| The Point of No Return | Young Justice | Dick Grayson

XI

~

These teens were nicer than Christine could have ever imagined. She had never felt so welcomed and included like this in her life. Back in France at the Opera House, the other kids around her age never treated her as anything more than an acquaintance. Because of her status as a soloist she was a threat to other performers, someone to surpass in skill. But here, she was a teammate.  

After a while longer of getting to know one another, the team was summoned to the training area. Christine's nerves started to resurface. She had only ever learned singular combat training, she was entering completely new terrain. 

As they approached the training area, they were greeted by Batman and Black Canary. 

"Today's training agenda is to continue with combat training skills as usual but also catch Manipulartrice on the different partner combat maneuvers that you have." Black Canary explained.

"We expect you guys to figure out her position in your team formations, as well as who she pairs up with best on your own." Batman added, and with that being said, training had begun.

"We'll start with one-on-one combat. the pairs go as follows, Wally and Miss Martian, Artemis and Aqualad, and Superboy and Manipulartrice. Robin you will also go up against Manipulartrice. This way she will have more of an opportunity to show us her skills." Batman listed off. 

"Normally we would say strictly combat and no powers, but since this training is also an observation, that rule does not apply today." Black Canary added. Christine glanced at both Superboy and Robin before casting her eyes down to her hands. In comparison to them, she may be lacking in experience with combat, but she could use her power of manipulation though contact to her advantage here.

Artemis and Aqualad started off. Christine got to see her team leader use his water bearers against Artemis and her bow and arrows for the most part of their sparring before they transitioned to hand-to-hand combat. Christine watched Aqualad in awe as expertly blocked and attacked Artemis. She was holding her own against him pretty well for a while, but in the end Aqualad over powered her and won the round. Christine made a mental note to be sure to ask Kaldur for assistance in combat training. 

Up next was Kid Flash and Miss Martian. Christine held her breath watching the two go at it with their unique powers. Wally easily dodging Miss Martian's attacks with his super speed. Miss Martian was soon able to get a shot or two in before apprehending him, to which Kid Flash responded with flirtatiousness.

"Alright, Superboy, Manipulartrice, you're up." Batman nodded. As Christine walked to the center area of the ring, she heard Superboy scoff as he made his way to stand a few feet behind her. 

"Am I supposed to go easy on her?" Superboy grumbled glancing at the petite teen before looking back at Batman and Black Canary. Black Canary was about to respond to his rude statement but was interrupted by snapping from the girl standing ready in the ring. Her snaps got Superboy to look at her. 

"I'm willing to bet that it will have to be me that goes easy on you Superboy." Christine signed to him knowing that he understood. She had no idea where that confidence came from. She heard snickering from the sides, and glanced to see Robin with his arms crossed and a smirk displayed on his face. 

"Whatever." Superboy grunted in response as he got into position. The air was tense before Batman said:

"Begin." 

Superboy immediately charged straight at Christine, and she dodged with ease. Even with her minimal mixed martial arts training, she was able to guess his attacks with decent accuracy.