Once more, the world around the teenagers began to come into focus. As they looked about curiously, they discovered that they were once more in the cave and that this time, the entire team were sitting at the table, eating dinner.
Oh! I remember this! Artemis said, This was right after that mission with the drug dealers. You know, the really tough one?
Yeah, who could forget the lecture from Bats that evening? Wally groaned.
Shhh you guys! It's starting! M'gann scolded gently.
The team sat silently at the table eating the pasta the M'gann had generously offered to make them. They were all exhausted and sore, but despite their weariness, each member was silently proud of the way that they had come together to succeed in the mission. Yes...Batman had ordered them to be covert...but, they got the job done in the end right? Suddenly, Kaldur put down his fork and cleared his throat, gaining the attention of his team.
'My friends, I just thought I should let you know that I am very proud of your teamwork today. You worked as a team and although Batman was seemingly irritated at us, I believe he was actually as pleased with your work as I am' He finished, smiling at the others.
'Aww thanks leader-man! Although, you're missing a key part to this success story' Kid Flash teased, winking at the others.
'I am afraid I do not quite understand your meaning' a confused Kaldur began, cocking hs head to the side slightly.
'Kal, what he means it that we would never in a billion years have been able to work as well as we did together without you leading us' The young hacker explained, looking the leader directly in the eye. 'I mean sure, we're all pretty great on our own, but together, well, we're just plain awesome. But none of us get us working like we did as well as you dude.
As Kaldur began to object to this statement, Artemis stepped in, poking the teen in the arm.
'Don't argue, it's true! You're a brilliant leader Kaldur and despite all the grief we give you, we need you here more than we let on.' The archer grinned.
Kaldur's face was comical at that moment; a mixture of shock, and happiness, he blinked, and Conner could have sworn he saw his eyes glistening.
'I..I don't know what to say' he stuttered, staring at the table, before glancing at each member directly. 'Your faith in me is heartwarming and has truly restored much of my confidence. I thank you all, for being such a good team and, more importantly, for being even better friends'.
The memory faded as he finished his speech, leaving just the team standing in their circle.
'See Fish-sticks, this was ages ago and you're still leading us as great as ever! No need to worry' Wally laughed.
'Once more, I thank you for your kindness. Although I am not a born leader, you have brought me a confidence that has assured me that I am able to remain in this position until those destined to lead are ready' Kaldur replied, nodding his head gently in Robin's direction, who beamed back up at him.
'Okay, here comes the next one everyone!' Came M'gann's voice as the room changed once more, only this time, it was clear that they were not in the cave anymore. They were situated in a crowded auditorium, filled with chairs seating what appeared to be proud parent's and family members. They spotted themselves in an row of seats near the front, sitting next to Bruce Wayne and an elderly man who Wally and Dick recognised as Alfred.
'Hey, isn't this Gotham Academy?' Artemis asked, looking around the room.
'Yep, sure is' Said the hacker of the team. 'This is my memory. Remember the prize giving thing you guys came to?'
Recognition dawned on the faces of the team. This specific memory came from several weeks ago, very shortly after Robin had confided his secret identity to them. He had asked them some days later if they would come to a school awards ceremony that week, as all of his classmates would have family members present at the event. Naturally, the team had been honoured and had arrived, excitedly at the ceremony, looking out for any glimpses of their youngest member. Soon, the principal began to speak and the crowd quieted.
'Welcome all to the annual Gotham Academy Prize Giving Ceremony' he began. 'This year, we have a number of talented students who we would like to award prizes to. First, we shall start with the literary prizes...' This was followed by a list of names being called as several students walked across the stage to shake hands with the headmaster.
'And now for some of our bigger prizes.' The Principal announced after most of the awards had been given out. 'As you may be aware, our school prides itself on its mathematics department and this year we've had great success from our mathlete team. This team consists of the top mathematicians in the entire school and so understandably, it is usually the eldest students who star. However this year, while all of the team members should be proud of themselves, I would like to award to prize for most accomplished student in mathematics to Richard Grayson, who has not only achieved astounding scores in his examinations but has proved to be a vital part of the mathlete team, despite the fact that he is the youngest member by several years. Congratulations, Richard!'
The team clapped excitedly, with Wally whistling loudly as Dick crossed the stage to shake hands with the Headmaster and receive his trophy. The young acrobat looked out at the crowd and, after spotting his friends, smiled even wider, waving at them shyly, before leaving the stage.
Once the event had ended, the team walked to the back of the hall, where parents were regrouping with their children. They easily spotted Dick standing next to Bruce, whose arm was wrapped around the boy's shoulders as they both looked over the trophy that the child held. Seeing the team approaching, Bruce leaned down to whisper something into Dick's ear, which Conner heard to be 'I'm so proud of you, son', before telling him that he and Alfred would meet him by the car in a few minutes. Richard nodded before turning to his friends.
'Hey guys, thanks for coming and everything. It meant a lot, you know?' He said, flicking his hair out of his eyes.
'What are friends for, dude? But seriously, how smart are you, man? Look at that trophy- total babe magnet, Dick!' Wally joked, pretending to kiss the trophy, grinning as Dick laughed, amused.
M'gann and Artemis then took that moment to pull the startled Boy Wonder into a hug, squealing at him, causing him to smile happily at the excited girls. He looked up as Kaldur knelt down next to him to place a hand on his shoulder.
'We are very proud of you, my friend. What you are able to achieve, both as Dick Grayson and as Robin is admirable and I am extremely honoured to consider you a friend of mine' the leader spoke sincerely, looking the boy right in the eye. Dick, ducked his head modestly, secretly choked up at the praise from the guy that he looked up to as a big brother. He was finally pulled out of his thoughts by a poke to the arm by a large, and very strong finger. Conner.
'Uh, well done...I guess' He mumbled, uncertainly, but those words were all that Dick needed to here before he launched himself at the startled clone, giggling delightedly as he wrapped his arms around the bigger boy's neck.
'Thanks Con, thank you guys for everything!' he whispered before the memory faded to nothing again.