Chapter 21

No POV

The world turns upside down, panic and destruction in every city and town. Every human is now a mutant, the fate they wished to run from, now here.

World Leaders tried to send messages, begging to reverse the effects but they were left unanswered. Scientists scrambled to reverse the action, but nothing within their range could alter their DNA.

Some embraced it, but others quickly died, killing themselves at the thought of being the one thing they hated. No one was spared, even the babies newly born will grow to activate their powers once old enough.

Estelle knew this plan wasn't perfect, so as soon as she awoke Estelle was hooked up to the machine. Working with Emma to find and weaken the gene of Omega-level mutants. This aided them, or at least held off any future destruction.

One month passed before the nations were able to gain some control. Even mass-producing the mutant stunner, although they quickly realized it and the collar were temporary at best.

Weak against progression.

A message was sent from Estelle, "There is no going back. Instead of waiting generations, you become mutants now. Grow. We will remain here to aid you."

This message was heard loud and clear.

Many were outraged, but with time slowly the masses accepted this. Some even thought this was divine punishment for ignoring the pain of mutants, for turning their backs on them. On that fateful day, the world shifted and the Era of Mutants began.

1997 war broke out amongst each other, countries fighting for power. Only after much death, did they come to realize they'd all die before anything more was achieved. This year, many moved to New Genosha, seeking refuge, and they found it.

Leaders and people truly began to accept their future, as they rebuilt and set new laws. Both were quick to finalize, but that left one last thing to do. Beginning to form a treaty with New Genosha.

Estelle and the Council took their time going through the process. And once set, the country began to help and open its doors to learn and teach. Naturally, security was increased, but tensions truly faded when they saw each other as, equal, as the same.

1998 was the year of knowledge. Learning one's mutant abilities and the safety of others became a mass act. Schools opened and seasoned mutants took the mantle to teach others to control their abilities, using them for good. Heroes began to rise, stepping into their organizations ruled by their respective governments. And so did villains, balancing out the new age. 

In 1999, mutant acceptance became absolute. Magazines, ads, and life centered around it, centered around the new age. The word Mutant wasn't a slur anymore more, it was a people, it was as normal as human. Technology centered around stabilizing abilities and working with them to allow people to live comfortably.

But even with this improvement, there were still some who hated being mutant. And in the underground anti-mutant groups formed, working to find a way to end all mutants even if it meant destroying everything. They lurked, building and organizing across the world, waiting for the right moment to strike.

Estelle knew this, so with the help of Jubilee and Roberto, they formed the new X-Men, taking charge of saving mutants from Pro-Human groups.

The year is finally 2000, the dawn of a new century, and the return of a group long gone. Forge and Bishop, spent their time getting the X-Men back from the moments of time. Logan's powers were restored, divided friendships united, and they were ready to go home.

Unfortunately, they could no longer return to 1997. Confused Bishop is forced to return to the only year he could, 2000, New Year's Day.

Reappearing in the middle of a city park they grow confused. Stepping out of the woods, they're shocked by the new world around them, a world of the future.

Storm speaks up, "Are we at the right time, it hasn't been that long."

Bishop looks at his watch, "Yeah, this is 2000."

Stepping in the city they're shocked by the sight of mutants everywhere. In harmony, in a sense of order. Walking through the streets they even find merchandise and posters in a passing shop.

Logan frowns, "Where the hell are we? This can't be right."

Bishop shakes his head, "This wasn't told in the future, if this is different...then..."

He wonders if his time is in peace, unknown to him, it is. With the events of the catastrophic future being pushed far to 3995.

"The sensors weren't wrong."

They turn around to see, Captain America, only he looks different. Face adorned with red scales and a matching tail, he smiles with his shield in his hand.

"You should come with me, Mother Mutant will explain everything."

Scott frowns, "Who?"

Steve Rogers smiles, "She might not like it but it's stuck on her, please follow me."

Her name is unknown, only shown by a few. Estelle keeps her past to herself, sharing what's needed. Only Emma, Destiny, the Council, and the original citizens of New Genosha know her face. 

Emma and Destiny know her past. 

Leading them to the Space Station, not as grand as you might think. Spacecrafts line up to take people to and from New Genosha.

Posters are scattered across the city of Mother Mutant in her mask, covered and seen as angelic under light and paper. The X-Men grow weary of meeting her, plenty confused and shocked. Getting a private ship, Captain America explains the changes. What happened, from the rise and fall, all starting with her.

Xavier and Erik look at each other, both shocked while Hank is amazed by such change. Ascending to the stars, they see New Genosha in their sights. Landing, they step out of the ship looking at the once broken city, now new and grand.

Hank smiles, "By the stars..."

The American soldier, walks past the baffled guards, leading them to the one place Mother Mutant would be.

Fiddling with her necklace, wrapped around the outside of her armor, Estelle sighs. The council meeting lasted longer than it should have. They're long gone, celebrating the New Year with their friends and family. Destiny never told her they would return, she didn't warn her of who would step through those doors.

The X-Men step inside, turning her head, shock fills her body. Unable to see Estelle's expressions, they fail to notice the tears rolling down her face.

Steve smiles, "Madam. Our scanners detected their return, the X-Men are back."

His words fall short, she doesn't hear a thing as she stares at Logan. Her thoughts ring.

Is this a dream?

This can't be real...

This can't...

Logan notices her necklace first, then the ring on her finger, "Estelle..."

The other X-Men stare at him in shock, her mask shifts, freeing her curly hair, and showing her tearful face.

"Logan...this can't be."