The eighth day at the Young Justice League base started like any other, but there was an undercurrent of tension that none of the demigods could shake. They knew today was the day they would make their move, and the anticipation gnawed at their nerves.

They had spent the night going over their plan one last time, making sure everything was in place. Now, as the sun rose on the horizon, they knew there was no turning back.

---

The demigods avoided the Young Justice League members that morning, keeping to themselves as they gathered their things. It wasn’t unusual for them to skip breakfast, but today, the absence felt heavier. The Young Justice League noticed but said nothing, respecting the privacy the demigods had established since their arrival.

Riptide, Sun, Shade, Arrow, and Ace met in their room, a quiet resolve between them. The night had been restless, the pull of the ocean growing stronger for Riptide, and by extension, the rest of the group. The decision had been made, and today, they would see it through.

“We stick to the plan,” Sun said, his voice steady as he addressed the group. “We get to the ocean, and from there, we figure out our next move.”

Riptide nodded, feeling the comforting pull of the sea in the back of his mind. “I’ll lead the way. Just stay close and trust me.”

The others gave small nods of agreement, their trust in Riptide unwavering. They had been through so much together, and they knew this was the best option. The ocean was their refuge, and they would reach it—no matter what.

---

They waited until the base was quiet, most of the Young Justice League members off on missions or training sessions. It was the perfect opportunity to slip away unnoticed.

Moving through the corridors of the base, they stayed silent, their senses heightened. Every sound seemed amplified, every shadow a potential threat. But they moved as one, their bond as a team making their movements fluid and purposeful.

Riptide led them towards the exit they had scouted the night before, the one closest to the ocean. The doors slid open silently, and for the first time in days, they felt a breath of freedom.

The ocean air hit them as soon as they stepped outside, the familiar scent and sound instantly calming their frayed nerves. Riptide closed his eyes for a moment, letting the connection wash over him, grounding him.

“Let’s go,” he whispered, and they moved quickly, disappearing into the early morning mist that hung over the coastline.

---

They didn’t stop until they reached the shore, the sand beneath their feet and the ocean stretching out before them. For Riptide, it was like coming home. The ocean was different here, but it still welcomed him like an old friend.

Without hesitation, he stepped into the water, feeling it respond to his presence. The others followed, wading into the shallows as Riptide led them deeper into the embrace of the sea. It was here, in the water, that they would be safe.

For a moment, everything was calm. The water lapped at their legs, the sound of the waves a soothing rhythm that seemed to sync with their heartbeats. The tension of the past week began to melt away, replaced by the peace they had been searching for.

But the peace was short-lived.

---

The sound of approaching footsteps broke the stillness, and they turned to see members of the Young Justice League appearing on the beach. Robin was at the forefront, his eyes scanning the shore until they locked onto the demigods.

“We’ve got company,” Shade muttered, his hand instinctively reaching for the weapon he always kept at his side.

Ace, a girl with fierce determination in her eyes, gripped Kaptopris tightly, the dagger’s hilt familiar in her hand. “We’re not going back,” she said softly, more to herself than anyone else.

Riptide glanced back at the ocean, feeling its power surge within him. “We can’t let them catch us. Stay close to the water—it’s our best chance.”

Robin held up a hand as he approached, trying to show that he meant no harm. “Wait! We just want to talk!”

But the demigods couldn’t take that chance. They had already made their decision, and nothing was going to stop them now.

Sun raised his hand, summoning the power of the sun as a bright flash of light burst forth, blinding their pursuers. Arrow pulled out his coin, flipping it into the air. It landed on heads, and instantly, the coin transformed into a gleaming sword. He positioned himself protectively near the others, ready to strike if necessary.

Riptide’s focus remained on the ocean. He felt its energy, its willingness to help them escape. With a deep breath, he reached out with his mind, commanding the water to rise.

A wave surged forward, lifting the demigods and carrying them away from the shore, away from the Young Justice League. The ocean’s power was overwhelming, stronger than anything Riptide had felt before, but he held onto it, guiding the wave as it sped them away from their pursuers.

Robin and the others watched helplessly as the demigods disappeared into the distance, the wave carrying them out to sea. For now, they were safe.

---

The wave carried them far from shore, deeper into the ocean where they knew they would be hidden. As the wave finally subsided, they found themselves floating in the open sea, the coast now a distant line on the horizon.

“We made it,” Sun said, his voice full of relief.

“But what now?” Shade asked, his gaze shifting from the distant shore to Riptide. “We can’t stay out here forever.”

Riptide looked down into the depths, feeling the ocean’s pull even stronger now. “We’re not alone,” he said quietly. “The ocean is on our side. We’ll find a way.”

Ace, still clutching Kaptopris, nodded. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”

The others nodded, trusting him implicitly. For now, they would rest, letting the ocean cradle them as they floated beneath the vast sky. They had escaped, but they knew this was only the beginning of a new chapter in their journey.

The Young Justice League might still be searching for them, but out here, in the embrace of the sea, the demigods were in their element. They had each other, and they had the ocean. And that, for now, was enough.

___________________________________________

Please have a wonderful day!

I'll try and get my ducks in a row and get back onto a schedule of posting chapters