[Exhortation: It's encouraging, especially to encourage someone to do something good. It's mentioned a lot in the New Testament.]

It was actually the pastor's wife who greeted them first at Church on the Rock.

She was a smiling, blonde woman, around 35. She explained that her husband had ended up on an important phone call with an old friend.

"I'm guessing he heard about what we were doing." She shrugged. "Can't say everyone we know is happy about it. My mom said not to makes waves. But, I think, we've been blessed with all this. We need to be open to sharing it with others. There's power in faith, isn't there?"

Her accent was not nearly as strong as Shine's, but it was just different enough to make them feel like this was going to be an interesting day. [Oh, they have no idea. 😜]

Shine also took this chance to tell them that services in California usually warmed up for about 20 minutes, then really got going, because Californians were usually 20-30 minutes late on average. "I've seen people walk into church halfway through the service," she said. "And I've arrived most towards the end a few times. So we won't need to be sitting down for a while yet."

"I hope you didn't have any trouble finding us," the lady, who's name was Cindy, said. "There's a church on the Solid Rock just a few blocks from here. I can't tell you how often people get us mixed up."

"No, we found it fine," Shine said. "So...what's the itinerary for today? Is Billings here?"

"Oh, Mike? I think he's upstairs in our prayer room," Cindy said. "We like to sit in there before and between services on Sundays, but for today we just opened it to prepare.... We've never really done this before, but we figured we'd just sort of wing it, see where the Spirit led..."

Cindy talked like this the whole time she was showing them around the church that was built like a large house with the rooms taken out of the middle, not really like a steepled sanctuary. It was sandwiched between office buildings on either side. The parking lot was small, and there were no extra classrooms at all. Cindy told them they had an affiliation with other churches in the area that did more ministry out of the church, and they would use their offices sometimes for counselling and prayer ministries. But here was where they had their worship services.

"Our special events like picnics and outreaches we tend to have at a park nearby that lets us, because we can't fit a whole lot of things here," she said. "We have a small food pantry for homeless people and a donation box too--sort of what got our attention about your idea, Shine."

Cindy also called them Shine and Wally right off and asked who the others were. She seem surprised by their names only slightly.

Shine then took the chance to tell them that names like Storm were not that uncommon around here, and she probably just assumed Rogue, Gambit, and Morph were nicknames. 

"They do kind of sound like a skateboard or motorcycle gang thing," Shine remarked. "And with that get-up, I'm sure that's what she thinks you are, but don't worry, I'm sure it's a doors-open kind of church."

Shine seemed to know all about this place. Must have been more like the ones she was used to.

Still, compared to the fuss Shine had made about stereotypes, Cindy seemed pretty normal, all things considered.

They met her kids, who were hanging in the sanctuary trying to play quietly. They were much younger than Jubilee, about 10 and 8, but Jubilee was still more at home with kids than older people, so she sat down to join them. They showed her what they were coloring.

They did talk a bit different.

A few more early bird members who must have been on staff did arrive.

They didn't wear suits. They had on t-shits, jeans, or even shorts and flip flops. Some had cross necklaces and one had tattoos. Very different image from the last two places.

Shine explained this also when Morph commented on it.

"The other might have had members like that there, but they would have covered it up probably," she said. "Those churches were a bit more traditional. They think it's more respectful to God to dress up and cover up. And that's perfectly fine, if that's how you honor God. But churches more like this one believe that casual wear shows the humility of Jesus, to appear like regular people and choose to emulate it to show we welcome everyone. You might see dyed hair or ripped jeans, tennis shoes, etc. There's no right and wrong dress code at church as long as it's appropriate. I actually like the dressing up thing. I think it makes it seem more special. But to some people that just makes it about appearances, and they don't like that, and I think it's a personal decision."

"Okay, cool." Morph approved. "Wow, you know, I had no idea churches were so different. I kind of thought you all wore white collars and suits and had to speak low and stuff."

"That's more like a monastery," Shine said, "and not even like Kurt's--more like...a real strict one. We don't take vows of silence here, Morph. How do we tell everyone the good news, then?"

She tilted her head. "You all might want to consider using your real names though. Code names are fine, but around here, we use first names, almost exclusively, and they might think you're not comfortable with them if you don't. But if you don't feel ready, that's fine too."

Logan had no issue doing this.

"I think my real name would be harder to pronounce than Storm," Storm said.

Cindy said they could sit down if they wanted. She was going to put some music over the speakers.

The sound system, being very 80s, didn't quite have the sound Shine was used to, but it was far closer than the other two places had been. 

"Yeah, this is familiar," Wally agreed. "It almost makes me a little homesick. I mean, it doesn't really matter, but you get used to a place."

Shine nodded. "I wonder if my family is at Church right now. It gets hard to keep track of time."

"Do you all go the same church?" Jean asked.

"When we're in town, yeah," Shine said. "We lived together up until we got married. We moved out of my parents' house once we were old enough. Took all three of us to pay for that." She laughed. "Inflation..."

"That's nice," Jean said. "I've always thought people with a religious bond in their family must be close."

Shine laughed, this time a little bitterly. "No, Jean, that's not true. The three of us are very lucky. People split hairs more over religion in family circles than anything else."

"I have heard stories of this from my brothers," Kurt said. "I think it is sad ve cannot overlook such small differences."

"Yeah, it is," Shine said.  "I'd rather they not be atheists, that's all. I have enough of those in my family too. They're nicer than the 'Christians' sometimes. People take things so personally."

In light of Scott's behavior, that hit a little close too home than they all cared to think about.

Shine must have noticed, because she changed the subject to wondering if Billings would be there soon.

He did arrive then, and Anne was with him, finally. She'd been delayed getting to Texas, unfortunately, and had only arrived after the service. They'd sat a little longer to talk about things.

"They took up a collection,"  Mike said. "We've been overwhelmed...and a few of them went down to that Tim fellow's house. They talked to him. Basically, they told him if he ever showed up again, they'd shoot his tires off and call the cops. Then they had a heart to heart chat about why he did it. He broke down and started crying, and I think he's coming on Sunday to talk more. God works in mysterious ways."

"That bully?" Rogue was incredulous.

"Maybe, in a way, these actions are sometimes a cry for help," Billings said. "I've seen it before, young men especially--it's like they just don't know how else to tell people they're angry. I'm sorry if they unnerved you, but I do think we should be glad if some good came of it."

"Well, if it worked out," Storm agreed.

Gambit was fidgeting with cards.

Mystique kept glancing at the door like she was going to run for it.

"Planning an escape?" Morph finally said.

She jumped. "A lot of people are coming in."

Perhaps it was childish, but she almost was getting an irrational fear that one of these people would see right through her. Or that one of the X-men would. She wasn't even looking at Shine or Wally--or Kurt most of all.

"See any old flames?" Morph said.

Mystique bit her lip, then she stood up. "I'm going to the bathroom."

She walked away without even waiting to get permission to go.

"She won't run," Shine said in answer to their looks. "She knows it won't work. She tipped us off that she's leaving at all."

"If you're sure," Rogue said.

"Mmm, and you--" Shine suddenly glanced at Morph. "--come with me."

Morph looked like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar. "Why?"

"Just go," Wally said. "You want backup?"

"Sure," Shine said.

They both led Morph into the foyer. People walked by without so much as a second glance.

"You need to stop," Shine said sternly. "This has gone on long enough. We're all a little tense right now--you don't need to add to it."

"What did I do?" Morph said.

"Stop baiting her," Shine said.

Morph frowned. "It's just...she's so...mean, and she jabs at us all. I feel like someone should give it back to her."

Wally sighed.

Shine tilted her head, then in a very low, steady voice she said, "Morph, no amount of picking on Mystique is going to make you feel any less guilty."

Morph went quiet.

Wally shook his head. "It's sad," he said. 

"We forgave you ages ago," Shine said slowly, "and we forgave her too. All she's ever done to the X-men has been pretty bad, but you've done some stuff too. Deflecting onto Mystique does not clean your slate. In fact, it is worse, because you were forgiven by them, and you don't want to extend that to someone else? That makes you a hypocrite. You don't like her? Fine. But you can be kind. Or, at least, you can be civil. You cannot pay or earn your way back into the X-men. There will be no single moment where you feel ready or worthy to be one of them again. That's a fantasy. It doesn't happen. Forgiveness is a choice to accept, bit by bit, as we forgive ourselves. If you hold onto that anger towards someone else, you will never let go of it yourself, because you are condemning yourself as you condemn her. Let it go."

She glanced toward the bathroom. "It's much harder for her than you can imagine to be in this situation. For all we know, we are the only two people who have ever even considered how it is to be Mystique. Everyone else uses her, as she uses them. But maybe she doesn't think she has a choice. We have a choice, and we can choose to be better than that."

Morph was kind of crying now, because she was shaming him by talking like this. He knew she was right about him not deserving to be accepted back.

Wally patted his shoulder. "Hey, it's okay, man."

"We're not trying to make you feel like a horrible person," Shine said. "I'm sure, in fact, you are kinder than this, but anger has blinded you. Let it go, that's all we're asking. Please. We're at the right place to start seeking forgiveness." She jerked her head at the sanctuary. "All right, you can go back in. I'll wait for her."

"Yeah, let's go," Wally said.

Shine waited. Mystique reappeared. She didn't seem to have been crying or anything. Maybe she'd just been trying to steel her nerves.

"As much as it may seem," Shine said, "I don't think he really means those barbs. It's just a cover for his own regrets."

"I know that," Mystique said. "What does it matter? All of them think that of me, and I don't care about it. That's not why I left."

"Of course not," Shine said dryly. "The timing was purely coincidental... You really don't need to pretend to be made of stone, you know... I've been on the receiving end of their dislike too. Most of it is just fear."

"Unlike you, I have no wish to prove myself to anyone," Mystique said.

"You forgot to turn back into a human form," Shine said, walking away.

Mystique realized that she was, indeed, blue.

A few people were shooting her strange looks, but then they shrugged and walked on.

"Weird body paint," she heard someone mutter.

California really was a whole other level of crazy, Mystique thought, changing back to her disguise huffily.

* * *

The worship was loud from stage, though not as many people in the congregation could be heard singing along, but this church was apparently what is known as a "charismatic church."

It was a bit to get used to. People flowed in spiritual gifts. The worship leader said they had a word from God halfway through a song.

The songs were much more modern also:

https://youtu.be/QsYyuK1w3q0

["You Are Holy (Prince of Peace)" -- Michael W. Smith]

https://youtu.be/YxWA_EnoIA8

["Liquid"-- Jars of Clay]

https://youtu.be/idQ1n3cdgfo

["Open the Eyes of My Heart"-- Michael W. Smith.]

The song they talked in the middle of was this one:

https://youtu.be/BjzNHrZyCOc

["See His Love"-- Kim Walker. All of these songs are anachronisms, but I thought they captured the California/charismatic vibe better.]

What they said actually was little weird, because it seemed oddly on point.

The leader was talking about how they felt like God was saying there were people there who were still not really sure this was for them, that maybe they were new to religion, maybe they felt like they didn't really belong here. Maybe they were scared. Maybe they walked in and felt like they were all alone in the world.

"God wants you to know that you're not alone, that He's right here, waiting for you, and all you have to do is turn to Him. He wants to take all that pain away and show you His love."

A lot of people said Amen and Hallelujah. They cheered it more than just echoed it. Some called, "Yes, Jesus!"

[I've gone to this sort of church my entire life. Trust me, you'd hear this every week probably.... Not saying it's not true--I've certainly had moments of feeling like it spoke to me directly, but if you're not familiar with Charismatic style, that's pretty much how it is. They focus a lot on Spiritual gifts, some say too much, but no one church has equal focus on everything, which is why I believe trying a few different denominations is actually a good idea, seeing what you need to grow in the most. If there's one thing I'm trying to show here, it's that every church is very different, and there is no real broad brush rule to how they act and practice the faith. The point is God, not the church. But enough soap boxing--back to the story.]

This was perhaps the weirdest experience for the X-men. It wasn't like anything they'd ever seen, even Kurt.

Shine and Wally seemed fine with it. They took their lead from them.

Shine did notice they looked a little uncomfortable, and she leaned over and said, "This is how they express their worship. Charismatic people believe that worship is more like an art: Everyone has a way of expressing it, dancing, singing, painting, all sorts of things. They try to allow for a lot more freedom in their worship. It can be weird at first, but once you get used to it, it's less pressure to look and act like everyone else, which, when you think about it, is a good thing. Letting go of our idea of what's normal is a big thing for them, and I've always thought there was wisdom in that. We shut out so much potential because it sounds like it would be too far out."

"I kind of like that," Morph offered meekly.

"I don't know if our kind of different is the kind they want," Logan muttered.

"I wouldn't carve a cross into the side of the wall," Shine said, "but if you want to stand, kneel, clap, shout, they're okay with all that. You could even lie on the floor, like that person is doing. We'll just step around you. We also believe that if God doesn't get in your way a little at times, you're probably stifling Him too much. It's a bit much to get used to, like I said. Used to scare me. But now that I'm older, I also appreciate the fearlessness of it. It's okay to worship quietly too, but some people want to be more expressive and can't be. That's how this whole movement really got going, I think. People were tired of it all being so refined and proper in church like in the last century."

"Wasn't there some revival that changed that?" Wally's church history was still weak.

"Hmm, two: The Azusa Street Revival, right here in California," Shine said, "and the Welsh revival, which happened just within a year or two of that. Totally changed the church in this country. Brought gifts and spiritual expression back into fashion. Until then, they'd been shoved into the realms of the occult, and people were afraid of it. People would be dipping into occult practices just to fulfill that hunger for something more, even people in the Church, allegedly, who thought it had nothing to do with the Church to do those things. How any of them can read any of the New Testament and get that idea, I can't imagine, but they did."

[Shine is describing a historical fact, I'm not making statements on how we have to worship again. I'm showing the differences of the faith--something not many people write about in fiction--not saying what is better or appropriate to do. I really don't want to turn this into a discussion about that. It kind of forgets the whole point, which is that there are a lot of differences within the Christian faith, and since I have characters from two different sides of it anyway, as Kurt is Catholic, and Shine and Wally are Protestant, it seemed like good idea to keep expounding on it. I know I'm waving a red flag in front of a bull by bringing up religion at all, but the X-men covered religion a lot, and I thought I should include it and do a good job.]

After worship was over--it took a while--the senior pastor, who's name was Don, came up and introduced himself and Billings, as before.

He wanted to pray over Billings first before they started, and some others joined in.

Then Billings gave his address, to lot of applause.

Afterwards, the church leaders wanted to prophecy over him and bless the outreach, and they called Shine and Wally up too.

They offered to the X-men, but none of them would go.

That was also weird to watch. The X-men couldn't hear all they said, but it sounded very metaphorical.

But Billings seemed encouraged, and Shine and Wally were smiling and nodding, like it meant a lot to them.

Some of the X-men wondered if it was true. Did God speak to these people? Or was it in their heads?

Gambit said it was. The whole thing seemed to unnerve him.

Rogue wasn't sure what she thought. She thought she'd liked the other churches better, but there was no arguing that the people here really thought God was close and personal to them. She sort of envied that.

Kurt said he wasn't sure he'd enjoy it the same as the others did, but he did like that they were unashamed to show their devotion. Kurt had something good to say about every church, whether he was comfortable there or not.

[And that's a rare quality, I must say, even among Christians.]

After a while, the service finally finished.

Mystique hadn't liked it one bit.... She'd felt like any second someone would point at her and call her out.

She got out as fast as she could.

"That was different," Logan said.

"I kind of like it," Storm said. "It was uncomfortable, but they were so happy. I envy their freedom."

"It takes a lot of people a while to get used to it," Shine said, as she put on sunglasses. "But you did great. Some people freak out."

"It was tempting," Morph joked...kind of.

"Well, it was long," Wally said. "I'm starving."

Suddenly, Scott's voice came over Storm's communicator.

"Storm, where are you? We arrived, and we found no one."

"Arrived?" Storm answered. "Scott, we're still at the campus. I think we're going to lunch. What are you talking about?"

"You called us saying that you had run into trouble," Scott said. "We came right away."

"But we made no such call..."

Storm looked at Mystique.

Who turned to give her an uncertain smile.

Rogue grabbed her by the front. "What did you do, Mystique!?"

Mystique reverted to her blue form at the shaking. "Rogue! I didn't have a choice."

"A choice? What you done now?" Rogue said. "Fess up, now."

"Shine, you must take us to Scott," Storm said.

"But is he even in trouble?" Shine was confused.

"Scott, is there any trouble?" Storm asked.

"I'm not sure. I found some wrecked cars, but no one.... Wait.... Oh...Professor!"

"Professor?" Storm said.

"It's Juggernaut," Scott said. "I have to go. Hurry up and get there. We need Jean to stop him."

"Oh...this is not good," Jean said. "Scott?" She pressed her communicator.

"I don't know why you left," Scott said, "but you could have at least let us know you were going to not be here."

"What? You told me I should go--" Jean stopped and looked at Mystique.

"Mystique," Scott said at the same time. "Nevermind, it's too late. Just hurry, I don't know how long the three of us can hold him off."

Shine eyes gleamed. "Something's wrong," she said. "I can't see them."

"What do you mean you can't see them?!" Morph cried.

"I mean I can't. Something is blocking me. This has happened before, but only with magic," Shine said. "Or another form of power has already taken up the space.... Juggernaut uses magic, doesn't he? Perhaps that's it."

"But his shouldn't be strong enough to stop you, it's just in his body," Wally said.

"Yeah, he shouldn't be able to, but how else can you explain it?" Shine asked.

"Would someone who is able to use some kind of portal tunnel perhaps explain it?" Mystique asked, not like she was worried about it.

"It might," Shine said. "Who can do that?"

Logan suddenly swore. "Sinister can. I remember. At least, he could once. Can he still?"

"I'd believe that madman could do anything," Storm said. "This is not good. We don't know where they are."

"I do," Mystique said.

"So tell us." Rogue shook her. "Before I lose my patience."

"If I tell you, you promise not to hurt me?" Mystique said.

"Promise not to hurt you?!" Gambit said. "You done sold us out."

"I had no choice. Sinister has my number," Mystique said. 

"Like, your phone number, or your number that means he owns you?" Wally said.

"Both, probably," Mystique said. "He knows where that house is. If I said no, he'd have killed me, and then all of you anyway. I did you a favor this way."

"You did yourself a favor," Rogue said. "Now tell us where they are."

"Just miles from here, on one of the beaches," Mystique said. "Lagoon or something."

"Laguna," Shine corrected, "which by car will take a long time to get to. By flight, it would be short--"

"I'm on my way." Rogue jumped into the air. "See y'all there."

"Rogue, that's not a good idea," Mystique called. "Sinister said--"

"Like I give a hoot what Sinister said!" Rogue said. "I'm goin' to save Cyclops and the Professor, and you'd better not be anywhere near it when I do!"

"Wait for us, Chere!" Gambit called.

"I can run us there," Wally said. "It's almost as fast as portalling. I'll just have to make a few trips. Don't go alone."

"I'll meet you there," Rogue said.

Shine had a feeling she was forgetting something.

"Rogue, I really think you should wait for us," she said.

"No can do." Rogue was gone.

"I'll go with her," Storm said. "You meet us there. Tell the pastor we're sorry." She took off.

"What's going on?" Mike asked.

"Emergency," Shine said. "We'll have to do lunch another time. You can handle it, I'm sure. We have to go."

"Of course. God be with you," Mike called.

"What about her?" Morph pointed at Mystique, who was trying to melt into the crowd.

Logan blocked her path. "You're not goin' anywhere."

"I vill vatch her," Kurt said. "You all need to help. I do not know if I can help. If they can interfere vith teleportation, I am useless."

"Fine, Preacher, but don't take it easy on 'er," Logan said. "Let's go, Speedy."

"It's Flash," Wally said.

He started taking them.

"This is what comes of mercy," Morph said to Shine.

Shine was pursing her lips, but she looked up. "It changes nothing," she said. "You were used twice, weren't you? Sinister is not an easy person to avoid. I can't blame her so much."

Mystique stared at her in disbelief.

Morph sighed. "Well, it's still wrong."

"Yes, it's wrong," Shine said. "But perhaps cooperation was wisest in this case. I can't imagine him killing her would have solved any of her problems. She would have been killed, and we wouldn't have known who killed her. This way we can plan. There is time to come up with something. Anything else we should know, Mystique?"

"Well...he didn't want Rogue around," Mystique said. "I suppose she can fight Juggernaut more effectively."

Shine suddenly flinched. "Oh no! That's what I forgot.... That would be a disaster! She can't do that."

"She can," Mystique said, not understanding. "She's quite capable of it. It doesn't matter what kind of power he has."

"No, Mystique, you don't understand," Shine said. "The last time Rogue tried to drain him, it almost made her mind snap just from a few seconds. If she does that again, in the state she's been in lately, I'm really not sure what it would do to her. Or to me." She was pale. "That's dark magic. Dark magic is abhorrent to me. I could get sick."

"Sick?" Morph said.

"But why?" Mystique was still puzzled.

"Opposing entities." Shine was cryptic. "Wally?"

Wally was there. "What?"

"Take me there now! I have to stop Rogue," Shine said. "Or it will take a miracle to stop what happens next."

"Oh, wow, I didn't realize this guy was that bad. Let's go." Wally was gone.

"Should we take a cab?" Morph asked the other two. They were the only ones left now, and he knew Wally would not bother coming back for him. He wouldn't be able to do much.

* * *

Wally got them to the area all right, but finding the fight was a little harder...partly because Juggernaut had kicked up so much sand he'd made personalized dunes. And he'd found a boat somewhere and thrown it at the X-men. Scott had cut it in half, but it didn't slow him down.

"Brother, I thought we had reached some form of peace!"  Xavier was trying to reason with him, while Hank was trying to keep him out of his reach.

"There is no peace!" Juggernaut seemed even more unhinged than usual.

He had his helmet on, so they couldn't reach his mind, and the two of them were not enough with the others to pry it off of him. They could barely dodge him.

Civilians had been running for a while, but some were dumb enough to take pictures. That was California.

But even they were running now. Juggernaut was too scary.