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Hmmmm, "I understand the stakes, Nala, but if she is the one that can save him, then I'm up for it. Are you?" Max's gaze held a mixture of concern and resolve as he looked at Nala. She met his eyes, and then gave a slight nod, determination and zeal flickering within them.
"Now," Nala said, her voice tight with urgency, "the most important question is... how do we find her, and where would that person be?"
Max ran a hand through his hair. "We have four days, Nala. We have to make sure this is worth it. If not..." He trailed off, the unspoken consequences hanging heavy in the air.
OKAY. Nala took a breath, a plan forming in her mind. "This is what we'll do.
Everybody go home and delve into anything you can find. I mean anything on ancient history, bizarre occurrences, or supernatural situations. Anything that can lead us to her. Anything. I'll go through my dad's records and try to reach out to some of his contacts. Maybe there's something there."
Nala stepped forward, her expression earnest. "I'll do everything in my power to find this person. If Ethan can truly be saved, then I'll do anything to make that a reality. I'll ask my Dad as well and check his files for ancient records that have been passed down, not only pertaining to this town but other places too."
Doc sighed, a weariness etched on his face. "Don't worry, Nala. I'll do my best as well. I have some contacts that might be able to help me in this search." He rubbed his temples. "I see myself not sleeping anytime soon."
A collective sigh filled the room. "Let's go," Nala urged, a sense of desperate haste in her voice. "We can't waste any more time. Doc, we leave Ethan in your care. We know you'll do your best."
"Alright guys, I'm leaving first. Mum's already calling," Liam announced, grabbing his bag.
"Nala, wait, I'm coming with you," Alice said quickly, reaching for her own bag as well. "Doc, Max, take care. We'll meet tomorrow." With those hurried words, they all dispersed to their respective houses.
Later that night, a frantic search consumed them. They scoured through countless articles, news reports, ancient pages, forgotten materials adorned with cryptic symbols, dusty old books, and even the vast expanse of the Net. Nala, meanwhile, meticulously went through her father's records and contacted his known associates, seeking any information that might lead them to the mysterious individual who could save Ethan.
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The next morning, the quiet of Max's house was broken by his urgent words. "Dad, I'm off to Doc's place before going to school."
His father entered from the kitchen, a steaming mug of coffee in his hands, heading towards the sitting room. "Any news on Ethan?"
Max's voice was heavy. "None. His condition is not improving at all, Dad." He paused, then pressed, "Dad, I need some files on those bizarre cases from the police station."
"MAXXXX..." His father stopped walking, a stern look on his face. "I've told you before that even if I am the head sheriff of this town and the police force, it's not easy to read some of those files, let alone take them."
"Dad..." Max persisted, walking towards his father and stopping him in his tracks. "Dad, listen to me," he pleaded, his voice filled with desperation. "There is nothing else that can save him that we know of, Dad. I heard of a myth that can save him..."
His father sighed, the sound laced with disbelief. "Max. Now you're going on myths? I can't believe you."
"No, Dad, listen to me! It's not just a myth because it's real. I'm just hoping I can check if anything in those files is related to it. I'm desperate, Dad. I know Max, and I'm sorry for what happened to Ethan."
His father's shoulders slumped. "I can't do anything about it, Max. My hands are tied." He breathed out a long, hard sigh.
"Okay, Dad, thanks..." Max turned and walked towards the door, his hope dwindling.
"...MAX," his father's voice called out, stopping him. "Three o'clock, my office. Don't be late."
Shock registered on Max's face, quickly replaced by elation. "THANK YOU SO MUCH, DAD! YOU ARE THE BEST!" He rushed back to hug his father. "See you later, Dad."
"Yeah, later, son."
TuTuTuuuuu... Max quickly dialed Nala's number. "Hey, Nala, let's meet after school. My Dad says he'll help check the records. Three o'clock, his office."
Nala's voice came through the line, tinged with a similar urgency. "Okay, I also have something to tell you as well, and you might not like what I'm going to say..."
"Let's meet in school," Max suggested, eager to share his news. "Call Alice as well. I've already updated Liam about this too, so let's all meet later, okay? I'm off to Doc's place before coming to school."
"Okay, okay, take care."
"Yeah, bye..."
Unknown to them, new allies and enemies awaited them at school...
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