Journey of the Iron Fist #1

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Journey of The Iron Fist #1
Shogun Dynasty
Part 1:
Stretching out

Written by G. Brown
Edited by Daniel Dyer

"Kiaii...!!”

The two teenage boys engaged each other in combat, surrounded by four judges standing tall on opposite corners and one free roaming referee. The judges formed an invisible ring for the two combatants and beyond them was a throng of people standing around cheering wildly. The boy in the white uniform let out a second “Kiaii” as he followed up a spinning heel kick with a reverse punch aimed directly at the midsection of his opponent in the black uniform. The boy in black calmly blocked the oncoming punch with a swift sweep of the forearm and countered with a sharp punch of his own that connected solidly with the attacking boy’s chest.

“Yame!” yelled the referee who immediately separated the youths with his own body. The boys disengaged and walked to the center of the makeshift ring facing each other. The crowd cheered even more loudly at the possible point, but grew quiet as they awaited the judges. The referee called out “Judges?” And one by one the corner judges raised a red flag indicating that indeed, the boy in black had earned a point from his blow. The crowd cheered in agreement as the match continued.

Among the throng of humanity squeezed into the Roosevelt High School gym for the 15th annual Inner City Karate Championships stood one Daniel Rand. As CEO of Rand-Meachum Imports and Exports he was not your typical fight fan. His Italian suit and Camel hair jacket was all you needed to see to understand that, but upon closer inspection, perhaps his presence here at this event wouldn’t come as such a surprise. For underneath that one thousand dollar suit Daniel Rand hid the tell tale dragon tattoo of the Iron Fist!

“He’s fast, Danny. Very fast. He watched and waited until Patrick gave him an opening and Bam! He took it fast as lightning.”

The man speaking to Danny is Bobby Bailey and he was wearing the same uniform as the white garbed fighter in the contest before them. The only significant difference being Bobby’s worn and tattered black belt, lovingly tied around the waist of his uniform. Bailey is the head Sensei of the Kung-Kai Martial Arts Club and young Patrick is one of his students. As the boys traded attacks and blocks Bobby seemed to remember who he was talking to.

“I mean he’s fast for Patrick, he must seem like he’s moving in slow motion to you.”

Danny smirked at his friend and shook his head. He had worked very hard to keep his Daniel Rand persona separate from his role as the Iron Fist. He hated when Bobby made any reference in public that even slightly hinted at the skills and secret he possessed. He was one of the few people in Danny’s new life that he trusted with his twin identities, but Bobby had to be more careful. Too many people were about. Danny answered as if the faux pas had never occurred. “I don’t know Billy, They both look fast enough to me.”

Billy shook his head as if frustrated, fully concentrating on the match now. “Pat should have more patience. He’s overly aggressive. It leaves him open and vulnerable.”

Danny slapped his friend on the back and smiled. “Well I guess you’re going to have to take that up with his teacher. I’m sure he learned his impatience from someone. Wonder where he could have picked up a habit like that?”

Danny gave him a wink and a grin. He knew good and well where Pat got his leap first, devil may care attitude from. Bobby was more than just young Patrick’s Sensei, he was also his father. Bobby himself suffered from the same weaknesses as his son and Danny had been secretly working with him for the better part of a year to rid him of it. Danny had become Bobby’s friend and teacher soon after that fateful night that Bobby jumped in and “saved” Danny from an attack. Danny was in the process of being mugged outside of a Broadway theater and Bobby came along at just the right time to play good Samaritan. Danny was more than happy to let Bobby have his moment in the sun, until the attack turned serious and the attackers brandished guns. In an instant Danny had to act using his skill as Iron Fist to prevent Bobby from being shot. A few arm locks and spinning kicks later and the men were disarmed. All in the blink of an eye and right in the front of the eyes of a speechless Bobby Bailey. In the tussle Danny’s shirt became ripped and Iron Fist’s tell-tale tattoo stood revealed to the stunned would- be rescuer. From that point on Bobby was inside Danny’s circle of trust and they became fast friends. Danny even used his money to start up Bobby’s first school. Their co-owned Dojo, The Kung-Kai Martial Arts Club opened its doors at a minimum charge to any who entered. The only condition being that those that come for instruction only use the art they learned in self defense. Danny would work out with Bobby after hours. The school has become a home away from home for Bobby and a sanctuary of sorts for Danny. Bobby was an excellent martial artist in his own right and taught most students his own style of Shotokan Karate, but by K’un L’un standards he was but a babe learning to walk. It was in these late night sessions that Danny exposed his friend to the advanced art of the K’un L’un warriors. For just about a year now Danny had been polishing Bobby into an elite martial artist.

Bobby took his eyes from the match to respond to Danny’s crack when suddenly the match was over and Patrick stood center ring in defeat.

“Your student needs you, Dad. Even a charging bull stops long enough to tend to its young.” Danny pointed in Patrick’s direction.

“Damn, How’d I miss that? I gotta go.” With that, Bobby took off after his son without looking back at Danny.

Danny watched as Bobby put his arm around Patrick and watched as he no doubt began whispering words of encouragement to him. Danny stood and watched the father and son for a moment. His mind’s eye taking him to a similar scene with himself as a young boy and his father’s arm wrapped around him as they walked through a park.

*

[Spider-Man Beyond]

“But Daddy, Why can’t we go to Disney World like you promised?” Young Danny looked up pleadingly into his father’s eyes.

“Danny, We’ll go next year.”

“That’s what you said last year.” Young Danny hung his head low, so he would not have to look into his father’s eyes.

His Father sighed loudly and knelt in front of young Danny so they could talk eye to eye. “Danny, We are going to find it this time. This is the year! Don’t you want to see K’un L’un? Remember all the wonderful stories I’ve told you about it? The clouds? The Dragons? The warriors? Its all real Danny! Its much better than some fake park rides. This is a real magic kingdom! Its magical and its all for you, my little dragon.”

Young Danny smiled. The tales his dad had been telling him of K’un L’un had been no more than fairy tales, but he truly loved when his dad called him little dragon.

“OK, Dad. We’ll see Disney next year.” Young Danny hugged his dad as his father whispered into Danny’s ear.

“Danny, I promise you after K’un L’un your life will change forever.”

That was one promise his father did keep, maybe the only one. Little did young Danny know that the outcome of that expedition would leave him an orphan on the doorsteps of that legendary city. The adopted son raised to be a living weapon.

*

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Still caught up in his daydream Danny didn’t notice the man in front of him until he bumped right into him. Instinctively Danny’s arm flashed up in defense, but his mind caught up with his instinct and his arm stopped at waist level.

How was it I didn’t hear him coming. Not many can do that, he wondered as he looked up at the familiar form.

“Snap out of it Money-man! You piss off the wrong person in a gathering like this you could end up getting hurt. Real bad.”

The man Danny had bumped into was a true mountain of a man. Mike Dunston was a bald black man that stood a full six foot five and weighed a rock solid two ninety at least. The man also could move like a tiger, smooth and fast. He wore the same uniform as the victor in Patrick’s match, he was the self professed “Shogun” of the famed Shogun Combat Academy. Probably the most prolific Dojo in all of the New York City area.

“Now me? I’m a man that doesn’t like to throw his weight around,” he continued. “So you’re safe with me Mr. Dan Rand. I’m not one to threaten or intimidate anyone. So you’re a lucky man tonight.” But even as he smiled and said that, He stepped an inch closer into Danny’s personal space. His sheer size alone would have intimidated anyone. Anyone other than Iron Fist.

“Well that’s a good thing for me then, Because I’m just a fight fan. I’m not a fighter.”

Dunston didn’t move out of Danny’s way or even blink his eyes as he stared down at him for a full three seconds before he smiled his wide smile again. “Of course you’re not,” he finally said as he stepped aside. “But you do know Mr. Dan Rand that you have been backing the wrong horse around here.” The Shogun spread his arms wide directing Danny’s attention to the numerous trophies and medals that his students were wearing and carrying as they followed behind him.

Danny widened his eyes in mock amazement. “ How wonderful! You must be very proud, Mr. Dunston. You boys all did well.”

Danny knew that Dunston was very adept at his chosen art, exceptionally so as a matter of fact, but he also knew that he taught his students to win at all costs. Many opponents that faced off against Shogun Academy students left their matches much worse for wear. Even with tournament rules against excessive contact, Shogun’s students found ways to accidentally have some of the most excessive incidental contact ever seen. And no Sensei ever lodged a complaint for fear of The Shogun himself.

“My boys ALWAYS do well.” He smiled that shark smile of his again. “The Shogun Academy is the real deal, Money-man, You should slide some of your funding our way and give up on losers like Bobby Bailey and his little charity karate club.”

Danny knew well enough that every school had good students and bad students, but Dunston’s school had more than its share of thugs and deviants. He had encountered many during his clandestine outings as Iron Fist. He would never support an organization like Dunston’s. Danny decided not to bring up that fine a point in this public arena.

“I’m sure you don’t have a shortage of sponsors. Winners never do. I’m quite happy with Sensei Bailey and the job he’s doing at Kung Kai, Thanks for the offer anyway Mr. Dunston.”

“I bet you are.” Then the trademark smile faded from his face. “...And its Shogun Dunston.”

Danny looked him right in the eye. Not many people do that to Dunston and it may have been a gamble to stare him down like that. True warriors can sense their own, but he did it anyway.

“Sure it is.” Danny grinned and turned away refusing to address Dunston by that ridiculous title.

Dunston never moved, he just stared as Danny walked away. As Danny reached the exit door, Dunston spoke up to get the last word in.

“Say hello to your cop friend, Ms. Knight for me......Tell her I miss her.” With that he laughed and then the Shogun turned and headed out of the gym with his flock of followers in his wake.

Danny stiffened at the mention of Misty.

*

[Spider-Man Beyond]

He had met Misty Knight the same night he made friends with Bobby. It was a good night for a newcomer to New York. She and her partner Harry Nyugen were detectives for the NYPD that happened to have been in the area at the time of the attack. Coincidence also had it that they were regularly assigned to the area near the Dojo. Not being one to believe in coincidence, destiny was a much easier concept, Danny began to begin a relationship with Detective Knight.

Misty was unlike anyone Danny had known. She was an extraordinarily beautiful African American woman. She was strong and bold, the exact opposite of the demure women he had been raised around in K’un L’un. Sure there were warrior women in the hidden city, but even they normally would defer to most men, it was cultural. Misty was a breath of fresh air. She had often visited the Dojo for lessons from Bobby and eventually she and Danny were seeing each other at an all night café on a regular basis. Those after workout meetings slowly grew to actual dating. All this was new to Danny, but whatever he lacked in dating skills, Misty was attracted to. She found him innocent and cute. Not like the aggressive men she was used to. Danny began to show her more of the real him, not Iron Fist for sure, but less of the Daniel Rand, CEO and more of the real Danny. They made a unique couple. Recently some of her investigations had led to her spending some time with Dunston. Danny knew it was all business, but he couldn’t help the new feeling of... jealousy? And just the thought of Misty associating with someone like Dunston filled him with a mix of revulsion and rage. He focused his Chi and calmed down stepping out of the gym and into the parking lot wondering if his reaction said more about his feelings toward Dunston or Misty?

*

[Spider-Man Beyond]

He walked toward his car in the school parking lot knowing that Bobby would take the kids out for ice cream and a pep talk before he showed up for their nightly workout. It always ran late on tournament nights. As he passed a family in the parking lot he overheard two brothers talking.

“Did you hear that Iron Fist busted up a bunch of Red Dragons at P.S. 157 last night? All the kids at the Tournament were talking about it.”

“Yeah! I heard they were trying to sell drugs in the school playground and he wasted like fifteen of them all by himself!”

“I heard like Thirty! With guns! And Knives and everything!”

Danny smiled to himself as they passed by. Actually it was twelve. Only one gun and a few knives, but at least they had the result right! he thought to himself as he continued to smile until their next comment dropped the grin from his face flat.

“He’s like the greatest fighter in the world! Better than Chan or Seagal, better than the Transporter even! But why does he wear those ugly colors?”

“I know right? Green and yellow... the guys at school say he’s gay. Great fighter, but why dress like that?”

Danny slumped in the seat of his car and stared. Is that what people think? He started the car up and pulled out. “It wasn’t my choice to make,” he said aloud in response to the young brothers question.

*

[Spider-Man Beyond]

As he silently drove towards the warehouse home of Kung-Kai, his mind again drifted to another part of his past..... He was nineteen and faced the Legendary Dragon Shou-Loa in battle. Only by defeating the Dragon could one walk past him and accept the power of the Iron Fist. Danny had endured years of brutal training from the Master Lei Kung the Thunderer just to be in the place he now stood. Those few students that lasted through Lei Kung’s training had all fell before the Dragon’s might. Danny was determined to succeed. He would earn the power of the Iron Fist. It was only this way that he could return to the world of his birth and avenge the deaths of his parents. He would earn the right, he would prove to himself that he was ready. Ready to do what he could not do as a helpless child. Lei Kung and K’un L’un had made sure he would never be helpless again and now Shou-Loa would give him the final weapon he would need or else he would send him to meet his parents in failure.

The Dragon was nigh invincible! Every bit of training, every technique Danny threw at the creature did nothing but enrage it. Years of hash training and endless conditioning had amounted to nothing more than survival and even that, barely! As the great Dragon pounced for a killing blow, Danny decided that to defeat the Dragon he would have to become the Dragon. Just as his father had named him so many years ago. Little dragon, he called him. He would have to become one with the Dragon! Rather than block or turn to evade, Danny dove at the beast and wrapped himself to its chest in a bear hug. He held the creature, chest to chest, calling on all of his strength, knowing that to let go meant certain death. The longer he held on, he felt a searing heat where he and the Dragon met. The pain was beyond imagining! As if his entire chest would melt away or burst into flame. Still Danny screamed and held firm. He would not let his parents down! After what felt like years, the great beast ceased its struggle and went limp. The great Shou-Loa had died. Danny released the creature and as the Dragon fell he saw a great black Dragon tattoo burned into his chest. He had taken the life force from the Dragon... he now WAS the Dragon. Danny stepped further into the cave and plunged his right fist into a burning brazier. He finished what he had begun by absorbing the heart of the Dragon, the Iron Fist! Exhausted and weary he stumbled from the cave.

Waiting patiently for his return stood Lei Kung the Thunderer. The Master Sensei knelt in meditation outside the Dragon’s cave. His eyes opened only when Danny stepped from the cave mouth.

“Sensei...” Danny spoke through cracked and dry lips, barely able to generate enough strength to be heard.

Lei Kung slowly and deliberately stood before him and spoke simply. “No more.”

His two words were not spoken above a whisper but had force enough to carry over great winds. With those two words, Lei Kung the mighty Thunderer bowed on his knees before Daniel Rand. The exhaustion and the overwhelming sight of his Master bowing before him proved too much even for the new bearer of the Iron Fist, Danny Rand collapsed.

When Danny awoke he found himself in another cave of sorts. Lights flickered on the cavern walls tossing shadows here and there. Danny sat up and saw the cave had a stream running through it and the cave was lined with countless candles. As Danny got to his feet he walked closer to the walls and saw pictographs of various warriors, both men and women, in very different garments. Garments of various time periods. The one constant amongst all pictures was the tattoo of Shou-Loa on all of the warriors and the faces of each of them were covered with a type of mask.

“Yes, you are the next in a long line of warriors. You are the next bearer of The Iron Fist.”

When Danny turned to see who was speaking he was shocked to see The form of the Hooded August Personage in Jade, The Emperor of K’un L’un, Yu Ti! The Hooded one almost never came down from Temple and was never spoken to directly. His August might, always had a translator speak for him and speak to him. No direct conversation was allowed. Danny stood speechless before his Majesty. As if that wasn’t shocking enough, The August one continued to amaze by pulling back his hood and revealing his true face! The smiling weathered old face was not what Danny had expected, but as he looked into the old man’s eyes he could see Wisdom. As if the man’s knowledge and experiences were a tangible thing that Danny could reach out and touch. This was a man to be respected. Danny began to bow, already ashamed that he had stared too long.

“No! Stand tall, Iron Fist and receive your Ceremonial garb.”

Danny righted himself and walked before the Hooded one. The command in his voice was enough to snap Danny into attention. Yu Ti clapped his hands and from behind him in the shadows Lei Kung stepped forward with a neat pile of green and yellow clothes. Atop the uniform was a yellow mask with black highlights around the eyes, much like the masks on the cave wall. The mask seemed to stare at him. Almost challenging him to put it on.

“Each Iron Fist before you has worn a ceremonial garb. To honor K’un L’un and to let all know who is in their presence. Each is unique to the bearer.” Lei Kung handed the uniform to Danny, who took it gingerly.

“This will be your garb. This is the Colors of the newest Iron Fist. The Yellow, like your hair, will shine before the people like the midday sun! Like the sun in the sky you will be a beacon for the oppressed, a protector and giver of life! The green symbolizes the peace you seek on your journey. There is much trouble and pain in your heart that needs to be settled young Iron Fist, but know that all you seek will be found in the peace one finds in a valley, deep and green. Even the hardest journey must end in a grove of rich greens. This is the peace you will find at your journey’s end.”

The August one in Jade stepped back into the shadows. “Bathe in the fountain springs of K’un L’un and then put on your garb for the first time. Then you will emerge from the heart of K’un L’un as her newest champion, the newest Iron Fist!”

Danny humbly did as he was instructed and the Journey of The Iron Fist had begun. He was still searching for that valley of peace. He doubted such a place ever existed.

*

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Danny pulled himself back into the here and now as he turned a corner heading toward the docks.

“The colors aren’t gay... They are special... they’re my colors,” he muttered aloud to himself.

He could almost see the flames from the candles all over the cavern floor as if he still stood in the cave right now. It was like he was still there.... it was just then that Danny realized the flames he was seeing were not in his mind’s eye but on the docks! Somewhere up ahead the warehouses were on fire! He slammed on the brakes and stopped the car. He began running to get closer to the fire. As he reached the end of the dock, he was relieved to see that the warehouse that was engulfed in flames was the next one over from the Dojo, but it would spread soon. He began to summon his Chi, the inner strength of the Dragon. The power of the Iron Fist has many uses. As he calmed himself and called on this inner energy, all of his senses heightened to an almost increased supernatural level. Amid the roaring flames he could hear footfalls from an alley across the street. He bolted toward the footsteps. He was sure it was no more than five adults. As he ran he could make out car doors slamming. He began to shred his Daniel Rand clothes and emerged into the alley in the green and yellow garment of the Iron Fist! He tied the mask behind his head just as he stepped out to face the headlights of the on coming vehicle! The car would be on him in seconds!

To be continued.