AN: Special Thanks goes to Story's Shadow for taking over while I'm recovering from an illness. Thanks my good friend.
-Avengers' Tower, the next day-
Spidey sat with the Avengers, including his old team, in a meeting room except for Steve and Tony who both stood at the head of the table.
"As you all know, certain individuals have been sensing something off recently," Steve began.
"That's putting it mildly," Clint stated.
"And whatever it is, Doctor Strange felt it urgent enough to seek solitude to meditate on it," Steve added.
"If the Sorcerer Supreme feels this is urgent, we need to take heed," Thor advised.
"Agreed. Doctor Strange has kept the forces of the Dark Dimension at bay for years. When someone faces a threat like that and feels whatever this anomaly is to be something to be wary of, that speaks volumes," Steve added.
"I have been trying to do my own study of whatever this is...but I'm having a hard time tracing it," Tony said.
"Magic comes in different forms and this is certainly one I haven't encountered before," Thor stated.
"Indeed," a familiar voice said.
Bright purple mist manifested in the meeting room and from it, out walked Doctor Strange.
"Hello Avengers," he greeted.
The team responded in kind.
"Ah, it's good to see some new and familiar faces amongst this group," Doctor Strange said, his focus falling on the newest members.
"Good to see you again, doctor," Danny said, smiling.
"The feeling's mutual...but this isn't a social call," Doctor Strange replied.
"Figures," Hulk scoffed.
"As some of you have likely sensed, an unknown magic has connected...or partially connected to our world. Only those more sensitive to such forces can sense it...but I believe soon enough, everyone will feel and see what it is," Doctor Strange began.
"Where do you think this magic is coming from?" Spider-Man asked.
"It feels as though it isn't from this world...or any world known...I can't quite put my finger on it...but it feels to be the start of a bridge to this world," Doctor Strange answered as best he could.
(Well that's not comforting.)
"Your meditation brought you to this conclusion?" White Tiger asked.
"Yes, focusing my spirit to understand this magic was something I felt was the best way to discover answers. This magic is potent as any that connects worlds or dimensions to each other," Doctor Strange informed.
"What kind of dark magic is this?" Thor asked.
"Curious that you put it that way. I had a visitor that interrupted my meditation," the sorcerer replied.
With a snap of his fingers, the projection of the knight he'd encountered appeared.
"Hmm, not bad cybernetic armor," Tony chuckled.
"I've only seen those symbols and colors in references to history," Steve said.
"You're correct. He wore the brand of the Knights Templar," Doctor Strange explained.
(Heard of these guys...they have a rather...umm...bloody history.)
"What did he want?" Sam asked.
"He didn't want me trying to understand the magic and threatened me, but his tactics didn't come to fruition. But he was hospitable after I showed I wasn't a threat...that and disarming him," Doctor Strange answered.
Natasha studied the knight's projection carefully.
"What are you suggesting, Strange?" Tony asked.
"With these people, nothing yet. They were able to find me when I didn't want to be disturbed...or rather unwittingly came across me. I'm not certain...but perhaps they may prove helpful if fears about the origin of this magic are right," Strange answered.
"What are your fears about this, doctor?" Thor asked.
The Sorcerer Supreme was quiet for a moment or two.
"Just hope I am wrong, Odinson," the man answered.
His gaze fell on Natasha.
"I have a feeling I will be talking with your director soon, Ms. Romanoff," Doctor Strange informed.
Natasha looked at him, her face not betraying any emotion. Soon the same mist engulfed the sorcerer and once it disappeared, so did he.
"He still gives me the creeps," Hulk muttered.
"What did he mean he'd be talking with Fury soon, Natasha?" Steve asked.
"It's classified," the veteran spy replied.
"I have a feeling, it may soon not be," Spider-Man said.
(Yeah, I don't have a good feeling about this guys.)
-Raiden's Sky Temple, present-
Raiden had been meditating in his temple, reflecting on the past and the present.
'I suspected that the magic was of Outworld's doing...Shao Kahn is impatiently preparing to invade Earthrealm...but this was different...with the answers from the Elder Gods, perhaps I can focus on what this magic is connecting to...it is in part connecting with it yet it branches out to somewhere else...this is most worrying.' Raiden went over in his mind.
The sound of the doors to his temple were head. Then two pairs of footsteps of two people approaching.
"Lord Raiden," someone familiar said.
"We're here," another familiar voiced added.
Raiden opened his eyes. Liu Kang and Kung Lao bowed before him. Raiden remained in his seated position, but bowed his head to them. The three then all stood up.
"What did you learn, my lord?" Liu Kang asked.
"Shao Kahn is preparing a spell to send his forces to Earthrealm," Raiden answered.
"His arrogance never ceased to surprise. He would dare send his armies before the tournament?" Kung Lao scoffed.
"Shao Kahn is many things, but he knows if he invaded Earthrealm without a tenth and final tournament victory, the Elder Gods would smite him at the very moment he defied their rules. No, this is him believing he will win and having the spell ready to send his armies just after his believed final tournament victory," Lord Raiden explained.
"He will not succeed, Lord Raiden. I will not let that happen," Liu Kang proclaimed.
Raiden smiled and nodded. Kung Lao looked away angrily for a moment, before turning back. But Raiden saw this.
"Kung Lao, have my agents reported back yet?" Raiden asked.
"Huh?! Oh! Yes, they were able to contact one of your chosen. They said they made it to be...a 'publicity lure'. The two soldiers your other agents were sent to contact weren't there. They're off hunting a target given by some informant," Kung Lao answered.
"Hmmm, perhaps this can still work. Though I wonder about these soldiers...I do feel they will make it to the tournament, the universe has a way of creating an order to such matters," Raiden replied.
"Brother, what did they mean by 'publicity lure'?" Liu Kang asked.
"Not sure, apparently this guy they were seeking is...well...umm-" Kung Lao tried to say.
"It's something to be revealed in time, Liu Kang," Raiden answered.
Liu Kang looked at his lord with confusion, but nodded.
"Aren't there any others you think should be involved in the tournament?" Kung Lao asked.
Raiden was quiet for a moment.
"My agents inform me that one has been sensing the magic She Kahn is employing to invade Earthrealm. This individual comes from royal blood with a unique gift," the god answered.
"We should go meet with them," Liu Kang suggested.
"Agreed, I will make arrangements for a meeting. There is one seen with them that have trust in, my agents will send word to them and have both brought here," Raiden replied.
"Shao Kahn will not emerge victorious, Lord Raiden. I promise you," Liu Kang proclaimed.
Raiden nodded. All three bowed to one another. Raiden disappeared in a flash of lightning then the two young Shaolin exited the temple.