[Arizona, October 1881]


Kray wasn't exactly happy with the way things seemed to be shaping up these days in Tombstone. But he wasn't sure how to tell his brother that he thought it was time to either step up or step out of the way, because it seemed like Zelos was missing all the cues that there was a lot of stress running under the surface. Kratos could sort of understand that, because Zee hadn't come here looking to get involved in local politics. He'd come to do some gambling and have some fun, and at first, Kratos had been happy to go along with that and have a good time.

( But that was before the stagecoach robberies last month. )

There were times he really hated his job. It was bad enough having to deal with those who did not reciprocate the affection of another, but this was a thousand times worse. As an erote he understood that love played by no rules, it appeared when it appeared no matter if it was convenient or wanted or not. He understood that distance and time away from a loved one could change one's feelings, especially when there were close by options. What he couldn't understand was the impersonal and cruel way that women were using to break things off with their men who were off fighting for their country and freedom.

A 'Dear John" letter had to be the cruelest torture a soldier could suffer. Anteros was tempted to ask his mother why, if it was in response to one of the many times that Love and War were at odds. He was sure that Ares hated the effect it had on the moral of his troops. Perhaps that was why he took such a personal interest in avenging those whose love was tossed away while they were off defending their country. Though truthfully, if he was honest with himself, maybe he was doing it to in some small way, connect with his Father. He didn't expect any response from Ares though, no sense in hoping for things that were never going to happen.

He had exacted his last revenge for the night though. Things like this always took their toll on the erote, and he needed a break. As he walked through the streets of Chicago, he thought back to when gangsters like Al Capone ran the town. It was a more dangerous time, for sure, but it was part of what gave Chicago it's flavor.

Anteros stood in front of the bar. It was quite a bit off the beaten path and to call it a dive was being extremely nice. It was perfect. His plan was to get stinking drunk and forget about work for a while.

The interior was dimly lit, but the bar was fully stocked, and truthfully that was all that mattered tonight. 'Ter grabbed a seat at the bar and ordered two whiskeys. He downed the first one quickly, and then slowly started to sip the second as he scoped out his fellow patrons.

It was over.

The Titan War had been exhausting -mentally and physically, but persistence paid off and the Olympians were victorious. A bittersweet victory, as so many had perished, but a victory none-the-less. Then the three Olympian brothers were left with the task of divvying up the spoils of war. There was no easy agreement, so lots were drawn. Poseidon had the seas to claim his rule over. Hades had the Underworld and Zeus... Zeus got the heavens. Which he far considered the best of the three.

( Fate, it seemed, was on his side. )