FEOS, a place as unpleasant as the foul air that ruled its streets. Garbage scattered everywhere, chaos in bars and brothels, theft, bloody murders, and an emotionally lost population.
Anyone would say it was the perfect place for fugitives—the perfect place to escape the Law and the rotten world that kept growing and spreading.
But thinking that would only be a great irony… a cruel joke for those who once knew tranquility, love, and peace.
That repulsive place had not always been like that. It once sheltered a humble and healthy population, before being consumed by fear and mutual hatred.
The couple moved through the dreadful streets, with no intention of drawing attention, hidden beneath a cloak of darkness whose only weapon was stealth.
They arrived at a tavern called "GOLDEN PEAK," run by a thug known to most as Garent. They entered to ask about the rumor.
The tavern was packed with people armed to the teeth. In several corners, there were groups infamous in the underworld for their feats and skills in Mutant Hunting and claiming enormous rewards.
Laura remained hidden beneath her hood, holding onto Tirio's shoulder. They advanced toward the bar after dodging several people and obstacles along the way. Remembering Andrea's warning to be discreet when asking about the witch, Tirio carefully studied everyone in the room, one by one, searching for someone he could question without causing a commotion.
Meanwhile, Laura continued suffering terrible waves of pain throughout her body, leaving her on the verge of losing consciousness several times.
In one corner sat a man in his forties, alone, half-drunk and one-eyed, with a humble and pitiful appearance. Tirio approached him, crossing the room filled with hunters. On the way, he bumped into a giant of a man nearly two meters tall with an impressive muscular build, who had been boasting about his latest feat in the Cursed Forest—a place surrounded by myth, telling of a monster so powerful that everyone who dared approach the lake within the forest had died… except for a Government Hunter, one of the youngest and most devoted among them.
They stared at each other for a moment.
—Watch it, shrimp!
—Yes… sorry. It was a mistake. I just need to… pass.
Tirio moved away from the brute who sent chills down his spine. Shortly afterward, he reached the table of the one-eyed man.
—Good evening… excuse me… said Tirio.
—If you don't mind, I'd like to be alone.
—Well… I just wanted to ask you a question, if possible.
—Kid, didn't anyone teach you not to bother your elders when they're not in the mood?
—I'm very sorry, but it's a matter of life and death.
—Ahhh… then greet the Lord for me… and tell Him I'm waiting and ready to—
—Sir, I'm sorry to bother you, but we need help… we need your help.
—For crying out loud… What do I have to do to finish my drink in peace?
He raised his glass and drank.
Tirio hurriedly sat beside him and whispered in his ear:
—We need to find the Witch of the Golden Eggs.
—What would a handsome young lad want with a stinking old hag like her? he said before drinking again.
—I can't give more details, but—
—Ahhh, youngsters these days… Fine. Follow me… or rather… follow.
They stood up. Tirio ran back to carry his wife in his arms and followed the strange man. As they left the tavern, several curious eyes followed them—strange faces never went unnoticed.
They entered several narrow passages guided by the man, through eerie and unsettling places. Rats roamed freely, the cold wind echoed through the streets, and a deep sense of fear and worry overtook Tirio and Laura.
—Hey, sir… are you sure this is the way? Tirio asked.
—Shhhh. Quiet and walk.
—Honey… (coughs) where are we… who is he…?
—Go back to sleep. We're almost there, Tirio whispered.
They walked through more alleys until suddenly the man stopped, glancing around as if searching for something in the darkness.
—What's wrong? Why are we stopping? Tirio asked nervously.
—Take the corner. At the end of the path, you'll find a tree. Knock three times and enter it.
—Wait… what are you saying?
—We've been followed for a while. We must split up. Don't worry about Laura. She'll arrive safely.
—Wait… how do you know her na—
—We'll talk later. Go.
The man moved with incredible speed and agility for someone his age. He ran toward the right corner while the couple turned left. Tirio's arms grew heavy and sore from carrying Laura, but he refused to give up.
He followed the instructions exactly.
Surprisingly, after crossing the last passage, they found a thick and massive tree trunk—something impossible in such a place. With little time to question it, Tirio knocked.
Knock, knock, knock…
The trunk opened. They stepped inside and, as if by magic, appeared in a candlelit room filled with blankets and surrounded by an aura of mystery and dread. Frightened and confused, they turned back—but the entrance had vanished.
—Tirio… ahh… where are we? Laura whispered weakly.
—Easy… everything will be fine, Tirio said, trying to hide his fear.
Suddenly, a strange shadow approached.
—I'm so sorry for the delay! It wasn't easy getting rid of those fools. My… how you've both grown… I'm so happy to see you again.
From the shadow emerged a slender, graceful woman, as beautiful as a flower in full bloom. Tirio did not recognize her and had no idea what was happening.
—Excuse me… who are you? Do we know each other? Tirio asked, trembling.
—Hahaha… hard to say. The truth is, I've known you since before you even had a name.
—What does that mean?
Suddenly Laura screamed in pain and collapsed.
—LAURA!
—Relax. She'll be fine. Lay her down. Then we'll catch up.
Tirio rushed and laid her on a worn sofa.
—Please… hold on just a little longer… he whispered.
—Alright, lovebirds… don't kiss. I can't stand watching people share germs. Bleh… disgusting. Hahaha… How's the patient?
—She has a high fever… she's not well… please help her… Tirio begged desperately.
—Hey! Calm down. It's not that serious. Ugh… wipe your nose, that's gross.
—We've tried everything—
—Was that "everyone" me? she asked sharply.
—No… this is the first time—
—Good. Then calm down and let me try. After that, we'll talk. Now leave this room.
There's a door behind you.
Reluctantly, Tirio obeyed.
Minutes later, the door opened again.
—Alright, crazy lover. I'm done. You can come in now.
Tirio rushed in… and froze. Laura looked exactly the same as before. Nothing seemed different.
—What did you do to my wife?! he shouted, shaking her.
He grabbed a hammer nearby and lunged at the woman—
GRRROOONNK… FSSHH… GRRRAAAANK!
A strange mechanical sound filled the room. Tirio turned around.
Laura was breathing peacefully… sleeping like before, free from pain for the first time in ages.
—See? No need to worry, the woman smiled.
Tirio burst into tears of relief.
—What… what did you do? Who are you?
—People call me many names… Elionor… Katie… Gargamel…
—Wait… are you the Witch of the Golden Eggs?
—Yeah… unfortunately, that too. But that's not important. You want to know what's wrong with Laura, right?
—Yes, please…
—She's not sick. She's perfectly fine.
—What do you mean?
—This is the first recorded case… but based on my experience as a sorceress… I can confirm it.
LAURA IS PREGNANT.
The news hit Tirio like a devastating punch.
—Pregnant…? That's impossible…
—Relax. It's good news. I'll prepare medicines. She and the baby will be fine.
—You don't understand… Laura was… or is sterile…
—Does that matter now?
Elionor explained her theory: the mutation may have altered Laura's body… and judging by the symptoms, she had likely been pregnant for four months.
Shortly afterward, Laura awoke.
Elionor left them alone.
When she returned later, she found them embracing and kissing—confirmation that things between them were resolved.
She then answered three questions, revealing:
• The baby would likely be healthy.
• Its nature—human or mutant—was still unknown.
• And there might be a safe place…
She spoke of the Cursed Forest, once home to creatures called Gorent, defeated long ago by the Coven of Black Ladies. Now abandoned by humans, it might be the safest refuge left.
Elionor refused to join them, warning she was hunted as well.
She gave them supplies and vanished through a wardrobe that led… nowhere.
A week later, stronger and filled with strange new energy, Laura traveled with Tirio toward their destiny.
After days of travel, they reached Nkoho-Eboho, the last village before the forest. Caught trying to break the gate's lock, they were brought before the governor's daughter, Ponciana, who—too tired to care—allowed them to enter under one condition:
If they did not return before sunset… they would be declared dead.
Sometimes fear awakens the bravest… or the most foolish part of people.
Sometimes… the very thing that terrifies us the most is the only thing that can save us.
Or destroy us.