Chapter 38: The Vaporian Timeline
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The Chis Borgar buzzed and flashed as Mira fine-tuned its controls. Vapor watched cautiously, while Rosie fiddled with a small gear she’d found, twirling it between her fingers.
“So, where are we headed this time?” Vapor asked.
“To an alternate timeline I’ve labeled The Vaporian Timeline,” Mira said confidently. “It’s a world where things went... differently for all of us. This should be interesting.”
“Differently how?” Rosie asked, narrowing her eyes.
“Well, you’ll see in a moment,” Mira said. “But I can tell you this much: it revolves around Vapor.”
Vapor raised an eyebrow. “That’s either very flattering or very concerning.”
“Trust me,” Mira said, pressing the final button. “Let’s go!”
The Chis Borgar let out a loud hum as light enveloped the trio, and in an instant, they were gone.
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Dunkirk, Capital of Vaporia
When the light faded, the trio found themselves standing in a vibrant, bustling city. The architecture was a blend of historical elegance and modern innovation. People walked briskly along cobblestone streets, and trams zipped by. Above them, banners featuring a golden emblem of a phoenix in flight waved proudly.
“Where are we?” Rosie asked, looking around.
“This,” Mira said, consulting her device, “is Dunkirk, the capital of Vaporia. It’s a sovereign nation in this timeline.”
Vapor glanced at one of the banners. “Vaporia? Sounds... familiar.”
Before anyone could respond, a woman approached them. She had long, wavy dark brown hair, sharp hazel eyes, and an air of grace and authority. Though dressed casually in a blouse and blazer, she carried herself like royalty.
“Welcome to Vaporia,” the woman said warmly. “I’m Vapor.”
Main timeline Vapor blinked in surprise. “Wait, you’re me?”
The woman chuckled softly. “I suppose you could say that. In this timeline, I was once Empress Vapor, but I resigned decades ago. Now I live a quieter life, serving as a diplomat and historian.”
Rosie tilted her head. “So, you ruled a whole country? That’s... a big change from our Vapor, who just plays guitar and cracks jokes.”
“Hey!” Vapor protested.
Empress Vapor smiled. “Ruling wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. Vaporia was founded after I was exiled from France during my military days. I worked to build a nation where equality and freedom thrived.”
Vapor scratched his head. “So... you’re like Princess Lucky from our timeline?”
Empress Vapor frowned. “Who?”
“Uh, never mind,” Vapor said quickly, waving his hands.
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Meeting Rosemary Devereux
Empress Vapor led the trio through the city, explaining Vaporia’s history as they walked. Eventually, they arrived at a charming house with a lush garden.
Inside, they were greeted by a blonde-haired woman with soft curls and sparkling blue eyes. She wore an apron dusted with flour and greeted them with a warm smile.
“This is Rosemary Devereux,” Empress Vapor said. “My partner.”
Rosie’s eyes widened. “Wait, Rosie? Like me?”
Rosemary laughed. “In a way, yes. Though I prefer ‘Rosemary.’”
The two women exchanged stories about their lives while Mira explored the house, looking for signs of herself.
“Not even a portrait,” Mira grumbled. “Do I not exist in this timeline?”
“Maybe you’re just too awesome for this universe,” Vapor said with a smirk.
Mira rolled her eyes. “Thanks for the ego boost, I guess.”
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Breaking the Fourth Wall
As the group sat down for tea, Vapor leaned back in his chair. “You know, Mira, maybe you should put the Chis Borgar away for a while. Just saying. Maybe until, I don’t know, Chapter 50?”
Mira shot him a look. “Very funny.”
From nowhere, a narrator’s voice cut in, dripping with irritation. “Oh, great. Another fourth-wall break. Just what this story needed. I hate my job.”
Everyone froze for a moment, looking around.
“What was that?” Rosemary asked, confused.
Vapor shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. Long story.”
The narrator groaned. “This is why I stopped doing novels and switched to documentaries.”
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Goodbyes and Promises
After spending the day exploring Vaporia and learning about its history, the trio prepared to leave.
“It was an honor meeting you,” Empress Vapor said, shaking her counterpart’s hand. “You’ve got potential. Don’t waste it.”
“Thanks,” Vapor said. “And for what it’s worth, I think you’re amazing. Keep being awesome, Empress—uh, I mean, Ms. Diplomat.”
With a final wave, the trio stepped back into the Chis Borgar.
“Where to next?” Rosie asked.
“Nowhere,” Vapor said. “We’re shelving this thing for a while.”
Mira rolled her eyes. “You’re not the boss of me.”
The Chis Borgar hummed, and in a flash of light, they were gone.
“Finally,” the narrator muttered. “Maybe now I can have some peace and quiet.”
