(MC pov)
"What do you mean by 'the wrong time?" I asked with some apprehension.
Looking at the Ancient One who lost her faint mischievous smile, I could see that what she will say next would be a very important news for us.
"Literally. Contrary to this universe, the Limbo can't change it past and future. They have a closed time loop. For it Time-line to change, you will have to 'reset' the universe. Perhaps it's because of that reason that it connect badly with our chaotic universe, Time-line wise." Looking at our stupid ignorant faces, The Sorcerer Supreme understood that we didn't understand her explanation, so she started to elaborate more.
"If we compare a train to the single direction the Time-line of the Limbo dimension take, then maybe you understand. Let's say that this... Limbo train has to stop at every stations, from station 'A' to 'Z' and from 'Z' to 'A' again. And those stations represent the gates from our world to the Limbo dimension. Then if your friends took the train from the 'H' station in direction of 'Z', because you came late, you had to took the train after it already made a loop already. And because of that you never catch up with your friends, because by the time you arrive to the 'Z' station, they were already gone. Tired of waiting for you who took to much time to arrived."
After hearing the Ancient One explanation, I felt some despair in me. Because this time, I understood what she tried to tell me.
"Are you saying... I–if we can't take the train earlier than our friends or intercept the ride before it finished it time loop, then we can never see them again? They will be...what? Lost?" I asked, trembling from the news, hoping that I somehow misunderstood the Sorcerer Supreme. But with a sentence, she dashed my hopes.
"No, not lost, dead would be more accurate."
BAAAMM
Looking at the side I surprised, I saw Mr Luke standing with an angry face after destroying the table.
"Are you saying that... We're too late to save my wife and their friends?" He asked through his gritting teeth.
Looking at his posture, I knew that if the answer was negative, he would probably start to hit something in anger. Fortunately though the Ancient One's answer, while not totally positive, did possess some hope for us.
"You misunderstand. What I'm saying is that if you land in the Limbo dimension without any preparation, then there's a great chance that you will miss them and at the same time seal their fate. So the preparation before your travel will be important." She state very calmly while restoring the table to it previous state as if nothing happen.
But my focus wasn't on that casual display of magic, but more on her 'ultimatum'. And I wasn't the only one, because Ava asked what's been on mind since she start to talk about this Time-line stuff.
"I'm curious, why is it that important that we find them the first time we get in this dimension? Can't we just get out of it and then get in to see if it's the good Time-line or whatever until we succeed?"
"That would be great if you could, unfortunately it doesn't work like that. While the time you ended up in the dimension is random, but that's only the case the first time and if you don't have any goal here. Because while this dimension is too small to possess a real dimension Lord, even without it, this dimension is still dangerous because of it semi-sentience." Under our puzzled gazes, the Ancient One took a sip of her tea before continuing.
"For some reason, the lord of the Limbo dimension has always been a sorcerer or a demon born in that dimension. But it's inhabitants are demons too, and demons are not known to be obedient and honest at all. Which is why the Limbo dimension is terrifying. Because it can make almost anyone loyal to the current lord of the dimension over time.
The longer you stay in the dimension, the less you want to leave and the more loyal you become to it's owner because of the influence, the dimension has over you.
Which is why even though Belasco used to be a Sorcerer, no one refuse his command. So if you're not really gifted in magic to resist the dimensions influence or are protected mentally, it would be best not to make to many visits in the limbo dimension.
Because one of the biggest features of that dimension is that it can know why you came the first time you land in that dimension, and while it can't interfere directly, it can still interfere slightly by making you arrived farther than intended in it's Time-line.
So if for example your friend are at the 'S' station and you take the train at the 'Q' station, the next time you retake the train, instead of taking it to the 'R', 'S' or 'T', you will be forced to embark from the 'O' or 'P' station. What's more, the more you travel between dimensions, the farther you will get to your goal as time pass. Which is why it is important for you to get it on your first try."
A new understanding of the incoming challenge crept into me. At the same time, I understood how important it was for us to get the Ancient One help more than never.
"Ancient One... Can you use the power of time to help us?" I asked directly without beating around the bush.
"I can, but even if I use the time stone, there will be a margin error of a a week or month. So you will still have to prepare yourself. Don't get to hasty and try to enter right now. Because while I can help you get in the right 'time' I can't go with you, because I still have duties as the Sorcerer Supreme on earth. Maybe you can ask the little girl who's faking her sleep to be your guide."
By instinct, we all turn our head to the unconscious blond girl laying on the sofa. Seeing that her act was exposed, the girl stopped pretending, opened her eyes and immediately after sitting, she started to glow weirdly while looking at us with hostility.
'That's... Magic ?!'