"Team, report to the mission room. I have your next assignment."

The tranquil feeling surrounding him broken, Kaldur closed his book. Looking around his small, usually unused room in the Cave, he lingered a bit on his bed before standing. Typically, he would sit and read in the living room with the Team, but as of late, his presence had been less than welcome by his friends. Because of this, he sought solace in his room where he could be away from all the hushed insults and glaring eyes. He knew it was cowardly, but he could not bring himself to face their scrutiny and untrusting gazes: not when Kaldur knew it was his fault.

Sighing, he walked towards the door and looked back at the window, which showed an amazing view of the open ocean. When the Cave was first refurbished, Wally and Robin had immediately dragged him to this room, stating that "no one else but Kaldur could have this room." Kaldur frowned at the memory, a pang of sorrow piercing his chest.

'Still, I am their leader. And that must take priority.' Kaldur shook his head gently to clear his thoughts before stepping out the awaiting open door and with heavy feet walked towards the mission room.

Entering the mission room, Aqualad kept his head high and trained on the mission board. Walking to his spot, he did not fail to notice the scrutinizing glares sent his way.

"Your mission is to search and recover the rock you see on screen. It appeared approximately two days ago and seems to pulsate with energy. The League originally was sent out to retrieve it from the tundra, where it first appeared, however the team we sent was ambushed and the rock was stolen. Luckily, we have managed to figure out its location. A security base in a forest to the West of the Cave. Keep in mind there is a tunnel underwater you can use as an entryway. Your mission is only to search and recover the rock. Do not engage enemy forces."

Aqualad looked over the stone.It was encased in a blue-white glow. There were two pictures of the strange rock presented. One showcased a large crater surrounding the oddity, while the second was significantly zoomed in. Although, the resolution was quite blurry, Kaldur could swear he saw strange engravings on the surface of the stone.

Looking back at Batman, Aqualad gave him a small, affirmative nod.

"Team, you are dismissed. Aqualad, meet with me briefly."

Wally, who was standing next to him, let out a rude snort and forcefully bumped his shoulder against Kaldur's as he passed.

Aqualad sighed through his nose, but focused his attention on Batman.

"You wish to speak with me?"

"Yes. The League is currently handling an emergency mission. We require all hands on board. I need to know if you'll be able to handle your team on this mission and act as their leader, or if I should contact one of our outside members to come supervise."

Aqualad internally winced, but otherwise remained impassive. Ah, so it was not just scrutiny from his team that he had to face. Figures. "Trust in me, Batman. I will not let my feelings, nor those of my team, conflict with my ability to lead. You have my word."

Batman narrowed his eyes and, for a few painfully long seconds, said nothing. Finally, Batman responded with, "You are dismissed."

Bowing his head slightly in respect, Aqualad hurried to board the bioship, its doors closing immediately after his entering.


The ride to the forest was, needless to say, tense. Aqualad shifted uncomfortably from his position in the corner. He was trying to avoid the angry glares (and growls) from Superboy, who was directly across from him. Poor M'gann had tried to make conversation, but soon stopped, realizing no one was really responding.

Kaldur closed his eyes and heavily leaned against the wall. If only he had the power to disappear, he would. All Aqualad could do was hope the ride would end soon.

Thankfully, it seemed that a deity somewhere had heard his prayer.

Roughly ten minutes passed before Miss Martian stopped the bioship over a body of water, the subtle jostle of the ship stopping snapping Kaldur out of his thoughts.

"Drop Zone A ready to deploy."

Opening his eyes, Kaldur slipped his 'leader mask' on. Activating stealth mode, he took a moment to survey his team. Artemis and Robin didn't bother looking back at him, both of their faces a hardened mask. Wally was glancing at him from the corner of his eye. The only two who were directly looking at him were Superboy and Miss Martian, unsurprisingly, with anger and pity respectively.

Staring straight ahead, Aqualad pushed all his feelings down, sounding off a deep, stern "Ready."

And with that, he plummeted to the ocean below.