"Ah, the rumors have reached your ears as well," he said. "Yes, indeed, there is a tale circulating among the townsfolk. They speak of an ancient artifact, a hidden treasure of unimaginable power. Some say it grants eternal youth, while others claim it can reveal the secrets of the universe. But, my dear friend, such legends are often born from the depths of human longing and the thirst for something greater than ourselves."
Benjamin's eyes widened with anticipation, his pen ready to jot down every word Mr. Harris uttered. "Is there any truth to these tales?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of skepticism and intrigue.
Mr. Harris leaned even closer, his voice barely a whisper now. "Legends have a way of weaving truth and fiction together. The artifact you seek, it may exist, but its whereabouts remain a mystery. Some say it is hidden within the heart of Serendipity itself, waiting for someone worthy enough to discover it."
Benjamin's heart raced with excitement. The story was unfolding before him, and he could almost taste the allure of the mystical object. "Where should I begin my search?" he asked, his voice filled with determination.
A mischievous glint danced in Mr. Harris' eyes as he leaned back, his voice returning to its usual tone.
My young friend, the path to such discoveries is seldom straightforward.
It requires patience, resilience, and a keen eye for hidden clues. Seek out the whispers that echo through the town, follow the trails of those who have searched before you, and perhaps, just perhaps, you might uncover the truth that lies within the heart of Serendipity."
Benjamin nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. The journey ahead seemed daunting, yet he couldn't deny the thrill that coursed through his veins.
[dreamnotfound & dTeam fantasy/superpower road trip au, 133k+ words, complete]
"You're... not afraid?" His voice was barely a peep, shy gaze half-turning away but still watching him out of the corner of his eye. His hand instinctively reached for the pendant at his chest, tips of his finger grazing the crystal and ready to grasp it, somewhat afraid of the answer that would come next.
"Why would I be afraid? You're like the coolest person I've met so far! Plus-" He poked his side, and George squeaked, jumping back from the ticklish sensation. "You're so scrawny and small. I'd never be afraid of you!"
* * *
George never wanted to be one of them. But at eight years old, he discovered he was a Psychic and he was committed into a faraway island academy for Extramundanes. Despite the difficulty of making friends when even other super-powered classmates are afraid of you, George finds a tight-knit group of best friends who aren't afraid to stand up for him.
Yet with age comes his developing abilities, and as he grapples for control, the disappearance of one of his best friends leads George and his friends on a runaway road trip to rescue him. However, they fail to realize their true adversary is the threatening power searing inside one of their own.
[Cross-posted to AO3]