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

XV

~

The next week consisted of lots of training, both with the team as well as one-on-one with either Batman or Black Canary. The Arrow had made an appearance with Black Canary once to observe. The green hero was impressed with the tiny brunette to say the least, his words were "not bad for a small fry." This caused Christine to overanalyze, wondering if he knew she was from France and was making a joke referring to 'French fries' and her height. She saw Black Canary give him a look at this comment.

Training with Batman on the other hand was... hard to say the least. He definitely pushed Christine to her absolute limit. She was grateful though, she hoped that this training would help her catch up with the other members of the team quickly, as well as help her never feel as hopeless as she felt when Batman had found her.

She felt herself progressing in such a short time, she was driven to become stronger. Christine didn't want to be that scared little girl again. She wanted to be Manipulatrice, to repent for the sins of her past. To use her curse for good, and make a difference in the world.

Currently she was getting debriefed on her latest mission. She stood next to Aqualad. The only other two members from the team there were Superboy and Miss M. Red Tornado and Martian Manhunter were there as well standing behind the teens. Christine was very poised, wanting to look as experienced and professional as possible, not only to prove herself and demonstrate her training but also, it wasn't every day you were on a mission that the Man of Steel himself was a part of.

Even in France, Superman was a big deal.

"This past Fourth of July four ice villains staged simultaneous attacks. Mr. Freeze, Icicle Jr., Killer Frost and Captain Cold were all easily apprehended. Perhaps too easily." Batman explained as four mug shots of the villains appeared on the screen. "Cold and Frost were immediately sent to Belle Reve penitentiary, a federal prison designed to house super-criminals. The 17-year-old Icicle Jr. Was sent to a juvenile facility. Mr. Freeze, to his cell in Arkham Asylum. But Freeze petitioned the court to be declared legally sane, and Junior sued to be tried as an adult. As a result, both await transport to Belle Reve which seems to have been the goal all along." He looks toward Superboy and Miss M, "I'm sending the two of you in to find out why."

"Who inside the prison will know their true identities?" Aqualad asked.

"No one. We can't be certain the prison staff isn't compromised." Batman responded.

"They will be undercover as the Terror Twins, who Superman and Martian Manhunter will be apprehending. Manipulartrice, this is where we need you. After we have apprehended them, you will need to make sure they are compliant." Batman explained further. Christine nodded, suppressing her nerves.

Making someone do what you want? This was child's play, she had done that by the Phantom's command for years. Why was she nervous now?

~

Christine internally jumped at the sound of cracking from the roof of the parade float warehouse where they were waiting for the Terror Twins to be delivered to them. She felt a nudge from Aqualad and she knew it was time to move. Quickly, as the two platinum blonde twin's stood from their fallen state, Aqualad and Red Tornado strapped Meta-gene inhibitor collars on their necks. Both twins struggled and protested.

"That don't feel right." The brother groaned.

Christine stood in front of Tuppence. She reached up and cupped her cheek startling the young villain and gaining her full attention.

'Stop struggling.' Tuppence's struggling ceased, 'You will listen and obey Red Tornado.' She detached her hand from the villainesses' cheek and saw Red Tornado gain full control over the villain.