This is like my story, DentWayne, except Will is being raised by Rachel, who apparently didn't die. Bruce hasn't talked to her in over fifteen years, which is why he doesn't know Will exists. The only difference is that his name is Will Dawes, not Will Dent. I wrote this before DentWayne, so it might be a better formulated story. I'm also writing a script version of this story. If you want me to post it, let me know.
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Fifteen- year- old Will Dawes walked through the streets of Gotham, in search of a newspaper. This city is full enough of people- why can't you ever find a decent paper? He stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned around, making his way back home. As he turned the corner, he saw two thugs beating up a kid slightly younger than him. The sight made his blood boil. Where's the Batman when you need him?

"Hey, you," he yelled at them. "Why don't you pick on someone your own size?" The thugs looked away from the kid, who gave Will a grateful glance and took off down the street. They turned towards Will.

"Now look wat'cha did," one of them said, rolling up his sleeves. "You made us lose our game."

"And you're gonna pay," the other one added. Will's eyes widened. The first thug came at him, his fist raised. Will braced himself, raising his trembling hand, and to his surprise, caught the thug's fist in his hand. He gave the man a swift punch in the face- with his own fist. Will shoved him down and kneed the other thug in the groin, who bent down, howling in pain. Satisfied, Will grinned. He looked up at the sky, realizing it was dark. A figure appeared behind him, and he spun around.

"Nice work," said a gravelly voice. "I've been trying to catch these guys for weeks."

"Thanks," he said warily. "They didn't seem that smart."

"Criminals normally aren't," the Batman replied. "I was watching you fight."

"And you didn't help?" Will raised his eyebrows.

"You didn't need any help," he responded. "Who taught you to fight?"

"No one," Will said, flustered. Am I that good? "That was actually the first time I threw a punch."

"It didn't look like it, kid." Will turned around, sighing.

"Thanks-" He looked around. The Batman was gone, along with the thugs. Looking at his watch, he realized he was past curfew. Shit. Mom's gonna kill me. He took off at a run, towards home.

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By the time Will got home, it was nearly 10:00. He unlocked the door and quietly closed it. He tiptoed through the living room, and gave a sigh of relief. As he was about to open the door to his room, the living room light switched on. Will swung around and saw his mother, Rachel Dawes, sitting on the couch, motioning with her hand to have him sit down.

"Mom, before you say anything-"

"Will, I was worried," she said. "You never know what's going to happen in this city."

"I know, Mom," he said exasperatedly. "You had a right to be worried. I'm sorry." He stood up and walked away, towards his room.

"You know what happens when you don't come home in time, Will," Rachel said warningly. Will sighed and sat back down.

"Mom, I couldn't just stand by and watch," he said angrily.

"What?"

"I was on my way home when I passed this kid getting beaten up by these two thugs. I told them to pick on someone their own size, and then they came after me. I punched the one guy in the face and knocked him down and kicked the other guy's ass-"

"William Thomas, watch your language!"

"Sorry," Will said sheepishly. "Anyway, the Batman saw me fight and said he'd been trying to put those guys in prison for weeks!" Rachel's face paled.

"You met him?"

"Yeah… so?" Will asked curiously. "He's just a regular guy. And if you haven't realized, he's on our side!"

"Will, he's dangerous," she said.

"No, he's not, Mom," Will protested. "All you people in the DA's office think you're working for justice. But you're just waiting for things to happen! The Batman's the only guy doing anything!"

"Stay away from him. You'll get hurt."

"How do you know?" he asked accusingly.

"Will, he's been around for nearly twenty years," Rachel said. "I knew him, once upon a time. At least, I thought I did."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"We'll talk another day. Go to bed, Will." Reluctantly, he left his mother on the couch.

Oh, God, Bruce… he's so much like you…

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"Will!" Surprised, he turned around, to see his friend Connor Queen rushing towards him.

"Hey, Connor, what's up?"

"You'll never guess who I just saw," Connor said breathlessly.

"Umm… I have no idea," Will said, his eyebrows raised. Connor was known for obsessing over things, but this was out of character.

"I just saw Bruce Wayne," he said excitedly.

"Okay… why is that so impressive? I mean, he lives here, doesn't he?"

"Yeah, but he's never out in public," Connor pointed out. "Maybe… he's out looking for someone."

"I doubt he even ever lost anyone," Will replied, laughing.

"Come on, dude, you know what I mean," he said. "Your mom's single, so is he!"

"Somehow, I don't think Mom goes for the rich- and- famous type." Will heaved a sigh and sat down on the bench, next to Connor.

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After Connor had gone home, Will started to walk back home, but a newspaper advertisement caught his eye.

TEENAGE BOY NEEDED

Must be trustworthy

CONTACT: Bruce Wayne

555- 555- 6472 OR show up at Wayne Manor

Wow, he thought. With Bruce Wayne as my employer, I'll be well paid. He doesn't need someone with huge muscles or anything, just someone trustworthy. I'll go and see what's up with this ad. Trustworthy is one thing I've proven myself to be…

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Will swiftly ran up the steps of Wayne Manor and knocked on the large wooden door.

"Wow," he breathed. "This place is huge. Very impressive." An elderly man opened the door.

"Hello, may I help you?" Will cleared his throat.

"Um, yeah. I read Mr. Wayne's advertisement in the paper, and-"

"- and you want to see if you qualify," the man finished, with a twinkle in his eye. Will smiled.

"Yeah. The money would be really helpful, and I really do need to get a job," he said.

"Very well, Mr.-"

"Oh, uh… Dawes… Will Dawes," Will said hurriedly, extending his hand. The man shook it, saying,

"And I'm Alfred." Will nodded and smiled, as Alfred led him inside.

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"Master Wayne usually keeps to himself," said Alfred. "Doesn't like to draw attention." Will nodded.

"Understandable," he replied, looking around the room. "How old is this place?" Alfred smiled.

"Nearly 300 years," Alfred replied.

"Wow," Will said. "And it didn't burn down or fall in an earthquake or something?" Alfred looked down at his feet uncomfortably.

"Well, if you want the truth, it burnt down seventeen years ago."

"Oh," Will said. "Well, it's still impressive." Alfred smiled slightly. Is it possible?

"I'll go tell Master Bruce he has a visitor," he said, clearing his throat. Will nodded with a grin.

"Okay."

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So, what'd you think of my attempt? Please let me know... Will is honestly the best character I've created, so I hope I'll get it the way I want it. I'm into next generation stuff, so that's why I wrote this. I hope I didn't make him kind of a wimp, but he's supposed to be sort of insecure, because he grew up without a dad. (That would REALLY suck...) Anyway, I hope it's good!

Jason