In the heart of Gotham City, where the shadows crept and crime lurked in every alley, the sun hung low in the sky, casting a dim golden glow over the urban landscape. It was a rare sight to see the city basked in such a soft light, even in this early evening. A time when darkness typically began to envelop the streets like a shroud. The air held a hint of warmth, a fleeting reprieve from the perpetual chill that usually wrapped itself around the metropolis. As the sun's rays danced along the towering spires and grimy rooftops, a sense of eerie calm settled over Gotham. The city felt almost peaceful, but beneath the facade of tranquility, a tension simmered, a palpable energy that crackled through the air like static before a storm.
Atop one of the city's buildings, a lone figure sat cross-legged in deep meditation. He was clad in a striking yellow and black ensemble, the long tails of his mask flowing sideways in the wind. The tips of his thumbs and index fingers touched, middle, ring and pinky fingers straight in the iconic meditative posture, his hands themselves wrapped in the cloth bindings of martial artist's style down to the forearm. The young man's form was a study of serenity amidst the urban chaos. He exuded an aura of focused tranquility, his every breath a testament to his mastery of mind and body.
His name was Danny Rand—better known as the Immortal Iron Fist.
In the center of his mind's eye, the city's ceaseless cacophony faded into the background, leaving only the rhythmic hum of his heartbeat and the distant echoes of the metropolis below.
He didn't much like coming to Gotham. The place looked and felt… dirty; the atmosphere oppressive. But the city held a small handful of brighter sparks that occasionally made the trip worth it. He sat patiently, waiting for the inevitable arrival of one.
Amid his meditation, a subtle noise caught Iron Fist's attention, drawing him out of his introspection; the fluttering of what sounded like cloth in the wind. Opening his eyes, Danny's lips curved into a knowing smile. Years later, even with the new levels of perception granted through Shou Lao's chi that his predecessor had taught him, he still couldn't sense this particular figure's approach; it was a bit vexing. He rose to his feet with fluid grace, the fabric of his outfit rippling as he moved, and turned to face the source of the sound.
There, standing with the stoic bearing of a dark avenger, was Batman himself, his iconic cape billowing around him like a mantle of shadows. The Caped Crusader regarded the younger hero, acknowledging the unspoken understanding that passed between them.
"Batman," Iron Fist greeted, his voice carrying a note of friendly respect.
Batman's steely gaze softened imperceptibly as he returned the nod. "Iron Fist," he responded in his characteristic gravelly tone.
The two heroes stood in silent acknowledgment. Each recognized in the other a kindred spirit. Two men born into luxury, each orphaned by a senseless act of greed and hatred. Two of the greatest martial artists the Earth had ever produced. Warriors of differing approaches and natures, but alike in their unwavering resolve and unyielding dedication to the cause of justice.
The corner of Danny's lip curled upwards. "Still can't feel a trace of you. Most people aren't able to do that with my little gifts."
A light breeze passed by the Dark Knight, his cape undulating. "I'm not most people," he said evenly. "You're a long way from home."
Danny snorted to himself. Always straight to business, this one. "I'm here to call in a small favor for that Mr. Freeze incident in Rhode Island. I was hoping to get your help with something."
The Bat raised an eyebrow, stern, but interested in the proposal. "What's the favor about?"
"I believe you're familiar with a person known as Lady Shiva?"
The white eyes of Batman's mask narrowed. There was a pause before he responded, slowly and measuredly. "I'm familiar."
"I wanted to get two things," Danny explained. "Something from where she grew up, wherever that may be, as well as her current whereabouts. I was sure you'd be the one to ask."
Batman stayed silent for another moment, considering. He could only fathom a few vague ideas of what the champion of K'un Lun could want with the deadliest woman in the world, and he didn't like any of them… but he didn't dismiss the request out of hand. "I can look into it." He was short and to the point. "What do you need from her youth?"
"Anything she would have enjoyed," Danny said. "I'd like to make a good first impression." The blonde snorted, his smirk growing. "The kind that will keep her fingertips away from my vital organs for at least a few minutes. An unwelcome guest is one thing. An unwelcome guest with the right gift just might get to walk back out."
Now Batman was genuinely curious, wondering why Danny would want a gift for someone as deadly and ruthless as Lady Shiva. "What exactly do you want with her?"
"To challenge her to a duel," Danny said matter-of-factly.
The Bat was speechless for several seconds, completely taken aback. He couldn't believe what he just heard. "You're joking. You want... to fight Lady Shiva?"
"Yeah, that's about the slice of it." Again, Iron Fist was painfully unbothered about it all.
Batman was silent for another moment, processing the information with his mouth slightly open. "Danny… you understand that Lady Shiva is the most skilled martial artist on this planet, right?" His voice was low, but stern with grim warning.
"That's what everyone keeps telling me." Danny was smiling; he looked amused. "Though, there's also my old buddy Shang-Chi, but that's probably beside the point. And what's this about a Richard someone...?"
"Richard Dragon," the Bat said bluntly, knowing exactly who his friend was talking about. He paused for a second to stop from shaking his head. "Let me guess, you want to fight him too?"
"Baby steps, Bats. Baby steps." Another small smile graced Danny's face. "So, think you could indulge me?"
Batman thought for a moment before sighing. "As long as you understand the risk. I can only help so much. The rest will be up to you." The Dark Knight hesitated a moment. "Just don't get yourself killed," he said with as much concern as he could muster. "Lady Shiva is not to be underestimated."
"I imagine so." Danny's head tilted slightly. "It's funny. From what I hear, you've won every time you've gone up against her boss. But you make it sound like she's the more dangerous one."
Batman's shoulders hunched. "She is." His grim voice was lower now; sharper. He strode forward, coming within a few feet of Danny, staring the Living Weapon deep in the eyes. "I've fought Ra's many times now. We're on equal footing. Same thing with Deathstroke and some others that I've gone against." He shook his head. "But not her."
Danny's smile spread a bit wider. "Be still, my heart."
Batman could see the subtle curling and uncurling of Danny's fingers, hear the shuffling of his feet against the ground. The younger man's emotions were clear: excitement. He'd almost forgotten that his fellow martial artist was a little obsessed when it came to fighting other powerful warriors. And it felt like that trait had gotten even more prominent in recent years.
The Dark Knight huffed, almost having the ghost of an amused smile. "Drop by the manor in a week. I'll have her location, and your gift." Batman turned and looked out at the surrounding city. "That's a tall order, Danny."
"Then we're even for the downtown iceberg thing," Iron Fist said back, walking past Batman to the edge of the roof. "Or, I'm sure I'll make it up to you somehow." Danny turned over his shoulder and lifted his hand for a quick wave. "I'll be seeing you. Wish me luck." He waved behind his back before taking a step forward and dropping down off the roof.
Bruce watched as Danny dropped down out of sight. He was silent for a moment, thinking about the interaction. He took a deep breath in and out, his body language tensing up before he spoke. "You'll need it."
Hey everyone! Super Saiyan D coming at you with a little something different. I got the inspiration for this within the past few months. Ever since getting clued in to Iron Fist from Death Battle a few years back, I've become kind of a fan. And I have to say my taste for his newest successor isn't all that great, just came across as a little too angsty. So I'm putting a few tales together for some adventures and misadventures. This will be an expanded where both Marvel and DC co-exist, as do a number of other franchises either have crossed over with over the years. Hope you all like it!
-SSD