AN: Special Thanks goes again to Story's Shadow. On another note of business I am having a small surgery next week and I have no timetable as to when the next update will be able to take place due to that, hopefully soon but we cannot make any promises. Unto the show.

-Avenger's Tower, The Next Day: Four Days Until The Tournament-

Iron Fist slowly stretched, relaxing himself.

Yuki stood at the side while Raiden was across from the kung fu hero. Iron Fist felt the most familiar and humbling of those present. Raiden saw much of Iron Fist in Liu Kang. That was a pleasant surprise, not that he disliked the others. But still, the young hero needed additional training. Raiden approached him.

"Now, Iron Fist. I was most impressed with your story, truly in awe that you were able to defeat a dragon in battle. I know humans like to boast that they've slain dragons, what is your perspective on this?" He asked.

Iron Fist sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"My battle against Shou-Lao was a battle of necessity not of seeking glory. Dragons are beings of great wisdom, honor, and power. They have gifted more than just me with they felt was deserving to people, human or other if my knowledge of dragon lore is true. Despite my sadness for having to battle the dragon for the Iron Fist, it is something I do my best to honor every day," he explained.

Raiden nodded.

"Your respect for the dragons is humbling, young man. So many humans I meet or encounter with their awareness or not disregard or disrespect dragons. But one must ask: if the legends of this dragon are true, if he is as powerful as the tales say they are to be...how did you win?" Raiden replied.

Iron Fist's eyes widened at this.

Raiden took up a Shaolin stance.

"Show me," he said.

Iron Fist charged.

-In the observation room-

The group looked at one another, some unsure.

"What does that mean? Danny kicked that dragon's tail!" Nova said.

"I've read your friend's file and the details S.H.I.E.L.D. was able to learn from him and stories that Kun-Lun was willing to share. Shou-Lao is an immensely powerful being, rumors that we heard said the dragon battled beings of great mystic and cosmic power and stood victorious. So one has to wonder: how could any person, human or not, defeat such a force of nature?" Black Widow explained.

Spidey's eyes widened.

(Yeah...should've known she'd say something like that.)

-Training room-

Iron Fist grunted, swinging a swift kick at Raiden. The god ducked under the strike. He then side stepped a jab aimed at his face, then another. The kung fu hero struggled with his thoughts as he attacked.

"I...I won it with honor. The demon Nightmare once challenged in me the dragon's form to make me believe I was unworthy of this gift. But with my friends, I overcame that fear," Iron Fist replied.

"Yes, but one has to wonder: the dragon is legendary in his might and you are a human being. How did you manage to defeat such an entity?" Raiden stated.

Iron Fist was quiet, contemplating, as he struck out swiftly with jabs and kicks. But Raiden dodged each strike with ease.

"Perhaps the dragon allows victory for those sent to face him, given that he could incinerate them within a heartbeat. Why is that?" Raiden continued.

Iron Fist's hands began to clench for several moments, stopping his assault.

"I faced him and defeated him, like I was trained to do...it was my destiny," he said.

"Perhaps so. But why? Why did the dragon allow you to win?" Raiden asked.

Iron Fist's fists clenched harder as they shook slightly. He was usually calm, but the god's words hit like one striking pressure points. Each statement and question attacking his understanding and beliefs.

Raiden eyed him carefully, seeing the anger under the surface.

"You are angry," he stated.

Iron Fist didn't say anything for several moments, but charged again. He struck with a kick aimed at Raiden's right hip. But the god slide beside it, blocking each punch and kick thrown at him.

Iron Fist started to throw another punch but stopped.

-In the observation room-

Nova's eyes were wide.

"What is he doing?! Attack him!" He shouted.

White Tiger hit him with her elbow, shushing him.

-Training room-

"I...yes...I was...I...I am," Iron Fist finally said.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.

"I've always wondered, at least subconsciously...how was I able to defeat him? Yes, Shou-Lao is without a doubt one of the most powerful beings on Earth. Dragons are mighty indeed, and the dragon of Kun-Lun is more than just that. I am a simple human, I faced the great dragon and won...when I believed I would perish...I still don't understand...at least, I think I don't," Iron Fist replied.

Raiden remained silent.

"But...But I fought with all I had, to fulfill my destiny...but to honor my family and my new home...to prove I was worthy of the Iron Fist. The dragon most likely or perhaps indeed let me win, let all past Iron Fists, and will let, all following Iron Fists, win. But we fought...and I believe I proved myself to him and he sacrificed himself for another cycle in his reincarnation. And it is my honor to wield his power and to fight for not only my home's behalf, but also for Shou-Lao's as well," Iron Fist affirmed, standing strong.

Raiden smiled and nodded.

"The dragon sensed the goodness of your spirit. Regardless of whether or not he let you win, he saw in you the purpose and goodness within you to earn his power. With that, you honor his spirit and his legacy. You have done well, Iron Fist. There is more to do, but it is good to see such honor and wisdom within you," Raiden proclaimed.

The two bowed to one another.

To Be Continued...