Bella POV:

Once we had reached the city, and I was sure that Detective Gorden was occupied, I exited the police cruiser and rushed down the street. As the day drew to a close I found myself wishing that I had thought this through. It was beginning to get dark out and I even though I hated to admit it, I am terrified of the dark.

It was then that I spotted two men setting fire to a building. "Hay! Stop dat!"

The two men turn to face me and exchange glances with each other before one of them storms towards me. I try to run but one of them grabs me by the collar. "Little girls like you should learn to mind their own business. What should we do with her brother?"

The man chuckles sinisterly "well, our employer did say to make sure there were no witnesses so..." His voice trails off and he sighs as the other brother nods in understanding.

"Sorry kid. Looks like this is your unlucky day. You could have had your whole life ahead of you but now..." The man sighs. "Now your going to die."

Suddenly a pigeon flew in the faces of the men pecking at them and she heard someone call to her. She turns to see a boy a little older then her motioning for her to join him in his hiding spot but she hesitates. As she hears a gun shot and the bird falls to the ground. "Biwdie!" To the young boy's dismay Bella rushes towards the fallen bird. Once she has it in her hands and she sees that it's badly injured Bella let's out a loud wail and suddenly the men are swamped by a flock of pigeons.

The boy calls to her again and she timidly approaches him. "Dey huwt de biwdie." Bella states with a slight frown revealing an injured pigeon.

"Let me see." The boy looked at the pigeon and realized that it's wing was broken. "I'll have my mom look at it. She's better at this then I am." He said as he placed the pigeon in his coat pocket. "My name is Ethan. Ethan Pike."

"Me name is Wosebella but ebewyone just calls me Bella owa sometimes Wose."

"So Bella, why are you out here all alone on the streets of Gotham? It's not safe for someone like you. You have to be mean and ruthless to survive out here on the streets of Gotham. You should go home."

"Me can't. Bwuce nu want me. Him says dat me isn't his weal sissy."

"So You ran away from home because your brother said that you weren't related? That was a foolish thing to do don't you think?"

"Him hates me. He says it's me fault dat mommy and daddy go bye bye."

"Oh no." Ethan mutters as he sees that the men had finally gotten rid of the pigeons. "Hide" he whispers ducking behind a nearby dumpster. Unfortunately, they spotted me before I was able to hide. The man chuckles when he sees me. "Well, well, well what do we have here? I thought I recognized you from somewhere. If it isn't Gotham's precious little Princess. Bella Wayne." He replies with a chuckle.

"Go way and leabe me alone!"

"That's pretty big talk little britches. As we said earlier our employer doesn't want any witnesses so I guess you'll be seeing your mommy and daddy again sooner then you thought."

Before they could do anything a shot rang out causing the two men to turn tail and run. "Hello little one. What is your name?" One of the men asked.

"Alfwed said me not supposed to talk to steangeas."

"Fair enough. That's very wise of Alfred, very wise indeed. My name little one, is Salvator Maroni but my friends call me Sal. So now we know each other correct?"

"Me guess so."

"So will you tell me your name little one?" Again I shook my head no. "Alright then, I guess I'll just have to ask your friend here." The man said pointing to Ethan. "Hi. The name is Salvator Maroni and who might you be young man?"

"Ethan Pike." He whispers.

"Well Ethan, your friend seems a bit shy. Could you tell me her name?"

"Roseabella. She said people usually call her Bella or Rose."

"I see. Any idea why she's wandering the streets of Gotham all alone? Why are you out here this time of day for that matter? You know what, we can discuss this more in my car and it's a lot warmer not to mention safer."

"How do Me know that we can twust you?"

"Look kid, if the boss wanted to hurt you he'd have done so already. So stop asking stupid questions and get in the car." A man replies irritatedly causing Sal to frown at the man.

"It's ok Little one. This knucklehead didn't mean to scare you. He's just not good with kids. Isn't that right Matches?"

"Yeah that's right." The man grumbled. As I stared into his eyes I began to whimper and tears filled my eyes. I had seen those eyes before on the night mommy and daddy went bye bye.

"Little one what's wrong?"

"Him mind me of the bad man who made me mommy and daddy go bye bye. Him has de same eyes."

The man named Matches reached for me but I immediately turned and ran down the allyway slipping and hitting my head on a nearby dumpster. "Now look what you did you clumsy oaf!" Sal replied irritatedly.

I groaned and this time didn't resist as Sal picked me up in his arms. I don't know why, but I felt safe with him. He seemed like a big teddy bear. The man gently stroked my hair as I started to close my eyes.

"No no little one. You need to stay awake." I heard the man telling me but I was so sleepy. Try as I might I couldn't keep my eyes open.

Sal POV

I sighed as I stroked the small girl's hair. She seems so sweet and innocent. Completely pure. Yet, how long could she remain that way living in a city like Gotham?

"So Ethan, what can you tell me about your friend?"

"I will only tell you what I know if you promise that you will bring her home."

"I cant make any promises. Your friend hit her head really hard. She needs to be seen by a doctor. It so happens that I have a family doctor who can examine her to make sure that she's ok. Once I've been assured that she is alright I will bring her home. However, in order to do that I have to know where she lives."

"I heard the men who were chasing us in the alley call her Gotham's little Princess. I think her full name is Roseabella Wayne."

"Wayne? Why would she run away?"

"She said her brother blames her for their deaths and that he doesn't want her around because she's not his real sister. Which is dumb. Just because she's not his sister by blood doesn't mean that she's not still his sister."

"You know kid, your really smart for your age." Glancing down at Bella once more I sighed.
It had been just under a week since since she witnessed the brutal murder of her parents by some cold hearted donkey. What was this world coming too?

"She also said that a man showed up at the Wayne home claiming to be a member of her biological family. That her guardian was considering giving up his guardianship of her to this stranger. Though I'm sure she misunderstood the situation."

"I see." I replied with a slight frown.

"What are you thinking boss?" Matches asked me.

"This kid has been through such a tragic event at such a tender age. It's heartbreaking. Yet, even though she witnessed the world at it's cruelest, she still remains sweet, innocent and pure. She's like a breath of fresh air in this cruel world."

"Really? She seems like just another spoiled rich brat to me."

"Just because she bares the name Wayne does not make her spoiled. By the way, where were you the night the Wayne's were murdered?"

"What does it matter? The Wayne murder case is closed. The official police report says that they were killed by that Mario Pepper guy."

"Yes, but we both know that he was just a pasty. The real killer is still out there and if this sweet little girl can identify the real killer then her life is in danger. I don't like that she is wandering the streets alone. Obviously her legal guardian isn't doing his job if she was able to run away without him noticing. Perhaps, I shall have a word with Don Falcone about getting permission to raise her as my own."

"Falcone? Why would you seek permission from that old geezer? I thought that you wanted to run the underground?"

"I do, but believe it or not I am still a man of tradition. While it is true, we run opposite Mafias in a battle for ownership of this fine city, it is wise to play nice with our enemies every once and a while."

"Alright boss, if that's what you think is best. Where do you want me to take her?"

"Your not taking her anywhere. I will see to her personally. Now, young Mr. Pike would you like a ride home?"

"Yes please. I live in the apartment complex on the east side of town. What time is it anyway?"

"5:30."

"Oh no." I watched as upon hearing the time the color drained from the young man's face.

"Is everything alright?"

"Yea it's fine it's just that I'm going to be late getting home. Thanks for the ride."

"Your welcome and kid, here's my card. Feel free to call me whenever you are in need of anything. Also, stop by my restaurant for a free meal."

"Thanks Mr. Maroni." Once Young Mr. Pike had exited the limo I turned to one of my men.

"Follow him and ensure that he arrives home safely. And inform me it you see or hear anything unusual."

"Yes boss."

I snapped mg fingers and the window rolled up. I turned to the driver. "Take us home. From there I will call the family doctor. I don't trust anyone else to handle this situation properly. Heaven forbid, that someone thinks that we kidnapped the kid." I replied.

As soon as the doctor arrived I rushed him into the room where Bella slept. "Is that one of the Wayne kids?" The Doctor asked in surprise.

"Don't worry about it. Just tell me, will she be alright?"

"She sustained quite a blow to the head. While I'm fairly certain that she will be alright however, there are a few things to be concerned about."

"Such as?" I reply irritatedly.

"Due to her age and the severity of the blow to the head she may have severe amnesia upon awakening."

"I can work with that." While we were talking the phone rang and one of my men entered the room. "Im a bit busy what is it?" I asked irritatedly.

"I followed the boy like you asked."

"And?"

"I heard some rather disturbing noises coming from his apartment."

"Like?" I asked warily.

"Like the kid was being hit. I wanted permission to deal with the situation before I entered."

I glanced over at Bella Wayne knowing that she wouldn't be happy if something had happened to her friend. "Deal with it in whatever way you want just make sure the kid is safe."

"I was hoping you'd say that."

After hanging up the phone I turned my attention back to the doctor. "Sorry about that. You were saying?"

"If you'd like the amnesia to remain more permanent, give the little tyke this." The doctor replies handing me two bottles one with a red liquid the other a blue. "Rotate back and forth between the two colors giving her no more then one teaspoon. For her first dose give her a a teaspoon of both colors. The blue tastes like blue raspberry the other like cherry. Give me a call if you need more."

"Oh and before I go I thought you should know that I found something rather odd concerning her blood."

"Oh?"

"After further analysis I have come to the conclusion that she has a rare medical condition and she will never physically age past the age of three. So there is no way to know her actual age. It is unknown if she will mentally remain the age of three or if her brain will age that of any normal person. She also seems to have animalistic qualities depending on her emotional status."

"Thanks doc. This means more to me then you know. Oh and Doc?"

"Yeah boss?"

"Should anyone ask You didn't see the Wayne girl here. You attended to my newly adopted daughter. Am I clear?"

"Yes boss."

"Good."

The next morning I enter Bella's room and to my surprise she's wide awake. Upon seeing me she shrinks back trying to hide.

"What's wrong little one?" I ask sitting next to her on the bed.

"You stwanga." Bella replies barely above a whisper. I can't help but chuckle at her cuteness.

"Sweetheart, I'm not a stranger."

Bella cocks her head at me in both confusion and curiosity. "I'm your father little one. Now, let's get you up and dressed we have a long day ahead of us." Bella shakes her head no and I sigh. This was proving to be more difficult then I had thought.

By the time she was dressed she sobbing. I pick Her up with ease holding her to my chest and rubbed circles on her back effectively calming her down. Once she was calm we head to my restaurant to see how things are going and to get a well deserved breakfast.

I wasn't sure what the little one would want for breakfast so I had my chef make small portions of everything. This included Cereal including Honey Nut Cheerios, frosted mini wheats, honey smacks/golden crips, fruity pebbles, Raisin Bran, oatmeal pain and flavored, cream of rice etc, different types of doughnuts including Boston cream, frosting filled, frosted, apple cider, a coffee cake, danish with raspberry, some sort of pastry that had apples caramel and chocolate, apple crisp etc.

Buttermilk Pancakes plain, blueberry, cinnamon and chocolate chips, Cinnabons,eggs , bacon , ham, sausages, hash-browns, home fries, bagels with cream cheese , toast and jam, and all kinds of fruit including strawberries, bananas, kiwis , blueberries , raspberries & blackberries apple slices etc.

Along with different juices: apple, orange, cranberry,'white cranberry strawberry, cranberry apple etc of, plain milk chocolate milk, strawberry milk and one of hot coco.

Bella held my hand as we walked into the restaurant. As my men approached us she hid behind me. While I was having a discussion with the manager one of my men attempted to pick her up. "Daddy!" She screamed and I frowned.

"What did you do?" I demanded as I picked her up and gently wiped away her tears.

"Nothing. I swear. All I did was try and place her in the booster seat." He replied genuinely confused.

"Shh. It's alright Bella. Your alright."

"Stwanga." Bella whimpers pointing to the man who had tried to pick her up.

"It alright Sweetheart. No one here would ever hurt you. This nice young man was only trying to help you into your seat." I explained.

After we finished eating I noticed Bella yawn. I picked her up and grabbed a decorative pillow with the other hand. Then I gently placed her in a booth and placed my jacket over her as a blanket. Soon she was fast asleep.

"Don Falcone, thank you for taking this opportunity to speak with me."

"But of course. What can I do for you Sal?" Falcone asks.

"I wanted speak to you about getting your permission to raise a child."

"Humm. Unusual. A guy like you asking for permission. This wouldn't be some kind of trap now would it?" Falcone replies.

"No of course not. Granted. I'll admit that it is unusual but circumstances being what they are I thought it best to speak with you first. Rather then try to explain perhaps I should just show you." With that, I led Falcone to where Bella lay in a deep sleep.

"Is that Bella Wayne?"

"Yes. She evidently learned that the Wayne's weren't her biological parents and she ran away. In the short time that I've known her I've come to care for her. I would like permission to raise her as my own. I am concerned that her life might be in danger."

"Oh?" Falcone replies looking over in Bella's direction in concern.

"We both know that Mario Pepper guy was just a patsy and that the real killer is still out there. She could identify him which I'm certain the killer won't be too thrilled with. I wanted to see if you'd want to raise her and ask permission to raise her as my own should you choose not to be involved." I reply.

"Won't that be difficult since she knows her identity?" Falcone asks.

"Actually, she currently isn't aware of her identity. When we found last night, She was afraid of one of my men and she ran right into a dumpster hitting her head. She has a severe case of amnesia from which she may or may not recover. The doctor was nice enough to provide me with medicine that would ensure that she doesn't regain her memory provided she is given it once a day rotating between the two colors." I reply.

"And have you? Given her the medication? I mean?" Falcone asks.

"No. I wanted to speak with you first to see what you thought would be the best course of action."

I watched ar Carmine's goon whispered something into his ear. I had a feeling what he was saying something along the lines of don't trust him.

"Alright Sal, you can raise her, but if things go South I didn't know a thing about this." With that Falcone turns and leaves and I smile. As I motion for my men to bring the little one closer.

"So, who's this little sweetheart?" Frankie asks pinching Bella's cheeks to which she lets out an irritated growl.

"This is my daughter."

"I didn't know you had a daughter. She's adorable. You look familiar. Have we met before?" Frankie said turning to Bella. Now it was my turn to let out a low growl. Bella looks at Frankie in confusion.

"Me nu think so." Bella replies.

"I could have sworn I've seen you before. I know. It was the night the Wayne's were killed. You were with them."

"Who?"

"You've never heard of Thomas and Martha Wayne?" Frankie asked my little princess in surprise.

"Nu," Bella replies looking at Frankie in confusion. "Should me habe?"

"They were only the riches people in the city. It's too bad they was murdered. It happened right in front of their two children. You look a lot like their daughter. What was her name again?"

At this I slam my hand down on the table in frustration. "Enough! I'd like a word Frankie!" I said grabbing his arm.

"Uh-oh you'se in twouble." Bella said with a giggle.

"That ain't funny kid." Frankie replied worriedly.

"Unfortunately, for you, she's right. We need to talk. Now! You wait here Bella. This won't take long."

"Otay daddy." Bella replied sweetly and I smiled at her before turning to Frankie and frowning as I shoved him towards the back of the restaurant.

"What were you thinking mentioning the Wayne's murders to my little girl?" I hiss at him.

"I'm sorry boss but you have to admit, she does look a lot like the Wayne's little girl."

"Of course she looks like the Wayne's little girl, she is their daughter." I reply irritatedly.

Frankie looks at me in confusion. "I thought the Wayne's butler had custody of the children."

"He does. However, Bella ran away and was injured causing her to have amnesia. She doesn't remember anything and that's the way Falcone and I agreed it should remain. So keep that trap of your shut!" I snarl at him.

Bella POV

I keep seeing flashes of memories. Places and people who I have a feeling were important to
me. I keep seeing a vision of two people standing in the shadows. People I know I'm supposed to remember but for some reason I can't. "You have forgotten us." A woman's voice rings out of the darkness.

"I... I don't think so."

"You have forgotten who you are, therefore you've forgotten us."

"I hate widdles. Can't you just tell me who I am?" I reply.

"No. You must choose your own path. Your own destiny. But remember this little one, your father and I loved you very much." The woman replies. With that the two of them start to fade.

"Mommy? Daddy? Wait! Please don't go." I call to them.

"We have too. We will always be watching over you". Suddenly a vision comes into view. A vision of a small girl looking up at the building wide eyed.

"We own dis?" The little girl who seems oddly familiar says in awe. The name of the building comes into view. In big bold letters it reads Wayne enterprises. Why was I dreaming about the Wayne enterprises building? Who was that small child? Could it be me?

The man chuckles. "Yes Bella we own this building. One day this will belong to both you and your brother Bruce." The man tells the small girl. That was me?

At this I hear a giggle as the girl turns around. "Of course it's us, duh."

"That would mean that I'm a Wayne? But that's impossible. Daddy wouldn't lie to us. Would he?"

"He didn't exactly lie. He just didn't tell you the whole truth. Yes, you are the daughter of Thomas and Martha Wayne."

"But why am I not with them wight now? Why am I with daddy? Should I even call him dat anymowa?"

Again the voice in my head giggles and then sighs sadly . "Don't you remember? Mommy and daddy Wayne died."

"What's die?" I reply confused 🤷🏼‍♀️.

"To die means to go bye bye and never come back." The voice replied sadly.

"If me is a Wayne den why am Me not with Bwuce at de Wayne house?" I ask. Again the voice in my head sighs.

"Because we ran away."

"Why?"

"Cause Bruce said that we aren't his sister and that it's our fault that it mommy and daddy Wayne went bye bye."

"Huh?"

"They adopted us. That means that Mommy Wayne did not give birth to us."

"Oh. But why did we run away?"

"To find our real mommy and daddy. But we got hurt and lost our memory. Now you have it back."

"So what do me do now?"

"We can stay with daddy Sal or we can go back to Wayne home. But if I was you and I am, I would choose to stay with Daddy Sal. He is nice and He protects us as if we was his own little girl. Even though we are not. Just like the Wayne's did. Except He won't go bye bye. Unlike Alfred who only takes care of us because it's his job too Daddy Sal chose to raise us. Choose wisely."