A/N: 'Twas the night term let out, and all through the college, the students were excited, brains filled with knowledge. One author's mind whirred with ideas, should she waste Christmas break, or write to her readers? So she sat back to type, and make something snappy, a series of updates to make them all happy.

I'm back and here's your Christmas gift! I've spent all my free time since term let out updating all my stories!

Only the Beginning

I was let out of the hospital wing the next day but given strict orders to take it easy. No running, no roughhousing, and definitely no work. My bunkmates were pretty nice about it, too. Mr. Wayne stuck around a little longer to make sure I was getting along okay. Physically, I was fine. I just wasn't sure how I would handle the trial.

See, the issue is that I'm the primary witness. It's hard enough living with the memories, but I'm going to now have to relive the whole thing. Dr. Creed says a little apprehension is normal, but it's not going to help if I avoid the problems forever. She said the problem forever. In fact, apparently the trial might help. She said it would give me closure. If the sicko's convicted, I'll never have to worry about him again. Unfortunately, he's a first time offender. He will probably be convicted for the attempted murder, but not much for the real charge of sexual assault. I don't care what he gets convicted for, I just want to see him go to jail for the rest of his life. Personally, I really want to see him go through as much slag as I went through.

Two days until the trial. I hope I can make it through then.

It's the trial date. The trial is being held in Gotham. I'm in my suit, but I really have no idea what's going to happen. The lawyer Mr. Wayne hired told me to just tell the jury what happened. Every excruciating detail I can give will just convince them more in our favor. We're getting into our seats. I wanted a closed trial. Only those allowed who were witnesses or invited. With the exception of my family and Mr. Wayne, I've only asked four people to come. Thomas, Jimmy, Andrew, and Max. I don't really want Dana there. It would just complicate things. I'd probably not want her to hear this stuff. She might not be too happy. She might want to break up. I really don't care. I just want to get through this.

"Nervous, McGinnis?" Mr. Wayne asks me. I can only nod. I'm afraid if I open my mouth, I'll be very, very sick. He squeezes my shoulder reassuringly. Don't be nervous, don't be nervous, don't be nervous. This is just like busting another bad guy as Batman. It's just a little different this time. Speaking of, I still don't know who's acting as Batman this time. I look behind me. My three new friends smile. Max reads my expression and nods. I raise my eyebrows. She nods again. She's acting as Batman. Either that was Mr. Wayne's next choice, or he was desperate.

"All rise for the Honorable Judge Laura Alvin." The bailiff said. We all stand. The trial has started.

"Your honor, I would like to call Terry McGinnis to the stand." The lawyer says. I get up. I put my left hand on the bible, and raise my right.

"Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you God?" The bailiff asks.

"I do." I say, and sit down.

"Terry, would you tell us the sequence of events that led you to come to the Trauma Center?" The lawyer asks me.

"About four months ago I decided to go out for Lacrosse at my high school. I needed a physical to do this, so I had one scheduled. When I came into the examination room, I was told by the nurse to strip to my underwear. When the doctor came in, he told me to strip, um, further for lack of a better term." Something of a snicker ripples through the room. Andrew gives me the thumbs up sign. I'm doing well.

"Continue please." The lawyer says.

"That's when he attacked me. He held me down on the exam table and started… He started…" Oh slag. I can't finish. Don't cry. Not here. Not in front of all these people.

"What did he start doing, Terry?" The lawyer asks me. He's gentle about it.

"He started touching me." There. It's out. I can barely hear the gasp in the courtroom over the pounding of blood in my ears. I think I'm going to be sick. "He held me down and covered my mouth with his hand and threatened me. He told me he would kill my family and everyone I cared about if I told." The words came out fast. Everyone looked shocked.

"Terry, please tell the court your experience at the center with the doctor." The lawyer knows this case is in the bag, but probably wants to cinch the deal.

"After I told Dr. Creed about what happened, I slept in until late. I think it was early afternoon. Then I woke up when the doctor put his hand over my mouth. He knocked me out and when I woke up, I was tied up and naked in a cave. That's when he raped me." I don't know if I can finish. This is too hard right now. I wager a glance over at the doctor. He has an awful smirk on his face. He likes this. I can't let him get away now. I'm too close. "Then he untied me and gave me my clothes. I tried to run, but he shot me, and then tried to hang me. That's about all I remember until I woke up in the hospital." Done. Now all there is to get through is cross-examination.

"No further questions, Your Honor." The lawyer says. The defense lawyer stands up.

"Mr. McGinnis. You claim you went to the doctor's office of your own accord. Is this true?"

"Yes."

"So you really had some desire to be there in the first place, correct?"

"Yes."

"So maybe you really wanted what he did to you." He's up in my face right now. I really don't like this.

"Objection, Your Honor. This man is harassing my witness and going on pure speculation." Our lawyer says.

"Sustained. Sir, back away from Mr. McGinnis." Sweet relief.

"Mr. McGinnis, can you point out the man who did all you claim he did to you?" I point to the doctor. He smirks and winks at me. I have to back up. He's going to attack me in front of all these people.

"Doctor Maler. That did not go unnoticed. Do it again and you will be held in contempt of the court." The Judge did notice. Thank heaven.

"No further questions, your honor." The defense lawyer says. I am dismissed and sit down.

I don't really pay attention to the rest of the trial. I can't. I can't think, can't move, can't do anything. That was harder than anything I did as Batman. Mr. Wayne puts a hand on my shoulder. But that's about all I feel. I think I'm going to be sick.

The jury finally leaves. It takes less than two hours before they come back.

"We find the defendant guilty of all charges." One says. I can't take it anymore. I start crying.