AN: Story's Shadow and I are back my friends. We hope you all enjoy this chapter, for we have another 1 VS. 2 fight... One warrior for Earthrealm, Two for Outworld, who's fighting on both sides... you'll find out ;)
I also want to thank Story's Shadow for all his hard work on this chapter. He's really helped me as I've been dealing with crippling writers block and some depression in my personal life. But I'm feeling better now in both Writing ability and my depression. Also be sure to check out Story's Shadow's YouTube channel: Lost in the Story with Jeremy Mize as he's a really good reviewer. Also if you want to see both Story's Shadow and I both at the same time... I'll be filling the guest critic role for his next movie review. Hopefully we'll see you all there as well :)
Unto the show my friends.
-MK Dimension, Shang Tsung's Island-
Shang Tsung fumed at the results of Iron Fist and Cyrax's fight. He turned to see Sector's eyes widened and teeth gritted at having seen his clan mate surrendered to this same boy who had defeated him. Sub Zero simply crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at this. The sorcerer sneered at not seeing any similar rage or frustration that he and Sektor felt. He then meet the gaze of Raiden who only narrowed his eyes at the sorcerer. Shang Tsung swore to himself that despite this visage, the God of Thunder was laughing at him.
"It would seem the Earthrealm's have won two more victories in this tournament against Outworld."
Johnny scoffed.
"'It would seem'? Just admit it: you're losing!"
Spider-Man grinned at this and turned to Shang Tsung, winking at him. The sorcerer grumbled as he put up a front of seemingly being calm and collected. He then turned to his side, seeing Crossbones, Kraven, and Taskmaster standing together. Crossbones tapped a few fingers quickly on one arm.
Shang Tsung had scolded and threatened him for his earlier failure in the arena. The mercenary hadn't taken kindly to being berated by the sorcerer though kept his mouth shut as to be sure to not lose the deal he had agreed to. He didn't want to take the chance of being hunted down by the sorcerer or his master. He had gotten used to being the big boss with Hydra, now he was taking orders again. He normally would have thrown his weight around at being insulted, but he'd seen Shang Tsung's magic and his prisons. What he saw made him take the insults.
The sorcerer grumbled at the sight of the mercenary. There were good things he'd heard about Crossbones and his brutal efficiency in assassination and combat. He wasn't pleased by what he'd seen so far. But it wasn't just Crossbones who had failed, the Earthrealm's had won more victories than he anticipated. Not to mention he was running out of fighters to throw at them. Shang Tsung had thought Sheeva would have been one of the most effective warriors and she had lost the fight she'd been called into.
He gazed around the arena for who he would decide to send to fight. Shang Tsung was getting irritated with the Earthrealm fighters, they'd proven more resilient than he thought and this new Earthrealm had powerful 'heroes' who he'd thought be easy targets for the hardened killers of Outworld. His eyes then fell upon the tall striking woman standing next to the brother gods. Her amber gaze stared right back at him, Shang Tsung felt this ominous sensation in his bones when he held her gaze.
"You, woman! Who are you?"
"Hilda."
"You fight for Earthrealm?"
She simply nodded. Shang Tsung rubbed his beard as he contemplated. He made his decision despite the feeling still ebbing within him.
"Then you shall be the next to fight for your realm."
Hilda turned to Raiden who nodded to her. She then walked onto the battleground. When she had made her way to its center she stopped and crossed her muscular arms. Her gaze then narrowed at the sorcerer.
"Well then, let's get on with it then!"
Shang Tsung raised an eyebrow.
"You seem impatient to possibly meet your death."
"Send them out, let us be done with this."
Shang Tsung frowned. He then turned back to the mercenaries he'd chosen.
"Crossbones! Taskmaster! You shall fight again."
Taskmaster nodded to him. Crossbones slowly nodded, grumbling. Shang Tsung's eyes narrowed.
"Crossbones! Do not fail Shao Kahn again! Or you shall not be safe from his conquest just like the rest of your realm."
The mercenary's eyes widened. Something in him snapped.
"Hey! We had a deal! I've kept my word! I promised to fight for your boss and that meant I wouldn't be in the crossfire!"
"If you helped win this tournament for Outworld. In your fight you lost to a man of a kind you believed has never been a match for you."
Jax's eyes narrowed.
"What the hell does that mean?!"
Kraven chuckled as he sharpened one of his blades.
"It means that Crossbones didn't believe normal soldiers were 'tough enough to beat me' if I remember how he put it correctly."
Jax scoffed.
"Why you-!"
Raiden held out a hand to Raiden.
"This is her battle, Mr. Briggs. You already defeated Crossbones, proving him a weak man where he believed he was strong."
Jax's scowl slowly returned to a small smile, nodding to Raiden in appreciation.
Crossbones fumed.
"Why you-!"
Shang Tsung scoffed.
"Sadly, Lord Raiden is right. Your reputation in your real was unfounded it seems. Unless you can defeat this woman and show at the very least you're capable of some victory."
Crossbones cracked his knuckles then turned to Taskmaster.
"I got first crack at this b*. You won't even have to fight."
Taskmaster sighed.
"Be my guest."
Crossbones then turned to Hilda. Her gaze fixed on his. The mercenary felt something strange overcome him, but he shook it off inwardly. Shang Tsung raised his hand then slashed it down as he spoke.
"Fight!"
Crossbones shouted as he rushed forward, pulling out a serrated knife in both hands. He twirled the blades as he raced forward. To his surprise, the woman didn't arm herself with her axe.
"What? Not pulling out your fancy axe? Think you can beat me without it you sad excuse for a lumberja-!"
Crossbones watched as the woman backhanded both knives out of his hands and felt the bones in his hands break. He was ready to let out a scream but then the woman threw a punch.
Many in the crowd, especially those standing with Raiden except for Fujin, couldn't help as their jaws dropped as they watched Crossbones fall as if the woman had hit him a close line. The audible crack rang out as her fist slammed against his jaw. Crossbones hit the ground, hard, and he didn't get back up.
Taskmaster looked from Crossbones to the woman, who stood over him with the one hand dripping with the mercenary's blood. Kraven had dropped his blade at the sight, his eyes wide and mouth agape. Then he grinned as he picked up his blade.
"Sorcerer! Allow Kraven to hunt this one!"
Shang Tsung didn't hear the man at first. He had almost jumped out of his seat, either hand on the respective arm of his throne. Despite feeling the urge to smack his forehead at this, the shock at the shortest victory in the Mortal Kombat tournament's history had made him speechless.
Spider-Man felt as if his brain had exploded.
(*Chibi Spider-Man's top half of his head explodes.* *Regular Spider-Man sputters* H-How...How did she do that?!)
Sonya Blade turned to Jax, who shared the same look of disbelief. Jax spoke first.
"H-How...How the hell did that woman do that to him?"
"And here I thought I could throw a punch."
Hilda turned to Raiden and Fujin, both gods nodded to her. Spider-Man looked down at Crossbones. The man's face and hands were horribly broken and covered in his own blood. He could make out the smallest movements of his body shivering.
"He's alive?!"
Shang Tsung turned to his servants.
"...Take him to the healers..."
They bowed their heads and hurried over to carry him off.
Taskmaster slowly started to circle her, arming himself with his sword and shield.
"Very impressive. I've never seen anyone literally shut him up so quickly. I'm surprised you didn't kill him."
Hilda stood still though motioned her gaze to follow him as he continued to talk.
"Gotta admit, I wasn't sure anyone in this new realm would actually prove to be a real challenge. But you? This will be interesting."
Taskmaster rushed at an angle, his eyes locked on her. She wasn't moving as he lunged forward, aiming for a shield bash to the side of her head. But his eyes widened when he saw and felt her axe block his attack.
Hilda then shifted her back to in front of Taskmaster's front, pulling him over and above her then tossed him to the ground. The mercenary gasped then grunted as he hit the ground but then managed to fill up and landed on his feet. He then stood up and rushed her again. He slashed with his sword, aiming for the handle of her axe to cut the blade from the rest of the weapon. But Hilda moved to his side, grabbing his sword arm with her free hand. She then quickly shifted one leg forward, kicking out of one his legs and proceeded to toss him with her free arm.
Taskmaster responded by just managing to flip in the air and land on his feet. His eyes narrowed.
"Ok, let's try that again."
The mercenary sheathed his blade then moved his shield to his sword arm then raced to her side and threw his shield. Spider-Man frowned.
"Stop stealing Cap's moves, jerk!"
Taskmaster scoffed though his attention returned to the battle when he saw Hilda bat the shield aside with her axe. The mercenary grunted as he leapt and flipped towards the shield, catching it and securing it on his arm before landing on the ground. Jax's eyes widened.
"Holy...How can he move like that?!"
Spider-Man grumbled.
"Now you're copying my agility?! Be original!"
Taskmaster grumbled.
"You do realize there's no such thing as original? Everyone is copying and editing others thoughts, strategies, and techniques."
Spider-Man fumed.
"Why you-!"
Taskmaster raced to the side of his opponent, ignoring his heckler. He quickly then made a quick lunged towards her, attempting to bash her left side with the shield. But the woman side stepped his attack before grabbing him around his waist with one arm. She lifted him in the air after sweeping both of his feet then tossed him towards the ground. The mercenary slammed the shield against the ground, using the momentum to toss him up into the air before landing on the ground.
"Hmmm, interesting. Where have I seen this kind of technique before?"
Hilda then jumped forward, her bound faster than Taskmaster predicted at having just managed to catch her feet shifting on the ground. Taskmaster backflipped to evade the slash from the axe. What he didn't see was her grabbing one of his feet and literally pulling him back towards her.
"What?!"
Hilda quickly then slammed the bottom of the handle of the axe against Taskmaster's lower torso. The mercenary gasped as he felt the impact, even his armor didn't seem to absorb the attack especially once he hit the ground. The woman walked around him as Taskmaster began to pick himself back up. Once he stood up, he locked the shield onto his back.
"Ok, let's change things up."
Hilda sighed as she locked the axe onto her back.
Taskmaster smirked slightly under his mask before rushing forward. Hilda threw a punch for Taskmaster's face, the mercenary had began moving to the side once he got halfway towards her. He then lunged at her, throwing a jab towards the side of her neck. But the mercenary found his fist being caught in his opponent's grip as she had turned faster than he expected. She then charged with her shoulder altering throwing his hand. Taskmaster gritted his teeth at the impact of her attack.
He then found her grabbing his weight with both hands and lifted her over his back then knocked him onto the ground with the momentum. The mercenary grunted as he fell, picking himself back up onto his feet as quickly as possible. Though he gasped and panted, nearly dropping down to his knees. He equated, one hand on the ground as he looked up.
"Now I remember...it's Glíma, the Nordic combat style. I hadn't seen anyone use it in years and never with your strength or technique."
"Are you going to talk or fight?"
Taskmaster gave a half hearted chuckle.
"Ok, let's get this done."
Taskmaster lunged forward throwing a feint with his right fist attempting to then throw an uppercut with his left fist. Hilda had moved one open palm forward at Taskmaster's right arm. The audible crack rang out as Hilda literally pushed the mercenary's right arm by the elbow and broke his arm. Spider-Man's eyes widened at the sight then readied himself to lunge into the arena to stop the fight.
However, Spider-Man's plan and Taskmaster yelp of shock and pain were cut short as his Hilda then snatched the mercenary's throat with her other hand and lifted him up then smashed him into the ground. Spider-Man gasped.
"...No..."
Everyone stood in silence at this.
Hilda then turned the mercenary on his side. His mask was cracked in half, blood seeping from it. Everyone did see Taskmaster's chest slowly rising and falling.
Spider-Man sighed in relief.
"He's alive...good."
Sonya frowned at this though her attention returned to the woman who stood over her defeated opponent.
Hilda turned to Shang Tsung, who simply stared in shock. The sorcerer then frowned.
"Hilda is the victor."
The woman then walked over to Raiden's side. The Thunder God nodded to her before he spoke.
"Both of your opponent's were fortunate that you held back. Well done."
A screeching monkey sound went off in Spider-Man's mind as he quickly turned to Raiden and the woman.
"She held back?!"
Hilda turned to the young man, staring down at him.
"I saw you preparing to lunge in to aid him. You're fortunate the fight ended before you could enact your plan."
Jax scoffed.
"You dick."
Spider-Man turned to retort, but found his gaze literally turned back towards the woman by the flat of the blade Hilda's axe. His eyes were wide at this. Hilda frowned.
"Do not cross me, boy."
Spider-Man gulped at the look on her face, feeling incredibly nauseous. White Tiger's eyes widened at seeing this. She wanted to extrude her claws, but felt something in her telling her not to interfere.
Hilda then locked her blade onto her axe and turned to the brother gods, who both nodded to her. She nodded back before returning to stand with them.
Shang Tsung grumbled, one hand clutching his forehead with his nails starting to cut into his flesh slightly. Then he slammed his other hand, clenched into a fist, against one of the arms of his throne. Many turned their gazes in his direction. Johnny Cage smirked.
"Awww, is baby gonna cry?"
Shang Tsung didn't pay him or another of the others any mind, he just met the gaze of Raiden.
"Now do you see, Sorcerer? You and your master's plans will not come to fruition, the just will eventually emerge victorious. It doesn't matter how many fighters you send against those who fight to protect their homes."
The sorcerer's hateful visage retreated at this, a thought stirred in his mind. He rubbed his long beard, contemplating on this. Shang Tsung soon came to a conclusion and stood up.
"Lord Raiden, I have a proposition in mind for the tournament. I would discuss this with you in price to come to terms."
Raiden pondered on this for a moment then nodded. He walked across the arena, hands held behind his back before Shang Tsung escorted him to a part of his island to speak privately.
Spider-Man turned to Fujin.
"You really think Raiden is making the right move by talking to that maniac?"
Fujin sighed.
"My brother will do what he feels is best for Earthrealm and for your realm as well."
"I mean...but that guy's insane!"
"Shang Tsung is a crafty man though Raiden is no one's fool. Trust my brother, Spider-Man, as he trusts you."
Spider-Man sighed.
(*Spider-Man looks in a different direction.* "Why did he have to go and say that?")
-USM Dimension, Triskelion, Conference Room-
Director Fury massaged his temples, his mind still raging at the stunt Iron Spider pulled. He mused to himself though Thor had handled it and that the young agent was lucky the Avenger had decided on humbling him and that the Director of S.H.I.E.L.D. did not. Still, he focused on the meeting that needed to be held, those chosen for the meeting taking their seats. Fury.
"Now that little stunt is over, we can truly begin our meeting."
Some of the knights nodded at this before one spoke.
"King Thomas wishes to extend his thanks for this alliance. While he regrets he cannot attend himself, the Holy Land is in need of his constant vigilance and protection, he honored us with the role of speaking for our order."
The other knights nodded their agreement. Director Fury nodded in return then motioned his head to the side.
"We also have some more guests involved in this matter."
When he stated this, two holographic images of people in advanced suits of armor with some of those present considered to be almost alien in appearance.
"These are agents of another individual who is invested in securing our world's safety and has offered their support."
Captain America raised an eyebrow on the look on Fury's face.
"There's something you're not telling us though, isn't there?"
Director Fury sighed.
"This person hasn't informed me of their identity and connections, they, however are helping Squirrel Girl with her recovery after the attack in Los Angeles some time ago."
One of the mercenaries nodded.
"She's a friend and we did our best to help."
The other crossed their arms, mumbling under their breath before speaking.
"Yeah."
Director Fury's eye narrowed on the second mercenary.
"Though one has a rather unpleasant history with my agent. And her involvement in helping Squirrel Girl is the main reason why I'm not having her arrested for assaulting her before this conflict with this reality."
The mercenary scoffed.
"You know damn well that-"
She saw the looks on not only Director Fury's face but also of those gathered. Hulk frowned, cracking his knuckles a little.
"Got something to say?"
Cynthia turned to Andrew who shook his head. She then turned to Director Fury as he spoke.
"Be grateful I'm willing to work with your benefactor. Now listen."
Andrew rested a hand on Cynthia's shoulder then turned to Director Fury.
"I understand your feelings, Director Fury, but you will not talk to her like that and neither will anyone else here. Is that understood?"
Director Fury narrowed his one good eye at him.
"Since you were the one willing to help my agent, I will let that slide."
Andrew scoffed.
"I bet you will."
Black Widow shook her head.
"Are we going to argue or are we going to strategize?"
Director Fury nodded to her after holding her gaze, unamused for a moment.
"Raiden has informed us of his enemy, this 'Shao Kahn' has a powerful army at his command and has a dangerous ally in what's called 'the Netherrealm' which hosts demons of at minimum number in the thousands."
One of the knights gripped their hand tightly.
"Did he say they are harmed by holy objects? Iron? Salt?"
"He informed us that they are more susceptible to conventional weapons and are vulnerable to various kinds of magic."
May's eyes widened at this.
"Perhaps they're more similar to the creature that attacked your agent?"
"I've considered this though from what Raiden has said, these demons are very much not human. Perhaps once outside of their own realm, they become more vulnerable?"
Thor rubbed his chin.
"Aye, perhaps so. Lord Raiden explained that magical beings vary in power and prowess in their dimension. It is possible that once separated from their home realm, their power is weakened to a degree that they aren't as lethal because the energies that empower them are lessened once they cross realms?"
Iron Man's eyes widened at this.
"How do you know this?"
Thor chuckled.
"The knights aren't the only ones present to have fought demons."
The knights' eyes widened at this and whispered to one another before Joseph spoke.
"You've fought these unholy abominations?"
"Here or there, different kinds from different parts of our reality. Like the differences between the demons you face and the ones Lord Raiden has informed us of, there's more than what many know and understand."
The knights paused as they gazed at one another, perplexed. Hulk chuckled.
"Let them come, they'll just get smashed."
She-Hulk grinned.
"Yeah they will!"
Thor shook his head.
"Do not be so dismissive of the threat we face. You both have seen what the Frost Giants are capable of. Even with your entire team and myself, we found ourselves in a perilous battle that could have spelled doom for the Nine Realms."
Hulk sighed.
"Just had to bring that up, didn't ya Goldilocks?"
Captain America had been quiet, listening to what the others had to say.
"Regardless, we need to mobilize the world's forces to prepare for this invasion. Wakanda is already preparing, King T'Challa's confident in the security of his kingdom and has promised to come to our aid once he's certain his nation is safe. Meanwhile, we need to be prepping countermeasures for this Shao Kahn. We will need mobile strike teams to defend any locations where the enemy may strike. And for any significant foes there will be task forces to deal with them."
Iron Man nodded.
"I've been preparing some extra suits of armor that can be called in to aid our teams. Since these enemies use 'magic' rather than tech, I feel confident in having them run by algorithms or I may take up residence in Avengers' Tower to remotely control them to give assistance."
Cap nodded.
"If what Raiden said is true, we'll need as many as we can get."
He then turned to the knights.
"I understand you're defending Jerusalem, are there any amongst your order that will be defending England?"
Joseph nodded.
"His Grace had a large number of our order to defend the Holy Land and city. Before we left, he'd chosen a knight entrusted with defending our home in case of any attack. He's also contacted our friends in the government that we will be rendering assistance to our country."
Cap nodded.
Black Widow turned to Director Fury.
"What of Shao Kahn?"
"From what Raiden's told me, he's likely to come in when he believes he's all but won or when he feels he must interfere himself to gain the advantage or if he feels he'll achieve glory by delivering a defeat to his enemies. Which means wherever we send our teams, we'll need reinforcements ready to jump him or cut off any aid from his soldiers."
Scarlet Spider cracked his knuckles.
"Oh please give me first crack at this punk."
Thor smiled slightly at this.
"Young Spider of Scarlet. Your desire to smite this villain is admirable. I just caution you to understand this enemy. Lord Raiden has made it clear this villain devours souls and is a honed conqueror in both strategy and in battle. We cannot underestimate him."
Scarlet Spider sighed.
"Right."
Gamora turned to Director Fury.
"It might be necessary to take him off this world as to separate him from his forces. The Guardians could find a location to hold him till his forces are defeated then hand him to Raiden for punishment."
"That is something I have considered. Have your team prepared to ship him for temporary holding off world as a possible plan."
Rocket scoffed.
"You humies make things so complicated sometimes. Just shoot his flakin head off and his little cronies will be running home."
Andrew nodded.
"Gotta agree with the Raccoon."
Rocket grumbled.
"I'm not a Raccoon!"
Andrew chuckled.
"I like this guy."
Cynthia sighed.
"Andrew and I can be ready to jump in to overwhelm him. Our armor is state of the art, we've tangled with our fair share of wannabe dictators and tyrants."
Thor turned to them.
"Do either of you have protective talismans or runes to guard your souls?"
Neither of them responded, admittedly bewildered at the God of Thunder's response. Thor sighed.
"Then I advise your benefactor to ensure this at the very least if it comes to you two battling our enemy."
Both nodded after a moment.
Thor turned to the group.
"Let it be known friends, we are faced with a dire magical threat that has plagued Lord Raiden's charge for millennia and has already conquered other realms. The champions Lord Raiden has chosen are fighting valiantly to defeat our enemy's warriors and they carry with them the hearts and hopes of those they fight to protect."
The sound of lightning roared as a lightning bolt struck in the room. Many jumped and gasped at this. There were no scorch marks after it had disappeared, only Raiden stood where it had struck.
"Wise words, my friend."
Thor smiled.
"Lord Raiden, how fares the tournament?"
"Victories and defeats on both sides. None of those I have chosen have perished though some have lost. The ones I chose from this realm have all won victories for the protection of your realm."
Thor grinned at this.
"Tis good news. Though I feel this isn't the only news you bring."
Raiden nodded.
"Shang Tsung proposed that both sides be allowed to choose two new fighters for the tournament. I agreed to this as I have faith in my champions and believe they can win this."
Thor nodded.
"Who will you and the sorcerer choose?"
"Shang Tsung has called for a halt to the tournament for a few days to personally seek out who shall fight for Shao Kahn as I will do likewise for Earthrealm and this one as well."
Director Fury raised the one eyebrow up.
"Who do you have in mind?"
AN: So both Raiden and Shang Tsung have reached a deal that allows both sides to recruit two new fighters on behalf of both Earthrealm's and Outworld. Story's Shadow and I both know who will be chosen for both sides, but tell me my amazing friends and fans: who do you think will be recruited for both sides? You will probably be surprised on both sides... Until next time Nobel Six & Story's Shadow out.