Disclaimer: No owny young-justicy. If I did, well, it certainly wouldn't be cancelled.

The Second Trial

The sterile hospital room was crowded with the presence of the mentors, hovering around the seven beds. Each had white sheets and sterile white blankets. The children were all dressed in similar, matching white hospital gowns. The machines that had been monitoring their vitals had been removed from the room. In fact, besides the beds, there was nothing in the hospital room. The floors and walls were a sterile white. Even the clock in the room was removed off of the wall. Each wall had a superhero beside it, Clark was stationed by the left wall, unfortunately close to Superboy and Robin, both sleeping across from each other. By the door stood Oliver, mostly because it was closest to his partner. Batman was by Robin. Flash by the left wall and by Kid Flash. Likewise, the other mentors were at the foot of the bed in the middle off the room by their partners, except for Zatara and Canary, who shuffled between beds.

Clark glanced over at the sleeping children. Zatara had been murmuring spells over each one. He wasn't really paying close enough attention to them. Rather, he was staring at the tiny faces of the children. Especially the black-haired, midget version of himself. As a sixteen year old kid, the boy was easy to avoid. He was easy not to think about. It was easy not to worry too much. As a six year old kid, the boy was far too child-like to not think about. Especially since Batman had requested he be on hand in case Superboy had no memories of being released from Cadmus. Weapon. Child. Child-Weapon. He turned to Zatara, who cleared his throat to speak, trying to ignore the uncomfortableness he was feeling.

"There are a variety of spells, the most basic being a sleeping spell," said Zatara to the group. "I also detected a spell that keeps telepaths such as J'onn at bay, and a spell to repress their memories. They most likely have no memories of the last five years, possibly longer. That is easily rectifiable again. However, the magic that made them children is beyond anything I have worked with before."

"Let's deal with the memory issue first," said Black Canary, "Then we can work with getting them to normal."

"I must warn you however," said Zatara sternly, "If I do tamper with their memories, the onslaught of five years of memories will be much for their bodies. Most likely, they will only remember the most important facts. Getting any information out of them will be difficult. Not to mention they will be struggling themselves with the new information."

"We can't leave them like this," came the surprising reply from J'onn.

"What exactly are the side effects?" asked Batman, startling everyone. He had become a shadow by Robin's bed.

"They'll faint immediately after the memories begin to play in," said Zatara, "They'll be in a state of shock. Most likely the biggest events will play out first, and they'll remember that. The smaller events, not so much. Combined with whatever sorcery made them children, it will be like dealing with children, each traumatized, each very confused, and unable to control their emotions."

"And the other options?" asked the Flash, as stood over Kid Flash.

"Leave them as they are," said Zatara.

"Speaking as a guardian, which choice will you make for your daughter?" asked Flash.

"I want the spells off," said Zatara firmly.

"Then so be it," said the Batman, and the conversation was over without any other complaints. It still amazed Clark how the Batman could do that.

"Very well, I will begin with my own daughter," said Zatara to the group of worried mentors, "The spells will require an amount of trust as well, to return their memories. For some, it may need to be established."

He turned to Zatara, who murmured softly over Zatanna. The child's eyes suddenly snapped open, wide and blue. She sat up, and began to wail loudly, causing Clark to wince. She was crying as Zatara lifted her into his arms, hugging her close. She sniffled, and slowly calmed, clinging to her father as best as a child can. When she had calmed down, she looked around, most definitely lost. Her mouth was open to a little 'o' as she stared at the assembled group, and then her father.

"Where am I daddy?" she asked, fearfully gripping his neck as he held her, rubbing her back.

"Safe, my child," he said warmly, as she settled down and stared at the group, looking amazed and excited. "But I need to conduct some spells on you."

She turned her attention back to him, though she seemed less amazed and more demanding. Clark had noticed how her eye wandered to Black Canary, and seemed particularly impressed at his presence. However, Zatanna was staring at her father solemnly, and he explained that she needed the spells to grow big and strong.

"Okay," said Zatanna, open and trusting. She didn't even question her father. Zatara beamed at his daughter, and set her down on the bed. She glanced at all the strangers, before turning back to her father and softly asking, "Why are they here?"

"They're just here to watch," said Zatara, but the little girl frowned and asked louder, "Why?"

"Well, they have their own children here for magical treatment," said Zatara, and Clark noted the man's expression. This was obviously a conversation that he'd gone through many times before.

"Oh," said Zatanna, now glancing to the beds. She stared at her dad, and then frowned a bit.

"You can talk to all the superheroes once I've cast my spells, okay?" said Zatara, and the child looked like she was about to argue, before Giovanni gave her a stern look, and she relented to a nod.

"Seiromem eht nruter!" he said, placing both hands on Zatara's head. The girl gasped, and seemed to freeze. Her entire body began to sway back and forth, her eyes rolled back in her head, before she passed out. Zatara caught her before she banged her head, and he set her to lie down. He tucked her in with a gentle, loving expression, one that Clark had never seen before.

"You didn't tell us they'd pass out!" said Green Arrow in alarm, and indeed, it was alarming to have witnessed such a thing, but Clark remained silent.

"She's fine," said Zatara, his worry still on his face, "And they're simply dreaming, seeing their memories. It will take a few hours, but they shall soon remember everything. Now, who next?"

Immediately a babble broke out, everyone claiming their child first. Slowly, everyone calmed down, seeing no resolution. It helped that Canary had let out a screech and they were all wincing, as she glared at them. Even Batman had stepped forward, hoping to awake Robin first. She glared at all of them, and then sighed.

"We should do it in order of easiest to hardest in terms of fight and trust," said Black Canary sternly, "So the next logical answer is Kid Flash or Robin. Besides, we also need to know if Kid Flash retained his powers or not."

"Then Robin first," said Batman sternly, before anyone could argue.

Zatara stood and moved to the bed for the little boy. This time, Clark took note that he was casting two spells. It was hard to tell, because it happened so quickly. So that's why he didn't have to drop the mental shields on Zatanna while she was awake. Once again the child woke, who opened his eyes with a snap like Zatanna, but the boy paused, yawned, and rubbed his eyes as he sat him. That's when he realized he had the mask covering his face, and frowned as he began to remove it. Batman had moved over in a second, but he paused, realizing there wasn't anyone in this room who didn't know his and Dick's identity. Sighing, the boy removed his mask, and his blue eyes gazed in astonishment at the crowd.

When his eyes landed on Clark, the man swore that they grew four times bigger, and he was bouncing up excitedly, waving his hand at the man and going, "Supa'man! It's Supa'man!"

Clark could feel the glare Bruce gave him, but it was obvious Robin's memories were blocked. He approached the young boy, and smiled, as the boy stared at him in wonder. He bent down, as Zatara hovered nearby, waiting for Superman to establish the boy's trust. The boy gaped open-mouthed at Superman, his face going bright red as he did. His blue eyes seemed so wide and trusting.

"Hello Dick," he said quietly, a warm smile on his face.

"Supa'man knows my name!" he said in awe, throwing the blanket off now as he moved closer. The boy suddenly frowned, as he stared at his eyes and costume, shrunk down with him. "Why am I small? And why am I wearing this?"

"That's why you're here Dick," said Superman, as he hoped to establish the trust required for the spell to be successful, otherwise Batman would kill him.

"Cause I'm little?" asked Dick curiously, staring at Superman in awe.

"Exactly, this man here," he said, pointing to Zatara who put on a warm smile, "He wants to help you. So do I, actually."

"Who's that? He looks like Jack- but younger, and he wears more black! Do you know Jack Haly? Course you do- You're Supa'man! He owns the circus I live at!" said Dick excitedly, wide awake now as he stared at his hero. Clark couldn't help the smile. Apparently Dick had always been a talker.

"Yes, yes I do," said Superman, "Now, why don't we make you big again, and then I can take you for a flight, okay Dick?"

The boy nodded enthusiastically, and turned to the magician. He was practically jumping, and Clark could see Bruce's fist clench. He sighed, trying not to feel guilty that the kid hadn't even noticed anyone beyond him. He suddenly wondered what he would feel about Superboy. He ignored the thought as soon as it occurred. Now was not the place or time.

Dick was relatively calm as Zatara cast the spell, but when the boy began to fall, nobody moved quicker than Batman to catch him. The Bat glared at them all, daring them to make a comment, but Superman simply backed away. He had done his part. He frowned as he watched Dick sleep. He'd never really realized how truly innocent or fragile these kids had been. So trusting and unquestioning of the matter.

"Are they always that trusting?" asked Superman, to no one in particular.

"Kids," said Green Arrow from behind him, as though it was an explanation. Clark supposed he'd just have to accept it.

"Kid Flash now?" asked Flash, surprisingly impatient for Barry Allen. Zatara nodded, and they all glanced at the kid. This would be the moment of truth. Was he still a speedster or not? And did he have the same control he did as a teen?

They watched with bated breaths as Zatara awoke the boy. Clark watched as Barry's body tensed. The kid rolled over, clearly awake, but not wanting to get out of bed. His eyes flickered open, and he caught sight of Zatara. He moved so quickly that Clark didn't realize what happened until the five-year-old was up, sitting upright and staring at them all. He heard Oliver muttering that he wasn't going to play babysitter to that kid.

"WhereamI? Whoareyou? Where'smom?" demanded the kid, but his mouth was moving quicker than normal speeds, by no means as fast as Barry could, but fast enough that it took a minute to process.

"Kid," said Flash, touching his shoulder. The boy jumped, and stared for the first time at the Flash. His eyes blinked. And then again. And then he was sitting with his jaw agape, staring at the man with a crazed sort of wonder.

"You're the Flash!" said Wally enthusiastically, he was waving his hands so fast and furiously at Barry, that they had become blurs. That's when the kid realized what he was doing.

"I'm the Flash, and you're Wally," said Barry, gently holding Wally's arms, as the kid turned bright red.

"You- You know who I am?!" said Wally, in an amazed whisper, as his hands moved quickly to clap over his mouth. That's when Wally seemed to realize what he'd done. He moved his hands in front of his face, and then faster, and faster, until he was back to being a blur. "I'm the Flash too!"

"Er, yes you are Wally," said Flash.

"Wicked!" said Wally, grinning like a devil, before frowning at then staring at Barry, "How'd that happen?"

Barry caught his arms again, as Wally pouted. Apparently control was going to be an issue for Wally. They watched the kid's grin get wider and wider. He was apparently far too excited to have any questions for them. Instead he started to babble in the speedster speech about how cool this was. Flash was grinning, and he finally stopped the boy when Batman came up beside Zatara and glared at him.

"Wally," said Flash, bending to be eye-level with the kid, "I know this is all really exciting, but to make sure that you're powers don't really bother you, we need the nice magician over there to help you out."

It was a blatant lie. Something the Man of Steel didn't do. He shuffled uncomfortably, but he could see Wally nodding enthusiastically. He was once again amazed as the kid didn't question his smallness. Much like Zatanna, for a nine-year old mentality, he wasn't too concerned about being in a body that was small. The presence of the Fastest Man Alive was more than enough to distract him. He was still babbling when Zatara took a hold of his head. Within a minute, the kid was snoring peacefully, the Flash laying the kid down to rest.

"Who's next?" they asked Black Canary, and she sighed, turning to Aquaman and asking, "Will Aqualad be okay with this, or do you suspect it will not work out?"

"I was not involved with his life at such a tender age," said the King, "But he grew up in Atlantis, and knows me as his King. I presume my presence will help smooth the matter over."

"Then Aqualad is next," said Black Canary, nodding to the magician.

Zatara moved to the boy, who really looked far too innocent to one day become leader of a team of teenage heros. He was sleeping so peacefully, as Black Canary and Aquaman made their way over to him. Aquaman stood, arms crossed as he watched the small child being awoken by the wizard. Surprisingly, Aqualad was rather calm as he awoke. His eyes grew wide as he looked around, silently appraising them all as he sat up. Superman could see Canary's instinctive move to reach over and help, but she stayed put, clenching her fists. He wondered how close she was to the children, as a trainer to them.

"My- My King," said Aqualad, his eyes wide as he sat up straighter, finally realizing the presence of the man.

"Calm yourself, Kaldur'ahm," said the man, and the boy did so, apparently thrown off completely. "This is the Justice League, the people whom I work with on the surface world. You are here because we believe that you require some medical attention."

The boy said nothing, faultlessly polite as he nodded, his eyes wide. Clark wondered why they hadn't woken him first. Instead, the boy just stared wide-eyed at his King, thrown completely off. Black Canary took over for the King at this point, smiling gently to the lad. He stared at her, as she moved towards him.

"Kaldur'ahm," she said politely, "My name is Black Canary. I'm here to help you. But we need you to put your trust in us, can you do that?"

The boy nodded, but hesitantly asked, "Where is my mother?"

Black Canary was still smiling as she answered, "You'll get to see her when this is over."

The boy nodded, and Zatara got to work. He flinched, but Black Canary was quick, and she held the boy's hand. He seemed to relax, apparently warming up to the woman as Zatara muttered the spell. He was asleep in moments, gently being tucked into the blankets by Black Canary. Aquaman gave the boy a worried look, but stepped back to the walls of the room, rather than hovering like Batman and the Flash.

"M'Gann," said Black Canary at once.

The group made their way to the alien-child, sleeping peacefully. As soon as Zatara broke the telepathic link, Superman could sense J'onn was at work. The child woke up, but she didn't get up like the others. Instead she sleepily looked around, and then at J'onn. She didn't seem to notice what was going on, and nor did Superman quite know what the telepath was doing. But the alien-child nodded, and allowed him to lift her. Well, more like requested as her arms came up, begging to be held. She said nothing as Zatarra took hold of her head, her eyes linked to J'onn. The procedure was over within five minutes. And he thought Aqualad was simple.

"What did you do?" asked Green Arrow, sounding amazed, "Can you do that to Artemis?"

"I established a telepathic connections. On Mars, small children prefer telepathic communication to verbal speech. I assumed she'd be most uncomfortable without the presence of home in her head, since she would assume she was on Mars. I was correct," explained J'onn.

"Will she-

"She's fine Canary. It was quite simple assuaging her worries," explained J'onn, "And she knows of who I am."

"Well, let's move on then," said Batman, his voice cutting the air.

"Artemis or Superboy?" asked Black Canary to the group. Superman didn't say a word as Green Arrow said Artemis. He wondered how old Superboy would think he was when he awoke. Five years of memories. Was the clone even five years old? Bruce had said his growth had been accelerated, and it had happened in a matter of weeks. But how long had he been with Cadmus?

"Artemis," said Batman, voicing Superman's concern as he added, "We don't know what to expect with Superboy."

That truth his Superman like a ton of bricks as it was voiced. He flinched, and he could practically feel Bats glares. But it was ignored as Zatara was already by the girl's bedside. Oliver and Dinah hovered over her, like concerned parents. The two waiting nervously as Zatara murmured the spells to awake her. Superman hoped it took a while. He didn't want to be nudged in to the parental zone. Or pushed in.

As the child awoke, Green Arrow took in a breath, and stepped back. Black Canary stood absolutely still. The young girl was stirring, and she shifted before blinking. She stared at all of them, open-mouthed, before she started to cry. Whatever reaction anyone had expected, it wasn't tears. Her bawls grew louder and louder, and Black Canary moved and hugged the girl, who flinched and moved away.

"Artemis- Artemis sweetie, do you know who I am?" asked Black Canary, trying to calm the child down.

"Whe- Where's dad?!" demanded the little girl, glaring ferociously up at Black Canary, who seemed a bit lost.

"They're not here right now," tried Canary, only for the girl to start wailing louder again.

"I don't want to go to a o'-o'phan- home! I- Daddy didn't mean to do anything! He's a good father! J- Jade w- will take care of me- Don't put me in a home!" she sobbed, and Arrow's jaw clenched, as he moved forward.

"We know Artemis," said Green Arrow, and the girl's tears started to slow, "But right now, this is about you. We promise not to put you in a home. And we'll find Jade and she'll take care of you. But right now, we want your help."

Artemis was pretty much done crying, but the girl still sniffled, and Superman could see Canary trying to preserve her control, in the way her arms remained clenched. The girl furiously rubbed at her eyes, and then glared at the bed, before looking up in a most determined way. She nodded silently, and then waited. But she wasn't ready to trust Oliver just yet.

"Look," said Oliver, obviously wildly searching for some ground to work on, "We need to run a test on you, and then after, you can call your mom."

"I can talk to mommy?" said Artemis, hope shining in her eyes, before it was dashed away, and she frowned and said, "But daddy said it don't wo'k that way. He said she was in jail- no pa'ole. No visitas."

"Well, this is a special case," said Canary, catching on, "I mean, do you really think the Justice League would be here if it wasn't?"

Artemis now fully glanced around the room. Some confusion etched into her face at seeing the other children, before returning them to Canary. Something in the sincere expression Canary held made Artemis nod her head. Impulsively, much like with Kaldur, Canary reached out for a hand of Artemis's. The child gaped in wide-eyed awe as Canary held it, but she didn't move to discourage it. Canary gave it a squeeze, before removing it. The look of discomfort in Artemis's eye discouraging the super heroine.

"Wha- What do I have to do?" asked the child nervously, staring at Canary.

"This man here," said Canary, as she nodded to Zatara, "Is going to cast a spell on you. It won't hurt. Are you okay with that? Can you trust us?"

Artemis began to nod, before impulsively asking, "Why?"

"It's just to make sure that your father didn't put any magic on you," lied Oliver smoothly.

"But he didn't," insisted Artemis.

"We know sweetie," said Canary, going along with Oliver, "But it's a formality. So let's just make this quick, okay?"

"Okay," said the child grumpily, before glancing at the spellmaster.

He smiled kindly at the child, but he could see her fear in her eyes. She was afraid of what he may or may not do. The magician bent down to her eye level, surprising her. He was still smiling as he said, "You're not too sure, are you? What if I did a practice spell on Green Arrow over there?"

Artemis glanced over at Green Arrow, who looked a bit surprised. As she did, she missed the look Zatara sent him. He grinned and nodded then, and Artemis turned back to the magician. Still quiet, she just nodded. Zatara came before the archer. He placed both hands on Green Arrow's head, and loudly said some nonsense words, sounding similar to the spell, but in no way any form of English speech. Even if the speech would be backwards.

"See, nothing happened," said Arrow, smiling down at the child, as Zatara came back and pressed his hands to her temples.

"May I?" asked Zatara.

Artemis stared at him, and then nodded, hugging the blanket to herself, as Zatara said the spell. She was rolling backwards as Canary caught her and began to tuck her in. Arrow was breathing a sigh of relief and muttering curse words. The tension in the room grew considerably, and Superman didn't say anything as his eyes came to the pint-sized clone in the last bed. Nothing had to be said, but they all knew what was coming. He didn't move as Canary and Zatara made their way over, but from where he stood, he had a clear view of the boy. And he was close enough to catch him before any damage occurred.

Zatara glanced at Canary, who nodded. That was his cue as he began the spells. The cloned version of himself began to stir, and he awoke, looking around curiously. He didn't breathe a word. He didn't say anything. Instead, he just lay in the bed, looking at Canary and Zatara curiously. A collective sigh of relief was given, especially since he didn't attack. However, the tension returned as the boy just, well, lay there.

"Connor," began Canary, and with a jolt, Superman realized that obviously the Superboy had a name. He just hadn't known it.

The boy showed no recognition, as he continued to stare at Zatara. Obviously he hadn't known that name either. Not a good sign. Canary tried again this time, as she said, "Superboy."

Still no response. Well, not a bad sign. But not really a great sign. The boy turned to Canary, and she looked helpless. They had no clue what to do. Finally Canary turned to J'onn, and said, "Can you try a mental link?"

The martian nodded, and in seconds he entered the brain of the child. Whatever was occurring caused the child to cry out suddenly, and he began to whimper, shaking his head in fright. J'onn severed the connection immediately, looking rather displeased as he said, "He has no memories. Nor any real instincts around people. He's as good as a new born, but with the physical capabilities of a five year old human male. He cannot formulate any words just yet, nor does he have any knowledge of the world."

That was not good news. How the heck were they supposed to establish trust with a boy who had no clue what he was. He just looked at them with those big, innocent blue eyes. The boy had no clue what his future was. The purpose for which he was bred. Instead, he simply sat there, apparently confused and awake for the first time.

Canary was the only one who seemed to know what to do, as everyone stood helplessly. She moved and helped Superboy- Connor- Superboy, up into her arms. He sat up rather curiously, before grabbing her hair. He seemed fascinated, but unaware of his own strength as he tugged. Superman moved to detangle his hand, but Canary's hand came over Superboy's, untangling it as she held it. A few strands of blonde hair were caught in his fist as he looked at her. She smiled, though her hair was messy from the sudden attack.

"Hi there Connor," said Canary, as she glanced at Superman, seeing he'd moved closer. Superboy's gaze followed hers, and he saw Superman. He glanced at the symbol emblazoned on his chest, fascinated for a second, before he moved to sucking his thumb, just like a real baby would.

"Hello Connor," said Zatara with a smile, as he moved forward to greet the child. The kid looked at the man curiously, sucking his thumb as he played with his toes using the other hand.

"J'onn, can you tell from his emotions if he trusts us?" asked Batman, apparently not wanting to waste any time. Superman was relieved beyond words at this.

"He does," said J'onn, after a quick pause, "But I believe at this stage, he'd trust anyone."

That made Superman flinch, as Zatara took the boy's head and said the spell. He was out like a light, but Superman was thinking. He'd only been a baby when they indoctrinated him. Superman shrugged the thought off, mentally trying to distance himself from the boy as Canary tucked him him. This wasn't his problem. The League could handle it. And with that cheery thought, Clark followed the mentors out of the room, relieved this had been far easier than expected.