[ WP ] The year is 2170 . The air is no longer safe to breathe , courtesy of hundreds of genetically engineered CRISPR viruses all capable of altering human DNA within seconds . A cult of clean air worshippers decides to venture out into the open and remove all their masks at once

It's been 100 years since the virus was launched into the air. For the first 5 years everything went great. The self replicating viruses soaked through our lungs, nasal cavities, and throat. The results were staggering. Muscles bulged naturally, height climbed, total immunity to diseases, and serious wounds inflicted healed overnight. Global paradise arrived on Earth in a matter of months. The self replication was the downfall. Mutations in code, in only a few at first, and terribly small. The first tell was the eye color. As new breeds of the virus fought to override the old, and each other. People would go to sleep blue eyed, and wake green. At the end of seven years, we began to see the true ramifications. People would grow extra arms and legs, only to have them fall off within hours, then regrow. The process was excruciating. Travel became dangerous, breathing in the air as you stepped off the plane could spell horrific changes in your body. At the turn of the decade, humanity surrendered the fight. We went into sterilized bunkers, wearing suits with active filtration units at all times. So they say... 
 
 Stepping outside is fatal they claim! Mutations will cause your body to horrifically tear itself apart in seconds, they say! I am here to tell you, my brothers and sisters! These are lies! There is a world out there! It is plentiful, and beautiful! Those who spread these stories do so to control us! They want the surface, the beauty and luxury for themselves! The only thing binding us here is an invisible chain called fear! But no longer! Today, we venture forth to bounties unimaginable! To claim the birthrights stolen from us! Join me brothers and Sisters, we are not bound by fear, only by destiny! 
 
 The old man stood in front of the door with his youngest grandson. He did not plead, beg, or cry. He looked deeply into the eyes of his son, and spoke softly: `` I can not stop you. I have felt the things you felt, so I know that no words will reach you now. Your boy will stay with me though, as I know he can still be saved.'' 
 
 The son stared down at his decrepit old man `` It is fine if he stays here a bit longer. We will need to properly colonize the surface first, and he is too young to work. Especially if we need to fight the surface dwellers. Make no mistake though, I will return for him. Perhaps I will even come back for you dad.'' 
 
 The old man gave one last sigh, and stepped aside. His son, draped as his followers, in a gown of sky blue led his worshipers into the air lock. As the 23 young men and women were sealed in, not a one looked back. The airlock released and they stepped out into a beautiful green landscape. The man turned to his followers, and gripped his mask tightly. `` Let us, as one, taste our birthright.'' All 23 ripped their masks off as one, and inhaled deeply. Each thought to themselves how lovely the smell was. The taste of the earthy aromas filled their palette. A few winced as they waited. As a few seconds went by, they broke out in deep smiles. They began cheering and hugging, celebrating the beginning of their new lives! The man looked to the girl closest to him, his wife of 10 years. Mother to his 2 children. He looked deeply into her... blue? eyes. His face contorted, his wife's eyes were green, he was sure... he began to reach for his mask, but it was done. 
 
 The old man covered his grandson's eyes, as small droplets formed in his own. He watched on as the bodies of the men and women began to shift. Bones began sharply jutting out, muscles expanded until they ripped the skin covering them apart, blood vessels contorted and ruptured, spraying their contents everywhere. In a few seconds, the bodies of the 23 were nearly unrecognizable, and the green landscape was a dark shade of red. The old man shook his head. Some warnings truly and simply, are nothing more. No amount of faith or willpower can change that.
