Tlacui 9:The Jade Kernal
Gran Curandera, we need answers! What was that at Izacapalli? Are we safe! It said the world would bloom into flames because of Victoria!
First, that girl, and now another outsider? They’re nothing but trouble!
There is no need for fear, my friends. The individual we brought is hurt, and as our law commands, we must offer help.
CHapter 9: THe Jade Kernal
Allow me to tend to this matter, and when it is done, I will come to address your concerns.
Celebrate Izcapalli and honor those who have passed and have becme Curandera apprentice.
Until then, return to your homes.
Ya quítense chismosos!!
But, what about the-
CHapter 9: THe Jade Kernal
Here you go, Jag. It’s going to sting a little, but your wounds will heal up in no time!
And don’t worry—we’ll talk to Tía Alma about getting you back to your normal size soon, okay?
Now, time for your friend. There we go! All better.
Go on, take her mask off— unless you’re scared to see what’s underneath.
I’m not scared. I am a curandera!
9:
What did you do to my-
9: THe Jade Kernal
9: THe Jade Kernal
Stop! You don’t have to do this!
Tell me your name—let’s talk!
Let go of me you brat!!
Wait! I’m not your enemy— just listen to me!
CHapter 9: THe Jade Kernal
PULGA!!
9: THe Jade Kernal
All I did was try to help, and it attacked me
Really? You were about to smear whoknows-whatkind poison on me?
What is the meaning of this? Victoria! You were supposed to be bandaging their wounds!
Semillita, Pulga, leave us.
This spirited troublemaker and I have things to discuss.
Not so tough, now, huh?
You better pray I don’t get loose—te voy a matar…
You’re in no position to demand anything. Explain yourself— why do you have the Jade Kernel?
If you behave yourself, I’ll think about undoing the vines.
Who told you?
I stand as one of the most powerful Curanderas en esta tierra. It’s my job to know everything— above, below, and beyond.
My club— where is it?! I need it now!
Oh, this little club? Funny, because it looks like you’re the one carrying something super important. Don’t call me that. My name’s Tozi.
Sale, Tozi. But before you go, why do you have the Jade Kernel?
Okay, if that’s what you feel is best, then stay here. I won’t stop you.
Because you’re hurt, it’s better to rest for now. Cuando te calmes, we’ll figure this out together.
That’s for me to know and for you to stay clueless!
No! I can’t stay—I have to go!
Wait no....
Are they alright?
Sí! They just need a moment to rest. But, Semillita, do you understand?
This is a moment to celebrate!!
I did it? Wait—I really did it!
You’ve done it—you’ve tapped into teotl!
Cool barrier, but let’s not forget who actually took down the monster.
You mean, Tía Alma?
Tía Alma... what happened? I don’t remember much from Izcapalli.
When I came to, you were holding me, and the plaza was in ruins.
I saw the teotl leaving the pot, and then everything went black.
That wasn’t even you Vic. I told you Xochi was the culprit. Right Tía Alma?
Right Tía Alma?
Here’s where we make our move, jefe. No better position....
Make the call, and we start the raid?
Yesss... . Tonight, their screams will echo into the void.
Alright, it’s fun time— step back and watch me!.
This night marks the moment it becomes
I won’t be long—I’ll be right back!
I am sorry for barging in like this! But there is a strange mist coming towards the village
Bibi, stay here with Victoria and the rest!
Tía, can I go!
Semillita, quédate aquí, ¿entenddo?
If you insist on doing something, go into your room and keep an eye on our guests.
She’s the great and mighty curandera of
Pitec.
If anyone knows how to take care of anything-
Don’t worry, Chamaquita. She’ll be alright.
Where are the Curanderas?
Oh you’re safe!
Niño, are you ok.
So your name’s Tozi?
Let me and my jaguar go!
Listen here Tori, for all our sakes, untie me.
Hell no, we’re not doing anything, especially after you tried to beat us INTO MASA!!
Also her name is Victoria not Tori!
Wait... is that the town siren?
Ah, it’s probably just a practice run, nothing to worry about. Plus, with Don Bibianno here, we’re good.
Stupid pest! They’re here because of me, don’t you understand?
WHO’S HERE?
Everyone please evacuate your children and get away from the icicles.
ELDER MORALES
It’s seems to just be a piece of ice.
Mijo, are you sure?
DEAR, POTTER...
Away! How did they find us?
Octavio—they want the child!
They’re back at my house with Victoria and Don Bibiannno. Get there now and protect them— hurry!
Yes, Gran Curandera!
And, send word to the Elders!
Make sure everyone evacuates safely!!
They need to gather at the plaza immediately.
They’re here for me, you clueless brat!
Watch your mouth, pendeja! Hey, enough!!
Untie me and Balaam right..
Gran Curandera, they won’t stop coming!
Don’t stop fighting. The rest of the Elders should be here soon!
Gran Curandera, how do you want to go about this?
Protect me, and protect the villagers.
Get away from me, you oversized ice cube!
Pulga, what is that thing!!
Tía Alma trusted me to take care of Tozi, and as a curandera, I refuse to fail her again!
Victoria,
leave her. We need to go!
Nooo!!
Take the other two with you hurry! I’ll handle this thing!!
Chamaquita, get out of here!!
I’m not letting him out!
His name is, Balaam! Pulga!!! Get Jag out! Ill get Tozi.
I’ll have you untied in no time!
Hang tight, Tozi—I’m almost there!
Tía Alma has it!!
Balaam! What did they do to you?!!
Hurry, Everyone!
We can discuss that later!
Get out of here alive and do what you said you would!
“HEAL THE WORLD!”
Come on! You want to stand here and burn?!
Don Bibianno..
Our home..
Let’s go find my Tía!
The Elders are holding them back!
My husband— he’s… he’s gone!
This way— towards the exit!
Where do you think Tía Alma would be?
She’s probably near the plaza.
I
Why’d you stop?
I heard someone call us.
The Gran Curandera sent me!!
Curse them! No matter what we try, they always return!
Retreat is our only choice— for everyone’s sake! The Gran Curandera’s barrier will seal us in with those monsters!
Absolutely not!!
You’d sooner see me wrestle a storm barehanded than abandon this town!
The Gran Curandera’s plan is rocksolid—we just need to stand tall and trust her!
Once was enough.
I won’t trust her again. My people and the Jova family come first.
Martha, don’t go! These thing... are too strong without you. But together-
