Eztli's Spooky Chase

Chap 19

꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒷꒦꒷꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷꒷꒦꒷꒷꒦꒷꒦꒷

𒄆─────────⋆𖤐⋆─────────𒄆

Eztli's eyes widened with wonder. "Can she also turn into an animal?" she asked. Zacil shook her head. "No, she cannot," she replied.

The group listened intently as Patli began to explain the concept of "tonal" and "nagual." She spoke of guardian spirits and transformative powers, her words painting a vivid picture of a world beyond their wildest imaginations. "This is my tonal," Patli declared, her hands moving across her chest in a solemn gesture. Eztli, intrigued by the revelation, posed a question. "Your clothes?" he inquired, seeking to understand the mystical connection.

Patli shook her head with a smile. "No, my person," she clarified, her voice carrying a sense of ancient wisdom. She proceeded to demonstrate, pounding her chest and thighs, highlighting the duality of human existence. "My tonal is all this," she explained, her words resonating with a deep sense of truth.

The tonal is the social person," Eztli explained, her voice low and melodious. "It is the guardian of our very being, a protector of all that we know and understand. But beware, for the tonal can easily transform into a guard, vigilant and wary of any potential threats to its domain. "Eztli listened intently, her eyes wide with wonder. Patli's words resonated deep within her soul, stirring a sense of recognition and revelation.

"The nagual," Patli continued, "is the realm of the unknown, the things we cannot comprehend or control. It is the shadow self, the mysterious counterpart to the tonal, existing beyond the boundaries of our awareness."

As the fire crackled and popped, casting flickering shadows that danced across the room, Patli spoke of the delicate balance between the tonal and the nagual, the eternal struggle between what we know and what we are yet to discover.

"We need to find tons of evil spirits, so they can learn to defend themselves," Zacil muttered to herself, her voice tinged with a sense of urgency after Patli finished explaining the topic of tonal and nahual.  Zacil said to the youngsters "Time is running out, and we have no idea when that witch will return. I can't always shield you all from harm. You must learn to face the dangers that lie ahead on your own."

Zacil turned to face the youngsters' eyes scanning the room with a mix of concern and resolve. "Peta, remember the eagles that once shielded you? They will be your nahual, your guardian in times of need," she said.

Patli stepped forward, her presence commanding attention. "To connect with your nahual, you must delve deep within yourself," she instructed. "Through meditation, you can enter a sleep-like state where your inner strength and connection to your spirit animal will be revealed."

Zacil nodded in agreement, her expression grave yet resolute. "I choose this place to prepared for any eventuality," she stated, her voice tinged with a hint of caution. "That's why another healer among us, in case any of you lose control. We cannot risk further destruction within my house."

Konane, interjected, "Do you think we would ever lose control, Zacil?"

Zacil and Patli exchanged a knowing glance, a silent assurance passing between them. "We are prepared for all possibilities," Zacil replied cryptically, her words carrying a sense of hidden meaning.

In a hushed whisper to Patli, Zacil instructed, "Prepare the cages, just in case."

With a sense of urgency, Zacil gathered the four youngsters around her, preparing them for the journey ahead. "I will guide you into a state of meditation," she declared, her voice steady and reassuring. "Through this process, you will uncover your nahuales and harness their power within you."

As the Eztli, Rono, Konane, and Peta closed their eyes and surrendered to the trance-like state, a serene calm descended upon the room, enveloping them in a blanket of tranquility. Each individual delved deep within themselves, seeking out the elusive bond with their spirit protectors.

When Eztli opened her eyes, she found herself in a place she did not recognize. The air was thick with humidity, and the sound of unfamiliar wildlife echoed around her. She stood up slowly, her heart racing with confusion. Where was she?

As she tentatively began to explore her surroundings, Eztli stumbled upon a clearing in the dense foliage. And there, lying in the shadows, was a magnificent green jaguar. Its emerald fur glowed in the dappled moonlight, and its piercing eyes fixated on her.

"Who are you?" The jaguar's voice was deep and resonant, sending shivers down Eztli's spine.

Eztli hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "I— I'm Eztli. I was meditating, and then... I ended up here."

The jaguar emerged from the shadows, its movements graceful and fluid. "Strange?" It mused. "Or different?"

Eztli considered the question, weighing her words carefully. "Maybe both," she finally replied. The jaguar regarded her intently.

The jaguar's eyes softened slightly. "I feel lost," it confessed. "Like I'm part of something bigger, but I can't see it."Eztli reached out a hand, offering silent reassurance. "You're here for a reason," she said gently.The jaguar looked at her skeptically. "What reason?"

Eztli took a deep breath, the words coming to her as if from a place beyond her own understanding. "To discover. To understand. To find your true self."

The jaguar seemed to ponder her words, its gaze distant. "But how?" It asked, a hint of desperation in its voice. "I don't even know where to start."

Eztli offered a faint smile, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Start with the questions," she suggested. "What do you seek?"

The jaguar fell silent, lost in thought. "I want... clarity. Connection," it finally whispered.Eztli nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Then listen. The answers are in the silence."

The jaguar took a deep breath, as if steeling itself for what was to come. "Silence," it repeated, as if trying out the word for the first time. Eztli stepped back, her gaze steady and unwavering. "Trust yourself. You already know more than you think. "The jaguar nodded slowly, a newfound determination in its eyes. "I'll try."