Cerise is an extraterrestrial from the Shi'ar race. A product of genetic experimentation, Cerise claimed to have "emerged from the Source" fully grown. After this, she joined the empire's army known as the Grand Jhar, the main conquest arm of the military. However, her commanding officer C'efn used the pretext of their mission as an excuse to commit genocide. After being powerless to stop the extermination of the Knsashii, Cerise mutinied, and as a result causing the death of her crew. After this act of conscientious objection, she fled across the galaxy, eventually coming to Earth.
When she first arrived on, she was clad in a fearsome suit of armor, and could not communicate. Encountered by Nightcrawler and his N-Men, Cerise was assumed to be an invader and was attacked. When Nightcrawler realized she was only defending herself, he called a truce. Cerise, now able to communicate, omitted her Shi'ar heritage, describing herself simply as being "gene stock of Subruki, Zarstok, and Kuli Ka". Cerise would soon become a member of Excalibur, and eventually romantically involved with Nightcrawler. It was a learning experience, as on her home planet, people did not usually form romantic bonds with one another.
Eventually, after being brought back to the Empire by the Starjammers, Cerise revealed the truth of her past. The Shi'ar empress Lilandra pardoned Cerise for her crimes, given their circumstances, and allowed her to serve out her prison sentence as a personal aide. Cerise's role in the Shi'ar Empire was to investigate reports of brutality and violence.
At one point, Nightcrawler professed he still loved her however, he was planning to become a priest and, thus, could not rekindle their relationship.
Under unknown circumstances, Cerise joined the Graces, a group of female warriors, led by Gamora.
Cerise and Gambit were held captive by the Shi'ar Imperial Guard.
