Born to Chinese-American parents on December 19 in New York City, New York in 2016 she was brought up under strict Chinese traditions that included her supposed arranged marriage. When she realized it, she left home and immediately joined up with the United States Marine Corps, entering the recruitment office while still in her wedding gown. After several years of service, she was eventually given a dishonorable discharge. Up to now, Melissa has bitter feeling with her father, who had been in the United States Air Force.[9] After leaving the Marines, Melissa went to Hong Kong, then under British control, and stayed with some of her maternal relatives.

After the Berugan president had called MITHRIL personnel in Berutarube to rescue his kidnapped daughter, Maria, and eliminate a communist rebel cell, she was left with Sousuke, Kurz, and Jimmer after a first strike attempt had netted the capture of most of the MITHRIL instructors and recruits.