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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Locomotive Breath
Bishop’s statements:
“We’re back on the march to ward war. Three towns visited and four days gone when Scorch makes a discovery.”
Scorch notices that the train tracks they are walking on are made from metal, and laid along the ground. Bishop tries to scout ahead and believes the next town shouldn’t be far, and tells his team he would like to reach it before nightfall. He realizes that a fight with the Chronomancer will take all the allies they can find. Michael explains to Scorch that they are walking on train tracks. Scorch just calls the tracks painful, as do his toes! Jinx asks Scorch to stop being so dramatic. Bishop sees that the tracks look old, like everything else he has come across in this world. But he also sees how the tracks gleams in certain places, and that the dirt is level between the ties. He’s certain someone tends these tracks. But he agrees with Jinx: there’s nothing sinister about a pair of train tracks. He only wishes they had something to ride them on.
Bishop’s statements:
“We’ve been traveling for weeks following the discovery at the X-Men’s long-abandoned hideout. There we had found the mutant tracking computer known as Cerebro. And in reactivating it after many years lost, pinpointed the location of Trevor Fitzroy, aka the Chronomancer! Now we just have to get there if we have any hope of stopping him. In these past days, I have learned that Scorch can transform his body into living flame. Jinx can strafe like a ghost... she’s speedy, and always a split-second ahead of a watcher’s eye. Link can read minds, and Nom... Nom is simply strong.”
As Bishop speaks out his wish, a cracking sound of wheels is behind the group. Michael hears it and wonders what’s going on. A loud voice demands to know who tries to pass this place, as these tracks belong to him... Tull! The team turns themselves around and are amazed by the sight of a huge, grey-skinned and hooded creature standing in front of them. And the crazy thing is that Tull looks a lot like Nom.
Tull immediate notices that Nom is also a big one, and strong and tall like all giants are. Except, all the giants are gone, except for Nom... and now Tull himself, the giant creature adds. Tull sighs, and states that Nom sure is big... but not as big as he is. Tull laughs at that remark. Bishop excuses himself and the others, because they had no idea these tracks belonged to him. Tull says that, now, Bishop does know. Bishop adds that, if they had known earlier, they would have surely asked permission to cross them.
Bishop asks Tull if he has any means to travel across the tracks. Tull thinks Bishop wants a “chak-choo,” which also belongs to him. Tull mentions he might let Bishop use the transport, if he fixes it first. He asks the team to follow him. Scorch laughs at how stunned everyone looks, and Michael wonders if Tull has a train they can use. Tull says that they’ll find the chak-choo in the city up ahead, and leads the team there.
Bishop’s statements:
“We had believed our giant Nom to be unique. Even he considered himself to be the last of his kind. And in that, we shared a tragic kinship. The things I come across in this world never cease to amaze me...”
Tull tells the team they’ll have to fix the vehicle, and he’ll let them use it then. He also tells them not to be afraid of the bridge: it also belongs to him, but he’ll escort them across it. Michael asks Bishop if this means they’ll follow Tull. Scorch admits to Bishop he knows he may be a little cautious at times, but he doesn’t really trust Tull. He noticed the way he looked at Nom. Bishop only knows Tull said he’s got a train they can use. Besides, Bishop noticed that Nom looks more curious than worried. And so, the team crosses the bridge carefully. Wood cracks beneath their feet. Wind howls below. But they have a mission to perform, and no one said it would be easy.
While walking on the tracks, Link reads Tull’s mind and telepathically reports this to Jinx. Jinx mocks that she guesses there must be a lot of open space in Tull’s mind. Link has learned that the village looks normal enough. And Tull appears to be telling the truth about the train. Tull stops walking and tells the group to come back with the train, and promises to wait on this exact spot.
Michael finds a sign and asks what it means. Tull sighs, and tells Michael to keep up with his others friends, claiming it’s not safe for a little boy like him to be alone. Michael sarcastically says “right” and continues to walk away. Tull sighs again, and rests his arm on the sign, which reads, “none shall pass”
The team continues their walk. Link supposes that following the tracks is as good a way as any to locate this “chak-choo” Tull was talking about. Scorch agrees, if that means they don’t have to walk as much. He suggests they just find the train and get out of there. They reach the city, but it looks empty. Then, when Jinx looks behind them, she can’t see Tull anymore and wonders where he could have gone. Suddenly, someone starts throwing rocks on Nom, who tries to dodge them. A voice angrily shouts, “Oh God... there’s another one of them!” A man with a beard and a scar over his eye asks what Nom wants from them. The man refuses to deal with two giants now!
Bishop defends that they’re not there to fight, and that they only seek help. Bishop introduces himself and mentions that they’re looking for something the villagers have. The man with the beard introduces himself as Williams John. He claims the villagers haven’t selected a leader of any sort in a long time, but he supposes he fits the role. He then asks Bishop what he wants. Bishop explains to Williams that the giant at the bridge told them the town has a... vehicle that might help them in their travels. Bishop adds that they don’t have any money to pay for it, but are willing to barter for its use. The giant said the vehicle belonged to him.
Williams laughs at Bishop’s statement of “the giant at the bridge.” He shouts that, if the giant was smart enough to fix the vehicle by himself, he would. Instead, he sits beneath the bridge all day, preventing any of the villagers from leaving. Bishop now realizes that Tull was all too willing to let them enter the town. He suggests to Williams that they would like to help this town. And whether John helps them or not is up to him. Scorch remembers Bishop’s earlier statement about finding allies wherever they can find them. He thinks he knows what Bishop has in mind, but tells Nom he thinks it would be best he stays behind for a while. Scorch joins the group in making battle plans, and Nom is left alone at the back.
John guides Bishop and the others through the town. He reveals that Tull came over about a year ago. He saw no one was big enough to stop him, and set himself up underneath the bridge. He won’t let anyone pass without paying a price. When Bishop asks what sort of price, John replies he is talking about food and drinks. What little the town has left since Tull blocked their only means of exit or trade. The other settlements in the area aren’t much help. And John can’t say he can blame them, either. Bishop suggests that they should stand together, with a leader to unite everyone.
Hearing this, Scorch asks Bishop if he could speak with him privately. He reveals that, when they found Nom years ago, he was lost and alone. They knew nothing of his history. Yet they accepted Nom, even though he wasn’t one of them. Scorch would trust Nom with his life, but that doesn’t extend to others of Nom’s kind. Bishop understands. He promises to make this quick.
Bishop suggests to Williams that they will deal with Tull in exchange for help. He knows that sometimes the best way to deal with a bully is out-bully him. Bishop asks John what he’ll do afterwards. John doesn’t understand. Bishop explains to him they fought a bully of their own, one whose accompanying misery dwarves that which Tull makes the villagers feel. Bishop adds that he and his team fight the biggest of bullies. That bully’s name is the Chronomancer and, against him, they could use this town’s help. John and Bishop shake hands and John promises to listen to what Bishop has to say, but warns Bishop that the giant is a nasty one.
Elsewhere on the tracks, Tull grins.
Back at the town, John tells Bishop they’ve got other problems to deal with. They find a half-destroyed and dusty train, and Bishop jokes that really makes a “chak-choo.” Scorch also mocks that the train doesn’t look too comfortable. He wonders what Nom is up to.
Meanwhile, Nom has headed back to the tracks. He looks down and finds an opening in the caves below. He jumps off the tracks and enters the cave. There, he is shocked to find hieroglyphs of... more giants like him?! And the pictures are about giants lining up to honor their king, who sits on a throne like a pharaoh. Nom touches them gently with his hand, and wonders quietly. Tull appears behind them and reveals that, back in the day, there were many giants. And they were mighty. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case today. He thinks Nom sees now what he didn’t see before, and realizes Nom isn’t stupid.
Tull further reveals that, in the past, mighty Azeroch lead giants to glory, for many days and nights. That was before time caught up with the giants, and before they began to fade away from the world. Azeroch said he would come again in time of the giant’s greatest need. Tull angrily leaves the cave, thinking Azeroch is too late. Once the giant is gone, Nom stares at his hand... which has a tattoo of Azeroch painted on it!
Meanwhile, Bishop and the others have succeeded in restoring the train. Bishop brags that a little hard work and dedication go a long way. He suggests they continue north, and says that’s though faster than hoped, and quicker than expected. He whispers quietly that, “By the Maker, such an old engine never looked so futuristic”. Jinx has explored the train inside and reports it’s still musty there, but cleaned out what they could. Scorch compliments it’s quite the rediscovery. Jinx wonders if the train will work now. Michael has a look at the control wheel, and finds it cool.
Bishop and Scorch find some sediment lying around. He touches it and it looks like coal, which Bishop believes to be usable. But he wants the engine cleared, and tells Scorch he’s the only one who can give the engine what it needs. Scorch agrees to do it, because that means they won’t have to walk to the Chronomancer’s party. He throws some of his fire powers in the engine, and the train works again! Bishop now wants to see how difficult it is to save this city, and tells Scorch to go fetch Nom and to tell him it’s time to go.
Back on the bridge, Tull is still taking to Nom, who’s quietly staring in front of him. Tull reveals that giants come from Northlands, though nobody knows what happened to them. Tull only knows he is the last of the giants, at least he was before Nom got there. Tull thinks Nom believes Azeroch will come to restore the glory the giants once had. However,  until that day comes, Tull refuses that another giant will be out there.
He rips one of the metal tracks lose, and tries to hit Nom with it, shouting that Azeroch won’t save him! Nom luckily rolls into safety just in time without getting hit. Tull looks angry with Nom, asking Nom who he thinks he is, being so small and making friends with humans. He claims that Nom isn’t good enough to be the last giant. Tull hits Nom in the face, but he quickly recovers and tries to fight back. However Tull laughs at him and doesn’t believe Nom is strong enough to defeat him.
Nom beats Tull severely and blood sprays from his face. Tull believes that Nom will want to know more about the giants and will discover then that he doesn’t want to fight him. But, Tull still believes there can only be one “last giant” and wants himself to be that one. He gets back up and punches Nom off the bridge!
The cracking of the bridge can be heard even in the nearby down. Bishop realizes what must be going on and tells Jinx to get Michael out of there. Jinx jumps out of the train and tells Michael to follow her. However, he gets his shoe stuck between a handle, which gets the train moving! Michael falls out of the train and Jinx catches him in her arms. Michael warns Bishop and Scorch about the moving train, and Bishop believes this can only be a bad thing. Williams agrees.
On the battlefield, Nom managed to hold on against the remains of the bridge. However, Tull still wants to kill Nom and takes out a knife to do it. He thinks that Nom might be starting to like Azeroch, and Tull mocks that, maybe after Nom’s dead, he’ll paint pictures of him in his cave and might use Nom’s blood to draw them. Scorch arrives and hits Tull with his flames, warning him to get away from his friend. The train starts getting closer as well. Nom pulls himself back up and pushes Tull off the bridge in return. Tull begs Nom not to let him die, claiming he can tell him more things about the giants, claiming that there are still more giants out there, but are in hiding. Nom pulls Tull back up, but then Tull once again punches Nom off the bridge, and calls him stupid. The train moves closer and hits Tull in the back, causing him to fall of the bridge again, into the depths below. The train explodes on impact, and the explosion seems to have caught Tull as well.
Scorch believes that Nom must have fallen down as well and believes his friend to be dead. Bishop tries to tell Scorch this wasn’t his fault. But then, Nom’s hand can be seen trying to pull back up, and Bishop, Scorch and Jinx help their friend out. As they pull Nom up, Bishop wonders what Nom would say, if he were able to speak. They go back to the town, where Williams and the villagers can’t thank Bishop and the others enough. Their help inspired the villagers so much and see it as a wake-up call. John does warn Bishop that he faces incredible odds, and a threat which is worse than a thousand Tulls. Bishop corrects John that they face a threat to the entire world.
John promises that the villagers will follow Bishop, if he lets them. Bishop smiles that he wouldn’t have it any other way, though it looks like they’ll still have to walk. And so, everyone starts packing their things, and follow Bishop’s lead. At the back of the row, Nom again looks quietly at the tattoo of Azeroth on the palm of his hand, and ponders it.
Epilogue. At Fitzroy’s castle...
Fitzroy admits he has been meaning to do this for some time now, and is pleased his guest agreed to join him. He claims that the... inhabitants of this land have not yet seen fit to socialize with him. And so, his guest’s company is most welcome. Sitting behind a table, Fitzroy knows this has all been a bit... jarring for his guest. And he was hoping to melt the ice between them a bit. After all, her brother means so much for the both of them. And, Fitzroy claims, the only thing they’ve got left is each other. He stands up and tells his guest that the food is usually quite good, and he picks the wine personally. He tells his guest to relax and enjoy the meal.
At the end of the table, Shard quietly looks away from Fitzroy. Eventually, she says that she doesn’t eat. Fitzroy, calling Shard “little one,” replies he forgot about that. He knows that, technically, she is no longer alive. He knows people now call Shard a “photon-based” lifeform and finds that such a shame. He knows her flesh has died, and that Shard has been brought back as this ghost-like being. That means she can never again know the... complexities of taste. Or the pleasure of touch. Fitzroy does remember how Shard used to respond.
Shard begins to cry, begging Fitzroy to stop this. Fitzroy tells Shard she is so much more than flesh, and adds that she doesn’t even realize it. He wants to know what would make her happy, because he has the means to give it to her. He picks up a purple apple and creates a force field around it using just his hands. He orders the Chronotroopers to put her back in shackles. They try, but Shard’s hand phases through it. With the rest of her body still intact, Shard stares in disbelieve. Fitzroy concludes the dinner by suggesting that Shard thinks about what he said.


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Preludes: part 1: Gimme Shelter
The state of the future...
“Led by Bishop, the tiny band of mutant freedom fighters found the location of the legendary X-Men’s final stand. There, they uncovered the long-hidden mutant tracking computer known as Cerebro. After activating the device, Bishop discovered the secret location of Trevor Fitzroy, aka the Chronomancer. His own legend already beginning to spread, Bishop has since gathered his growing forces into a ragtag army. He has little to offer the people of this feudal, future world... save hope. They head toward Chronokeep, nestled deep in the mountain snow, where both Bishop and his followers hope to put an end to the Chronomancer’s evil... once, and for all. But while Bishop’s forces press into the mountains and on toward battle, Fitzroy sits in his keep... and waits.”
Chronokeep...
Fitzroy has gathered a host of people at his palace. He tells them he is glad they could come in such short notice. And he assures them it’s business most pressing that has called them there this day. He looks out of a window, and asks if any of his guests would like to watch the sunrise with him, as it’s quite something to behold from this view.
An impatient man demands to know the meaning of this. For months, they petition him with grievances and concerns of which he does nothing about. And now – today – he sends his automatons to roust them all from their sleep only to watch a sunrise?! The man thinks it must be Fitzroy who hears from them all today, for they have a problem... with Fitzroy himself, more specifically.
The man shouts that Fitzroy’s problem marches from town to town beneath the cover of night, rallying the people with talk of revolution and revolt. Fitzroy’s problem gathers a reputation and grows a legend as he marches on, with his own army. The man wants Fitzroy to understand this is a real problem, which has a name: Bishop! And the exact problem is that Bishop is heading this way. The man reveals to Fitzroy that Bishop calls on the people from the Kith-ravaged city of Dunduine, and they follow. He adds that Bishop’s people rise up from the west, leaving most of their possessions behind... and they follow! The story of the “M-Face” grows, and the people believe in him. They even chant Bishop’s name!
Fitzroy calmly tells the regent that he speaks loud. He wants to know if it was before or after he organized the lot of them into a profit-turning confederation that his voice grew so much. He asks the regent if it’s true his name is Kendrick. Fitzroy remembers that now. He remembers that Kendrick has a family: a wife and a son to carry on his name. And he also knows that Kendrick has property, as well as a title, and power over the people of his property. But he warns Kendrick to make no mistake, as he has nothing which Fitzroy doesn’t allow him to have. He demands that Kendrick addresses him as the Chronomancer.
Kendrick keeps shouting, telling Fitzroy it seemed he came out of nowhere. And yet they followed him because Fitzroy said he had a plan, but they still haven’t seen anything so far. Kendrick is beginning to think Fitzroy doesn’t share their best interests at heart. He’s beginning to think that he and Bishop are two of a kind... a kind which isn’t their own. Kendrick starts storming out, quietly calling Fitzroy ‘filthy mutant scum.” Fitzroy asks Kendrick to wait. He produces a huge smile on his face, wanting Kendrick to tell him how he really feels.
Elsewhere, in the snowy mountains up ahead…
Though it is cold, the sun still rises. The wind whistles through the peaks, cutting to the bone. It cries, “go back!” and yet, like fool madmen, Bishop and his team push forward. Some people say that they do not belong there. It’s a sentient, which grows every minute. The group takes a brief moment to rest.
A follower drops his shield, and tells his friend Menzies that he’s cold, and that his fingers are too numb to hold the shield anymore. They’ve been marching out here for weeks now. He misses his farm, and not to mention his family. Williams admits that he doesn’t like the Chronomancer. In fact, he hates him, but he doesn’t understand what difference they are making. He knows the Chronomancer has powers. He heard the stories. He knows the Chronomancer sucks the life from men’s bodies and then cackles as they fall to his feet like empty husks. He thinks that the Chronomancer is more than just a human being, and he hears that goes the same for those they follow.
Nom passes by, and the man stops talking. Menzies starts smoking, and tells his friend that the people they follow mean to free them. And besides, they came with them willingly, and recalls that his friend begged to join. He suggests his friend not to let the cold kill his need to be free, and asks him to shut up. The rest of the people have gathered around a stone, on which Jinx, Link, Scorch and Michael stand. Scorch has seen how restless the people are getting. He recalls that, until a few months ago, these folks would have killed them just for who they are, and now they’ve gathered them around... with weapons! Link reminds Scorch that they share a common enemy, meaning that these people won’t kill them. Scorch believes that their leader still has to win these people over, and Scorch thinks Bishop would do that if he would just come out of his tent. And Scorch also wonders, when the fighting begins and men begin dying, if they’ll truly have brought friends at their side.
Jinx suggests that they ask the world from these people, and thinks they have every reason to feel beaten before the fighting even begins. She’s certain that Bishop will bring them together, and wants to go get him. Michael suggests that he’ll go instead.
Sitting in his tent, Bishop believes that he has pushed his people too hard. He realizes they are waiting for him in the snow with questions and hope. He thinks he has an answer... or at least prays he does. Bishop says that they don’t belong here, so close to Fitzroy’s keep. And yet, it’s exactly why they are here. Michael enters Bishop’s tent, apologizing for disturbing, but explains to him about the restless people. Bishop understands, and comes out of the tent. He realizes he’s got good men at his side, and that he kept them waiting for too long.
At the dungeons of Chronokeep...
Shard, sitting all alone and holding a blanket over her body, is thinking to herself. She can hear “them” outside the door... meaning Fitzroy’s Chronotroopers. And she knows they’re coming for her. She remembers that Fitzroy brought her there, falsely believing it was right after she lost her brother, Bishop. She saw everything that mattered to her being taken away. Now, Fitzroy keeps Shard in his tower, frozen in time, which is his to command. Shard admits she loved Fitzroy once, and heard him saying that he loves her again now. Shard hears the steps getting closer...
An exhausted Bantam enters Shard’s cell, saying that there’s little time. He introduces himself to her, adding that Fitzroy would kill him if he knew he was here. He has come to get Shard out of here. Shard crawls away from him, looking uncertain. Bantam tells Shard he knows what Fitzroy has done to her, but again reminds her there is very little time: they must find Bishop! Shard doesn’t understand. Bantam takes a look outside, telling Shard they must find her brother. Bantam is aware that Bishop is out there somewhere, and Fitzroy knows it too.
Chronotroopers arrive outside. Bantam tries to roll away from them, begging Shard to listen to him. He promises he’s telling the truth about Bishop being alive, and that she must find him, as it’s the only way to stop Fitzroy! A Chronotrooper grabs Bantam and throws him against a wall, knocking the small, yellow-skinned mutant out. Another Chronotrooper quickly closes Shard’s cell door again, with her wondering if Bishop really could be alive.
Nearby...
Bishop stands on a rock and calls out to his people. He announces it’s good to see so many well-dressed citizens here today. He’s glad so many of them accepted the invitation to this gathering. But, Bishop realizes he should warn them it isn’t a celebration they’ve been invited to. Their “host” is waiting for such insolent people like them, people that would stand up to him and demand their freedom back. Bishop warns the group that many of them won’t return from this campaign, and that only a few will leave unscathed. Everyone stares silently at him.
Bishop continues to say that he looks at them all with pride. He feels it. It almost melts the mountain of snow they stand upon. He congratulates them all for being proud men, men who know they have a right to more than scraps from some dictator’s table. And men who realize that the most precious things in life are definitely worth fighting for. Bishop would bleed to his last drop to stop the Chronomancer. He will march with everyone with pride. He will fight proudly with them. And, Bishop asks the citizens “will you bleed with me?” Everyone loudly cheers.
Standing among the crowd, Jinx, Nom, Scorch and Link smile, with Jinx whispering to Scorch she knew they brought plenty of friends for this. Bishop tends his attention to Michael, who is thrilled by the speech. He’s glad they all look up to Bishop. Bishop asks Michael what he’s wearing. Michael says he just found a brown cape and thought he should be wearing something other than those ripped clothes of his. Bishop wasn’t talking about the clothes: he was talking about the new black “X” mark over Michael’s eyes! Bishop angrily tells Michael that he’s his responsibility, and that the mark will only make him a target. This isn’t a game! Michael angrily replies back that he knows that, and runs away, leaving Bishop behind, and ashamed.
Meanwhile, back at Chronokeep...
Bantam has escaped the Chronotroopers and walks down some stairs. He’s freaked out, quietly whispering that Fitzroy will surely kill him now. He has to get away, but this keep is so big and he doesn’t know where he’s going. He hears the footsteps of more Chronotroopers nearby, and decides to check it out. Bantam looks behind a corner, only to find a room filled with child-slaves! What madness is this...?
One of the slaves asks his friend Gwee if he has seen their other friend, Choff anywhere, as he sure hasn’t. Continuing with his repair work, Gwee tells Roosus to keep quiet, as he will get them into trouble. A Chronotrooper overhears the two, and gives Gwee a hard whipslash on his back! Rooses tries to stand up for his friend, telling the trooper he didn’t do anything wrong and that he was just working like told. Gwee gets up, telling Roosus not to bother as he doesn’t think the troopers even heard him scream. Bantam keeps staring at the weird looking kids and wonders what kind of creatures they are. Suddenly, another, green-skinned slave tries to grab Bantam’s foot. Bantam panics and tries to free himself.
Outside the castle...
Michael keeps running away, and cries. He didn’t ask for any of this, and surely didn’t ask to get taken away from his home. He knows Bishop tends to forget he’s not the only one stuck here. Michael now thinks it’s fine that Bishop doesn’t want him around, and claims he won’t be. But then, a dark creature starts to growl. Michael panics. He takes out his bow, but is too frightened to do anything more. The creature growls again, and a frightened Michael calls out to Bishop.
Bishop hears it and runs after the boy. Michael runs into Bishop’s arms, claiming the creature was ten feet tall. Bishop tries to calm the boy down, remembering it was his own fault Michael was brought to this time. He knows Michael has seen so much death and devastation since that day, and that yet, through it all, the boy only seeks to impress him, trying to get his attention. Bishop sometimes forgets that Michael is just a child. Bishop asks Michael what’s ten feet tall exactly. Michael claims that “it” was in the snow, and that it was “like the snow.”
Out of nowhere, an avalanche of snow falls down the mountains! Men cry out, then suddenly stop – their screams choked quiet by a ton of soft powder. Bones break. But Bishop is certain the same won’t count for everyone’s determination. Neither men nor nature will stop his team, because they are too close now. Bishop grabs Michael tight, promising to protect him. But the snow gets ticker and spreads itself out. Nom tries to protect his friends by covering them with his huge body, but Bishop and Michael are too far away already. Michael apologizes to Bishop about earlier, and he does the same. He asks Michael to take a deep breath, to close his eyes, and be as brave as he can be. More snow appears, and throws itself on everyone of the group, and then falls off the mountain!
Chronokeep...
Fitzroy’s energy fills the room, and his target is none other than... regent Kendrick! Kendrick sits against a wall, telling Fitzroy he can’t do this. Fitzroy, with eyes filled with evil, claims it is already done. He reveals he gathered Kendrick and the others there today for a demonstration. He also mentions that his powers have developed so... nicely since his arrival in this time, and he no longer needs the likes of Kendrick. He has other things in mind. He tries to grab Kendrick, who cries at Fitzroy that the plan is unthinkable, and that it’s their world he’s messing with! Fitzroy corrects Kendrick that it’s his future they are talking about. Fitzroy absorbs Kendrick’s energy, with the poor man being the final target, as everyone else of Fitzroy’s former visitors have already been killed...
Beneath the snow...
Bishop waits beneath the snow. He suddenly sees a bright light and... it’s Scorch using his flame powers to dig everyone out! All around Scorch, men pluck themselves out of the snow. Some are broken; some are lost, while others lie trapped and waiting. The snow is cold, but the avalanche’s friction was enormous. Bishop gathers the energy close around him, and by re-channeling it, makes his own exit! Bishop crawls himself and Michael out of the snow, angrily stating that they can’t wait any longer.
Once out, Bishop immediately asks Jinx about their losses. Jinx reports that they are still digging people out, but the damage doesn’t appear to be too bad. She helps Bishop up and wonders how he survived. An exhausted Bishop explains that the friction beneath the sliding snow was enormous. Though, and Jinx can believe him, the impact was even greater. He asks Michael to stay where he can see him. Michael touches his “X”-mark over his face, and promises to do that. Scorch panics, as he can’t find Nom anywhere! He tells people around him to help him look, as there are still others beneath the snow. Scorch swears he’ll turn this mountain inside out to find Nom.
Bishop asks Scorch to come at his side, as it seems... they have company. Everyone looks at the mysterious newcomers. Bishop quietly tells himself that even though he and his team don’t belong here, it would seem somebody does!
Later that night...
Nom digs himself out of the snow. He looks around, but can’t find anyone. He looks at the tattoo of Azeroch on the palm of his hand, and starts taking off...


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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
Preludes: part 2: Can’t You Hear Me Knockin’?
The state of the future...
The march to war had turned ugly. Bishop had gathered his forces of both men and mutants alike and led them into the mountains, on toward Chronokeep and the Chronomancer, aka Trevor Fitzroy. Once gathered, however, the refugee army proved little match for the mountain winter as an avalanche of rock and snow struck from above. Most survived, unscathed. But the giant, Nom, was lost in the landslide. Plucking himself from the aftermath, Bishop looked up to realize the treacherous mountains were hardly uninhabited... and that there were far more mutants in this strange future than he had previously thought. Outcasts among outcasts, they call themselves now as they always have. They are... the Morlocks!
One of the newly arrived Morlocks asks Bishop if he seeks to go through the mountains. But instead, it looks like the mountains went through Bishop first! The stranger claims that these are the Morlock Mountains, and neither of them thinks they want Bishop there. Bishop tells the ancient Morlock that he’ll have to excuse his lack of social grace, but they have lost several of their own today. They indeed wish to go through these mountains quickly and without interference! And they are not without powers to back up his words, Bishop can assure the Morlocks that.
The ancient Morlocks with a blindfold covering both his eyes continues to mock Bishop, thinking these mountains aren’t good enough for him. Or, maybe the Morlocks believes, it’s just that “special-ones” like Bishop and his other friends got too many humans following behind them that need to be impressed. He proclaims that a man without eyes can see lots of things if he looks hard enough. A man like himself can see everything. The future has told the Morlock someone great his heading this way, someone to deliver Morlocks from bondage. Someone blessed by the great ‘Oro.’ Someone to help save this world, and set things right. The Morlocks asks Bishop if they are to believe he is that person.
A small-looking Morlock tells his leader, Seer, to stop wasting time with these “losers.” He thinks that if they are mutants, they’re an embarrassment to their kind. He, Thumper, wants to do what he does best! Scorch powers up, wanting to wipe that smile of Thumper’s face! Bishop tries to calm Scorch down, wanting to handle things himself. Bishop knows the Seer knows who and what they are. And Bishop is aware that the Morlocks and the X-Men have long called themselves as allies. He wonders how great a student the Seer is of history. The Seer proclaims that what’s past is past. It’s the future which is his concern. He allows Thumper to begin the battle, and to make the Morlocks proud as always. Bishop states that they do not wish to fight the Morlocks, but Thumper doesn’t care and delivers the first strike!
Thumper wants to tell Bishop something about the Morlocks: nobody tells them what to do, especially not on their own turf! Jinx wants to protect Bishop, but he asks her to stay back. Jinx wonders if Thumper’s little bones will break the same way as the big ones do. As Jinx wants to find that out, music starts playing, and Jinx gets hypnotized by it. Wh... What’s happening?! Link and everyone else are also annoyed by the music and, though her telepathic powers can protect herself, she isn’t strong enough to do the same for the others. Seer warns Note to take it easy, but she can show these folks the most beautiful song she can sing. Note takes off her hood, revealing her half-scarred face, and continues singing. Thumper knocks Bishop down and sarcastically asks if he likes the song. He reveals that Note can hypnotize everyone with just a whistle. Thumper jokes that he can’t even hum a tune, but he still does what he does best.
Upon hearing those words, Bishop tells Thumper that he reminds him of a friend of his, though that guy never talked as much as Thumper does. Bishop grabs Thumper’s clothes and throws him on the ground, proclaiming that his friend truly was the best at what he does! Bishop confronts Seer, determined to show him what the future will bring. He threatens Seer to release his people, or else, he swears, no songs or spells will stop him! Tracker jumps on Bishop’s back, holding him down, and smiles that he saw there are so many pretty people there with so many pretty things. And for passing the Morlock Tunnels, they will have a to pay a toll.
Tracker mocks that those who don’t stick with their own kind will even have to pay double! Bishop outmaneuvers Tracker and grabs him by the throat, warning him to stay away from his things, people, and to be grateful he lets him walk away alive. Bishop sees Tracker looking at something and wants to know what it is. The Morlocks think Bishop may be the answer to their prayers after all, as they just found the tiara Bishop got from Storm earlier, and his X-belt. The Morlocks recognize the tiara as it comes from, according to them, “Oro- the Rider of the Wind.”
Chronokeep...
Fitzroy proclaims to his Chronotroopers that he built them all from nothing – and he can just as return them all to nothing. So they’ll have to obey their master, the Chronomancer, aka the Lord of Time, and soon so much more! Fitzroy orders the Chronotroopers to scour the entire keep, as he wants Bantam found! Once the Chronotroopers are gone, Fitzroy swears he’ll peel Bantam’s skin slowly for his betrayal. But he first wants to see how much damage Bantam has done, and see how much of that he can use to his advantage.
At her cell, the exhausted and disoriented Shard can’t help but think about her brother, Bishop. Fitzroy enters her cell, telling her not to worry as he has come to deliver and save her. Shard gets up, at first thinking she’s seeing Bishop, but gets furious when she realizes it’s only Fitzroy. She grabs him by the throat and Fitzroy tries to calm her down. She phases through Fitzroy and tries to get out of her cell, determined to find Bishop. However, her escape gets blocked by a teleportation portal of Fitzroy, who explains to Shard that her power to phase through him is only substantial. He steps through the portal, which closes behind him. Fitzroy further explains to Shard that they both know his power eclipses Shard’s, and that her ear belongs to him as much as anything. So, just this once, Fitzroy begs Shard to listen to him.
Shard begs Fitzroy to stay away from her. She tries to fire a blast at him, but he easily absorbs it. Shard wants to know how Fitzroy can do that and begs him to stop, as she can’t take this anymore. Fitzroy grins that time is his servant. Here at the castle, time stands still for the both of them. And he sees that as a good thing, for they have work to do! Shard accepts Fitzroy’s hand, who helps her up and asks Fitzroy what he means by that. Fitzroy knows that Shard has been through so much this past year. He fears his efforts to keep Shard safe may have driven her further away from him. But things will change now. He hugs Shard, admitting to her that her brother Bishop is alive, and that he’s coming there. He’s confident that Shard knows in her heart that Bishop is coming there – and Fitzroy needs her help to prepare for Bishop’s arrival. He again says he knows she has been through so much, but she needs to go through just a little more... for him. Shard says Bishop’s name. Fitzroy smiles, telling Shard that she must trust him, though he knows he surely doesn’t deserve it, in a world that would kill them for what they are, claiming that they only have each other now!
The Morlock Mountains...
The way through the Morlock Mountains is cold and fraught with peril. But now, Bishop and his people have guides. And, Bishop states to himself, if he is wise enough, and if he says and does the right things, they will take allies with them when they leave this place.
Bishop and his team are resting inside a mountain with the Morlocks. Bishop is awed by the Seer’s sense of history, but reminds him that the rest of his people are still outside shivering in the snow. They’ve lost the most irreplaceable of friends in the avalanche, one Bishop is sure wasn’t natural in origin. Bishop stands before a wall, which has a huge drawing of Storm’s tiara carved in it. He explains to the Seer that he and his people seek safe passage through these mountains, and will take it if they must. They have little time for ghosts today. Seer tells Bishop that he has been blessed by Oro. Bishop smiles that there were other syllables in Storm’s name when he knew her. Seer claims the same goes the better times for both the X-Men and the Morlocks once led. But the Morlocks’ deliverance had been foreseen, and now the spirit of Oro has returned to them. Seer reveals that the coming of the liberator has been told, and he believes the liberator to be part of Bishop’s group, though the Seer’s children aren’t so sure.
Everyone gathers around like the closest of tribes, as though living together in the darkness has made them tighter than family. The future has forgotten the Morlocks, yet after all this time, they still exist. They were not and shall not be wiped from this world. And in a war that might come down to the last man standing, the Morlocks would make the greatest of allies.
Bishop proclaims it has always been the X-Men’s goal to unite... ultimately, mutants with the outside world, but firstly, mutants with themselves. Mutants must be united in the fight against the Chronomancer. In that case, the Seer suggests that Bishop listens to what he’ll tell him. In the tragedy of the Morlocks, Seer hopes Bishop finds his way. The Chronotroopers took the weak Morlocks out first, coming out of the darkness the Morlocks thought belonged to them. They thought they knew where all the tunnels led. They were wrong. Some Morlocks tried to hide from the troopers, but were still found and killed. The Morlocks had lived in the dark for so long, and all they wanted was to be left alone. What they got was anything but. Seer says that the tunnels they are in now lead under the mountains, as well as the walls of the Chronomancer. He promises Bishop to help him infiltrate Fitzroy’s castle, and though there’s much they don’t know about the place, there is one who can tell him more. That person arrived in the tunnels shortly before Bishop did.
Elsewhere in the tunnels, Bantam hides. He hears someone coming and asks who it is, as he can’t see in the dark. He recognizes the silhouette: it’s Bishop! Bantam gets scared and tries to run away, but Bishop grabs him by his clothes and throws Bantam against a wall. Bishop shouts at Bantam that he’s got a lot of blood to atone for. Bantam tries to tell Bishop he doesn’t understand, as he tried to find him. Bishop lifts Bantam up in the air, with the tiny mutant explaining Fitzroy would kill him if he knew what he did. He tells Bishop that Fitzroy is mad and that he needs to stop him. Bantam thinks Bishop really doesn’t understand the situation, and reveals to him that Fitzroy has his sister.
Michael interrupts and warns Bishop that they’ve got company! The Chronotroopers have arrived in the mountains! Thumper wants to fight them, but Seer holds him back, as this too he has foreseen. He tells the Morlocks to let the Chronotroopers pass. When Tracker doesn’t understand, Seer tells Tracker to listen to him, as the troopers didn’t come for them... not today. Scorch tells Seer that’s easy for him to say, because it’s not his people the Chronotroopers are after!
The Chronotroopers soon find Bishop, Michael and Bantam. Bantam tells Bishop he can’t go back to Fitzroy. Bishop isn’t sure it’s Bantam the troopers want, though he has a theory to test. He shouts at the troopers they know who he is and how to hurt him. He’s aware the troopers know that the projectiles they fire from their staves do damage! He tells them not to just stand there and tick like clocks. Bishop jumps towards the Chronotroopers and starts fighting them. The troopers’ energy arcs to him. Bishop makes the power his. The troopers stab at him with white fire. Bishop shouts at the troopers to do it again. The troopers do as told, like good little soldiers. And then, Bishop is ready to pay the Chronotroopers back in kind. Having absorbed lots of energy now, Bishop unleashes it and destroys them all.
Exhausted, Bishop tends to the leftover body parts of the Chronotroopers. He states that they chase him across time at Fitzroy’s bidding. The troopers hunt and murder those closest to him, but they won’t hurt him much longer. He demands to know why. Bantam helps Bishop up, explaining it’s because Fitzroy wants Bishop to come to him. Fitzroy wants Bishop strong and angry. And, Fitzroy wants Bishop at his best. Bishop goes back to the rest of his team, promising that Fitzroy will exactly that, and more.
Bishop and the others continue to make plans in the darkness. There will be war, as expected, though the plans have changed. Seer tells Bishop he sees the future, though as a twisted vision. He sees downfall as well as triumph in the players’ fate. Though he can’t say for who the victory will be. Bishop knows from experience how twisted futures can be. He’s not afraid to die. Seer mentions there are downfalls worse than death, and he wants Bishop to be ware of those. Bishop tells the Seer he will free his people, and that they will carry Fitzroy’s body back with them... or his.
Bishop orders Scorch and Jinx to lead the army. They’ll have to march straight over the snow, settle in and wait for his signal. Bishop’s confident Fitzroy will know they’ll be there, but is okay with that. Bishop wants Link to come with him. They’ll head through the Morlock tunnels and beneath the gates of the keep. They shall have more than appropriate guidance, both under the keep as well as inside it.
Tracker grins that Bantam will stay with him, and touches his head. Bantam, disgusted, shouts at Tracker to get away from him. Link thinks they’ll need to hide in plain sight, and promises to work on her telepathy and do her best. Michael says he wants to go with Bishop as well, and promises he isn’t afraid. Bishop sits on his knees and touches Michael’s shoulders. He tells the boy he has chased after Fitzroy for what feels like an eternity now. He has seen Fitzroy suck the live out of children without hesitation, and without pity. He apologizes to Michael, but he must stay behind. Bishop, Jinx, Link and Scorch go outside, and Bishop promises Michael they’ll see each other again.
Once Bishop is gone, Seer agrees that Bishop and Michael will see each other again, but wonders if that will be a good thing. He tells Michael he sees much. It’s his curse as much as his blessing. He can tell Michael this much: every man suffers downfalls in live. They can only hope that wisdom follows greatness. He hopes that counts for both Bishop and Michael. Michael cries a bit, and wonders what that means.
Later that night...
Scorch is using his powers to make a campfire, and is joined by Jinx. Neither notice that Michael is eavesdropping on them, hiding behind a tree. Jinx asks Scorch if he has seen Michael anywhere. Scorch hasn’t, and thinks Michael is sleeping, as tomorrow will be a big day. Jinx is concerned as she hasn’t seen Michael since they left the caves. And they’ve already lost one member of their group. Upon hearing that, Michael runs away. Scorch tells Jinx she doesn’t need to remind him about their loss. Nom will be mourned when they have the chance. They’ll search for the boy but, first, Scorch wants to send out a sign. He speeches to let their friends be heartened, and to let their enemies shutter. He has learned a lot from Bishop, and now wants to make their presence known.
Inside Chronokeep...
Fitzroy looks outside a window. Shard approaches him and reminds Fitzroy he said Bishop was coming, and wants to know if it’s time. Fitzroy tells his little one to be quiet, as he thinks others will come for them as well. Others, with hatreds and older solutions. He asks Shard to stay back and to let him keep her safe. Shard takes a confused look on her face. The Chronomancer grins, wanting to show Bishop and his friends how powerful he truly is!
Outside...
Scorch’s sign has been completed, and his flames have carved a red “X” sign in the snow, with the meaning of declaring war on Fitzroy...


[User]
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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
1st story: The Chronowar: Act 1: Helter Skelter
2nd story: A Tale Of Nom, The Giant: They Might Be Giants
1st story:
The state of the future...
Trevor Fitzroy had come to this time period with one apparent mission: to rule. However, he was soon followed from the past by Bishop, his old enemy who sought to renew their chase and finally end their longtime dispute. Finding himself to be a legend in an era without hope or X-Men, Bishop banded together both mutants and humans into an army that would march against Fitzroy’s Chronokeep and attempt the Chronomancer’s rule. Seeking a way beneath the gates of the keep, Bishop befriended the mutant outcasts called the Morlocks, who led him through the tunnels and into Fitzroy’s fortress. Bishop comes for two things: to end Fitzroy’s hold over this defenseless land, and to rescue his sister Shard, who has become Fitzroy’s prisoner. What Bishop never suspected, however, was that Shard might come to sympathize with Fitzroy. Nor would he believe that, together, they might even mean his downfall.
Outside Chronokeep...
Bishop’s army storms towards the castle, ready for battle.
Inside Chronokeep...
Shard, wearing a pink dress with an “X” symbol attached on it, stares outside the window. She feels it’s cold outside. Or at least, she assumes it is. It’s hard for her to remember how the cold feels, sometimes. Shard recalls she died once before, but was brought back to life... with all the needs and frailties of flesh and blood, yet none of the means to employ them. The entire keep is cold. But it’s Fitzroy’s keep, so she shouldn’t be surprised. The siege outside has been going on for a few days now. She’s certain it’s Bishop’s forces who have come for Fitzroy. But, Shard wonders, have those forces come for her as well?
Fitzroy approaches Shard, asking her to get away from the window, as windows can be dangerous at times like these. He doesn’t want her exposed. He explains they have much to do today, and confirms that Bishop is coming. And they must be ready to... great him. Shard doesn’t believe Fitzroy. She saw that the forces fly a flag with an “X” marked on it. An “X” mark just like the one on her clothes. Fitzroy asks Shard to look at the people outside. They are angry people not like her! It’s true that she is a mutant, just like he and Bishop are, but Fitzroy claims that those people are not here to save her. They are here to hurt him, to hunt him and others like him and those he keeps safe behind these walls.
Shard reminds Fitzroy that he promised he would take them away from there. Fitzroy claims he should never have brought his little one to this place, and promises Shard he’ll take her away now. But first, he has something to show her: a gift... to prove his sincerity. He explains that time and space are like fabrics. It’s easily manipulated if one can see the weave. And the stitches are quite visible to him. Fitzroy uses his powers to open a portal in front of him. Standing in front of it, he reveals he once believed he was at the mercy of time, like all men. And though his powers let him travel through it, Fitzroy could never quite control just where the portals would take him.
He asks Shard to imagine how... surprised he was to learn he wasn’t a slave to time. That instant, time became Fitzroy’s servant. He was thrilled that time flowed through him, rather than around him. And that his flesh... was only a shell. That it was a shell he could shed, given time. Fitzroy touches the portal with his fingers, reminding Shard she knows he has always been an ambitious man. Shard denies that. She knows Fitzroy needs the life-force of others to sustain his powers. Fitzroy pretends that he knows he has done so many... terrible things. He admits he knows that. He only hopes that, in time, he can prove how much he has changed. He begs Shard to let him give her what he knows she desires more than anything. He claims he possesses that ability.
Shard has doubts about it. Fitzroy reminds Shard that the choice is hers. He cannot make it for her. He is done with manipulating. He presents to her the choice, and will understand it, either way. Shard touches the portal, and thinks. What she desires... more than anything? She notices it’s cold in here... so cold. Fitzroy takes an evil grin on his face as he sees Shard touching his portal.
Elsewhere in a dark place of the castle...
Bantam, holding a torch in his hands to lighten up the place, says with a soft voice the darkness looks the same to him. He suggests they turn back. Tracker jokes that perhaps they should leave Bantam behind in the dark. Maybe then he would learn how different certain parts of the dark can be. Bishop shouts at Bantam and Tracker that’s enough! He asks Link to silence the two if they bicker again. Link will be glad to. Link telepathically enters Bantam’s mind, threatening that he has whined for the last time, and that perhaps a private conversation is called for. Bantam has had enough of the head-speaking and begs for it to stop. Bishop has made a plan, and asks everyone to listen, reminding them all they have very little time.
Bishop states that the keep is well guarded. Their forces could crash the walls all day and not make much of a difference. But if they can open the gates, and get their army inside with as little resistance as possible, then they’ll have at least a sliver of hope. And that’s where Bantam and Tracker come in. Bantam doesn’t like the sound of that. Tracker claims he could do it all by himself. Bishop further explains that Scorch and Jinx will lead the army’s charge outside. They’ll storm the gates when the moment is right. He orders Bantam and Tracker to make that moment happen. They will open the gates. And then they will give the signal: an “X”-marked flag.
Link asks Bishop what they will do. Bishop asks her to be quiet, and places his hand on Bantam’s torch, putting it out. The room gets dark again. Bishop concludes that today they’ll come back as heroes, or they’ll come back dead. He tells Link that she’ll be with him. And Fitzroy will be his! Bishop stops talking, as he can hear the Chronotroopers marching right above them.
Outside the keep...
Jinx is sitting on a rock, with an army sitting behind her. Scorch approaches her, explaining that the men are ready. At least, as ready as they’ll ever be. All they wait for now is Bishop’s signal. Jinx tells Scorch he makes it sound so easy. Scorch mentions he has send out a search party. Men of fine ability are combing the woods for Michael. It’s all they can do. Jinx is disappointed, as Bishop left Michael in their care. She feels like she waited for this moment her entire life. Now she has the chance to rise, to make the difference she only dreamed she’d ever have the chance to make. She only wants to do the X-Men proud. Their legacy. Scorch realizes Jinx wants to do Bishop proud. She doesn’t answer, but the look on her face indicates that’s true.
Elsewhere...
Michael has ran into some dark tunnels and calls out to Bishop. Not gaining a response, Michael admits to himself he doesn’t know what he was thinking, rushing into these tunnels after Bishop. It’s not like he can see in the dark, and now he’s lost! He thinks he’s so stupid. Michael trips and, when he gets up, he sees that he has just found a room filled where the slave children are building more Chronotroopers! Michael panics, and thinks he better goes to find Bishop to warn him about this place. He’s glad that the guarding Chronotroopers haven’t seen him. But then, two Chronotroopers appear behind Michael. Thinking the boy to be one of the Morlocks, they start whipping him! Michael tries to explain he isn’t a Morlock, but the troopers don’t listen and continue their beating.
Below, the kids hear Michael’s screams. One of the slaves, Roosus, asks Pendies who he thinks it is. Pendies thinks it’s just another one of their poor brothers getting beat. He thinks they can only pray for him, and hope Oro keeps them safe.
Somewhere else at the keep...
Tracker and Bantam are hesitant to make their next move. Tracker thinks that Bantam should go first, and hopes that Oro will go with him. Bantam doesn’t think this is right. The walls are being patrolled, but just barely. The courtyard seems as quiet as a crypt. And Bantam thinks there’s something odd with the floor. There are circles carved into it, and the floor doesn’t look the same to Bantam from when he was there. Tracker thinks the floor is the least of their worries. They find a flagpole. Tracker climbs on it, wanting to raise the flag and reminds Bantam that he’s got the gates to attend to.
Bantam rushes to the lever to open the gates. He whispers that it has to be now if the forces are going to receive the signal and crash the gates. He’s certain that Fitzroy would murder him slowly if he found out he was here. Bantam’s determined to open the gates, and wants to help bring Fitzroy down. He starts pulling the lever when, suddenly, a portal opens behind him! Bantam freaks out.
Outside...
Jinx, Scorch and their army stand before the gates. Scorch informs Jinx that the men are ready, which Jinx replies counts for her as well. Scorch wants to tell Jinx some things, in case this battle doesn’t go as planned. Jinx uses some black paint to carve an X-mark over her face, and tells Scorch all she has ever lived for comes together now. He’ll either have to keep up with her... or stay away! The army notices the flag, and proudly declare that the war has begun! They storm the gates open.
Inside the castle, Link can’t handle the strain of her powers anymore. That means she can’t hide herself and Bishop anymore from the Chronotrooper’s sight, and they become visible again. They walk on some stairs, and Bishop promises Link that, after this fight when they come back, he’ll train her somehow. God knows she deserves it. He wonders how the others are doing. Link can hear the sounds of the battle outside, meaning that the attack must have been launched. She asks Bishop where he is going, as she thought they were heading for the throne room. Bishop declares that first things come first. He promises they’ll deal with Fitzroy. But Fitzroy holds his sister captive, and Bishop wants to rescue her first. Link looks doubtful at Bishop.
In her cell, Shard is shivering. She hears the door opening, and thinks it’s her beloved Fitzroy. She tells him she’s ready to... Shard stops talking there, and recognizes Bishop. Bishop tends to his disoriented sister, telling her he’ll get her out of here. Shard is glad to see Bishop again, but is surprised he came alone. In that case, Shard mentions, they have to hurry. She starts running outside. Bishop asks Shard what she’s doing. Shard informs Bishop Fitzroy said he was coming for her, but they have to hurry, as Fitzroy is waiting for them.
They walk down the stairs, and Shard admits to herself that this freedom is a whole new feeling for her. The chill on her skin feels different. Suddenly, Shard collapses! Bishop asks Shard what’s wrong with her, and she can only respond that Fitzroy is coming for them.
Outside, the battle between the Chronotroopers and the refugee army continues. Scorch and Jinx fight side-by-side. Scorch can’t help but feel that this is all wrong. Jinx agrees: Fitzroy’s guard is light, and wonders why. She thinks they must have been expecting them. That doesn’t make much sense to Scorch, because, if that were true, more guardians should have been present. They go deeper inside the castle, and find a half-dead Bantam lying on the ground! When Jinx asks Bantam what happened, almost without breath Bantam warns the army to go back.
Suddenly, the gates close, and Jinx, Scorch and the army are cut off from outside! Jinx and Scorch hear something. They are standing in a circle, and some panels of it turn around, revealing more Chronotroopers! They are coming literally out of the floor now. Jinx announces to the army that this doesn’t matter, as they’ll fight until their final breath. Scorch panics. He warns Jinx about incoming danger, as behind them a portal opens, and more Chronotroopers step out of it! Jinx can’t believe this is happening, and wonders what has become of Bishop and the others.
Back inside the castle, Bishop looks around the room they are in and doesn’t believe they’ll find the way out of the castle there. He tells Shard he doesn’t know what that maniac Fitzroy did to her, but she has to try to understand him. He looks behind them, and notices that Shard is gone. He calls out to Shard, wondering what happened to her, but only finds some of Shard’s blood on the floor. He touches it with his fingers, and smells on it. He looks in front of him, and finds Shard hiding in a dark corner of the room.
Bishop walks over to his sister and tries to talk to her. Shard tells Bishop Fitzroy told her he would come, but she always knew that. Bishop sees Shard’s hand touching someone’s chest and wonders whose it is. A man steps out of the shadows, and is revealed to be... Fitzroy! Fitzroy tells Bishop he must excuse his sister, explaining that Shard’s body is in a state of transformation right now. It’s happening slowly, but luckily Shard is handling it much better than he could ever hope. Shard is strong, but Fitzroy guesses that runs in the family.
Fitzroy welcomes Bishop in his Chronokeep. Fitzroy notices how angry Bishop glares at him, and asks him not to. He reveals that Shard was broken when he brought her there. He has actually begun to heal her. Fitzroy thinks that what Bishop might see as a lack of free will is simply Shard’s own body’s reaction to the transformation. She is weakened, disoriented, but Fitzroy claims he’s making Shard into flesh again. He’s turning her once again into a... woman. Fitzroy licks Shard’s face, finding it a shame this is happening to her though, because Shard used to tingle when he did this. This makes Bishop even angrier. He shouts at Fitzroy that for everyone he has ever killed, for everyone Bishop himself has hurt by letting Fitzroy live this long, he’ll see an end to him today!
Bishop jumps at Fitzroy in a furious rage, even growling at him. Fitzroy snaps his fingers, disagreeing with Bishop’s earlier statement, and smiles.
Outside, Scorch uses a huge amount of his flame powers to destroy the Chronotroopers. He shouts at Jinx that, if they are to die today, they’ll take the Chronotroopers with them. Jinx agrees but, if that will be the case, the troopers will join them in pieces. She kicks some of the troopers, destroying them. Jinx whispers that it can’t end this way. Not with their forces scattered and deceived, their hopes smashed. She asks Scorch how long it has been, because this all went so fast. Jinx stares at the battle in shock. She wonders how long she and Scorch have been tied to another, fighting and surviving. She doesn’t notice however that a Chronotrooper is sneaking up on her, and strikes her from behind with his staff! Scorch sees it happening and freaks out. He uses his powers to destroy the Chronotroopers around him. He can’t believe this happened, because they were so close.
Inside the castle, Fitzroy has used his powers to move away from Bishop, and freezes Bishop. He realizes that Bishop probably thinks he’s crazy. He wonders for how long he has been running from Bishop. It was long enough to think about a few things. Long enough to plot and plan all the different ways he could hide from his old friend. Long enough to dream about how he’d do the hunting, given the chance. First, Fitzroy thought he’d finally be rid of Bishop. That he’d find a cozy little corner of the future where Bishop couldn’t touch him. But then, Fitzroy realized that ruling in this time seemed to... empty without Bishop there to witness it. So, Bishop arrived there, raised an army and led them... into his house.
Fitzroy asks Bishop what he thought at that moment. That he would run? Or that he would fight to keep what he has here? Fitzroy laughs at that. He states that all he has built here is not important to him, claiming that ruling as flesh is so... played out. And, Fitzroy has other things in mind. Bishop does his best to say something. He talks to Shard, telling her that her plasma-blasts can stop Fitzroy. But she doesn’t do anything.
Fitzroy moves closer to Bishop, telling him not to count on Shard. He explains that, much like he seeks to be more than flesh, Shard sought to be just that, once more. Fitzroy reminds Bishop he knows how found he has always been of Shard, and that was something he couldn’t refuse. He informs Bishop that his army lies beaten in the snow. Shard is less than what she ever was, and Bishop played right into the palm of Fitzroy’s hand. Fitzroy slaps Bishop in his face, telling him he could end this right there and now, and Bishop would be fortunate. He punches Bishop some stories below, claiming that there is so much more for him to show Bishop. After all, they’ve waited so long for this reunion. Fitzroy just wants some quality time between old friends. Below, the Chronotroopers pick Bishop up. Fitzroy warns his guardians about the energy crackling around, as they know what energy means to Bishop.
Fitzroy tends to Shard, telling her he gave her something she didn’t even realize she wanted. And so, she became his. And so, she led Bishop to him. Fitzroy thanks her for that. Shard tries to say something, but Fitzroy tells her not to, because she has done quite enough already. He opens a portal and steps through it. As the portal closes, Link has seen everything through a shaft in the floor. She does her best to keep her mouth shut and not to say anything. She just looks at Shard, who sits wondering on the ground.
Outside, Scorch holds Jinx in his arms. She feels cold, and asks Scorch if they won. Scorch tells Jinx that he has her, and wants to warm her up. He promises her that everything’s going to be alright. Behind Scorch and Jinx, Chronotroopers surround them, and see that Jinx has already lost a lot of blood.
2nd story:
From the Book of Azeroch: IV.I: “Many day and night the travel over hard land and through harsh times. But giants must be tougher than land and times, he would say. And so, giants was. Though mighty Azeroch was hero made, not born, and no one said it be easy.”
A tired Nom crawls his way over a red-hot desert-like landscape, and refuses to give up, despite the fact he’s tired.
 “For long time, giants many in world, though Azeroch know it could not last. And so when time come for him to pass and for giants to pass from world, Azeroch make promise. And in time of giants’ greatest need... Azeroch vow to return.”
Nom stares at the Azeroch mark on his hand. He sees someone approaching him... another, small giant?! Nom faints, and the small giant tends to him. Suddenly, more giants appear out of nowhere! The giants look at Nom and realize he has come a long way, and help him up. They decide to bring Nom back to their base. The elder giants order the smaller giant, Chakra, to stay with Nom. They think that maybe he learned something.
A while later, Nom wakes up and finds a dressed up skeleton in front of him, which wears a crown! Chakra stands behind Nom, and explains to him he just found Azeroch, who died a long time ago. Chakra introduces himself to Nom, and tells him that he found him on the plains. Nom stares at the little one, who wonders if Nom can’t talk. Chakra suggests that they go meet the others now, as they’ve been waiting.
Nom touches Chakra’s face, and he laughs, telling Nom he’s funny. He acts like no other giant Chakra has seen in a long time. Chakra further explains that they brought Nom to Azeroch’s crypt after they found him. They want to see him now. The Book of Azeroch said he would return some day, and come back in the time of the giant’s greatest need. And like Azeroch, Nom came a long way to get there. The giants believe that Nom is... Azeroch-reborn! Nom is shocked upon hearing that.
Chakra leads Nom outside. The other giants stare in awe at Nom, and Chakra informs him they waited so long for Azeroch to return. The giants are ready to follow him. Chakra gives Nom a staff, and asks him if he’s ready to lead. Nom accepts the staff, and looks at it, with the other giants smiling behind him.
From the Book of Azeroch IV. VII: “He led them then, out of darkness and into new age of giant glory. There need for giants in world... and Azeroch-reborn will fill it.”


[User]
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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
The Chronowar: Act 2: Shine On You Crazy Diamond
The state of the future:
The man known as Trevor Fitzroy had come to this timeline with one goal in mind: to rule. Fueled with years of madness, ambition and contempt, Fitzroy searched for and found a place far, far in the future without the means to resist him. It was a world without heroes. It was a world without X-Men. It was a world without Bishop... and that would make all the difference. Or so he thought.
Bishop soon followed Fitzroy. Fueled by his own contempt for the madman who now called himself the Chronomancer, the last X-Man assembled a group of mutant heroes... and marched them straight to Fitzroy’s front door! But Fitzroy was waiting. And with him, waited death. Humans and villains fought valiantly – together perhaps the first time in history. It should have been glorious. But Fitzroy had spent a lifetime scheming and plotting the many ways he would destroy Bishop, given the chance. To kill him would never be enough. No... Fitzroy had to break Bishop. He had to peel away everything his longtime enemy held dear until there was nothing left. And then, only then, would Fitzroy show his true intention. He seeks to become a god... and he used Bishop’s sister, Shard, to get there. And now, Bishop lies in chains. Broken... beaten... and betrayed.
Outside, men scream... hundreds of anguished voices raised into one wholly beautiful sound as they get killed by Fitzroy’s Chronotroopers. Fitzroy looks from his window at the war he caused. And he’s glad everyone knows he’s responsible. They hate him for it, and even more... fear him. And he sees that as a good thing. Because Fitzroy believes he has certainly earned that fear. Fitzroy walks away from the window, and puts a big sand glass upside down. He walks passed some Chronotroopers, realizing they are waiting to follow him. Fitzroy recalls that he has animated the troopers with growing powers even he doesn’t fully understand. Still, the Chrontroopers remain one of his greatest creations since he came to this timeline. Fitzroy orders the troopers to stay where they are, and they obey. Fitzroy thinks the troopers almost love him.
Fitzroy walks by a corpse of a man he killed earlier. He walks down some stairs next. Fitzroy remembers that for his entire life, he has been a laughing stock. He was always fighting for control, only to run away when the fight proved to be too great. He was never big enough to be respected. He was never strong enough to be feared, let alone loved. But time, as they say, heals all. Fitzroy is no longer the man he once was. And now, he shall show them all! He opens a door, which leads into the cell where he holds Bishop captive. Fitzroy mocks him, and jokes he’s in the presence of greatness. He mocks Bishop that he’s the last of the X-Men in a world that has all but forgotten them! Fitzroy smiles, telling Bishop he has company. Fitzroy pushes someone forward, who is revealed to be... Michael?!
As Bishop looks on, stunned, Fitzroy tells him that he really must put a little more thought into who he lets follow him. After all, the tunnels below the castle are dangerous. And being discovered in them is even more dangerous. A beaten and battered Michael apologizes to Bishop, as he just wanted to check if he was okay. Fitzroy declares that Michael is a good boy. He followed Bishop, determined... but the kid’s terrified now. Fitzroy tells Michael that Bishop created him. He knows Bishop thinks it’s because he let him run free all these years, but it goes deeper than that. Fitzroy tells Bishop he must really value such devotion. He’s certain Bishop told the child not to follow him into the tunnels beneath his keep. Surely Bishop must have told the child about the danger of following his greatest enemy.
Michael admits to Bishop he’s afraid. Bishop begs Fitzroy not to do this. Fitzroy’s hand starts to glow, and he wants use his powers slowly to kill Michael, because he’s certainly not in a hurry. Fitzroy powers down and asks Michael if he wants to hear a story. It’s about two old friends. He mocks Bishop he already heard this story. So, he asks him not to ruin it for first timers.
Fitzroy reveals that once there were two old friends. One of the two grew into a great man. He became a leader, a champion of justice and was loved by many. The other became a laughing stock... always trying to scheme and connive his way to the top. In time, the two became enemies. And the first of the two friends pursued his former comrade, seeing him as a threat to the good which he represented. But later, the hero grew tired of the chase, and had found new causes to fight for. And he no longer took his old friend serious.
Fitzroy again charges up his hand and places it close to Michael’s face, which scares the boy. With a shocked Bishop watching, Fitzroy continues to tell the story, saying that, so, the hero’s old friend was left to grow stronger... so much stronger. Bishop tries to break free from his chains and begs Bishop to let the boy go. Fitzroy smiles he won’t, because it hurts Bishop. He never would have thought he’d find such beautiful ways to hurt his old friend. Michael bites Fitzroy in his hand, and the Chronomancer screams in pain. As Michael runs away, Fitzroy, who is too hurt to follow him, se shouts after Michael that he’d better run, and see where it takes him. He’ll soon show him what he’s capable of, and that the time for running is long past! Fitzroy exits Bishop’s cell, leaving him behind alone and still chained.
Outside...
Bishop’s forces lie shattered, with lots of people having been killed by the Chronotroopers. The troopers have captured Scorch and the half-dead Jinx. They inform Scorch that their creator have plans for him. They notice that Jinx has stopped walking, and order Scorch to drag her or else they’ll leave her behind. Scorch angrily flames on, warning the troopers to treat Jinx with respect. Suddenly, huge black wings take out the Chronotroopers before Scorch can act. As he begs his new companion to help save Jinx, Scorch looks up, and is stunned to recognize... Kinlan Karth Kith! Kinlan recognizes Scorch and that he follows Bishop, and compliments him that his hardship is great. Kinlan wants Scorch to inform his other allies about his arrival.
At the keep...
Fitzroy opens a new cell door, and finds a frozen-in-time Tracker, just as he left the poor Morlock. Fitzroy looks at Tracker, thinking he should thank Bishop, as it was Tracker who led him through the tunnels. It was Tracker who led Bishop to Fitzroy. He wonders if the Morlock knew what he was getting himself into. Fitzroy wonders if Bishop told Tracker how his enemy’s powers work, and how he opens portals and travels through time and space. He wonders if Tracker knows how Bishop has been chasing him all this time. He allows Tracker to speak for a moment, and Tracker can only say, “Windrider watch over us...”
Fitzroy doesn’t understand how Bishop could have stopped him years ago, but didn’t because Bishop didn’t take him seriously enough. Fitzroy opens a portal around Tracker’s arm, snaps his fingers and then the portal closes around it! Tracker screams from pain. Bishop can hear the screams in his cell, and begs Fitzroy not to do this. Fitzroy, realizing that Bishop must be listening, admits he has this to say about his Morlock guide: his reach is no longer than his grasp! Fitzroy next says that Tracker’s feet followed suit. Piece by piece to the four corners of the globe, Fitzroy is scattering him. Bishop again begs Fitzroy not to do this, but Fitzroy ignores that. He shouts that the Morlocks live in caves there, and calls them filthy creatures. He gtoats that Tracker should be thankful, joking that who of Tracker’s people could ever travel around the world?
Fitzroy shouts at Bishop that he’s part of the X-Men... a legend... a martyr... and he even led an army to this keep. And yet, he managed to beat him, and Bishop failed. Bishop asks Fitzroy to torture him, and not others, if he wants him so badly. Fitzroy coldly replies that he’s done torturing Bishop. He asks Bishop if more is what he really wants.
Upstairs...
Shard lies in shackles on the floor, and hears someone approaching her. She calls out, asking who it is. A moment later, Link telepathically contacts Shard, explaining to her that, even though the stasis keeps her silent, Link still knows Shard’s thoughts. She knows Shard realizes the Chronomancer deceived her. And now, he has her brother, Bishop. Link promises she’ll try to free Bishop, but first she wants Shard to tell her everything she knows. Link enters the room and shows Shard the X-mark on her eye, wanting to make it clear that she follows Bishop. Link knows Shard betrayed him. Shard looks doubtful.
Almost without breath left, Shard tells Link she can speak. She reveals that Fitzroy has finally begun to make her flesh again. He no longer needs to stop time around her, to keep her where he wants her. Shard warns Link she has to stop Fitzroy, then revealing that Fitzroy has unlocked something within himself. He has found a way to go beyond his flesh. Fitzroy seeks to become... time itself. She learned that everything there works because of Fitzroy. His power fuels it all. Fitzroy seeks to become... a god. However, Shard is confident that, at the moment of his transformation, Fitzroy will be at his weakest.
Shard asks for Link’s name, and she introduces herself. Shard thinks Link is a mutant, and that she’s part of an army Bishop is leading. She laughs, admitting she always knew Bishop had it in him. She asks Link to tell Bishop that she’s sorry and Link promises she will. She believes it’s too risky to try to free Shard now but, assuming they all live long enough, she tells Shard she can tell her brother that herself. She leaves the cell and slams the door shut behind her.
Below...
Fitzroy shows Bishop a sand glass, and tells him he only wants what he deserves. He thinks he should be callous, but here he stands at the brink of godhood, still caring about what everyone thinks of him. Once, he wanted to be loved. Now, he has settled for being feared. He wants Bishop to fear him. He wants Bishop to pledge himself to him, and to tell his people to do the same. Then, Fitzroy wants Bishop to bow before him, and finally give him the respect he deserves. Bishop displays an angry look on his face, and spits on Fitzroy’s shoes! Fitzroy becomes furious and slams the hourglass on Bishop’s head, shattering it. Afterward, Fitzroy leaves, coldly answering that Bishop can have it his way if he wants to, but he’ll still take what he isn’t given. And, he promises Bishop... he will bow!
Once Fitzroy is gone, Michael appears behind a corner and enters Bishop’s cell. He quietly whispers to Bishop, but he doesn’t answers.
Outside...
Holding Jinx in his arms, Scorch explains to Kinlan that he doesn’t know what happened to the others, but wants to retreat if Bishop is lost. Kinlan promises Bishop still lives. He and the other Kith can sense him, and while Bishop lives, they shall fight. He tells Scorch to go, and to inform the others that the Kith have arrived to help. While soft and fragile, humans and mutants have nothing to fear from them. Kinlan flies away, with his fellow Kith flying behind him. Kinlan proclaims that all debts be repaid, and so this battle is joined! The Kith all attack the remaining Chronotroopers together, quickly destroying some of them. Jinx looks at Scorch without saying a word. Scorch admits it’s quite a web Bishop has woven, but it’s also quite a war he has brought.
Nearby...
Fitzroy has left his castle, and walks into the snow plains around which he has built his keep. Out there, only the strong survive. Fitzroy wants to make sure everyone will know that. He’ll show them. He makes a circle with his boots, and goes to stand in it. A moment later, Fitzroy’s energy starts to flow around his entire body.
Inside the castle...
Michael, in tears, tells Bishop it’s him. He admits he thought he could help, so he followed Bishop into the tunnels under the keep and got caught. But then he saw things down there. He saw how the Chronotroopers run on Fitzroy’s power. Michael discovered Fitzroy has a whole operation down there and is certain that, if Bishop stops Fitzroy, he’ll stop everything. But if Bishop won’t do that, Fitzroy will only get stronger, and Michael hopes Bishop is okay. Bishop coughs, and compliments Michael he has done well. Michael hugs him.
Link enters the cell as well, saying that reunions are joyous, but they hardly have the time for it. Michael warns Link they have to get out of there, but wonders how they’ll get Bishop out of the chains. Link admits that, at times, she forgets the life she and the others led before he and Bishop came to this time. They were thieving, robbing and going places they didn’t belong. She takes out a key from her necklace, and jokes that locks are like obstacles, and they are no longer strangers to obstacles. Once free, Bishop coughs a few times, and then orders Link to get Michael out of there, warn the others and to take the keep! He’ll be going after Fitzroy... one last time.
Outside...
Lots of energy flows out of Fitzroy now. He shouts that earth and sky, time and space shall hear him and heed his call. He’ll come to them in defiance and declares to leave in victory. He opens a huge portal, but stops to think for a moment. Trevor realizes that only loneliness meets a man on the verge of godhood. He wishes that he could share this moment with someone who could understand what he’s about to do. A shadow appears over Fitzroy. He turns around, and recognizes the person behind him... the Watcher! Fitzroy knows it’s only natural the Watcher is there, as that’s his purpose. When grand things happen, the Watcher is there to observe them. Trevor knows who he is. Fitzroy demands that the silent Watcher says something to him, as he deserves acknowledgement.
A voice asks Trevor to look behind him, if it’s acknowledgement he wants. He can give it to him. Fitzroy does as told, and finds an angry Bishop looking at him!


[User]
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Provide a full summary of the comic book.

[Assistant]
The Chronowar: Act 3: Remain In Light
One step remains...
One step for Trevor Fitzroy, the Chronomancer, to take from this world into godhood. He had come to this future, his powers growing along with his madness. But Bishop, the last X-Man, had followed. And so their new chase began anew. Now... as war rages around them, these two old foes square off. An opened portal stands before them... just one step away from escape... and power beyond Fitzroy’s wildest dreams. He has come so far. Just one step remains... and only Bishop can stop him!
With Fitzroy’s portal still open behind him, Fitzroy himself faces Bishop in combat. Fitzroy knows Bishop is confident he’ll stop him. He can see it all over his face. But still, his portal is open. And Trevor cries victory that he’s stronger than he has ever been! Bishop admits that Fitzroy’s huge portal looks impressive. And, he recalls, it’s not unlike Trevor to be proud. But Bishop can also see Fitzroy’s exhaustion. He can almost hear Trevor’s heart pounding in his chest. Bishop knows Fitzroy used a lot of power to open that gate, which he’s sure Fitzroy’s body, making him very weak now! Bishop jumps at Fitzroy and begins the battle.
The two roll off a snowy hill, and Fitzroy admits that Bishop caught him at a vulnerable moment. But he can get better. And to do that, Fitzroy only needs to touch Bishop’s face. Bishop sees Fitzroy’s hand glowing, realizing what he’s up to. Bishop angrily kicks Fitzroy off of him, swearing that he’ll get his hands on him yet. “Just watch me!” Bishop proclaims.
Nearby, the battle between the refugee army, the Morlocks, the Kith, Bishop’s friends and the Chronotroopers continues. Scorch drags the badly injured Jinx away from the battle. He looks behind him and thinks it’s a fine mess they’re in now. Men and mutants... Kith and Morlocks... Chronotroopers and Fitzroy’s other warriors against the fate of the world. He asks Jinx if she can see them. But, Scorch doesn’t want Jinx to answer him, not until they’re safe. He continues to drag her away, promising Jinx they’re close. He finds an abandoned temple, where Scorch places Jinx gently on the floor. Jinx tries to tell Scorch something, but he asks her not to. She has fought long enough. He explains to her the Kith have taken up the fight. He knows things look bleak, but is sure the Kith won’t go down quietly. So, he wants Jinx to rest, because if anyone has earned it... it’s her.
A Chronotrooper approaches Scorch and Jinx. It wants to kill them, but then the trooper gets hit by a force from behind, and is destroyed! “Huh,” Scorch wonders, as there’s nobody to be seen. A telepathic voice tells Scorch that the troopers are weaker than they thought they were. Link reveals herself, and she has Michael with her! Scorch is surprised. Link informs Scorch that they’ve learned much while they were gone. They discovered the Chronomancer expends his energies elsewhere. And, while he does, Fitzoy’s army grows weaker by the moment! Scoth believes that their men need to be rallied. But he can’t leave when Jinx is so badly injured. Jinx tries to get up, and wants Scorch to lead the army. Scorch is speechless, and kisses Jinx on her head. He orders Michael to stay with her, while he and Link go into the battle again. Jinx refuses. She gets back on her feet, and marches together with Link and Scorch, wanting him to lead them all. Michael stays behind and cheers for their friends.
Inside Chronokeep...
Shard stares out of the window and observes the battle. She knows Bishop called his friends legends when they only thought they knew the meaning of the word. But, Shard believes, it’s only now Bishop’s people know the full extent of it. They knew what it took. They would write their names in history before this battle was done. And Shard would witness it all. Outside in the snow, Bishop’s army is deciding the fate of the world. Shard can still hear the battle, and it’s so loud… it hurts. She had been Fitzroy’s captive. Her brother came to her rescue. Yet, she betrayed him once he arrived.
Shard now realizes she had been a construct... a photon-based lifeform of neither flesh nor blood. Fitzroy offered to make her flesh again. And like a fool, Shard accepted. And so, now she sits, chained in this tower, listening to the sounds of the battle outside. Fitzroy has given her much, but he has taken much more. If only she could reject his gift. Shard finds a piece of glass lying on the floor. She picks it up and looks on it. She can see her face, but she can’t see her eyes, which are colored completely black. Shard looks to her chains, and thinks “if only...”
Outside...
Bishop gives Fitzroy a hard punch in the face. He says that, even though Fitzroy talks about all these powers he has developed, it seems to him that Fitzroy’s powers are only good... for running away! Fitzroy falls with his face in the snow. He crawls his way up, congratulating his old friend that he hits hard, like he has been saving it up for this moment. Fitzroy stares at Bishop’s face, and tells Bishop he should see the look he has now. Fitzroy knows Bishop wants to end this. In that case, he suggests that Bishop comes closer, and see if he would run away. Bishop does. Fitzroy finds a rock lying nearby, quickly picks it up, and slams the rock into Bishop’s face!
Fitzroy kicks Bishop several times, shouting that for his entire life, he has been a laughing stock... a whipping boy. He was the punchline to a cruel joke. But this time, Trevor claims that Bishop will have to finish him off, because he’s stronger than ever before. Bishop holds Fitzroy’s arm, correcting him that he wanted to be strong, but has always been a coward. He tells Fitzroy he has always been slippery, and sloppy... and weak! Bishop punches Fitzroy in his face. When Bishop stops the punching for a moment, Fitzroy tells Bishop he’s right. He has never been as strong as Bishop is, nor ever as brave. Though, he has always been... slippery. And, he grins, Bishop should really try being slippery from time to time. Quickly, Fitzroy puts his hand close to Bishop’s face, absorbs some of his energy, causing Bishop having to withdraw.
Nearby...
The battle continues, and more and more Chronotroopers seem to appear every minute. Jinx slices some of them apart, wondering how much of the troopers they have to destroy before they take the hint. Suddenly, a noise is heard behind the battle, and somebody blows on a horn. It’s Nom and his fellow giants! They rush into the battle, and Scorch is speechless that Nom found the giants. At the back, Michael can see what’s happening and continues to cheer for his friends. A teleportation portal opens behind him, and a familiar voice believes it looks like the battle is going to be won. It’s the Witness, Fold and Trickster! The Witness suggests that Michael better comes with him, in case he wants to see how the battle ends.
Elsewhere...
Bishop lies exhausted in the snow and watches as Fitzroy walks towards his portal. Bishop doesn’t think he’ll make it to Fitzroy in time in order to stop him. Shard appears behind Bishop, and tries to cheer her brother on, saying he has to stop Fitzroy in any way he can. Shard explains to Bishop that Fitzroy told her he owned her. That he had made her his. He started to turn her body into flesh again, and said that was his... gift to her. But that gift felt like an infection. It warped her mind and stunted her powers. Fitzroy said there was no way to stop his gift. But she found a way. Bishop looks at Shard’s face. Her eyes are completely black. Bishop is shocked by something else he sees: Shard is missing an arm. He can’t believe it.
Shard wants Bishop to stop Fitzroy in any way he can. She reminds him that he absorbs energy, re-channels it and makes the energy his. Shard cries, adding that she... is energy! Shard touches Bishop’s face and glows brightly, saying that now it’s time to do what has to be done. Bishop tries to tell Shard he can’t do this, because Fitzroy has already taken so much from them. But Shard continues to touch Bishop’s face, refusing to let go, and he screams. Bishop absorbs his sister, and promises he’ll do whatever he must to stop their enemy.
Bishop attacks Fitzroy with the power he got from Shard. In short, Bishop re-channeled Shard. It was the hardest thing he ever had to do. Fitzroy hears something behind him, but even before he can take a look at it, he gets hit in the back. But, the blast didn’t completely do its job. Fitzroy still stands, and the remaining energy floats inside the Chronomancer’s portal. That means Shard is lost inside it. Bishop screams in agony. Fitzroy continues to walk towards his portal, while Bishop is out of moves. The others observe what’s going on, including the Watcher.
Fitzroy makes it to the portal, and prepares to step through. As he tries to jump into the portal, Bishop suddenly grabs Fitzroy’s foot, holding him back! However, Fitzroy’s body is already halfway into the portal, and the portal seems to be collapsing. Fitzroy fears for his life and begs Bishop to let go. But Bishop is done talking. Fitzroy had taken everything from him. The heavens open and crack with fire and the sound of cannons. Time and space begin to warp. And as Fitzroy straddles the line between mortality and godhood, and the portal he created begins to collapse, Bishop holds fast, grunting and pulled!
However, Bishop’s reaction comes too late. The portal closes and Fitzroy is sucked into it, while Bishop falls into the snow. The war is over... but the next chapter is only just beginning. Bishop’s friends cheer for Bishop’s victory. Bishop looks at his hands, which spark with energy. Bishop can’t believe what he has just done. Suddenly, the remains of the portal’s energy strike Bishop and he starts to absorb it!
When Jinx asks her what’s going on, Scorch believes that everything the Chronomancer was, everything he sought out to be, is now absorbed by Bishop. Michael tries to run towards Bishop, but the Witness tells him not to. Bishop, still glowing with energy, looks at Michael and says his name. Michael breaks lose from the Witness and, a moment later, an explosion takes place in the snow. Once everything clears... Bishop... is gone?!
Only Bishop’s X-badge remains, which gets found by Michael. Everyone else just stares in disbelieve. Michael lands on his knees before the badge, and asks the non-present Bishop not to leave him.