Clarice Ferguson, the mutant known as Blink, has never been more frightened in her entire life. Not even Harvest, that techno-organic monster that tried to kill her many months ago, scared her as much as this...thing.

This thing wears the body of Rahne Sinclair, the feral mutant code-named Wolfsbane. Cypher claims it's a human - Kevin MacTaggert, son of Dr. Moira MacTaggert - but Blink knows evil when she sees it. The thing that calls itself Proteus is the very definition of evil.

Sure, Blink tries to put on a strong front, but she's not fooling anybody, and she knows it.

Passing Blink off as an annoyance, Proteus cocks Wolfsbane's head to the side, studying the mutant standing before him. "So, you're the great Cypher, heir to the omnipotent Onslaught? If I must say, you don't really look the part. Nevertheless, I'm impressed with what you've done. Sending those Prime Sentinels was a stroke of genius."

"It was a logical choice," Cypher replied, as emotionless as always. "I had considered arriving while you were still weak, so that I could kill you quickly."

Wolfsbane's lips curled into a smile, and Proteus asked the question on everyone's mind. "Well, why didn't you?"

"Because I am not a coward, afraid to fight my opponents face-to-face." Cypher stated simply. "Because I am better than everybody else, and I will prove it. Because if I kill you, I can't use you."

Throwing Wolfsbane's head back, Proteus laughs loudly. Blink's knees buckle. Sunspot, lying on the ground, groans and his eyes flutter. Alchemy, standing off to the side, shudders and shakes his head, his shock wearing off. Cypher remains still, waiting on Proteus.

Done laughing, Proteus narrows Wolfsbane's eyes. "Well then, Cypher, I suppose that's the difference between you and I. I really don't give a damn about cowardice and proof and using people. I'm just here to kill, and you're next." Raising Wolfsbane's stump of an arm, Proteus releases a blast of plasma energy at Cypher's chest.

Even with superheated plasma raging towards him, Cypher still doesn't move. Instead, his eyes shift sideways at Blink. Before Blink realises what has happened, one of her portals appears before Cypher, the plasma passing harmlessly into it.

Wolfsbane's face contorts in rage. Surprisingly, Proteus speaks calmly. "Ah, using the reality-shifter, eh? Well, that is easily remedied." Turning Wolfsbane's head towards Blink, Proteus addresses her. "Sorry lass, but Cypher brought this on ye."

Blink gasps, feeling a cold hand grip her heart. It only lasts a moment, however, before Cypher shifts his gaze to Sunspot.

With a cry of surprise, Sunspot leaps off the ground, slamming his fist into Wolfsbane's nose. "What-? Cypher, how are you-?"

"Rarrrhhh!" Snarls Proteus, sending Sunspot flying with a backhand. "Yes, Cypher, how is it ye can control yer team-mates?"

"Technology," Cypher replies with a faint smile. "In case you haven't noticed, you're in one of my team-mates."

Before Proteus can reply, he screams. Small explosions rip through Wolfsbane's form, sending chunks of meat and bone flying.

"Now Blink," Cypher demands. Before Blink can wonder at what he wants, one of her portals appears beneath Proteus. He falls in, vanishing.

"Wha-what did I...w-what did you do!?" Blink cries out.

"You sent him five minutes into the future," Cypher replies. He may as well have said she sent him to the store, by the tone of his voice. "We need to regroup, and simply teleporting him would have been too dangerous."

Turning away from Blink before she can respond, Cypher strides towards Sunspot and the still-writhing Moonstar. Kneeling next to Moonstar, Cypher places his hand on her forehead. With a start, she stops struggling, going limp.

Satisfied, Cypher stands. "There, a simple deleting of a recent program. Or virus, if you will. Honestly, we are so much like computers." He turns to Blink. "It'd be best to teleport our fearless leaders to the jet. They'll be of no use against Proteus."

"Jet?" Blink asks. "What jet?" Cypher merely jerks his head behind her. Turning, Blink stands speechless at the sight of their jet, in perfect condition. "How?"

"It was a simple matter of having my nanites reconstruct it from the ruins of the lab. Hurry and teleport them into it. We only have three minutes left."

Almost without thinking, Blink does what he asks, creating portals beneath both Sunspot and Moonstar. Her task complete, she runs towards Cypher, who is now standing next to Alchemy.

"Listen closely Tom," Cypher drones. "What I need for you to do is create that adamantium/vibranium compound you've been working on. As much as you of it as you can in the two-and-a-half minutes we have left."

"What!?" Alchemy exclaims. "I still haven't figured it out! There's no way I can--"

Cypher interrupts Alchemy with a full-armed slap that sends Alchemy to the ground. "Yes you can. I've already figured out the formula and imprinted it into your brain. Once Proteus returns, keep lobbing the stuff at him. It'll serve to keep him at bay."

Done with Alchemy, Cypher turns to Blink. "Clarice, when Proteus arrives, attack him immediately. Create portals inside of him, try and shift pieces of him around, whatever. Keeping your reality-shifting power at bay will take up much of his strength."

"Ohhhh-kaaaay," Blink says doubtfully. "So, while Alchemy and I are pissing off a god-like mutant that could kill us with a thought, you'll be..."

"Setting up the killing blow," Cypher states, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Now, in approximately 49 seconds, Proteus will be appearing," Cypher points to the spot Proteus disappeared from. "There. Set up things up and nail him the moment you see him. Alchemy, how much of the compound do you have?"

As Alchemy shows Cypher the many adamantuim/vibranium objects he'd transmuted, Blink looks at the spot with a sigh. Well, I might as well cut loose. She points her hand at the spot and concentrates. In a flash, numerous teleportation disks criss-cross the area, overlapping each other at various angles and in various directions.

Cypher glances at her handiwork and nods. "That is quite cunning, and vicious as well. The edge of a teleportation gateway is capable of slicing through anything. Proteus will appear there, and get eviscerated, in approximately five seconds. Alchemy, throw several knives...now."

As Alchemy grabs several of the unbreakable knives, Proteus appear out of thin air, right in the midst of the portals. Proteus screams in agony as Wolfsbane's body is sliced through in numerous ways. Bits and pieces of what was once a fellow New Mutant drop to the ground or through several portals, revealing more and more of Proteus' energy form.

"Arghhhhhhhh!" Proteus cries as the last of his host body falls away. "God damn it, little girl. Now I'm gonna make ye scream."

Fortunately, before Proteus can act on his threat, Alchemy hurls numerous knives at the energy being. Gleaming, metallic knives, made from two of the strongest metals in existence.

Intent on Blink, Proteus takes minimal notice of the knives. He merely flicks his wrists, twisting several of the portals within him. The knives pass through, doing Proteus no harm. "Was that your plan, you pathetic child? Weaken me with the bitch's lame reality shifting powers so the alchemist could catch me off guard? Sorry, but I've experienced more pain than this, and I can last indefinitely without a body."

Blink's heart sank at those words. At that moment, she knew that they had failed, and would all die as a result.

Then Proteus turned what must be his head in Blink's direction, and though she couldn't see the expression of the energy being, she knew he was looking at her with a mixture of rage and amusement. "You, however, hurt me badly. I think I'll start with you."

Blink clenched her eyes shut in agony, her hands pressing against her chest. Dear lord, her heart felt like it was on fire! Blink sank to her eyes, a cry of utter torment springing from her lips. The last thing Blink saw was Cypher leaping at the distracted Proteus.

And after that, a blinding light the likes of which she has never seen.

(See Age of Onslaught: Alpha - Benn)

Within the consciousness...

The thoughts of Proteus cackled. You fool! Giving me your body is the pinnacle of foolishness. I shall remove you from existence, and use your form to destroy the world!

By contrast, Cypher remained perfectly calm. True, you could do that. Unfortunately, you will have to destroy my mind. I am pleased to inform you that this is one battle in which I hold the advantage.

Why, because of your tutelage under Onslaught? From the moment I was conceived, I have read the thoughts of others. The very core of my being is forged from the hate a woman holds towards a man that would rape his own wife. Moreover, my power over reality extends even here. You are sorely outmatched, boy.

Mentally, Cypher smiles. You call me boy, yet you are little older. Could it be that you are afraid, and are seeking to strike me off-balance?

There is no need to. My power is infinite.

Then why do you require a body?

For a moment, Proteus falters. I...I...

I'll tell you why. It is because deep down, you are still a child who wants nothing more than to feel the love of your mother. It is because you are unwilling to let go of your humanity, to truly ascend to the level you brag at achieving. It is because you are afraid.

You impetuous thing! What do you know about humanity? You care nothing for your fallen team-mates, caring only about logic and the discovery of knowledge! You are little more than a machine, devoid of all emotion.

Precisely. I have none of your limitations. Thus, I hold no qualms about ascending to god-hood. Unlike you, I have no humanity to lose.

Is that why you chose this 'selfless' sacrifice? Are you truly so deluded that you believe you can take my powers?

It's quite simple really. Linked as we are now, all I need to do is tear your energy form apart with metallic substances. Once that is accomplished, you will cease to be, and I will assume control over your mental abilities. The metal in my uniform shall suffice, as will the iron in my body.

Fool! Your uniform is outside your body, while I am here, inside your body! The iron contained within your blood is minuscule, no more than an annoyance. You have made a grievous error boy, and it will cost you dearly. Can you even now feel my consciousness overwhelming your own?

Oh, that? I'm pleased to say that it's necessary for me to take a modicum of control over your powers. In essence, I am now 'borrowing' your powers. It's similar to what I did with Blink several minutes earlier. Basically I plan to combine with my uniform, so the metal will be a part of my body. Unfortunately, while the resultant strain would tear you apart, it would also kill me.

Then you are undone! You are no hero, willing to lose your own life simply to save others. Surrender! Take solace in that fact that your body will ascend to god-hood, even if your mind does not.

Actually, I'd rather take a gamble. Some months ago, I found a template of a techno-organic creature. My attempts to study it have failed thus far, but I feel certain that I am close to unlocking its secrets.

Ah yes, I see what you are referring to. A sentient being, in total control of its body, composed of metal and carbon. My mother would have found this intriguing. Perhaps I'll tell her about it before I kill her. I may just study this with my powers after I subvert your consciousness.

Don't bother. I just have. Even now I am accessing the template to transform myself into a techno-organic entity. There exists an 83.18452754 percent chance that I will be able to survive the merging before you take over my body.

No! You can't win! I'm the god-like villain!

Not for long.

You tricked me with all your psychobabble! Well, I can still win. I just need to take you over before the process is complete. Enough talk!

Very well.

The blinding light only lasted a moment, yet it seemed to go on forever. Blink and Alchemy shield their eyes, momentarily blinded. As the light subsides, the two New Mutants dare a glance.

What stood where the white light had once shown was Cypher, or at least something that resembled Cypher. A faint golden light illuminated his body, similar to the energy glow of Proteus. Or perhaps it is only the sunlight reflecting off his golden, metallic skin.

It was the metallic skin that bothered Blink the most. It was so similar to that of Harvest, the strange creature that had attacked her so long ago. It wasn't composed of smooth metal, but instead a patchwork of wires and metallic parts, resembling a Sentinel without the outer shell.

Seemingly oblivious of his nearby observers, the metallic being looked down at himself, studying his body. He then began to mutter.

"I had underestimated his mental capabilities. If not for the psionic wave, he could very well have succeeded."

Hearing these words, Alchemy steps forward, a metal knife in his hand. "Who are you?" he demanded. "Who won?!"

Startled out of his thoughts, the man looked up at Alchemy, dismissing the knife. Alchemy stops cold, reacting to that cold, calculating stare.

"Won? I suppose you could say we all won," The man replied. "For you see, we are now one being, with the capabilities of one another."

Curious and a little scared, Blink steps forward. "Cypher? Is that you?"

Giving the barest of smiles, the man responds. "Cypher is no more. Proteus is no more. Instead they have joined with another into a far, far greater whole."

"Another," Alchemy spits out, still gripping the knife. "I only saw two, and now I see one."

"You do not remember the techno-organic sample that Cypher was studying? Locked within that small chip was the soul of another creature, a peaceful young man called Warlock. In his battle with Proteus, Cypher was finally able to contact Warlock, and he asked for help.

"But even so, the battle was close. Nearly too close. However, Cypher succeeded, though not in the way he wanted."

"How so?" Blink asks, curious.

"Instead of destroying Proteus and taking his power, Cypher instead merged with Proteus. Warlock also merged with the two, created a whole of balance. The reckless, murderous soul of Proteus; the peaceful, good-hearted soul of Warlock; and the neutral, logic-driven soul of Cypher all joined together as one."

"So in other words," Alchemy snarls. He steps forward, knife raised. "You're just some robotic bloke that wants to be human, so you killed our team-mate to do it."

"Actually, Warlock gave Cypher his greatest wish. Cypher is now godlike, though not in the way he'd imagined. I am the greater whole of three parts. I possess the raw power of Proteus, the calculating mental power of Cypher, and the adaptable body of Warlock. I'm afraid that means the weakness against metal no longer applies."

He raises his hand, stretching his fingers forward to wrap around the knife. Alchemy curses as the knife is snatched out of his hands, absorbed into the body of the...thing before him.

He smiles. "I felt you try to change me into glass. Were you planning to shatter me perhaps? However, as I am sure you've realised, the power to alter reality itself supersedes the lesser ability to transmute matter."

Shaking her head, Blink steps forward. "Wait a minute Tom, let's think this through. Whatever this thing is, part of it is Cypher, and if what it says is true, Cypher and a ally of his managed to beat Proteus." She looks at the thing. "So that means Proteus is dead, right?"

"In a sense, yes. The being known as Proteus is no more. Only his power remains. Of Warlock, only his body, and of Cypher, is mind."

Blink blinks her eyes, surprised. "Mind? So you're saying you are Cypher."

The man smiles. "That is correct Blink. As I expected, the battle with Proteus destroyed my body. With the techno-organic sample, I was able to fashion a new one. Alas, what was left of that sample's consciousness was destroyed when I used it to shield against Proteus."

Alchemy just looks at him for a moment. "So, if you're you, then what the hell was that 'greater whole of parts', and 'Cypher is no more' mumbo-jumbo all about?"

He smiles. "Because I am the greater whole of three parts, and because I am no longer what I once was. I am not a demi-god, with the power to reshape reality, with none of the weaknesses Proteus had. Observe."

Cypher gestures at the ground; at the pieces of Wolfsbane that litter it. Before the eyes of Blink and Alchemy, the pieces slither towards each other, forming together. In moments Wolfsbane is lying on the ground, sleeping. Blink tries very hard no to throw up, and barely succeeds.

Cypher looks up at them. "Proteus knew nothing of the human body, so he could not have done that. However, with my knowledge, I can literally do anything. Also, this techno-organic shell...Proteus knew nothing of the human body, so he could not have done that. However, with my knowledge, I can literally do anything. Also, this techno-organic shell is capable of surviving indefinitely against burnout. It also adapts to anything it comes in contact with, disabling the weakness against metal."

Cypher sighs. "Unfortunately, this does not make me god. I am unable to give Wolfsbane back her soul. Of course, I can give her back her basic personality and memories, but that is only because of her simple mind and the contact I've had with her."

Alchemy nods his head in understanding. "So all you managed to do was bring back a nearly mindless Wolfsbane that wants only to hunt and kill? I suppose because of Mondo's more complex mind, you can't bring him back?"

Cypher shakes his head. "I could bring back the body, but what is the point? It would be only a mindless husk, unable to even access his powers. I myself could do better now."

"But then what's the point of bringing back Wolfsbane?" Blink blurts out.

"Because Moonstar will be able to make use of her. And because you'll need the extra help."

"Help?" Alchemy wonders. "Help with what?"

Cypher looks up. "Oh dear. I was so busy explaining by ascension of power that I missed an important point. As I was joining with Proteus and Warlock, I became aware of extreme psionic activity. Onslaught stands poised to take complete control of the world, and the X-Men are preparing a last stand against him. It is thus imperative that you reach Onslaught Island immediately."

Blink opens her mouth, aghast. As she stands silent, Alchemy speaks out in anger. "We? Why aren't you coming? Don't you care about Onslaught, or are you planning to usurp him with your new power?"

Cypher points to the jet in the distance. "Sunspot and Moonstar need to recover, so it'd be best if you took the jet rather than Blink teleporting. Also, try and make sure Moonstar is awake and in control of Wolfsbane before she awakens. Otherwise you'll have to fight the wild animal. Myself? I plan to assist Onslaught in my own way. While the New Mutants fight Bishop's pawns, I will stand by Onslaught's side, protecting our master as he ascends to true god-hood."

Alchemy nods, satisfied. "Okay, I'm convinced." He looks at Blink and jerks his head at the jet. "Let's get moving gel. We've got a long flight ahead of us."

"You take Rahne in, I'll catch up." As Alchemy heads towards the jet, Blink faces Cypher, studying him.

"Y-you're still the same, aren't you? Willing to kill those lesser than you only because you know they'll always hate you?"

"That is correct."

Blink's eyes narrow. "Well, now you're as far above us as we are above humans. Would you kill us too?"

Cypher gives the faintest of smiles. "I serve the will of Onslaught. Besides, if I killed everyone, there'd be nobody to rule."

Shaken, Blink turns from her team-mate, quickly walking to the jet. Cypher watches her go, amused. He respects her power, and knows that someday she may prove to be a nuisance. Her heart just isn't in Onslaught, it would seem.

Pushing the thoughts aside, Cypher closes his eyes, reaching out with his mind. {Master, I come.}

In the next instant, Cypher is gone.

Next Issue: Well, the story of the New Mutants has come to its ultimate conclusion, but the story of Cypher is only just beginning. There's a war coming, and it takes place in AOO: Omega.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Thank you all for enjoying this ride with me. I'm afraid the AOO New Mutants are now no more. Sure, most of them survived, but they aren't New Mutants anymore. This was their trial-by-fire, and I think you'll agree that they graduated. All hail the new Prelates of Onslaught!

So what's next for this merry band of homicidal mutants? Well, they'll appear in AOO Omega, though in what capacity I'm not sure. Of Cypher I am sure, and I can promise that his scenes in Omega will be memorable.

Thanks again.

Stephen Crosby