Peace at Last Kurt’s blue nimble fingers slid over the glass beads in careful precision. He spoke quietly to himself and glanced towards the ceiling every so often. Dimly colored light shone on his solemn face as his eyes focused on the pearly white beads in his hands. “Amen.” He said at last, closing his troubled yellow eyes as he blessed himself. The old church was not far from Salem Center, but it was removed enough so he could pray in peace. Even though he had known about it for many years, Kurt first came to this particular church when Illyana died a few years ago from the same illness that was slowly killing his mentor. He was sitting in the same pew as then, saying the same prayer in hopes that God might grant him the miracle he and his fellow teammates so desperately hoped for. For Kurt, religion was as imperative to his life as breathing and saying the Rosary always managed to set his mind at peace in times of need. Glancing once more to the large wooden cross that hung above the alter, he turned his image inducer on with a ‘click’ and stood. Kurt looked to the door, thinking of walking back to the school. He looked back at the cross and, deciding against walking, turned off the image inducer. He glanced around the empty building and, with a quick bow towards the statue of Mary, he teleported to the school. The sun was setting and Kurt slowly walked towards the pond. As the sun went down, the warmth of the spring day went with it and a cool breeze went through Kurt’s hair as he reached the dock. The wind seemed to grow stronger, but he didn’t notice as he enjoyed the coolness of the air. A smile crept onto his face, the first in weeks, as he dipped his feet into the water. “Ach, it feels nice to relax,” He mumbled to himself. “I agree, dear friend,” Came a voice from above him. “Ororo!” Kurt jumped up and waved happily at seeing his friend return after being gone for just over two weeks. “Come down and give me a proper hello!” Ororo laughed softly as her feet touched the worn wood of the old dock. “Hello, Kurt. It’s good to be home.” Kurt leapt forward and gave her a large hug, which she gladly returned. “How’s the Professor?” Storm asked, looking behind them at the mansion. “Charles is getting weaker. Henry believes that it is only a matter of...days now.” A frown crossed Ororo’s face as she turned back to Kurt. “How are you doing?” He asked, changing the subject smoothly. “Oh, I’m better.” She assured him, a small smile replacing the frown. After a brief pause, Kurt looked at her to encourage that she continue and Ororo smiled. “Logan had told me something I didn’t want to hear when I left. He had told me we could try again.” She paused. “I didn’t believe him. I didn’t think he would want to try again. But after a lot of thinking, I realized he would not tell me something he did not truly believe himself.” “You couldn’t be more right.” He agreed. “I have been praying for both you and Logan since the...the accident. I know you are not Catholic, Ororo, but I’ve asked God to help you through this and it seems He has. It seems my prayers have been mostly answered. I do believe that everything will turn out alright.” “I couldn’t agree more.” Ororo smiled, turning to look behind them. Her eyes set back on the mansion. “I don’t know about you, Kurt, but I am rather hungry. Flying from Kenya takes a lot of energy, you know.” Kurt laughed heartily as he helped her stand. “Only you would fly from Africa!” He laughed. “Ok, well, maybe you and Rogue...” They both laughed as they walked towards the mansion with dinner at the front of their minds.    *   *   *   *   * As they entered the kitchen in laughter, searing psychic energy ripped into their minds. Ororo screamed out and Kurt clutched at his head. Raw emotions of pain and fear tore through their consciousnesses. Logan staggered into the kitchen, also holding his head. Another surge of pain raced through their heads and Logan fell to his knees, reaching out to help Ororo. Waves of pain and anger continued to flow through their psyches and they cried out. “Goddess, it’s Charles!” Ororo gasped. Silently agreeing, Logan slowly stood and pulled his wife and friend up from the floor. Fighting the pain, the three teammates stumbled towards the Professor’s room. Jean and Scott were close behind, as well as the rest of the team. “Charles!” Jean cried out, tears of pain running down her cheeks. Charles Xavier lay in his bed, unconscious and expressionless. Hank crawled to his side and searched for a pulse. The Professor’s heart was racing and a fever caused sweat to fall from his brow. Charles was dying and Henry knew he could do nothing to help him. “He’s dying.” Henry said solemnly, looking at his saddened teammates. As if Charles heard the statement, the psychic pain faded and was replaced with strong feelings of relief and joy. The team quickly recovered their bearings and gathered closer to the bed. Tears began to well up in many eyes when, suddenly, his deep strong psychic voice filled their minds. Thank you for all you’ve done, my X-Men. You have made me a happy man. Do not grieve for me. I’m going to a better place now. There was a brief pause. Goodbye, my friends. I shall miss you all terribly. As the last syllable hung in their minds, Charles Xavier’s last breath was exhaled and a faint smile could be seen on his lips. Feelings of peace and content washed over the team. Logan was the first one who let a small smile creep onto his face as he watched the Professor’s chest fall for the last time. To his surprise, Logan felt no grief, only joy for the man who showed him a better life. The others, seeing Logan’s reaction, started to smile as well. Despite their deep feelings of loss, the close-knit mutant family rejoiced for their mentor. Charles Xavier was finally at peace.