The Secret of Dark Forest

Legend

White held his brother's hand as they climbed over the fallen trees and rocks. He made Gram show him the way on the map. Not that he didn't believe his navigating skills, but they were still strangers. Trusting them so soon could be a fatal mistake. The Dark Forest was mysterious and dangerous, and having at least two people know the way was the best option. You could never guess what was lurking in the dark. The mutilated bodies in the meadow were stuck in his head. Though Black prevented him from seeing them, White would never forget the smell of the blood. He read a lot of stories on the internet about the beast living in this forbidden place. Werewolves, giant bears, Yetti and many more. They were all the legends for him until today. What if they were real? What if they have to face something else besides the other contestants?

"Are you okay?" Sean asked. The tall guy was walking closely behind him and Black. It gave away a feeling of protection. 

"I am just thinking," White admitted. 

"About?" 

"This place. This game." White sighed. He let go of his brother's hand and climbed under the massive fallen branch. Sean made sure he didn't get stuck with his backpack and went after him.

"Come here," Black commanded, but White didn't feel like obeying. He wanted to talk with Sean more and get to know him. 

"White." Black's voice was stern.

"I want to talk with P'Sean," White confessed.

"Why?" 

"I want to know him better."

"White, we are not here to make friends." Black snarled. White pouted under his mask. 

"We should be quiet and don't draw attention to us." His brother glared at Sean. The taller male looked pissed but nodded anyway.

"I agree. They could have sent drones after us. We strode out of the path after all. We should be careful." Sean explained. 

"Okay." White sighed. Being silent was not fun at all, but he understood. He walked behind Gram, Yok and Black because the path was too narrow while Sean watched his back. Was it weird to feel safe in a place like this? 

White's thoughts travelled to their dad, hoping he didn't find out where they were. It would devastate him. Sooner or later, Adul would contact Todd and ask for them. The text messages could work only for a little while. Their dad was used to video calls when either of them spent the night out of the house. 

"Stop. Did you hear that?" Yok halted, tilting his head to the side. White was confused for a second. He closed his eyes, listening. And then he heard a familiar buzzing. 

"Dron." He whispered. 

"Run!" Black shouted. White didn't hesitate and followed his brother's command. They passed Gram and Yok and started running. The heavy backpack on his back slowed him down. 

"Make it look like they are chasing us." White nodded, finally understanding his twin's plan. Sean, Yok and Gram were at their heels, scattered around and creating an illusion of a trap. White breathed heavily as he tried to run as fast as he could. He caught a glimpse of a small dark machine flying above them. Too focused on the drone, he missed a step, and with a yelp, he fell on his knees and hands. Black was at his side in no time, helping him stand up. Sean's group made a circle around them, preventing them from escaping. His brother pulled him closer. White had no idea how to act, so he clung to his twin and monitored others. His palms were stinging. He must have scratched them when he fell. Sean stepped closer, and White couldn't miss his worried eyes. 

"Stay away." Black barked at him. "We don't have keys." He added to make the show more credible. 

"Why should we believe you?" Sean snapped back as he moved even closer. White felt Yok and Gram do the same. The drone flew around them a few times before it dropped a small package and flew away. They stayed in the position until the buzzing completely disappeared. 

"That was scary." Yok sighed in relief. 

"Are you okay? Anything hurts?" Black turned to him, checking White from head to toe. 

"I scrapped my palms," White admitted, showing his brother scratches on his hands. Black inspected the injuries.

"It's not serious, but we have to clean it." He concluded. 

"Here." Gram handed Black a first aid kit. His sibling nodded in thanks and proceeded to take care of his would. 

"I got the package," Yok announced. 

"You got a package?" White asked curiously. 

"We have someone out," Saen explained before he opened the brown bag.