After stopping in front of what seemed to be Henry's Forest, Stephanie wondered what could be hidden among the trees and the wilderness.
She was looking at the map and writing down what named areas were around so she knew where she was going if she got lost.
She had gotten half of the island written down on the borrowed map with the help of Radar she took with her and the Curators' members.
But she needed to figure out what could be in the forest since no one other than hikers had entered the place.
So, Stephanie went into the forest with the group on her shoulders or in her backpack as she wandered through the woodlands.
Radar activated his radar as Stephanie carefully walked through the forest, stepping over fallen logs and rocks blocking her path.
A beep came from Radar's radar, and he responded, "Okay, it looks like everything is safe. There are some other spots around, which could be coming from animals roaming around the forest."
Stephanie nodded and continued walking through the forest, stepping over logs and rocks, being careful not to accidentally trip and fall as she carried the backpack unzipped halfway, just enough for the rest of the group to poke out.
Crystals were poking out from a ditch that Stephanie slid into, catching Stephanie's eye before she continued walking through the forest.
Stephanie started collecting them, using her dimension powers to open the door to the witch's hut dimension, opening the drawers, and placing them inside for later.
Once Stephanie had collected enough, she continued on her path, getting further and further into the forest while Radar kept an eye on the radar.
Stephanie stopped momentarily as she placed a hand on a rock, taking a small break while looking around and hearing the natural noises of nature and the faint noises of Radar's machines.
After Stephanie stopped, something strange happened when she placed her hand on the rock while everyone was checking their surroundings.
Strange symbols appeared underneath Stephanie's hand, but none of the groups noticed the glowing symbols.
The bracelet's gemstone around her right wrist glowed after it sensed the strange power coming from the rock as the light blue mist was absorbed into the gem.
Stephanie removed her hand from the rock just as the last mist lifted from the symbols and into the gemstone, and it stayed glowing as Stephanie walked through the forest.
She walked a few miles before feeling a tug coming from her bracelet, causing her to look down at the jewelry around her wrist, confused.
Suddenly, Stephanie's bracelet started to glow more, causing Stephanie to wince as Radar exclaimed, "Take it off!"
"I can't!" Stephanie exclaimed back as a pentagram appeared before her hand. "I couldn't take it off when it was activated!"
She watched as her own hand went downward, the pentagram following her as it went underneath her feet before it glowed, and everyone watched as she gripped her right hand.
The ground where the pentagram was disappeared, causing Stephanie to tumble through a large tunnel the same color as the gemstone as she and the group shrieked.
Stephanie fell for a long time before the exit appeared underneath her, causing her to fall through it before collapsing on her side.
The people on her shoulders bounced off after Stephanie collided with the ground, causing Notches, Lucy, and Radar to scatter across the floor.
Stephanie groaned after crashing into the ground and gingerly pushed herself up as Notches pushed herself up.
She glared at her bracelet with a frown, asking, "Why did you choose this moment?!"
Lucy gently pushed herself up from the ground, and Radar held his hand out for her after getting up.
Lucy took Radar's offer, and Radar helped her as Notches pushed himself up, stretching out his limbs gingerly.
"Hey, what's going on out there?!" a voice muffled from the backpack.
Stephanie perked up and removed her backpack, allowing the rest of the Curators to step out as they stretched their limbs.
"Oi, that was one rough crash landing," Heavy grunted.
"Sorry," Stephanie apologized as she put her backpack on her back. "My bracelet just suddenly decided to teleport us to this hut."
After Stephanie explained, the group looked at the hut, and a collective groan came from the ground as one of them asked, "This teleporting thing again?"
Stephanie gingerly pushed herself up as she put her backpack back on her back and looked at where they were, noticing a large house before them, covered with vines and the outer part somewhat destroyed.
The exterior is made of weathered gray stone bricks, giving it a timeless and mystical appearance, and vines and ivy creep up the walls, intertwining with the stones.
A moss-covered thatched roof adds to the sense of age and antiquity, and a small, arched wooden door serves as the entrance to the house.
Curiosity filled Stephanie's mind as she approached the door, causing the group to follow her as Ace, Jet, and Maverick took off.
The others climbed onto Notches' back as they followed Stephanie, watching her open the door and peer inside, perking after looking into the hut as her bracelet continued glowing.
A dimly lit, cluttered interior greets Stephanie as sunlight streams through dusty windows, casting ethereal beams across the space.
Shelves line the walls, filled with a mesmerizing array of magical items that Stephanie noticed during her time adventuring around Sodor—which were crystals of various sizes and colors, rows of potion bottles, and jars containing rare ingredients.
An old wooden desk stands in one corner, bearing the open diary covered with dust that Stephanie discovers as the group looks around curiously.
The desk's surface is covered in scribbled notes and diagrams, and Stephanie picks up one of them, looking at the paper curiously.
Dust motes dance in the air whenever Stephanie moves items away from their spots, creating an almost otherworldly ambiance as she looks closely at the papers before putting them back.
As Stephanie looked through the scattered items, she sensed an ancient magic hidden in this tiny hut—a tangible presence that seemed to cling to every surface.
The air is imbued with a faint scent of herbs and arcane ingredients, adding to the sense of enchantment.
The room exudes an eerie, timeless quality, as if it exists in a realm between the past and the present, which makes Stephanie feel more curious as she looks at everything around her.
In addition to the diary, Stephanie's keen eyes catch glimpses of other intriguing artifacts—a crystal ball on a wooden stand, a silver cauldron with intricate engravings, and a collection of well-worn spellbooks.
A large, ornate mirror hangs on one wall, its surface shimmering with an enigmatic glow as if it held its secrets.
The shelves contain numerous items that hint at the wizard's exploration of Sodor's magic, from feathers of mythical creatures to vials of glowing substances.
Stephanie returned to the open diary and picked it up, blowing against it to get rid of the dust before flipping to the first page.
On the first page, it reads:
Day 1:
Today marks the beginning of a remarkable journey—a journey to a place where magic thrives, where the very air seems to hum with enchantment. My mentor and I have arrived on the mystic island of Sodor, drawn by tales of unparalleled magic.
As we disembarked from the ship and set foot on this sacred land, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and anticipation. The legends speak of wonders beyond imagination, spells woven into everyday life's fabric, and a world where the impossible becomes possible.
My mentor and I stand at the precipice of discovery. We are determined to unlock the hidden secrets within Sodor's mystical embrace. It is said that the people here have a unique connection to magic and possess knowledge passed down through generations.
We have brought with us our own magic and our thirst for knowledge. In this diary, I shall record our experiences, triumphs, and tribulations as we delve deeper into the heart of this enchanting world.
May our journey be one of enlightenment, and may we leave a mark on the annals of magic as we unravel the mysteries of Sodor.
Stephanie flipped through several pages, seeing diagrams of how magic worked and even the tiny pentagrams of different ideas.
It explained more about their discoveries, ranging from the connection of Sodor to the spells they use, even the whistles that resembled links to 'chosen' engines, and it read:
Day 37:
Our days on Sodor have been nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in the enchanting world of magic that permeates this island. It is unlike anything we have ever encountered.
One of the most captivating aspects of Sodor's magic is the bond between humans and the "chosen" locomotives. We observed a remarkable ceremony today, where a young girl named Christina was chosen by a sentient locomotive named Arden, whom they met long ago and had formed a 'relationship' with. Their connection was palpable—a harmonious melding of human spirit and machine.
Arden, a wise and gentle engine, exuded an aura of wisdom and strength. It was as if he possessed a soul and found his purpose and voice through Christina. Together, they performed feats of magic that left us in awe.
The people of Sodor hold a deep reverence for these locomotives, believing them to be guardians of the island's magic. The bond they share is a testament to the profound connection between humans and the enchanted world of Sodor.
In addition to witnessing these incredible bonds, we have had the privilege of observing how spells are woven into the fabric of daily life. The people here are skilled magic practitioners, and their abilities are woven seamlessly into their everyday routines.
From enchanting the fields to yield bountiful harvests to crafting charms to protect their homes, the inhabitants of Sodor utilize magic with a grace and understanding that is truly remarkable. Each incantation and spell is a testament to their deep connection to this mystical island.
My mentor and I have begun to immerse ourselves in the various types of magic prevalent in Sodor. We study with curiosity and respect, learning from the island's inhabitants. It is a world of endless wonder and boundless potential.
As we continue our exploration and delve deeper into the heart of Sodor's enchantment, I can't help but feel a sense of privilege. We are in the presence of magic in its purest form, and with each passing day, our understanding of this world grows. Our bond, too, strengthens as we share in this extraordinary journey.
May the days ahead bring us more revelations and discoveries as we unlock the secrets of Sodor's magic.
After reading the entry, Stephanie perked up, noticing the same 'connection' between Gordon and Romeo through their whistles that she had seen with P.T. Boomer.
She wondered why P.T. Boomer's 'connection' with Lady was rocky and why he never wanted to speak more about her.
Stephanie came across another diary entry that piqued her interest as it read:
Day 98:
The days have turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, as we continue our exploration of the mystical wonders of Sodor. Each day, I grow more enamored with this island and its magic.
I am pleased to report that my studies have yielded fruitful results. I have devoted countless hours to mastering the types of magic prevalent here, and my efforts have not been in vain. Each incantation, each spell, I have painstakingly perfected.
Today was a milestone in my journey. I showcased my mastery of these spells to my mentor, eager to share the knowledge I had gained. He watched as I effortlessly wielded magic to bend the elements to my will, with a look of both admiration and, I dare say, jealousy in his eyes.
It is in these moments that I sense a growing tension between us. I had always looked up to my mentor, cherished his wisdom, and respected his guidance. But as I have delved deeper into Sodor's magic, I fear our paths are diverging.
I have also found something unexpected in my studies—a deep connection with one of the island's inhabitants. Her name is Amelia, and her laughter is like music to my ears. Her eyes sparkle with a knowledge of magic that rivals my own.
Amelia has become more than a friend; she has become the heart that guides me through the enchanting labyrinth of Sodor. I have found a kindred spirit in her, a companion on this wondrous journey.
As my love for Amelia deepens, so does the rift between my mentor and me. He watches our growing bond with a mixture of unease and resentment, and I fear it may threaten the harmony we once shared.
Though challenges lie ahead, both in matters of magic and matters of the heart, I am determined to embrace this unique opportunity for growth and discovery. With Amelia by my side and the magic of Sodor at my fingertips, I embark on each day with anticipation and gratitude.
May the days ahead bring even greater revelations and the wisdom to navigate the complexities of magic and the human heart.
Stephanie smiled a little after reading the page, feeling happy that this writer was glad that he had found someone to love and even discovered magic.
She continued flipping through the pages, reading more with interest about the magic this writer learned about and his relationship with Amelia, even wanting to share the thought of magic with people who believed in magic.
But as Stephanie read more of the entries, she noticed that there was that growing tension from the mentor, as one of them reads:
Day 234:
The passage of time on Sodor has brought with it moments of unparalleled beauty and wonder. The magic surrounding us continues to reveal its secrets, and Amelia's presence in my life shines brighter each day.
Yet, it has become increasingly apparent that my mentor's jealousy festers like a wound that refuses to heal. He watches our blossoming love with a growing sense of frustration and resentment. I have tried to bridge the gap between us and seek understanding and harmony, but my efforts only exacerbate his discontent.
Every failed potion, every spell that does not go according to plan, serves as kindling for the flames of his frustration. His once-revered wisdom has since become bitter and irritated.
Our most recent disagreement revolved around matters of the heart. It began as a civil and measured conversation but soon escalated into a heated argument. My mentor's face, contorted with anger, questioned the notion of love.
"Love is a distraction," he declared. "A weakness that clouds one's judgment and hinders the pursuit of true power."
I countered with a heartfelt defense of love's importance, how it adds depth and meaning to our existence, and how it fuels our quest for knowledge and understanding. But my mentor's eyes remained cold, his heart seemingly closed to the beauty of human connection.
It pains me to see the divide that has grown between us. I am torn between my devotion to Amelia and my loyalty to the mentor who has guided me for so long. I am determined to find a way to reconcile these conflicting emotions, for the magic of Sodor has shown me that love and power need not be at odds.
As I navigate this intricate dance of magic and emotion, I hope for a resolution to bring harmony to my heart and mend the fraying bonds with my mentor.
May the days ahead offer clarity and the wisdom to bridge the gap that threatens to separate us.
Stephanie flipped through the pages, telling of how the wizard becomes more and more distant, aggressively demanding more magic and even threatening some small villages, sometimes cursing them with irreversible curses.
She soon flipped to the last pages, as the final diary entry read:
Day 497:
The moment I feared has finally arrived. It began as a confrontation, a clash of wills between mentor and pupil, but it quickly escalated into a battle fueled by jealousy and a thirst for power.
The rift between my mentor and me had grown too wide to bridge. His envy and the idea that he ought to be the one using the island's magic had consumed him. He was determined to prove his superiority, regardless of the cost.
The battle was fierce and awe-inspiring. Spells and incantations clashed in a dazzling display of light and power. The very ground beneath us quaked with the force of our magic. But as the battle raged on, it became clear that my mentor's desperation had led him down a treacherous path.
He resorted to using excessive amounts of Gold Dust, a risky gamble I had warned him against. The consequences of such recklessness were evident as his form began to twist and contort. The Gold Dust, a double-edged sword, had started to take its toll.
Amidst the chaos of our battle, I saw the torment in his eyes—the realization that he had pushed himself too far and that his obsession with power had cost him his essence. But out of stubbornness and pride, he refused to give in.
Ultimately, I emerged victorious, but it was a hollow victory. My mentor, his once-wise mind now clouded by the Gold Dust's effects, was sealed away in an unknown cave, a prison of his own making.
The lament of my relationship with Amelia haunts me as I type these final words. She stood by my side throughout this harrowing ordeal; her unwavering support was a source of strength. But the toll this journey has taken on us is undeniable.
The battles, the rift with my mentor, and the weight of my responsibilities have strained our bond. We find ourselves at a crossroads, torn between our love and the demands of the magical world surrounding us.
I fear that the magic of Sodor has exacted a toll on my very soul and that the pursuit of power and knowledge has come at great personal cost. My heart aches with the choices I have made, the battles I have fought, and the rifts I have caused.
As I gaze upon the enchanted landscape of Sodor one last time, I am left with a profound sense of loss. The magic that once held such allure now feels like a heavy burden. In time, I hope to heal the wounds inflicted on my heart.
May this diary serve as a testament to the extraordinary journey that unfolded on this mystical island—a journey of magic, love, and the enduring pursuit of understanding.
The corner of the book had a splatter of liquid Gold Dust, but the smell from the splatter had a familiar copper scent.
It sent a shudder down Stephanie's spine after she realized what the dried substance was and understood what would happen if she used Gold Dust too often around adults outside Sodor.
Stephanie closed the book and looked back at the whole place, feeling pity for this wizard for abandoning his talents for that battle.
So Stephanie got an idea for maintaining this wizard's talent as she walked over to the door before opening it with a simple unlock and opening it to the witch's hut dimension she had opened before.
After opening the door, Stephanie carefully collected the forgotten items and placed them into the hut, along with the pieces of paper.
She had an idea in her mind as she continued collecting, deciding to try this since she had yet to tap into other magic uses.
The Curators watched with confusion as Stephanie walked back and forth, using her Gemini Zodiac to help speed the process while her OCD person put everything in neat order.
"Uh, Steph?" Cadet spoke after watching the Stephanies walking back and forth. "What are you doing?"
"We're collecting everything to preserve and continue with the magic idea!" one of Stephanies happily chirped. "But we're going to first practice how it works through the spell book and such."
The Curators looked at each other, and Captain asked, hesitantly about being thrown into magic, "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"We're sure!" The happy-and-go-lucky Stephanie nodded. "We're just curious about how magic works, so to continue with the thought of how magic works, we're going to practice how this type of magic works."
"Excuse me?" One of the Stephanies walked up to the happy-and-go-lucky Stephanie, holding what looked like a tea kettle. "What should I do with this in my hands?"
The Stephanies looked at the tea kettle in the confused Stephanie's hands before the OCD Stephanie said, shrugging, "Perhaps because he needed hot water? I don't know. May I have that?"
The confused Stephanie nodded, although she had a confused expression, handing the tea kettle over to the OCD Stephanie as she entered the witch's hut dimension with the kettle in her hands.
The happy-and-go-lucky Stephanie picked up the Curators, Lucy, and Notches with a bright smile, exclaiming as the last items were carried into the witch's hut dimension, "Let's go see how it goes!"
So she followed the other Stephanies as one closed the door behind them, leaving a properly empty hut in the middle of the forest.