-New York City, Manhattan, S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, a week or so later-
The Academy students and the second formed team of the Academy stood in the common area of the Academy. They'd heard a rumor that the original Academy team was coming back. They were excited to see them. Even Ka-Zar and Zabu, who had decided to return to the Savage Land, came back to see their friends.
"Glad to see you guys, it's been a while," Dagger said.
"It has. My brother and I were homesick and felt it best to return. We agreed to be Fury's eyes, ears, and nose there," Ka-Zar informed, patting Zabu on his head.
The sabretooth grunted in agreement.
"What's it like there? I've always wanted to go the Savage Land!" Agent Venom said in a giddy tone.
The others looked at him with amused grins.
"What?! I like dinosaurs! Just because I'm a jock doesn't mean I can't like dinosaurs!" Agent Venom said.
The group chuckled. Iron Spider patted him on his shoulder.
"We can discuss this another time, our old friends should be here soon. I want to go too," Iron Spider suggested then whispered the last part to Agent Venom.
Ka-Zar shook his head yet with a smile on his face. Zabu grunted in a chuckling way. They all turned when they saw Spider-Man walk their way, the Avengers behind him.
"Whoa, it's them," Mysterio gasped.
"What are the Avengers doing here?" Agent Venom asked.
"Not sure...but I'm guessing it's got something to do with the punk and that smug look under his mask," Scarlet said.
"How do you know he's being smug?" Cloak asked.
"I feel it from here," Scarlet answered.
The group chuckled.
"Hey, hey, hey! I'm the one who gets to do the jokes around here!" Spidey mocked chastised.
"Oh, no wonder it's so dreary around here," Clint joked.
The Academy laughed.
(Maybe I should rethink this 'Avengers' thing.)
"What are you guys doing here?" Iron Spider asked.
"Surprised, one as smart as you hasn't figured it out," Iron Man said.
"Smart enough to update everything in your tower," Iron Spider replied.
"Oh, I thought I notice some new changes. Nice job with the Internet, Tony's been going nuts about it being slow. Been so busy with other stuff, didn't realize it'd take a quick fix," Falcon praised.
The group chuckled. Iron Man mumbled under his breath.
"So what are you guys doing here?" Agent Venom asked.
The Avengers grinned.
Several minutes later, a few familiar faces showed up. The Guardians of the Galaxy and Captain Marvel walked with Nova.
"This is a helluva a party you guys got going on here!" He chuckled.
The Academy swarmed to him. Hugs, back pats, etc. were given to the returned young space hero.
"More than a party, the A-? Huh? Where'd they go?" Agent Venom said, confused.
The Avengers were gone.
"I'll never understand Terran greetings," Drax said, arms crossed.
"You'll get there, Drax," Nova said.
"Get where? Is it a location? I haven't seen it on any Earth maps," Drax replied.
Some chuckled and other groaned in frustration.
"I know you fools didn't start anything without me," a familiar voice laughed.
Everyone turned to see Luke walking in. The young man walked in with a confident swagger and smirk on his face. He gave everyone there a big hug, an excited smile on his face.
"Good to see you guys. What's happening?" Luke chuckled.
"Hey man! You were called here to?" Nova asked.
"Yeah, man. Who else?" Luke asked.
"It seems like quite a mystery indeed," another familiar voice said.
Everyone turned to see Danny walking in, a content smile on his face. They all exchanged hugs and handshakes with their old friend. The young man greeted everyone there.
"Where's Spider-Man? I thought he'd be here?" Danny asked.
The wall crawler had disappeared.
"He was here just a second ago?" Agent Venom said.
"He's probably skulking around waiting to jump in with one of his lame jokes," someone said.
Ava Ayala walked down the hallway. A smirk was on her face. She greeted everyone there, only giving hugs to a few. She mostly greeted with handshakes.
"It's good to have everyone back together again," Danny said.
"You said it, fortune cookie," Luke chuckled.
"But where's the wall crawler? Where are you Spidey?" Nova demanded.
Ava saw Zabu sniffing and looked up.
"Really, Spidey? Hiding in a corner?" Ava scoffed.
Everyone looked up in that direction.
"Thanks Zabu, you're a real pal," Spider-Man grumbled.
"Good boy," Ava said, scratching the cat's head.
The sabretooth grunted in contentment. Everyone chuckled. Spider-Man dropped to the ground then stood up.
"What's this about, Spidey?" Nova asked.
"Yeah, man. I mean, it's good to see you all...but the timing kinda took me by surprise," Luke added.
"Spider-Man messaged me the day before I contacted you four about something I believe it's about damn time that happened," Nick Fury said, appearing with the Avengers.
The four were speechless. Steve Rogers walked forward, something in his hands.
"Ava Ayala, Daniel Rand, Luke Cage, Sam Alexander...at the behest of your former team leader and our dear friend, we have all come to an agreement we all believe is more than deserved for you four young heroes," Steve started to say.
"No way," Squirrel Girl gasped, as shocked as the rest of the Academy.
"Welcome: to the Avengers," Steve proclaimed, a smile on his face, as he handed each of them their Avengers' ID cards.
The four turned to Spider-Man, who had a big grin under his face.
"Welcome home, guys," he said.
The four couldn't help but hug him. The Academy joined in the hug as they all cheered.
"Time to party! Haha!" Sam proclaimed.
Their elders couldn't help but look on and smile.
-Meanwhile: Unknown .Location-
"Lord Raiden," two young Asian men greeted their lord as they entered in a large room.
Raiden turned to them. Both young men bowed in respect with friendly smiles upon their faces. Though the one with the metal hat had a less than content on his face.
"Liu Kang, Kung Lao," Raiden said with his own smile, bowing back.
The three stood straight up a moment or so afterwards.
"I know you have been chosen by the Shaolin to represent your order in the tournament, Liu Kang. Soon the tournament to decide the fate of Earthrealm will begin. Are you ready?" Raiden said..
"It is an honor to represent both Earthrealm and the Shaolin in the coming tournament. Bo' Rai Cho and the other masters have prepared me for this. I will do my best," Liu Kang said in a proud tone.
"I know you will," Raiden replied.
Raiden turned to the young man beside Liu Kang. The look on his face showed a hint of irritation and jealousy.
"Do you doubt your order, Kung Lao?" Raiden asked.
"I mean no offense to Liu Kang. He's my friend and I respect him...but I'm the descendant of the Great Kung Lao, I'm his flesh and blood, I am a worthy defender of Earthrealm. The Shaolin are making a mistake, they should be appointing me to fight with Liu Kang. I have trained with Bo' Rai Cho as well, I have trained my whole life to defend my home. I should be going, " Kung Lao answered.
Raiden sighed.
"Your ancestor was a great warrior, Kung Lao, there is no mistake and that. You have promise as he did, but you are not prepared for the battles ahead. Shao Kahn will bring his most deadly warriors to the tournament. And Goro will still be there," Raiden replied.
Liu Kang turned to see his friend slowly gritting his teeth and his fists clenching. Goro, they'd both heard that name and his story many times as they trained with the Shaolin. He was the most powerful warrior under Shao Kahn's command...and the one who defeated the Great Kung Lao so long ago. Kung Lao was desperate to avenge his ancestor and prove he was worthy of his name. But when the Shaolin had named Liu Kang as the one to represent their order, he couldn't help his jealousy and anger.
"I'm my friend. I would be glad to fight beside you in the tournament, but we cannot disobey our masters," Liu Kang said.
"But-" Kung Lao tried to say.
Raiden raised his hand and silenced the young warrior.
"The final preparations must be made. The tournament is only a few days away...I have also taken the necessary actions to have others from Earthrealm brought to Shang Tsung's island for the tournament. Make your final days of training count, Liu Kang. Earthrealm is counting on you," Raiden stated.
"I will not fail you or Earthrealm, Lord Raiden," Liu Kang said, bowing.
Kung Lao bowed to him and Raiden bowed back. The three stood up and Raiden disappeared in a flash of light. Liu Kang bowed to his friend who bowed back before leaving. Kung Lao slightly glowered. He wasn't going to sit in the temple and wait to hear word of whether or not Earthrealm was victorious or not. He was going to prove himself Liu Kang's equal in skill and will, to prove his masters and Lord Raiden wrong. He just needed to find a way onto the island without them knowing...and he was already forming a plan to do so.
To Be Continued...