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

[Assistant]
Red Death
The snow falls heavily around the Caucasus, between Ukraine and Georgia, near the Black Sea. Inside the high-tech building, a scene of frantic, purposeful activity, as a harrowing experiment nears its unexpected climax. 'No! The power surge – overwhelming the circuits and dampening the relays! We must abandon this station at once!' a bald man in a suit exclaims in his native Russian to two others wearing lab coats, but suddenly, a containment tank in the center of the lab explodes, and a figure materializes. The figure has pale skin and long blond hair, wearing a red and white costume, he towers over the others in the room and declares 'They restrained me once – years ago! The leaders were weak and must have lost their empire'. He boasts that now he has been restored – more powerful than before – a living weapon the rulers had grown to fear. He exclaims that the empire shall live again, while the rulers shall not. 'So speaks...OMEGA RED!'
In a library within Red Square in Moscow, but inside the library there is a room that functions far differently than as a place of learning. Three men in military attire stand or sit in the room. 'So it begins, Kreshov' one of them remarks. Kreshov agrees, and announces that before this night ends, they will have made the first step towards the restoration of former glory. 'And we three generals are the authors of the great change which will wipe the shame that reformists have burdened our people with' the third general states. Kreshov motions to several monitors on the wall which depict various scenes of chaos, and then turns to a large map on the wall and tells Gregor to look at the territory once encompassing the most feared empire in history – the Soviet Union. Kreshov exclaims that now the Soviet Union lies fragmented, split into impotent republics with neither the will nor the resources to achieve greatness. He declares that tonight they begin the task of reunification – and all they need it confirmation of the final player's entry.
Suddenly, a door to the room opens and a stunning woman with long blonde hair, wearing a long coat over her black and yellow costume appears. 'You now have that confirmation, General Kreshov' she announces. 'Darkstar!' one of the generals exclaims, before Darkstar declares that Omega Red has been released from bondage – he lives again!
Two days later, in the town of New Salem in New York's Westchester County, the young mutant called Jubilee smiles as she skateboards down a sidewalk, leaping over a park bench to land on the skateboard as it rolls under the bench. Jubilee thinks that fighting holograms in the Danger Room is rad, and flying around in the Blackbird is neat-o-reen-o, but skateboarding completely rules.  'Now I gotta get some serious munchies or this x-girl is gonna starve!' Jubilee thinks to herself as she sees a convenience store, but as she removes her skateboarding helmet, she is shocked to see somebody has scrawled poison on the wall  - “Destroy all Mutants – FOH”. Putting her shades on, Jubilee asks 'With the Friends of Humanity – who needs enemies?' She suddenly hears some noise coming from the store, and as she enters, she finds members of the Friends of Humanity vandalizing the store and harassing the clerk. 'We understand you serve mutants in this dive, pops!' one of the Friends of Humanity exclaims, grabbing the clerk by his shirt. 'Yeah! We're gonna clear out the cash register then make a few adjustments in yer décor!' one of the Friends of Humanity snaps. 'Then maybe you'll get the picture' he tells the clerk, who asks the brutes not to hurt him, just to take the money and go.
'Hey, dorks! Try picking on someone your own size!' Jubilee shouts, which causes the Friends of Humanity to turn to her, 'It's a mutie -' one of them exclaims, as Jubilee blasts them with one of her plasma fireworks. 'Mild plasma burst should drop him' Jubilee thinks to herself, before one of the Friends of Humanity shouts 'Don't sweat it! I'll nail her with this!' as one of them throws a bottle at Jubilee, which strikes her in the head. At that moment, a muscular man walks towards the convenience store door, 'That commotion inside this convenience outlet! It appears Peter Rasputin must leave...replaced by his mutant persona...Colossus!' the now steel-skinned mutant declares as he bursts into the convenience store, while Jubilee utters 'Ohh... my head...' as she sits slumped on the floor. 'Check out the walking tin can!' one of the Friends of Humanity declares as they all turn their attention on Colossus, who frowns as the Friends of Humanity hurl cans and other foodstuffs at him.
'In my country, we would never waste goods in this manner! Your profligacy angers me!' Colossus exclaims, suggesting that the Friends of Humanity need a lesson in the ways of thrift. This causes the Friends of Humanity to turn and run for their lives. 'Let's book, boys!' one of them calls out. 'You ain't kiddin'! I saw the look on that metal man's kisser!' another exclaims. 'And I'm gonna see it again tonight – in my nightmares!' a third utters. Colossus helps Jubilee stand up and hugs her, telling her that it is good to see her, and that it is fortunate he was passing by when he did. 'Hey, I had a handle on those pugs, big guy! Just another few seconds – they were toast!' Jubilee boasts, before asking Colossus what brings him back to her neck of the woods.
Shortly, at Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, 'And that is the sad tale. Omega Red has risen to menace us anew. My people are being driven from their homeland by those who follow him' Colossus remarks, adding that he must speak to Professor Xavier. 'Outta luck' Jubilee replies, explaining that the Professor disappeared a few weeks ago, and the rest of the X-Dweebs have split for somewhere, and she doesn't know when they will pop in. Colossus tells Jubilee that he has little time to wait, and that the destruction will continue unchecked, and he is the only one who stands a chance. Colossus asks Jubilee if she will join him, aid him in the struggle to save his homeland. 'Like, you don't have to ask me twice!' Jubilee replies as she starts to write a quick note, then they can leave in the Blackbird – or a dinky mini-jet. Jubilee tells Colossus that she just needs to pack a parka and some booties, then they can go kick major butt. Referring to the bag of groceries on the table, Jubilee adds that she needs to take these Twinkies, too. 'Don't laugh' she asks Colossus, before leaving a note on the fridge that says she has gone to Colossus's home town to stop some guy named Omega Red.
Several hours later, at the outskirts of a small city in the Caucasus, the mini-jet that Jubilee and Colossus used to get here descends, with Jubilee explaining that the Professor simplified the controls so that even she could land it. Smoke rises from the field where the vessel lands, and Colossus races towards the smoke, with Jubilee calls out to him, asking him to wait. 'I cannot! I must see for myself!' Colossus calls back, before he shouts 'NO! NO IT CANNOT BE!' as a look of horror falls across his house. Jubilee catches up to Colossus as he stands before some rubble, where a small home used to stand, the smoke rising from it. 'What is this place?' Jubilee, wearing a red and white costume, asks. Colossus tells her that it is his farm, his home – and apparently, Omega Red has visited here already. Jubilee tells Peter to pull his self together, and that she is here because she wants to help. Jubilee points out that there are no people around, so perhaps they got away, and tells him to hold onto that.
Colossus supposes that Jubilee might be right, but explains that seeing his home in shambles, and knowing he was not here to defend it makes him feel so helpless. Colossus informs Jubilee that his life here was hard, and won't romanticize it, but the labors he performed on their collective had singular rewards – the constant toil broadened his back, strengthened his limbs and gave him purpose. But one fine, sunny day...it ended. Colossus recalls how a tractor, unattended, jumped into gear and headed towards his sister, Illyana, who was playing in a field. Colossus explains that he raced towards his sister, transforming into his mutant form, though in his heart, he knew he would never reach her in time. Their father arrived first, and shoved Illyana out of the tractor's path – and into it, himself. But by then, he had reached the spot, danger lending wings to his feet, and in turn, he pushed his father out of the way. Being no longer of flesh and blood, he remembers turning to face the onrushing monster which had stolen all that was precious to him, and stopped it – the tractor slamming into his metal form, it was destroyed.
Colossus informs Jubilee that the government was always suspicious of any damage to equipment, and workers responsible were branded “wreckers” or disloyal, so he, a mutant,  took that blame, and he left his home and country, rather than bring the wrath of the state down upon his family. 'And now... now I may never see them alive again. Curse this day! What I wouldn't give to -' Colossus begins, when suddenly, a voice calls out 'Piotr!', and Colossus looks up to see a young blonde girl, Illyana, running towards him. 'Guess this must be sis!' Jubilee exclaims, while Colossus tells Illyana that she cannot know how good it is to see her. He then asks her where everyone else is, as she leaps into his arms. Illyana reveals that she hid when the soldiers came, and that the rest were taken away. 'We must rescue them!' she utters. Jubilee realizes that sounds like a call to arms, and hopes that the X-Men got her note on the fridge.
Meantime, in the regional capitol building, near the farm collective of Peter Rasputin, Omega Red uses one of the cables that extend from his body to lift a man in a suit into the air. 'You cannot come in here like this! You -' he begins, before Omega Red interrupts, calling the man “Mr President” and boasting that he goes where he wishes. 'This parliament is -' the President begins, as Omega Red throws him to the ground, he exclaims 'Dissolved!' Omega Red announces that this pitiful excuse for a country no longer exists, and thus is has no need of leaders. Suddenly, Darkstar appears, and tells Omega Red to stop. She reminds him that they were instructed only to exile the parliament.
Omega Red grabs Darkstar, 'Instructed – Darkstar?! The people instruct me!' he exclaims, declaring that in the chaos of disunion, the people are frightened, that they demand a return of the iron hand of a true ruler – his iron hand. Darkstar looks concerned, and wonders if in their zeal to restore the Soviet Empire to glory, whether they have gone too far. 'Have we reawakened an indiscriminate monster who soon will crush us all?' Darkstar asks herself.
Back across the Atlantic Ocean, in the more comfortable surroundings of the School for Gifted Youngsters, where Ororo Munroe a.k.a. Storm has found Jubilee's note. She tells Rogue that it appears their impetuous Jubilation has left for Russian soil, possibly in the company of Peter Rasputin, to deal with some threat. Rogue remarks that she admires Jubilee's spunk, but she does seem to have ants marching around in her britches. Rogue takes a look at the note and wonders what all the fuss is, and why Jubilee had to leave so directly. 'I would assume – oh – Logan!' Storm calls out as Logan a.k.a. Wolverine enters the kitchen. Rogue tells Logan that he is a sight for sore eyes and asks him what he has been up to. 'Up to? Up to my ears in stinking malaria-infested jungles, lady – that's what!' Wolverine retorts, explaining that he was tracking Morph, and almost nabbed him, too, in some Equatorial jungle, but Morph gave him the slip. Logan glances at Jubilee's note, and at seeing Omega Red's name written on the note, he grows concerned, and tells Rogue and Storm to saddle up the Blackbird, as Jubilee doesn't know what she has gotten herself into – if she crosses paths with that maniac, then it is curtains. 'We got a date in Boris Yeltsin's backyard!' Wolverine exclaims.
At that moment, back in the former USSR, Colossus, Jubilee and Illyana are on a hillside, overlooking a fenced facility. 'There! That is where the soldiers brought our people... our parents!' Illyana exclaims as a tank is positioned out the front of the fence surrounding the facility. Colossus identifies it as the Gulag, and remarks that it has been abandoned since the days of Stalin, but now re-opened with the coming of Omega Red. Jubilee tells Colossus that if Cyclops were here, he would say they have to look at all angles before they rush in. 'Well, he is not here, child! And below, my family is imprisoned – held captive simply because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time!' Colossus transforms to his steel form and shouts 'By the white wolf! This injustice shall not stand!' He rushes down the hillside to the Gulag, 'Fire at will! Your weapons of oppression cannot stop Colossus!' he declares.
A soldier in the tank opens fire, and is surprised that Colossus continues to move forward despite the bombardment. 'He's inhuman!' the soldier exclaims, before Colossus lifts the large tank up and hurls it into the gate, deciding that the personal carrier will serve some positive function – as it becomes a battering ram into this place of horror. Jubilee runs past Colossus, blasting some fireworks around, she remarks that it looks like they will save the subtlety for another day. 'Thanks for listening, Petey, you dork!' Jubilee calls out. 'Very inspirational... Colossus. There may be a place for you in the coming rebirth of Soviet dominance' a voice calls out, and Colossus goes wide-eyed, shocked as he turns to see Omega Red standing nearby.
Omega Red has captured Illyana, who can be seeing crying as she is restrained by Omega Red's cables. Omega Red declares that he believes families should remain together, sharing the burden and bounty of life in their glorious empire. 'Do you not agree, little one?' he asks Illyana, but gets no response. Omega Red then wraps a cable around Colossus's body and lifts him into the air, 'Let me acquaint you with me strength sapping coils, Colossus! Feel them snake around you – squeezing your breath... crushing the life from you'. Omega Red warns Colossus that soon his sister will share his fate – and they will be together. 'See ya ain't changed much, Red. Still talking trash to the natives. Now put the rube down before I get mad!' Wolverine snarls as he appears behind Omega Red. 'A voice – from the past. Wolverine' Omega Red utters.
'You get the doorprize, Bub! A brand new set of adamantium claws – stuffed down yer stinkin' throat!' Wolverine exclaims as he leaps towards Omega Red, who has dropped Colossus, and attempts to wrap one of his energy-draining coils around Wolverine. Omega Red scowls and remarks that Wolverine has changed little since they last clashed, and warns him that this time he will not be so merciful – now their encounter will end more satisfyingly – with Wolverine's death! Wolverine struggles to free himself from the cables, 'Haven't escaped yet, Logan?' Omega Red grins, telling him that he must be slipping – that it must hurt to grow old and feeble. 'Yer never gonna find out, Red! Yer mine! All mine!' Logan shouts back, struggling against the power-draining capabilities of Omega Red, who just grins wickedly and remarks that he might have Logan's corpse stuffed and mounted in the Red Square – a symbol of his triumph.
Omega Red looks concerned as a shadow falls over him, 'What can it be?' he wonders, looking up, he is too late to react, as Rogue drops the large tank on top of him. 'Ain't you evah seen a li'l ol' tank before, Omega man?' Rogue calls out, telling him that she will let him have a real close look. Wolverine drops to the ground, and frees himself from the cables, as Storm drops down from above. Colossus, Jubilee and Illyana regroup with the others, as Storm tells Rogue that was a dangerous move. If that tank had struck Wolverine as well...' her voice trails off, while Rogue tells Storm to keep her shirt on, that she had it all figured to the decimal point. Colossus thanks Wolverine for coming to his aid, and remarks that it seems Wolverine has encountered their enemy before. Colossus then asks Wolverine if he can tell him what a “rube” is. 'Uhh, some other time' Wolverine responds, before confirming that he and Omega Red – whose real name is Arkady – go back a ways.
Wolverine reveals that he and Omega Red first tangled when he was first created, and Logan was doing espionage work. He explains that Omega Red was the Soviet's super-man – their ultimate weapon – but he got out of hand and they had to put the kibosh on him. Colossus remarks that he had heard whispered tales of such a being when he was a child, so when he discovered Omega Red had reawakened, he came to America to enlist the X-Men in his struggle, but only encountered the brave Jubilee. 'Brave – and foolish!' Storm declares, telling Jubilation that she should have waited. 'But, like – who knew when you guys were coming back?' Jubilee responds. Rogue starts to tell Storm that Jubilee has a point, and to give her a break, when suddenly, 'Guess who's looking for a rematch?' Wolverine asks as Omega Red pushes the tank up off his body. 'You had a respite, Logan – nothing more! Omega Red cannot be stopped! The force of history itself is on my side!' Omega Red boasts.
'Sure you want another piece of this gent, Colossus?' Wolverine asks as he and Colossus run towards Omega Red. 'Try and stop me, my friend' Colossus replies. But Omega Red snatches both Colossus and Wolverine in his coils, 'Looks like I gotta pull yer fat outta the fire again, Rasputin!' Wolverine remarks, while Omega Red states that that is one of the charming American expressions – and he must learn them as the day of his conquest over them approaches. 'Yeah... well – here's another sayin' ya oughtta write down... in yer ear, Bub!' Logan retorts as he snarls at Omega Red.
'Your last words – a fitting epitaph for one defiant to the end' Omega Red replies. He raises Wolverine and Colossus overhead and boasts that he will enjoy this. Wolverine thinks to himself that he has gotta rake Omega Red's eyes – and only has one chance, when suddenly, Rogue swoops in, 'Hang on, Wolvie! Heah comes the cavalry!' Rogue exclaims as she slams into Omega Red.
'A compatriot of Wolverine – a female! I shall drain whatever foolish power you possess – as easily as I have that of your misguided fellows!' Omega Red calls out, suggesting Rogue prepare to die, as he wraps a cable around her. But Rogue just smiles and asks if she is supposed to be impressed. A look of horror spreads across Omega Red's face, 'No! This has never happened!' he exclaims, as he cannot sense any strength being drained from her. 'How -?' Omega Red begins to ask, before Rogue easily tears herself free from the cables, she informs Omega Red that part of her powers is absorbing the powers of others. 'So yoh tight little coils didn't mean nuthin' tuh me, shugah!' she declares.
Suddenly, Darkstar flies into view and tells everyone that the fighting must stop, that this is a senseless struggle. Omega Red looks up and tells Darkstar to deal with the woman while he finishes the other two off. Darkstar calls out to Storm: 'Mutant! From afar I saw you use weather control power! If you do command the elements, then attack with deepest cold – it's your one chance!' she explains. Storm instructs Rogue to pin Omega Red's arms back, while she calls upon the Arctic winds and snow to freeze him where he stands.
Rogue does as instructed, while Omega Red is bombarded by ice and snow. 'Darkstar – what have you done?' he asks. 'Think of the glory – of the – Soviet empire! It – could have been... once more...' Omega Red utters, before he is completely frozen. 'Wow! All he needs is a hat and a broomstick! Ah'm impressed!' Rogue remarks. 'Looks like that's all she wrote fer frosty' Wolverine jokes as he, Rogue, Storm and Jubilee father around the frozen solid Omega Red. Colossus and Illyana rush towards their parents who emerge with other villagers from the prison. 'Are you all right?' Colossus calls out, while his father tells him that it will take more than threatening soldiers to break a Rasputin, and his mother thanks him.
Rogue tells the Rasputins that they want to talk to them. 'Nice grin' Jubilee remarks as Colossus turns to the X-Men and smiles. 'Jubilee!' Storm gasps, before informing Colossus that they want him to come back to America with them – as an X-Man. Colossus tells his friends that he is honored, but that he must rebuild what Omega Red has destroyed. 'Perhaps someday' he adds, while his father tells him that he has never been prouder.
Within the Kremlin a short time later, one of the generals announces that they will hear a progress report this very evening. Another boasts that soon all will be as it was – a great empire on the move. Suddenly, a blast of energy destroys their map on the wall. 'No!' Darkstar calls out. 'Boshe moi!' one of the generals gasps, turning to where Darkstar stands. Darkstar tells the generals that the night of terror is over, and that it will never again be as it was. She reports that their army is demoralized, and their monster is once again encased in ice – frozen – like their foolish dreams.
At that moment, Colossus and his family wave goodbye as two jets depart Russia. Colossus's mother tells her son that she hopes they are truly safe now. 'As long as there are those such as the X-Men to aid us, mother...there is always hope' Colossus replies.
At the bottom of the world, beneath the Antarctic itself, Charles Xavier and his sworn enemy, Magneto, continue to explore the mysteries that surround them. As they walk towards a large geyser, which steam billows out of, Magneto explains to Charles that the geysers are the reason for the Savage Land's sauna-like climate, that the heat is trapped inside by the sheer mountain walls and perpetual mist, so the thermal energy has kept it in a Jurassic Age condition. Charles responds by telling Magneto that he surmised as much, and laments that the reason why they were both summoned here is not so easily discerned. Suddenly, they hear a loud stomping sound, and a large Tyrannosaurus moves towards them, roaring. Charles and Magneto turn and flee, powerless to defend themselves against the creature.
Unfortunately, Charles and Magneto find themselves backed up against a cliff behind them, a waterfall dropping down the side of the cliff, Magneto declares that they can retreat no farther. Charles starts to suggest they split up, when suddenly, he hears more rumbling, only it is different than before. Magneto realizes that it is an earthquake, and Charles remarks that it may work in their favor if the Tyrannosaurus is kept at bay. At that moment, the cliff gives way, opening up to molten lava underneath – which the dinosaurs plunges into – and Charles, nearly, as the ground underneath him disappears – but luckily, he is able to grab onto the edge of the ground where Magneto stands.
Magneto looks down at Charles and wonders if he should leave his old friend to his fate. 'Imagine how your “gifted youngsters” would react to your death. Fascinating' Magneto remarks. Charles tells Magnus to spare him his pomposity, and points out that his chances of survival increase greatly if he is alive. 'From a strictly selfish perspective – you need me!' Charles exclaims. Magneto frowns, before telling Charles that he makes sense, and extending a hand, which Charles grabs. Magneto pulls Charles up to safety, as orange and yellow steam from the lava below rises around them. Charles thanks Magnus for yielding to the pragmatic, while Magneto points out that it appears there are yet many acts in the drama of their confrontations, and wonders how their rivalry will be written of in the future.
As the run side by side into the jungle, Charles tells Magnus that that depends on which of their world-views triumphs, thus are all histories recorded. Magneto suggests that Charles be thankful that his did not end in the fire-pits of the Savage Land, as he could have allowed. 'Remember that, Xavier, should your side be the one to scribe our struggle' Magneto adds.


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

[Assistant]
Down on the Bayou
The hangar at Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, in Salem Center, New York. A small jet speeds out the side of the open hangar that appears like a large gap in a rocky cliff face.  Remy LeBeau a.k.a. Gambit pilots the jet, while in the hangar, Wolverine a.k.a. Logan asks Jean Grey 'What was that all about?' Suddenly, Rogue rushes towards them and reports that Gambit just got a message from New Orleans that his sibling was in a heap of trouble. 'Maybe that explains why he just grabbed a mini-jet and took off!' Jean suggests. 'Crazy Cajun – never saw him so spooked! Wonder what he's up to – especially since I hear he don't like his brother' Wolverine adds.
At that moment, 'Gotta get home or dey gonna waste Bobby!' Gambit thinks to himself. 'Dat fool! Dat thieving fool! Serve him right if det get him!' Gambit decides, recalling that Pierre told him that Bobby disappeared, and if he isn't there with the tithe box, there is going to be problems. As the mini-jet streaks through the air, Remy remembers that Bobby was always in trouble in the swamps, even ten years back when they were all just kids playing games, and remembers a night with Bernard.
(flashback)
A man in a trenchcoat runs through a swampy forest, carrying a small golden box. 'Can't let dem catch me! Gotta run!' he thinks to himself, before stopping behind a tree to hide and gather his breath. He glances around nervously and thinks that he outran his pursuers, as he doesn't hear anything – but suddenly, a blinding light shines towards him and he looks shocked: 'Remy! Didn't mean no harm!' he calls out as Remy LeBeau and others approach him. 'You crazy, Bernard? Stealing de tithe!' Remy exclaims. Remy warns Bernard that he doesn't know the External, that she doesn't get it – somebody will pay. Bernard begins to ask why they are afraid of the External, before Remy snatches the golden box from him. 'Gimme dat box!' he snaps. Remy turns to the other men he is with and tells him that he hopes they make it in time, or else the Thieves Guild is going to be looking real bad. He supposes that the Assassins guild is probably at the site now – doing what the Thieves Guild ought to be. He hopes Bobby is already there, too.
Nearby, several figures wearing extravagant, caped costumes stand near a tree stump beside a river in the swamp. 'Dere. Now de tithe offering read for de External' a man wearing a black masked costume with gold accessories and a red cape exclaims. The woman at his side has a green costume and addresses him as Beau, before pointing out that now they wait. Beau calls her Bella Donna and asks here where the Thieves Guild are with their offering. Suddenly, Remy, Bernard and the other members of the Thieves Guild appear and run towards the tree stump, with Remy declaring that the Thieves are never gonna come off second best to the Assassins Guild. 'Get to the stump!' Bernard exclaims, while Beau tells them that they got there just in time, and points to the water bubbling in the river alongside them.
Suddenly, a woman bursts from the river, wearing a red, black and gold costume, she exclaims 'Ten years! Have passed! The time for tithing has come!' She looks angry as she instructs ther Guild of Assassins to send their chosen one forward. Beau kneels before the woman who hovers over thje tree stump and tells the woman that he honors her with the tithe on the stump. 'Great External, accept our offering' he asks her. 'By your covenant, your powers shall be increased' the External responds, as energy washes over the members of the Assassins Guild. 'Strength and protection from the powers of mortal men' the External declares. The External turns to the Guild of Thieves and instructs them to send forward their chosen one. Bernard steps forward and nervously speaks to the External, before dropping the tithe on the ground, cracking it. 'You offered no tithe at the chosen hour! You broke the covenant!' the External declares, announcing that to betray the tithe is dishonor foul.
'Fly from this world to a darkness never-ending!' the External calls out as energy beams blast from her eyes and engulf Bernard, vaporizing him. The External turns to Bella Donna and casts energy over her, causing her as she tells her that she is the new chosen one for the Assassins. The External then looks at Robert LeBeau and washes energy over him as she tells him that he is now the chosen one for the Thieves guild. Remy looks concerned at this, while the External states that in ten years more, they will tithe again, as through the centuries they have. 'Fail me, Assassin or Thief, and all your kind shall join the conspirator in oblivion. The External tells them to be faithful to the tithe, and unimaginable powers shall be their reward. The other members of the Thieves Guild begin chanting 'Chosen one' over and over.
Present:
The memories of the chant 'Chosen one' resonate in Remy's mmind as he bites his lip, a look of determination on his face, he knows he has to help Bobby now.
A short time later, the mini-jet descends at a riverbank outside New Orleans, and surveying his surroundings, Remy decides that the place hasn't changed much, before noticing someone standing on a small boat on the river. Remy addresses him as Pierre and tells him that he looks good, before asking how he is holding up. Pierre tells Remy that he looks good, too, before reporting that they have word on his brother. 'Tell me! What de matter?' Remy exclaims. Pierre informs Remy that the Assassins have Bobby – and their tithe. 'Dey attack on de day of de tithe. Come, Remy – we gotta move'. Gambit hangs his head and asks 'Who care 'bout de stupid tithe! When it gonna stop?' He gets into the small boat with Pierre as he remarks that Assassins kill Thieves and Thieves kill Assassins – for three centuries now, and no one even knows why anymore. 'Dis feud crazy!' Remy declares. But Pierre informs Remy that the Assassins don't want to kill. 'No? Then what?' Remy asks. 'Bobby and de tithe...for you' Pierre reveals. Gambit frowns as he mutters that it is going to be a long night for them.
Shortly, the X-Men's Blackbird jet descends near where Gambit left the mini-jet. 'Hope we don't sink!' one of the X-Men calls out from within the Blackbird. Wolverine, Jean Grey and Rogue emerge from the Blackbird, and Jean reports that, according to the map, this is the Teche Bayou. 'Seen one ya seen 'em all, babe' Wolverine replies, before sniffing the air and informing the others that he has picked up Gambit's scent heading down to the river. But at the river's edge, Logan reports that they are out of luck, assuming Remy took a boat, he wonders where he went.

At that moment, at an antebellum mansion miles downstream, Remy and Pierre step onto the riverbank, where an Assassin holding a large weapon steps towards them and asks them who they are here to see. 'Remy LeBeau... here to see my brother' Gambit reports. Gambit is led into the mansion by the Assassin, and Gambit remarks 'Shouldn't we be wipin' de feet first?' to which Pierre tells him to be quiet. The Assassin stops at the top of a dark staircase and tells Gambit to follow him. 'Ain't got no lights, homme. Dark down dere' Gambit points out. 'Too bad' the Assassin replies. 'No way to treat a guest. Where de complaint box?' Gambit jokes, before the Assassin motions him towards a cell in the basement.
From within that cell, 'Who dere? Can't see!' Bobby LeBeau calls out from where he is tied to a stack of bricks. 'It's me, Bobby' Remy calls out to his brother. 'Remy! So my big brother de X-Man come home for de visit!' Bobby utters. Gambit stands over his brother and tells him that he knows why he has come, and that he wants nothing to do with any of them. 'You got me in de Guild, Bobby - made me a thief!' Gambit exclaims, to which Bobby tells him that he thought he wouldn't come, that he thought he would leave him to die. 'I should have... brother' Remy replies. 'I should have. But I am your brother...thought I take no pride in dat' Remy declares as he lifts Bobby up by his collar. 'P-please' Bobby begins, before Remy tells him that Pierre told him that the Assassins are going to let him deliver the tithe tonight. 'Where is it?' Gambit enquires. 'She has it' Pierre tells him. Gambit gets annoyed and tells Bobby not to play games. 'Who -?' he begins, before Bella Donna enters the cell and announces that she does.
'Why you do dis?' Gambit asks, turning to Bella Donna, who asks him if he likes her dress – she wore it on the day they were going to be wed – but he never saw it. Gambit reminds Bella Donna that they tried to bring the Guilds together, but it didn't work. 'Dey wouldn't let us live' he adds. 'You could have taken me with you, LeBeau' Bella Donna snaps, but Gambit reminds her that they were young, and he was scared. Bella Donna smiles and informs Gambit that she still wears his ring, and that she has one for him. She tells Gambit to wear it, and then that no good brother of his can go free to deliver the Thieves' tithe. She reveals that they only kidnapped him to get Remy here. 'What you say Remy? New beginning?' Bella Donna asks. She grins and holds the ring up, asking Remy what he has to lose. 'Dat's right. Take it' Bella Donna grins as Gambit takes the ring. Bella Donna instructs the other Assassin to give Bobby the tithe box and let him go.
Bobby takes the golden box and apologizes to his brother, before telling him that he has to go, as he runs out of the cell. 'Yeah, see you 'round, brother' Remy frowns before he puts the ring on one of his fingers and asks Bella Donna what this means. Bella Donna's eyes glow with energy as she tells Remy that she has been waiting ten years for this moment – him not leaving her again – she sees to that. Gambit's ring finger begins to hurt and notices that the ring starts to glow. 'What's happening, Bell?' he calls out, before he cries out in pain, while Bella Donna tells him that it is a special ring, and to try and use his powers to charge the cards with that energy. Gambit holds up a card, but finds that nothing happens – he can't even get the card to fizzle. 'Guess dat's how it's gonna be as long as I wear de ring. Thanks, Bell' Gambit mutters.
Meanwhile, at the counterpart Thieves Guild Mansion, 'So the Cajun lived in this dump, huh?' Wolverine remarks as he looks over at the run-down mansion, and Rogue tells him that according to the Professor's records, this is the place. Logan tells Jean and Rogue that there is no time like the present, and suggests they make an entrance. 'You always make an entrance, Wolvie' Rogue jokes as she follows Wolverine into the mansion. 'You got that right, darlin' Logan replies, when suddenly, a panel in the floor opens and the trio fall to the basement beneath. 'Jean! Can yuh -' Rogue begins, to which Jean tells her that she is already lowering the two of them telekinetically, while Logan tells Jean not to worry about him, as he can land on his feet. 'Stay alert! I see the welcoming committee with some popguns!' Logan alerts his teammates as he sees several armed figures standing nearby, while bright lights shine down on him, Jean and Rogue. 'I'll be relieving them of, shortly!' Jean calls out as she telekinetically removes the guns from the Thieves Guild members hands, to their surprise.
The three X-Men ready for battle against the Thieves Guild, as Wolverine asks them if they are ready for some fisticuffs, as he knows a couple of cuties who just love to rumble. 'Where's Bobby? Where's our tithe?' one of the guild members asks. Suddenly, Pierre rushes into the basement and tells the guild member, who he calls Jacques, to stop, as Remy came and made the switch. Wolverine forces Pierre up against a wall and puts his fist to Pierre's neck, two of his adamantium claws popped on either side of the frightened Pierre's face. 'Before I have to tickle yer tonsils with my trusty middle claw – tell me...what switch?' Logan demands. 'For his brother... for his tithe. She bring him to the tithe' Pierre explains. 'She?' Rogue asks. 'Bella Donna – leader of de Assassin clan. Their chosen one. His woman' one of the Thieves explains. 'His... woman?' a wide-eyed Rogue gasps.
Back at the Assassins Guild's mansion, 'I saved it for you' Bella Donna remarks, her eyes glowing as she looks at Gambit, who stands in a tuxedo before her. Bella Donna tells him that it is a beautiful outfit, that he needs it after the tithe, when they marry. Gambit asks Bell why she pretends – as she knows the Thieves won't let him stay with her. Bella Donna grins as she produces a golden box and informs Remy that after tonight there will be no Thieves. 'You think I give dem de real tithe?' she asks. 'You were traded for a worthless brother – and an even more worthless box!' Bella Donna reveals, boasting that when it is given to the External, she will destroy all of the Thieves.
Later that night, at the bayou clearing, Wolverine, Rogue and Jean Grey stand with several members of the Thieves Guild near the tree stump. One of the Thieves reports that the External will come in less than five minutes, and adds that he hopes the Assassins are bringing the tithe. 'What do you care? If they're a no show, the bogie lady melts 'em and you take over' Wolverine points out, before Jean announces that she sees something through the fog. A moment later, Remy, Bella Donna, Beau and other members of the Assassins Guild appear. Bella Donna announces that they are ready for the ceremony – and they have brought their newest member, Remy LeBeau. 'Got something to say' Remy begins, before he pushes Bella Donna backwards and informs the Thieves that Bella Donna gave them a fake tithe. 'Remy, no, don't -' Bella Donna begins, before her eyes flash and she shouts 'Traitor! You gonna pay – now!'
The ring around Remy's finger glows and Remy drops to his knees, in pain, he pleads for the ring to be removed. Wolverine grabs Remy by his wrist and tells him to bite his lip, while he holds one of his claws to the ring, explaining that he will slice through the wedding band and then he'll be all right. 'You ain't the marrying kind, anyway' Logan jokes. Gambit closes his eyes and asks Wolverine to hurry, as he can't take the pain much longer – but Logan finds that he can't get through, that some kind of force field is stopping him. Logan's hand begins to hurt – the pain is brutal, so he yanks his hand back, away from the ring. 'Hope ya signed a pre-nuptial, Bub!' Logan exclaims, before the Thieves Guild hold up guns, one of them shouts that the Assassins Guild betrayed them, and that they have no honor. 'Dat crazy woman break her word! We had enough!' Pierre exclaims. The Assassins Guild also hold up weapons, much larger ones, as Beau tells the Thieves Guild that they are too stupid to have checked the box they have them, and that soon it will make no difference. But before the Guilds can open fire on each other, Jean Grey steps between them and admits that she can't stop them from hating each other, but she can exercise a little gun control so they can settle their differences in a less lethal way, before using her telekinesis to grab the guns from both Guilds, and holds them up in the air, out of reach.
Rogue looks over to Bella Donna and warns Wolverine that she is making a grab for the box. 'I got eyes, Rogue' Wolverine snarls, and declares that if their little princess there knows what is healthy for her, she will freeze. 'Ya hear me, lady? My patience is running thin with you Cajuns, so be cool and keep that hand hovering or -' Logan begins as he leaps towards Bella Donna, only to ask 'What's with that freaky look?' as Bella Donna looks up at him, then uses her powers to fling Wolverine through the air, slamming him into a tree. Jean rushes over and puts a telekinetic field around Logan, asking him what Bella Donna did, and whether he is hurt. 'Nah, I'm just gonna attack her upside down and catch her off guard! I been working on it in the Danger Room' Wolverine replies sarcastically.
Bella Donna's eyes glow as she looks at Rogue, who marches towards her, announcing that the fun and games are over. Rogue declares that she means business, and points out that unless they find the real box, every thief here is going to take the fall. Rogue demands that Bella Donna 'fess up before that External creature shows up. 'Tell me where the box is – now' Rogue demands. But, before Bella Donna can respond, the External bursts up from the river. 'The time has come! Ten years have passed! Chosen ones – Assassin and Thief – step forward!' she calls out. Bella Donna places the tithe on the tree stump and tells the External that the Guild of Assassins honor her. 'Your tithe is true! By our covenant your powers shall be increased!' the External responds, before turning to Bobby LeBeau, who stands at the stump with no tithe. 'And you?' she asks. 'Please, great External...de Thieves Guild has -' he begins, to which the External snaps 'Dishonored the tithe!' She grits her teeth and looks furious as she informs Bobby that he must pay with his life.
Before the External can act, though, Rogue steps in front of Bobby LeBeau and tells him to get back, that she will take the brunt of it. Rogue looks up at the External and informs her that there has been some heavy treachery here tonight, and asks her not to do anything until they make the Assassins come clean. 'Ya'll be taking out an innocent man! And we ain't letting that happen!' Wolverine adds. 'Interlopers! Defilers! You have taken sides in a ritual not of your concern!' The External declares, raising a hand towards the X-Men, before she stops, as images flood her mind. She sees Gambit knocking Bella Donna back and warning the Thieves that she gave them a fake box, and the Thieves and Assassins armed, ready to shoot each other down. Jean Grey suddenly falls backwards, but Wolverine catches her and asks her what happened. Jean explains that she reached into the External's mind and showed her telepathic images of Bella Donna betraying the Thieves. Thes strain was great though, and Jean passes out.
The External lifts Bella Donna into the air and tells her that if what she has seen is true, then she has endangered the sacred tithe. 'You know the price!' the External exclaims, while Bella Donna tries to protest that she didn't mean to, before the External snaps 'No more lies! You – chosen one of the Thieves...pronounce sentence! Your enemy has become mine!' 'Destroy her! Destroy them all!' Bobby LeBeau calls out to the External, grinning as he looks up at her, before Gambit punches his brother in the face and tells him to shut up. 'Take her powers, not her life! Listen to Remy LeBeau!' Remy calls out to the External, who responds by dropping Bella Donna to the ground. 'I have heard you. It is done' the External tells him, before she vanishes. 'Merci...External. Merci...' Gambit utters, before the ring slips from his finger, and he is no longer in any pain. Gambit turns to Bella Donna and tells her that it is over. Bella Donna frowns and asks Remy not to leave her again, and to forgive her. But Gambit tells Bella Donna that this is not his home, he is not a Thief or an Assassin – but an X-Man. 'I'm leaving – and ain't never coming back to you!'
Hours later, at the X-Mansion, Gambit sits on the front steps, charging one of his playing cards with his kinetic energy, while Jean Grey and Scott Summers a.k.a. Cyclops looks out a window at their teammate. Jean points out that Gambit has barely spoken since they got back. 'Can you blame him? An ugly part of his past was thrown back in his face today' Scott replies. Jean reminds Scott that they are his surrogate family, so they should be the ones Gambit confides in. 'Trust doesn't come easily to a man like Gambit. But he stays with the X-Men and that means something' Scott adds. Jean gazes upwards out the window and confides to her partner that sometimes she feels lost herself, and that she thinks it would all be so much simpler to sort out if Professor Xavier were with them. Scott frowns and tells Jean that he knows, but reminds her that there has been no sign of the Professor for weeks. 'Where is he?' Scott wonders.
At that moment, in a hidden jungle beneath Antarctica, to where Charles Xavier and his arch-enemy, Magneto were mysteriously lured. The duo walk into a village that has been set on fire, and Magneto informs Charles that this is a village of the Fall People, natives he often encountered on his prior journeys to this bizarre land. Charles points out that it is scorched beyond recognition and asks who – or what – could be responsible for such an act. Suddenly, a four-armed man wearing a loin cloth appears and boasts 'I – Barbarus – am the one responsble!' He declares that the Savage Land Mutates have risen to take what is theirs – by force. 'This land is ours!' Barbarus exclaims. Magneto frowns and narrows his eyes as he tells Barbarus that he did not create him for this purpose. 'Desist and do as I say! Obey me!' Magneto exclaims.
'So, Magnus, this four-armed terror is more of your ghoulish handiwork! How many more horrors exist down here that are your creation?' Xavier asks. Magneto tells him to be silent and move away, realizing that Barbarus is preparing to attack. 'Our powers have deserted us since we came here. Retreat may offer the best hope of survival' Xavier replies. Suddenly, Barbarus wraps his arms around Magneto, 'Here, my creator, let me welcome you back to your children – with a nice big hug! Barbarus exclaims. Magneto screams, but Barbarus asks him not to, as he wants to hear the sound of his bones snapping, before revealing that the Mutates serve a new master now, and have no need of him. Xavier notices a beehive hanging from a tree branch above Barbarus, so picks up a spear from the ground and pokes the beehive, causing the bees to swarm around Barbarus, who releases Magneto as he tries to swat the bees away from him.
Charles tells Magneto  that they must run while Barbarus is distracted. Magneto gasps for breath as he tells Charles to head into the jungle. They run onwards and Magneto tells Charles that he improvises well, before declaring that they shall survive to extract revenge on his ungrateful “offspring”. Charles glances back to the village  and wonders what Magneto has wrought here in his arrogance. 'God help us...what have you wrought?' he thinks to himself.


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

[Assistant]
Time Fugitives, part 1
(3999 AD)
Earth, in the year of our lord 3999 AD, where a man called Cable, aligned with rebel forces, battles the powers that be. But the struggle is not going his  way at the moment. The muscular Cable dodges an energy blast fired by a large robot that skulks after him. Gunfire smoke pours out of Cable's weapon as he runs between ruined buildings in a ruined city. Cable glances back, he knows that they are in trouble, as Apocalypse's forces are routing them. 'We need time to re-group! Only one way to get that! Send this tin can to robot heaven!' Cable shouts as he fires a blast from his large weapon, which strikes the robot, exploding it into scrap metal. A woman with short dark hair wearing a blue costume similar to Cable's is positioned in a trench that Cable leaps into. Her name is Hope, and she tells him that they are so outnumbered, and that this is only delaying the inevitable. 'I don't want to hear the kind of talk, soldier! We fight until the last man – or woman – falls!' Cable calls back.
Hope turns to Cable and apologizes. 'It's just that so many of us have fallen already...' she utters, to which Cable tells her that all the more reason to fight on. He asks Hope if she wants those other rebel deaths to be for nothing. 'Of course not' Hope replies, tears in her eyes. 'Especially your brother's' Cable adds. 'No!' Hope exclaims. A man with cybernetic arms called Garrison Kane warns Cable that the enemy will swarm over them if they stay in this ditch. 'What should we do?' Hope asks. 'The last thing these walking tin cans will expect! A full frontal assault! Let's move out!' Cable shouts. The three rebels, along with a woman with long red hair known as Dawnsilk leap from the trench, 'For the rebellion!' Kane shouts. 'FORWAAARRRD!' Cable orders his teammates as they fire at the robots with their various weapons.
The robots begin to fall, torn apart by the rebels. 'It's incredible! They're going down!' Dawnsilk calls out. Cable tells the other rebels to keep varying their strategy and attack mode, and not to give the enemy time to adjust. He then orders them into formation alpha prime as Hope destroys one of the robots. 'Do a full sweep – short pulse bursts!' Cable tells the others as he takes out three of the robots at once. 'He's magnificent! No one else could have rallied us like this!' Hope thinks to herself, before asking Cable if they should try to take a prisoner. 'What for – they're robots! The only thing they can tell us is whether they dream of electric sheep!' Cable replies, before detecting something behind him – he turns around and discovers the ancient mutant known as Apocalypse! The diabolical villain stands on a human skull as buildings behind him burn. 'Vermin! How much longer can you ragtag rebels go on before I've eradicated you all?' he booms.
Apocalypse orders his machines to battle on, to move in epsilon formation, to surround the remaining rebels and destroy them. Suddenly, Apocalypse notices a whirlwind-like storm appear behind him. 'An incipient temporal storm!' he exclaims. The rebels see the storm as well, and Cable tells hope that the maelstrom is not the doing of Apocalypse, but if it is what he said it was, then its effects will be catastrophic. 'Prepare to back off!' Cable calls out – but it's too late, as the funnel sweeps towards Hope. 'I'm caught!' she calls out, unable to break free. 'No! Get back!' Cable exclaims, but Hope vanishes within the temporal storm. 'She's gone' Cable utters. The robots continue to close in on Cable, so he opens fire, and hopes that the other rebels have taken cover. Cable notices the temporal storm bearing down on him fast – he has no chance of escape, and us sucked into the storm – but one of the robots opens fire into the storm, and blasts Cable out of it.
Cable bounces along the ground, he can't understand why the robots aren't affected by the storm, and wonders if it is just organic material that is taken. Falling down the side of a cliff, Cable knows that he has to get some answers so he can deal with this, and calls out to his computer, asking it to assess the current situation and advise. The computer informs Cable that current time is being displaced by a temporal storm, and that the past is altering, with the Timestream realigning, meaning their present is reconfiguring to the existence of a new past. 'What must I do?' Cable asks, before ducking as one of the robots fires towards him, nearly striking him. 'Eat some plasma, junkpiles!' Cable shouts as he leaps up and opens fire. But Cable turns and runs into an old high rise building, deciding that fighting these droids is a useless exercise now until he has pinpointed the source of the anomalous chronal event – and he knows that everything they have fought for could be undone.
Taking cover, Cable asks his computer what he must do, to which the computer tells him that there is no effective action, and that once the Timestream has realigned, he and his world will no longer exist! Cable holds up the small cube that is the computer and looks at an image that the computer enhances. 'Description. Specify' Cable instructs the computer – the image is of the mutant known as Bishop, and the computer tells Cable 'It begins with a time-traveller from the 21st Century – a mutant named Bishop'.
(21st Century)
'Mission accomplished, Forge! Senator Kelly's life back in the Twentieth Century was saved!' Bishop calls out, throwing his arms in the air as he materializes in Forge's base. But Forge looks at Bishop and asks him what he is talking about – as nothing has changed, the plague still rages. 'What plague? There was nothing when I left' Bishop replies. Forge taps at some keys and a monitor brings up images of people sick with the plague. 'Have you forgotten this horror? Look, sickness is everywhere. Millions are dying!' Forge declares. Bishop looks shocked and tells Forge that he doesn't understand – for after Senator Kelly survived the assassination attempt, he became president and dedicated his efforts to mutant rights. Forge tells Bishop that he thinks time travel has addled his mind, but that if what he says is true, then his memories would have adjusted to the new timeline. 'Unlike you, I have not been outside time. I only know what the record shows... a backlash of hatred – a plague virus genetically engineered and released' Forge declares, explaining that at first people sickened, but they lived – and then the first mutant victim appeared.
'Then it's all our fault! I never should've gone back! What else...' Bishop begins, before Forge explains that inside mutant victims, the plague mutated, accelerating, turning deadly – mutants were blamed, but they were innocent. Bishop asks if the X-Men couldn't stop it, to which Forge asks 'X-Men? What are the X-Men?' Bishop looks shocked and tells Forge that he has to get him back to there. Forge reports that the temporal coordinates are set to the time of the outbreaks of the plague. 'I will stop it!' Bishop announces as he puts the temporal transceiver around his arm. Forge powers up the grid, while Bishop readjusts the temporal transceiver so that it keeps him in the proper time period without being thrust back here. Forge reminds Bishop that he knows the risk, and that there are many possible futures – and they never know to which one their actions will lead. 'True. But one man's actions may yet shape the future' Bishop declares, before leaping into the time-travel pod and exclaiming that he is that man – again!
Bishop experiences a sense of “non-being” and then, the welcome solidity of a late Twentieth Century alley in Manhattan. He runs the back of his head as he lands on the ground in the alleyway. He picks up a newspaper that is strewn on the ground and looks at it, realizing that he may have arrived  too late to prevent the catastrophe.
'A future of unrelieved misery too horrible to contemplate' Bishop utters, before dropping the newspaper, the headline of which reads “Mystery Plague Spread Throughout State”. Bishop tells himself 'No. That way lies madness' and leaps to his feet, declaring that he must try, that there are still those who can help, even at this late hour – there are still the X-Men!
At a large shopping mall outside Salem Centre, New York. Jubilee and Ororo Munroe a.k.a. Storm are in the mall, where Jubilee apologizes to Storm, explaining that she broke her CD player again. A man in a blue suit stands nearby, watching them. He looks at a watch on his wrist that has a small screen and tells himself that those are the two, and that this is a chance for the Friends of Humanity to expose more mutants to the world – his name is Graydon Creed! 'Like, I wish I could control my powers as well as you do' Jubilee adds. 'Someday, child' Storm smiles at the younger mutant. Jubilee heads off and tells Storm that she will go get her Walkman fixed, while Storm walks towards the bookstore and tells Jubilee that she will wait for her here. Creed looks at the monitor on his watch and brings up an image of Jubilee, he reads that she has plasma generating powers, and tells himself that he must be careful, smiling as he decides that they can definitely make the best of this encounter to further the cause.
Inside the electronics store, 'Not you again! Is this a hobby of yours, kid – wrecking things?' the store owner asks as he looks at Jubilee's Walkman. 'Will tou take a look at it? It can't be that badly screwed up!' Jubilee replies. The man scratches his head and asks 'Are you kidding me?' This player's charred inside. I don't know how long it'll take to fix it'. Jubilee grins and tells him that she has got time, and that she will wait. 'Blasted kids!' the man thinks to himself as he heads into the repair room. Jubilee picks up a portable game device in the store and starts playing it, 'Mortal Kombat! Excellent!' she thinks to herself, unaware that Graydon Creed is looking around the store, and follows the shop owner into the repair room. He looks around to make sure no one saw him, and while the shop owner busies himself fixing Jubilee's Walkman, Creed fires some sort of weapon at him, that releases a gas around him.
Moments later, the shop owner returns to the counter and hands Jubilee her CD player, telling her that it is fixed. 'Uh-huh. Like, what's the damage?' Jubilee asks, when suddenly, the shop owner utters that he feels dizzy, and sick, then slumps over on the counter. Jubilee leaps back from him, scared, when Creed appears and points at her, shouting: 'Look what she did! She's one of those horrible plague-carrying mutants!' 'Get her!' another exclaims. 'No! I -' Jubilee utters, before her powers suddenly go out of control, and a plasma blast causes a television nearby to explode. In the bookstore, Storm hears the commotion, while Creed moves closer to Jubilee and calls her a plague carrier. 'We've got you now!' he warns her, while Jubilee tells him that it is not her fault, and that she is just a kid. 'Mist! Come forth! Blind them in their hatred!' Storm exclaims as she approaches the mob gathering around Jubilee. Storm then flies in and snatches Jubilee from mob, assuring her that she has her, and that they must leave before the mist dissipates and return to the Mansion where they will be safe. 'We're not safe anywhere, Ororo! They hate us – everybody hates us! I'm so scared all the time! Why does it have to be like this?' Jubilee utters. Storm fires a blast of lightning at a window, breaking it so that she can fly herself and Jubilee through, while she tells Jubilee that if she knew the answer, she would be more than a mutant – she would be a seer.
One hour later, at Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters, Dr Hank McCoy a.k.a. the Beast finishes examining Jubilee, and reports that he has run every test in the medical manual, and that he would venture to say she needs to add some more leafy greens and whole grains to her somewhat dilapidated diet – but on the matter of viral infection, she is as clean as the proverbial whistle. 'That's a relief' Jubilee replies, before turning to Jean Grey, who is wearing a lab coat, and asking her why all those dorks were down on her. 'Scapegoats' Jean responds. She leads Jubilee out of the lab and uses her telekinesis to hang the lab coat up on a hook as she explains to Jubilee that they are looking for someone to blame – that they are frightened. 'And you – we – are convenient targets'. Jubilee asks if it is ever going to change, to which the Beast tells her not to despair, that scientific inquiry can dispel the hysteria gripping the country – the truth will out.
Later that night, at the city hospital, the Beast sneaks unseen into the pathology lab. He scours the darkness for anyone who may be in the lab, but finds it empty – and plans to find the truth about that disease. He locates a microscope, some petrie dishes and other accoutrements that he needs – and finds a file, where he finds the electronics store clerk's name. The Beast retrieves a slide smeared with a blood sample. He examines the slide under the microscope and sees that the virus – or viruses – are penetrating the cell wall of the tissue, linking with the chromosomes in the nucleus, resulting in an instant takeover. 'Curiouser and curiouser, as the celebrated blonde bimbo once exclaimed' the Beast thinks to himself, narrowing his eyes.
At that moment, in the X-Men's War Room, Scott Summers a.k.a. Cyclops and Jean Grey are watching a news report, where the reporter states that city officials have begun the quarantine in an effort to control the mysterious illness which is sweeping the country. 'This is unbelievable!' Scott exclaims, before turning as Storm flies into the room, along with Rogue, Logan a.k.a. Wolverine and Remy LeBeau a.k.a. Gambit. Scott informs them that he called them here to watch the news report. Rogue tells him that she hopes it was important, as she was getting ready to turn in. 'Spare us the sleeping habits, darlin'. I already don't like what I'm seein' on that screen' Logan exclaims, as they see footage of a mutant safe house in the city being sealed off by officials in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus by mutants. Gambit frowns, while Storm remains expressionless. Rogue clenches a fist and grits her teeth while Jean bites her lip. Cyclops looks thoughtful as Wolverine snarls and pops his claws. Footage shows a man in the crowd shouting 'Get rid of the mutants! It's the only way to stop the plague!' and Storm announces that she has seen that man, that he was at the mall – the one who attacked Jubilee. 'That's all I need to hear! X-Men... let's move out!' Cyclops exclaims.
At the mutant safe house, Bishop has arrived and watches as an angry crowd has gathered. 'It's the plague! Burn those stinkin' muties out!' one of the crowd shouts, while Bishop laments that it has already begun, but tells himself that there must be a way to quell the disturbance. He walks into the crowd and tells them to listen to him – that this plague is not caused by mutants, that they are mistaken. 'Hey, buddy! We're burning that building down if that's what it takes. Got a problem with that...brother?' one of the mob asks, as several of them hurl rocks and bottles towards the safehouse. One of the mob turns to Bishop and declare that he bets he is a lousy mutie – carrying the plague himself. 'Yeah, he's one of 'em! Nail him!' another of the crowd exclaims. But Bishop puts himself in danger, stepping between the crowd and the safehouse and tells them all to stop this, that he is spreading something as ugly as any plague – hatred!
Rogue and Storm appear overhead, and Rogue alerts Storm to Bishop as he continues to be hassled by the mob. 'Goddess! It's Bishop! Why is he here?' Storm wonders, before she radios Cyclops and reports that the mob has found a new taget in Bishop. In the Blackbird, Cyclops is with Jean, Wolverine and Gambit as he tells Storm that they read her. 'What dat homme doing here?' Gambit asks. 'Your guess is as good as mine, Gambit. And there's only one sure way to find out' Cyclops replies, before a panel on the floor of the Blackbird opens, '... and that's to drop in on him' Cyclops exclaims as the X-Men leap  from the Blackbird, Wolverine drops straight down towards Bishop, claws at the ready, Cyclops and Gambit follow, lowering themselves to the ground on a rope, while Jean telekinetically lowers herself. Cyclops tells Wolverine to control himself, and that they don't want any innocent people hurt. 'Don't worry, Cyke – I'm wearing my best pair of kid gloves' Logan jokes. 'Who -' Bishop utters, looking up to see Wolverine falling towards him.
'Put away that pistol, pal! This little clambake don't need you escalating the festivities!' Logan tells Bishop, while Cyclops gets to work keeping the crowd at bay, he blasts optic energy at the ground, 'Stay back and you don't be hurt!' he warns them, while Storm, hovering above, shouts 'Rains – descend and wash the streets clean of the vermin below!' Rain begins to pour, causing one of the mob to pull out a gun and aim it at Storm, boasting that he is gonna drop her – as she is raining on their parade and he will put a stop to it. But before he can open fire, Rogue swoops down and grabs him, causing him to drop his gun as she pulls him into the air. 'C'mon with me, Shugah! Ah got just the place for a piece of garbage like you!' Rogue calls out as she throws him into a nearby dumpster. 'There yuh go, sweetcheeks! Hope yuh real happy with yuh own kind – rats and roaches!' Rogue jokes.
At that moment, Wolverine has landed on Bishop and pins him to the ground, while Cyclops and Gambit run towards him, 'Wolverine – don't! Let's find out why Bishop's here!' Cyclops exclaims. 'You heard the man, rookie! We thought we saw the last of you! So you better have a good reason fer showing up here again!' Wolverine warns Bishop. 'If you'll just let me explain' Bishop replies, getting to his feet as Wolverine removes himself. Cyclops then points at Bishop and tells him that he did it this time, that he helped turn this situation into a riot. Bishop stands his ground as he explains that he was trying to save lives – theirs and millions in his future. 'What? Ain't we been through this dance before? I don't know what's going on, but when you show up, it's trouble!' Wolverine snarls, shoving his claws towards Bishop, who steps back and tells the X-Men that he will explain everything at their headquarters – simply enough for even Logan to understand.
Later, in the War Room, the Beast has joined the other X-Men as they all look towards Bishop when Cyclops tells him that he has the floor. Bishop thanks Cyclops, and informs the X-Men that when he returned to his time after his visit here, Forge had never heard of the X-Men, and unlike when he left, a plague now ravaged his era. Bishop tells the X-Men that, in his future, it is as if they all never existed, that they must have died in the plague without achieving notoriety – mutants will receive the blame, but someone else cooked up this deadly virus in a laboratory. 'We must stop whoever's behind it before it's too late! This injustice must not be allowed to stand!' Bishop exclaims. The Beast reports that Bishop is correct, and states that the virus was genetically engineered, and while it doesn't appear to be lethal now, it is dangerously unstable. The Beast puts a disc into the computer, which brings up a slide of the virus as he tells the others that once the virus spreads to the merry mutant population and combines with mutant DNA, theoretically, it could become deadly – dastardly – for everyone. 'As I've oft been known to intone... dum da dum dummm' the Beast adds. Cyclops tells him that they get the picture, and announces that they will find out who is responsible – but until then, they need to calm the plague hysteria, before Storm suggests that perhaps, in this matter, President Kelly might be of assistance.
At the headquarters of the Friends of Humanity, in the peaceful Virginia countryside, where, behind the placid facade is a lab deep beenath the earth, occupied by the leader of the Friends of Humanity, Graydon Creed, and a scientist. The two of them watch a media report, in which an announcer state that a spokesman for President Kelly has revealed that noted mutant scientist, Hank McCoy, will take part in the Senate committee hearing on the public health emergency scheduled for tomorrow in Washington. Creed declares that this fits their plans perfectly, and turns to the scientist, telling him that the plague scheme has worked well – that the public demands action, and when they see that freak McCoy infected on television at the hearing tomorrow, everyone will be convinced that mutants are responsible for the diseases. The scientist states that the must act quickly, because in a few months, the infected humans will begin to recover. Creed starts to leave the lab, remarking that it is time for stage two – to begin the infection of mutants. The scientist tells Creed that he agrees, before Creed instructs him to prepare the vials for shipment to their agents. When Creed is gone from the lab, the scientist thinks to himself 'How fitting! A disease to cleanse the Earth of the plague – of mutants – and humans!' And as a strange energy glows around him, he laughs a deep, booming, wicked laugh....


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

[Assistant]
Time Fugitives, part 2: Time and Time Again
(3999 AD)
The man called Cable, leader of this age's rebel forces, seeks answers from an unliving companion, as he kneels in the ruins of one of the many destroyed buildings in a desperate future. He holds a small cube that is his computer in his hands as the computer explains to him that a temporal storm has wreaked havoc with the Timestream – their present is reconfiguring in response to the existence of a new past – meaning once realignment is complete, Cable and his timeline will cease to exist. The computer informs Cable that the primary chronal component in this time readjustment is  the mutant Bishop, as it was his actions in the Twentieth Century brought about the timestorm. 'Bishop! He does -' Cable begins before a familiar sound resonates around him, and the whirling timestorm appears near him, changing his present, removing from existence all that he knows, bit by bit. The computer tells Cable that Bishop is  the disruptor who has traveled to the Twentieth Century from his own response to changes in his own present – he went to prevent the plague Apocalypse had set in motion. 'That plague must occur' the computer announces.
'This plague is Apocalypse's doing?' the muscular Cable asks, surprised. 'He's the evil I've fought against as a rebel all my life! How can I let Apocalypse destroy a past world, even if its end means the continuance of my own' he wonders. The computer tells Cable that the logic is mathematically simple – millions must die in the past so that future billions can be born, and that the mutants who survive this plague will carry antibodies which will stabilize the mutant genetic code, meaning that unless the plague occurs, mutantkind will destroy itself and this timeline will cease to exist. Cable asks the computer how much time he has before the temporal storm destroys everything, but the computer states that it cannot calculate the duration of the time flux due to the anomalous elements involved.
Suddenly, a teenage boy runs into the room, 'Dad! Do something – make it stop!' he calls out, surrounded by a strange glow. 'TYLER!' Cable shouts, turning to his son. 'Make it stoooop!' Tyler utters, before he vanishes. With Tyler gone, Cable decides that his mind is made up -  he is returning to the past. Cable approaches a teleportation pad in the room, as the computer states that it is vectoring for trans-time injection on previously calculated coordinates on the time platform. 'Translation... see you on the other side!' Cable declares as he steps on the time platform and then vanishes.
Present:
The late Twentieth Century, where inside Professor Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters in New Salem, New York, another time traveler – the man known as Bishop – finds himself questioned by the X-Men – Scott Summers a.k.a. Cyclops, Logan a.k.a. Wolverine, Rogue, Ororo Munroe a.k.a. Storm, Remy LeBeau a.k.a. Gambit, Hank McCoy a.k.a. the Beast and Jean Grey. Wolverine suggests to Bishop that they go through this again – even though it is making his head hurt. 'Yer from the future and you came back because the existence of some virus has screwed up your own present' Wovlerine summaries, before asking Bishop if he is leaving anything else. Bishop sternly replies that there is more to this than Wolverine's flipancy would suggest, adding that mutants will be blamed for the plague this virus will precipitate. Bishop tells the X-Men that when they found him earlier, he was attempting to prevent the storming of a mutant safehouse. He remarks that fear of the virus will spread and the situation will escalate uncontrollably, before adding that he has stated that this virus was not brought into being my mutants.
The Beast tells his teammates that he concurs with this, as his investigation of a viral-ridden cell sample last night was convincing. 'At the risk of being repetitous here, with the drill for you slow learners again... the virus was genetically-engineered, it would appear it's non-lethal now – but of a decidedly unstable nature, more's the pity'. The Beast continues, explaining that once the gregarious germs spread to the mutant population and combine with mutant DNA, it theoretically could become incredibly deadly. 'That's no theory, Beast. In my time, I have seen the result' Bishop exclaims. Cyclops declares that they have got to find who is responsible and try to keep the lid on this plague hysteria, suggesting that perhaps President Kelly can help them with that.
Meanwhile, in a small motel just outside of Salem Center, New York, Cable has arrived in this time period, and sits on a bed, while using his computer to display images of the X-Men, stating that he needs to know who he is up against. Cyclops appears first, and the computer states that he is the field commander of the X-Men and that he projects optic energy beams. Jean Grey is next, and the computer informs Cable that she has telekinesis and limited telepathy, before moving to Wolverine, revealing that he possesses an indestructible adamantium skeleton and retractable claws, while his mutant power is swift healing factor. Cable looks shocked at the mentoin of healing factor and tells the computer that he has had an idea that might save the future for everybody. His attention is then drawn to the television in the motel room as the reporter on screen states that tomorrow, the Capitol is host to hearings on the status of mutants – at Senator Goode's Committee on Mutant Affairs, and that the hearings are scheduled to proceed at eleven A.M.
The following day, at the Capitol, inside a large auditorium, Senator Goode's Committee on Mutant Affairs is meeting, with Graydon Creed, leader of the Friends of Humanity, has begun his speech before a large audience. He thanks the chairman and states that these hearings are needed so the public may learn the true extent of mutant infestation of society. He boasts that mutants have brought a plague down upon them – and he means that literally. Creed stands at the podium and announces that at this moment, there is a lethal virus abroad in their great land, that it isa plague fostered and spread by those genetic deviants euphemistically called mutants. Creed begins to look angry as he exclaims that the Friends of Humanity is dedicated to the sacred cause of mankind and the eradication of threats – but he doesn't get to finish his sentence as Senator Goode interrupts him, pointing out that they do have quite a full schedule and need to move on. 'I do expect another chance to finish my remarks' Gradyon Creed mutters. 'Yes, of course' the senator replies as he takes to the podium.
The senator then introduces Dr Henry McCoy, a specialist in cellular mutation – and a mutant. The Beast takes the podium and thanks the senator, before stating for the record that impeccable scientific analysis has shown that the virus which causes this plague was created in a laboratory and shows no signs of contact with mutant DNA. The Beast suggests they put aside the hysteria that grips them and unite in the cause of truth. 'We are all the same beneath the skin! Didn't our creator so state?' the Beast adds. In the audience, Cyclops, Jean, Wolverine and Bishop are dressed in civilian clothes as they watch the hearing proceedings. Wolverine tells the others that Beast should run for office – although he isn't sure about those sideburns. Jean adds that they seldom see this side of Hank, and that it is inspiring. The Beast reports that he has all the pertinent data. 'It will show – with a minimum of technical jargon -' he starts to say, while Graydon Creed covers his mouth with a cloth and pulls a device from his jacket pocket – this does not go unnoticed by Bishop, who thinks that Graydon is pulling out a gun, and rushes forward, 'DROP THAT WEAPON! NOW!' Bishop shouts, grabbing Creed by his wrist, he sees that Creed is holding some sort of canister.
'Order! Order I say!' the Senator exclaims, banging a gavel on the podium, while Bishop forces Creed to the ground. 'Let me go!' Creed pleads, as security guards rush into the chambers, one of them ordering the others to spread out, as the place is erupting in fights. 'Looks as if I've arrived just in time' Cable declares as he materializes in the chamber. 'Well, look who's showed up to cast his vote!' Wolverine snarls as he sees Cable. Wolverine punches a member of the Friends of Humanity in the face, before turning and rushing towards Cable, informing him that he has been looking forward to getting a crack at him. 'Guess it's just your day, isn't it, claws?' Cable replies as he raises his large weapon – and slams it into Wolverine's face. 'Short day, sorry' Cable responds. He throws Wolverine over his shoulder and runs towards the exit, thinking that Wolverine is crucial to his plans, and that he needs to get out during this confusion. However his exit does not go unnoticed by Cyclops and Jean. But Cyclops points out that there are too many innocent bystanders around who may be hurt if they try and stop him. Jean looks shocked as she utters 'Something about him – Scott – I just touched his mind telepathically – unbelievable! It can't be!'
Up at the podium, Graydon looks nervous as Bishop steps on his hand, forcing the nozzle on the aerosol spray to open – and the gas pours out of the canister. Beast suddenly pushes Bishop back, telling him to cease and desist, as Mr and Mrs America are watching. Bishop alerts the Beast to what is happening to Creed's face, as the anti-mutant bigot looks at them, his face green, he looks unwell, sweat drips from his face as he exclaims that this is only the beginning, and that mutants are responsible. Creed then pulls back his shirt, revealing his whole body has transformed, he displays himself in front of the cameras as he shouts 'Let the world see what you mutants have done! THIS! Mutants – monsters! I am proof that contact with you brings the plague! Look at me! See the horror you've unleashed on humanity!'
The Beast grabs Bishop by his collar and tells him not to make any sudden moves, or else he will be forced to resort to the resumption of his restraint. Gambit, Rogue and Storm make their presence known as they gather around, and Gambit tells Bishop 'Means you gonna be held, homme!' while Cyclops tells his teammates to get Bishop to the Blackbird while there is still commotion. Rogue asks Cyclops what about Wolverine, reminding him that he got made off with. Cyclops tells Rogue that Wolverine is a big boy, and that firstly they have to stop the plague. But Gambit suggests to Cyclops that they should be splitting up, and offers to track Wolverine down and then catch up with them. Cyclops looks annoyed, 'NO!' he exclaims, assuring his teammates that he is very concerned about Wolverine's fate, but that they are staying together – that is his priority. Cyclops informs the others that they must get back to the Mansion – or it may be life and death for all of their kind.
At the motel Cable is hiding out in, 'Welcome back to the land of the living. Hope I didn't clock you too hard' Cable tells Wolverine as he throws some water over his face, waking him up. Logan sits up on the bed, 'Never mind my soaking noggin', Bub. Whattaya want – twenty-five words or less!' Logan snarls. Cable holds his weapon as he explains that a man called Bishop went back to this present some months ago, and his actions allowed Senator Kelly to live to become President, but the backlash of Kelly's presidential policies allowed Apocalypse and Graydon Creed to unleash a plague virus. Cable adds that those events from Bishop's first trip here created a temporal storm that is altering his timeline, Cable's own present – so it will cease to exist as he knows it. 'Guess having Bishop back here a second time didn't help you any' Logan remarks, wiping the water from his mask.
Cable informs Logan that Bishop needs to stop the plague to re-align his own future, but the plague must occur to secure the continuance of his – meaning they are at odds. Wolverine warns Cable that he is talking about losing a lot of lives with that plague, to which Cable remarks that manu will die, he won't deny that, but that he is here to save his entire present, and reveals that with Wolverine's assistance, there is an excellent chance that the loss of life can be truly minimized. 'Wil you help me?' Cable asks. Wolverine pops his claws in front of Cable's face and tells him that he will tag along because he is curious, but warns Cable that if he does anything out of line, he will be heading back to the future with a couple of holes where nature didn't intend them. Cable speaks to his computer, instructing it to access the primitive power grid and effect an electro-transport to the coordinates outside Creed's Virginia headquarters. 'Electrotransport, huh? Probably faster 'n taking the bus. No fare, either' Wolverine jokes as he and Cable glow with energy, before they vanish as Cable utters 'Bodyslide initiated'.

Meanwhile, inside the X-Men's Blackbird jet, the Beast is watching some footage of the hearing at the Capitol and calls Cyclops over to look at the recordings. 'What've you got there, Hank?' Cyclops asks. The Beast explains that he set the computer to record the broadcast from the committee hearing, and increases the image on the screen, which shows Creed's hand holding the aerosol canister. 'Positively diabolical. While Bishop grappled with Sir Creed, Creed accidentially set off his aerosol spray can...a can which was an ingenious delivery system for the airborne virus' the Beast explains. 'The fool infected himself in his failed attempt at infecting me – because Bishop intercepted him! Voila!' the Beast adds. Cyclops points out that Creed will need treatment, and turns to Jean, who sits behind Rogue, who is piloting the jet. Scott asks Jean  what is wrong – he knows she is upset they didn't go after Logan. 'But I've already explained...' Scott starts to say, before Jean bites her lip and looks up at Scott, 'It isn't that, Scott. It was when I made telepathic contact with Cable – I learned – he's more important to our future than you could ever imagine. It's frightening!' Jean utters.
A short time later, the Blackbird's instruments have led the X-Men to the Friends of Humanity headquarters in Virginia. The Blackbird descends near the sprawling property of the Friends of Humanity in the dead of night, with Cyclops telling the X-Men that there is no time for subtlety, and that they should prepare for a frontal assault. Cyclops, Beast, Gambit, Jean and Bishop run  towards the fence surrounding property, while Rogue and Storm fly above them. Cyclops tells Gambit and Storm that they can best clear a path for the others. 'With pleasure, mon ami!' Gambit replies as he throws several kinetically-charged playing cards at the fence, busting part of it open. 'Arctic winds and snow will freeze the fence to such brittleness a child could shatter it!' Storm declares as she freezes the fence, breaking it apart. 'That must be the help – ready to escort us to our suites' one of the X-Men jokes as several members of the Friends of Humanity rush towards them. 'Mutants – attacking! Kill them all!' one of the Friends of Humanity members shouts.
As most of the X-Men engage in physical combat with the Friends, Jean informs Cyclops thjat she has contacted a mind – in agony, turmoil – directly below them, underground. 'Good going, Jean' Cyclops replies, supposing that it must be Creed, he declares that they have got to get down there fast. 'And this is the fastest way I know how!' Cyclops exclaims as he taps the side of his visor, and an optic blast charges from his eyes directly into the ground, creating a massive hole. The heroes gather around the hole. 'An underground complex!' Bishop calls out, before telling Cyclops that his power beam is a weapon to be feared, and that in his century, it is a legend. Cyclops tells Bishop that he appreciates the compliment, and that he is only sorry his power is ever used enough to become a legend.
Inside Creed's underground comple, Creed sits in a wheelchair before a scientist. 'Look at me! A plague victim! I can't be sick now with the plague about to spread! Bu the time I recover, it may be too late to direct events!' Graydon exclaims. The scientist assures him that they will think  of something, before of them look up as they hear a rumbling noise – and a moment later, a wall is knocked down, with the X-Men appearing. A second later, Cable and Wolverine teleport into the room. 'Game's up, Creed! This is where the X-Men put an end to your sick plans!' Cyclops calls out. 'Looks as if you've gotten a taste of your own virus, you monster! Do you like it?' Jean asks, while Storm alerts Cyclops to the arrival of Cable and Wolverine. 'Just teleporting in to look over the join, darling' Wolverine jokes, before Cable raises a large weapon and aims it at the scientist: 'The name's Cable – Apocalypse!' he shouts. 'You'll hear it again, someday!' he exclaims.
The blast strikes the scientist, who smiles and declares 'Interesting how you penetrated my disguise...Cable. I might as well...REVEAL MY TRUE FORM!' he shouts as he transforms into the powerful mutant known as Apocalypse, who towers above the others in the underground chamber. Apocalypse looks at Creed and points out that he appears shocked, before informing Creed that he is merely a pawn in his plans who never knew he was working at his side. Cable raises his weapon to Apocalypse and tells him that whatever form he assumes, he is going to pay for his crimes against mutant – and man. 'How can it be a crime to assume one's natural position of dominance? As you are above man – I am far beyond mutant! Accept it!' Apocalypse exclaims. Apocalypse reminds the X-Men that they once defeated his Four Horsemen, but warns them that they can never hope to succeed against him, that they struggle against the natural order of things, and are fools for doing so.
Apocalypse raises a hand and fires a blast of energy that strikes Storm and Gambit, knocking them back, while he adapts his own form, creating a shield out of one of his hands to block an optic blast that Cyclops fires at him. 'Keep talking “dominance”, big man! My optic beams can blast through anything – even that makeshift shield!' Cyclops retorts, before warning Apocalypse that he is going down – big time. Rogue flies up to Apocalypse from behind, 'Hey, Chromedome! It ain't nice to turn yoh back on a lady!' Rogue calls out, reminding him that she owes him from a beating he and his henchmen gave her in Stonehenge – and she always pays her debts. Apocalypse turns around, 'Eh? Oh – the tart-tongued, silver haired X-Man... Rogue, I believe' Apocalypse comments, before telling Rogue that he is sorry, but for now, her misplaced vengeance is deferred. He then swats her hard across the chamber.
Bishop watches as Apocalypse turns his attention to Wolverine, 'And now the small one with the fearsome visage! Does your animalistic act really frighten anyone – Wolverine?' Apocalypse asks as he shifts his hand into a large hammer. 'Leaves 'em quivering bowls of jello, Mr A!' Wolverine snarls, claws at the ready, he remarks that since Apocalypse doesn't scare easily, he will have to drop the act and cut him a new navel. But before Wolverine can act, Apocalypse slams his hammer-like hand into him, knocking him into a stasis tank containing fluid, that spills out over Wolverine and the floor. Bishop looks shocked and points out that Wolverine has been drenched in the contents of the tank – the virus. He tries to move forward to Wolverine, but Cable holds him back, claiming that it is the only way, and that now the virus is in Wolverine's incredible immune system.
Wolverine stumbles to his knees and asks what is happening, as he feels weak as a kitten, he feels sick. Logan realizes that he is turning green like Creed, and knows that he has the plague. Bishop turns to Cable and asks him if he realizes that in stopping him, he has doomed Wolverine. 'No I haven't! I've saved us all! Watch!' Cable replies. Wolverine boasts that he isn't going out this way, and tenses his body as he urges his healing factor to make him healthy, like he was. Wolverine then gets to his feet, the virus purged from his system, his body returned to normal, he exclaims that it is done. 'Wolverine's healing factor – his mutant immune system – kicked in – cured him! And by doing so, it created the anti-bodies that all mutants will need to survive the virus – the plague. This one's for all our futures!' Cable declares as he opens fire on other tanks containing the virus.
While Jean stands nearby, Cyclops fires another optic blast at Apocalypse and tells him that he is defeated – that he has been defeated by those he felt were inferior, those he scoffed at. 'Not a good feeling, is it?' Cyclops looks over at the other tanks warns the X-Men that Cable's blasts have begun a chain reaction of explosions, so they need to get out – now. 'Mutant filth! They've destroyed everything! A future of such sublime perfection – ruined!' Apocalypse booms. 'The chaos I would have created – postponed! Mankind survives never knowing how close it came to armageddon' Apocalypse laments, before he floats in a bubble above the raging fires in the laboratory, remarking that while mankind dozes in ignorance, he will brood and plan and strike again – and that on that day, there will be no reprieve – and for the upstart Cable, there will be another time for him, as well!

The X-Men have made it to the grounds outside the underground chamber, with the Beast carrying Graydon Creed, telling him that his pathetic dreams go up in flames, and that he should remember  it was a mutant – a hirsute one, to be exact – who saved his worthless skin. The Beast adds that he will assume Creed will reconsider injecting himself with any lethal concoctions on subsequent occasions in light of this rescue. As the facility explodes in spectacular display, Apocalypse can be seen escaping the flames in his bubble, floating up into the air. Gambit is helping Wolverine away from the flames and asks him if he is okay, to which Logan replies that he is not bad for a gent who almost bought it a minute ago. Wolverine asks Gambit how he is feeling, before Rogue asks Cyclops why he looks unhappy – as they whipped Apocalypse fair and square.
The X-Men gather together as Cyclops points out that Apocalypse is still at large, and that until he is contained, none of them are safe. Cable tells Cyclops not to let it bother him, explaining that he has been jousting with Apocalypse for years, and that there are never complete victories or defeats where Apocalypse is concerned. Cable states that, for now, their respective timelines will continue along their proper paths, and that more lives than they can imagine have been saved today. Cable thanks the X-Men for their assistance – and his fellow time traveler, Bishop. 'Likewise' Bishop replies as he adjusts his temporal transceiver so he can return to his era. Bishop farewells the X-Men and Cable and tells them that he has a feeling they will meet again.
A short time later, in the future, Bishop rematerializes in his own time, and tells Forge that he has returned, asking him if it worked – if they stopped the plague. 'Plague? What're you talking about, Bishop?' Forge replies, glancing away from his work. 'I'm speaking of the virus which devestated our mutant brethren!' Bishop exclaims. 'The joke is over, Bishop. Understand?' Forge replies. 'More than you'll ever know, Forge' Bishop thinks to himself, grinning.
At the X-Mansion in the present day, Logan sits up on an examination table and asks the Beast what the verdict is. 'I'm sitting half an hour and yer still peering at my corpsucles' Logan remarks. The Beast glances at Logan and tells him that the march of medical progress cannot be hurried, but that he has ascertained that Logan has created an array of antibiotics that have put to rout that rather virulent viral strain. 'That healing factor is a thing of wonder' the Beast smiles.
And, in the year 3999, Cable crouches down and hugs his teenage son. 'Oh, Dad, you're safe! I thought I'd never see you again!' Tyler exclaims. Cable tells Tyler that it is all right, that they are together for always. Cable thinks to himself that the world is as he remembers – the effects of the time storm are reversed, and his plan bore fruit. Suddenly, a member of the rebel forces alerts Cable to the fact that Apocalypse's forces are overrunning their positions, and they need him on the front. Tyler looks up at Cable and smiles as Cable clenches a fist and declares that is where they are going – and Apocalypse is going to get a counterattack like he never expected. 'This war is ours to win! Let's go!'