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.

20. Chapter 20

The wind flirted obnoxiously with Ren, cold fingers creeping under his shirt and down into his boots. He bent his head against it, forcing his arms to beat again and again against his chest, trying to keep the core blood moving as he walked. He must not run, he must not sweat. The extra chill of evaporating sweat would kill him.

"Kijima!" Ren shouted. He couldn't scan the forest any longer. He could only look down, hoping the space he walked on was the path. Hoping Kijima had used the same path.

Ren's steps faltered. A hand gripped his elbow, pulled him against something firm. Hair blocked his vision, the teasing touch unfelt by cheeks numb with the wind's bite.

"Bloody hell," Kijima said. "Take a tumble with a roadside biddy and get your cloak stolen?"

Ren's knees buckled with relief. Kijima sank with him, his hands working up and down Ren's arms. Ren felt his teeth start to clatter, his body giving into its needs in Kijima's presence. "B-b-b-bast-t-"

"I get it," Kijima said, pressing his finger to Ren's lips. "Where's the little one?"

"T-t-t-"

"Titties?"

Ren growled. "T-taken."

Kijima cursed under his breath. He stood. Ren whimpered at the loss of the warmth as the wind sucked in around him again. Kijima dragged him upward. He was looking back the way Ren had come, his eyes held tight against the glare of the white snow.

"No use tonight." He tugged at Ren's elbow, pulling him into the deeper snow off the side of the path. "We make camp. Inn's farther than I thought."

Ren tried to protest, the words sticking in his mouth.

"No use tonight," Kijima repeated. "Unless you want to die." A clearing opened up around them, with a stone formation near the center. "Found this, headed back to tell you. Found this," he said, waggling on Ren's arm. "Good thing I'm in front, huh? Got a nice cozy place to lay your popsicle."

He knelt, pulling Ren after him into a small cave made by the rocks leaning against one another. Ren leaned against Kijima in the same way, pride erased by cold. Kijima had a pile of wood in one corner. He struck two rocks together, blowing on the wet twigs. They lit, filling the small space with smoke but no warmth. Kijima opened his cape wordlessly. Ren sat in front of him. The cape draped around his shoulders; he leaned back into Kijima's chest and fell asleep.

Reader, if Kijima should let him sleep, turn to Chapter 24. If Kijima should keep him awake, turn to Chapter 25.