David sank into the plush sofa, his thoughts spiraling as he pondered the R organization's true purpose. The abilities granted to him by the illustrated book were inexplicably linked to them, but how? He recalled Newt's words from Dumbledore's memory:
"The people of the R organization may have started their experiments long ago."
But if that were true, why did Tina say they were only just beginning? Could Newt have been wrong? Or was the R organization hiding something deeper?
"David? Something on your mind?" Tina's gentle voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"Grandma, do you think the R organization has other bases?" David asked.
Tina sighed, her face shadowed with worry. "Newt and I think they must, but since we destroyed that last base, they vanished without a trace. Some believe that was their only stronghold, but I'm not convinced."
David's eyes narrowed. "What if they let you find that base on purpose? To make you think they're gone, so they can continue their work undisturbed?"
Tina's expression darkened, her shoulders tensing. "If that's true, then they're even more dangerous than we thought. A brutal organization is one thing, but one that commands such loyalty... that's something else entirely."
David's mind raced, his thoughts drifting to a wizard who once commanded such loyalty—Grindelwald. If the R organization could inspire that same blind devotion, then their goals were much larger than simply experimenting with ancient magic or controlling magical creatures.
Tina reached over, smoothing his furrowed brow with her thumb. "Enough worrying for now, David. This is not your burden to carry... at least not yet."
David managed a weak smile and nodded.
Tina's face brightened. "How about visiting the little unicorn? It's made a new friend in the magical space. You should go see it."
David's mood lifted. "Can I go now?"
"Of course! Second door on the right. But be patient—it's a mischievous little one."
Eagerly, David made his way to the magical space, stepping through the door and into a dense forest. The trees were thick, their branches knitting together to form a lush canopy above. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the forest floor in patches of gold.
For over half an hour, David wandered through the dense undergrowth, searching for any trace of the little unicorn—hoofprints, strands of its silver hair—anything that could lead him to it. But the forest gave no clues, as if the creature had never been there at all.
Suddenly, the sound of something rustling through the underbrush caught his attention. David's heart quickened as he pressed his back against a tree, wand at the ready. A silver blur darted between the trees, moving swiftly toward him. David relaxed, recognizing the little unicorn's playful form.
It bounded up to him, rubbing affectionately against his leg. David knelt, running his fingers through its silky mane. "You're getting harder to find, little one. Who's teaching you to be so sneaky?"
The little unicorn whinnied softly, nuzzling his hand. But then it turned, its attention fixed on something behind it. David followed its gaze and saw a peculiar creature watching them from a distance.
It was a bird, round and plump with snow-white feathers that fluffed out in all directions. Its petite wings were tucked tightly against its sides, and its beady eyes were wide with curiosity and caution.
"A Diricawl..." David whispered in awe.
The Diricawl was known for its extraordinary ability to teleport, disappearing and reappearing at will. They were notoriously difficult to catch or even see up close.
The little unicorn trotted over to the bird, nuzzling it affectionately and urging it forward. David watched in fascination as the two creatures communicated in soft chirps and whinnies.
The Diricawl hesitated, its eyes flicking nervously to David. He remained still, forcing his muscles to relax, his hand outstretched in a gesture of peace. After what felt like an eternity, the Diricawl waddled closer, its tiny head tilting curiously.
It touched its beak to David's hand, and a surge of magic pulsed through him. David's eyes widened as warmth flooded his body. He could feel the Diricawl power flowing into him, mingling with his own magic. It was unlike anything he had ever felt before.
Just as quickly as it began, the sensation ended. The Diricawl staggered backward, clearly drained from the effort. David reached out to steady it, his heart pounding with excitement. He had just gained a new ability—Teleportation.
The little unicorn pranced around him joyfully, licking his hand in celebration. David laughed, his earlier worries about the R organization momentarily forgotten.
Just then, the illustrated book in his mind began to tremble. His vision blurred, and he felt an inexplicable urge to draw his wand. Moving as if in a trance, David flicked his wrist, and a shimmering white figure materialized before him.
A majestic unicorn stood tall and proud, its silvery mane flowing like liquid moonlight. Its eyes were deep pools of sadness and wisdom. It looked down at the little unicorn, its gaze softening with love and longing.
"Alyssa...?" David whispered, recognizing the name that echoed in his mind.
The little unicorn whinnied in delight, rushing to the ghostly figure and nuzzling its translucent form. The two creatures danced together, their joy lighting up the forest.
David watched in awe, his chest tightening. This was no ordinary magical projection. It was a memory—a fragment of a spirit bound to the illustrated book. But why? And how?
His eyes followed the elegant movements of the white unicorn as it twirled around its playful counterpart. A realization dawned on him: the illustrated book was far more than a simple grimoire of abilities. It was a bridge to another world—a world of ancient magic and forgotten spirits.
David felt a chill run down his spine. If the R organization was after the secrets of ancient spells, then the illustrated book could be the key they were searching for. And if they ever found out he possessed it...
The white unicorn lifted its head, its sad eyes meeting David's. In that gaze, he saw a plea—a silent cry for help. Then, as swiftly as it appeared, the spirit faded into mist, leaving only the little unicorn standing in its place.
David's heart raced. The illustrated book was more than just a source of power. It was a mystery—a legacy left behind by beings far older and wiser than him.
And the R organization was getting closer to uncovering its secrets.
David looked down at the little unicorn, his resolve hardening. "I won't let them take you. I won't let them take any of you."
The little unicorn nuzzled his leg, as if sensing his determination.
With a deep breath, David turned back toward the cottage. There was much to learn, and even more to protect. The R organization wanted ancient magic? Then they'd have to go through him first.