AN: Special Thanks again goes to Story's Shadow.
-Outworld: Eight Days Until The Tournament-
"Lord Raiden has agreed to the terms you have offered to him, emperor." Shang Tsung said as he bowed his head low in respect for his emperor.
"Starting tomorrow, he has one week to recruit three warriors who will represent their world in this final tournament. Rest assured my lord, we have the same amount of time to do our own recruitment of fierce warriors who will represent Outworld in the coming tournament." Tsung informed his master.
"Excellent news," Shao Kahn said in a rare approving tone, "Tell me sorcerer, which three warriors will represent my throne in the coming tournament?"
"This new world is unlike any we have ever seen. There are so many strange and unique candidates. I admit I am having a hard time deciding. Hopefully when Raiden decided his champions, I will be able to recruit their enemies to fight for our cause." Tsung informed the conqueror.
"Be sure that you do. For too long I have waited for this day," Shao Kahn replied.
"Of course, master," Shang Tsung replied.
"For a millennia, I have longed for the this tournament. I never expected this though: Other realities within existence...my empire can continue to expand...my power will grow greater than before," Shao Kahn chuckled.
The twisted grin remained on his face then slowly disappeared.
"That will come soon enough. For once I've won this final tournament, Earthrealm will be mine. This new reality shall be next. I want to see Raiden watch as his precious realm falls to me," Shao Kahn said.
"Yes, master," the sorcerer replied.
"Go, fetch me suitable warriors, sorcerer. The final tournament approaches," Shao Kahn proclaimed.
-Raiden's Sky Temple-
"I have agreed to the terms that Shang Tsung has laid out. I have only eight days to recruit, and train three warriors to represent their world in Mortal Kombat." Raiden informed Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Yuki as they all stood around him.
"Can we trust this, Shang Tsung?" Yuki asked in a cautious tone.
"He has been caught cheating before in past tournaments. And he was punished severely for it. However I would not put it past him to try and find a loophole if one is present." Raiden said in a grim and bitter tone.
"What can we do, Lord Raiden?" Liu Kang asked his mentor.
"I will need all of your help in choosing these three warriors who will represent their world. I have already met some of them, but there could easily be diamonds in the rough that I have overlooked." Raiden said wisely, earning head nods from the three warriors.
"What kind of warriors have you met there, Lord Raiden?" Liu Kang asked.
"A group that calls themselves 'the Avengers' have a host of unique and powerful fighters. One is a thunder god himself, Thor. Though I know the Elder Gods won't allow for a god to fight in the tournament. But there are others that are still promising," Raiden answered.
"Liu Kang, Kung Lao, you both shall remain, Yuki and I shall go to this new Earthrealm to choose and train these fighters as quickly as possible. There aren't many days left before the tournament," Raiden said.
"Yes, my lord," The three warriors said, bowing.
Lord Raiden bowed to them. Then he and Yuki disappeared in a lightning bolt.
-USM Dimension, Triskelion-
Raiden and Yuki reappeared. Director Fury sat in his office. He pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing.
"I've really gotta make this place more secure," he grumbled.
"Director Fury, this is Yuki Onna, one of the warriors from Earthrealm. She has come with me to select and train the warriors from your Earthrealm," Raiden explained.
"Here it's just 'Earth'...but thank you. I'm guessing one of your choices is gonna be Thor?" Fury asked.
"Unfortunately, gods are forbidden from fighting in the tournament. I need three of your greatest warriors," Raiden answered.
"The Avengers are your best bet. Even if what you say about this tournament is true and you already your champions, I've made a thorough list of the Avengers capabilities. I would also suggest Hulk, he's physically the strongest of the Avengers and the madder he gets the stronger he gets," Fury replied.
"Thank you for your suggestion. I would still like to look through your list," Raiden stated.
He pushed a hidden button beneath an empty coffee cup on his desk. A holographic screen appeared about the desk. On it are photos of each of the Avengers.
"If you're wanting raw power, other than Thor I suggest these three: Hulk, Red Hulk, and Captain Marvel. I would suggest Doctor Strange as well, but he told he needed to stay here and prepare and keep spells in place against any attacks he could think of," Fury suggested.
Raiden looked over these three carefully.
"It says here that 'Red Hulk' and 'Captain Marvel' have the most training in hand to hand combat," Yuki stated.
"Both have military backgrounds. But with their powers, they've been relying more on those as of late though they still show they do fall back on their roots," Director Fury explained.
"I saw that the Avengers have considerable vulnerability to magic. Are these three more resistant to it than the others?" Raiden asked.
"Hulk has unfortunately been under spells before and Red Hulk no doubt has the same weaknesses. Captain Marvel hasn't had many fights against magic users except for the Enchantress," Director Fury explained.
"Hmm, that would put them in needless danger," Raiden mumbled.
"Perhaps, you could show us your most skilled warriors?" Yuki suggested.
Raiden nodded in agreement.
Fury swiped the screen, showing three other Avengers.
"That would Black Panther, Black Widow, and Captain America. These three are highly skilled and experienced martial artists," Fury explained.
"In your notes, this matter called 'Vibranium' is mentioned constantly," Yuki said.
"Here, it's the rarest and most valuable mineral on Earth. It's what the captain's shield is made of as well as Black Panther's suit and claws," Director Fury explained.
"Does Black Widow have Vibranium?" Raiden asked.
"If she does, she doesn't tell me. But I'd say it's a safe bet. She's always got tricks up her sleeve," Fury chuckled.
"From I understand though, they seem to heavily rely on technology...except for Captain America," Raiden mused.
"What's wrong?" Fury asked.
"Shang Tsung's island is in a place between the realms, I fear their technology may not work there," Raiden answered.
"Even without tech, these three are the most skilled we have and some of the most determined people I've ever known," Fury explained.
"Since the tech thing is in debate, Stark, Wilson, and perhaps Clint are out," Fury sighed.
"Perhaps we should take some time to review each of them? It's critical to consider all options carefully," Yuki counseled.
"You speak wisely, Yuki Onna. Director Fury, please allow us some time to view your files. In the mean time, I suggest you have your organization to keep their eyes and ears open for the more nefarious and dangerous individuals. There is no doubt in my mind Shang Tsung is searching for deadly pawns to serve Shao Kahn," Raiden advised.
Fury nodded.
To Be Continued...