Stephanie had always considered the woods her secret sanctuary. Here, she could transform into a graceful, yet menacing creature. She'd become one with nature, experiencing life as a snake.

Each transformation began with a compelling sensation that tingled from the tips of her fingers down to her toes, causing her heart to race with anticipation.

As soon as she uttered the word 'slither', her body would twist in agony as it took the form of a snake. Her screams would eventually turn into hisses as she morphed.

In her transformed state, Stephanie would slither through the lush forest, exploring the undergrowth and basking in the sunlight. The snake's instinct became her own.

Just before dusk, she would revert back to her human form, peeling off her leotard like a snakeskin. Then, she would dress and return home, never sharing her secret.

One day, her best friend, Naomi, followed Stephanie, curious about her mysterious daily excursions. She hid in the foliage, eyes wide as she witnessed Stephanie's transformation.

Naomi was awestruck, and after Stephanie came back to her human form, she approached her. Naomi pleaded with Stephanie to let her experience the exhilarating transformation.

Reluctantly, Stephanie agreed, handing over the leotard the next day. She instructed Naomi to undress and carefully put on the magical garment.

Then, she told Naomi to lay on the forest floor, preparing her for the pain and pleasure of the imminent transformation. Naomi, with a mixture of fear and anticipation, nodded.

Stephanie watched as Naomi, trembling slightly, whispered the word 'slither'. The transformation was violent, and Naomi's screams echoed through the silent forest.

The process was the same as always, albeit more intense with Naomi's trepidation. Stephanie could only watch helplessly as her friend thrashed around, becoming a snake.

Finally, after the convulsions subsided, Naomi lay on the ground, now a large, beautiful snake. Her bright blue eyes glanced at Stephanie, filled with wonder.

Naomi slithered off, her body undulating gracefully as she explored the forest. Stephanie watched, hoping Naomi would enjoy her new form as much as she did.

The day passed, and as dusk started to set in, Stephanie waited for Naomi to return. But as the forest darkened, there was no sign of her friend.

Panic surged through Stephanie. Had something gone wrong? Was Naomi stuck in her snake form? The questions raced through her mind as she searched the forest.

After what seemed like an eternity, Stephanie found Naomi. However, to Stephanie's horror, Naomi was not transforming back. She was stuck as a snake.

Frantically, Stephanie tried to reverse the transformation, whispering different words, even pleading to the magical leotard, but nothing seemed to work. Naomi stayed a snake.

A feeling of guilt washed over Stephanie. She blamed herself for agreeing to let Naomi wear the leotard. She had no idea how to fix the problem.

Days turned into weeks, with Stephanie visiting Naomi daily, promising to find a solution. Naomi, stuck in her snake form, could only gaze at her plaintively.

Unexpectedly, one day Stephanie noticed the leotard was glowing. It had never done this before. She wondered if it was a sign or an indication of something.

She had an idea. She decided to put on the leotard and transform into a snake. She thought maybe she could communicate with Naomi in the snake form.

Stephanie transformed, and to her surprise, was able to communicate with Naomi. It seemed the power of the leotard extended beyond her expectations.

Naomi explained that she was indeed stuck, unable to utter the word to transform back to her human form. Stephanie promised to help her.

The girls realized while in their snake forms they both had to be present for the transformation to work. Together, they uttered 'human'. Suddenly, Naomi started to transform back.

Naomi trembled and convulsed just as violently as she had transformed initially, but this time, she returned to her human form. Stephanie watched as Naomi's familiar face returned.

Naomi, weakened, thanked Stephanie for saving her. Stephanie, filled with relief, promised to never let anyone else wear the magical leotard.

The two girls walked back home arm-in-arm, leaving the magical leotard hidden in the woods. Stephanie decided to stop using it, fearing a recurrence of the incident.

Stephanie learnt a valuable lesson about the potential dangers of magic. Even something as beguiling as becoming a snake had its risks. Naomi was just grateful to be human again.

Naomi's adventure had made them realize the importance of their human lives. Despite its potential for danger, the experience had bonded them in a unique and remarkable way.

From that day forward, their friendship was stronger than ever. They could share anything with each other, even the most magical, dangerous secrets. They could trust one another, completely.

The story of the magical leotard remained their secret, becoming the cornerstone of their shared history. It was the serpent's secret, the tale of an extraordinary friendship.