotiations with the new government had never been announced, the result was an open secret: Zero Moustafa had traded a great and important fortune in exchange for one costly, unprofitable, doomed hotel. Why? Was it merely sentimental? It was quite forward of me and a bit out of character, but I felt I must know. For my health, I suppose.) (Author: Forgive me for asking, I hope I haven't upset you.) No, of course not. (Author: Is it simply your last connection to a vanished world...his world, if you will?) His world? No, I don't think so. You see, we shared a vocation. It wouldn't have been necessary. No, the hotel I keep for Agatha. We were happy here, for a little while. (opens the doors of the service elevator) To be frank, I think his world had vanished long before he ever entered it. But I will say, he certainly sustained the illusion with a marvelous grace. Are you going up? (Author: No, I'll sit for a little while. Good night.) (Zero smiles as the doors close between them.) (Author: [voice-over] The next week, I sailed for a cure in South America, and began a long, wandering journey abroad. I did not return to Europe for many years. It was an enchanting old ruin... (turns to his older self as the story goes back to 1985.) ...but I never managed to see it again.)"

- Zero Moustafa telling the story of his time with Gustave H. in the Grand Budapest hotel to the Author who, likewise, tells his story to the audience.

"All right, so who's behind all this? (Jax: (puts a file on her computer) Aamir Barkawi.) (Upon hearing the name, Asher sighs and takes a seat.) (Asher: Barkawi sells armaments. He's a f***ing criminal. Shielded by governments. Mike, there was a drone strike to get him two years ago, authorised by the G8, so we took a shot. He survived. We didn't know his family was there. His daughter was killed.) Well, he certainly got his revenge."

- Mike Banning listening to President Asher's story about Aamir Barkawi and a drone strike to take him out.

"(Finch and Stone arrive at the St Mary's Virus memorial.) (Stone: I came when they opened it. It gave me the collywobbles. Still does.) (They notice a man in the shadows, realising he's William Rookwood. They move closer to him until he puts out a hand.) (Rookwood: That's close enough, inspector.) (switches a small device on.) We're not wired. (Rookwood: I'm sorry, but a man in my position survives by taking every precaution.) You've information for us. (Rookwood: No, you already have the information. All the names and dates are inside your head. What you want, what you really need, is a story.) A story can be true or false. (Rookwood: I leave such judgements to you, inspector. Our story begins, as these stories often do, with a young, up-and-coming politician. He's a deeply religious man and a member of the Conservative party. He's completely single-minded and has no regard for the political process. The more power he attains, the more obvious his zealotry and the more aggressive his supporters become. Eventually, his party launches a special project in the name of "national security". At first, it's believed to be a search for biological weapons and is pursued without regard to its cost. However, the true goal of this project is power. Complete and total hegemonic domination. The project, however, ends violently, but the efforts of those involved are not in vain, for a new ability to wage war is born from the blood of one of the victims. Imagine a virus, the most terrifying virus you can, and then imagine that you, and you alone, have the cure. But if your ultimate goal is power, how best to use such a weapon? It's at this point in our story that along comes a spider. He's a man seemingly without a conscience, for whom the ends always justify the means, and it is he who suggests that their target should not be an enemy of the country but rather the country itself. Three targets are chosen to maximise the effect of the attack: a school, a tube station, and a water treatment plant. Several hundred die within the first few weeks. Fueled by the media, fear and panic spread quickly, fracturing and dividing the country until, at last, the true goal comes into view. Before the St Mary's crisis, no-one would have predicted the results of the election that year. No-one. And then, not long after the election, lo and behold, a miracle. Some believe it was the work of God himself, but it was a pharmaceutical company controlled by certain party members that made them all obscenely rich. A year later, several extremists are tried, found guilty, and executed, while a memorial is built to canonise their victims. But the end result, the true genius of the plan was the fear. Fear became the ultimate tool of this government, and through it, our politician was ultimately appointed to the newly created position of high chancellor. The rest, as they say, is history.) Can you prove any of this? (Rookwood: Why do you think I'm still alive?) Right. We'd like to take you into protective custody, Mr. Rookwood. (Rookwood: Oh, I'm sure you would. (switches off the device) Oh, I'm sure you would. But if you want that recording, you'll do what I tell you to do. Put Creedy under 24-hour surveillance. When I feel safe that he can't pick his nose without you knowing, I'll contact you again. Until then, cheerio.) (turns to go.) Rookwood. Why didn't you come forward before? What were you waiting for? (Rookwood: Well, for you, inspector. I needed you.) (walks into the darkness.)"

- Inspector Finch listening to William Rookwood's story of how Norsefire truly came into power over Britain, stating that they released the St Mary's Virus and the resulting fear allowed them to win the next election.

"Who did this? (Hobbs: You remember Owen Shaw? The one we tore half of London down trying to get? Well, this is his big bad brother. Take a look at this.) (hands Dom a file, and he examines it.) Deckard Shaw. (Hobbs: British Special Forces assassin. The kind of unique asset that no government would ever admit to employ.) Black-ops boys? (Hobbs: Worse. They created a monster. They felt Shaw was a necessary evil, until eventually, they decided he was unnecessary. The powers that be felt that he knew just a little bit too much, and the asset became a liability, so they sent in twenty elite operatives to retire him.) And they missed. (Hobbs: That was six years ago, and Shaw's been a ghost ever since.) Until now. How do I find him? (Hobbs: The official answer is you don't.) He killed Han. Almost killed my family. (Hobbs: He also tried to put me in a body bag, too. Which is why when I get out, I'm gonna put a hurt on him so bad, he's gonna wish his momma had kept her legs closed. But until then, my official answer to you, is stand down.) You know I can't do that. (Hobbs: I do know you, Dom, which is why now, I give you the brother-to-brother answer: you do whatever it is you gotta do. When you find that son of a b****, just do me one favour.) What's that? (Hobbs: Don't miss.)"

- Dom Toretto listening to Agent Hobbs explaining Deckard Shaw's history.

"We were investigating a robbery at the First National Bank of Toontown. Back in those days, me and Teddy liked working at Toontown, thought it was a lot of laughs. Anyway, this guy got away with a zillion simoleons. We trailed him to a little dive down on Yukster Street. We went in. Only he got the drop on us, literally. Dropped a piano on us from fifteen stories. Broke my arm, Teddy never made it. I never did find out who that guy was. All I remember was him standing over me laughing, with those burning red eyes, and that high, squeaky voice. He disappeared into Toontown after that."

- Eddie Valiant explaning his story to Roger Rabbit about his brother's death and why he hates toons.

"(Castiel, after the Phantom Shadow morphs into a ghost kid: It's... a child.) (Dean: Yeah, creppy ghost kid. You'll get used to them.) (Sam: But... Wait... Why are you trying to kill us?) I'm not. I never wanted to hurt anyone but the Bad Man. He makes me. (Castiel: The Bad Man?) His name is Jay. (Dean: That dude from the pawn shop.) When I died, my soul was tied to a pocket knife. My dad gave it to me. It meant everything. When Jay found me, he used me to... Sometimes, I just get so angry. Break things. Hurt people. But I don't want to. I just want to see my dad again."

- Upon getting entrapped in a salt circle, the Ghost Kid explains to the Winchester brothers and their friend Castiel why he has been attacking them as both a possessed giant stuffed dinosaur toy and the Phantom Shadow from Dean's favorite episode of Scooby-Doo.

"Yeah, I knew Lotso. He was a good toy. A friend. Me and him, we had the same kid, Daisy. I was there when Lotso got unwrapped. Daisy loved us all, but Lotso, Lotso was special. They did everything together. You've never seen a kid and a toy more in love. One day, we took a drive. Hit a rest stop, had a little playtime. After lunch, Daisy fell asleep. (Daisy and her parents get into the car, forgetting the toys) She never came back. Lotso wouldn't give up. It took forever, but we finally made it back to Daisy's. But by then, it was too late. (Lotso's face falls as he sees Daisy cuddling with a replacement of himself) Something changed that day inside Lotso, something snapped. (Lotso: She replaced us. Come on.) No, she only replaced you-- (Lotso: She replaced all of us! Didn't she?) (Big Baby tries to get back in the house but Lotso stops him and drags him off.) (Lotso: She don't love you no more! NOW COME ON!) We were lost. Cast off. Unloved. Unwanted. Then we found Sunnyside. But Lotso wasn't my friend anymore. (Back to the present) He wasn't anyone's friend. He took over Sunnyside and rigged the whole system. (Woody: So, how did you get out?) I got broke. Bonnie found me and took me home. Other toys, they weren't so lucky. It ain't right what Lotso's done. New toys, they don't stand a chance."

- Chuckles telling Woody the story of how Lotso went bad after his owner replaced him.

"It all started a long time ago, here in Endsville, when it was just a tiny village. Now, every village has it's problems, and Jack was Endsville's problem. Now Jack was a pleasant guy. It's just that he had this one weakness: he loved pulling pranks! Now everyone enjoys a good laugh and then. But the problem with Jack was that he didn't know when to stop. Rumor had it he'd stay up through the night inventing new tricks, then he'd laugh himself to sleep 'Til the townspeople couldn't take it no more! So they devised a prank of their own that would teach Jack a lesson once and for all! They sent a prank gift to the Queen and signed it, "From Jack". (Mandy: Endsville had a Queen?) Hey! Who's telling this Story?! Now, everyone knew the Queen had no sense of humor, but she did love to receive gifts, especially candy. But when she opened her gift from Jack, well... The rest is history. Jack had to be taught a lesson! That's when I made the scene. Well, it was his time, but the guy refused to go. I underestimated his power. (Billy: And then?) He took me scythe! Well, he wanted to strike a bargain so he could keep playing pranks for all eternity. If I granted him eternal life, he'd give me back me scythe. (Billy: Did you give it to him?) Well, I had no choice. I granted him eternal life. But the Grim Reaper does not like being tricked, so I decided that Jack would not be showing his face around town again! Ever! (Billy: You cut his head off?!?) Yep! (Mandy: Wow, Grim. Impressive. Didn't think you had it in you. (Billy: So what happened next?) I hear that Jack got himself a pumpkin and wears it as his new head. Time passed, and so did the story of Jack-O-Lantern. It is said that he still lives in that old house, untouched by time. Trapped by an ever changing world that does not understand him. Every Halloween night, Jack emerges with a sackful of tricks and he plays terrible pranks on the people of Endsville. So Billy, that's why people play tricks on Halloween."

- Grim telling Billy and Mandy the story of Jack-O-Lantern and why people play tricks on Halloween

"(A depressed and confused Littlefoot is sulking upon learning that Bron, the longneck he just met, is his father. Bron approaches) Littlefoot? (Littlefoot doesn't respond, he just hangs his head lower) Littlefoot, we have to talk. (Littlefoot: Where were you all this time? Where were you?) Oh, Littlefoot. Your mother and I knew we were gonna have a hatchling. (Scene flashes back to Bron and his wife) See, we wanted to raise you in a safe place. So, before you were even an egg, I went off to find a new home for all of us. When I got back, the earthshakes changed everything. It took me so long to find out where the nest had been, that nothing was left but a crack in the earth as deep as a mountain is high. As I searched for your mother and the young one I knew had been born, the great circle rose and fell many times. But I couldn't find you anywhere. I finally met someone who told me about...about your mom and a Sharptooth. (Littlefoot's sadness turns to shock and awe and he turns his head toward Bron.) But he had no word about you, so I kept searching. Then one day, I met a group of young longnecks wandering in the wilderness with no grown-ups to protect them. At first, I hoped one of them was you, but I soon realized that wasn't the case. But they depended on me, so I stayed with them, took care of them. And then some others joined up with us. Then, some more and some more. In time, we were a herd. (Back to the present) (Littlefoot: You mean... you're the leader of a whole herd?) Yeah, I guess you could say that. (Littlefoot: Wow!) And look at you. You've grown up to be a fine young longneck--just like I'd hoped you'd be. Your mom would be proud. (Littlefoot: She'd be proud of you, too.) (Littlefoot and Bron nuzzle each other.)"

- Bron explaining to Littlefoot why he disappeared. He tried to look for a new home for his wife and unhatched son, but when he returned, the earth shake had come and his wife had died, and Littlefoot was nowhere to be found. After several days of searching with no success, Bron came across other abandoned young longnecks. So he raised them as his own. And soon more longnecks joined Bron, making him the leader of the longneck herd.

"(Cosmo: Right, At least until your older.) Cosmo, shush! (Wanda zips Cosmos' mouth shut and Timmy becomes confused.) (Timmy Turner: Older, what's that suppose to mean?) (Cosmo becomes nervous and hides in the shower.) (Cosmo: Pay no attention to the fairly muscular behind the shower curtain.) (Timmy flushes the toilet.) (Cosmo: AHHH! Hot, Hot, Hot, Hot!) (Cosmo lands in the toilet.) (Timmy begins to ask Cosmo and Wanda about what Cosmo said.) (Timmy Turner: What do you mean older? What happens when I'm older?) (Cosmo: Ah, Timmy. It's time for a little chat about something we fairies like to call, "The wands and the wings".) (Cosmo brings out a green sock puppet and a pink sock puppet.) (Cosmo: You see, when a mommy fairy and a daddy fairly love each other very much.) Cosmo, no! Not that speech. (Cosmo: But I already have the puppets out!) (Wanda tells Timmy the real reason as she poofs up a movie screen.) Timmy, you know that Fairy Godparents are assigned to boys and girls who need them most, right? (Timmy Turner: Right. Kids like me, because my parents are busy and my babysitter is well, evil.) (Wanda shows a movie screen of a god kid and her fairies as pet hamsters.) And because your 10 and still young enough to believe in fairies. (The movie screen fast forwards to 6 years later and the god kid is now grown up and no longer believes in magic and the fairies are called back to Fairy World and are replaced with normal hamsters.) But there comes a time when that little kid becomes so grown up, they don't need magic anymore and their fairies are called back to Fairy World. (Wanda ends the short movie.) Once the fairies leave, the child forgets all about them and all the remnants of their magic disappear forever, and the child grows up just like everybody else. (Cosmo: Bitter and angry at the world!)"

- Wanda explaining to Timmy about what happens when godkids become older and lose their fairy godparents.