AN: Special Thanks goes to Story's Shadow for writing Raiden's section.

-Outworld, Shao Kahn's Throne Room-

"I hope you have a good reason for disturbing me at such a time as this sorcerer!" Shao Kahn hissed as he took his seat upon his throne, which gave him the illusion to look down at his lead sorcerer.

"I would not have disturbed you if it was not important, my lord." Shang Tsung said as he bowed his head in respect, in an attempt to ease the emperors anger and annoyance. "I am here simply to report that the spells to cross the bridge into Earthrealm... have gone awry." Tsung informed his emperor.

"Do you mock me sorcerer!?" Kahn hissed as he slammed a fist down into his thrones armrest. "My men reported to me that the spell was successful in crossing the realms." Kahn hissed angrily.

"The spell was indeed successful... to a degree." Tsung said slowly in an effort to gauge the emperors reaction. "While it did open a portal to Earthrealm, it was a different Earthrealm." Tsung informed his master.

"Continue..." the emperor ordered.

-Manhattan, Avengers' Tower, a few minutes later-

Raiden stood before the Avengers in their meeting room as he explained his situation. Spider-Man laid back in his chair, arms behind his head.

(You know sometimes despite everything I've been through, life can still surprise you.)

"Sand know this may be a bit to take in-" Raiden started to say.

"Sorta...but we've dealt with otherworldly despots before," Hawkeye interjected.

One of Raiden's eyebrows raised at this.

"Apologies, in our world we've battled demons, aliens, cosmic elders, and other such powerful beings that you say are similar to this 'Shao Kahn'," Captain America said.

Raiden gazed at the group gathered around him.

"Truly, this is a world of marvels. Nevertheless, now that his minion, Shang Tsung, knows of this world as well he will no doubt tell his master of this news," Raiden replied.

"Big whoop, if he ever shows up we just pound him back to his world," Nova chuckled, punching one hand into the other.

"Do not underestimate this villain, young hero of Nova. Lord Raiden says this foe is powerful and dangerous, with millennia of feasting upon souls," Thor chided.

"Shao Kahn is focused upon Earthrealm, but he will come for this one when he is ready," Raiden added.

"I agree with the kid. We literally are the mightiest heroes of this world...and no offense, but I think we can more than handle him," Tony chuckled.

"Tony," Steve chastised.

Raiden's eyes narrowed at Iron Man.

"I saw how you battled that demon. And while you're powers and skills are considerable, magic is something that your group has a considerable vulnerability to," Raiden deduced.

"Magic is just science that we don't understand, nothing supernatural about it," Falcon said.

Raiden's focus turned to Thor, a look of less than amusement on his face.

"The stubbornness of some mortals to not accept what is before them confounds me often too," Thor admitted.

Falcon scowled.

"Shao Kahn wields great power, his sorcery is very real and very dangerous. Few can match that power," Raiden warned.

"Maybe, but that doesn't mean he's invincible," Captain Marvel argued.

"Agreed. The former ruler of Outworld was someone even he dared not challenge, instead he poisoned him to take his throne," Raiden replied.

"Wow, that's messed up," Luke said.

"Who was this 'former ruler'?" Natasha asked.

"That is a story for another day, but for now I must return back to Earthrealm to prepare for the tournament," Raiden replied.

"Hold on, there's no need for this tournament. We just go to this Outworld, put the pounding on Shao Kahn and it's over," Spider-Man said.

"No, the tournament was created by the Elder Gods as a way of keeping the realms safe from invasion. The warriors at my sky temple will no doubt hear of this and be willing to help defend your world once the tournament is won," Raiden stated.

"What kind of tournament is this again? Just some fighting tournament? Well, send us in coach! You've got the best fighters in the world in this room," Spider-Man laughed.

Raiden's eyes narrowed at this.

(*Gulps* Ok...I gotta admit...this guy's kinda scary.)

"Not all of them...not all the Avengers are here," Natasha said.

"C'mon! You're Black Widow! You could beat any of those bad guys with your hands tied behind your back," Spidey scoffed.

Natasha smirked, ever so slightly at this.

"That may be so, but I already have Earthrealm's champions ready to defeat Shao Kahn's warriors," Raiden said.

"Than why tell us about this?" Steve asked.

"As a word of warning. Shao Kahn would have every realm and world under his control if he could...and he won't send just a group of warriors to take it over. He has legions at his command...and not only that, but he also has the allegiance of the Netherealm as well, hordes of demons to fight alongside his armies," Raiden answered.

"Well, thank you for the warning...but we can't just stand by and let innocent lives be threatened, that's not what Avengers do," Steve said.

"Cap's right, bad guys need smashing from this world or another," Hulk agreed, cracking his huge knuckles.

"I would have to consult with the Elder Gods about this. Reaching into another world that we didn't even know existed is something that was never laid out in the rules of Mortal Kombat," Raiden replied.

"Uh...'mortal combat'?..." Spider-Man asked.

(I don't like the sound of that.)

"Still, I think we should be there to protect your world regardless. Rules of gods or not, it isn't right to let a world be enslaved," Steve said.

"Once Earthrealm wins the tournament, Outworld cannot invade. I believe in my warriors. Your offer for assistance though, I will consult with the Elder Gods about this," Raiden replied.

"I understand your need to speak with your lords, friend Raiden, and I respect it. But I do insist you stay for the feasting, it would be a waste after our victory over Dormammu," Thor said, clapping his fellow thunder god around his shoulder.

"Well I...I have never been to truly partake in such matters..." Raiden struggled to find the words.

"Surely even in your world, gods celebrate victory?" Thor chuckled.

"Maybe later," someone said.

Everyone turned to see Director Fury in the doorway.

"Someone want to tell me what's going on?" The Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. asked, rhetorically.

To Be Continued...