Johnny Bifrost and his twin sister, Felicia, were born in 1961 in a secret laboratory as part of an experiment designed to inhibit the powers of mutant humans. By infecting their bodies with a new strain of virus, their DNA structures were altered, effectively subduing their powers before they could develop.
For five years they lived in the hidden science complex. Without the love of their parents, they had only each other. They grew up under the close observation of impassive scientists, and they were subjected to countless experiments, many of which were cruel and inhumane. As the final stage of the experiment, all memories of their lives at the institute were concealed by mental blocks. False memories were implanted within them, and they were adopted by a couple living in Manhattan.
Their stepparents knew of the experiments. They received $50,000 to raise the twins and to maintain the secret of the twins' past lives. As part of the agreement, a scientist posing as the family doctor was allowed to see the children monthly. If the doctor discovered any signs of developing powers, he was instructed to inform the institute immediately. Unfortunately, the scientists had not chosen the children's parents well. By the time the twins were teenagers, their stepfather had died, but not before gambling and drinking all of their money away.
Knowing they were mutants, their stepfather had always loathed them, and he secretly feared them. Their stepmother was exactly the opposite. She cared for the twins deeply, but she could not support them. Felicia and Johnny were forced to take to the streets in order to survive. Felicia found employment as a singer in a sleazy nightclub. Much to her regret, Johnny joined a gang called the Flashing Blades, and he made money by selling drugs and stealing cars.
Felicia was unaware that she became the love interest of Alan Fagan (Mister Fear), who saw one of her performances. As part of the deal between Mister Fear and the Fixer and Mentallo, Felicia was captured and subjected to the Mind Control Power of the hypnoporter. During the process, the Fixer and Mentallo penetrated the mental blocks placed in her mind by the scientists.
They exposed her to a strong dose of radiation in order to allow her mutant powers to develop. After fashioning a costume for her, they dubbed her Lady Anguish. They have been using her in their nefarious schemes. Because of the effects of Mind Control, Felicia was unaware of her alternate identity as Lady Anguish. Although her personality remained intact, she had no memory of Mister Fear and the Faces of Fear.
Recently, the Fixer and Mentallo secretly arranged for Felicia to be hired as a secretary at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her job brought her into contact with Philostratus, who - after freeing the twins with his then-time partners - arranged the pair to live and study at the Xavier Institute.