Two Weeks Before K'un L'un Returns To Earth...
Danny is brought into a larger arena. His hair has grown back slightly but is still quite short. He is 20 years old now. Many of the citizens of K'un L'un sit around the circular grotto with the head instructors sitting above them; Lei Kung and the rest of the council sit on the top layer. Davos enters from the opposite side of the arena and eyes Danny. Both men bow to each other and then to Lei Kung.
"Today we will witness a match between Daniel Rand-K'ai and my son, Davos," Kei Lung begins, "They are two of the finest warriors we have trained in these past ten years. I am proud to have instructed both of them as are the others instructors here."
The crowd applauds and a few musicians on the side bang their drums.
"This will be a historic moment, not only because it is Daniel Rand-K'ai's final match but also because both these young men are fighting for a particular honor."
Davos and Danny both look surprised and curious. They glance at each other and back at Kei Lung.
"It has been many years since any K'un L'un warrior has been given this honor. Today, one of these men will get that chance. Whoever wins this match will be given the Iron Fist," he motions for two monks to raise a banner which bears the symbol of a winged serpent. Drum beats follow.
There are murmurs throughout the arena. Danny looks befuddled. Davos smiles intensely. Kei Lung continues, "Daniel Rand-K'ai has proven to be one of the most skilled fighters in K'un L'un despite not belonging to our world. Davos is an equally skilled warrior and a prince of K'un L'un. It is fitting that their last contest involve the passing of the Iron Fist."
The crowd begins to murmur even louder. Davos smiles proudly at his father who smiles back. Danny, however, seems somewhat distressed. He steps forward and bows on his knees to Lei Kung. Everyone suddenly falls silent, including Davos.
"Master," he begins, "I am grateful for this honor but I do not feel worthy of the Iron Fist. I will leave this world soon. As you said, I'm an outsider. There is no reason to take the Iron Fist with me. I will fight but if I win, I cannot accept this gift. I am sorry."
A low whisper falls over the crowd. Davos cocks his head curiously as Danny continues to kneel. Lei Kung seems surprised as well but turns to his son, "Davos, what do you have to say?" Davos turns to Danny, "My opponent forfeits," then straightens up and loudly proclaims, "The contest is over! I accept the Iron Fist!" He raises his hands triumphantly, only to realize no one is cheering. His father looks away, disappointed. Danny rises, also a bit perplexed.
"Davos, my son," Lei Kung begins, "You were meant for better things than this. The power was yours for the taking... if only you had been the one to relent."
"What... What do you mean?"
"Daniel Rand-K'ai has proven he has physical skill but also a balanced mind. He has shown humility today by surrendering a chance at power. It is a lesson I have been praying you would learn for years. This contest could have proven this. I'm sorry Davos,... but you have failed the test. Instead, this power will be bestowed to Daniel Rand-K'ai."
Davos' jaw drops. He shakes his head in disbelief. Danny is likewise shocked. The crowd kicks up again, gossiping, arguing, or otherwise, expressing their disbelief. Danny is unaware of what to do but Davos points an accusing finger at him.
"I CHALLENGE DANIEL RAND-K'AI TO A FIGHT TO THE DEATH!"
The crowd falls silent again. Lei Kung sadly places his hand over his brow. Davos turns to him, hoping for some trace of acceptance but receives none, so he searches the crowd but finds no sympathy. Danny looks away in embarrassment. Furious, he storms out of the arena leaving Danny standing alone.
