Chapter 19

Estella POV

Fiddling with the bracelet Emma gifted me, I take a deep breath. Activating my abilities, I watch as the metal spreads through my body creating a thick armor. Protecting me from psychics (excluding Emma), energy blasts, and of course gunshots. Walking outside Emma is waiting for me, the mic alone under the sunlight.

The country has grown so much, rebuilt, new and advanced. With everyone banded together, we have been able to make it extraordinary again.

"People of Genosha."

They cheer, calling out my name, I continue, "We will no longer be at the end of war, the end of death, we will not cower."

I pause before continuing, "You have felt pain, you have not been protected, as those who wanted to walk the path of a new era betrayed us. But no more. We will rise from the ashes, and be the light that guides the rest of the world, the light that causes change. It is time, for New Genosha."

A thick shield forms around the country as the ground shakes, before rising to the sky. Higher and higher until we are surrounded by stars. The image fades as the force field turns into clear skies, causing the crowd to cheer.

I smile, "Live your lives, as we begin a new day!"

Walking away from the microphone, Emma finds her place by my side, "Is everything ready for the mass message."

Emma nods, "Of course."

Walking to the new council hall, I hope it will one day be filled with representatives. For now, it's just me, Emma, and occasionally Destiny. The one woman who can see the future, we keep close, to warn us of any major events. It's one of the few reasons I feel secure.

The armor around my head, slowly covers my face, hiding my features. Turning on the computer I begin my message to the world.

"Hello, people of Earth. I am not an X-Men. I have no desire to take over the world. All I wish is to end this war with humans and mutants. To end the death of innocents. No longer will we be under your thumb, and no longer will we bend in fear. You will not tear us down, you will learn to accept us, as we are the future you fear. If you try to strike us from the sky, you will face the future firsthand. I will level the playing field. Allow New Genosha to live in peace, that is all we ask."

The call ends, taking a breath, I smile, showing my face to Emma.

"That went well."

Looking down at the earth below, I touch the glass, "They will panic and attack. But I will strike them down. And when they break my patience, they will face their fate."

No matter what they do, they won't succeed this time.

Looking at the blond I smile, "Send the message to every mutant please."

She nods, slipping on the thick metal helmet connected to the computer. Much like what Xavier once wore, now Emma, it's ironic but useful. A psychic message goes to the mutants of Earth, sending them locations where they will be collected.

Starting tonight.

Once done, she begins to leave, desiring a break from her straining task. Looking at her I smile, "Thank you, Emma, for everything."

She seems taken aback at first before she smiles, "You're welcome."

Then she's gone, I wonder if her partners from the past have thanked her. But I doubt in the spur of the moment, much take the time to do so. Despite her past, or at least what she told me, I trust her. My mind forever open for her, allowing her to feel secure around me.

Shifting the armor around, I touch the necklace nervously. Something I do often to find peace in moments like these.

"Logan..."

God, I miss him.

I miss him so much.

My eyes water, wiping them gently, I stand still, letting time move by. As the light shifts around Earth I see the ships fly down to the atmosphere, fading away from sight I hold my breath. An hour goes by, and one by one the ships begin to return. 

Mutants waiting to start a new chapter.

This continues for a week, and I'm there to greet every mutant that comes on board. Hope in their eyes, homes are given, a new start.

Our system isn't flawless, but it works, as the economy and structure of New Genosha thrive seamlessly. Returning to the Stone Palace, the place where officials live united, I enter my room.

Dispelling my armor, I lay on the bed, staring at the delicate chandelier. Crawling across the bed, I open the drawer and pull out Logan's shirt. Holding it close, I sniff the lingering scent, crying softly as I hold onto it. I don't know how long I cried for, or when I fell asleep.

But when the sun hits my eyes, I wince. Holding up my hand to block the light, the ring twinkles making my heart harden.

What if they never come back?

I can hear his voice, feel his warmth, hear his heartbeat. But if I think too long, I realize that I'll never see him again.

Sitting up, I walk over to my bathroom. Taking a long shower I soak in the burning hot water. Stepping out, the cold air hits me. Rubbing the foggy mirror I stare at myself, before allowing my armor to cover my body.

"No matter what."

I mumble this over and over. The same words that once haunted me, now my comfort.

Stepping outside, I start the day, ready to lead a nation to prosperity.