Time Maze

A Clueless Time Traveler

"Wow, could you guys cause more of a mess? No other Mazers have done as many stupid things as you and your friend have in such a short time," Sybil said.

It was clear to Tyson that she was annoyed, but he found it odd that she also seemed disappointed. Why she would be disappointed was unclear to him but having learned to read people rather well, he rarely doubted his instincts.

"We didn't mean to cause any trouble. Marcus is just clueless sometimes," Tyson admitted reluctantly.

"It doesn't matter if you meant to do it or not. You have created a mess that no one can clean up.

"Time travel is a very complex, fragile thing. The mistakes that you make have far greater consequences than you can imagine. I just hope you never have to find out how severe those can be," Sybil said, pain crossing her face in a flash.

"I need to go. This was a mistake. I shouldn't have interfered with noobies such as the two of you. I refuse to repeat the same mistake twice," Sybil said, getting up.

"Wait! You can't just leave us. On our own, we are more likely to make a mess of things than we are if you help us out," Tyson said.

"I told you all that I know. Maybe even more than I should have. Now it's up to you to get yourself out of this mess or die trying," Sybil said.

"Leaving us in the past sounds contra-productive. At least get us somewhere where we can have a moment to think without having to worry about causing trouble," Tyson said.

"You're lucky that I have a soft spot for you since I know how it is to have a loveable idiot as a friend. Take that friend of yours, and let's go outside. The crowd is much thinner now, and they are bound to notice if we disappear into thin air," Sybil said.

Hauling Marcus wasn't an easy task, but it was one Tyson was used to, so it didn't take them long to reach the front door and exit the tavern.

Once there, Sybil used a device that Tyson couldn't see well, and a gentle shivering shape disturbed the air. It was as if Tyson could only see the portal's shimmer because he knew what he was looking for.

"Good luck! I'll make sure that we don't see each other again, but I think you'll need all the luck in the world if you want to get both of you out of the maze," Sybil said.

"Won't I see you on the other side?" Tyson asked.

"I am afraid not. I have to hurry and reach my group. It seems I've wasted our time and decreased our chances of success for no good reason. I need to make it up to them," Sybil said.

"Why don't you stay and help us? I am a fast learner. Maybe we can help each other out," Tyson said.

"Maybe you are, but your friend...He is just a clueless time traveler, and I've had more than my share of those. I've seen too many people perish to allow myself to take a risk with someone whose chances of success are limited. Still, I do wish you all the best," Sybil said.

It was clear to Tyson that Sybil was torn. Deep down in her heart, she wanted to help them out. It was in her nature. Yet, she was also determined to do what had to be done. To protect her people, she was ready to go against who she was, what she believed in, and Tyson couldn't help but admire that type of courage.

"Thank you for everything, and I do hope you succeed. For what it's worth, I think you are a good person faced with an impossible situation. I respect your choice. However, I do plan to prove you wrong about us," Tyson said emphatically.

"I really hope you do prove me wrong, Tyson," Sybil said with a warm smile.

"Goodbye," she added as she went through the portal.