Trouble in paradise (official)

Chapter 3 " Is that your big head talking or the little one?"

Mikey's eyes narrowed in irritation as he looked at them. "Tell me who and what you are," he demanded.

Nai cleared her throat, feeling the weight of his gaze. "What are we? What the fuck is that supposed to mean?" she muttered, glancing at Lani before turning back to Mikey. "My name's Nai Gonzalez, and this is Lani Torez. We're... human, I guess?"

Rindou couldn't help but smirk at Nai's sharp remark, but the tension in the room spiked as Sanzu turned his gaze to her. "Don't make me cut your tongue out," he said, his tone cold.

Lani scoffed, rolling her eyes at Sanzu's threat. Without a second thought, he unsheathed his katana and pointed the tip at her lips. "That goes for you too," he added.

But instead of backing down, Lani raised an eyebrow and, to everyone's shock, leaned forward and kissed the blade. "Now, why would you do that?" she asked, her lips curling into a smirk as Sanzu slowly lowered his sword, momentarily speechless. Mikey's eyes widened, clearly taken aback by her audacity.

Sanzu blinked, trying to process what had just happened. Did she... did she just kiss my fucking sword? Do you know how many people I stabbed today?

Nai stifled a giggle as Lani stretched, her arms high above her head, and groaned. "Look," she said, her tone exasperated, "I know you have a million questions, but we don't even know what the fuck we're doing here. We know about as much as you do."

Kakucho, who had been sitting quietly next to Mikey, crossed his legs and finally spoke up. "We can't let them leave. They know too much about us. If they start talking... God forbid. We need to keep a close eye on them."

Nai and Lani exchanged a glance, reality hitting them hard. As thrilling as it was to be here, they were terrified, unsure of what to expect and if they'd ever make it home. But for now, survival was their only goal.

Mikey's tone grew cold again as he stood up. "Until we figure out what you're up to, you'll stay here with us. You're not guests. Any sign of defiance, and you're dead. We'll decide what to do with you later."

Both girls sighed in relief, grateful they weren't being killed immediately. However, Ran's sharp gaze fell on Nai's leg. "Nai, how did you get that tattoo?" he asked, pointing at the familiar Haitani mark inked on her calf.

Panic surged through Nai as she realized what he was looking at. Oh no... she thought, remembering the tattoo she had between her breasts too. Her heartbeat quickened, and Lani, noticing the shift, braced herself.

"Yeah, uh... about that..." Lani stammered, struggling to come up with an excuse. She couldn't tell them the truth, that they were from an alternate world. She had to say something – anything.

"We're from... the States. You know, America? And, uh, she wanted something that represented strength and peace. So... we went to a tattoo shop, and they came up with it?" Lani's voice wavered as she laughed nervously.

Mikey rolled his eyes, seeing the fear and hesitation in both girls. He knew pushing them too hard right now wouldn't get him the answers he wanted. Rindou and Ran exchanged knowing looks. No one else had that tattoo, and its presence raised even more questions.

"Tsuki," Mikey called, "show the girls to their rooms. I want them in the East Wing with the rest."

Hanma clicked his tongue, "Why do we have to babysit?"

As Tsuki gestured for them to follow, Nai and Lani stood, with Lani wrapping her arm protectively around Nai's. As they walked out, Lani's voice was low and shaky. "Do you think they're going to kill us? Will we ever get home?"

"I don't know," Nai whispered back, swallowing nervously. "But for now, we just have to stay alive."

This was going to be a long and dangerous journey.