The Intruder

PROLOGUE - Street Rats

Gotham City

December, 23rd 2026

An unspoken rule of being a street rat – don't live in Gotham City. The street rats in Gotham were hurt, killed, and much worse. That's not even thinking of the weather - gales, snowy nights, and windstorms that caused pneumonia among other diseases. These were all reasons for Nico not to enter Gotham – and Nico had powers he was forbidden from explaining - especially to the Batman... unless the Bat became a close friend or family, which, of course, was highly unlikely.

Therefore, 13 year old demigod son of Hades Nico Di Angelo can inform you he did not enter Gotham willingly. No. He was passing by Gotham City when he accidentally took a wrong turn. He shivered, and used his abilities to locate the nearest cemetery, and, soon enough, realized he was in Gotham Cemetery. He gasped, and immediately shadow traveled. Anywhere, he commanded the shadows with his mind, Anywhere but here.

Watchtower

December 23rd, 2026

A few seconds later

The shadows must have a sense of humor, because he reappeared in a high tech looking area. Nico turned around, and saw a giant window showing... SPACE?! He groaned. Of course, he was in some giant space station or something. He continued to look around silently, and realized – judging by the giant statues – that he was in....

"Who are you, and how did you break into the Watchtower?" He turned around slowly, revealing Batman. He paled. He was in the secret base of the Justice League, and the group of heroes' founders themselves had him cornered. He started to run towards a shadow – since he had been standing in a light. Suddenly, a giant green box surrounded him. It was glowing brightly, so he couldn't escape.

"I swear. I was better off with the accidental trips to China." He muttered, crossing his arms. Superman's brow furrowed. Nico shut his mouth.

"Who are you," Batman repeated, "and how did you break into the Watchtower?"

Nico rolled his eyes, "Quit with the dramatics. I didn't mean to. I'll just leave, keep my mouth shut, and -"

Batman stepped forward, "Who are you?"

"Just a street rat who happens to have accidentally stumbled upon this stupid base! Okay? Can I go now?" Nico said angrily.

"All the entrances audibly announce all visitors. None have been announced, and you aren't in the vicinity of them." Batman growled, "And that doesn't answer my question. Who are you?"

"I didn't come through any entrance. I took a wrong turn, wound up in Gotham. I panicked, and somehow accidentally ended up here! I swear, I'm just a kid who did not mean to come up here, and certainly doesn't want to be here. Just drop me off somewhere, and I'm out of your hair!" Nico shouted, panicking slightly.

Batman glared, "Tell me your name."

"Nico." He looked away, "I'm Nico. Please. Just let me leave."

"You said you were a street rat." Wonder Woman stepped forward, "Can you elaborate?"

"I live on the streets. I've been a street rat since I was ten. What does that have to do with anything?"

Green Arrow stepped forward, "Look, kid..."

"Haven't been a kid since Bian... since I was ten."

"That's not okay" The archer continued, "We need to find you a home. You can't just wander around on your own – especially if you wind up in Gotham."

"What were going to say?" Batman stared at Nico motionlessly.

"Leave it alone." Nico met his gaze. The group was surprised to note that both seemed to have the same expression.

"You were saying a name. Bian who?"

"Just stop." Nico growled.

"No. Who is she? A lover?"

"Bianca was my sister. Leave her out of it!" Nico was glaring fiercely. The room grew silent. Nico stopped glaring, and recomposed himself, "Look, I don't need or want your pity or charity. I'm fine on my own. I've defended myself just fine in the past, and if I fail, I have people who will help. I don't want you or your help in my life. I don't want to live with some random person. I don't want some so called 'home'! I'm better off on my own than in the system! Let me out of here, and I'll make sure you'll never see me again!"

The league exchanged looks of surprise at the outburst. Green Lantern's ring, due to overuse, suddenly flickered. Nico took his chance, and dashed around the corner. He vanished into the shadows. The group went running around the corner, which was a dead end, and saw nothing. They checked everywhere – even the vents. There were no cameras in that area either. Nico was just... gone. Martian Manhunter, after returning from a mission, reported that Nico had left the Watchtower.

Over 1 Year Later...

The Watchtower

March, 19th 2027

xxx

The group had given up on finding 'Nico'. He had just disappeared seemingly off the face of the earth. Batman was furious at first, but after a few months he became focused on Robin instead. The league founders never truly forgot. It was a mystery, and they found themselves pondering about it often.

Then, after a meeting about how the new Young Justice team, they were walking out together. Suddenly, the shadows stretched out, became darker, more prominent, and a human silhouette became visible within them. The heroes prepared for a fight, but the shadows retreated, revealing a familiar boy.

"Is that..." Flash started.

"Di immortales!" The boy cursed, seeing his surroundings, and collapsed.

"Nico?" Wonder Woman shouted, running to him, she went to pick him up, only to find his black shirt was soaked. She pulled back her hand and gasped. Her hand was coated in crimson red. She screamed, "NICO! Quick! J'onn! Medbay now!" J'onn levitated Nico, and hurried him to the Medbay. Nico was gently placed on a bed. J'onn then proceeded to cut off Nico's shirt. The boy was coated in scarlet liquid that dripped from two large claw marks that crossed his chest and body – overlapping, there was also knife – like cuts across his body, and severe burns coating his arms. The group watched as J'onn worked, stunned into horrified silence.