Shao Kahn's fortress, Outworld.
The throne room of Shao Kahn was filled with an air of anticipation. Shao Kahn himself reclined on his throne, flanked by Shang Tsung and Quan Chi, while Mileena sat at the foot of the throne.
"Any second now" Shao Kahn said. Suddenly, a flash of lightning erupted in front of them as Raiden appeared in the middle of the room. The thunder god turned to face Kahn.
"So it begins?" he asked.
"Yes," Shao Kahn replied, "The new tournament. And now, with all these new realms at my disposal, I have been able to find new champions, though I am sure the same has happened with you."
"Yes" Raiden replied, "This may be a different tournament than before, but make no mistake, Shao Kahn, you won't win."
Shao Kahn chuckled, "But I thought you weren't allowed to bring in your little band from last time."
"I haven't. But remember, you cannot bring in your previous champions either, so this fight is evenly matched. Even you cannot break the rules of Kombat."
Shao Kahn sneered and leaned forward. "Why you…"
Shang Tsung reached out a hand to stop him. "I must advise you refrain from lashing out, great Emperor. As much as I hate to agree with Raiden on anything, he does have a point."
Shao Kahn was hesitant for a moment, but he then slowly resumed his sitting position and growled, "Just you wait, Raiden. When I unleash my new champions, yours will not stand a chance."
"We shall see" Raiden simply replied before teleporting away in another flash of lighting.
Mileena hissed, "It makes no difference; his new fighters will fall, just as they always have."
"Almost always" Quan Chi corrected, "Some are more persistent than others."
"True" Shao Kahn replied, "But it matters not."
Shao Kahn then evilly chuckled, "Let's see just how good your new champions are, Raiden."
…
Meanwhile, down in the Shaolin village, Raden reappeared in the dojo next to a waiting Liu Kang and Kung Lao.
"Well?" Liu Kang asked.
"He's ready." Raiden replied, "It's time we bring in the last of our champions."
"You know where this last champion is?" Kung Lao asked.
"Yes. She is not from our world, but with the right persuasion, she will help. She just needs to have the right allies to guide her."
"It was risky enough allying with the other champions you've chosen" Liu Kang said, "Let's just hope that this one is more willing to listen."
"Indeed" Raiden said, "We must make haste now, so I will go and retrieve her."
Liu Kang bowed, "As you wish."
Raiden nodded before firing a bolt of lightning that opened up a portal, which he then walked through.
…
Ryuko Matoi was busy relaxing in her apartment; it was no surprise how a long day of fighting could take so much out of her and both she and Senketsu were ready to get some much needed rest. Suddenly, a blue portal appeared next to her, startling her.
"What the hell?" she said to herself. Just then, Raiden appeared, and Ryuko promptly drew her Scissorblades and pointed them at him.
"Who are you?" she demanded.
"My name is Raiden" Raiden replied, "and I must ask you to come with me. It is no exaggeration when I say that your very existence is in danger and you might be one of the few who can stop it."
"This guy seems pretty serious" Senketsu said, "Maybe we should listen."
Ryuko growled, "How can I trust you?"
"Maybe this will help." Raiden replied, holding up a medallion with the dragon symbol on it. Ryuko hesitated, and one of her hands instinctively went to her left shoulder…where the same symbol had just recently appeared.
"So you've noticed?" Raiden observed, "That symbol is a calling. You have been chosen to become a champion fighter. I can explain more, but not here; I'm afraid time is not something we have much of."
Ryuko thought for a moment.
"I say we do it." Senketsu advised, "If he has the answers…"
"Yeah, I know" Ryuko replied, then she turned to Raiden, "Alright, I'll come, but you better explain what this damn thing is on my shoulder."
Raiden nodded. "Come with me."
With that, he led Ryuko through the portal,…and into an adventure that would change Ryuko forever.
Expect a crossover with a few different franchises, but only through the characters. Ryuko will still be pretty major, though.