AN: Story's Shadow and I are back to War Of The Realms. It's my fault we didn't get back to this story sooner... I couldn't help the fact that I really wanted to write more Vixen. But we're back now with another long fight, and Director Fury getting an unexpected visitor... Unto the show my friends.
-Triskelion, Director Fury's Office, Hours Ago-
Director Fury wrote down his signature on sheets of paperwork, shaking his head.
"Stark, you're seriously a pain in the-"
The metallic shutters to the windows behind started to shut and lock into place. The lights in the room started to dim. Director Fury's eye narrowed.
"Show yourself."
A holographic screen appears with a line. But then shook with life as someone spoke.
"Director Fury."
Fury's one eye narrowed, unamused by the voice being disguised.
"Yes. And you are?"
"No one you need to concern yourself with. I just thought we could have a friendly chat."
"People usually do that without their voices being disguised."
"True...but my identity must remain a secret. I'm sure you can understand that."
Fury's one eye relaxed...slightly.
"What is this about?"
"Your young agent is safe. I know she contacted you not too long ago about a rather gruesome experience."
"So you have Squirrel Girl...from what she told me, she was rescued and given emergency surgery."
"Yes, one of my agents requested it after they helped her."
"Andrew, I believe, not Cynthia."
The voice didn't respond for a moment.
"So...you know their names?"
"And what happened several months ago in Florida."
"Cynthia...has trust issues...she wasn't thinking clearly."
"She attacked my agent."
"Off duty and nothing related to your organization. And to be clear, your agent attacked her first, she was only defending herself."
"She informed of the slap. She just doesn't tolerate disrespect to her animal companions, given you agent's rather...clear disgust of her and her squirrels. Not to mention your agent called her a lower being."
"Cynthia needs to work on her temper."
"Perhaps that is why Andrew chose to help my agent rather than it being Cynthia's choice...given how she responded with such violence."
"As I said, my agent was in a sense acting in self defense."
"I don't usually involve myself in my agents' personal lives...except when their well being is at risk...or at the very least, when they're attacked with the intent to harm."
"I understand your anger, Director, but she is under my protection despite her saying she doesn't need it. Your agent has already told her that a sincere apology for her misbehavior will be needed."
"To her squirrels, I know. But that doesn't mean she gets off that easy with me. And I wouldn't call is 'misbehavior', given her clear hatred of my agent."
"I must insist. If needs be, I will speak with some of the people who S.H.I.E.L.D., and you personally answer to. I have my connections, Director. Don't make me use them. I truly don't want to, but I will if I have to."
Director Fury's eye stayed narrowed.
"So I'm just supposed to not do anything when one of my people is assaulted?"
"I've heard you were stubborn, gruff. You live up to your reputation. Regardless, that doesn't mean I will simply let you threaten my agent."
"Nor will I let mine have their assaulter get away with a slap on the wrist."
"I hardly think being forced to apologize to squirrels will seem easy for my agent."
Director Fury didn't respond for a moment.
"Give me a visual of my agent."
The voice didn't respond for a few moments. Before the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. a live recording of Squirrel Girl sleeping in a bed was presented.
"Happy?"
Director Fury continued to look at his unconscious agent before turning his attention back to the hacker.
"For her role, whether willing or not, in helping save my agent's life I will not seek her arrest."
The recording of Squirrel Girl disappeared.
"Thank you."
"Just a word of clarification for your agent: for her role in helping save Squirrel Girl's life, there will be no action taken in response by the assault she inflicted on my agent. But, if she tries to or does assault my agent or show any aggression or hostility, I will call in for her arrest."
"You might find that hard for your agents to accomplish with her armor."
"Yes, which took considerable resources to fund and aid in the construction and testing. If none of my agents will be able to bring her in, I have a few other acquaintances on speed dial."
The voice didn't respond for a moment.
"You'd bring an Avenger in on this?"
"If I have to. I won't stand by as my people are being attacked."
"That is fair. That doesn't mean I won't protect my agents."
"Then let's hope Ms. Harrison doesn't lose her senses again, for her sake. Now, if you don't mind, I have paperwork to complete."
"...As do I..."
The screen disappeared as Fury's office returned to normal. The Director sneered. He pulled up the files on Andrew and Cynthia and rubbed his chin, eye narrowed.
-Shang Tsung's Island, Tournament Grounds, Present-
Raiden stood silently, arms crossed, his gaze moving through the crowd. He saw as Shang Tsung took a goblet of wine from one of his servants. The sorcerer grinned as he drank, his eyes closed. The God of Thunder grumbled under his breath before he continued to move his gaze to the others present. He saw warriors and servants across the grounds, almost all of them awaiting the sorcerer to proclaim the next warriors to fight.
The God of Thunder knew that the tournament so far had been going back and forth, victories and losses on both sides. His warriors have fought valiantly so far, but the strength and danger of those that Shang Tsung called forth to fight for his master have defeated his fighters with varying degrees of difficulty. The deity frowned as he saw the sorcerer finish his drink a survey the grounds with a grin.
Iron Fist approached him.
"Lord Raiden."
Raiden turned to the young martial artist.
"Oh, forgive me Iron Fist I was lost in thought."
"No need to apologize. I know you're just worried about the tournament."
"You and the others have been fighting valiantly, I just know the mind of Shang Tsung and how deadly his deception and cunning are. He's seen that some of most formidable fighters have been defeated by many of you, even the likes of Sheeva. So I suspect he will try something different during this fight?"
"What do you mean?"
Shang Tsung looked over the crowd, meeting Raiden's gaze. The sorcerer chuckled slightly while Raiden continued to hold his gaze before he answered.
"I fear he's about to reveal his plan."
Shang Tsung turned to the crowd.
"The tournament must continue. First to step into the arena will be Major Jackson Briggs."
Those that stood with Raiden turned to the military man. Jax turned to Raiden and nodded. The God of Thunder nodded back. Sonya sneered at the sorcerer before turning to her friend.
"Be careful, Jax. We don't know what kind of freak he'll put you up against."
Jax turned to her.
"If I don't fight, it's another step closer to these bastards taking over two Earths. I ain't gonna just standby and let that happen."
Sonya smiled slightly.
"I know you won't."
Jax turned back to the sorcerer and stepped onto the battleground. He stood tall, glaring down Shang Tsung as he patted his chest with the last word in his statement.
"Send one of your monsters, sorcerer. They may have brute strength, but they don't have heart."
Sonya and Johnny grinned, the latter speaking.
"I thinking I'm starting to like this guy."
Spider-Man stood with his arms crossed and eyes narrowed, speaking under his breath.
"He has no right to talk about heart, not with what he's willing to do."
Raiden placed a hand on the wall crawler's shoulder.
"Your resolve is admirable, Spider-Man, but do not mistake Jax's willing to kill for cruelty. Like you, he has struggled and seen much. That is why he dedicates himself to the Special Forces of Earthrealm."
"Willingness to kill is cruelty."
Sonya scoffed.
"Or maybe your refusal to kill is simply weakness. Or perhaps you're not as heroic as you think."
"Heroes don't kill."
"Heroes do whatever they can to protect or avenge people. What do you think soldiers do every day?"
"We're supposed to be better than that. To show there's another way, a better way."
"Sometimes the best way is to put a bullet between the eyes."
"Than why didn't you do that to Kano?"
"Because the best way to show him that he's really beaten is for him to live and know his entire criminal empire is being torn down while he can do nothing to stop it."
"Or that you knew killing wasn't-"
"-Enough."
Both of them turned to Raiden, who hadn't interjected with anger in his voice and didn't look at him. The God of Thunder stared directly at Shang Tsung still.
"The sorcerer is about to call for Jax's opponent."
Shang Tsung stood up from where he sat, grinning.
"I believe that for this fight, the tournament should welcome two other new warriors that fight for the glory of Shao Kahn and Outworld."
Jax frowned as he cursed under his breath. Sonya turned to Raiden.
"He can't do this!"
"I'm afraid he can, Ms. Blade. The rules or Mortal Kombat do not prohibit two warriors fighting side by side. While this doesn't happen often, it does still happen."
"Then send me in there!"
"Shang Tsung has only set up for Jax to fight for Earthrealm in this match. As he hosts the Mortal Kombat tournament, he is the one who decides who fights who."
"That's not fair!"
"Before Shang Tsung took over as host, the White Lotus Society were the ones who hosted the tournament and ran the matches...until things changed."
Sonya sneered at the sorcerer.
"That bastard!"
Fujin turned to Sonya.
"Have faith in your friend, you most support him as best you can. The more you show that, the greater his will to fight will be."
Sonya grumbled, arms crossed.
"I can't believe this."
"My brother wouldn't have chosen Jackson Briggs if he didn't believe he was capable."
Sonya slowly nodded. They turned back to Jax, who nodded back to them before turning to the sorcerer. He took a step forward, holding his arms out to either side of himself.
"So who will it be?!"
The sorcerer smiled as he held out one hand to a specific spot in the crowd. Shang Tsung's servants made way for two individuals that made their way into the arena. Spider-Man, White Tiger, and Iron Fist looked on with shock or fury. The sorcerer chuckled as he announced them to the crowd.
"Fighting Jackson Briggs shall be: The Mercenary Crossbones and Kraven the Hunter!"
Crossbones cracked his knuckles while Kraven twirled a dagger in each hand. Jax frowned at them as he cracked his neck. Spider-Man shook his head.
"Crossbones! What are you doing?! These guys are trying to take over our world!"
"Sorry kid, this is about survival, nothing personal."
"Do you really think this old man with the bad mustache and his little dictator master has a chance against the Avengers?!"
"Considering what Shang Tsung has told me about him and what I've witnessed myself, I ain't taking the chance on getting on that guy's bad side."
Spider-Man shook his head.
"I can't believe this! I thought you were capable of a lot, but this?!"
White Tiger snarled, claws extruding.
"Kraven! You won't get away with this!"
"Oh dear, Tiger. This 'Outworld' has so much life and magic waiting to be caught and taken as trophies. Earth has grown dull and this new realm is worthy of a hunter of Kraven's caliber."
Jax raised an eyebrow.
"Is he for real?"
White Tiger nodded.
"This monster hunts has hunted my family for sport for years. Not to mention all the animals he's killed over the years for the same reason."
Jax's eyes widened, cracking his knuckles as he glared at Kraven.
"You twisted bastard, there's a lot of lows a man can go to...but that?"
The hunter chuckled.
"A true predator always seeks to test himself and to prove his superiority. I would not be whom I am if I didn't hunt the most dangerous kinds of game."
"'Predator'? You're not a predator, you're a punk."
Kraven's grin faltered slightly.
"You'll learn soon enough little man."
Jax scoffed.
"Ok, let's get it on."
Shang Tsung chuckled a he held up a hand then shouted as he slashed his hand down.
"Fight!"
Jax grunted as he charged forward. Crossbones turned to Kraven.
"I'll deal with this."
Kraven chuckled as he shook his head.
"Please, by all means."
Crossbones scoffed under his breath before he rushed to meet Jax. The mercenary grunted as he pulled back one fist then threw it forward as he closed the distance. Jax jumped slightly to the side, dodging Crossbones' strike. The mercenary turned to look as Jax jumped forward and threw a fierce punch forward. The blow hit the mercenary's face and almost knocked him down. He shook his head, looking up to see Jax cracking his knuckles.
"Lucky blow."
Jax grunted he rushed forward. Crossbones grumbled as he threw a punch as the soldier, but Jax quickly blocked the attack with one arm then responded with his own punch. The mercenary quickly pushed the strike to the side then lunged forward, trying to slam one knee into Jax's torso. The blow hit but Jax quickly wrapped his arms around Crossbones' neck, causing the mercenary to scoff.
"What? Are we gonna kiss or-?"
Jax then slammed his knee into his opponent's lower torso. Crossbones grunted, eyes widened.
"You piece of-"
Jax shouted as he threw a swift uppercut, knocking the mercenary fell back onto the ground. Crossbones grumbled as he looked up at Jax and spit out a tooth.
"That's it!"
Crossbones jumped onto his feet. He grunted as he rushed forward, pulling out a dagger from his weapon belt. He grunted as he slashed it at Jax's face. The soldier grunted as he moved his head back, watching the blade almost cut his nose. Crossbones quickly threw one foot forward, striking Jax's leg below the knee. Jax gritted his teeth as the pain shot through his leg, but he quickly pulled that leg back as he moved his body to the side as Crossbones tried to stab at the soldier's chest.
The soldier quickly moved around the man's back and snatched the mercenary's armed hand with one of his own while he snaked his free arm around the mercenary's throat. The man's other hand grabbed that arm, squeezing as hard as he could. But Jax used the man's divided attention to force the dagger out of his foe's hand. Crossbones snorted in surprised he slammed one elbow into Jax's torso then threw him over his shoulder and onto the ground.
Jax rolled out of the way as Crossbones tried to stomp on his neck. He then quickly got onto his feet, fists up. The mercenary grunted as threw out a feint then aimed his real attack with a kick aimed at Jax's knee. But the soldier saw the mercenary's leg moving as he tried to throw this attack. Jax quickly dodged to the side and threw a fierce hook. But Crossbones quickly raised one arm up and blocked the attack.
"Nice try."
He then tackled Jax to the ground.
The mercenary quickly grabbed Jax's neck with one hand then quickly started punching his face. Jax gritted his teeth as he grabbed the one arm Crossbones pinned him with then quickly caught the punch from the other hand. He then quickly pulled his legs back and slammed the toes of his boots into his foe's back. Crossbones grunted as he found himself then grappling with Jax onto the ground. Both men's nostrils flared as they both glowered at one another, both growling and blood dripping from their mouths.
Both punched at one another, their strikes hitting the other's face or being brushed aside. Jax grunted as Crossbones once again was pinning him to the ground. The mercenary grunted as he tried squeezing one hand around Jax's throat. The soldier then punched that hand's wrist. Crossbones grunted as the hand flew to the side. Jax then grabbed his throat and pulled his face towards him. Jax spit blood into his face.
Crossbones shouted as he jumped up, trying to rub the blood out of his face. As he finally clear most of it out of his eyes, he saw Jax rushing forward. The mercenary quickly pulled out a dagger as Jax rushed forward and threw a vicious haymaker. He stabbed the blade into Jax's shoulder as the man's fist smashed into his face.
Jax growled as he gritted his teeth as he looked to the dagger.
Sonya's eyes widened then narrowed.
"Come on, Jax! Take that bastard down!"
Jax turned to her, the pain in his face shifting into resolve as he nodded. He turned his gaze back to Crossbones who was picking himself off the ground. The soldier pulled the dagger out of his shoulder, blood flying from the wound. He placed one hand against the wound.
Johnny nodded.
"Kick his ass!"
Jax's eyes widened at hearing the actor cheering him on. He almost chuckled if it wasn't for catching sight of Crossbones rushing at him, having drawn another dagger. Crossbones tried to stab down with the blade as Jax brought up on arm to block the attack. But the mercenary dropped the dagger from the hand then caught it with the other. The soldier grimaced as the blade stabbed into the same wound Crossbones had dealt him.
He growled as the literal stabbing pain shot through him. Crossbones grunted.
"Give up! I'm gone up against a literal super soldier, you can't win."
Jax grunted as he then slashed Crossbones's hand with the other dagger. The mercenary grunted as he pulled the hand back. Then he quickly turned and kicked out with one foot, knocking Crossbones back. Jax grunted as he panted, sweat pouring down his face.
"And you won't beat this soldier, super or not."
Crossbones almost scoffed as he turned the dagger in his hand. He rushed forward, aiming to stab Jax's upper torso. But Jax grabbed that hand with one hand then stabbed it with the dagger he held. Crossbones yelped before Jax quickly slammed one elbow into the mercenary's chest. He then moved one foot in front of the man's feet then quickly grabbed Crossbones and threw him toward the ground tripping him with his carefully planted foot.
He then planted one foot on the mercenary's throat. Crossbones gritted his teeth then looked up at Jax, who glared back down at him.
Sonya grinned.
"Yeah, Jax!"
Kraven raised an eyebrow, a smile on his face.
Jax chest heaved as Crossbones grunted from where he laid.
"Never underestimate a man determined to protect his home. If you've really fought a soldier then you should know that."
The mercenary laughed as he grimaced in pain.
"Different soldier, same old speeches. But you don't have an unbreakable shield."
Crossbones pulled out another dagger, stabbing Jax in his leg. The soldier shouted as the mercenary quickly reversed their places, except Crossbones had pulled the dagger out and held it over his opponent's face as Jax grabbed the merc's armed arm with both hands.
"I'll admit, you're tougher than I would've thought. But you're no Captain America."
Jax grunted as he glared back at his opponent.
Spider-Man began to sweat profusely, turning to Raiden.
"I'm stopping this."
Sonya nodded.
"For once, I agree."
Raiden turned to them.
"You can't, the Elder Gods won't tolerate the rules of Mortal Kombat being broken."
Sonya shook her head.
"I won't just watch as-"
Jax chuckled and made everyone gaze at him.
"Don't count me out just yet."
Crossbones grunted, an eyebrow raised.
"What?"
Jax quickly grabbed the man's thumb and pulled it back, breaking it. Crossbones screamed as Jax took the opening to continue his attack. He knocked the dagger out of his opponent's hand, sending it flying. The mercenary grunted as he held his maimed hand, turning to Kraven.
"What the hell, Kraven?! Get in here!"
Sonya's nostrils flared.
"No!"
Raiden turned to her.
"Only one fighter from both sides can fight at a time, did you not inform you pawn about this sorcerer?"
Shang Tsung scoffed.
"Crossbones has been informed of the rules, it would seem his pain tolerance is messing with his memory."
Crossbones snorted at the man before turning to Kraven.
"Damn it man!"
Jax scoffed.
"So the big tough mercenary turned out to be a candy ass bitch."
Crossbones had gotten onto his feet as the soldier said this. His eye widened as he quickly turned to face him.
"What did you call me?!"
Jax scoffed.
"You heard me. You joined this tournament to betray your home, but you can't back up your bull shit with action."
Crossbones spit blood onto the ground before he charged forward. Kraven shook his head as he watched his partner rush at the soldier. Jax grunted as he met the mercenary in the center of the fighting ground. He blocked the punch from the mercenary then quickly responded with his own. Crossbones shouted as he quickly responded by throwing a fierce haymaker.
Jax moved to the side and around Crossbones, locking his arms around Crossbones's throat. The mercenary's eyes widened as Jax lifted him off the ground. Crossbones slammed his elbows into Jax's torso, but the soldier kept his hold on the man. Crossbones quickly grabbed for a gun as he felt the lock on his throat tighten.
Many of those who stood with Raiden and Fujin's eyes widened.
"JAX!"
Jax scoffed.
"Sleep sucka!"
Crossbones grunted as Jax choked him out and dropped the mercenary who fell to the ground unconscious. Spider-Man sighed in relief at the sight of the mercenary's chest rising and falling.
"He's not dead...good."
Sonya grimaced.
"That's what you're happy about?!"
Jax chuckled as he shook his head, turning from Sonya and Spider-Man arguing to Kraven.
"Well 'great white hunter', your turn."
Kraven chuckled as he circled the soldier.
"You are tired, weak. You cannot defeat Kraven."
Jax scoffed.
"You're gonna eat those words, sucka."
The soldier rushed forward. The hunter grinned as he lunged forward, moving under Jax's hook and struck a punch below the soldier's armpit. Jax gasped as he felt bones break and saw out of the side of his eyes the grin on Kraven's face. He stumbled as one hand went to the spot where Kraven had struck.
The hunter chuckled.
"With one blow I've crippled you, how disappointing. I thought you'd be more of a challenge, for there seemed to be the strength of a lion within you."
Jax grunted as he stood tall.
"Strength of a lion? You're about to see it."
Kraven grinned.
"Prove it."
The hunter rushed forward as Jax charged, feeling the pain of his broken bones more than just aching. Kraven grunted as he dodged the punches from the soldier, seeming to move his smirking face away from Jax's punches just moments before the strikes could land. Jax grunted as he turned, throwing a haymaker at Kraven. The hunter ducked under the attack, simply smiling at his opponent.
The soldier turned to face the hunter, finding Kraven lunging forward. Kraven landed a punch against the back of Jax's leg.
White Tiger fumed where she stood as she witnessed Jax drop onto one leg.
"Kraven's toying with him."
Sonya glowered.
"Jax will beat him."
Johnny nodded.
"You hear that Kraven?! Jax is gonna drop you!"
Kraven chuckled.
"How amusing."
"Amusing?"
Kraven turned, seeing Jax throw a haymaker. The blow landed, striking Kraven's face. Sonya and Johnny grinned.
"Yeah!"
The hunter raised one hand to his face and moved his hand back, seeing blood on his fingers. He turned to look at Jax.
"We ain't nearly down, son."
Kraven scoffed and rushed forward. Jax threw a quick jab, but Kraven dodged to the side then struck out with a chop. The blow hit just below where Kraven had wounded him before. Jax growled as he felt more bones, turning to face the hunter. Kraven chuckled as he seemed to have dropped to the ground, seemingly ready to pounce.
Jax grunted as he raised his fists.
"S-Some man you are...butchering animals...killing men...and trying to kill their daughters. You're pathetic."
"Yes, mask your weakness with your weak taunts. You're not a predator, you're prey."
Kraven grinned as he lunged, throwing a punch at Jax. The soldier grunted as his head flew to the side, blood flying from his mouth as the weight of the hunter's attack hit home. But Jax managed to hold his ground and then threw his hands forward, locking his arms around Kraven's throat.
"You may be used to having control over your little canned hunts...but you're in an arena with a man who isn't going to give up the fight to protect his home. You got that?!"
Kraven's eyes widened as he felt the man's hold tighten.
"Y-You dare?!"
Jax scoffed.
"You're damn right!"
Kraven frowned as he pulled a dagger from his belt and then stabbed it into the soldier's leg. Jax cried out as he felt the steel cut into his leg but his scream was cut short as Kraven then slammed the back of his head into the man's face. Jax fell back, his grip gone. Kraven then slammed a vicious haymaker into the soldier's face knocking Jax to the ground. Jax dropped to the ground. Sonya's eyes widened, horror spreading.
Jax grunted as he started to pick himself off the ground, but was pushed back down as Kraven planted his boot on the man's back.
"It's over, my friend. You've lost."
Jax scoffed.
"Oh shut up you candy ass bit-"
Kraven then threw one fist forward, the blow landing and knocking out Jax. Shang Tsung grinned.
"The winners are Kraven and Crossbones."
Kraven laughed as he raised his fists.
"Victory belongs to Kraven!"
Crossbones scoffed.
Sonya shook her head.
"Kraven AND Crossbones?! Jax beat Crossbones!"
Raiden sighed.
"Even if one fighter on one side is defeated, if the other emerges victorious they both succeed and remain in the tournament."
"No! That can't be!"
Yuki shook her head, frowning.
"A loophole."
Fujin sighed, nodding.
"I'm afraid so. While Jax fought valiantly and defeated his first opponent, Kraven's victory has assured they both continue through the tournament."
Sonya rushed forward to Jax's side, Johnny not far behind her. She glared at Kraven.
"You'll pay for this you narcissistic jackasses."
Kraven chuckled at her.
"Bandy your threats, it will not change what was meant to happen."
Sonya scoffed.
"If he'd fought you fresh, your ass would be in the dirt."
The hunter chuckled.
"I doubt that, my dear. I have fought man, beasts, and monsters. I didn't even need to use even my greatest tools to defeat him nor would I have. He was a weak little man, not a lion."
The hunter began to walk away. Sonya glowered at him.
Shang Tsung chuckled as he stood up.
"Most impressive, Kraven, Shao Kahn will be pleased with your victory...Crossbones."
The mercenary looked to the sorcerer.
"Go have your wounds healed by one of the doctors here. You have to redeem yourself for your pathetic performance."
The mercenary grumbled as he started to walk away, following Kraven.
"Jerk."
Shang Tsung frowned at this but turned back to the crowd, his smile returning.
"And so another victory for Shao Kahn has been sealed. Soon the next battle shall begin...and I believe I know the fighter for Earthrealm shall be."
His grinning visage locked onto Liu Kang.
AN: Everyone please give a thunderous round of applause to Story's Shadow for his amazing work in this chapter. Liu Kang is up next, but who is he fighting? You'll find out next chapter.