AN: Special Thanks goes to Story's Shadow for writing over half of this amazing chapter. Also please check out his amazing YouTube channel: Lost in the Story with Jeremy Mize.
-Outworld: Shao Kahn's Throne Room: Seven Days Until The Tournament-
Shang Tsung emerged from the portal that had transported him to the inside of his masters throne room.
"Emperor," he said, bowing.
"Report, sorcerer." Shao Kahn ordered without a moments hesitation.
"It seems that Lord Raiden, and one of his recruited warriors has already begun the process of recruiting three warriors who will represent their–"
"Old news! What else is there to report?" Shao Kahn asked impatiently, the interruption not at all bothering his lead sorcerer.
"It pleases me to inform you my, my lord, that I have found the first of three warriors who will represent your throne..." Tsung said as a portal opened.
From it emerged a person wearing silver armor, and a silver skull mask. Multiple guns strapped to his waist, and a sword and shield strapped to his back.
"This is Taskmaster," Tsung introduced the warrior, "In his world he is among the most dangerous and skilled assassins."
"We have skilled assassins employed within the tournament. What makes this one different?" Shao Kahn asked.
"If I may be so bold emperor, may we test his ability?" Tsung asked his emperor.
Shao Kahn pondered this for a moment before nodding his head silently.
"Baraka!" Shao Kahn yelled.
One of his guards ran in from a side room along with two cloaked individuals and kneeled before their master.
"Send forth a warrior for this...new Earthrealm warrior to battle," Shao Kahn almost laughed that last part as he pointed at Task Master.
Baraka quickly said something in his peoples native language and one of the cloaked individuals threw of his cloak to reveal a bald human-like entity with rows of razor sharp teeth. Flicking his wrists, a long slightly jagged blade emerged from either arm.
"Lets see how this 'Earthrealm warrior' does against a Tarkatan." Shao Kahn said in an amused tone.
The entity before Taskmaster took up a fighting stance who did the same.
"Fight!" Shang Tsung ordered.
The Tarkatan rushed at Taskmaster with its lethal blades slashing through the air. The creature Tarkatan warrior crossed both blades and slashed at it's enemies mid-section, only for Taskmaster to go airborne and somersault over the attack and land in a combat stance that allowed him quick mobility. He quickly pulled his sword and shield off his back and strapped them to their respective arms, and took up his preferred combat stance. The Tarkatan ran his blades together and fired an energy blast at Taskmaster, who merely raised his shield and easily blocked the incoming blast.
"Anything else?" Taskmaster asked.
The Tarkatan snarled and rushed forward. He crossed both blades in the slashing attack he did before. But Taskmaster quickly slid under the strike and thrust with his blade in the space between the arms. The Tarkatan hissed in pain as he fell to the ground, bleeding. Taskmaster stood up, flicking the blood off his blade, and turned to face his opponent.
Shao Kahn grumbled and turned to the Tarkatan warrior who stood up, baying for blood.
The Tarkatan warrior yelled a war cry and rushed at Taskmaster. He lunged forward, swiftly jabbing with one of his blades. Taskmaster brought up his shield, blocking the attack. As the Tarkatan landed, Taskmaster quickly hit him in the back with his shield sending him skidding on the floor. The Tarkatan hissed and rushed at Taskmaster, one blade striking the sword and the other held against the shield. Taskmaster grunted as his opponent growled and snapped at him.
"Ok, that's enough!" Taskmaster grunted.
He head butted his opponent, breaking several of the Tarkatan's fangs. Baraka snarled from where he stood. Shao Kahn smirked slightly at this. The Tarkatan raised one hand to his mouth and saw the broken off parts of his fangs on the floor. His eyes filled with bloody murder turned to his foe.
"You needed to see a dentist anyways," Taskmaster taunted.
"Finish him!" Shao Kahn commanded.
The Tarkatan bellowed and raced forward. Taskmaster held his ground. The Tarkatan snarled as he jabbed with both blades again. Having anticipated the attack, Taskmaster quickly ran towards the Tarkatan and parried the slashes with his shield, and with one clean slice took off the tarkatan's head with his sword, earning a look of rage or surprise from nearly all.
"As I said," Tsung began as Taskmaster began cleaning the blood off his sword, "Few can match his skill...he can read and copy the skills and tactics of any warrior he observes...and all he asks for in payment is to be taught Outworld's fighting styles, styles unknown to his world."
Shao Kahn smirked at this and chuckled.
Taskmaster turned to look from Shang Tsung to Shao Kahn, his eyes narrowing underneath his mask.
-Triskelion, an hour or so later-
Raiden did as Yuki advised. Each Avenger on the list he considered very carefully. He did appreciate Director Fury's suggestions, each Avenger he named Raiden believed would do well in the tournament in their own right. But something felt different about this one and he didn't want to put any of them in needless danger...but he still felt he did that regardless and each warrior he sent into the tournament in the past that died ate at his soul, the guilt never leaving.
Yuki had been looking over the list as well. Her focus was on the Avengers Fury had specifically chosen. She saw value in these individuals, but she didn't expect the ones Raiden would choose.
Fury walked back into his office.
"Have you decided?" He asked.
"I believe so...or at least, these three I am strongly considering. The Avengers you picked are great in their own rights. But something has drawn me to a few of them," Raiden answered.
Fury walked too and sat at his desk. He pushed the button beneath his empty coffee cup again, the same holographic screen as before appeared.
Raiden approached the the screen.
"These three stood out to me," Raiden said, pointing to the Avengers.
Fury's good eye narrowed in contemplation as he saw Raiden point to White Tiger, Iron Fist, and Spider-Man. Yuki's eyes widened in shock at this, she shook her head in disagreement.
"These are children, Lord Raiden!" She argued, horror in her voice.
"Hardly. These three are some of the best agents ever to come out of S.H.I.E.L.D. and defend the world...hell, the universe too," Fury argued.
"I understand your fears, Yuki Anna. I would not send children into the tournament," Raiden assured.
Yuki shook her head, pacing around the room.
"Iron Fist trained with monks much like the Shaolin for years after the tragedy of the loss of his family. His skills seem too possibly rival Liu Kang and Kung Lao. And the mystic gifts that give him his name make for a powerful and decisive warrior. The most astonishing part is that you said he defeated a dragon in kombat," Raiden said.
"He said its name is Shao Lao. From what I understand of the stories he told me, that dragon is very powerful...I still have a hard time accepting anyone could beat it...but I believe him...he has the iron fist for a reason," Director Fury responded.
"His story said the dragon enters a state of renewal or reincarnation...perhaps he could be called upon instead?" Yuki suggested.
"No, the accounts by the young man said the dragon needs time to come back to his full power. And despite the time of when he earned the fist, it's unlikely Shao Lao would be ready," Raiden stated.
"So Iron Fist, he won't let you down," Director Fury promised.
"Thank you," Raiden replied.
"Why the other two?" Yuki asked.
"Spider-Man's story says he's a warrior of unyielding conviction, that tragedies he's endured have shaped his mind and heart to fight in ways unlike his peers. His sixth sense also makes him elusive to danger and his ability to manipulate opponents would be a unique surprise for Shao Kahn," Raiden answered.
"But according to this man, the boy sometimes refuses to listen to his elders and acts extremely recklessly," Yuki pinpointed.
"That does trouble me, I won't argue there," Raiden responded, rubbing his chin in contemplation.
"Spider-Man's...a...complicated agent. But sometimes his reckless and single minded approach has saved lives while presenting strategies and paths that those more experienced than him couldn't come up with. He's a pain in the ass, frankly...but he'll be your first volunteer before you even say you'd pick him," Director Fury explained.
"What about this girl?" Yuki asked, pointing to the last of Raiden's chosen.
"From a long line of warriors, gifted a jade amulet connected to a great power. Gifted with the agility and grace of her namesake, she is passionate and willful in battle and life. Also a very capable martial artist, she has battled her own team and was shown to defeat them all in kombat," Raiden explained.
"Tiger's one of my fiercest agents. But she prides herself on her family legacy in controlling the tiger amulet. The power uncontrolled was very dangerous, nearing killing her and Spider-Man. But she won't let you down, she'll literally fight tooth to claw against any foe," Director Fury affirmed.
"I have your agreement, but the most vital opinion is that of these three," Raiden explained.
"Lord Raiden...this isn't right...these are children," Yuki said.
Raiden put a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"Your heart does you credit, Yuki Anna. But as I said: they are not children. If they decide not to, then others will be chosen. Director Fury, are they at the tower?" Raiden stated.
Fury nodded.
"Come," Raiden implored.
Fury was hesitant for a few moments but walked over to the thunder god and the woman.
"Let us inform this world's champions," Raiden stated.
Then all three of them disappeared in a bolt of lightning.
To Be Continued...