Epilogue #2- Enter the Dragon

((This is the Tale of where IronFist was during the events that took place during the events of 'The Marvelous Adventure of Superman'. Expect to learn more about this version of IronFist and Luke Cage; along with the Avengers and some foreshadowing on what is to come. I decided to post this to this story because it takes place during the events of the original clash between Superman and the Avengers. So while Superman is fighting off Hulk and the others; theses events take place; half way around the world))

A candle burns in a small dark room, the corners of the room hold the shadows that are pushed aside by the light that is emanated. A single shadow spread across a single wall. Danny Rand sat at a certain position in the room so that his shadow was pointed towards Kún-Lun; the mystical city where he had learned to be the IronFist.

His thoughts dwelled outward; drifting back to Manhattan, and the friends he had left behind. During his tour of the Middle East and Western Asia; he had found his meditations often brought his thoughts back there. The image of Luke Cage, laying in a hospital bed suddenly took shape in Dannys mind.

Danny had been able to glimpse images of the present and future before; his connection to K'un-Lun gave him certain meditative privileges. Danny soon began to contemplate on the events that had set him on his course of self-discovery. With Luke; Danny and him had taken on the titles of PowerMan, and the IronFist. They had met shortly after Danny had left K'un-Lun; and after hearing of Luke's plan to 'clean up the streets'; Danny agreed to lend his services to Luke's cause. Together they went from one gang to another; at first they would approach and try to reason with them; and when they responded badly, they were made to listen.

It wasn't long before others were drawn to their cause; soon they were working with people with Spiderman, and the X-Men on a regular basis. Even the Avengers had asked for their help on several occasions. Yet at some point it didn't seem like enough; after everything they did, there was always something just waiting for them to turn their back. After helping the Avengers fight off the Krull Invasion; where Captain Marvel had lost his life; several gangs in the old quarter had taken the opportunity to imbed themselves back in. They had to start over.

Once they had finished with the gangs, again; Danny felt the repetitive nature of mans aggressive side. He had learned what he believed his master had sent him to Manhattan to learn. He had planned to leave for good; but when he went to tell Luke and Spidey; he couldn't. So he made up a story about going on a world tour; and then he left; to help where he could in the world where his skills may work to protect the weak.

He was now atop a mountain cliff side; in a small wooden cabin on the outskirts of India; and he was still unsure of where his path would lead now lead him. He had not been allowed to come back to K'un-Lun; being told by his Master that he had not yet learned all that was required for him to continue his training in the mystical city.

Danny shook his head; bringing himself out of his meditation; which had become more of a reflective journey than an inquiry of where he should go. Or perhaps the best way to move forward was to look back. Danny focused himself again; meditating on the city that he missed; and the friends he made within it... New York. He gazed towards the candle; still burning strong with a full length of the stick to burn through.

Danny suddenly felt his mind calm; an image pounding its way into his mind. A diamond encasing an engraved S. The image hung in his mind; only to be replaced by the image of Luke Cage; dead in a head of rubble and dirt. The image shifted to reveal several other of his companions in the same manner; Spiderman; Ms. Marvel; Antman; and Cyclops of the X-Men; all dead at the feet of a shadow; cloaked in a red cape.

Terror struck Danny Rand out of his meditation. He breathed heavily; feeling the amount of sweat dripping from his face as he looked at the candle before him... it had been burning for hours now; and was no more than a stub in its holder. Danny stood up from his spot; reaching for his traveling pack; and taking out a towel and wiping his face of sweat.

"I must go back." Danny said to himself; seeing his mask peeking out of his pack; waiting for the day when Danny Rand would become IronFist once again. "I don't know what dangers lurk back in New York; but I can't leave Luke and the others to fight it off without me."

((Too find out what happens to Danny; and what his vision means; be sure to check out the next third arc in "Superman and The New Avengers"))