Contessa "Tess" Abrahams

Contessa "Tess" Abrahams - Cirque Allegiance: X-Men Age: 16 Height: 5'7" Weight: 120 lbs Nationality: American Powers: Hypersensitive reflexes and flexibility Weaknesses: Because of her anti-violent views, Tess' powers do not extend much beyond novelty at this point; they are merely physical mutations and thus makes her an easy target. What is more, her generally isolated childhood (limited to home and gymnastics) has made her somewhat of a social cripple and Tess finds it difficult to form friendships.

Bio:

Raised in the quiet community of Gold Beach, Oregon, Tess Abrahams didn't have much to do as a child. Her parents, Thomas and Genevieve (a civil rights lawyer and PETA board member respectively), decided early on to home school their daughter. Worried that she would not gain the social skills that public education provided, they enrolled her in a gymnastics program at the local family centre. Tess excelled at the sport and progressed in leaps and bounds; she was nationally ranked and competing cross-country by age 10. Her extremely quick reflexes and freakish flexibility generated a reputation for the girl, although behind closed doors there were rumours and whispered accusations also born.

When she was nine Tess' parents adopted a baby boy from Ethiopia, her younger brother Felix. An avid animal lover from early on, Felix soon had a small herd--mostly animals rescued during one of his mother's various crusades. One of these causes, a beagle pup named Ursula who was saved from a medical research lab, attached herself to Tess and the pair have been inseparable ever since. Ursula travels to meets with young Ms. Abrahams and is the girl's only real companion.

As a passionate vegetarian and uber-pacifist Tess has learned to take criticism. After a recent meet however, during which her contortionist-like beam routine set people to murmuring, accusations were hurled and a lot of heat has been directed at her. Unable to avoid scrutiny and find protection at home, Tess quit her gymnastic team and is now trying to find someplace, anywhere, where she can just blend in.