The ponies escaped death itself; the whale presumably dead after smashing against the cliff. The worst was over, Geppetto was taken care of and it was a matter of finding Pinocchio. But to their shock, they discovered the puppet was dead. It was a bitter blow, especially for Geppetto. They left the shore, sadly walking back to the woodcarver’s house, the old man carrying his son in his arms. It took thirty minutes to reach the shop, thirty sad minutes, but they didn’t care. By nightfall, Pinocchio was laid out on the bed and they all grieved around him. Geppetto knelt along the bed, crying in his hands while the ponies and dragon silently watched with broken hearts shedding tears. Even the hearts of Jiminy, Figaro and Cleo couldn’t be healed.
“My boy,” Geppetto sobbed. “My brave little boy.”
Little Apple Bloom and Tender couldn’t contain themselves. The little filly cried in the fur of her sister, as she tried to comfort her.
“He deserved it,” Applejack said softly.
Everypony slowly turned to her as tears fell down her eyes.
“He deserved to be a real boy,” Applejack continued. “He saved my sister.”
“He sure was brave,” Rainbow said, wiping her tears.
“He lied a few times, but he was honest to the end,” Fluttershy sobbed.
“He thought more about his friends than anything else,” Twilight added. “More than himself.”
More tears were shed from the loss of their friend, who did so much for them during their journey. Through all the difficulties and problems, he died the way he lived… Caring for his family and friends. As everyone cried, a blue light surrounded the puppet and a female voice spoke to him.
“Prove yourself brave, truthful and unselfish, and someday you will be a real boy. Awake, Pinocchio… Awake…”
Suddenly, a powerful glow surrounded Pinocchio. His donkey ears and tail disappeared; his skin no longer made of wood. Pinocchio moved and opened his eyes, slowly standing up. He rubbed his eyes and looked around.
“Father! Guys!” Pinocchio said. “Whatcha crying for?”
When the ponies heard, they almost didn’t believe it. They slowly raised their heads; their eyes open wide as a smile formed on their faces. But they disappeared when Geppetto spoke.
“Cause… You are dead, Pinocchio.”
The old man was in deep grief, but completely ignorant to the fact his son is alive.
“No!” Pinocchio shook his head. “No, I’m not.
“Yes, yes, you are,” Geppetto said, not looking up. “Now, lie down.”
“Geppetto, look!” Twilight said. “He is back!”
“No, Twilight,” Geppetto said. “No, he’s not.”
“But Geppetto… Look!”
Rainbow Dash took a close look at Pinocchio, when she found something… Off.
“Twilight, is it just me or does Pinocchio look less… Woody?
Everypony took a closer look as well, even Applejack’s eyes widen.
“Can it truly be?”
“Is he…?” Apple Bloom began.
“But, Father, I’m alive. See? And—”
Suddenly, Pinocchio looked at himself and saw he was different. He began to touch his head.
“And I’m, uh—I’m—I’m real…” He whispered the last word. “I’m a real boy!”
The shout urged Geppetto to look up to the surprise of his life.
“You’re alive!” Geppetto said, lifting his son. “And, and you are a real boy!”
The ponies cheered at this sight, even Jiminy and the pets were surprised.
“Wee!” Jiminy shouted. “Whoopee!”
“A real live boy!” Geppetto laughed, joyfully.
Figaro jumped with joy and into the fishbowl giving Cleo a kiss.
“He’s alive and a real boy!” Pinkie cheered. “Hooray!”
“This calls for a celebration!” Geppetto declared.
The old man slammed the pendulums of his many clocks, the ponies and pets slamming a few too. In a few seconds, the room is filled with the chimes of the clocks as Geppetto pushes the button of one of his music boxes.
"Professor, lots of music!"
“Come on, everypony!” Spike shout. “Let’s start some too!”
As Spike pushed the button of a music box he likes, Fluttershy pushed on with a bear and a man tipping his hat while Applejack pushed one with an elephant and monkey. As the others pushed a few, music filled the room. Geppetto played his concertina again while dancing with Pinocchio. Suddenly, Apple Bloom and Tender leapt toward their friend hugging him tightly.
“Oh, Pinoke!” Apple Bloom cried. “We thought we lost you!”
“I’m okay now,” Pinocchio assures.
“Thanks for saving my life back there,” Apple Bloom said.
“I couldn’t let my friends down, could I?” Pinocchio replied, returning the hug.
Apple Bloom held on before turning to Tender.
“And thank you, Tender.”
“Nah, Pinoke’s the hero,” Tender said, humbly. “I was only—”
But he didn’t finish when Apple Bloom suddenly hugged him, and his cheeks turned red. A smile forms on his face as he hugged her back. All at once, Pinocchio is surrounded by the rest of his friends, all happy to see him. Figaro and Cleo danced together, while Fluttershy joined them. She couldn’t help but find it cute seeing them dance, when Cleo jumped from her bowl and rub lovingly against her cheek.
“Oh, Cleo,” Fluttershy giggled. “You’re so cute.”
At the moment, Pinocchio, Apple Bloom and Tender Taps danced together in a circle as everyone else joined the party.
“Who wants cupcakes?!” Pinkie said, with a singing voice.
Pinkie carried a hot pan of fresh cupcakes, which everyone took. Jiminy watched as the party went on.
“Well! Huh. Th-This is practically where I came in.”
He danced a little toward a window, as if he has some unfinished business to attend to. He slowly opens the window and walks outside closing the window behind him. Everybody partied through the night, till all was quiet. They all shared a few laughs and jokes once things settled down.
“And then she flew away from me!” Rainbow laughed. “I mean, I knew that blue siren was dim, but I didn’t know she was that dim! Ha-ha-ha!”
They all got a big laugh after that, now that the danger was over.
“So Pinoke, what are you gonna do?” Spike asked. “You know, now that you’re a real boy.”
“I’m going to help father around the shop,” Pinocchio said. “Hopefully I can make the customers happy like he did. And I definitely want to start school again, to make up for lost time.”
“A very good idea, son,” Geppetto said, lifting his son for a hug.
Everypony couldn’t help but smile at this tender moment.
“I almost can’t believe it,” Geppetto continued. “My son, a real boy. That’s all thanks to you, girls. There’s nothing better than reuniting with someone you care about.”
“Actually, we have you two to thank as well,” Twilight said, smiling. “You deserved your wish for everything you’ve done for the people of this village. And Pinocchio, you showed the true traits of being a real boy.”
“Even though he lied,” Applejack points out, then shook her head. “But yes, he truly deserved it. Especially for saving his father… And mah little sister.
Applejack hugged Apple Bloom, who hugged her back.
“Thank you, guys,” Pinocchio said. “But I couldn’t have done it without you, especially Jiminy—”
Suddenly, Pinocchio turned around and stopped. He looked around the shop.
“Jiminy? Wh-where is Jiminy?”
Soon everyone looked around, though Geppetto was confused.
“Who’s Jiminy, son?” Geppetto asked.
“He’s my conscience I told you about. He stood by my side till the very end.”
“He didn’t leave us, did he?” Apple Bloom asked.
“No, that’s unlike him,” Applejack said. “Maybe he’s taking a little breather.”
“I would have liked to say ‘goodbye’ before we leave,” Rarity said, looking down.
“Leave?” Pinocchio asked. “Where are you going?”
“Back home to Equestria,” Twilight explained. “Now that you’re a real boy, we have many things to do there. Adventures to experience, duties to our land…”
“Oh…” Pinocchio looked down, sadly.
“But… Will we see Pinocchio again?” Apple Bloom asked.
Applejack turned to Apple Bloom, who had that adorable look in her eyes.
“Of course, we will,” Applejack smiled. “I don’t know how, but we’ll find a way to visit again.”
Geppetto then picks up a few gifts: Clocks, music boxes and various toys.
“You nine have done so much for me and Pinocchio, I’d like you to have these. My life wouldn’t be complete if I haven’t met you and gained a son. You are welcome here, any time.”
“Thank you, Mr. Geppetto,” Apple Bloom said, hugging him.
The others join in the hug, even Pinocchio, Figaro and Cleo, despite being in a bowl. Fluttershy picks up the bowl so Cleo wouldn’t feel left out, they hugged for a few more minutes before letting go.
“Well, we got to go,” Twilight said. “Goodbye, Geppetto. Goodbye, Pinocchio.”
“Goodbye, Twilight,” Pinocchio said. “It was nice meeting you and your friends.”
“And we’re happy to meet you, Pinocchio,” Tender said.
“Remember to be good,” Applejack advised. “And never lie.”
“Don’t worry, Applejack,” Pinocchio smiled. “I promise to be a good boy, always.”
Figaro rubbed himself against Spike while the little dragon pets him.
“Goodbye, Figaro,” The dragon spoke. “It was nice meeting you. Take care of Geppetto and Pinocchio, will ya?”
The little kitten nodded with a ‘meow’. Meanwhile, Fluttershy bid farewell to Cleo.
“Will you take good care of Geppetto, Pinocchio and Figaro for me?” She asked.
The little goldfish nodded.
“You’re such an angel,” Fluttershy smiled.
Cleo then jumped from her bowl and gave Fluttershy another rub on the cheek, making her giggle as she joined her friends outside the shop.
“Goodbye, guys!” Pinocchio waved. “Come back soon!”
“We will!” Twilight called out. “Goodbye!”
The others waved as they left the shop, the door closing behind them. It was still pretty dark outside, and they were the only ones outside at this hour.
“Another job well done,” Rainbow sighed.
“You can say that again,” Applejack said.
“Another job well done,” Pinkie repeated.
Applejack turned to Pinkie with a stern look, then she nods her head silently while softening her face patting Pinkie’s head. Apple Bloom took one last look at the woodcarver’s shop and sighed.
“You know, we’re not even in Ponyville and I already miss ‘em.”
“Don’t worry, Apple Bloom,” Tender said, putting an arm over Apple Bloom. “We’ll find a way to see them again, someday.”
Apple Bloom smiled as she leaned her head onto Tender Taps. Applejack watched the two foals after hearing that, as a thought crossed her mind. All the while, Spike looked up to the sky and his eyes widen in wonder.
“Hey guys!” Spike pointed. “Look up there!”
A familiar blue light descended from the sky, landing before the ponies. The light shone very brightly and, once more, the beautiful sight of the Blue Fairy emerged.
“Blue Fairy,” Twilight gasped, as everypony bowed.
“There’s no need to bow, my little ponies and dragon,” The Blue Fairy smiled, as the ponies stood up.
“I just want to thank you for making Pinocchio and Geppetto’s wish come true,” Twilight said. “And I wanna thank you for changing the donkeys back to boys.”
“You’re welcome, Princess Twilight,” The Fairy said. “You’ve done very well, especially you, Apple Bloom. You all made Pinocchio and Geppetto very happy and I thank you for that.”
Apple Bloom smiled cutely at her words, as Applejack removed her hat.
“Thank you kindly, Miss Fairy,” Applejack said. “But honestly: It’s mostly Pinocchio you need to thank. And Jiminy… He did a swell job keeping him on the straight and narrow path.”
“He left before we even told him ‘thank you’,” Fluttershy said. “We don’t even know where he is.”
“Let’s say he gained a beautiful reward for his deeds,” The Fairy smiled.
“And the boys?” Spike asked. “Are they gonna be fine?”
“Yes, dear Spike,” The Fairy nodded. “The boys learned their lesson since you saved them. The fox and the cat are behind bars as we speak.”
“What about the Dazzlings?” Twilight asked. “They tried to make you their slave.”
“I am aware. After they escaped Monstro, I returned them to the world they were banished to. I hope that’s all you want to know.”
The ponies nodded, satisfied with their answer.
“Very well,” The Fairy bowed. “I’m very happy for what you’ve done for this world. You have my eternal gratitude.”
“Aw, it was nothing,” Applejack said, humbly.
Suddenly, a loud sound drew their attention as they gazed toward the sky. Like last time, a large pillar of light and magical energy appears shooting toward the ground. Everypony stepped backwards as the pillar of light vanished leaving the same symbol as last time.
“I believe this is your ride home?” The Fairy inquired.
“It sure is,” Twilight said. “It’s time to go home.”
“Remember my little ponies: The wishing star resides in every world, you just need to find it,” The Fairy explains, as they nod. “Have a safe trip home and remember the most important lesson of all.”
“Always let your conscience be your guide,” Everypony and dragon said, in unison.
And just like that, the Fairy’s light shone bright and she vanished into the air.
“Goodbye, Miss Fairy!” Apple Bloom waved.
“Goodbye!” Everypony said in unison.
As she looked up into the sky, Twilight couldn’t help but picture her mentor when she sees the Blue Fairy as she smiles.
“Come on, let’s go home.”
One by one, they each stepped through the pillar and felt pulled into the air back to Equestria. Pinkie Pie was the last pony in line as she looked out toward the empty streets.
“Goodbye, Jiminy! Wherever you are!” Pinkie yelled, hoping he heard her.
A few minutes earlier
After Jiminy left Geppetto’s house, for reasons unknown, he admired something shiny on his coat: A shiny gold badge officially proclaiming him a conscience. He couldn’t keep his eyes off it.
“Beautiful… Just beautiful.”
As Jiminy polished the shining badge, a loud sound startled him.
“What was that?” He said to himself, turning around. “It’s coming from over there!”
Jiminy hopped toward the corner of the woodcarver’s shop. Peeking from behind, he saw something that made his eyes widen. A pillar of light came down from the sky, right in front of the ponies and dragon. He missed the Blue Fairy, who already left.
“My, my,” Jiminy said, watching the ponies step inside. “That’s something unusual. Looks like they’re going home.”
(Music at 1:48)
Then, he looked toward the ground as if he just realized something.
“There they go, back to their world. I didn’t even say ‘goodbye’ to any of them. Oh, well, I can always say I knew them when. They sure were amazing friends.”
“Goodbye, Jiminy!” Pinkie shouted. “Wherever you are!”
Jiminy couldn’t help but smile, as he began to walk along the streets ready to leave it all behind.
“True, I didn’t even say ‘goodbye’ to Pinocchio either. I hope he won’t take it personally. After all, no matter where I go, I’ll always be his conscience… And his friend. I’m sure they won’t take it personally either.”
Jiminy stopped and looked behind him, as one-by-one the ponies entered the pillar. Soon it would take them back home and they would disappear, just like he was about to do.
“A shame, really,” Jiminy continued. “I would like to see their world, if only to see how they live and such.”
Then suddenly, he stopped. As if he realized he just gave himself an amazing idea.
“Sure! Why not?”
Quickly, he ran toward the ponies who already disappeared through the pillar of light. He hops as fast as he could toward the pillar. Hesitating at first, he quickly jumped inside before the pillar disappeared. He swirled through space, screaming for his life, an experience unlike anything he experienced before.
Meanwhile, our Equestrian heroes were also swirling through space. It didn’t take long before they all flew out of the book and back into the library. They rose up from the floor, dusting themselves off. Like before, it seemed hardly any time has passed since they went in.
“Everypony alright?” Twilight asked.
“Uh-huh,” Every pony nodded.
“That… Was… So… Cool!” Apple Bloom said, excitedly.
“I liked it too,” Tender said. “Just gotta work on that landing.”
“Another amazing adventure and another job well done,” Applejack nodded.
“It sure was nice to meet Pinocchio and Geppetto,” Twilight sighed.
“And check it out!” Rainbow said. “They even gave us souvenirs!”
“I got this apple clock,” Applejack said, showing an apple-shaped cuckoo clock.
“I got the one with two ducks,” Fluttershy displayed.
“My, what a lovely music box,” Rarity said, showing the box with two aristocratic dancers.
“And check out these toys!” Spike said, showing the ones he, Apple Bloom and Tender got.
Apple Bloom admired the toys, but then her expression turned sad. A certain cowpony took notice of that.
“What’s the matter, sugar cube?” Applejack asked. “Don’t you like your present?”
“It’s not that,” Apple Bloom shook her head. “I was just… Thinkin’.”
“Hmm?” Applejack asked, eyebrow raised.
“I know we already been there a lot, but I thought about everythin’ you said and… And you were right. It was a fun adventure, seeing a new world and all, but it was kinda scary. All the dangers, nearly losin’ ya, the monsters, and all the trouble we ran into. I guess I wouldn’t blame you if you don’t want me to come on your adventures anymore.”
Applejack was silent for a moment as her sister looked down. Then she smiled and planted a hoof on her shoulder, as she looked up.
“No, you needed this,” Applejack said, warmly. “Granny Smith was right: You are growing up and there’s nothing I can do about it. I don’t know when, but one day the Book will call on you to join us again and I don’t want to have to stop you for not knowin’ what’ll happen. You’ll still make mistakes, it’ll be hard to know right and wrong, but you are old enough to learn and I’ll always be there to help. I only want to be by your side, even if I can’t keep you outta harm’s way. Which is why, I’ve decided to teach you everything you’ll need to know for next time.”
“You mean… I can go on more adventures?” Apple Bloom asked, wide eyed.
“Not ‘all’ of them…” Applejack speaks, honestly. “But yeah, someday.”
“Even me?” Tender Taps approached.
“Heh-heh, sure. Even you, Tender.”
“Thanks, big sis,” Apple Bloom said, sighing. “I just wish we could’ve said ‘goodbye’ to Jiminy.”
“Maybe you don’t have to.”
Suddenly, their eyes widen, and they looked around.
“Jiminy Cricket?” Twilight asked, confused. “Is that you?”
“Down here!” The Cricket called.
The ponies and dragon look down toward the cricket hopping up and down for attention. The sight of his presence surprised them.
“Jiminy!” Fluttershy said. “How did you get here?”
“Well, I saw you go into that pillar of light,” Jiminy explained. “I decided to follow you.”
“But what about Pinocchio?” Apple Bloom asked. “Aren’t you staying with him?”
“Yeah… Where were you anyway?” Rainbow asked, suspiciously.
“Now, easy there, girls,” Jiminy waved his arms. “I can explain: You see, Pinocchio is a real boy now. I figured he won’t need me anymore.”
“What do you mean?” Twilight said.
“Well, throughout his journey, he clearly had trouble telling right from wrong even when I was around. But he’s come a long way since that night on Pleasure Island. Maybe he doesn’t need Jiminy Cricket anymore because he’s got a conscience of his very own. So, I decided… He’s going to be just fine.”
The ponies looked at each other, understanding where Jiminy is coming from.
“You know, Jiminy,” Twilight said. “Geppetto said, ‘There’s nothing better than being reunited with someone you care about.’ I bet Pinocchio’s counting the days till he sees you again.”
“Really?” Jiminy asked, pondering. “Well, what do you know? You might be right! If he does need me, I want him to know I’ll always be there to help him. I’ll always be his conscience and friend no matter what. Guess this ole’ cricket learns something new every day.”
“I reckon we all can,” Applejack said, looking at Apple Bloom and Tender.
“So… What were you doing during the party, anyway?” Pinkie asked. “I saved a cupcake to give to you.”
“The Blue Fairy said you had some kind of reward,” Applejack implied.
“As a matter of fact I do,” Jiminy replied, hopping on the table. “I looked at the wishing star, thanking her for making Pinocchio a real boy. Next thing I know, she gave me this.”
The cricket shows every pony his badge. They looked very closely and their jaws dropped. The badge read: 'Official Conscience, 18 kt.'
“Well, ah’ll be!” Applejack smiled.
“Wow!” Apple Bloom said.
“Cool!” Tender added.
“Ooh, shiny!” Pinkie smiled.
“Seems she kept her promise after all,” Rarity said.
“Awesome!” Rainbow said.
“Congratulations, Jiminy,” Twilight smiled, proudly. “You’re an official conscience.”
“And solid gold too!” Jiminy added, rubbing the badge to shine it up.
“You really deserved it,” Twilight said.
Jiminy smiled and took a look around the castle.
“So… This is your home?”
“Oh yes,” Twilight nodded. “Actually, it’s just the library of my castle."
“So many books I’ve never seen before,” Jiminy said, looking around. “I’d love to read them.”
Jiminy hopped onto the pedestal and stood before the Book of Disney.
“I suppose this is the book where I came from?”
“That’s the one. This book changed our lives. Whenever it summons us, we always find new places to visit and new friends to meet… Like you.”
“Fascinating,” Jiminy said, studying the pages.
“If you want to stay, I could offer you a place to sleep,” Twilight said.
“That’s very kind of you, Twilight,” Jiminy said. “Actually, I think I’ll stick around here awhile. There’s so much of Equestria I’m dying to see.”
Twilight admired how such a tiny cricket could have a head filled with new ideas and thoughts. Twilight suddenly had an idea.
“Hey, Jiminy. We’re celebrating a special festival tomorrow night. Wanna join us?”
“Why, I’d be delighted,” Jiminy said. “It would give me the chance to explore the new world and get social.”
“Uh, Twilight?” Spike asks, tapping her should.
“Yes, Spike?” Twilight turns to Spike.
“Weren’t you supposed to ask Princess Luna to prepare the festival?”
“Hmm…” The princess thought, suddenly her eyes widen. “Oh no! Oh no, no, no, no, no! In all the excitement, we haven’t prepared anything for the festival!”
“Twilight?” Jiminy asked.
“We still have so much to do…” Twilight panicked.
“Twilight?”
“It’s going to be ruined…”
“Twilight?!”
“I don’t know what to do…”
“WHOA, WHOA, WHOA!” Jiminy exclaimed, hopping onto Twilight’s muzzle. “Take it easy, Twilight. No need to panic.”
“Yeah… She does that,” Rainbow points out. “A LOT!”
“Nevertheless, I think I can help with these preparations,” Jiminy comforts her. “I think I have a few ideas that just might work!”
