The Young Justice League’s training grounds were expansive, filled with everything from high-tech simulation rooms to open fields perfect for combat practice. The bright morning sun illuminated the area, casting long shadows across the field. Percy and his friends stood at the edge, taking in the sight with a mixture of awe and trepidation. 

“So, this is where the magic happens,” Ace said, her voice laced with curiosity and a hint of excitement. 

Robin nodded, gesturing to the various training stations. “We have a lot of different exercises set up. It’s all about honing skills and learning to work as a team.” 

Superboy flexed his muscles, grinning. “We’ll see what you’ve got.” 

The demigods exchanged glances, unspoken words passing between them. While they had fought countless battles together, training with a group like the Young Justice League was an entirely different experience. 

“Let’s start with some basic drills,” Aqualad suggested, stepping forward with a calm authority. “It’s important we understand each other's strengths and weaknesses.” 

The group nodded, moving into position as they began the warm-up exercises. The Young Justice League members watched with interest, eager to see the skills these mysterious newcomers possessed. 

The first exercise was a simple agility drill. Kid Flash took the lead, darting through a series of obstacles with blinding speed. 

“Try to keep up!” he called back, flashing a competitive grin. 

Ace stepped forward, her expression determined. She and Arrow moved together, mirroring each other's movements with an ease that suggested they’d been practicing together for years. As they navigated the course, their synchronized actions were a testament to their partnership. 

Sun and Shade took their turn next, still holding hands as they navigated the obstacles. They moved with a natural grace, as if the world shifted to accommodate their steps. Shade seemed to anticipate Sun’s every move, and Sun’s presence seemed to bolster Shade’s confidence. 

Finally, the boy with sea-green eyes, now known by the codename **Riptide**, approached the course. He ran with a fluidity that was reminiscent of water itself, his movements smooth and effortless. The obstacles seemed to part for him as if they were welcoming an old friend. 

Robin watched with growing admiration. “They’re good,” he remarked to Aqualad, who nodded in agreement. 

“They have a different style,” Aqualad said thoughtfully. “Their teamwork is instinctual.” 

As the drills continued, the Young Justice League members joined in, demonstrating their own abilities and sharing techniques. Superboy showcased his super strength, lifting heavy objects with ease, while Miss Martian used her telekinesis to manipulate the environment around her. 

Riptide and his friends observed carefully, taking mental notes. They knew they were capable in battle, but here they were learning something different—how to train like a team, united by purpose rather than necessity. 

After a few hours of drills and exercises, the groups broke off into smaller teams for sparring practice. It was during these sessions that the first cracks began to appear. 

The demigods were scattered around the training field, each paired off with a member of the Young Justice League. They started sparring, each with their own partner. 

But something was different. As they exchanged blows, the environment shifted around them—not physically, but in their minds. The training grounds were replaced by the chaotic battlefield of Camp Half-Blood, filled with the screams of their friends and the roars of their monstrous enemies. 

Sun was the first to falter. His strikes became erratic, his mind consumed by the haunting memories of the past. The vivid recollection of monsters swarming around him, the sight of his friends falling, and the relentless chaos of war overtook his senses. 

Shade noticed Sun’s turmoil immediately. He tried to anchor his boyfriend back to the present, but found himself trapped in his own flashbacks. The air around him felt thick with tension and fear, like the battlefields they’d fought on. 

Ace was next. She paused mid-strike against Kid Flash, her eyes wide and unfocused. The laughter and banter of training were drowned out by the echoes of war—the cries of the fallen and the devastating silence that followed each clash. 

Arrow tried to call out to her, but his voice was lost amidst the cacophony of battle. He, too, was swept away by the memories, his bow clattering to the ground as he sank to his knees, reliving every moment of loss and desperation. 

Riptide was last. He stood frozen by the edge of the pool, the memories washing over him like a tidal wave. He could see the faces of his fallen comrades, hear the cries of his friends as they battled Gaea’s forces, and feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. 

The demigods all broke down simultaneously, their cries mingling with the sounds of the training grounds. The Young Justice League stopped, their concern growing as they realized what was happening. 

Robin exchanged a worried look with Aqualad. “They’re all having a breakdown,” he said, his voice laced with urgency. 

Aqualad nodded, his expression serious. “We need to help them, but carefully. They’re lost in their memories.” 

Superboy approached cautiously, unsure of how to comfort someone haunted by a past he couldn’t understand. “Hey, it’s okay,” he said gently, trying to reach through the fog of war that clouded their minds. 

Miss Martian used her telepathic abilities to reach out to them, hoping to calm the storm of emotions swirling within their hearts. “We’re here for you. You’re safe now.” 

Slowly, the demigods began to come back to reality. Sun blinked rapidly, his breaths coming in shallow gasps as he shook off the memories. Shade placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, grounding him in the present. 

Ace wiped her eyes, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I’m sorry,” she murmured, her voice barely audible. 

Arrow shook his head, still shaken by the vivid memories. “It just… it all came back,” he admitted, his voice trembling with emotion. 

Riptide finally turned away from the pool, his sea-green eyes reflecting a mixture of sorrow and relief. The war against Gaea had left scars deeper than he’d realized, and the weight of those memories felt heavier than ever. 

The demigods huddled together, finding comfort in the familiarity of each other’s presence. Their hands found each other, a silent promise of support and understanding. 

The Young Justice League gave them space, respecting the need for privacy amidst the emotional storm. It was a reminder that, beneath the powers and heroics, they were all human. 

After a while, Aqualad approached the group. “When you’re ready, we can continue. But take the time you need.” 

Sun looked up, gratitude in his eyes. “Thank you,” he said, his voice steadier now. 

Shade squeezed his hand, offering a reassuring smile. “We’ll be okay,” he whispered. 

The demigods took a collective breath, grounding themselves in the present. The memories of the past would always be a part of them, but they were determined not to let them define their future. 

Slowly, they rose, ready to face the challenges ahead. 

As training resumed, the atmosphere shifted. The demigods moved with renewed determination, their bonds stronger than ever. 

The Young Justice League watched with admiration, recognizing the resilience and strength that came from enduring hardships. 

“Alright, let’s see what you’ve got,” Kid Flash said, grinning as he prepared for another round of drills. 

This time, the exercises felt different. They weren’t just training together—they were healing, one step at a time. 

As they continued to spar and learn from each other, the shadows of the past slowly faded, replaced by the light of new beginnings. The Young Justice League and the demigods forged a connection that went beyond teamwork, united by the shared understanding of what it meant to fight for something greater than themselves. 

For Riptide and his friends, this was more than just training. It was a chance to rebuild and redefine who they were in this new world, where heroes of all kinds stood together, ready to face whatever came next.