Ep. 33 - Damages and Dues (3)

**Damages and Dues (3)** is the thirty-third episode of Eros Conquers All. It was released on October 8th, 2022.

## Plot

Eros glares at Rue with red eyes as flower petals are blown around them. Some of the petals turn to drops of blood, staining Rue's face and clothes. They look down, horrified to see the floor is covered in blood. Rue berates Eros for his cruelty and hypocrisy in forbidding them from feeding while he himself can. While stomping and complaining about her hunger and Eros' perceived unfariness, a sizable crack on the floor appears at the base of Rue’s foot. Eros grimaces as an iridescent light shines through the crack. Rue steps back as the crack distorts and produces a glowing black orb from within the fissure. Eros looks on in pain as the orb makes its way to Rue’s hands. The cracks in his domain are mirrored on his face and body. He asks Rue in a sinister tone how they can dare to take what is his. Rue shrinks back in fear, clasping the orb. Eros manipulates his blood to restrain Rue’s limbs and they plead for Eros to release them. Eros responds by demanding Rue return the stolen substance. Rue loudly declares that they hate Eros as a blinding light is emitted from their face. They seemingly explode in a burst of iridescence, causing Eros to shield himself from the blast. The smoke clears to reveal that Rue is gone with only a crater remaining where they once stood. Eros looks down at his hand, which has been wounded by the explosion. He realizes that he cannot restrain Rue and grimaces at the prospect of problems they might cause.

In Rue's domain, they cry and complain to Chauncey about Eros' actions. Rue announces that they will move out of Eros’ domain and lead a domain of their own. Chauncey appears to ask Rue about something. As if answering the doll's question, Rue pulls out a wrapped candy labeled "Eros" and explains that it is a fragment of Eros’ sadness. Chauncey protests, but Rue defends taking it by explaining that they were hungry, Eros deserved it for scaring them, and that they were curious about it. Rue holds up the unwrapped heart-shaped candy with her fingers and admires its beauty. Chauncey once again questions Rue. They state their intention to eat it, lightly promising to only take a small bite. Their eyes glaze over as they eat the candy and see a flashback of Eros with Her.

The two of them lay under a massive tree with pink leaves. She asks Eros what he wishes for and he responds by saying that he already has what he wants, causing her to tease him. He asks her in turn if there is anything she desires. The memory suddenly turns dark as blood drips onto Eros' horrified face. He holds his head in pain as he hears the beginning of her response. She appears with her back to Eros, wearing bridal clothes and a veil with a butterfly motif. Eros stands behind her with a blank face and splatters of blood on his naked torso. She looks at him over her shoulder as blood streams down from her eyes and neck. She declares that what she wants is freedom. Eros clenches his fist as she moves farther away.

Rue clutches at their chest as Chauncey flutters around them, seemingly worried. Rue states that the memory is terribly sad and begins to cry. Despite their tears, Rue smiles and says that Eros' sadness is the best thing they'd ever tasted. Rue decides that they want to have more of it.

## Characters

*Characters are listed in order of appearance.*

* Eros
* Rue
* Her

## Notable Locations

* Eros’ Domain
* Rue’s Domain

## Trivia

* This is the first episode in *Eros Conquers All* to use accompanying music. *Meditari II* was created by Isabella Levan and Periwinkle.
* The toys shown in Rue's domain are inspired by toys owned by members of the Eros Conquers All Discord server.