Xochipilli

^{art by me}

Xochipilli was never considered anything less than perfect. Born from gods, with the blood of winter and spring in his veins, he was often treated as royalty wherever he went.
Since he was young, he’s carried an air of regality and was given attention everywhere he traveled. Being of a godly descent, and of an ancient kind, he never saw anything less.
Despite growing up and leaving the earthen lands of his birthplace, he didn’t have much of an idea of where to go next.
His journeying lead him from town to town, one lively settlement to the next, meeting people once and never seeing them again.
His charming prince-like attitude made him a highly popular visitor amongst the residents of the places he went. Word on his path spread of his wandering nature and gorgeous flower coated body and hair, a feature many hadn’t seen before.

Xochipilli’s journey had one day brought him to a new town, a small snowy settlement in a valley that was surrounded by cold, tall mountains.
Spending his time there for rest and food, it was obvious the upset within the town.
There was a most definitely a problem, certainly not caused by him, but instead an issue that bothered the locals greatly for some time.
Upon investigation, the townsfolk told him of an unsettling tale.

According to the people, there was a monster that lived in the mountains that encapsulated this town.
A huge beast taller than any of the residents, with large gnarled claws and fangs that could rip flesh straight through.
The monster they spoke of, had pale unsettling eyes that pierced the cold and seemed to capture onlookers if they met them.
The townsfolk were terrified, as it seemed children had recently made contact with the beast and claimed that it was getting closer to town.

Xochipilli was taken aback by the tale, uncertain of what to make of it. Surely if a monster was to hurt this town of people, he would have to act before it did.
With his prideful, all too conceited nature, Xochipilli told the town that he would venture into the mountains and stop the monster that was threatening their town.
The townspeople rejoiced. The traveling prince would save their town by sunrise.

Having made the promise he did, Xochipilli was somewhat crestfallen to find that the townsfolk refused to join him.
They seemed to have a mental image of the flower prince. One that shined brightly, and one that they didn’t want to see defeated before their eyes.
So, the young god took to the mountains alone.

The cold treacherous climb up the mountain left much to be wondered. How did those children make it up here in the first place? Would they not have frozen within hours?
Not that the cold weather meant much for Xochipilli, after all, he was a god.
Although… he didn’t want to admit that his flower coated body wasn’t exactly thrilled to be experiencing the brisk winds of the mountain.
He had been given a general idea of where the monster was last spotted, but the winds were picking up and despite his pride stinging to admit it, he needed to take shelter to warm up.
So he did, finding a small crevice within the mountainside that led into an open area.
Out of the cold, and the snow. Tired, and honestly quite irritated by his circumstance, Xochipilli had sat himself down. Bundled up to keep himself warm.
[WIP, Didn't finish]