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At dusk in a forest clearing, a glowing blue door stands among pines. Wizard Wendell, tall purple hat shining, smiles while opening it to wide-eyed JAPHETH frozen mid-knock, blue light washing their faces.
Japheth found a glowing blue door in the forest. He knocked three times. An old wizard with a tall purple hat opened it. 'I've been waiting for you,' the wizard said with a smile. 'Would you like to learn magic?' Japheth's eyes grew wide. 'Yes, please!' he said excitedly. The wizard led him into a tower filled with floating books and sparkling crystals. 'I'm Wizard Wendell. Let's begin your training tomorrow at sunrise.' Japheth could hardly sleep that night.
Inside Wizard Wendell's candle-lit tower study, shelves of floating books surround a small wooden table where a single white feather rises above it. JAPHETH, eyes wide, holds a wooden wand mid-air, while Wizard Wendell claps proudly beside him.
Wizard Wendell gave Japheth a wooden wand. 'Try to make this feather float,' he said. Japheth waved the wand and shouted magic words. Nothing happened. He tried again and again. 'I can't do it,' Japheth said sadly. The wizard smiled kindly. 'Real magic doesn't come from wands. Close your eyes and believe in yourself.' Japheth took a deep breath. He believed. The feather slowly lifted into the air! 'You did it!' Wizard Wendell cheered.
From a stone tower balcony overlooking the rain-soaked village, dark clouds swirl overhead as first beams of sunshine pierce through. JAPHETH, eyes closed and arms extended, stands beside watching Wizard Wendell, who rests a reassuring hand on the child's shoulder.
A storm cloud covered the village below. 'The people need help,' said Wizard Wendell. 'Can you clear the storm?' Japheth felt scared. 'That's too hard for me!' he said. 'Remember, magic comes from within,' the wizard reminded him. Japheth thought about his friends in the village. He closed his eyes and focused on helping them. He felt warmth in his chest. Slowly, the storm cloud began to fade. Sunshine broke through! The villagers cheered below.
Inside the sunlit tower library, Wizard Wendell gently places a tiny wizard hat onto JAPHETH's head before a tall oval mirror. JAPHETH grins at his glowing reflection, clutching the hat brim, while piles of sparkling crystals shimmer on nearby shelves.
Wizard Wendell placed a small wizard hat on Japheth's head. 'You've learned the most important lesson,' he said proudly. 'What lesson?' asked Japheth. 'That courage, kindness, and believing in yourself are the real magic.' Japheth hugged his teacher. 'Will you still teach me?' he asked. 'Of course! But now we'll learn together as friends,' smiled Wendell. Japheth looked at his reflection wearing the wizard hat. He felt the magic glowing inside his heart. He was ready for more adventures.