Are our lives defined by the choices we make? Is every circumstance the consequence of some prior action?

It's a thought to consider, isn't it? How can one small mistake reverberate through time? It makes you wonder how one right or wrong turn can alter the course of a life forever.

***** ****

Annoyed and frustrated as hell, Matthew trudged across the stark landscapes of Creon. Each step echoed through the corridors of time, stirring up memories of his younger, wilder days. Back then, he, Toni, Richie, and Jesse had been little more than reckless teenagers—stupid, greedy, and naïve idiots with the powers they held. They had roamed these very lands, challenging entrenched powers and making choices that would shape their world in ways they couldn't have imagined.

The Creon that stretched out before him now bore scant resemblance to the untamed wilderness of his memories. It had morphed into a refuge for the galaxy's outcasts and criminals, a place where lawlessness reigned supreme. Here, in the shadows of a forsaken world, blacklisted traders and ambitious warlords had carved out their dominions, etching a complex network of illicit trade deep into the rugged terrain.

As Matthew traversed its hostile expanse, the weight of his history with this place pressed down on him. At thirteen, he and his friends had stormed through Creon, tearing apart the system that thrived on the planet. But those actions had set wheels in motion, transforming Creon into a fortress for the galaxy's most dangerous. Xero, who now led the most formidable cartel here, had a long memory and an even longer reach.

This was the last place Matthew wanted to be on a Tuesday afternoon. The almighty dust storms of Creon swirled around him, their relentless gusts providing a veil of anonymity as he navigated through the city. Heart pounding in his chest, he struggled to maintain his composure. Clad in a black hooded cloak from Allegiant, he blended seamlessly into the shadows, his presence nearly invisible among the crowds. As he moved, he kept his head down, taking in the stark transformation of the environment. What had once been a thriving city was now a shell of its former self, the devastation even more severe than he remembered from his youth. The air was thick with dust, obscuring his view and adding a ghostly pallor to the desolate streets that bore witness to the city's decline.

Despite his deep-seated resentment towards Creon, Matthew's current visit had no intention of wreaking havoc. His primary focus was to retrieve his girl, her dim-witted cousin, and leave the planet as soon as possible.

Navigating through the gritty, sand-covered streets toward the heart of the city, Matthew was acutely aware of Eko's last known location—a market near the bustling docks. He also knew that Madison had been keen on boarding a cargo ship in this vicinity.

As he moved through the bustling crowds, Matthew adjusted his black gloves nervously, drawing deep breaths to steady his pounding heart. He pulled his hood tighter over his face for added anonymity, wary of every glance that lingered a bit too long. The chaotic dockside was alive with an array of creatures, critters, and traders from every corner of the universe, each adding to the cacophony and vibrant chaos of the marketplace.

Matthew knew the dangers lurking in such a crowded and lawless place. Bounty hunters were a real threat, not just because of their presence but because of the high bounty still hanging over his head. If they managed to get their hands on him, it would spell disaster. He could lose Eko and Madison in the ensuing chaos, or worse, they could be kidnapped and used as leverage against him.

Matthew scanned the crowded marketplace, his eyes darting from one suspicious face to another. Every shadow seemed to conceal a potential threat. His senses were heightened, his mind racing with possible scenarios. He couldn't afford any mistakes. Pressing forward, he weaved through the throngs of people until he passed through rickety metal gateways that marked the entrance to the sprawling expanse of docking bays. The chaotic symphony of the docks assaulted his senses.

The docking bays stretched out before him, a sprawling expanse filled with ships of every conceivable size and shape. Some were sleek and modern, while others were battered and patched together. They thundered overhead, descending onto or blasting off from makeshift platforms that served as launch pads. These ships, unregulated and wild like the planet itself, navigated the skies with a lawlessness that mirrored the bustling market below.

The air was thick with the scent of ionized engines, mingling with the tang of alien spices and the metallic odor of oil and sweat. The cries of alien beasts being herded or bartered added an otherworldly quality to the scene, their calls echoing strangely among the clatter of cargo being loaded and unloaded. Traders shouted over the chaos, hawking goods from distant galaxies, their voices blending together for Matthew at the moment.

"Eko!" Matthew's voice ripped through the clamor of the dock, raw and edged with desperation. He pressed forward, shouldering aside the hulking forms of alien traders and their bizarre beasts of burden, his every fiber straining in the search for her.

The dense mass of bodies was overwhelming, and he couldn't help but think that if Toni were here, he'd be in a full-blown panic by now. His best friend was claustrophobic at the best of times. Matthew himself was struggling, nor did he had the bandwidth for any of this at the moment considering the combination of the emotional rollercoaster of the past 48 hours and sleep deprivation that was now kicking into his system.

Everywhere he looked, there were signs of life and commerce: droids zipping by with cargo, holographic advertisements flickering in the dusty air, and traders haggling over the price of rare artifacts. The docks were a melting pot of cultures and species, each adding to the vibrant chaos that made up Creon's heart.

"Eko! Answer me!" The urgency in Matthew's voice escalated, carving through the bustling dock, each syllable sharpened by his growing fear of losing her.

At the sound of her name, Eko's head snapped around, disbelief etched across her features. Amid the chaos at the edge of the universe, it seemed impossible that she could hear him, but what was more unsettling was the sensation of Ace's powers pulsating wildly, as though his anxiety was wrapping a noose around her neck, suffocating her.

She shoved the thought aside. She didn't need Ace anymore; Matthew was here. She heard him call her name, and with a soft, almost inaudible response, she whispered, "Matthew." She rotated, her eyes scanning desperately as his voice cut through the noise around her. The bustling dock was a tapestry of motion and color, overwhelming yet suddenly insignificant as she sought the familiar form of the man she loved more then anything.

"Eko?" His voice was closer now, not just an echo but a pressing, imminent presence. Matthew wove through the crowd, a dark, determined streak against the vibrant chaos of the dockside market.

Finally, Eko's eyes locked onto his. There he was, a few hundred meters away, draped in a black cloak that fluttered slightly with his brisk movements, a stark silhouette against the frenetic backdrop.

A smile burst across Eko's face, relief washing over her as she called back, her voice ringing clear, "Matthew!" The bustling crowd, a blur of motion and color, seemed to pause as their gazes met.

Beside her, Madison stood frozen, her eyes wide with disbelief. "How did he find us?" she murmured, a mix of awe and fear in her voice as she watched Matthew's unexpected appearance slice through the chaos of the docks.

As creatures jostled past her, eager to board the departing ship, Eko's heart soared. She darted forward, weaving between bodies and stalls, her focus solely on Matthew. The chaotic sounds of the docks—the shouts of traders, the roars of alien beasts, the hum of engines—faded into the background, replaced by the singular goal of reaching him.

The marketplace, a riot of colors and textures, became a swirling backdrop as she continued to dodge past between bodies and stalls. The pungent aroma of exotic spices and the sharp tang of fuel filled her senses, but she paid them no mind. Every movement was calculated, avoiding outstretched limbs and protruding stalls, her eyes never leaving Matthew's form.

The crowd seemed to part around her as she moved, her steps swift and sure. She could feel the coarse fabric of traders' robes brushing against her skin, hear the muttered curses of those she pushed past. The metal walkways clanged beneath her feet, a steady rhythm that matched the pounding of her heart. She dodged a towering alien, its multiple eyes blinking in surprise, and slipped past a stall overflowing with glimmering trinkets.

Eko's eyes remained locked on Matthew, his dark cloak a beacon amidst the chaos. The distance between them closed rapidly, her determination driving her forward. She could see the worry etched on his face, the way his eyes scanned the crowd for threats even as they focused on her. The space between them, once filled with bustling bodies and noise, seemed to shrink into nothingness as she drew closer.

Finally, with one last burst of speed, Eko broke through the throng, her footsteps echoing against the cold metal walkways and transitioning into the crunch of sandy rock under her boots. She shoved aside a hulking figure that blocked her path, her determination crystallizing into pure focus.

"Matthew!" she cried, propelling herself forward. Her momentum carried her straight into his waiting arms, his cloak billowing around them as they collided. His hood fell away to reveal his face, marked by worry but softened by the sight of her. His arms enveloped her in a fierce embrace, grounding her in the reality of his presence. For a moment, the world around them faded entirely, leaving only the two of them standing amidst the chaos of the docks.

"I'm here," she breathed into his ear, her voice steady despite the adrenaline pulsing through her veins. "I'm here, babe." Her words were a soothing balm, affirming their reunion amidst the pandemonium that surrounded them.

Matthew's senses filled with the familiarity of her presence as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply. The unique scent of her—mixed with the alien odors of the docks—steadied his heart.

"Eko," he exhaled, his voice tinged with a relief so profound it nearly broke him. He tightened his embrace, as if trying to merge their bodies into one. She responded by winding her arms around his neck, pressing her lips against the warmth of his skin

With a careful, almost reverent movement, Matthew adjusted their stance, turning her slightly within his arms. His left hand secured her waist firmly, drawing her even closer, while his right gently cradled the back of her head. "I thought you ran," he murmured into her hair, his voice thick with raw emotion "I thought you left me."

Eko gently pulled back, motioning for Matthew to let her stand on her own. As her feet found solid ground, Matthew's hands moved to grasp her cheeks forcefully, pulling her face towards his. His eyes, filled with longing and desperation, locked onto hers. Without a word, he kissed her deeply, desperately, as if trying to make up for every lost moment. 

The kiss was consuming, filled with the raw intensity of his emotions, leaving no doubt about how much he had missed her. Eko's fingers trembled as they clung to his wrists, her own tears mingling with the depth of her heartache,

Shaking her head with fierce determination, she struggled to find the words to convey the whirlwind of events that had led to this moment. Her breath hitched as she tried to speak, the intensity of her emotions nearly overwhelming her.

***** *****

Unimpressed, Madison made her way down the metal ramp of the cargo ship, her eyes narrowing as she took in the scene before her. Despite the storm's relentless roar, she could now clearly see the heated exchange between Eko and Matthew. He gestured vigorously towards the ship, his words lost in the howling wind, their agitated conversation almost frantic.

Their intense discussion was abruptly interrupted as Madison, arms crossed and wearing a stern look of disapproval, approached them. The tension between them was palpable. Eko's frustration visibly mounted as she noticed Matthew pulling his hood back over his head—a defensive gesture, aware that some of the creatures had started to take an interest in them.

Matthew's discomfort grew as he noticed several of the local creatures beginning to show an unsettling interest in them. His instincts screamed at him to get out of this exposed position; their safety was hanging by a thread.

"We need to go," Matthew insisted, his grip on Eko's hand firm, signaling the urgency of their departure. "We can discuss this shit fight on the ship."

Madison's eyes blazed with defiance. "No! We're not going with him," she declared sharply, gesturing dismissively at Matthew. "We are leaving on that ship," she pointed to the one behind her.

Matthew's grip tightened, his knuckles white—a clear sign of his resolve. He stepped closer to Madison, his presence imposing. She momentarily flinched under his intense gaze. His voice was low, a growl of command. "And I said you are returning home with us immediately."

Madison squared her shoulders, her voice steady despite the intensity of his gaze. "We are not."

He gritted his teeth, his frustration evident. "I'm really trying to understand what you're doing on this planet and why you're trying to board a cargo ship that deals in slaves, you fucking idiot, and not the kind you're used to!" His voice was venomous, dripping with disdain.

"Don't you dare speak to me like that, Skarsgard!" Madison snapped back, her patience fraying. Her fists clenched at her sides, trembling with barely contained rage.

Matthew's frustration reached a boiling point. His voice exploded with raw emotion. "Did you not hear what I fucking said? They will sell you to the highest bidder!"

"Lies to keep us from leaving. You're brainwashing my cousin with your absurd stories!" Madison hurled the accusation.

"Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. Me!?" Matthew exploded, his disbelief palpable. "You're refusing to stay in a place that is safe and you go and put yourselves in even more danger! Don't you realize that even I won't be able to locate you once you're on that ship?"

The air between them crackled with tension, their heated words barely audible over the howling wind. Eko stood between them, her heart pounding, feeling the intensity of their confrontation. She could sense the urgency in Matthew's voice, the desperation in his eyes. Madison's defiance was like a wall, unyielding and fierce.

Eko squeezed Matthew's hand, her mind racing as she realized the extent of the danger they were in because of her cousin. She hadn't fully grasped the severity of the situation until now.

Madison's impassive stare only stoked Matthew's frustration, and his voice escalated, filling with urgency as he pointed emphatically towards the cargo ship. "Do you even grasp the gravity of what I'm saying?"

Eko, noting the heightened interest from the nearby onlookers, felt a knot of worry tighten in her stomach. The surrounding creatures, whispering among themselves, seemed to sense the tension, adding to the charged atmosphere. Her instincts screamed that this place did not welcome them, and the unease in her stomach only confirmed her suspicions.

"Stop," she intervened, her hands pressing against Matthew's chest in an attempt to soothe him. His heart hammered under her palms, faster and more frantic than she'd ever known it to be. Realizing the depth of his fear, Eko's own anxiety spiked. Matthew was terrified, genuinely terrified, and if he was scared, then the danger was real.

"This is nonsense," Madison snapped dismissively, waving off Matthew's concerns. "He's making it all up to scare you into going back. Can't you see he's manipulating the situation?"

Matthew looked down at Eko, his expression hardened by determination. She understood immediately; words were unnecessary. It was time for Madison to fall into line, and it had to happen now.

"We're going back home," Eko declared firmly, stepping back from Matthew and facing Madison squarely.

"No! There's nothing for us back there!" Madison shot back defiantly.

"But there is for me," Eko countered with equal firmness. "And there can be for you too. It's a chance for a fresh start."

"With him!?" Madison spat, her eyes narrowing as she gestured towards Matthew, now increasingly aware of the unsettling attention their argument was drawing from the surrounding creatures.

Matthew's voice cut through the tension, urgency tinting his tone. "Eko, we need to leave now. We'll talk on the ship."

"Yes, with him!" Eko's voice rose to match the intensity of the moment, her gaze locked on Madison, having ignored her boyfriend beside her, making Madison see reason was far more important right now.

Matthew glanced nervously around, noting the increasing interest from the crowd. Their whispers grew louder, and more eyes settled on him, scrutinizing their every move. "We need to leave," he stated decisively. "Right now. I can't stay here any longer."

Eko's brow furrowed in confusion as she turned to Matthew, noticing his heightened tension and alertness. His eyes darted from face to face, watching the crowd as if expecting trouble at any moment.

"Matthew, what do you mean you can't be here?" she asked, puzzled.

He fixed her with a stern look, urgency etched in his features. "Eko, we'll talk on the ship. Seriously we need to fucking go!" he commanded, the intensity in his voice brooking no argument.

Eko nodded firmly, understanding the seriousness of the situation. She turned to Madison, grabbing her wrist and pulling her close. "I love you, Mads, but this is enough!"

Madison recoiled, her expression a mix of hurt and disbelief. "Is he really so much more important than everything else? Are you seriously going to prioritize him over our needs?" she challenged, her voice shaking with bitterness and betrayal.

Eko's response was unwavering. "Yes, Madison," she said firmly, her words slicing through the tension. "Yes, he is more important than anything else. I love him, and I would do anything to keep him safe. Anything to stay with him."

"I can't believe this," Madison whispered. "After everything, you'd choose him over me?"

Eko exhaled, her frustration evident. "Oh seriously, Maddy?" she said, but Madison's sharp intake of breath and darkening eyes spoke volumes of her unresolved anger and disappointment.

"I want to be very clear that I hate this," Madison said, glaring at her cousin before turning to Matthew and pointing accusingly at him, her voice rising. "And I hate you!"

"Maddy!" Eko scolded, shocked by her cousin's harsh words.

"Noted," Matthew replied coolly, unfazed by Madison's outburst. His gaze remained fixed on the shifting crowd around them. "Now let's get the fuck out of here."

Eko looked at Matthew, her smile filled with relief and love. He had come for her once again, crossing districts and universes to be by her side. She caught the silent "I love you" he mouthed her way, his smile brightening her world and reassuring her that everything would be okay.

As Matthew's attention momentarily drifted from them, Eko turned to Madison, only to find her cousin staring fixedly at something beyond her. "Maddy?" Eko asked, a note of concern in her voice.

Suddenly, a sharp gasp cut through the air, chilling Eko to her core. It was Matthew's gasp. She whirled around, her heart pounding, to see what had caused such a reaction. Madison yanked on her wrist urgently, pulling her backward.

Eko's eyes widened in sheer terror as she witnessed the unfolding nightmare. Matthew's hood had been removed, revealing him to the clutches of a towering monstrosity. The creature's ironclad grasp tightened around his neck, suffocating him.

With his face contorted in agony, struggling for air, the creature's mouth curled into a malicious grin of triumph.

Eko's heart raced as she stood frozen, paralyzed by fear. The monster's hold was relentless, crushing, and she could hear Matthew's desperate gasps for breath.

What unnerved her even more was the unmistakable sensation of Ace's powers nearby, amplifying the magnitude of the horrific scenarios flashing through her mind. Yet her focus remained on the man before her—the one who was human, the one whose strength was being brutally tested.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck," Eko's voice quivered, barely audible over the chaotic din around them. The realization of the danger crashed down on her like a tidal wave. Every instinct screamed that this was not good—this was not fucking good at all.

****** *****

The conclusion you will come to was this, our lives are the choices we make. Every circumstance the consequence of some prior action, no matter how you slice and dice it.

It is enough to make your skin crawl.

To know that one small mistake could reverberate forever.

That one right or wrong turn will change the course of a life.