A/N: Here we go once again! I hope this chapter is to your satisfaction! It's a bit shorter but it's one of those chapters where there isn't really a better place to leave off. Going any further would throw us into the middle of a whole other idea that could very easily be a stand-alone chapter. So instead of making this one ridiculously long I decided to cut it off a little earlier than usual! I hope ya'll enjoy!

As usual, I own nothing you can recognize.

FIVE: SPARROW

Two more weeks pass and while my training is progressing and I'm learning a lot, I'm also getting a little…stir-crazy. I haven't left the manor property much since I got here. Bruce has taken me to Wayne Enterprises twice and I've been to one fundraiser banquet but for the most part I don't leave. I spend all day in the Batcave training and then I go to bed and wake up doing it all over again. During those two weeks, the Team went on their second mission. Guarding the dismembered Amazo parts and then ending up in a fight in the Gotham Academy gym. Artemis saves Wally, Superboy learns to control his anger and their teamwork improves quite a bit. Which means Artemis will be joining the Team within the next few days. Ideally, that's when I would like to be ready to at least meet them even if I can't be part of the Team officially.

"Addi! Come down from there, Bruce wants to see you!" Dick calls from the ground.

I feel a tiny flicker of hope. Maybe I've finally proven I'm ready and he's going to let me meet the Team. I quickly shove that hope down though, no needs to get excited when there's been no sign he's going to let me meet them since that day he brought it up. We decided on my alias and even designed my uniform but since then, nothing.

I meet Dick on the floor, stretching out a few sore muscles as we make our way out of the gym, "Any idea what he wants?"

Dick shrugs, "Nope."

I glance at him out of the corner of my eye, "You're lying."

He shrugs again, "Don't know what you mean. All he said was he wanted to see you."

"Uh-huh," I still don't believe him but I also know he's not going to get me any answers. He's learned how to keep secrets from the best secret-keeper out there after all.

When I step onto the main platform of the cave with the Batcomputer Bruce is standing near the glass cases holding his and Robin's uniforms. There's a covered portion to the right of the Robin uniform. I pause, still not daring to hope, "What's going on?"

Dick's smirk grows a little wider but he doesn't say anything as he leans against the Batcomputer desk. Alfred is standing to the side, a pleased look on his face.

Bruce chuckles slightly, "I think you already know."

My eyes widen slightly and my gaze darts to the covered object, "No way."

Bruce reaches out and pulls the covering off. There, in a glass case of its own, is a uniform. My uniform. Holy. Crap. In the past two weeks I've drawn and redrawn it, tweaking things here and there but I never outright told Bruce about my sketches. I mean, he designed Robin's uniform so I knew he could manage and I was still new to all of this. I wasn't worried.

But this was so much better because right before me, in a gleaming case, was the uniform I designed. Red one piece suit (no doubt equipped with the latest in Wayne Tech) with yellow clasps up the chest, thigh high black boots with a yellow band around the top, a solid black cape which would probably reach to my upper thighs, elbow-length fingerless black gloves and my own utility belt. The suit is perfect, shorts on the bottom (thank God it isn't a skirt) and a sleeveless top with the neckline reaching just under my chin (again, like Robin's own suit). There's a bright yellow "S" on the left breast. I like how similar it is to Robin's own uniform. Clean lines, dark enough to hide in shadows but not solid black and just enough difference between his and mine to make it unique.

"This…this is perfect," I mutter, my hand reaching hesitantly toward the glass case. I'm almost afraid if I touch it, it's going to disappear.

"Told you she would like it," Dick chirps, grinning from his place near the Batcomputer.

"Like it? I love it!" I'm practically squealing now and bouncing on the balls of my feet but I can't help it. This is the best news I've had since my training started. I whirl on Bruce now, "Wait…does this mean I get to meet the Team soon?"

He nods, "Tonight."

"Seriously?!"

"Yes. They don't have any missions on the roster for the night so it would be a good time to introduce you. Of course, for the first mission or two you'll still be ground support from the Mountain. I want to test you out in Gotham still," Not even being confined to the Mountain during missions can dampen my spirits.

I'm finally meeting the Team and soon I'll be going on missions too, "So, when's my first patrol?"

"Sometime this week. I'll let you know," Bruce is already turning back to the Batcomputer now.

"So, I take it you finally agreed with me on my alias?" I motion toward the "S" emblazoned on the chest.

He sighs and nods, "You had valid points and I suppose having a bird theme isn't so bad."

Dick moves across the room, "What alias did you decide on?"

I grin, "Sparrow."

Dick nods with his own grin, "I like it. I guess it's good I taught you how to fly then."

"Apparently. After all, what kind of bird would I be if I was grounded?"

"A lame one."

We both chuckle at that.

Alfred approaches us after a moment, "Congratulations, Miss Addilyn. However, I do hope you don't turn out like these two and throw yourself into danger unnecessarily. Patching up them keeps me busy enough."

"Isn't throwing myself into danger part of the job description? I mean, if I don't who will?"

Alfred sighs and shakes his head, "I cannot argue against you on that but please remember there are people who would be devastated if something happened to you, hm?"

I nod with a small smile, "I promise not to be reckless."

"That is all I ask."

YJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJ

The rest of the day drags. Dick takes me back into the gym where we spar for a few hours but not even that can keep me from feeling antsy about tonight. I'm meeting the Team. I've been waiting for this for over a month now. I understand why Bruce wanted to train me first, it's not just regular civilian's whose lives will be in my hands it's also my fellow Team members. I have to be able to protect myself and them if needed. I definitely was not at that level when I first came here.

"Addiiiii…Earth to Addi," Dick's voice jolts me from my thoughts and I blink, realizing he's staring at me. Along with Bruce and Alfred.

We're at the dining room table having a small dinner before heading to the Mountain. I obviously zoned out. Again. I feel my cheeks heat up, "Sorry, sorry. I zoned out again. I'm just really excited. Did you ask me something?"

Dick cackles, "I asked if you were nervous."

"Oh. Um, maybe a little? I think I've just been more excited than anything."

"I'm sure you'll be fine. The Team is pretty cool."

I nod and take another bite from my plate, "We're not telling them about my…circumstances though right?"

Bruce shakes his head, "No. They don't know much about our situation in general. They shouldn't ask too many questions, they know I like my privacy and are too scared to try and go behind my back."

I snort, "You've got that right. They think you're terrifying. It's actually really amusing."

Bruce's mouth twitches, "And you don't find me scary?"

I bark out a short laugh, "No. I know you're a good guy and wouldn't actually do anything to hurt any of us. You're a good guy, Bruce. You just don't let people see it when you're Batman. Which I get. It's hard to scare the scum of the world if they think you're a big softie after all."

Bruce stares at me for a long minute, "Sometimes I forget just how much you already know about us."

I'm full blushing now, "Sorry. I try not to make it too obvious if I can. I know it has to be weird. Especially since you're still learning about me."

Dick winks, "I think it's pretty asterous."

I shake my head, "You and the English language."

YJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJYJ

We finish dinner shortly after that and I all but sprint to the Cave entrance. Dick is close behind me while Bruce and Alfred follow at more normal pace. We probably seem like children to them, unable to control the excitement bubbling up but I don't even care. This is so awesome.

I grab my uniform from the case and shut myself in a changing room. I strip immediately and I'm fully dressed again in about five minutes. The uniform fits perfectly which really shouldn't be surprising. Alfred got all my measurements a week ago because I needed a dress made for an upcoming banquet Bruce was hosting. Apparently it was also for my uniform. Clever.

I take a minute to check my appearance in the mirror. I've never been a very vain person but holy crap, I love looking at myself in this uniform. The one piece fits like a glove and I'm suddenly very thankful for the intense workouts Bruce and Dick have been putting me through. I would not have been comfortable wearing this before coming here. Every single curve is accentuated and glaringly obvious which means any fat on my body would have been there for everyone to see. Thank God for being in Bat-level shape.

There's a knock on the door behind me, "Come on, Addi. You're such a girl."

I roll my eyes, "I'm coming, I'm coming."

I grab my mask, the last part of the uniform, and apply the spirit gum before pressing it over my face. The mask molds around the bridge of my nose, sinking into the dips around my eyes and when I look in the mirror again I can't help the grin. Yeah, totally awesome.

I take a breath and open the door now. Dick – Robin – is standing outside waiting for me. He looks me up and down before nodding, "You look like a hero."

My cheeks heat up and I smile, "Thanks. I finally feel like one."

Dick and I head back into the main atrium of the Cave where Batman is already waiting. I haven't seen him decked out in a while either. They leave for patrol before I finish my evening workout and most nights when they come back I'm in the gym letting out some pent up energy or frustration and he's changed by the time Dick fetches me. The last time I saw him in his Batman garb was probably my first night here.

Now, as he takes in my new look, I stand a little taller and finally feel like I belong. He doesn't say anything or really acknowledge the change, just turns back to typing furiously at the computer. I recognize the Batman persona taking over and I know the Bruce I've gotten to know is gone in place of the stoic dark hero. I really don't know how he can change so much just by putting on a cowl and cape. The Bruce I know and the one everyone else knows aren't the same but he still shows more emotion than Batman.

"I've built you into the Zeta system," he says without turning away from the computer, "Do you remember the different functions your mask has?"

I nod, "Yes. Night vision, thermal vision, x-ray vision and I don't need to worry about throwing a smoke bomb because the mask will see through it."

"How do you switch between the lenses?"

"Double tap on the right side near my temple."

He nods, "Good. I don't see you needing any of them soon but you can never be too prepared."

"Can we go now?" Robin chirps, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

Batman nods, turning from the computer now, "Yes. Everything looks good for the night. I'll take you both there and make sure introductions go smoothly then return to patrol Gotham. I expect you both back here no later than three in the morning."

"Plenty of time to get to know everyone!" I say happily, following Robin to the Cave's Zeta tube.

He steps through in a blinding flash of white light. When it dies down he's gone. I take a deep breath, suddenly terrified of what I'm about to do. Batman's hand lands on my shoulder for the briefest moment, giving a tight squeeze, before he steps through the Zeta tube as well.

Here goes nothing.

I hope ya'll enjoyed that! I tried to make her training last a little longer this time. If I did my calculations right the last part of this should fall the night before Artemis joins the Team. I apologize if I'm wrong, I'm using the dates provided online for the episodes and working to line everything up as best I can. But, I am human so I might mess up. I really appreciate all the reviews ya'll have been leaving! They make me smile and the amount of constructive criticism has been wonderful! I'm not a perfect writer, I know that, and any help ya'll can provide I'm more than happy to accept!

Until next time,

Mercy