#speakmurder

Starting off strong with this panel. Between Xochiquetzal's expression and the compliment, this whole exchange comes across as distinctly flirtatious.

There is additional context, too; Murder had complimented Xochiquetzal in the previous panel, ie "the world needs kind people like you to endure, but it also needs a warrior," followed by the above. Accepting that the other is a different person and covers their respective weaknesses - they complement each other well, and openly appreciate the fact.

Lover's spat vibes.

Despite not knowing each other for long, there is something to be said about how emotionally intense their relationship is; there's a battle of ideologies going on, for sure. But Xochiquetzal was immediately invested in Murder's wellness from the get-go, to the point of being the only person running towards an erupting volcano to look for her.

What if you saw no worth in your own life and I wanted you to live, and despite being half your size, I was the only one who wasn't afraid of you OR giving you a piece of my mind. and my speech bubble was kinda jank 😳

Murder only talks to Xochiquetzal’s brothers to convey information, really - whenever something emotionally complex comes up regarding her sacrificial tendencies and eventual fate, it's always one on one with Xochiquetzal!

It feels notable that the story ends on Xochiquetzal and Murder in a fairly intimate space, lamenting about what must be done, and opens just before their meeting. Aside from the cast struggling through awful circumstances and finding hope, Xochiquetzal and Murder’s relationship forms the secondary emotional core of the work - one of sacrifice and compassion.

introducing her to her parent (just the one)

Because of the brief span of time they shared, their chemistry, and their mutual respect, the story reads like a relationship that could never be reciprocated, despite mutual intrigue. We see far less of Murder's feelings on Xochiquetzal, except for the first panel discussed, so it's all the more compelling that Xochiquetzal has the narrative focus; the aftermath of an emotional investment that never paid off.

In fact, because of Murder’s deeply held convictions on protecting innocents, but slightly… bitter…? tolerance of the children in her care/no personal attachment to the village she protected, she comes across as someone who struggles to express her emotions. (Meanwhile Xochiquetzal wears her heart on her sleeve. Opposites and attraction…) It’s easy to extrapolate from there that Xipe Totec might care for Xochiquetzal more than she lets on.