Kaïwan

Chapter 2

The man spoke up.

   -   In theory, we kidnapped you, yes we drugged you, but we did it for a very good reason. You have no idea of the danger we are in. If we don't do something, all our lives will be in danger. I have received an urgent warrant from Mr. Cooper, the ASM's highest-ranking officer, to find you and bring you to the island as soon as possible.

The four teenagers, mistaking him for their completely bizarre captor, were sure he had lost his mind. Surely, to be kidnapped, and then right afterward, to be told that our lives will be put in jeopardy, is not very common. Alexander and Izzy had one thing in common, they didn't want people to think they were idiotsLivia, on the other hand, was determined to get off the plane as soon as possible. So, the best decision in her eyes was to attack and subdue the man, in order to convince him to bring the plane down. Therefore, what she did not know was that the man knew exactly what he was doing...

Thomas was, unlike Alexander and Isabella, a bit naive. So, after the stranger's speech, Thomas felt terrified. Alexander spoke up:

   -   The island? What island are you talking about? And then, what is the ASM? Your imaginary association," he said sarcastically.

   -   Mr. Cooper? Who's he, isn't he an actor? And what danger are you talking about? As far as I know, the Earth isn't about to be attacked by aliens, am I wrong?

For his part, Thomas was wordless, terrified, he was totally in shock. His face was pale, so pale that Izzy was sure he was going to be sick. Isabella continued:

   -   Wait, did you kidnap us for ransom? Because if you did, I'm sure my mother would give me away for free if she could," she said followed by a laugh.

Suddenly everyone turned to her, looking surprised and questioning. Then she added immediately:

   -   I reassure you right away that she adores me, but I'm used to getting into trouble," she stopped for two seconds and resumed with a sly smile, "but everyone loves me...

   -   Isabella, I'm sure your stories are very interesting, but this is not the time," the man replied directly.

   -   Hey! First of all my stories are very interesting, and secondly, ANSWER MY QUESTION!

Their captor gave a discreet chuckle and replied:

   -   No no, I don't want money.

A few seconds later, Livia exploded, she was so angry, that even her best friend had never seen her in such a state:

   -   Anyway, you're clearly just one of those maniacs you see in the papers. You know, the ones who kidnap kids, tell them stories and get them into some kind of cult. Anyway, if you think for one second that I'm going to believe you, well I've got news for you, you're in the clear.

Livia took a breath and finished what she had to say. She didn't want her kidnapper to feel like he was in a good position. The girl wanted to scare him enough to make him turn back.

   -   Besides, don't count on me to save your imaginary world. You won't even be able to save it yourself anyway, because you'll be in jail. I don't think it's going to take our parents long to figure out that we're gone! So if I were you, I'd say goodbye to your aliens, because you're not going to see them again. The only thing you're likely to see is bars for the rest of your life!

Izzy and Thomas looked at Livia in surprise. The man, on the other hand, was strangely, unimpressed. He knew that Livia had a strong character. In fact, he knew everything about each teenager's life.

Then he spoke again:

   -   For the island and the ASM, you will understand later. And I regret to inform you, Isabella, that although I share your passion for paranormal things, I don't think we're ready for a visit from aliens.

Izzy has always had a passion for supernatural things. She listened to many documentaries about ghosts, spirits, UFOs, aliens, etc. Often she was judged, but fortunately, this young girl is very confident and is not affected by other people's remarks.

Alexander absolutely wanted to know the man's name. In any case, if the man had nothing to reproach himself with, Alex did not see why the stranger would not be able to reveal his first name to the young people.

   -   I have one last question for you, what is your name?

   -   My name is Philip.

Philip knew very well what Alexander wanted. And he saw no reason why he shouldn't give his name. After all, he knew the lives of all four young people by heart. Philip spoke again.

   -   The only thing I ask is that you trust me.

Thomas, having surprisingly regained his senses, said:

   -   You kidnap us, you make us fall asleep with I don't know what, you take us on a plane to an island, and after all that, you ask us to trust you?

   -   Look, if we don't act, this could well be the end of humanity. I beg you, trust me.

The four teenagers looked at each other and said in turn:

   -   No!

   -   Nope!

   -   Mmmmm, mmmm, shaking his head.

   -   Never!

The man said with a desperate look:

   -   Okay, I might have something that could convince you.

Philip pointed to a door. The one this one had come through.

   -   Come along. Follow me.

Alexander, Livia, Thomas, and Isabella followed him hesitantly.