Chapter 1:

A/N: Okay so thanks for clicking on my story! It makes me feel great! Before I start I want to clear up some pronunciaton things, since thats the thing that annoys me about some authors..you never know how to say names. So as Jani/Janala's name is German that means that for us English speakers the J isn't a J but pronounced like a H. Also in Janala all the a's are soft (sound like the a in all). Her father's name, Jan is pronounced the same way. Pohl is pronounced as Pole, and thats all for this chapter. Now for the story!

My life wouldn't be nearly as extraordinary as it is, if it hadn't started out ordinary. At least ordinary for me. My parents were sixteen when they got married, and three months later my mom was pregnant with me. A few months later, as my Mami told me, they decided to leave Germany. She never told me the exact reason for leaving, but whenever Tati got mad he would occasionaly rant about anti-Romani feelings, something I thought had died out in the '60's. From their hometown of Zegunerstadt, Germany, my parents moved to Gotham City, Connecticut. I was born three months later, and due to complication during birth I was born deaf. Almost imediatly my parents applied for the Thomas Wayne Medical Scholarship, and won. At six months I was fitted with my left Cochlear Implant, they turned it on two weeks later and it was a succes. A month later I recieved my right Cochlear and thus my parents did not have to learn another language. Not that they ever learned English, both of them were in denial about leaving Germany. At least thats what my Mami said about my Tati.

I grew up your average bad part of town Gothamite kid. My best friend was a boy two years older name Micheal Komikzy, but he went by Mikey. He taught me how to fight and to hold in all emotions. The latter helped with my Tati and at school. He started experimenting with drugs by the time I was eight, and he ten, but he always told me he didn't like them. His dad was killed when he was seven and his mom had always drank hard. Mikey stayed at my house a lot, not that it was much better with my Tati having such a temper.

But as much as Mikey tried to prepare me for the world, for it's cruelties and hardships, he couldn't prepare me for the cold December day after my tenth birthday. I was going to meet my parents at the Foreign Embassy Office, where they were applying for Jobs. Real Jobs! Not just the normal housework or laundry my Mami did, or the off jobs Tati picked up, but real office jobs. As the Embassy was close to my school I was walking. Mikey had walked me part of the way, but we had to branch off two blocks from the office. It wasn't safe, but ten year old little girls didn't have anything valuable on them in Gotham.

One of my braids had come undone and I had bent down to pick up the ribbon when it happened. I looked up at the Office to see a figure in purple jump out of the second floor window, followed closley by a man in a black suit and black cape. I titled my head confused, I recognised the latter as Batman, and the former was most likely Joker. But what would they be doing in the Foreign Embassey Office? I took a step forward before I was knocked to the ground by someone around my size. I instictivly put my hand over my CI's to protect them. I felt a blast of air, but I couldn't see what was happening thanks to the person on top of me.

"MOVE!" I yelled at the person, but they didn't budge. I pushed them, but they still didn't move.

"Wait!" They said sharply to me. I growled and continued fighting. The person grabbed my wrists and held them together whith one hand, while using the other to hold themselves up. "Stop!" They said. I began thinking about their voice and how they spoke. I decided the voice sounded a lot like a boys, so the person must be a male. But the voice was a higher pitch then most adult men, not to mention the size, meaning the person on top of me was probably the same age, or younger then me.

After a few seconds he got up, then held his hand out for me. I took it, pushing myself off the ground with my free hand. He helped me up, while explaining something. But my world had gone silent when I'd hit the ground. I ignored him pulling the cochlears off her head to see the left one dented and the right one smashed. I groaned, knowing my Tati was going to yell at me for the cost of new ones.

The boy grabbed her arm and shook her, "Whats wrong with you? Are you deaf or something?" I read his lips.

"Yes actually." I said, knowing my voice would be fine for a little while.

He looked down at the ground abashedly. "Sorry." He mumbled so I could barely understand. But from his facial experssion I got what he said. I pulled his face up.

"I can't understand you when you don't look at me." I told him, somehwat annoyed. He glared a little at me. "What happened?" I asked, ignoring the glare.

"Joker happened." He told me before looking back at the building, or remains of the building.

"My mami and Tati were in there." I said, holding in all the emotion that was clawing at my insides. He looked back at me before pointing to one of the cop cars that had just pulled up.

I ran to it and arrived just as a man I recognised as Commisioner Gordon stepped out. I waved getting his attention. He looked at me quizziclely "Are you okay?" He asked.

"Meine mami und tati." I said not thinking. From the look on his face I realized that I hadn't spoken English, "My mom and dad, they were in there." I told him. He nodded understanding.

"We will try to find them." He told me. I nodded. "I'm going to need you stay in the car while we look." He said slowly. I nodded again.

He opened the back door and let me, " Now what are you're parents names?"

"Margrite and Jan Pohl." I answered automatically. He nodded again and made to close the door. I held a hand out stopping him, "They don't speak English." I groaned.

He stuck his head into the car sighing, "What do they speak?"

"German and Romani." I preoared myself for the annoyed look. But it never came. Instead he gave me an understanding smile.

"I think I remember some of my High School German." He then stood up straight and closed the door.

Left alone my mind began to race, I started thinking of all the differnt scenerios. The first being that my parents walked away, unharmed, or with only minor injuries. Tati would yell at me for not taking better care of my CI's, mom would hug me and life would go on. Or only one of my parents could come out. Deep down I hoped that if that were the case, then it would be my Mami, but I felt guilty for choosing one parent over the other. But I didn't really feel all that guilty. Without Tati life would be better, Mami loved me, Tati I'm not so sure.

But then there was the option of niether of them coming out. If that happened I wouldn't know what to do. I'd probably get stuck in some foster home, then run away and live with Mikey. But I hoped that it wouldn't come to that, I'd rather live with Tati then to have no parents.

I looked out the window at the people being helped out of the building. I searched every face to see if it was my Mamica or Tati. I never saw them. Every face raised up hope in me, and every face crushed that hope. When the gaps between people began to get longer and I still hadn't seen them I began to lose any hope I had. As the firefighters began to come out I held back tears. After two hours of watching from the car window I got out and ran to the group of survivors and policemen. "Mamica! Tati! Wo bist du?" (Where are you) I yelled into the group, fighting tears. "Wo bist du!? Mami!" I shouted earning looks of pity.

Gordon walked up to me, with Batman following behind. Gordon looked at me, "What's your name?"

"Janala." I answered.

"Okay, Janala we haven't found your parents yet. We're gonna take you to the orphanage for the night, or until we find your parents." Pretty words I thought. Pretty words hiding the true nature of what they meant. My parents were dead. Never coming back.

I turned to Batman, the tears I had been holding back rushing forth. "Why didn't you save them?" He gave me a blank stare, unemotional. "You're supposed to be a hero! And you can't even save two people? Was the Joker more important then me having parents? Du bist Batman! Dark Knight von Gotham! Und nun dank dir habe ich nicht die Eltern! Joker kann dir Ursache fur die Bombe haben, aber lessen Sie sie sterben! das noch schlimmer!" (You're Batman! The Dark Knight of Gotham! And now thanks to you I don't have parents! Joker may have been the cause of the bomb but you let them die! Which is worse!) I yelled at him, sobbing hystericaly. I ran at Batman and began hitting him, letting my anger and pain escape. But the pain never left.

Batman grabbed my hands and held them tight so that I couldn't hit him anymore. "Stop. Calm Down. Go with Gordon. " He told me, his voice holding no emotion. He then left go and with a swish of his cape he dissapeared. I yelled out in anger and frustraition.

Gordon sighed and pulled me back to the car. He let me get in the front this time, opening and closing the door for me. He sat down in the drivers seat and began to drive away. I looked out my window, staring at the ruins of the building that I thought would make my life better, instead it ruined it.

I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I looked up at Gordon. "I asked you where you live." It was getting harder to read lips, as it was getting darker outside.

"Sorry, I'm deaf." I replied. He looked taken aback for a moment. I answered his question before he could comment on my deafness though, " 274 Drake street Apartment B29."

"Thats over by Park Row isn't it?" He said facing me.

"Crime Alley? Yeah." I nodded, not really want to talk. He let me be after that.

We arrived at the apartment building ten minutes later and as soon as the car was put into park I shot out and ran up the stairs to the second floor. I pulled one of the chains around my neck over my head and stuck the key hanging on the chain into the door. I twisted the key and pushed open the door. I left the key in the lock, and the door wide open as I stepped into my home of ten years. I didn't know if I was every going to be back.

I looked over to the living area, or as Mamica called it the atelier. Crammed in the room was a sofa, coffee table, TV, and rocking chair. To the right was the kitchen, small, with a table and three chairs stuffed into it. I walked down the small hallway, to my left was my parents room and to the right was mine. At the end of the hall was the bathroom.

I went into my room and looked around. In one corner was my bed, a iron twin bed with a patch work quilt neatly tucked into the sides. The quilt was made by my Oma, Mami's mother, right before Mamica and Tati left Germany. Next to the bed was a window with white curtains, and under the window was a nightstand. On said nightstand was a book, lamp, and my hearing aids. On the opposite wall was my desk, which was covered with paper. I went to the closet and pulled open the door. Inside were my clothes, two pair of shoes, hamper, and at the top a suitcase.

I jumped up to reach it, not quite able to reach while on tip toes. I saw a hand grabe the case and pull it down, then hand it to me. When I looked up I saw Gordon, who I assumed had followed me in. "Danke." I whispered taking the case over to the bed.

I plopped the case down and opened it, revealing the smell of lavender and mint, Mamica. I smiled a little before remebering that it was probably the last time I would ever smell that smell again, just in perfect balance, just like Mami.

I gulped back tears, not wanting to look weak on front of Gordon. I grabbed my hearing aids and put them on before grabbing the remaing batteries and putting them in the top pocket. I then went back to the closet and grabbed two pairs of jeans, four shirts and her church dress. I went back to the bed and lay the clothes on the bed. The I pulled one of the tubs from underneath the bed that held all of my socks and underwear. I pulled enough out for a week and then put the tub back. I got up and put the iteams in the suitcase, then walked back to the closet. I pulled my church shoes out of the closet and took them over to my bed. I stood there folding the clothes, being especially careful with my church clothes. I placed my shoes on top, and then headed out of the room and to the bathroom. I retrieved my toothbrush and toothpaste then went back to my room. I put the toiletries into my suitcase, then went over to the trunk at the end of my bed.

I opened it and looked inside. There sitting on the top was my stuffed dog, Noapte. I grabbed her and continued to look in the trunk. I saw dozens of pictures, me as a baby, me as a toddler, me as a little kid, not so many of me now. Mikey had taken most of the pictures of me from age three until around seven when he broke the camera. There were a few with both of us, my Mami had been home, and a few of just him, when he had finally let me take pictures.

I grabbed my baby pictures a few of myself and Mikey and anything of my Mamica. I put them in the suitcase then slammed it shut, fighting back tears. I felt Gordon's hand on my shoulder, I looked up at him to find him attempting to give me a comforting smile. He made a thumbs up to which I nodded. He continued smiling, grabbed my suitcase and then nodded towards the door. I headed towards it, waiting for him. He followed and went out the door.

*page break*

Gordon took me to the front steps of the tall, dark, gray building that was going to my new home. I groaned inwardly as the door opened reaveling a tall thin woman with crazy orange hair. She had on dozens of beaded necklaces, and a flowing flowery dress covered by a green silk looking robe. She seemed drunk, and this hypothesis was proven correct when she opened her mouth, "Herro? Can I IIII umm help you?"

Gordon gave her a distasteful look before speaking, "I have a new girl for you, her name is Janala Pohl. Her parents were just in an accident." I looked at Gordon trying to figure out what exactly he was saying, but due to the now darkened city street it was hard to lip read. I decided to just give up and find something else to interest me.

After a few seconds of picking at my fingernails I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was the lady. I sent her a bit of a glare, but let her lead me through the door. We went to the very top floor, the girl's floor, and she dropped me off at a room. "This is gonna be your-your room," she slurred. I rolled my eyes at her shakey walk.

When I stepped inside I saw a row of bunk beds along the walls and a grimy window at the end. There were girls in almost every bed, and they all had their suitcases held tight. I held mine closer, as though somehow it would protect me against the harsh reality of my world. Or at least, the world that was going to be mine for a while.

*page break*

After 3 days, Mr. Wayne visited the orphanage I was at. I was called down to the first floor and into the living room area that we usually weren't allowed in unless a situation like this arose. He began trying to make conversation. I pointed at my ear and shook my head to say that hey, I was deaf, and I wouldn't be able to understand a word he said unless he was looking at me. He faced me and said, "How would you feel about coming to live with me?"

I rolled my eyes. "You're Bruce Wayne; I'd be an idiot to say no."

He seemed to chuckle. "So I take that as a yes?"

"Obviously."

He mumbled, "You're deaf, how can you have seen the Harry Potter movies..."

I gave him a look. "Um, 1: You're looking at me so I can see what you're saying, 2: It's in the books, and 3: I have cochlear implants, they're just broken at the moment, thanks to the "Boy Wonder.""

He smirked, but I didn't really understand why. I guessed that I would understand eventually. "So I still have to sign a few papers, why don't you run up and get your things?" He said through the smirk.

I nodded and got up, then headed for the door unsure of what exactly just happened.

**********break line********

As we pulled up to Wayne Manor I couldn't help but be amazed. It was really big, like really big! Bigger then my whole street kinda big. I tried not to gawk, but it was hard not to stare. Mr. Wayne took my suitcase out of the trunk of the car (A Mercedes) and headed to the door. When I tried to grab my suitcase he shook his head and made to open the door. But before he could put his hand on the handel the door opened, revealing an elderly man in a suit.

"Master Bruce, welcome home. I trust that this is our newest member of the family?" It was hard to read his lips, he formed his u's different then most people I knew and his sentence structure was very formal, words I wasn't used to. I smiled, hoping it was the right reaction. "Hello. And you're name is?" I tilted my head, unsure if he asked me my name or if he was asking if I wanted change. I decided on the former.

"Janala Pohl." I spoke softly, something about this man was imperssive, and I was a bit intimdiated.

He nodded, "My name is Alfred, Miss. Janala." He stretched out one of his hands. I guessed I was supposed to shake it, so I stretched out one of my hand and grasped his.

"Hi...Alfred?" I guessed thinking that that was what he said.

He nodded again,a look of slight confusion on his face. Mr. Wayne made a movement and I looked up at him. He mouthed the words 'tell you later'. I rolled my eyes.

"I'm deaf, not blind. I can read your lips." I muttered. He sent me a dissaproving look and it took me a second to realize that he could understand me perfectly. Unlike my parents who spoke very little English. "Sorry." I whispered, looking down at the ground, only feeling a little sorry I had said it.

He put a hand on my shoulder leading me into the house. My amazement grew as I saw paintings and scultptures that we're beautiful and full of color and detail. Bruce continued to lead me through the front entrance into an area that seemed to be where you would eat, and a little farther into it I saw a giant kitchen,spotless and organised. He then took me into a living room area that had to fluffy couches and a love seat. A TV that looked bigger then my arms could reach was hung on the wall, and under that was a cabinet that I guessed contained movies and a DVD player.

Through the living room I saw a grand staircase. It started as one, but branched off into two. One going to the left and one going to the right. Mr. Wayne bent down and looked at me in the face ,"I have to go work, can you be good for Alfred?" I nodded.

Alfred joined me as left down a hallway. I noticed Alfred had my suitcase, which I made a grab for. He shook his head "My job." He said simply.

I sent him a quizzical look, not sure how to react. I always had to do everything for myself, cooking my own food, except dinner. I did my own laundry and I cleaned my own room. I needed something done, I was the one who did it. I could carry my own suitcase.

He smiled. "I'm Master Bruce's butler. It's my job to carry things for member's of the house."

"Why does he need one?" I asked without thinking.

Alfred shook his head, "One shouldn't ask such questions. It isn't polite."

I nodded, deciding to drop the subject. "Where will I sleep?"

Alfred smiled ,"Right up here Miss. Janala." He said turning to the stairs and pointing.

"Jani." I said. He raised an eyebrow. "Call me Jani. Everyone else does." Really it was a pet name, with Jana being the technical shortened version of my name but no one my teachers ever called me that.

"Allright Miss. Jani." He said facing me again. I smiled a little to myself, feeling comfortable with Alfred.

He led me up the stairs, and then onto the ones that branched off onto the right. I noticed that there was another set of stairs, inbetween the branched off ones that went to another floor. I was shocked, THREE FLOORS!

We walked down a hallway past two rooms, and then down another hallway. "That's Master Dick's room." He faced me again, and then pointed to the third door on the left. He knocked on the door. It swung open a few seconds later and out came a boy only a inch or two taller then myself.

He had messy black hair that was smooth in the front but stood every direction in the back. He had pale skin, and seemed pretty muscular. He was wearing jeans with black converse. His shirt was a dark blue with a cartoon looking Batman on the front, with the words 'Bam' and 'Pow' written in large lettering with bright colors. I growled a little at the Batman picture, remebering the events of three days ago.

"Yes Alfred?" The boy said. Alfred nodded toward me. I waved, trying to give a small smile. Imediatly the boy gave me a big smile and held out a hand. "Hi! I'm Richard, but everyone calls me Dick."

"Janala, but everyone calls me Jani." I shook his hand. He continued smiling.

"Are you excited to be living here?" He asked.

"Only just got here not really sure." I said shrugging. He chuckled, then turned into his room, before turning back to me.

"-you to be here." He finished looking at me.

"I'm sorry what?" I asked.

"I said, I'm excited for you to be here." He nodded slightly understanding something.

"You have to look at me when you're talking. I usually have my Cochlear Implants in, but they got broke by a certain Boy Wonder." I told him, explaining.

He smirked the same smirk had earlier. "Oh, I'm sure Bruce can get them fixed."

Of course, he's a billionair. Three hundered dollars ain't nothing. "Great." I nodded, reminded of how angry my Tati had been when I broke my CI's in first grade.

Alfred said something to Dick, who nodded then went back into his room. Alfred turned me around and pointed to the door directly across from us. He bent down and looked at me, "And that is your room." He opened the door, and then looked at me again, "I'll let you unpack." He then left the room.

I flipped on the light, revealing a room the size of my room and my parents roon combined, maybe bigger. In the corner was a double bed with a bench that looked like it had a cushion on the top at the end of it. On the wall across from the bed was a desk, with shelves above it. I turned and looked and saw a large window with a window seat on the opposite wall. A dresser was next to the window. I sat my suitcase on the bed and then collapsed next to it.

In just seventy two hours my life had gone from that of a normal ten year old girl to ward of Bruce Wayne, richest man in Gotham City. There is no way this can get any weirder. I though to myself. Ha boy was I wrong.