Ep. 2 - King of Hearts

**King of Hearts** is the second episode of Eros Conquers All. It was uploaded on February 11th, 2022.

## Plot

The episode opens with narration from Eros. He states that desire has a taste, and one who can control desires has power. He then explains that he once sought only to satisfy his own desires regardless of who was hurt by his actions, and that he had no short supply of targets upon which to feed. However, he learned that were he to continue down that path, he would also be hurt by his actions, and has thus decided that he must maintain control of his desires and his power.

The narration continues as Eros is depicted driving a car. In order to maintain what he calls an illusion of control, he feeds upon multiple forms of love, stressing the importance of a balanced diet. Eros arrives at a house, where he meets Vince. He narrates that his next actions are purely out of necessity, but a foolish part of him hopes that something positive can grow from his immoral past.

Vince greets Eros as Mark, noting that he'd arrived earlier than expected. Eros notices him struggling to lift something, and offers his assistance. Vince jokes that his old age is catching up to him, but when Eros inquires about his health, Vince dismisses it as minor breathing issues. Eros notices a vague image of a clawed hand on Vince's shoulder but says nothing. When Vince asks about Nina's whereabouts, Eros becomes visibly uncomfortable and explains that Nina doesn't want to see him anymore. Vince is shocked at the news of their breakup, but Eros lies that it was a mutual parting due to a difference in goals. Vince notes that Nina is Eros' third relationship in one year and accuses him of sleeping around, before warning him that his reputation will suffer if he doesn't start dating seriously, and he will eventually end up alone. Though Eros initially looks upset at his words, he then jokes that he will simply spend more time with Vince before stating that Nina is better off without him. Vince does not respond to this assertion.

After the sun sets, the two of them sit on a bench and talk about Vince's family. Vince rants about his son's surprise that he'd show up to his grandson's birthday, and that his daughter-in-law treated him coldly until they began talking about growing produce. Vince then expresses gratitude to Eros for helping Vince after he was released from jail, stating that ex-cons don't last long and that he might have died without Eros' assistance. Eros says he cannot take credit for Vince's accomplishment, noting to himself that Vince was the one who made his own garden. Vince sincerely thanks Eros for being his friend despite their supposed age gap. He says he needed Eros as a friend, but Eros thinks to himself that he may have needed it more.

Realizing the time, Vince stands up and announces that it's time to prepare dinner and begins to describe the meal before suddenly collapsing due to a mysterious pain in his chest. Eros stands and approaches Vince, trying to figure out what happened, before sensing something unusual and jumping back to avoid an attack. Eros is still hit and his scratched cheek begins to bleed. Vince stands as Ah Puch becomes visible, now depicted to be perched on Vince's back. His tail runs through Vince's heart. Ah Puch laughs and mocks Eros for existing among humans, alluding to the power and status Eros once possessed. Eros tries to approach again until Vince cries out in pain. Ah Puch informs Eros that if he is harmed, Vince will die. He continues mocking Eros for being attached to humans before introducing himself as Ah Puch, the god of pestilence. He tells Eros that the House of Flies sends their regards to him. Irritated, Eros asks Ah Puch what he wants. He is offended by Eros' tone and hurts Vince again, warning Eros not to upset him since he is the one in control. Ah Puch then demands access to Eros' domain and states that he will destroy Eros and all of humanity if he does not comply.

## Characters

*Characters are listed in order of appearance.*

* Eros
* Vince
* Ah Puch