Choose Your Own Renventure

by Persephone Jinmi

Ren, a mercenary-for-hire, is contracted by the bard Hikaru & his friend Kijima to escort them to Hikaru's betrothed, Kyoko Mogami-whom Ren knows from his own past. Their journey leads them into a bewitched forest where vampires, witches, & thieves lie in wait. Many paths lead them to the ends of this story. Which they take—and whom they love—is up to you. Choose wisely, Reader.

15. Chapter 15

Ren fought against the rising anger inside him at the sight of Hikaru held at knifepoint. He raised his sword, gauntleted fingers gripping the hilt tightly for a moment longer before letting it drop silently into the snow.

"Good man," the bandit said. He jerked his head at the remains of the path. "Off you go."

Ren didn't move. He stared at Hikaru, waiting. Hikaru bit his lip, then gave Ren an infinitesimal nod. Ren began to turn, the movement slow enough he could see the bandit relax his grip just enough for Hikaru to crack his head backward and into the bandit's jaw. Hikaru spun, slamming his fist into the other man's jaw. Ren grinned, turning back in time to clap his friend on the shoulder.

"Well done, bard," Ren said. They stood over the unconscious bandit. Blood leaked from his split lip, staining the snow with drops of light pink.

"I've been wanting to do that for twenty-odd years," Hikaru said, clapping his hands together.

Ren cocked an eyebrow in question. "A head butt?"

"To my brother's face." Hikaru grinned at Ren's shock. "Annoying asshole." Hikaru turned to the trees, raising his hands to his mouth. "Yuusei! Skeevy bastard, put that peashooter down and come help us carry Shinichi!"

Ren stood openmouthed as a second man, wrapped in white rags to blend in with the swirling snow, stepped out from behind an ash tree. His eyes twinkled beneath blonde fringe. He kicked at the shoulder of the wolf-faced bandit.

"Finally earning some man points, Hikaru?" the white bandit said.

Hikaru's blush was red as rose petals against his pale cheeks. He grabbed the man he called Shinichi's ankle and hefted it up as his only answer. Ren searched for his sword, wiping the wet off on his cape before striding over to grab the second ankle. He looked down at Hikaru.

"Plan?" Ren said.

"Best man," Yuusei said, sticking his hand out over Shinichi's body to reach for Ren's. It wasn't clear if he was labeling Ren the best man or claiming the position for himself. Ren had no plans to attend the wedding, so he let the ambiguity hang with the offered hand. Yuusei let both drop, reaching down to grab Shinichi's shoulders. "Couldn't miss him finally tying the knot with the second coming of Artemis for anything."

Shinichi groaned, his mask slipping up to reveal a youthful face that didn't look anything like Hikaru or Yuusei. Ren's brow furrowed. They began to walk, Ren scanning the treeline for signs of Kijima.

Reader, turn to Chapter 21.