Messiah War
2009The second chapter of the Messiah Trilogy. Cyclops sends X-Force into the future to find Cable and the mutant messiah, now a young girl named Hope. They arrive in a dystopian timeline where Stryfe has established himself as a tyrant and Bishop — who believes Hope will destroy the future — has allied with him. X-Force and Cable must fight their way through Stryfe's forces, confront Apocalypse (weakened and near death), and escape Bishop's relentless pursuit. The event deepens Hope's importance and sets up her eventual return to the present in Second Coming.
7 core issues, 5 optional tie-ins/crossovers
PrologueBishop's origin and his obsessive belief that Hope will destroy the future
Prologue
Prologue
Tie-InCable and Hope in the future; Bishop closing in
Tie-InCable and Hope struggle to survive; leads directly into Messiah War
X-Force arrives in the future; Stryfe revealed as the era's ruler; Cable and Hope located
X-Force and Cable unite; Stryfe's forces attack
X-Force battles Stryfe's army; Bishop's alliance with Stryfe revealed
Deadpool appears; Apocalypse is found weakened and dying
Wolverine confronts Stryfe; Apocalypse offers aid against a common enemy
Final battle with Stryfe; Bishop's plan thwarted
Conclusion — X-Force returns to the present; Cable and Hope continue running through time; Bishop stranded