Chapter 16

Estelle POV

A month has passed since the recent tragic events, and in my time I've found a certain peace with myself. And in that time I've gotten to know Magneto a bit. After a week of trying to dodge him, I gave up and just sat for the conversations and his curiosity about my abilities.

He even invited me to Genosha, and after some thinking, I agreed. Packing a light bag, Logan watches me walk back and forth in our bedroom.

"Are you sure you want to go?"

I smile at him, "Yes, I'm itching to go."

Tying my bag he pulls me close, kissing him gently I stroke his cheek.

"I'll be fine. I'll look around, meet people, then come back."

Hands traveling down his chest, blush spreads across his cheeks, "And when I come back, you won't be able to keep me off of you."

He grins, pinning me against the wall, I chuckle as his hands wander up my shirt. As his lips, nibble on my neck, and after some time, I'm able to pry him off. 

Walking me to the ship, I give him one last kiss before getting on. Sitting next to Gambit he's clearly unpleasant, the tension between Magneto and Rogue tells me all I need to know.

Seeing the island up ahead I smile softly, "Wow, it's beautiful."

Looking at the crowd below, we land, greeted by Madelyne and Valerie, the same woman who came to collect Magneto not long ago. While Magneto leaves to have a word with the council, Gambit, Rogue and I are left confused until a blue man appears. 

Rogue holds my hand as Kurt, her brother, teleports us elsewhere. A bit dazed I laugh softly. Kurt will be showing us around.

He smiles brightly, "And who may you be?"

I return the joy, "Estelle, it's nice to meet you!"

"It's a pleasure."

He turns his attention to Rogue, "We have much to discuss since our gothic adventure amid the Alps."

That must be where they met. Teleporting us away he shows us around. The different people, and abilities around me. Kurt even answers the questions left to be had about Genosha. 

Watching a few street performers I smile happily enjoying the show. Clapping alongside Rogue, I release a sharp whistle before leaving a tip for those who performed.

Looking around, I buy a few things, souvenirs mostly. Something to bring back and show Logan.

I wonder what he's doing.

NO POV

Even as Estelle thinks about Logan, he thinks of her two. Even as he listens to Jean's frustration with Scott, it all becomes familiar in time.

Years then and now he would do this. Listening to her vent, lending comfort in something that is unchanged. It would lead to a kiss or a gentle touch. Last time it was left with rage, and a caress against his once fragile mind. 

As Jean described how Scott anchored her, Logan couldn't help but relate, seeing Estelle in her words. Envisioning her body under his, or her touch so gentle and warm against his cheek.

In his mind, Estelle remains a wondering phantom. So even when she's away, his thoughts linger on her often. 

Telling Jean to keep moving forward, giving her a reassuring word, the two lock eyes. But before she could fall back into the habit she's known to cherish, he steps back.

"No. Now go talk to that overgrown Boy Scout."

Leaving her behind, his phone buzzes. Estelle sends photos of Genosha, the lands, the people, and her. Looking at the photos made him smile, and for a moment he wished he would have gone with her. 

To be by her side.

Estelle POV

Holding my bag, a small child bumps into me.

"Oh, are you ok?"

The little boy looks at me, surprise spreading across his features.

"Ms. Steward!?"

"Michael?!"

A student of mine, from the last class I taught at my old school. Before the X-Men consumed my life. When things were normal.

I smile happily, "I never thought I would get to see you again!"

I hug the little boy, his parents aren't too far. I watch as Michael turns into a boy of air and clouds. Smiling softly, I speak up, "Remarkable!"

Picking a flower from a bush I show him how it regrows a new one with the same stem. Turning back into his solid form, he marvels at the small beauty. 

Talking with his parents, I find that they're both human. When they realized their boy was a mutant, they turned to Genosha to be with and support him in his new abilities. 

A rare sight, but a lovely one indeed, offering them some ice cream. My treat of course, and while we chat for a while, Kurt appears and ushers me off. Saying my goodbyes, I smile, promising to see them again.

Returning to my hotel room, I gasp at the large space, fit for a king. Setting down my bag, I take a quick shower, humming sweet hymns. Moisturizing until smooth, I rub the oil through my scalp before quickly braiding my sides upward. Leaving my hair out on the top, I tie it with a silk ribbon blue ribbon, to match my cocktail dress.

Stepping into the party, I'm quickly mesmerized. The playful lights and upbeat music. Grabbing a glass of champagne I thank the waiter before walking around. A bit out of place, I finish my drink slowly, and then Kurt appears before me, "Let's dance!"

Teleporting me away I laugh a bit. It doesn't take long to get lost in the music. Only desiring one person as the lights twinkle upon my skin. Everything is perfect until the ground shakes.

Until the ceiling caves in and heat spreads across my skin. On the ground, the sky is red, and the scent of blood fills my nose.

Sitting up, I quickly realize I'm far from the venue and now on the ceiling of a different building. Kurt disappears returning with Rogue and Magneto, burnt and tired. Looking out beyond I'm met with distraction, Sentinel's, among a one different than what I've been told.

It almost looks like a spider.

What have they done to deserve this, what have we done?

Why?

Feeling a phantom hand touch mine, I look to my left. My breath stills, to see what haunts me, now my reflection in the burnt skies.

"No matter what..."

Watching her fade away, my eyes brim with tears as rage and confusion fill me. Walking past Magneto and Rogue I place my hand on Kurt, healing his wounds I mumble softly.

"Take your time, I may have healed you but your body is still in shock."

Looking at Gambit and the two I frown, "I can't revive the dead but I can deal with the wounded. I'll help in any way I can."

The three nod as Gambit lets me on the back of his motorcycle, we follow Rogue and Magneto. He drops me off while he and Rogue fight the Sentinel.

I shout, "Go to the gardens! HURRY!"

As the people run past me, I turn to see a sentinel aim his blaster at me. Frowning, I slam my hands on the ground. Quickly the once-destroyed building molds into its former glory. Long enough to delay its attack and let the people run by.

I free any who is trapped or fallen, healing those in need and directing them to the gardens.

Hearing a familiar cry, I run to the rubble to see Micheal, he's trying to pull his mother free but he can't.

Turning the rubble on her into dust I see his father's corpse not too far. Shielding him from the sight, I hover my hand over her crushed leg. Reversing the damage done to her. 

Helping her up I speak quickly, "Go to the gardens, hide his body from the Sentinels. GO!"

Running away from me, my body is staggered. Taking a breath, I try not to fall, my energy draining. Then my blood runs cold as I  realize I'm surrounded by Sentinels. I work quickly, trying to reform the building around me. The robots work quickly destroying them, causing me to run as the debris begins to fall. Running past the fallen rubble I touch one of the Sentinels, causing them to rust and fall apart.

Chest aching, I don't stop as one of their blasts trails behind me. Falling, my head knocks against a thick rock. Vision blurry, I look up, vision spotty as they tower over me.

Is this the end?

Is this all I have left?

A voice whispers, "No matter what."

No.

I won't die like this.

Not today.

An explosion rings in the distance, but I hardly notice as I shout out, "NO!"

My abilities spread around me, I watch as every piece of rubble, every corpse, and Sentinel turns to dust. Standing tall more come my way. I walk towards them, and as I pass them they crumble at a simple thought. What once was an army is now nothing. 

A wasteland.

Day breaks following the crowd, and I find Gambit dead in Rogue's arms.

Is this what we deserve?

For being different?