Cerebra's Files
Neophyte
Real Name: Unknown
Affiliation: Acolytes
Alternate-X Versions: None
Codename Etymology: Pronounced nē'ə-fīt'
[From Greek, neophutos: neo-: "neo-" + -phutos: "planted"];
A beginner.
Powers & History: Neophyte can move through solid matter by merging with it and passing his molecules through it. He may even be able to reform part of himself on the other side of whatever he passes through, before he is completely there, so that he could reach the other side, even if it is longer than his arm length. He can also phase others if they are in physical contact with him. A German mutant, Neophyte was one of Cortez's recruits into the Acolytes. He had been in seclusion from the villagers who hated him, and was taken by the power of the story of Magneto and his struggle for mutants' rights. However, when he was expelled when he saw Cortez torturing Moira MacTaggert, and then when a human who tried to help him was brutally murdered by the teammates who came to retrieve him, his faith began to waver. When the X-Men saved him from those Acolytes and requested his help, he agreed, and phased them all into the Acolytes' stronghold. After the battle, however, he struck out on his own, saying that he could not decide whose path was correct. Subsequently, he was captured by the Acolytes and put on trial for betraying them to the X-Men. Rasputin was his defense attorney, Voght was the prosecutor, and Exodus was the judge. Fortunately, Peter's arguments appealed to the basic harmony and justice that Magneto's vision espoused, and the Neophyte was exiled to Earth, and not killed. With Magneto's return, however, the Neophyte rejoined the Acolytes, and fought for his dread lord and savior.
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