The Secret of Dark Forest

Abomination

The noise from the area in front of the Dark Forest gate was loud. Todd's black Range Rover parked further away from all the chaos to give them necessary privacy. 

"Ready? You know, you can still return home." Todd turned to them. 

"Don't spout nonsense," Black growled. Even though Todd helped them, Black still didn't fully trust him. After all, he betrayed them once. 

"P'Todd. Can you take care of our father if we don't make it?" White whispered sadness and fear leaked through their bond, making him emotional. 

"You have my word, White." 

"Thank you." White smiled at him. 

"No one is going to die." Balck huffed.

"Put on your mask so that we can go." He urged White as he secured the cloth on his face. 

"Done." White blinked at him. He was still uncomfortable with the contact lenses, but it was necessary. His glasses would be the only hindrance to them in the forest. They got out of the car, followed by Todd, who opened the trunk. Black grabbed the huge blue backpack, slid it on his shoulder, and handed the khaki one to White. 

"I can't go with you. To many paparazzi. Good luck. See you in a week." Todd patted White's head and Black's shoulder before he disappeared inside the vehicle. Black took his brother's hand, leading him towards the crowd. The place was surrounded by various stalls. There was everything from food and drinks to souvenirs with the Hunt logo. Black dragged White to the check-in, silently submitting their registration. The tall man looked them up and down. 

"IDs," He opened his palm, waiting. White pulled out two small cards, handing them to him with shaky hands. The man squinted his eyes, assessing the photos. 

"Rome and Third?" 

"Yes," Black replied. 

"You look similar. Brothers?"

"No, cousins." He retorted, a little irritated. 

"You don't look 23 at all." The man commented. At some point, Black was sure the man recognized them but didn't say anything.

"We have good genes." Black shrugged. The man huffed, returning the IDs to White. He wrote something into the notebook before he put two stainless steel bracelets on the counter. 

"Third." Black stretched his arm, and the staff put the object on it.

"Rome." White copied his brother, letting the man clasp the cold metal to his wrist. 

"These bracelets have a GPS locator. Your names are matched with it. Don't take them off if you want us to find your bodies." 

White gulped, nodding vehemently. Black knew his baby brother was scared, though he tried to hide it. That was one of the reasons why he didn't want him here. 

"Map of Dark Forest, GPS navigation, compass." The man gives them a box with the items. 

"No phones, cameras, or similar devices are allowed. Put your backpacks on the conveyor belt." He pointed at the place next to him. They did as they were asked, waiting. Their backpacks entered a silver box. Another worker inspected the monitor, comparing the content with the list Black submitted with the registration. 

"Clear." 

"Good. Sign here." The male pushed two documents towards them. Black briefly read through it, grimacing. An agreement that relieves Tawi of all liability. He even adds a paragraph where he reserves the right not to search for bodies without bracelets. That was the extreme of abomination. Tawi was a hell of a shit. 

They signed it and stepped away. 

"Take your things and go to the starting point. Next!" The man shouted, urging them of the way. Black and White took their backpacks and hurried to the starting point.