As the golden sun rose over the horizon, a lone figure, was perched in a semi crouch position on a balcony rail. Kurt Wagner a.k.a Nightcrawler took a deep breath as he watched the sunrise. Kurt had been up for hours; he really didn't sleep much. Kurt had spent most of the night and early morning hours thinking and praying for strength and guidance. His rosary was resting next him on the balcony rail. The blue mutant took another gulp of cool morning air into his lungs and stepped off his perch; then used his tail to pick up his rosary and put it in his shirt pocket. Even after all of these months of living at Professor Xavier's safe haven for mutants, he still preferred to wear his circus cloths or cloths like what he wore when he was with his gypsy caravan. It was what he was use to and it was the only connection he had to his caravan. His rosary was he dearest possession as his foster mother, the Gypsy Queen Margali gave him as a child.
The X-Men had very fine intentions and his skills proved to be useful when he completed missions for Professor X with Wolverine, Ice Man, and Cyclops. Even though he willfully completed these missions, but his heart wasn't into it. He dressed as he always did and would never say that he was a member of the X-Men. He felt empty here and knew that something was missing. Kurt Wagner was a simple man and always just wanted a modest, quiet life. As he walked down the grand hallway of the X-Men's beautiful mansion, he pondered his place at the school and really in the grand scheme of things; his thoughts were suddenly interrupted, "Good morning, Kurt", said a kind and regal voice. "Gut Morgan, Ms. Ororo." Storm smiled softly at his polite and gentle demeanor. Storm intertwined their arms together has they walked toward the great dining room.
Kurt Wagner was not like anyone, Storm had ever met before. Despite his experience with Stryker, what happened at the White House, and normal people not understanding him; Kurt remained ever patient and kind. She was fascinated by his devotion to his faith as well, something she lost a long time ago. It all seemed to contrast his life entirely, not just his obvious physical mutations. Storm, studied him more as they walked together in silence. He rarely stood up to his full height, which was taller than most at the mansion and he had a handsome face. His features reminded Storm of a European Lord or Count. She blushed a bit and tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, as she felt the little butterflies begin to flutter in her belly and turned away from him for a moment so he wouldn't notice. She was a little embarrassed that she had such strong feelings for him.
After Kurt got settled in at the mansion the Weather Goddess had attempted to bud a relationship with him. Though he was a gentleman and kissed her hand in humility at her feelings, he simply was not emotionally or mentally in a place for such things. It is really understandable, given what he had been through. As they became closer friends and Kurt would speak passionately about his life and family with the circus, his whole face would light up. Then after a while he would pause and look sadly out the window. Storm knew that his heart was not and would never be here a the Xavier Institute, so she knew a romantic relationship with Nightcrawler was futile. Knowing this didn't stop her from having a crush on him.
As they enter the main dining room a group of students, still in their PJs greeted them. When young Arnie saw Nightcrawler, he stood up from his breakfast and ran toward his idol. "Look! I did it this morning." Arnie then proceeded to show Kurt that he can finally do a handstand. Only for a moment though before he fell over. The other students laughed at him and he pulled himself up from the floor. He looked embarrassed but proceeded to stick out his long tongue at the other kids. Kurt chuckled. "A fine job indeed. Hard work does pay off. Continue training and you will do great things." Kurt said to the boy, he meant every word. He believed Arnie to be capable of amazing things in his young life and prayed that his parents were proud of him. Arnie beamed at Kurt's praise and went off to finish his breakfast.
For breakfast, there was a long buffet of every breakfast food one could image: omelets, imported breads, cheeses, and pastries, freshly squeezed juices, meats of all varies, and expensive coffee. Professor Xavier spared no expense when it came to his students' and wards' comfort and pleasure, it was how he showed love. Kurt ignored all the rich, fine food and picked up and bowel off porridge with fresh berries. When he was home with his family, poridge was the breakfast of choice as there was a lot of people to feed and at times money was scarce. Also, Kurt mused to himself, that it was a reflection of who he was: A simple man, of a modest upbringing, whom only wanted to serve God and have a peaceful life.
"What is on your mind?" Storm asked, interrupting his thoughts. She had a feeling she knew the answer already. Kurt sighed without looking up from his bowel of porridge and replied: "I have so many blessings here; more than I can count. The Professor was so kind to take me in at my darkest hour. He cleared my good name and gave me purpose to teach Sunday school and the Bible to the students. What fine beings of God that dwell here..."But..." Storm finished for him with a sad smile. Kurt finally looked up from his bowel and into here beautiful eyes. "But, I am home sick. I miss my foster Mother, my family, friends. I also miss Aman..." Kurt trailed off before he could finish saying Amanda's name. He tried not to think of her so much. She was Margali's biological daughter. They grew up together, worked together, and studied together. She was kind, talented, intelligent, and beautiful; her long red hair and striking green eyes pierced his soul and ignited a burning flame within him. He loved her for as long as he knew what love was. Kurt closed his eyes tightly to push his thoughts of Amanda away.
Kurt continued, "I also, don't want to seem ungrateful for what has been done for me. This life...being a X-Man...the missions...the combat..." Kurt was now rambling without being able to put together a full sentence. Storm reached over and held his hand. This brought Kurt back into focus. "This life isn't for everyone. Just because you are a mutant doesn't mean you obligated to stay here. You are not obligated to be a X-Man. Yes, we have powers, but let us not forget that we are still only human. Like all humans we don't think the same nor have the same values." Storm was ready to comfort Kurt just as he was there to comfort her after Jean died. She told him stories of their good times together, of her strength, humor, and work. Talking to Kurt about Jean made Ororo feel like her best friend was still with her. Kurt did so much for the children and the X-Men in his time there; a shoulder to cry on, a person to go to for advice, or to have a laugh with. He was a wise and good natured man. Ororo knew that when Kurt left to go home, the mansion would have an empty void that only he could fill. She would miss him dearly.
If she was really honest with herself she would admit that she was jealous of this Amanda woman. Kurt's expression changed so much when he would talk about her. More so than his other friends that he grew up with in the Gypsy caravan. She didn't know the full details of their relationship but she could tell that she held a special place in his heart. At that moment Ororo wished that Professor Xavier found him as a child and brought him to the Institute, so he would have grew up with her, instead of Amanda. Storm scolded herself for such a childish thought. What is, is. She was going to be supportive of him, as he was of her. "I believe you need to go speak with the Professor." Kurt at her, his golden eyes widen in worry. Before he could respond, Ororo stood up gracefully, took his hand and walked him out to the dinning room.
Kurt said nothing as he and Storm walked hand in hand to Professor Xavier's office. His stomach felt like it was about do tumbles right out of his abdomen. He has spoken to Professor Xavier before, of course but he really didn't know him well. Also, their conversations were never very long. As they turned down the long hallway that lead to the professor's lonely office they found Logan staring out of the large window at the end of the hall. He looked deep in thought with an unlit cigar in his mouth. He wore his usual white tank top with black jeans. Kurt assumed that he just came out of the professor's office himself. As Ororo and Kurt reached the heavy, mahogany door to Professor Xavier's office Logan chimed in before they could knock. "What are you two in for?", asked Logan. Ororo spoke up first, "Not us, just Kurt." Logan nodded and replied without looking away from the window, "You going somewhere, Elf?"
"Possibly." Kurt answered. Logan nodded again. "I don't blame you, Elf. I'm thinking of heading on out of here myself." With that Logan brooded off down the long and empty hallway. Kurt watched Logan turn the corner and when he was out of sight, Kurt went to knock on the heavy wooden door. "Please, come in and have a seat Mr. Wagner." Kurt heard in his mind and he was taken a back by this. Really, he wasn't use to being around so many other mutants. It's not that he didn't know other mutants before he came here, just not many and they didn't use their powers very often. He had a friend called Gillian from the English chapter of the circus who could manipulate water. Then there was Butchie who was in his caravan, whom had the strength of 20 men. Those two were his friends and he had only made the acquaintance with a handful of others. So, when Professor Xavier or any other uses their powers suddenly, it still surprised him.
Kurt entered, the large office. He was rather intimidated by the luxury of it all. Silk curtains and the perfectly polished furniture made him feel like these items were really meant to be looked at but never actually used. So, Kurt stayed standing instead of sitting in the chair in front of the professor's desk. "Gut Morgan, Mein Heir." Said Kurt politely. "Now, there is no need for such formalities here, Kurt. I sense you have a lot on your mind. Please, speak freely. Kurt looked around and behind him to find that Storm did not come in the office with him. He was alone. "Professor...Professor. Thank you for all that you have done for me here. For giving me a place to stay. A purpose…Your faith in me… For ridding my name of those awful charges..." Kurt stopped himself from rambling and took a deep breath to finish his thought. "I am forever in your debt."
Professor Xavier smiles at him softly. "Not at all. You have worked hard here and earned your keep and the pay that I have given you. You have been an asset to the X-Men and I am once again extending an invitation for you to become a permeant member of the X-Men team. Though, I am sensing that is not why you are here." Kurt shook his head, then looked to his bare feet. "This life...this life is not for me. I am one of simple means. I need and desire very little. Here, there is such chaos, over the top luxury, and even some division." The professor nodded his head in agreement. "You have helped bridge some of those divisions. For that I am forever in your debt. What really brings you here and what can I do for you?"
Kurt ran his oversized fingers through his wiry, blue/black hair. "I wish to go home to my family...if they will have me." Professor Xavier closes his eyes for a moment to collect himself. He had become very fond of Nightcrawler. He not only possessed an exceptional power, but his gentle views of the world brought comfort to his students. Kurt brought them and him faith. Losing Jean Grey was a blow to everyone who knew her. She will forever be missed and mourned. After listening to one of Kurt's lessons to the young students he went to his room that night and did something he had not done in decades: he prayed. "I understand, Mr. Wagner. This is not for everyone." Professor Xavier replied in an even tone so not to show his sadness of Nightcrawler leaving. He continued on though "I will locate your caravan, message them, and arrange for them to come for you." Kurt Wagner let out a lung full of air he did not know he was holding. "Thank you, Professor."
When Kurt exited the professor's office he looked out the window Logan was staring out of earlier. It was over looking the rose garden. Kurt then teleported into the tidy garden and under warm sunlight beaming down on God's creation, he felt many pounds lighter. As he gazed upward to absorb the sunlight onto his face a small flock of doves flew over head. Kurt knew this was a message from God, telling him that all would be well. He reached into his shirt pocket for his rosary and prayed.
Margali Szardos-Wagner, Gypsy Queen and owner of the small Munchen Circus was over seeing the dismantling of the main tent when a gentleman in a postal uniform walked onto their lot calling her name. "I am Margali. May I help you?" She had a raspy voice from years of calling orders to workers, trainees, and children. She was in her late fourties but made a point to never give her age away. Though she had to admit the past several months made her feel her age and even noticed more grey hair in her long, thick locks. She wore it back in a bandana that matched her layered long skirt. She was the essence of a Gypsy Queen. "Telegram for Margali Szardos-Wagner from a Professor Charles Xavier." Confused, Margali signed for the envelope and opened it. Inside was three tickets to take a ship from the Bay of Biscay to New York and four tickets back. Also, with the tickets was a hand written letter. As she finished reading the letter she placed a hand over her mouth and began to cry.*