Once upon a time, a magical hero once crossed a land in 12 days. And everywhere he walked, the area received riches, rain, and sweets like you wouldn't believe. People cheered as the wizard, Rumplestilskin, arrived. Some even followed him, in hopes illness and death could be cured.
One day, an old man and his son came to ask Rumplestilskin for help. The old man's son was not a real boy. He was made of wood from the oldest most magical tree in their land. But the man, who made puppets, could not have a son. So he made a magical puppet. And that boy, Pinocchio, was so true in his heart, and so good in his soul, that a magical fairy made him human. But he became bad. He told so many lies that he turned back into nothing but a simple puppet.
So his father, Gepetto, asked Rumplestilskin for help. "Oh Rumple, my son, he is such a good boy. The fairies did not listen to my please for his second chance. Please, please give me my son back!" pleaded Gepetto. "Hmm, if what you say is true, and this piece of wood and joints was a child, I will help you. But I need something in return; something that possesses a great, emotional value. Other than the boy, what matters most to you?" said Rumplestilskin.
Gepetto thought long and hard. He sure did love his house, but he didn't love it the most. Gepetto sure did love his clothes and his tools, but Pinocchio was the only thing he loved the most. "Rumplestilskin, I only love Pinocchio. I can give you myself." said Gepetto.
"Hahaha! You!? Why on Earth would I want you? If the boy is truly what you love most, I shall fix him. But he will never know you as a father. That is my price." said Rumplestilskin. Gepetto cried, "What!? That is not at all what I wanted; my boy is my life!" Gepetto took a chair and set Phinnochio on it.
Then he swung at Rumple, but Rumple disappeared in a puff of smoke and then reappeared behind Gepetto. "Now now, Deary. We must think things through. Do you want him as a tree branch, or a real boy?" said Rumple with a smile. "Will he be happy?" said Gepetto quietly.
"The happiest! He won't even remember you. So he won't miss you. I have a childless family, wanting a child. So he will go to them. Now, do you want your boy to live or not?" asked Rumple "I've lost a daughter before and now my son. But if he will be happy, if they will be happy, do it please. Make my boy real again!" said Gepetto as he started to cry. Rumplestilskin snapped his fingers, and Gepetto was cleaned up and Pinocchio disappeared.
"I know how it is to lose a son. The pain will fade. He will still always be the most important thing to you. Just be happy to know that magic will bring you happiness again. Now please go, I have other citizens to help." Rumplestilskin waved Gepetto out. And as the old man walked away, as sad as he could possibly be, he heard someone calling him.
"Papa! Papa!" said a voice that was similar to young Pinocchio's own. Gepetto almost said Pinocchio, but it wasn't. It was a woman, and as soon as Gepetto realized who it was, he screamed. "Thank you Rumple! Bless your soul!" Gepetto ran to his long lost daughter and hugged her tight.
"Oh Maritza, dear daughter of mine I am so blessed to see you again! But it troubles me; why are you here at Rumple's doorstep?" Gepetto asked with worry. "Oh, dear father, I and my husband can't bear a child, so we asked for one. And we've just got him!" she said cheering. Gepetto almost fainted. Could it be? Is this possible..? It was.
A young gentleman came, carrying a real live Pinocchio on his shoulders. For a moment he wanted to tell everyone that Pinocchio was his, but he saw Pinocchio's smile. He saw a grandfather's shadow, a mother's smile, a father's grin. He heard a child's laugh and felt a family. So he let everyone be happy. And he did not dare to break his deal with Rumple.
"Phinnochio, meet your grandfather!" said Maritza. And they lived happily ever after.
