Young Justice: A New Reality

(I'll be changing J to Jay from here on out. Don't know what I was thinking with just using the single letter, thought it was cool till I kept reading them as "I" every single time I proofread this. I'll change the previous chapter when I can or just leave it…Dunno yet, growth and all that jazz.)

 Jay woke early that morning, his mind still reeling from the previous day's training and the weight of the secrets he wasn't quite ready to unravel. As he pulled on his worn boots and laced them tight, he couldn't shake the feeling that today would be another turning point in his strange new life. Stepping outside his makeshift home—the abandoned warehouse that had come to mean more than just shelter—he took a deep breath of the crisp Gotham morning air. He was determined to get in some warm-ups at the gym before his meeting/training with Dinah.

As Jay made his way to the gym. The city was still stirring, and he found a quiet solace in the empty streets as he walked. His thoughts drifted back to last night's interaction with Ted and the two superheroines'. The experience of training with superheroes—those enigmatic figures who carried themselves with effortless grace and power—was both exhilarating and terrifying. He knew his body was stronger and more resilient due to his blessings, but the prospect of matching up against two of the Justice League's finest filled him with a blend of anticipation and uncertainty.

Stepping through the door of the gym, he found all three of them waiting for him in the spacious training area. The early morning light slanted through tall windows, casting long, dramatic shadows on the polished, yet faded from years of use, wooden floor. Ted's arms were crossed with a look of feigned annoyance, while Diana and Dinah stood ready, their expressions a mix of welcome and expectation.

"Morning," Dinah greeted warmly as she stepped forward. "Glad you could join us."

Ted barked out, "You're late again, Kid! We set a time and you're still dragging your feet." His tone was light but carried an edge of authority that made it clear there was no arguing with him on the matter.

Jay's cheeks flushed as he tried to defend himself, "I—I thought we didn't set a strict time today. I mean, we didn't talk about it last n—"

"Don't give me that," Ted interrupted, his voice booming across the gym. "You know better. Get moving, or I'll have you running laps until you can't feel your legs." With that, Ted pointed toward the treadmill that had seen better days, "Hop to it, kid."

As Jay stepped onto the belt, he could already feel the adrenaline starting to rise in him, this was going to be fun. He set off at a soft pace before gradually increasing the speed, making sure to warm up every muscle. Ted's voice echoed behind him, encouraging and chastising in equal measure.

"Faster, kid! Keep those legs moving! Remember, no slacking off when you're training with the best!"

After what felt like an eternity of running, Ted finally called the warm-up off and waved him back into the main gym area. Panting and sweating, Jay slowed to a walk, glancing back to catch his breath as Ted eyed him critically. "Not too shabby, Kid—but don't think you're done yet," Ted warned, his stern tone laced with a begrudging hint of pride.

"Also, instead of 'Kid', you can call me Jay, old timer…" Jay huffed out, catching his breath.

Ted contemplated it for a moment before responding in true Ted fashion. "Nah, you're still Kid to me, Kid, you'll have to earn your name coming from these lips!"

"Yeah, figured," Jay replied, not at all really shocked by that.

Dinah and Diana who were nearby snickered at the banter between the two of them.

Once Jay recovered, the focus shifted to the next part of their training. Today, Dinah had planned to take the lead on a series of martial arts lessons, and she was eager to start with some fundamentals that she figured would help him out the most. As they gathered near the ring, Dinah removed her jacket, tossing it aside, leaving her in a white tank top and black yoga pants. The simple motion caught Jay's attention immediately—he couldn't help but do a double take. The way the light caught her features, the grace with which she moved, it all struck him as breathtaking.

Before he could stop himself, in true teenage hormonal fashion, he blurted out, "Beautiful."

The word slipped out in a way that made the gym's quiet hum momentarily pause as if time itself had taken a beat. A ripple of laughter spread among them—Ted's boisterous bellow was the loudest, but even Diana's eyes twinkled with amusement. Jay's face instantly turned a deep shade of crimson. He stammered, "I—sorry, I didn't mean to—"

Dinah waved a hand dismissively, her laugh warm and forgiving. "Thank you, Jay. I appreciate the compliment, although you should be careful with your words in the future."

The ice broke and the tension dissipated into comfortable camaraderie, Dinah continued, "Today, I thought we'd work on some basic stances and body control. I know you've been practicing with Ted, but sometimes a different perspective can help refine what you're already doing. Even add to it."

J nodded eagerly, his earlier embarrassment fading into determined focus. "That sounds great," he said, his voice steadier now. "While boxing has been extremely beneficial, I feel that the likes of Taekwondo will suit me better. Not saying I won't still box though, it never hurts to be well-rounded right?"

Dinah smiled. "That's a good mindset to have, although if you branch out too much too soon, you'll find yourself lacking more than anything," she glanced briefly at Ted, asking with a look if she could teach some Taekwondo to him, she received a nod, "Alright, we'll start with the basics. First, let's get into a proper stance. It's all about balance and readiness."

She stepped back and demonstrated a low, wide stance, the muscles in her legs rippling with controlled strength. "This is the fighting stance—feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent. Keep your back straight and your core engaged."

Jay mirrored her movements as best he could, shifting his weight to get a feel for the position. "Like this?" he asked, his voice tentative as he attempted to maintain the balance Dinah displayed with such ease.

"Not bad," she said, stepping closer to observe him. "But you need to ensure your weight is evenly distributed. Try to feel the connection between your feet and the floor—imagine you're rooted like a tree, stable and strong."

As Jay adjusted his stance, Dinah circled him slowly, her experienced eyes catching every little misalignment. "Your left foot is turning outwards too much," she pointed out gently. "Try rotating it inward just a little so that your knees align with your toes."

He followed her guidance, and soon the stance felt more natural as if his body was beginning to remember something long forgotten. "Better?" he asked, looking up at her with cautious hope.

"Much better," Dinah replied with an approving nod. "Now, let's move on to the basic forward kick. It's one of the staples in Taekwondo, and it'll help you use your body weight effectively. Start by shifting your weight onto your supporting leg, and then extend your kicking leg forward in a controlled manner."

Jay mimicked the motion, focusing intently on the balance and power required. Dinah stepped in behind him, lightly pressing on his shoulder to steady him. "Good, but be careful not to overextend. Your core should be engaged all the time. Imagine pulling strength from deep within."

Ted, watching from the sidelines with his arms crossed and a wry smile on his face, couldn't resist making a comment. "Don't go breaking any bones, kid. We don't want you turning into a pretzel on my watch."

The playful banter lightened the mood, and even Jay managed a chuckle despite the strain of concentration. "I'll try to keep my limbs intact," he joked back, feeling more at ease with every passing moment.

Dinah continued, "Once you've got a handle on the forward kick, we'll move on to side kicks. These require a bit more precision. It's all about pivoting on your supporting foot. Your body should rotate naturally as you deliver the kick. Let's give it a try."

Jay took a deep breath and pivoted on his left foot, attempting a sidekick with his right leg. His kick was decent, but there was a slight hesitance in his movement. "Remember," Dinah coached, "it's not about the speed of the kick at first, but the precision and the balance. Let your body do the work instead of forcing it."

She adjusted his posture again, this time gently pushing his shoulder back to open up his chest, "Keep your head up and your eyes focused forward. You need to see where you're going, even when your body is in motion."

Jay repeated the kick several times, each time a bit more assured than the last. The rhythm of the training settled over him like a comforting cloak, and he could feel the subtle shifts in his body adapting to the new techniques. "I think I'm starting to get it," he said between kicks, a note of triumph in his voice.

"Good," Dinah replied. "Martial arts are as much about patience as it is about power. You can't rush perfection. Every move, every stance—it's built from countless tiny adjustments until it becomes second nature."

As they moved on, the conversation flowed easily between them. "So, Jay," Dinah inquired as she adjusted his posture once more, "what drew you to this place? What do you hope to gain from coming here?"

Jay paused for a moment, considering her question as he adjusted his breathing. "I think… I think I just needed a place to belong," he replied slowly. "Being here I just think I'll be able to bring out the best in me, you know? Find what it truly is I want to do in life."

Dinah smiled, impressed by his thoughtful response. "There's nothing wrong with that Jay, keep walking on this path and I'm sure you'll make it. Train like you have been and I'm sure you'll find whatever it is you desire."

Ted, who had been silently observing, interjected with a hint of humour, "Don't get a big head from the pretty lady's compliment Kid. We wouldn't want you floating off on some poetic high when you're supposed to be punching things." His tone was teasing, but there was genuine care in his eyes.

Diana, ever the calm presence, added, " 'A Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step', Lao Tzu. Take it one step at a time and you'll make it Jay."

J laughed softly, feeling a sense of belonging that he hadn't yet experienced in his new world. "Thanks."

Dinah then guided him to a new exercise—this time focusing on controlled movement and quick transitions. "Now, let's practice shifting from one stance to another. This is crucial because, in a real encounter, you're not going to be standing still. You need to be able to move quickly, maintaining balance and readiness."

She demonstrated a fluid transition: from a wide fighting stance into a forward stance, then back again with a smooth pivot. "Watch closely," she instructed. "Notice how I don't let my center of gravity shift too far off-balance. It's all in the control of your body and breath."

Jay tried to replicate the movements slowly at first, concentrating hard on keeping his balance. With each shift, Dinah's hands were there to guide him—adjusting his elbows, aligning his shoulders, and even whispering subtle corrections. "Your left shoulder is tensing up. Relax it a bit," she murmured gently. "Let your arms follow the movement naturally."

Her proximity and the softness of her voice made Jay's heart flutter unexpectedly, and he blinked rapidly to regain his focus. For a brief moment, he wondered if it was just the intensity of the training, but he quickly dismissed the thought, channelling his concentration into perfecting the stance.

"Good, Jay. That's it," Dinah praised after he completed a particularly smooth transition. "Remember, every movement should be deliberate, every shift calculated. Martial arts are a dialogue between you and your body."

As the session progressed, the conversation continued to blend seamlessly with the physical training. Jay was beginning to feel that familiar, almost meditative rhythm—the interplay between strength, agility, and precise control. At one point, as they paused for a water break, Jay hesitated, then asked, "Dinah, what got you into martial arts? Was it always like this for you?"

Dinah smiled wistfully as she sipped her water. "It wasn't always like this," she admitted softly. "I was drawn to martial arts because it was a way to channel all the chaos I felt inside. It taught me discipline, focus, and a way to express myself without words. Over time, it became not just a way to fight, but a way to understand the world. Every stance, every move—it's like a conversation with your own spirit."

Jay nodded, absorbing her words. "I think I understand that. I sometimes feel like I'm fighting more than just opponents—I'm fighting to figure out who I am."

Diana, who had been watching the exchange with gentle interest, added, "That's a journey many of us share, Jay. The path of self-discovery is often paved with struggle, but it's also where true strength is forged."

Ted, standing a bit off to the side and leaning on a wall, allowed himself a rare moment of reflection. "Listen, Kid, I may tease you a lot, but I see something in you. It's not just about the kicks or punches—it's the drive. That fire inside. And that's what makes you different. You're not just another kid lost on their path of life."

Jay's eyes shone with gratitude, and he managed a small, genuine smile. "Thanks, Ted," he said quietly. "I won't let you down."

The morning's training continued with an atmosphere of mutual respect and mentorship. Dinah introduced more drills focusing on footwork and rapid direction changes. "Think of your feet as the foundation of everything you do," she explained as they circled each other in a controlled sparring drill. "A strong, agile base gives you the freedom to move swiftly and with precision. Every step you take is part of a larger dance—a dance that can be both beautiful and deadly when mastered."

As they practiced, Jay began to feel more at ease with the movements, his earlier uncertainties slowly melting away into a focused determination. Dinah's steady guidance, coupled with Diana's steady encouragement and even Ted's rough-edged support, made him feel like he was finally on the right path. The gym, with its worn polished floors and the quiet hum of early morning activity, became a sanctuary where his potential could unfold.

After another series of drills, Dinah gathered the three of them for a brief debrief. "Jay, you're progressing well," she said, her tone measured and sincere. "I want you to keep practicing these stances and transitions. Focus on your breath and let your body find its own rhythm. Martial arts aren't about forcing your movements—it's about letting them come naturally."

Jay nodded, absorbing every word as if it were a secret meant just for him. "I understand," he replied softly. "I'll keep working on it until it feels like second nature."

Diana stepped forward next. "Remember, Jay, every great fighter started exactly where you are now. It's not just about physical prowess—it's about mastering yourself. You have great potential, and with time, you'll learn not only to fight but to live with purpose."

Ted clapped him on the back, his gruff tone softened by genuine pride. "Keep it up, Kid. And next time, try not to keep us waiting, eh? Or else I'm gonna have to run you through my famous gauntlet." His teasing words sparked laughter among the group, a moment of lightness amidst the intensity of their training.

The rest of the session passed in a blur of movement and conversation, the three superheroes, who didn't know that Jay knew their real professions, continued to work in tandem to refine Jay's technique while also imparting lessons that extended beyond mere martial arts. The dialogues were as important as the physical corrections, each word reinforcing the notion that strength came not only from muscle and technique but also from wisdom and heart.

By the time the session drew to a close, Jay was drenched in sweat but also filled with a newfound sense of confidence. He realized that every adjustment, every correction, was not a sign of failure but a stepping stone toward mastery. As they wrapped up the training with some gentle stretching and cool-down exercises, the camaraderie in the gym felt tangible—a shared bond forged through sweat, discipline, and mutual respect.

Before Jay gathered his things to leave, Dinah approached him with a small smile. "Remember, Jay, beauty isn't just in the way we look or move. It's in the discipline we cultivate and the heart we put into every action. You have a lot of potential—both in strength and spirit. Keep training, keep learning, and you'll find that the beauty of martial arts isn't something you just see—it's something you feel."

Jay's cheeks warmed at her kind words, and he managed a sincere, grateful smile. "Thank you, Dinah. I'll do my best."

Diana nodded in agreement, her gentle gaze steady on him. "If either of us are ever in town again we'll swing by to see how it's going with your training, alright?"

"Sure, sounds good, but does Diana know how to fight?" Jay asked, using the best of what little acting skills he had to keep a straight face at accusing Wonder Woman of not knowing how to fight.

That drew a couple of laughs from both Ted and Dinah, while Diana just looked a bit dumbfounded. "I'll have you know I'm way stronger than Dinah here, you're not ready to learn from me yet Jay, maybe one day. Although that's years away at this point."

Jay, hearing Diana's words thought to himself it might not be as long as she thinks it'll be. Throughout the entire training session with Dinah, he could feel his body growing stronger, more so than when he trained with Ted, Taekwondo just seemed to meld well with what he was learning in his spare time, it also felt as if his muscles were just a step or two away from developing enough to learn the first couple of Rokushiki.

Ted, ever the playful mentor, added with a wry grin, "Take tomorrow off alright kid? She put ya through the wringer. Stay safe too, alright?"

Jay nodded in response and waved to the three of them before stepping out of the gym. As he began his walk home, he felt himself fill up with more of a purpose, the rigorous training, the careful adjustments, and the kind words of his mentors all wove together to create a tapestry of hope and determination. In that moment, he wasn't just a lost kid in a new world, wandering through the dangerous shadows of Gotham—he was someone with the potential to be extraordinary.

As the quiet solitude of the city began to settle before the night reared its ugly head, as the first rays of the sun began to chase away the lingering shadows of night, Jay vowed silently to himself: he would become the best fighter he could be—not just for the sake of fighting, but for the sake of finding the answers as to how he came to this world. And in that promise, there was a glimmer of hope that one day, he might discover not only the truth of his own power but also the name that he had yet to remember.

For now, though, Jay was content to be a student—a learner in the art of balancing strength with grace, power with control, and determination with humility. As he stepped forward into the unfolding day, the echoes of his mentors' guidance followed him, a constant reminder that every journey, no matter how daunting, began with a single, determined step.

Author Note:

I'm back again peeps. Not much to say, rather than sorry for taking a while with this one, I rewatched Young Justice and got in the mood to write again for this one. Maybe not mood, but rather motivated again to continue this.

Expect another chapter within the next few days.

Also, if you could pick a mentor hero or heroine for 'Jay', who would you pick? Lemme know here and maybe some reasoning why, I have an idea of who I'm going to pick but other viewpoints would be welcome.

Hero name ideas too if you have them. I've been thinking of something simple like "Roku" or "Ronin". or even something along the lines of "Vanguard", that's a bit chuuni though, but it would work in DC I think. Give your thoughts.

Till next time!

-Daedalus19