| For other uses, see Iron Fist (disambiguation) |
| For alternate versions of Iron Fist, see Iron Fist's Character Hub |
- "I'm still trying to figure out who I'm gonna be as the Iron Fist. Lei Kung taught me that I was a powerful weapon... a flame meant to destroy our enemies. But I keep thinking that... maybe I can be something else. A light... for those trapped in the darkness."
- ―Danny Rand to Colleen Wing[src]
Daniel Thomas "Danny" Rand is the son of Wendell Rand, the CEO of Rand Enterprises, and his wife Heather. Rand lost his parents in a plane crash which resulted with the young Rand being rescued by monks and taken to K'un-Lun where he trained and eventually took the title of the Iron Fist. Rand returned to New York City to claim back his name and soon fell into conflict with the Hand when he had learned that Madame Gao was using his company to sell the Steel Serpent around the world. Rand challenged Gao and soon joined forces with Harold Meachum and Bakuto. However, Meachum and Bakuto turned against Rand, while intending to use the power of the Iron Fist for their own purposes, forcing Rand to defeat them both. Thinking that he had fulfilled his mission to defeat the Hand, Rand returned to K'un-Lun with Colleen Wing, only to discover that the gate to the city had closed while he was gone.
Searching the globe with Wing for any new leads to the Hand, Rand's one lead was assassinated by Elektra, prompting him to return to New York, where he was introduced to Luke Cage by Claire Temple. Together, along with the assistance of the vigilantes Daredevil and Jessica Jones, Rand soon fulfilled his prophecy to finally destroy the Hand, saving New York while apparently losing Daredevil in the process. Honoring his ally's final wish, Rand decided to continue protecting New York as a vigilante. Rand then teamed up with Cage in order to put an end to Bushmaster and his criminal actions within Harlem, as Rand then assisted Cage not only as a warrior, but also as a mentor in order to help Cage become a superior hero.
While he continued to use his powers to protect New York City, Rand was eventually reunited with Davos, who sought his revenge against Rand for abandoning K'un-Lun and leaving it to be destroyed. With the aid of both Joy Meachum and Mary Walker, Davos kidnapped Rand and performed a ceremony to steal the power of the Iron Fist from him, before also crippling Rand. With help from Colleen Wing and Misty Knight, Rand regained his strength and went to stop Davos from continuing his murderous rampage through Chinatown as he slaughtered the members of Yangsi Gonshi and Golden Tigers, eventually deciding that Wing should take over the power of the Iron Fist instead. Upon defeating Davos and giving the Iron Fist over to Wing, Rand left New York with Ward Meachum to investigate Orson Randall, while regaining the power of the Iron Fist.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Privileged Upbringing[]
- "When you were a kid, where did you go to school?
"Down the hall to our library. I was homeschooled. My mom taught me." - ―Paul Edmonds and Danny Rand[src]
Born to Wendell and Heather Rand, Danny Rand had lived a comfortable life with his family within New York City. He was homeschooled as a child and had several different teachers, along with his mother. His father was close friends with Harold Meachum, who several years earlier he had partnered with to create Rand Enterprises, which had allowed the Rands and Meachums to amass a huge fortune over the years, and due to the friendship of their parents, Rands and the Meachums often spent time together.[1] While walking with his mother, Rand tried to pull away as she attempted to hold his hand, unaware that Madame Gao was observing them.[8]
Friendship with the Meachums[]
- "You used to lock me in the freezer at the Rand cafeteria. At one of the company picnics you put a dead frog in my sandwich. You would kick me in the balls every chance you had. This sound familiar?"
- ―Danny Rand to Ward Meachum[src]
Rand and his family at a holiday vacation
During his childhood, Rand had spent most of his time interacting and playing with Harold Meachum's two children, Joy and Ward, although Rand was often tormented by Ward who would lock him in freezers, put dead frogs in his food and kick him in the testicles. Despite Ward's frequent bullying, Rand still looked up to Ward like an older brother.[1]
Rand being bullied by Ward Meachum
When Rand Enterprises needed a new commercial, Rand was convinced to take part when his father promised to take him to the circus in Madison Square Garden afterwards as he sat next to his Heather and Joy, as Rand had admired the acrobats.[3] The Rands and Meachums had often went on traveling together while also doing commercials. Rand also befriended Jeri Hogarth while she worked as an intern at Rand Enterprises. He affectionately nicknamed her J-Money when she bribed five dollars to convince Rand not to tell her boss after she cursed Margaret.[9]
Becoming Iron Fist[]
Plane Crash[]
.png){kind=link}
Rand is involved in a terrifying plane crash
Rand was traveling with his mother and father on a Rand Enterprises business trip towards Anzhou. During their flight, however, they then became involved in a plane crash in the Himalayas. As their pilots were unconscious and the plane began to fall apart, Rand was struck in the head by a piece of the plane. Rand's mother went to his aid, checking that he was okay; however, just as she did, the roof of the plane was ripped off and she was sucked outside, seemingly falling to her death in the mountains while the horrified Rand could now only watch helplessly and scream out for his mother.
.png){kind=link}
Rand surviving the horrific plane crash
As the plane neared the ground, Wendell told him that he loved him before they Crash Landed. Miraculously, Rand had survived the crash that killed both his parents. As he crawled across the freezing landscape he found both the pilots who had some strange markings on their necks before finding his father's body. Rand was unable to locate his mother and, while he stayed by Wendell's side, he was found by Chodak and Tashi who took him to K'un-Lun, in order to save him from freezing to death while trapped in the snow.[3]
Trained as a Warrior[]
Rand is beaten by the Monks of K'un-Lun
- "All day, every day. When we weren't training, it was fighting, sparring. Every moment was a struggle. Failure led to a beating. Victory led to the next fighting style, the next lesson."
- ―Danny Rand to Joy Meachum[src]
In the years to come, Rand would experience strict and harsh conditions while he had lived with all the monks of the Order of the Crane Mother, sleeping on a dirty mat and traveling a mile uphill to get daily rations of water each morning, although he soon became accustomed to the environment despite the vast difference compared to his life in New York City. He would then train and spar with other students of K'un-Lun, during which any failures to fight led to beatings by his masters to teach him endurance, while his victories would then earn him being taught the next fighting styles.
Rand befriending another student, Davos
While training under the watchful eye of Lei Kung who adopted him, Rand excelled with his studies and soon became a skilled warrior, while mastering every fighting style taught to him.[10] Rand also became close friends with Davos, as they shared experiences growing up in the harsh environment of K'un-Lun. While Davos took care of Rand while he got used to the cold air, Rand showed off skills of his own which he had learned from New York City, including making paper airplanes which amazed Davos.[4] Rand and Davos would sometimes sneak away to eat a donkey rather than the vegetables they grew.[5]
Rand playing some more games with Davos
While inside their room, Rand and Davos had amused themselves by playing their game of noughts and crosses which Rand had learned while growing up in the United States of America, Davos once again lost and complained that it was a stupid game, as Rand bet Davos that if he won again then Davos would have to do all of his knuckle pushups for him, which Davos had simply refused to bet on, claiming that Rand was so skinny that he needed to do more pushups rather than him. Rand, however, noted how Kung taught them that having a sharp mind could be better than the sharpest of swords.
Rand discusses being the Immortal Iron Fist
The friends then discussed the Iron Fist and the teachings of Kung and Yü-Ti, as Davos had noted that the Iron Fist must strike without mercy or hesitation, claiming that the Iron Fist not only guarded the pass to K'un-Lun but also killed them against all of their enemies. When Rand questioned if he would actually be able to kill, Davos had insisted that once he was the Iron Fist, he would then hunt down and destroy their enemies, which included the Hand. When Rand then questioned if Davos would be willing to kill him if he joined the Hand, Davos had claimed he would not as they were still brothers.
They were then interrupted by Priya, who insisted that if Rand joined the Hand then Davos must kill him without a second thought if Davos wanted to be a true warrior for the Order of the Crane Mother, while then also telling Rand that he would actually never be granted their permission to undergo the Trial of Shou-Lao due to his compassion which she claimed was deficiency of character and would not make him a true warrior of K'un-Lun. Priya then whipped Davos' hands for speaking out of turn, making Davos recite what made him worthy of becoming the Iron Fist while Rand watched on from the side.
Rand grows up to become a skilled warrior
Rand and Davos continued to share many experiences together such as stealing wine from Kuo and replacing it with water[11] as well as stealing apples from Q'uon[6] or stealing Kuo's cart to go and peek at some of the village girls, only to find Kung bathing in the nude.[12] Rand's years of training under the guidance of Kung and the Order of the Crane Master eventually allowed him to become one of the most skilled and respected warriors in K'un-Lun. However, Rand often meditated in the snowy mountains, thinking of his mother and how he would finally return to New York someday.[13]
Duel of K'un-Lun[]
Rand preparing himself to challenge Davos
During Rand's time as a student in K'un-Lun, he eventually learned of the position of the Iron Fist, a title of considerable power and great importance throughout the realm, passed down through generals of the Order of the Crane Mother and tasked with protecting K'un-Lun from their sworn enemies, the Hand. Rand grew ambitious and set out to prove himself a worthy enough warrior of gaining the power of the Iron Fist, competing with several other students, including Davos, onto reach his goal of gaining this power. Despite many of the monks there believing that Rand being an outsider made him incapable of earning the title, Rand's determination grew further.[10]
.jpg){kind=link}
Rand and Davos fight against each other
Years later, both Rand and Davos were ready for the trials to confront Shou-Lao and become the Iron Fist. Rand competed against many of his fellow students until only he and Davos were the only candidates left. Sitting down with Davos, Rand's final trial took place at a temple of K'un-Lun and was witnessed by Lei Kung, Yü-Ti, Priya and other masters, settling a ritual of bringing down ropes that tie each other up. Donning the Iron Fist masks, Rand and Davos were told that if they were only allowed to leave until the opponent yields or dies.
Rand defeats Davos in the Duel of K'un-Lun
Once the fight had settled, Rand and Davos fought for hours in the temple halls; however, both were equally matched, and both received heavy injuries. Davos managed to gain the upper hand when Rand found himself unable to hit his friend when Davos took off his mask. Despite seemingly on the losing side, Rand stubbornly refused to give up and Davos hesitated to deliver the killing blow and pleaded for Rand to yield. Eventually, Rand led Davos into the light of the dawning sun to blind him and gained the upper hand.
With multiple blows towards Davos, Rand ended the stalemate with a resounding blow to the face, having Davos to land on the ground, seeing his friend lay wasted on the floor, he took an opportunity to pin him down so that he won't back down. As Rand held Davos to the floor, Rand demanded him to yield, only to get silence in response, ready to give the final punch, Lei Kung ruled Rand as the victor, much to his shock, he let go of Davos and continued off on his path. Exhausted and injured, Rand left as the victor and prepared to face Shou-Lao the Undying.[2]
Trial of Shou-Lao[]
Rand prepares to battle against Shou-Lao
Eventually, Rand was given the opportunity to gain the power of the Iron Fist, being then sent to battle Shou-Lao which had lived within a Cave outside the city. It ferociously guarded a brazier containing its heart, which had mystically been removed from its body. In their battle, Rand grabbed the serpent's body, which bore the scar that imprinted itself upon Rand's chest.
Rand finally gains the Power of the Iron Fist
Rand plunged his hands into the now unguarded brazier containing Shou-Lao's molten heart when his hands had shone with a quasi-mystical force and he finally earned the title Iron Fist.[14] With his trial succeeded, Rand had gained his power and the Mark of Shou-Lao onto his chest before he was left unconscious outside the cave. Laying down near the cave where fought Shou-Lao, Rand was eventually found by Davos who woke him up, as Rand then used his new Chi power to summon his Iron Fist.
Iron Fist is helped onto his feet by Davos
Still confused and disoriented, Rand looked at his new power, lighting up with his fist on command when he awoke from his slumber, while Davos helped him onto his feet, telling him that the rest of the people of K'un-Lun is now in need to know that Rand completed his trail and is now the carrying the power of the Iron Fist. Rand told his friend that the trial was not what he thought it was, while Davos told Rand that it wasn't what any of them thought. Davos reminded Rand that he has a duty now, and Davos promised Rand that he would be by his side, as it was what they promised each other from training to guard the city of K'un-Lun.[7]
Returning to K'un-Lun, Rand entered a temple in the city and was recovered back to normal stability as he felt completely in pain and was carried by Davos when he defeated Shou-Lao from his encounter with him, feeling exhausted, he decided to lay down and rest along the hallways so that he could breathe and take a moment to look upon his profound powers. Laying down on the ground, Rand channels his chi with his fist to look at his power, demonstrating to Davos, as they both looked at it with amazement that Rand had succeeded and become K'un-Lun's Immortal Weapon.[4]
Longing for Home[]
Iron Fist stands guard outside of K'un-Lun
Having finally become Iron Fist, Rand spent his time watching and guarding over the pass to K'un-Lun alongside Davos in case of an attack by the Hand. As much as Rand tried to uphold his duties, part of him felt unsatisfied and empty as gaining the power of the Iron Fist did nothing to solve his problems. Davos tried to reassure him that at least he knew what the rest of his life was meant to be, although Davos' reassurance did nothing to solve Rand's inner struggle. Rand had begun to look and wait for a sign to his questions.[7]
Rand sees the way out of K'un-Lun is open
One day while he guarded the gate, Rand then spotted a hawk flying further and further away and realized that the passage to K'un-Lun was finally open once again for the first time since his Plane Crash. Taking this hawk as the sign had showed him a path and wanting to desperately return home to New York City and get the answers to his questions, Rand made the choice to leave K'un-Lun behind. On the journey back to the United States of America, Rand used his martial arts skills to fight in illegal fight clubs to earn money and eventually stole John Anderson's passport in Morocco to get back into America.[3]
Returning Home[]
Rejected by Friends[]
Rand seeing the Rand Enterprises Building
- "What? No, no, I guess I need to talk to you, then."
"What you need is to get out of my office."
"Look, uh, it's me. Seriously. Why don't we just all walk over to the Stage Deli? We can have a cup of tea." - ―Danny Rand and Ward Meachum[src]
Having finally left K'un-Lun behind him, Rand had then returned all the way back to his own original home of New York City still barefoot, delighting at being home at long last while he looked at some of the new technology that was in shop windows. Having ventured a while through the streets while still listening to Outkast on his IPod Classic, Rand eventually found the Rand Enterprises Building and looked upon its great height. Smiling, Rand informed a peanut vendor that the building belonged to him; however, the vendor did not believe Rand was telling the truth due to his lack of shoes.
Rand tells the desk manager about himself
Upon entering the building and looking around the reception for the first time in over a decade when he had ridden his skateboard down the hallways, Rand went straight over to the female receptionist, commenting that June obviously no longer worked there. Rand then enthusiastically asked to meet with Harold Meachum so he could explain where he had been for so long. As the receptionist looked confused, Rand then introduced himself as Danny Rand, the son of Wendell Rand, much to the disbelief of the receptionist who claimed that meeting with Meachum would be impossible.
Rand taking a long look around the building
Being promised this would happen soon, Rand walked around and found a new high tech screen which gave the history of Rand Enterprises, which Rand took great delight in watching as it showed the history of work his father and Meachum had done together. Much to Rand's displeasure, the security arrived and escorted him out the building, believing Rand to be nothing more than a crazy homeless man who was attempting to gain access to the building, shutting the door behind him despite Rand insisting that he did belong, and they should call Meachum in order to finally confirm this fact.
Rand subduing the security guards by force
Refusing to take no for an answer, Rand reentered the building only to be stopped once again by the building's security who insisted that he leave. Telling them that he only wished to speak with Meachum, Rand was then forced to use his own martial arts to fight past them, having little trouble despite the security being armed with batons as Rand was able to trip them up without causing them any other real physical harm as he then made his way through the doors while more security guards, including Shannon, came and had failed to stop him, before Rand got into the elevator and had then gone upstairs.
Rand reunites with Joy and Ward Meachum
While in the lift, Rand sneakily used another employee's keycard to gain access to the top floor. Ignoring Megan's attempts to stop him, Rand then succeeded in reaching the office floor and entered Meachum's office, only to find Ward Meachum was sitting in his father's former office. While Rand and Ward questioned who the other was, Rand reunited with Joy Meachum who he enthusiastically greeted although they were untrusting of Rand who they did not recognize. As Ward prepared to call security, Rand insisted he was telling the truth, while requesting to speak with their father.
Rand attempting to explain who he really is
The siblings refused to believe that he was Rand without any proof, noting how all the Rands had been killed in the Air Crash fifteen years earlier. They then informed him that their father Harold had passed away from cancer sixteen years earlier and demanded that he leave, as Ward continued trying to get through to security. As Joy tried to get Rand out of the office, Rand still tried to insist he was being honest, suggesting they go to the Stage Deli and talk things through so he could explain, although Rand nearly came to blows with Ward when the latter furiously threatened and insulted him.
Rand is escorted out of the Rand building
When Joy once again told him to leave, Rand had briefly lost his temper with the situation before he apologized, resulting in Ward stepping between Rand and his sister and informing him that this would be his final chance to get out of his office. As security finally arrived on their floor and held him at gunpoint, Rand was forced to leave, despite insisting he was not dangerous. As Joy considered calling the New York City Police Department, Ward suggested they not and instead personally threatened Rand to stay away, before Rand was taken out of the building, which he reluctantly did.[1]
Reconnecting with New York[]
Rand revisiting his own former residence
Having left the Rand Enterprises Building, Rand had then instead returned to his old home that is now a private residence of the Meachums, finding an old craving he and his mother and father had previously done on the concrete. Wishing to take a look around his former home, Rand first rang the doorbell but then, when he got no answer, instead resorted to first trying to find a key before he then climbed up the side of the building with considerable ease and broke in without being seen by anyone due to his speed.
Rand meditates before Joy Meachum's dog
While he was quietly exploring the house, Rand had also found a photograph of both Ward and Joy Meachum at a party together. Despite being as quiet as possible as he continued exploring, Rand eventually encountered Joy's pet dog, Toro, who was attempting to protect his master's home from the intruder. Remaining completely calm, Rand had still managed to keep Toro from attacking him by quietly bending down to Toro's level before calmly using his Chi to sedate the pet before locking it inside Joy's study where he would not be able to raise the alarm about Rand having broken in.
Rand reliving his memories of the house
Rand then found a photograph of himself with the Meachum family on holiday together when they were young, with Harold Meachum included in the picture. When he reached the roof of the residence, Rand had briefly reminisced a memory in his youth when he played board games with Joy and Ward, seeing how Ward was not very kind towards him, insulting Rand's own relationship with his parents while also blaming him for making a mess which Ward had actually been responsible for. Rand then eventually left the residence when Joy had returned, ensuring that he made no noise on his way out.
Rand being introduced to Big Al in the park
With no money currently on him, Rand was forced to take refuge for the night in Central Park where he was greeted by a homeless man named Big Al, who mistook Rand for another homeless man due to his lack of shoes and had noted that he had not seen Rand around in New York City before, to which Rand noted that he had been away for quite some time. During their chat, Al had mistaken Rand's iPod Classic for something he had stolen, noting that he had managed to steal an iPhone off somebody and used it to find his sister in Florida, offering that he could look somebody up if Rand wanted.
Rand starts to learn what he had missed
Rand asked Al to use the internet to research himself, learning from a report from the New York Bulletin that officially he had died with his family during the Air Crash fifteen years earlier. Rand then learned from him about Harold Meachum's passing due to cancer, with Al noting that Meachum had a big funeral which even their major had attended. Big Al then offered a few advice on where to get shoes and food, believing Rand to also be homeless, as Rand noted that they were similar people with their desire to help people before Rand had then gone back to sleep for the night outside in the open air.[1]
Speaking to Joy Meachum[]
Rand attempting to speak to Joy Meachum
- "Joy, come on. Hey, look, it's We used to be friends. It's me. Daniel Thomas Rand. Born April 1st, right here in Manhattan. We were on the same soccer team. The Bombers. I played the goalie."
"Anyone could look that stuff up online." - ―Danny Rand and Joy Meachum[src]
The next morning, Rand went back to former home once again in order to encounter Joy Meachum and try once more to convince her that he was telling the truth about who he was. However, once again, she had refused to believe that he was her old friend Rand and was mortified that he had discovered where she lived. Despite Rand promising he would not harm Joy, she still called for her security, promising that if he touched her then she would have him arrested by the New York City Police Department and sent to jail for harassment, promising him the maximum penalty.
Rand being rejected again by Joy Meachum
Rand tried to convince Joy by stating facts about himself, including how they both grew up together in New York City and had played football together, where Rand had acted as their goalie, although Joy insisted that he could have looked this information up online, much to Rand's great frustration. Rand desperately pointed to the fact that Joy was now living in his former home, to which Joy then answered that it was now her home. Joy was further displeased when Rand inadvertently told her about his recent break-in to her home by noting how scary Toro was, which had utterly horrified Joy.
Rand after leaping right over a passing taxi
Knowing that talking to her further was meaningless and seeing that her car was just coming around the corner with her armed security team, Rand started to leave while he considered how he would next attempt to convince them that he was telling the truth about his own identity. However, as Rand stepped out into the road, a taxi come out and was about to hit him; but Rand proceeded to use his Chi energy and instead had effortlessly jumped over the car and evaded it, much to Joy's stunned surprise before Rand then took off running before he could then be arrested for once again harassing Joy.[1]
Meeting Colleen Wing[]
Rand meditating alone within Central Park
- "I was just wondering if maybe I could get a job with you."
"I've already got someone who cleans up." - ―Danny Rand and Colleen Wing[src]
Following his disappointing efforts to reconnect with his former life and get the help of Ward and Joy Meachum, Rand had then begun meditating in Central Park in order to restore his Chi and find his own inner peace so that he could eventually continue trying to prove his name without losing his temper yet again. While he had performed his martial arts in order to relax his mind and body, Colleen Wing handed Rand some change in a cup, having once again been mistaken for being homeless.
Rand introduces himself to Colleen Wing
Looking to see who had given him the money which he did not want or need, Rand then spoke with Wing, while she was putting adverts on a wall. Rand tried to give the money back by noting that he had not actually been busking, but Wing insisted that he keep it as she continued putting up her posters and trying to ignore Rand while he had continued trying to speak with her. Rand then watched as Wing continued putting up ads for the Chikara Dojo which she ran, noting that her ads were for self-defense and martial arts classes which she taught.
Rand asking Colleen Wing to give him a job
Intrigued, Rand then took notice of Wing's surname and spoke with her in Mandarin for a moment, which had impressed Wing until she stopped him as she then noted she had not spoken that language since she was a child. Apologizing, Rand had then asked if he could get a job at her dojo, intending to get a job teaching kung-fu classes; however, Wing declined the offer as she believed he had only wanted a job cleaning up and she explained that she actually already had an employee to do this. Before Rand could correct Wing on what he had meant, Wing said her goodbyes and then walked away.[1]
Threatening Ward Meachum[]
Rand getting inside of Ward Meachum's car
- "Who said anything about money?"
"Then what do you want?"
"I want answers. I want to know what happened. To me, to my parents, to the company that has my name on it!" - ―Danny Rand and Ward Meachum[src]
Taking to desperate measures, Rand had located Ward Meachum at a parking lot of the Rand Enterprises Building and had proceeded to enter his old friend's car, insisting that he was only trying to talk to him and this was the only way that he could think of to get his intention. Rand managed to force Ward to enter the car by driving it, noting that he had not driven since his father had taught him when he was a child. As they continued driving, Ward had demanded that Rand to stop and when he did not comply, he pulled a gun and once again insisted that he pull over the car.
Rand's life is threatened by Ward Meachum
While Rand still tried to get Ward to talk to him, Ward informed him that he could talk only with the New York City Police Department as Rand finally stopped the car. Increasingly frustrated by the anger and hostility that he has been receiving from his former friends since arriving back in New York City, Rand asked for Ward to put the gun away. When he replied by cocking his gun, Rand disarmed him with ease and briefly aimed the gun directly at Ward's head before then discarding it, while becoming increasingly annoyed that Ward would threaten his life rather than hear what he had to say.
Rand furiously drives Ward Meachum's car
Ward asked about what he wanted as Rand had explained that he wanted answers about what happened to him, his parents and to Rand Enterprises. Ward simply retold the Air Crash, still insisting that he was not Danny Rand and that he could have no proof of identity as Rand had no living relatives and could not give a fingerprint scan as he did not do one before disappearing. Despite Rand's attempt to convince Ward by mentioning their past together, he still remained unconvinced by anything that Rand was saying and insulted Rand by speculating what it was like inside of his crazy head.
Rand choses to run from Ward Meachum
Angered and frustrated, Rand started driving the car at high speed in the parking lot, comparing the intensity of the situation to watching his mother die and knowing that he and his father would be next. In his anger, he nearly drove the car off the building and managed to stop in time when Ward finally called him by his name, causing Rand to crash safely into the barriers. Distraught about his actions, Rand distressingly apologized and started moving out of the car. Before leaving, Ward grabbed him by the arm and warned him that this was not over, although Rand agreed with that statement.
Rand is reunited with Big Al in Central Park
Returning to Central Park, Rand was joined by Big Al who gave Rand a sandwich from an Italian Deli. They talked for a while about how society had gone wrong over the centuries as Big Al asserted to Rand that he stayed true to his purpose as a hunter-gatherer. Rand cited a quote from Buddha about how one's purpose in life was to find it, to which Big Al asked what Rand's purpose was. Rand then responded that his true purpose was to protect K'un-Lun from all oppression and to honor the sacrifice of Shou-Lao the Undying. Big Al then simply responded that Rand should still have fun.[1]
Attack on Danny Rand[]
Rand greets Colleen Wing at Chikara Dojo
- "Who sent you?! Who sent you?!"
"Ward Meachum!" - ―Danny Rand and Shannon[src]
Rand headed over to the Chikara Dojo to find Colleen Wing as she was finishing her lesson. Once her students left, Rand greeted Wing again who questioned if he was there for a lesson, as Rand offered her the two dollars back and questioned what he could get for that, to which Wing suggested he get a coffee. Unsure of his intentions, Wing tried to get Rand to leave, but he said that he wished to challenge the dojo's master much to Wing's great confusion. She refused the challenge and continued trying to get Rand to leave by explaining she was closed.
Rand asks Colleen Wing for a job once more
Rand tried to advise Wing that she should begin to teach Kung-Fu in order to get more students into the Dojo, although Wing insisted that she did not want the hassle, but Rand suggested that he could teach some classes for her, noting that this is what he had meant when he had previously asked for a job. Wing questioned where Rand had trained, to which he answered K'un-Lun. When Wing then asked Rand where she could find K'un-Lun, Rand had refused to tell her, noting that she would not actually be able to get to K'un-Lun from New York City, which finally got onto Wing's nerves.
Rand is calmly threatened by Colleen Wing
Irritated and not believing what he was saying, Wing sternly asked Rand to leave, placing her wooden practice sword to his neck and when Rand pointed out that it did not even have an edge, Wing noted that he did not want to know how much it would hurt when she hit him across the face with it, to which Rand noted that Master Lei Kung had already demonstrated this to him on multiple occasions. Finally taking the hint, Rand apologized to Wing for any inconvenience and headed for the exit: However, as Wing felt sympathetic to Rand, she still gave him a pair of shoes to wear.
Rand defending himself from an ambush
Outside the dojo, Rand sat down to put his new shoes on but was soon attacked by Shannon who was armed with a bayonet; however, Rand quickly retaliated and had soon managed to force the man on the ground with considerable ease. Recognizing Shannon as the security guard from Rand Enterprises who he encountered earlier when he arrived in the Main Building, Rand then witnessed Shannon pull out his gun and try to kill him to which Rand quickly disarmed him. When he had realized the man was not alone and that they were armed with their own guns, Rand quickly ran away for his life.
Rand is forced into running to save his life
Managing to avoid the gunshots fired at him, Rand then managed to get over a high wall in an effortless leap, as Rand managed to get away from his attackers for a brief time but knew that they were still attempting to locate him. When one of Shannon's men also got over the high wall, Rand came back and knocked him to the ground with a well-placed kick, before taking his gun and removing the bullets and throwing it away. As he continued to run for his life, Rand was unaware that Wing had also come to his aid and had witnessed his skills before watching him disappear into the crowds.
Rand hides his face underneath a mask
Running into New York City, Rand had then come across the Chinese New Year Parade going on in the middle of Chinatown, which Rand used to his advantage as he blended into the crowd and used Wing's two dollars to buy a mask to hide his face. Knowing that he could still be spotted due to his clothing, Rand remained on high alert and soon spotted Shannon within the crowd still searching for him. As another one of Shannon's men almost located him, Rand used all his martial arts skills to evade detection by quietly spinning around him and then disappearing back into the crowd, which left the man confused.
Rand gaining the edge over his attackers
Getting to a high advantage point, Rand managed to drop down behind one of Shannon's men and attacked him, using the chaos of the Parade and the loud music to hide the attack. Knocking him into a building, Rand had no issue with subduing the man who he had taken completely off guard with his speed, knocking him unconscious before taking his gun away, removing all of the bullets and throwing it away. Having taken down his pursuers, Rand had then continued blending into the crowd and became determined to find out who it was who was currently attempting to have him assassinated.
Rand finally manages to subdue Shannon
With only Shannon left hunting him down, Rand continued walking throughout the crowds of people until he felt Shannon's gun being pressed against his back. Reacting with incredible speed, Rand then threw away Shannon's gun and punched him multiple times in quick succession, dazing Shannon. Throwing him down a flight of stairs, Rand interrogated Shannon by twisting his arm backwards and had eventually learned that it was Ward Meachum had sent them with the intention of killing Rand in order to gain his silence. Having learned this, Rand knocked Shannon unconscious and made his escape.
Rand finds Big Al lying dead in Central Park
Returning to Central Park having escaped from hostiles, Rand looked for the one person who had actually been kind to him since returning to New York City. However, finding his tent was now empty, Rand had then eventually found Big Al lying near a tree, lifeless having overdosed on drugs as Rand pulled the heroin needle out of Big Al's arm. Rand briefly mourned his new friend and said a few passing words in tribute which he had learned during his time in K'un-Lun. Before leaving his friend's body behind, Rand had then noticed a Raven tattoo which was on the Big Al's arm.[1]
Tricked by the Meachums[]
Rand greets Joy Meachum inside her office
- "It's all kind of crazy. I don't even know where to start."
"Well, why don't you just start at the beginning?"
"We were in our jet. Flying over the Himalayas. Then things started to go bad. Okay. We were, uh... We were flying too low. And the plane, it started to come apart and..." - ―Danny Rand and Joy Meachum[src]
Seeking answers about why he had been attacked the night before, Rand returned to the Rand Enterprises Building, sneaking past the guards and heading downstairs to take a different way upstairs which he remembered from his youth growing up in the building. Rand waited until Joy Meachum had returned to the office and was horrified to find Rand waiting for her, when she questioned how he got in, Rand answered that the building was like a second home to him.
Rand has a cup of tea with Joy Meachum
Rand informed Joy that Ward Meachum had attempted to have him killed the night before, which Joy refused to believe, and asked if she was ready to talk and Joy finally agreed, although she still warned that she had mace in her purse and could press a single button and have a guard inside the room immediately, to which Rand had again promised that he would not do anything to harm her. Joy poured a cup of tea for Rand and they started talking as Rand explained how he was attacked by Shannon and two more men armed with guns, but Joy had still remained highly skeptical of this concept.
Rand beginning to explain what happened
Joy suggested that even if Rand was telling the truth that the attack had taken place, then maybe Shannon had done this himself without following anybody else's orders. She then noted how Ward was a man who saw the world in facts or lies, while she was a little more open minded, noting that Rand looked like the person he said he was, despite Danny Rand dying in a Plane Crash, suggesting there was a hint that he could possibly be telling the truth. Joy then began calling Rand by Danny and offered to answer his questions as best she could, noting she also had a lot of questions for him.
Rand is drugged by Ward and Joy Meachum
Drinking the tea, Rand then started explaining what had happened the day of the plane crash, recalling witnessing his mother's death before the plane crashed and his father was also killed upon impact. Just as he was telling the story, however, Rand realized he was losing focus and figured out that Joy has drugged his tea. Rand collapsed onto the floor as Joy and Ward looked down at him as they prepared to have him committed for trespassing and harassment of them, and Rand briefly hallucinated the time when Chodak and Tashi had found him in the snowy mountains shortly following the plane crash.[1]
Institutionalized[]
Detained for Seventy Two Hours[]
Rand awakens at Birch Psychiatric Hospital
- "I was trying to focus my Chi so I could get myself out of here."
"How did it work?"
"It didn't. It's the drugs. You need to let me out of here."
"Well, it's either here or jail." - ―Danny Rand and Paul Edmonds[src]
When Rand finally awoke, he had found himself tied to a bed and Simon watching over him. Upon asking about his current location, it was revealed that he was at Birch Psychiatric Hospital, as Rand insisted that he should not be there and discovered he was tied to the bed, as Simon refused to untie him since he heard Rand could put up a fight, although Rand had promised him that he was not actually dangerous, although Simon refused to accept this.
Rand watching Simon trying to stab him
As Rand insisted that he needed to get out, Simon attempted to reassure him, claiming that he understood that it must be confusing to wake up in such a strange location, promising that they could help them. Standing over him, Simon, who was actually a patient there acting as an orderly, grew disturbed and insisted that Rand needed to kill himself in order to gain any help, holding a fork at Rand's throat. Before anything could happen, the staff members, including Joe and Smith arrived to take Simon away. Rand was given drugs and had then quietly drifted off into unconsciousness.
Rand is introduced to Doctor Paul Edmonds
While Rand was meditating in his room, later on, he had gained some peace by recalling being back within K'un-Lun and meditating on top of the mountains, until he had then become disturbed by recalling the details of his Plane Crash and then awoke to find Paul Edmonds was currently sitting beside him. When he asked if he woke him up, Rand explained that he was trying to recharge his Chi to get out of there, noting that the drugs were stopping him from gaining his full abilities. Rand again requested that his straps be removed, and Edmonds had agreed once Rand had promised that he would behave himself.
Rand explaining the Himalayan Plane Crash
Having removed just one of the restraints, Edmonds asked for his name, to which Rand insisted that he was Danny Rand, as Edmonds compared the name to the rich child who died in the plane crash, not believing Rand was telling the truth. Although Rand insisted he was being honest, the doctor did not believe him, asking him to tell him more details, as Rand explained in great detail how after his mother and father had been killed, he then awoke in the snow until he was found by Chodak and Tashi, the monks from the Order of the Crane Mother who had then managed to save his life.
Rand quickly dismisses faking his identity
Changing the subject, Edmonds then asked Rand about John Anderson, as he showed Rand a passport with Rand's photo on it with Anderson's name. The doctor explained that he was John Anderson of Toronto from Canada, although Rand denied any knowledge about the passport, though he was actually lying and had stolen the passport from Morocco to get back into the United States of America. The doctor explained that if Rand wanted to get out of the hospital, he needed to start being honest before leaving him tied down and still furiously struggling to break himself free.[3]
Birch Hospital Tour[]
- "I'm not crazy, okay? They drugged me. They brought me here against my will. You saw me being attacked."
- ―Danny Rand to Colleen Wing[src]
Having finally been released from his bed straps, Rand was visited by both Joe and Simon, as Simon had been tasked to give him a tour around Birch Psychiatric Hospital, much to Rand's displeasure as Simon had earlier attempted to kill him while he was still tied down onto the bed. As Rand questioned if he planned on attempting to stab him again, Simon then apologized for his action and blamed it on stress before inviting Rand to follow him to begin the tour.
Rand being introduced to all other patients
He then toured Rand around the facility and told him a little bit about some of the patients in the facility, including Dink who he claimed had killed his parents with a hammer and Leo who fried his brain with methamphetamines. As they kept walking, Dink purposely pushed into Rand although Simon insisted that he should just let the insult go as it was not worth getting into a fight with Dink. As Simon showed Rand to his new room, Rand still insisted that he would be out in seventy-two hours, to which Simon chuckled and explained that the patients here including him have been inside for years.
Rand being bullied and threatened by Dink
Stepping into the leisure room of the hospital, Simon pointed out himself as well as Billy and Jimmy who had all been given a seventy-two hour stay which turned into years, as Rand realized it was urgent to get out. When Simon made an off-hand comment comparing the patients to being like drugged up donkeys, he had accidentally angered Dink. When he insisted Rand have to apologize as well, Rand refused and got into a brief fight, in which Rand easily subdued Dink by throwing him to the floor with considerable each, which had resulted in the guards immediately taking Rand away.
Rand telling Simon that he needs his help
Having been taken away by the doctors, Rand was strapped back down to a bed inside his room where he was forced to take several more drugs again. Simon came to visit and asked if he was alright, with Rand taking notice that Simon was the first person to call him by his real first name since he arrived. Simon asked Rand if there was any family that he could call, and when that was not an option, Simon asked if there were any friends he could call instead. Remembering that there was one person that he could call, Rand asked for Simon's help to release the straps so he could make a call.
Rand calls Colleen Wing to ask for her help
With Simon agreeing to help and with only one option open to him, Rand then called Colleen Wing at the Chikara Dojo, although she was briefly confused over who was calling her. He explained his situation and asked for her help and, when she questioned why he was calling her, Rand told her that she was the only one in New York City who had not shown him hostility or had attempted to kill him and Joy and Ward Meachum had done. Despite Rand's plead to her to speak with the Meachums, Wing apologized and hung up the phone, simply unwilling to put her life on the line to help a stranger.[3]
Speaking to Dr. Edmonds[]
Rand meditating while inside the hospital
- "I bought the passport in Morocco. It's stolen. I know it's a federal crime, but it's the only way I could get back into the States. I'm not John Anderson. I'm Danny Rand."
"We'll talk about it in our next session." - ―Danny Rand and Paul Edmonds[src]
Back in his room, Rand tried to meditate and recharge his Chi, once again thinking back to being in K'un-Lun and meditating there until he once again had then become disturbed by recalling the details of his Plane Crash, including the death of his father. When Rand opened his eyes, he found Paul Edmonds had entered his room wishing once again to speak with Rand and get closer to the truth, as they discussed the drugs he was being given which Rand said made him feel like he was underwater as he was getting a high dose.
Rand tells the truth about his fake passport
Rand revealed that he lied about the passport; however, he still denied that he was John Anderson, confessing that he had bought the passport in Morocco with the intention of getting back to the United States of America. Once again, Rand insisted that he was not John Anderson, but that he was Danny Rand. However, once again, Edmonds had refused to believe him, telling Rand that they would discuss this in their next session before leaving the room as Joe then entered the room and gave Rand his medicine which he took willingly to avoid having it forced down his throat.
Rand relives Rand Enterprises' commercial
Later during the day, Edmonds called Rand into his office in order to show him a Rand Enterprises commercial from around fifteen years earlier. As it started, Rand immediately recognized the commercial that he once did with his parents and the Meachums while Edmonds explained his belief that Rand was, in fact, fantasizing that he was part of a wealthy family. Rand calmly reminisced about how he was convinced to partake in the commercial by his father who promised to take him to the circus in Madison Square Garden afterward as he sat next to his mother with Joy Meachum sat beside him.
Rand being pinned down by staff members
Unwilling to hear more of what he still believed were lies, Edmonds insisted that Rand was John Anderson. At his wit's end, Rand proceeded to furiously smash his computer screen as he once again insisted that his name was not John Anderson but Danny Rand. Having heard the computer being smashed and his furious outburst, several staff members, including Joe had then arrived at Doctor Edmonds' office to take Rand away, as they injected Rand with more drugs and dragged him out of the office and back into his room where he could sleep off his anger.[3]
Vision of Harold Meachum[]
Rand being visited by Harold Meachum
- "Only in the middle of a fight did I fully come alive. The harder that someone hit me, the more everything came into focus."
"Oh. What kind of warrior are you? Hey, listen to me. What do you mean you're a warrior?"
"I became one in a long line of Immortal Iron Fists." - ―Danny Rand and Harold Meachum[src]
At night, Rand was strapped back down onto his bed where he was then drugged once more by Joe and was left to go to sleep to calm down in the wake of his outburst against Doctor Paul Edmonds after his claims of being Danny Rand had once again been rejected by everybody around him. However, as Rand was about to go to sleep, he then saw a vision of the now-deceased Harold Meachum who was looking down at him beside his bed, much to the great shock and confusion of Rand who still believed that Meachum had died.
Rand listens to Harold Meachum's singing
Believing him to be a hallucination, Rand listened as Meachum reminded Rand about how he used to sing the song Danny Boy to get on his nerves, quietly singing the song while the still drugged up Rand tried to understand what was happening. Confused by the appearance of Meachum, Rand answered his questions, telling him all about how he had been found by the Order of the Crane Mother and then taken back to K'un-Lun, noting that he should have never left to return to New York City as he at least had understood what his place was back in K'un-Lun unlike in New York.
Rand tells Harold Meachum about K'un-Lun
Meachum asked about his position in K'un-Lun, as Rand explained that he was a warrior while noting his own ascension of a long line of the Iron Fists, the sworn enemy of the Hand. This answer intrigued Meachum as he continued asking more questions about both the Iron Fist and the Hand, as Rand explained that it was his sworn duty to destroy the Hand, as Meachum seemed excited by the prospect of finding the one destined to destroy the Hand. Rand pleaded Meachum to finally get him out of the Birch Psychiatric Hospital as Meachum reassured Rand that he would take care of it.[3]
Gaining New Allies[]
Rand meditating in his room to recharge chi
- "The family thinks I'm a threat to them."
"And why would they think that?"
"I'm guessing because I'm Danny Rand and I probably own more than half the company." - ―Danny Rand and Colleen Wing[src]
The next day, Rand was once again attempting to meditate inside of his room within the Birch Psychiatric Hospital, practicing his martial arts poses to attempt to focus and regain his Chi once again, but had still found himself struggling to focus on being back at K'un-Lun when all he could see in his mind was the Plane Crash which had killed his mother and father right in front of him, causing him to finally break concentration, much to Rand's great frustration at failing yet again to regain his Chi.
Rand placing the M&Ms inside the envelope
Rand sat on the bed when Joe came into his room and delivered a package that was sent by Joy Meachum to Rand himself, much to Rand's considerable surprise. As he opened it, he found Meachum had only sent him a bag of M&Ms without any other note attached. Realizing this could finally convince her about his true identity, Rand had immediately started picking out all the brown M&Ms which he had always done when they were younger, something which would have been impossible for anyone to research about their relationship and therefore the way to prove that he was actually Danny Rand.
Rand speaking to Wing about getting out
While Rand continued with his task, Joe returned and informed Rand that he had a visitor. Believing it was Meachum, Rand went to the meeting room to find Colleen Wing waiting for him. Sitting down, Rand explained how the doctors there were giving him all kinds of drugs in order to keep him safe, while Rand noted that he had not expected to see Wing and asked if she had figured out a way to get him free. Wing, however, questioned why Ward Meachum would have visited the Chikara Dojo in order to get her to sign some paperwork which had claimed that Rand was a dangerous individual.
Rand asks Colleen Wing to return the M&Ms
Rand noted that the Meachums though that he was a threat to their current position within Rand Enterprises as he owned at least half of the company. Wing laughed at this explanation, noting that there was no chance of the answer ever being simple, before telling him that the Meachums were attempting to bribe for to betray Rand. Wing questioned if Rand was dangerous, to which he promised he was only dangerous to the Meachums, also insisting that he had always told Wing the truth since meeting her. When they were done talking, Rand asked for to return the package to Joy.[3]
Ordered to Stay[]
Rand at his meeting with Paul Edmonds
- "he Iron Fist is... It's me. Can I go now?"
"Are you Danny Rand, or are you the Iron Fist?"
"I'm both." - ―Danny Rand and Paul Edmonds[src]
With his seventy-two hours within Birch Psychiatric Hospital almost done with, Rand was again visited by Paul Edmonds as Rand insisted that it was almost time for him to be allowed to walk free of the hospital at long last. Edmonds began asking questions that only Danny Rand would know, including where he had gone to school and who his extra teachers were, all of which Rand answered without any hesitation. After answering all of his questions, Edmonds believed Rand's story, although he was still confused and shocked that it could have actually happened.
Rand explains K'un-Lun to Paul Edmonds
In his joy for finally having someone who believed what he had been saying at long last, Rand had then started excitedly talking about K'un-Lun and the Iron Fist, as Rand explained that K'un-Lun was not located in China as Edmonds had assumed but was within another dimension which could only be accessed every fifteen years, as Rand noted this was where he had learned to focus his Chi energy and summon the Iron Fist. When Edmonds questioned if he was either Danny Rand or the Iron Fist, Rand had simply answered that he was, in fact, both of these at the same time.
Rand stating that he is indeed the Iron Fist
All of these statements, however, had only convinced Edmonds that Rand had instead been suffering from a psychotic disorder due to the trauma of barely surviving his Plane Crash and witnessing the deaths of his mother and father right in front of him, noting that he believed Rand had suffered for a long time since this incident, claiming that Rand had created a false reality to cope with the trauma, claiming the Iron Fist was a lie. Although Rand insisted he was telling the truth and needed to go free, Edmonds claimed that for his own safety, Rand had to remain and begin his treatment.[3]
Escaping Birch Facility[]
Rand is walked down the hallways by Joe
Later at night, Joe had arrived inside Rand's bedroom where he was relaxing having taken his drugs for the evening, as Joe then informed Rand that he was being moved into another room and that he had to put a straitjacket on, claiming that it was part of the new rules. While Rand was moved, he was led into a room where Dink was waiting for him alongside Leo, and Tony, as they all had immediately started brutally beating him down with sticks, as Ward Meachum had just arranged for them to do so in order to finally get Rand out of the picture once and for all.
Rand is beaten by other mental patients
As one of the men held Rand upright, Dink took charge of hitting him repeatedly with strong strikes to the stomach and head while Rand remained trapped in his straitjacket and currently unable to defend himself. However, the pain of the beating helped Rand focus his Chi as he concentrated and getting ready to free himself, as the effects of the drugs had less of an impact on his mind and body. Once Rand was kicked in the face and knocked over, Dink had him picked up and held up Rand's face, telling him that Meachum sent his regards before preparing to hit him again.
Rand channels the Iron Fist to help escape
Having had it confirmed that Meachum was the one responsible for attempting to have him killed, Rand gained enough Chi energy get out of his drugged state and achieve enough focus to summon the Iron Fist. With the enhanced strength gained from his powers, Rand released himself from his straitjacket and defeated his attackers with considerable ease, knocking them all unconscious with well-placed kicks to the face. Elated that he got his powers back, Rand looked up at the Moon and saw a hawk flying across it, while he waited until Joe had returned in order to open the door.
Rand breaks himself out of the hospital
Pushing Joe out of his yet, Rand had then immediately headed for the exit so that he could finally leave Birch Psychiatric Hospital and then return to New York City to take back Rand Enterprises. He had soon found the metal door that barred him from his freedom, as he had then charged ahead with the Iron Fist at full strength, running straight past Simon before he used the Iron Fist to smash the metal door away with incredible force. Taking a moment to take his breath and allow the Iron Fist to vanish, Rand left the hospital in the night as he prepared to confront the Meachums over their actions.[3]
Retaking Rand Enterprises[]
Staying with Colleen Wing[]
Rand hiding on the ceiling from Shannon
- "You see, the tiger form uses internal force, and not external strength. So it's not necessary to use charging momentum. Which lowers the risk of moving in. You're working too hard. Too much external force."
- ―Danny Rand to Colleen Wing[src]
Having made his escape from Birch Psychiatric Hospital, Rand had then found refuge back in Chikara Dojo. However, shortly after arriving, Rand had witnessed Colleen Wing taking care of Shannon and his accomplice when they broke into the dojo in order to look for Rand. In an attempt to hide from Shannon and his men, Rand hid on the ceiling, balancing his weight while Wing fought against the intruders and demanded they leave, as Shannon told her to call him if she heard where Rand was currently hiding.
Rand apologizes to Colleen Wing at night
Once Wing had driven them away, Rand got out of his hiding place and apologized for bringing more drama into Wing's life, noting that Shannon had broken the door lock to get inside the dojo. Rand promised that he would make it up to Wing, who questioned if the New York City Police Department would be coming looking for Rand, although he insisted that he had not actually broken any laws. Noting how she had put herself on the line to keep him out of harm's way, Wing had then told Rand that she wanted him out of her dojo by the morning as she then went back to bed.
Rand meditating inside of the Chikara Dojo
The next morning, however, Rand did not leave and instead had remained at the dojo and played loud hip-hop music as he mediated. Darryl entered and was bewildered by Rand's meditation, while Wing expressed her irritation and ordered him to turn off the music. Shutting off the music, Wing asked why Rand was not gone as instructed, as Rand explained that he was worried about her safety, which was why he stayed. She insisted that she did not need him to protect her, to which Rand lectured Wing about the flaws in her style, noting how one of Shannon's men had been able to hit her.
Rand and Colleen Wing sparring together
Annoyed at being told how she should fight by somebody who she did not know nor respected, Wing had then attempted to punch at Rand to which he evaded with ease, having just predicted the strike would be coming. The two had the brief spar while Darryl continued watching with complete surprise and awe, all the while Rand lectured about her fighting style, telling Wing that she was still using too much external strength rather than internal force as he had learned in K'un-Lun; however, Wing simply told him to be quiet as she had continued trying and failing to land just one single blow against Rand.
Rand tells Colleen Wing he will pay the rent
Rand easily won the spar by landing a leopard punch on Wing before flipping her onto her back as he explained to her the concept of harnessing her Chi to gain inner strength which would help her to become a superior fighter. Getting to her feet, Wing still insisted that he needed to go; however, he suggested that he instead pay her six months' rent to let him stay for just a week, reminding her that he was, in fact, Danny Rand and would be able to afford this. Eventually, after some persuasion and the promise to also fix her front door, Rand managed to convince Wing to let him stay longer.[9]
Rejecting 100 Million Dollars[]
Rand waits for Joy Meachum for a brief talk
- "I have to change my name?"
"The world already thinks Danny Rand is dead. Let's just leave it that way. You can pick a name you love. You can start all over. It is gonna be great."
"What happened to you? Is this how you treat family?" - ―Danny Rand and Joy Meachum[src]
Later during the day, Rand set up a Buddha tradition of flowers and oranges while he had waited for Joy Meachum outside the Meachum Residence. Seeing the display, Meachum noted how this could be considered romantic, while Rand noted that in another life she would not have drugged him and sent him to Birch Psychiatric Hospital, as Rand commented that they had once been friends and that he wished for them to rebuild that relationship they had once had.
Rand making amends with Joy Meachum
Now convinced that it was really Danny Rand, Meachum had then sat down with Rand and start conversing and catching up, questioning where he had been for so long as Rand would only tell her that his story following the plane crash was complicated. As they spoke, Rand noted how his connection to Joy and Ward Meachum was the only thing keeping him in New York City which he needed. Meachum then opened up as she explained that when Harold Meachum had died when she was just thirteen she had felt lost, as it had so closely followed the deaths of Rand and his family.
Rand spiritually talking to Joy Meachum
Meachum continued explaining how in her grief of losing her father, she would often dream about seeing him waiting for her at her school gates before she woke up and remembered that he was dead. Rand then confessed that he had recently had his own dream about Harold while he was being treated in the hospital, noting how he had been told in K'un-Lun how a ghost like that was wondering the spirit world following their death, although Rand did note that he had been put on a lot of drugs while at the hospital which may have affected the dreams that he had experienced there.
Rand being given a bribe by Joy Meachum
As Meachum then invited Rand inside the house to continue their talk, she explained that following the deaths of her father and Wendell Rand, she and her brother had both inherited Rand Enterprises on their own and she now felt a responsibility to keep it safe and running. Meachum then handed Rand some paperwork and offered Rand a check for one hundred million dollars to buy his silence and take his percentage of the company, noting that Ward had only wanted to offer Rand forty million but Meachum had managed to convince him to go higher with the amount that was offered.
Rand angrily rejects Joy Meachum's bribe
Rand, however, was disgusted as he realized part of the deal required him to change his real name, as Meachum noted that the rest of the world believed that Danny Rand was dead, and it would make everything considerably more complicated if this changed. Disappointed by Meachum's request, having come to be acknowledged and accepted by the Meachums who he considered to be his only family left in the world, Rand left the residence in anger, insisting that this situation simply had nothing to do with money, noting that he had thought she of all people would understand this.
Rand visiting his own family's gravestones
Having walked away from the Meachum's residence, Rand went to visit the Rand Memorial. While he was taking some time to respect and mourn his mother and father, Rand had eventually noticed that the memorial dedicated to his own lost family was still incredibly well maintained and someone had also clearly been delivering some new flowers to the Memorial. Rand asked the nearby gardener about who delivered the flowers, as he was then directed to the office where he learned that Jeri Hogarth was the one who had been maintaining the Rand Memorial for all the years following their sudden deaths.[9]
Recruiting Jeri Hogarth[]
Rand being reunited back with Jeri Hogarth
- "Was I wrong? To turn down a hundred million dollars?"
"It may have been the smartest thing you did, other than coming to me. You are worth billions, Danny, not millions."
"It seems like that's all anyone wants to talk about."
"Because it's the only language that they speak." - ―Danny Rand and Jeri Hogarth[src]
That evening, while outside Hogarth, Chao & Benowitz, Rand just spotted Jeri Hogarth as she leaving her firm. When Rand approached closer, Hogarth had turned around and threaten to spray Rand with peeper spray, believing him to be a would-be attacker. Rand tried to convince Hogarth that he was Danny Rand as he called her by a nickname that he gave her, J-Money, while she was an intern at Rand Enterprises. Hogarth was hesitant to believe Rand as she asked Rand a few personal questions, which Rand answered correctly.
Rand thanking Jeri Hogarth for her help
Moving into Central Park to continue their talk now that she believed this was indeed Danny Rand, Hogarth explained that she had been handling their estate ever since the Plane Crash and that included taking care of the Memorial as Rand thanked Hogarth for her help, to which she said it was a small matter since she was grateful for Wendell Rand for giving her first job. Explaining that she had a complicated relationship with Ward and Joy Meachum, Hogarth told Rand that they needed to find every possible evidence in order to prove his identity as the Meachums would work against them.
Rand agrees to Jeri Hogarth's compromise
Rand noted that the Meachums had once been his friends before they had turned against him, as Hogarth noted that she could help Rand get his company back but could not help him to make friends. When Rand asked how much it will cost for Hogarth's service, she gently replied that he did not need to pay her service besides making sure that her firm will be a permanent retainer for Rand Enterprises. As Rand noted he was staying in the Chikara Dojo, Hogarth offered Rand a suite to stay in, in order for him to maintain a low profile, as well as some money to buy new clothes before leaving.
Rand gives a lesson to Colleen Wing's class
Returning to Chikara Dojo, Rand had then witnessed a practice session with Colleen Wing's students. Rand initially just watched, but when Caleb started fooling around and ignoring Darryl's instructions, old habits from his master's teaching kicked in as Rand grabbed the nearby wooden sword and demanded order and respect among the students. Rand tried to lecture the students, telling them how to draw strength from their breathing and become better warriors; however, Caleb refused to listen and started mocking him, to which Rand then responded by striking the student on the leg and knocking him down, much to Wing's horror who saw this and came to Caleb's aid.
Rand ashamedly apologizes to Colleen Wing
Inside of Wing's living room, Wing was infuriated by Rand's actions in beating down one of her own students as she furiously questioned who had put Rand in charge of her dojo, while Rand had then retaliated by asking if Wing was training kindergarten students or warriors. However, Wing retorted that she was trying to provide a safe place for her student who is regularly bullied and beaten by family and bullies, and now they had to be fearful of a bully at their dojo as well. Ashamed, Rand apologized for his actions as Wing once again demanded for him to leave her dojo.
Rand meditating inside Jeri Hogarth's suite
Staying at the suite that Hogarth had provided for him which gave him a stunning view of New York City, Rand had still felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable by this sort of lifestyle. He could not sleep on the bed, having spent years sleeping on the hard floor while in K'un-Lun. He eventually laid a blanket on the floor near a window in order to comfortably sleep. As he slowly fell asleep, Rand briefly remembered about his time in K'un-Lun, recalling the Order of the Crane Mother training him to become a warrior by repeatedly striking him with wooden sticks in order to help him learn to endure pain.[9]
Destruction of the Files[]
Rand discusses his records to Jeri Hogarth
- "Do you hate me that much?"
"Yes. Because the Danny Rand that I knew, he's dead. And I want him to stay that way." - ―Danny Rand and Ward Meachum[src]
The next morning, Rand met up with Jeri Hogarth as she bought him a coffee and explained that their case was more of a challenge than she had expected since there was no evidence about him anywhere. Hogarth suspected that the Meachums are behind it as they were trying to bury the evidence before they could move forward with their own case as Hogarth warned that if they had no definitive proof, they would lose. When kids passed by with their skateboard, Rand remembered a time where he went to Metro-General Hospital following being injured while using a skateboard.
Rand enters a room for his hospital records
Rand had then headed straight over to the hospital where he once visited following his injury all the way back in July 2001, hoping that the doctors records on this would not have been found by the Meachums and therefore could provide Rand with the evidence that he needed to prove his identity and finally retake Rand Enterprises from them. When Rand had entered the record room, he found it was almost completely empty with only Kevin Singleton in there as Rand asked if he knew anything about his record, as Singleton claimed that he would be willing to help Rand to find what he needed.
Rand fighting back against Kevin Singleton
When he was briefly distracted while looking for the files and explaining what they had contained, Singleton had then punched Rand directly at the back of his head while wearing knuckle dusters, knocking Rand down. While Rand lay injured on the floor, he had then witnessed Singleton starting to dose the entire room with Ethyl in order to burn down all the records. Barely keeping himself consciousness, Rand managed to concentrate by focusing on his Chi and summoning the Iron Fist, as he then got to his feet and punched Singleton's man, destroying his knuckle dusters and breaking his hand.
Rand being attacked by Kevin Singleton
However, the force of the first punch to the head had quickly caused Rand to lose focus as the Iron Fist faded away, allowing Singleton to grab his lighter and attempt to burn down the files; however, Rand was able to kick away the lighter. Singleton then drew his knife, as Rand was then forced to fight against Singleton. While Rand was dazed and Singleton was injured, the fight became evenly matched, as Rand then used a book to defend himself from the blade before Singleton dropped a filing cabinet down on Rand while attempting to relocate his lighter so he could complete his mission, while Rand still attempted to stop him as their furious fight had still continued.
Rand is forced to escape the burning room
During the fight, however, Rand had gained the upper as he finally kicked Singleton down to the ground, only for Singleton to then find his lighter which he had then used to finally light the room on fire. While Singleton then ran away, Rand then noticed an unconscious woman nearby who had been attacked and left behind by Singleton. Focusing on saving the woman rather than his own files, Rand had then managed to save her in time before the gas exploded and destroyed the records, as Rand looked behind him at the burning room in complete and utter horror as he then considered his next move.
Rand discusses Ward Meachum's attack
Convinced that they were the ones responsible for destroying all records of his existence before the Plane Crash, Rand then went to look for the Meachums in order to confront them over this. He found them in a restaurant where they were discussing Rand Enterprises's dealings as Rand, angered at the Ward Meachum's actions, sat down at their table and furiously voiced his disbelief at Ward as he knew that Ward was the only person with him the day he broke his arm and the only one who knew about it, telling that he used to regard him as a brother he looked up to despite his bullying.
Rand angrily leaves the Meachums alone
When Rand questioned if Ward really hated him this much, Ward agreed because he insisted that the Danny Rand he had known was dead and he wanted him to stay that way, which resulted in Rand smashing glass before Joy Meachum got between them as they prepared to fight. As Rand and Ward sized each other up, Joy told Rand that Ward was not his brother and she was not his sister and they did not want him at their company. Rand told them that he had Hogarth's help and they were coming for them, before Rand told them that they could not deny his birthright and left the restaurant.[9]
Retaking Rand Enterprises[]
Rand enters the building with Jeri Hogarth
- "We are still insisting on the full rights guaranteed as the sole heir of Rand, which includes a controlling fifty-one percent board seat and compensation, but we are now adding a corner office, support staff, and a housing allowance in the amount of one million per year."
- ―Jeri Hogarth to Ward Meachum[src]
The next morning, Rand and Jeri Hogarth met with the Meachums as well as the Board at the Rand Enterprises Building in order to complete their case and take back what was still owed to Rand. Once they got started with the meeting Joy Meachum had explained that they had lowered the buyout offer from one hundred million dollars down to just twenty million dollars, and had included a restraining order, handing the paperwork over to Hogarth, as Hogarth noted that the restraining order was a nice touch.
Rand and Jeri Hogarth make their demands
Hogarth then explained that they were demanding the controlling fifty-one percent of Rand Enterprises, as well as a seat on the board, his own staff as well as his own housing allowance of one million dollars per year which Ward Meachum merely scoffed at, noting that they could not even prove that this was the real Danny Rand and therefore had no evidence, noting that Rand was either crazy or at worst he was a con-man. Hogarth, however, proceeded to reveal a clay bowl as her proof, which confused Ward considerably until it was revealed it had been a gift from Rand had made for Joy as children, and that the bowl had still contained his fingerprints when he had made it.
Rand admits into fighting for his name
Now with undeniable proof about Rand's identity, there was nothing else to discuss as Rand and Hogarth had finally won their case. Enraged at having been outwitted by Hogarth, Ward had then furiously threatened to bury them with motions, delays, discoveries and depositions in order to delay Rand for at least ten years, however, Hogarth simply replied that they would see them in court. As they headed out, Ward criticized Rand's decision for not taking the one hundred million dollars, to which Rand had replied that it was his name he was fighting for and that meant something.
Rand seeing Ward Meachum make his leave
As Rand and Hogarth headed for the elevator, Rand saw the pictures of Wendell Rand and Harold Meachum which were hanging in the hallway. Looking at Harold's picture, he got curious about the coincidental meeting with Harold back in Birch Psychiatric Hospital and decided to find out if there was more to the situation than he thought. Rand saw Ward going into his office and was talking to someone on the phone, as Rand had then gone to quietly eavesdrop on Ward, he told Hogarth that he would be back soon before deciding to follow then Ward wherever he was now going.[9]
Harold Meachum's Secret[]
Rand follows Ward Meachum into a building
- "That can't be. All of my years in training. All of it, just in case the Hand ever showed its face in K'un-Lun."
"Yet you've never seen them?"
"No. The story of the Hand was like a fable. More like Satan and his demons than anything real. Nothing I thought I'd actually have to fight." - ―Danny Rand and Harold Meachum[src]
Having eavesdropped on Ward Meachum while back inside the Rand Enterprises Building, Rand then followed Ward to a building where he was seemingly meeting the person who he had spoken to on the phone. Keeping out of sight of both Meachum and the security guard, Rand managed to make his way onto another elevator as he followed closely behind Meachum. Rand stayed out of sight but was then unable to continue following him into another room when one of the doors needed finger scanning.
Rand climbing into the building next floor
With little options left open to him, Rand then decided to continue following Ward as he then went out of a window and started climbing to the next floor, dangerously high above New York City. As he was about to enter through a window, Ward charged forward and pushed Rand away.[9] As Rand fell, he barely managed to cling onto a light, barely holding on. He started utter a brief saying to the service to all beings of K'un-Lun before losing his grip, as he fell down and had lost conscious when he had hit his head hard and barely managing to avoid fatally falling back down to the ground floor far below him.
When Rand woke up, he was inside the Penthouse as Ward greeted him and questioned why Rand had followed him. Rand noted that the last thing he remembered was climbing up the side of the building, as Ward compared this foolish action to Daredevil. As he had finally begun got his senses back, Rand then realized that Ward was the one who kicked him off the building and had tried to kill him, furiously confronting him although Ward had calmly noted that this was just what you had to do when you find somebody attempting to break in your home, which greatly annoyed Rand even more than before.
Rand sees that Harold Meachum is still alive
Rand squared up to Ward, noting that he was now testing his karma, however, before anything happened, Harold Meachum intervened, revealing himself to still be alive following his own death from cancer. Rand was stunned and shocked as he realized that Harold was alive and the visit back at Birch Psychiatric Hospital was real, as Harold had then convinced Rand that he had to do all this to protect Rand Enterprises. Delighted to see the closest thing to his family and father figure following his own family's deaths, Rand and Harold hugged as he happily reassured Rand that he was finally back home now.
Rand talks about Harold Meachum's death
Harold explained about how he was still alive, telling Rand how after spending three years diagnosed with his cancer which had attacked his entire body, he was approached by some people who gave him a cure; however, he had needed to die first in order to then be cured, recalling his last breath before returning to life just three days later. When Rand then asked him about the people who cured him, Harold told him it was the Hand. Rand was horrified at hearing that the Hand were not only in New York City and that they had also managed to successfully infest Rand Enterprises while he had been gone.
Rand recalls K'un-Lun to Harold Meachum
Rand explained to Harold that he had never seen them and has only heard about them in fables back in K'un-Lun. Harold had pleaded for Rand to help him get rid of them all, while also asking about the Iron Fist, questioning if the Iron Fist was how he also escaped from the hospital which Rand confirmed. Harold explained how the Hand kept him locked up for years and asked Rand not to tell Joy Meachum for her own safety. As Rand had noted was stuck in court fighting for his place within Rand, he could not do much so Harold told Ward to stop all litigation against Rand and offer him everything he wanted.
Rand is told not to trust Harold Meachum
Despite Ward expressing his displeasure at this instruction, Harold told him it was not up for negotiation before Harold informed Rand that the Hand recently made them enclose a deal to the Red Hook Pier for reasons that were not clear as of yet. Once that was said and done, Rand and Harold had then hugged once again, as Harold then expressed his delight at having a fighter back in the family before Rand and Ward had left for the elevator. Inside, Ward warned Rand not to trust Harold and that he was no replacement for Wendell Rand and that he only cared about himself as Ward walked away.[10]
Billionaire of Rand[]
Rand prepares his speech for the press
- "I lost my family in that crash, and I became the lone survivor. I then was rescued by monks and raised in a monastery, a much different life to what I had here in New York. Ultimately, it taught me the value of life of hard work of never giving up on the things that matter to me. And Rand matters."
- ―Danny Rand[src]
As per Harold Meachum's instructions to him, Ward Meachum had then ended their legal dispute and reinstated Rand as the CEO of Rand Enterprises with his controlling fifty one percent, also agreeing to all of Jeri Hogarth's demands that she had previously made. Later, Rand returned to the Rand Enterprises Building wearing his suit and ready for the announcement, meeting first with Ward and Joy Meachum, as Joy joked that he cleaned up pretty well.
Rand officially announces his public return
Rand stepped out before journalists once Ward had made a speech explaining how Rand would take Wendell Rand's place within their company before inviting Rand to make a speech which had been provided, although Rand remained nervous and awkwardly waved at Hogarth who he saw in the audience. Rand told the journalists about how it has been a long journey to get back home to Rand Enterprises as he noted that his father instilled him a respect for the company that has never faded. He talked about the Plane Crash that led to the deaths of his parents, explaining that he was rescued and raised by the Order of the Crane Mother who had protected him for years.
Rand answering the journalist's questions
He ended his speech by saying that his experience has taught him the value of life and hard work, that Rand matters. Journalists started asking questions as Jennifer Many from New York Bulletin asked Rand if reports were true that he was recently committed into Birch Psychiatric Hospital where he was treated by Paul Edmonds, which Rand confirmed, claiming that his return to New York City had been overwhelming and the Meachum had done what they could to help him through this stressful time. As more questions were being asked Ward took Rand away before he could begin to say too much.
Rand asks Joy Meachum about the pier
Once away from all of the journalists who were continuing to ask him questions, Joy noted that Rand's answer about being sent to the Psychiatric Hospital was much kinder than they deserved, to which Rand answered that kindness was the eternal law. While Ward went back into his office to continue his work, Rand asked Joy if she got time to go through the Red Hook Pier deal that she had previously made, remembering that Harold Meachum had informed him that this Pier was wanted by the Hand. When Joy asked why he was asking, Rand claimed that he just wanted to get bearings on the situation.
Rand talks to Megan about his appointment
Joy told Rand to talk to Megan to book time for a talk; however, Rand was informed that he could meet Joy in three days, much to his frustration before being told that he had his first appointment with Hogarth. They walked into Rand's new office that once used to be his father's office, as Hogarth noted that they had even found his father's original desk. Rand happily looked around the office and remembered the times he used to be there, even finding the stickers that he put under his father's old desk, much to Hogarth's frustration as she insisted that they should focus on completing the deal.
Rand signing his affirmed on his case
Hogarth then gave several documents for Rand to sign on, in order to affirm her law firm's partnership with Rand. As Rand signed all of the papers, he then asked what his job in the company actually was, as Hogarth explained that while he did not have a position, Rand now had the strongest voice in the board due to his own fifty-one percent share of the company. She further clarified that Rand had access to many places in the building due to his status. Before leaving, Hogarth advised Rand to ease up with his next few actions and that he had an extraordinary opportunity that should not be wasted.[10]
Making Company Decisions[]
Rand stepping into his first board meeting
- "No one should make a profit off of the misery of others. It's wrong. We need to sell the drug at cost. Period."
"To be clear, Danny, are you, as majority shareholder, drawing a line in the sand on your first day." - ―Danny Rand and Ward Meachum[src]
Later in the day, Rand joined the Rand Enterprises board meeting on how to sell the cure for leishmaniasis, as Rand arrived late into their meeting, inadvertently interrupting Ward Meachum's speech before then awkwardly insisted on being able to sit next to Joy Meachum for the duration of their meeting. While Ward was speaking, Joy explained this was a meeting to discuss the pricing for the medicine which Rand Enterprises was developing for the disease as Rand listened closely to the discussion on how much they should charge.
Rand suggested to set the pill price at cost
When the board suggested that they should raise the price for the medicine in order to fund new research and boost profits for the company, Rand questioned how many people died from the disease which they had the cure for. Upon hearing that around fifty million died a year, Rand then insisted that they should sell the medicine at lower prices to just what they cost to produce in order to make sure everyone can afford it, much to the horror of Lawrence Wilkins who attempted to reassure Rand that they as a company knew what they were doing and the medicine would be distributed to who needed it.
Rand affirming on his decision be made final
However, Rand also argued that no one should make a profit off the misery of others, once again insisting that they needed to sell the drug just at the cost that it took to produce it. As Ward confirmed his opinion, Rand then made his decision final with his position as the largest stakeholder of the company much to the annoyance and opposition from the board members, as Wilkins called the decision completely ridiculous. With the meeting concluded Joy told Rand that she had time to talk about the Red Hook Pier deal, claiming that her schedule had just cleared up due to the sudden change of plans.
Rand and Joy Meachum discuss K'un-Lun
As they walked through New York City, Joy had asked about his life back in K'un-Lun and the Order of the Crane Mother, and teased him over wearing robes while he was there, requesting that he never turn up to the Rand Enterprises Building wearing a robe. As they walked, Rand questioned if Joy regretted giving Jeri Hogarth the bowl which had allowed Rand to regain his company and name, to which Joy said that while his decision was not morally wrong, there could have been a better way to convene his decision other than him forcing the decision by using his controlling interest within the company.
Rand reassuring Joy Meachum's feelings
Rand further questioned why Joy gave the bowl to Hogarth to which Joy had then explained that Rand's return dredged up many feelings and memories about their family, noting how it made her recall the death of Harold Meachum, although Rand chose not to reveal that her father was in fact still alive, only saying how much her father had cared for her. Joy went on to say that his return had made her look on what she had become more deeply and she didn't like it and gave her a desire to do the right thing for a change. Rand reassured her that her father would have been proud of her.[10]
Saving Joy Meachum[]
Rand mentioning the pier to Joy Meachum
- "This is the Golden Sands you're looking for. It's a front for the Yangsi Gonshi, the Yang Clan Company."
"I need to have a word with them."
"Why do you wanna mess around with Triads?" - ―Colleen Wing and Danny Rand[src]
Back inside of Rand's new Penthouse, Rand had questioned exactly why Rand Enterprises would have ever bought the Red Hook Pier, to which Joy Meachum had just said that she did not know about the intention except that Ward Meachum had insisted for the purchase to be facilitated and she had done as he had wanted. Rand then asked why Joy had not questioned the deal, as Joy explained that Ward's leadership within Rand had led to success in the company and that there was no reason to question any of his choices.
Rand speaks of his position as the Iron Fist
Joy asked why Rand wanted to know to which Rand explained with half-truth that back when he was in K'un-Lun, he worked hard to gain a powerful position of the Immortal Iron Fist in the monastery which everyone else, which included Davos had also wanted to obtain. He reminisced how the Order of the Crane Mother did not believe Rand could attain that position, calling him "xiaoguliao" or outsider. As Rand told that when he got the job, he realized that he never thought about why he wanted it, noting that he had not considered the cost on his actual life and he still did not know if it was worth the fight.
Rand reminisces on his training in K'un-Lun
As they looked around the Penthouse which Jeri Hogarth provided for him, Rand compared it to his room at K'un-Lun, describing his room back there and how he was only provided with a small pot to urinate in, which disgusted Joy. Rand explained how he spent every moment of his life in K'un-Lun training and fighting while under the leadership of Lei Kung in order to become the Iron Fist. Joy claimed that the training ritual and beatings sounded like abuse, but Rand dismissed this with simply a smile. While Rand went to make another drink, Joy went to open the door when someone had knocked.
Rand saves Joy Meachum from Triad thugs
While he was preparing to make up the drink for Joy, Rand was then suddenly alerted when he heard Joy screaming out for help and had immediately run out to help, as out in the hallway of his apartment, Rand saw Joy being dragged away by thugs wielding hatchets. Rand immediately subdued two attackers who charged at him with great ease, before one of the attackers hit Joy in the face while the others drew their hatchets and prepared to kill Rand. Preparing himself for the fight, Rand calmed his Chi and got into a fighting pose, eyeing up his new enemies as he prepared to take them all on himself.
Rand fights Triad Thugs inside an elevator
Using his fighting skills, Rand took on all four of his initial attackers who furiously slashed at him with their hatchets, as Rand was able to dodge the deadly blows while landing strong counter strikes against them, only taking one single kick to the chest while he subdued the attackers with considerable ease. With the men unable to react fast enough to Rand's fighting styles, Rand soon came out as the victor, however, the elevator finally opened, allowing Joy's kidnappers to drag her inside, while another man threw his hatchet at Rand, which he dodged before subduing him with a kick to the kneecap.
Rand pulling Joy Meachum away to safety
Determined not to allow the men to get away, Rand managed to stop the elevator doors closing, only to be forced to summon the Iron Fist on one occasion to break a hatchet against his skin when one of the men tried to strike his hand. The broken hatchet damaged the lights as Rand stepped inside the elevator and had managed to defeat all of the thugs with ease without injury to himself or Joy. He managed to rescue Joy as he drove the attackers away. Rand had overheard the thugs speaking in Mandarin about retreating back to the Golden Sands before they had then desperately fled away from Rand, who had then put his focus back on ensuring Meachum's safety.
Rand returns to Colleen Wing's dojo for help
Having gotten away from criminals, Rand had then headed straight over to Chikara Dojo with Joy where he found that the door was locked, as Rand asked Colleen Wing for her help with keeping the still shaken Joy safe from harm, while Wing reluctantly opened the door for him. Rand also soon noticed Wing's hand and asked what happened; however, Wing responded with the same question, noting how last time she checked Rand had been stalking Joy, joking that being a millionaire must have changed that, as Rand corrected her by noting he was now actually a billionaire.
Rand learns of the Yangsi Gonshi's hideout
Rand asked Wing to look after Joy and for information on where the Golden Sand was, which Wing claimed that she did not know until learning that the thugs wielded hatchets. Having heard this Wing had recognized them as Yangsi Gonshi, who was also the Triad criminal organization who were currently based within New York City and told Rand where to find them. Wishing to end the situation before either of the Meachums were put in danger again Rand then headed off to confront the Yangsi Gonshi personally, leaving Joy under Wing's own protection until he got back from meeting the criminals.[10]
Meeting Yangsi Gonshi[]
Rand finds the Golden Sands Restaurant
Finding the Golden Sands, where Rand then went inside in order to look for the Triads. When a receptionist questioned Rand's presence as she informed him that they were currently closed, Rand explained that he was looking for Yangsi Gonshi which caused the receptionist and all the kitchen staff to freeze in place. Rand had insisted that he was not there to cause trouble as the receptionist then signaled the kitchen staff to retreat from the restaurant.
Rand making his deal with Hai-Qing Yang
With Rand now alone in the room, Hai-Qing Yang then entered the room with his goons as one of the goons told his boss that Rand was the one who bested them all. Yang and Rand introduced themselves, with Yang explaining he was the head of the Yangsi Gonshi as Rand told him he was the head of Rand Enterprises. Rand then demanded to know why Yang's men had tried to kidnap Joy Meachum. to which Yang returned the question by asking why Rand Enterprises had also stolen the Red Hook Pier away from them. Yang explained that his gang had a deal with the previous tenant and that Meachum's action broke the deal and they just wanted to have a word with her.
Rand tells Hai-Qing Yang about the Hand
Rand retorted that they wanted to force her to make a new deal, to which Yang threaten that perhaps they should use Rand to broker a new deal and had questioned if that was Rand's intent to come to his restaurant. Rand had answered that he came to warn them not to get near Joy again while Yang questioned why Rand wanted to keep the pier, as Rand answered by saying The Hand. This answer frightened Yang and he hurriedly urged Rand to send their deepest apologies to Joy. When Rand attempted to get more answers, Yang left and spoke in mandarin that he wanted them all out of Rand Enterprises.
Rand fixes Colleen Wing's dislocated finger
When Rand returned into the Chikara Dojo, he found Joy being taught how to punch by Colleen Wing. Greeting them, Rand calmly reassured Joy that the Triads would not be a problem anymore, and when Joy questioned exactly how he managed to accomplish that, Rand explained that he simply went to talk to them. Wing asked if he meant fighting them, Rand had maintained that he simply came to an agreement with them. Rand went over help Wing fix her dislocated finger, explaining his master used to fix him back in K'un-Lun, telling her to count to three, only for Rand to fix it on the first count.
Rand promises Colleen Wing about the rent
Rand revealed that he knew about Wing's illegal fighting and that he was not judging her, revealing that he used to fight in the illegal fight clubs on his journey back to New York City. Rand told Wing that he was more than willing to fulfill his promise to Wing about paying her rent for six months, however, Wing still maintained her stance and refused to accept his money, but thanked Rand all the same for the offer. With that said, Rand and Joy left the dojo and agreed that they would not tell Ward Meachum about the encounter with the Triads as they were still unsure about how he would react to this news.
Iron Fist training in order to restore his Chi
The next day, Rand had continued to meditate and trained himself while in his Penthouse, attempting to restore his Chi so the Iron Fist would be available for his next battle. However, Rand was interrupted when someone had knocked on his front door and, when Rand went and opened the door, he found that no one was there except for a small red box. Rand look into the content, he found a message from Yang and a clue in a small paper of heroin on where he should start looking for the Hand. Rand recognized the Mark on the drug as the symbol of Shou-Lao the Undying, much to his great surprise.[10]
Hunting the Hand[]
Investigating Steel Serpent[]
Rand learning from the heroin's properties
- "It's all connected. Okay. Let me make this simple. The Hand is using our company to smuggle synthetic heroin into the city. We need to stop it. Harold said so himself. You were there."
"And you've figured all of this out because some Chinese dude left a box at your door?" - ―Danny Rand and Ward Meachum[src]
Rand started investigating the content of the heroin provided to him by Hai-Qing Yang of the Yangsi Gonshi, wishing to learn more about how it was being made. He then learned from a Rand scientist, Sandi Ann, that the heroin was not opium-based as Ann explained to him that every test she had gone through revealed that the content was chemical and that there was no need to harvest opium from foreign countries which in turn had made it easier to manufacture. Ann further explained that the most amazing accomplishment that nothing about the drug was actually illegal.
Rand thanking Sandi Ann for her assistance
Rand deduced that anyone can make it in a real lab, while Ann then also noted that whoever had designed the heroin, had ensured that there was no limit to how much could be made and then sold on the streets. While Ann warned him that this new heroin arriving on the streets of New York City could cause a major epidemic in the city and put many innocent lives in serious danger, to which Rand reassured her that he would deal with it personally and thanked Ann for her assistance, offering Ann a formal bow before sitting at his desk and considering how he would handle this current situation.
Rand showing the heroin to Ward Meachum
Heading straight into Ward Meachum's office, Rand then placed the heroin on Meachum's desk as Rand explained that the drugs was being shipped from Red Hook Pier. Meachum was furious that Rand had been foolish enough to bring drugs into his office while Rand explained that he needed to find out what they were dealing with and how Rand Enterprises were still inadvertently assisting them while Meachum retorted what made him think this had anything to do with them. Rand explained how he got the heroin from Hai-Qing Yang of the Yangsi Gonshi, explaining that he had dealt with them but their situation had since escalated and needed to be dealt with.
Rand explaining the heroin's connection
Rand pointed to the symbol of Shou-Lao on the bag of heroin, telling Meachum how this connected with K'un-Lun and the Dragon which turned him into the Iron Fist. Despite Rand's explanation and the fact that the Hand was using their company to smuggle synthetic heroin into the city, Meachum refused to believe or help Rand, insisting that he still had real business in the real world which he had to deal with rather than what he assumed was all Rand's fantasy. Disappointed, Rand then left Meachum's office, while also leaving the heroin behind on his desk, much to the considerable annoyance of Meachum.
Rand asks when the next shipment arrives
Rand went to talk to Megan as he asked her questions about her job, questioning if her job meant she was his apprentice which Megan corrected for him. Getting back to what he actually needed, Rand asked if she could tell him when the next shipment arrives to Red Hook Pier, to which Megan explained that while she could not, she instead guided Rand to the Sarah Galvin who had the information he was looking for, as Rand thanked Megan for all of her help before he then went downstairs to meet with Galvin, leaving the origami flower which he had made during their conversation on Megan's desk.
Rand promising Regina Fitzgerald for help
Outside of the Rand Enterprises Building, as Rand was reading the information that he had been given by Galvin, he was approached by Regina Fitzgerald who had said that she had heard about his recent action of lowering the drug price. She showed him a photo of her son as Rand was stunted and inquired before Fitzgerald explained that her son got cancer from the Rand Chemical Plant near where they lived. Rand was sympathetic to the mother's plight as he apologized and promised to make it right. Unknown to Rand, he was filmed by the mother's lawyer nearby to help with their legal case.[5]
Recruiting Colleen Wing[]
Rand greets Claire Temple inside the dojo
- "You're restless, I know those feelings. Years and years training in K'un-Lun wasted, waiting on a threat that never arrived."
"This is crazy."
"It's not crazy. People die from this. If this synthetic heroin gets on the streets, it'll affect your students." - ―Danny Rand and Colleen Wing[src]
Later during the day, Rand went back to Chikara Dojo where he had found Colleen Wing as she trained her student, Claire Temple. Rand greeted them and Temple recognized Rand from the news, jokingly calling his story the riches to rags to riches story as Rand noted that it had been pretty crazy for him, with Temple claiming that living in New York City for long enough can get you to the point where nothing else could surprise you anymore. Wing approached and asked if Rand needed something as Rand had then answered that he just wanted to have a talk with her.
Rand orders takeout for Colleen Wing
Wing told Rand that whatever he wanted would have to wait until she was done with her class with Temple, to which Rand awkwardly replied that he had ordered take-out much to Wing's bewilderment and Temple's amusement. Temple questioned how Rand and Temple knew each other, to which Rand noted that Wing had given him two dollars while he was living in Central Park having just arrived back in New York. After a brief talk and a formal introduction with Temple, several men walked into the dojo with tables and chairs which were all from Wendell Rand's former favorite place to eat take out.
Rand invites Claire Temple for takeout
Wing nervously asked Rand if what he was provided was actually his attempt at a date, Rand was quick to deny that it was a date, unless Wing wanted it to be, to which she denied as well as they awkwardly agreed that it was not a date. Rand explained that he needed Wing's help with something, to which Wing questioned if what he needed from her really required candlelight, which Rand struggled to answer. As their lesson had now been interrupted by Rand's delivery of food, Wing then asked Temple to join them for dinner, wanting somebody else with them to ensure that the dinner was not too awkward.
Rand eats their food with Wing and Temple
Once the tables were set with their food, Rand spoke a brief pray to Buddha before eating with Wing and Temple. As they began eating, Temple asked about Rand's life in K'un-Lun and what they could get to eat there as Rand spoke about how he and Davos used to sneak out to eat donkey, before discussing his training and all his vows to the Order of the Crane Mother, explaining that in the wake of all the terrible horrors of his deadly Plane Crash he had simply focused on his training, putting aside all his material attachments and romantic entanglements, much to the considerable surprise of Wing.
Rand awkwardly asking for privacy
Temple asked why he waited this long to return to home from K'un-Lun, to which Rand had then explained that the way back had been closed for all those years and that he had to wait until the passage open again so he could arrive into China and begin making his way back to the United States of America. Wing had noted that Rand had mentioned that he wanted to speak to her about something, as Rand awkwardly hinted that it was something he wanted to speak to Wing alone about, as Temple eventually took the hint and left the pair alone to speak in private, taking some boxes of the takeout with her.
Rand tells Colleen Wing about the heroin
Now alone, Wing asked why Rand had come as Rand explained that criminals were using Rand Enterprises to ship the Steel Serpent into the city. When Wing asked why Rand did not call the New York City Police Department, Rand explained that his company would then be held responsible and the criminals would just simply find another way to get their drugs in. Wing asked what he could do, Rand answered that if he could prove to Ward Meachum that it was happening, Ward will be forced to help him shut it down. Rand had explained that with the shipment coming in tonight, he could find his evidence there.
Rand asking for Colleen Wing's assistance
Rand asked for Wing's assistance, much to her disbelief as Rand kept insisting that Wing wanted this as just like him, she had trained his entire life for a threat that never arrived. Rand reasoned that if they didn't stop the shipment at Red Hook Pier then people will get hurt which includes Wing's students. When Wing asserted that she will be forced to cancel her class, Rand assured her that she would not have to worry about rent, revealing that he brought the entire building and he was now her new landlord, so Wing had then finally agreed to help and told Rand to fix the leak under her sink.
Rand observes Colleen Wing's combat skills
As they prepared themselves for their mission, Rand had soon found Wing's own Katana as he began practicing with it until Wing arrived and insulted his style. Wing demonstrated her own style by slashing at Rand, as he commented that she had great skill with the sword. Both Rand and Wing had then enthusiastically demonstrated their own skills with Nunchaku as Rand happily commented that Wing was amazing. As Rand checked his phone, he realized that the company had recently been calling him for several hours, but he still chose to focus on the mission rather than calling the company back.[5]
Saving the Chemist[]
Rand and Colleen Wing reached to the pier
- "Well the world hasn't exactly been kind to us. But maybe doing something like this. Walk where I walk, and they'll never see us."
- ―Danny Rand to Colleen Wing[src]
The pair eventually reached the Red Hook Pier at night and infiltrated it, as Rand asked Colleen Wing if it bothered her that now everybody knew who he was, but she insisted that it did not. While they looked around the area, Wing noticed that all of the Hand guards were armed with machine guns, as Rand noted that they did not know how to fight. As Wing expressed her nervousness, Rand promoted her back into the fight by claiming the alternative was going back to Cage Fighting, before he had noted the world had not been kind to them throughout their own lives.
Rand quietly speaking with Colleen Wing
Rand told Wing to follow his lead, promising that if she did then the guards would never see them coming, as Rand used his quiet steps and the large shadows to his advantage as he and Wing continued moving forward. When they were almost caught a guard, Rand and Wing took shelter between to containers, as Rand expressed his own gratitude for Wing coming onto this mission with him, expressing his delight at having somebody who he could count on, although Wing insisted he still had Ward and Joy Meachum, to which Rand asked if Wing had somebody who she had felt she could always rely on.
Rand moves along as the container arrives
As they continued moving forward towards the container, Rand had apologized if he had been to forward with his questioning of Wing, to which she told him that she simply was not good at talking, as Rand noted that he often did not know what he was doing or saying at any given time. Wing then apologized if she also at all misread Rand's intentions with the takeout dinner, to which Rand quoted Tuan back at K'un-Lun about not knowing one's own intentions. Having made up for all previous awkwardness, Rand and Wing agreed they needed to get closer as they continued moving to the main container.
Rand and Colleen Wing look for shipments
Reaching the top of a container, Rand and Wing watched closely as the guards had opened the Rand Enterprises shipments, with Rand filming everything on his phone for evidence. However, to his horror, none of the containers appeared to be carrying anything illegal as they had expected, but Rand refused to accept this, pointing to the guards armed with guns and instead rashly headed down to enter one, leaving Wing to keep watch. Once inside the container, Rand began searching for anything that could link back to the Hand, only for the guards to close up the container, trapping Rand inside.
Rand investigating inside the container
As the truck pulled away, Rand had found himself now without an exit, hoping that Wing would be following, but decided to continue investigating while he was there. Rand went further inside and found a small decorated makeshift living room. Inside he found Radovan Bernivig watching television as Rand had questioned who he was, to which Bernivig revealed himself to be a chemist of the heroin. Before they could talk further, King rose from the couch and saw Rand had broken into the container to take Bernivig away. Without a word, King immediately started shooting at Rand and a fight ensured.
Iron Fist furiously fighting against King
Rand managed to avoid King's gunshots and disarmed him with a kick to the arm before finding the highly trained King was actually a formidable opponent, as his superior strength allowed him to pin Rand against the wall and punch him repeatedly. The moving truck, however, allowed Rand to get free as he started using his speed to gain an advantage, hitting King repeatedly in his pressure points to cause considerable pain. During the fight, King grabbed to blades from the nearby kitchen and had furiously slashed at Rand, however, due to the moving vehicle they were in, King had then inadvertently stabbed Bernivig through the chest, mortally wounding him.
Rand uses the Iron Fist to make his escape
Having finally defeated King with a kick to the head and had left him unconscious on the floor, Rand then grabbed Bernivig who was now bleeding heavily from his wound and prepared to make his escape with him. Finding that the door to the container was still locked, Rand summoned his Iron Fist with his Chi to punch open the backside of the container. He found Wing had stolen a vehicle and followed him. Rand and Bernivig jumped onto the car. Once they then got Bernivig inside, they immediately called for Claire Temple's assistance due to Bernivig's wanted status made a hospital visit too dangerous.
Rand asking Claire Temple about the Hand
Having made it back at the Chikara Dojo, Temple did medical aid on Bernivig and managed to maintain his life by ensuring that he did not suffocate from a collapsed lung. As he had regained consciousness, Bernivig insisted that they have to take him back, explaining that they had his daughter, Sabina Bernivig. As Rand had asked who were the kidnappers, Bernivig clarified that it was the Hand much to Temple's horror. Rand asked about Temple's knowledge as she warned Rand started a conflict by taking Bernivig. She explained to her colleague had been murdered by them and that they tried to kill her as well.
Rand listens to Radovan Bernivig's demand
Rand asked why the Hand wanted Bernivig, as he explained that he invented the formula to the Steel Serpent heroin and was thus the source. Bernivig pleaded for Rand to save his daughter and Rand reassured him that he would, as Temple explained that this was a usual tactic of the Hand, to take children away from their parents in order to force them to obey their many demands, and that she had seen this before. As Rand had agreed to take on the Hand himself, Temple was highly doubtful that a 'rich kid' would be able to handle this matter and that it required the people with special skills.
Rand accepts the duty of being the Iron Fist
Rand agreed as he then explained that he had been preparing for this his entire life while he had been at K'un-Lun and trained as a warrior by the Order of the Crane Mother, noting that while he may not have been a particularly good businessman and could not be the CEO that his father had been, he knew that this was the one thing he could do better than anybody else. Temple had then realized that Rand was just like the other special people she encountered before, as she had asserted that it was foolish to go against the Hand completely alone. Wing assured that Rand was not alone as she was with him.[5]
Recruiting Ward Meachum[]
Rand trying to meditate to find his peace
The next day, Rand returned into his Office where he had then meditated to consider what his next actions would be now that the wounded Radovan Bernivig was recovering back at Chikara Dojo. As he had meditated, Rand remembered Lei Kung's teaching as his master had told him that due to who he was, there would be forces who rise up against him. Kung explained that this is why he would not tolerate any questioning, as doubt would lead to death.
Rand searches locations of the warehouses
Rand looked at all locations of the warehouses that the Hand might be located as he was assisted by Megan, insisting that Megan start calling him just by simply his first name. Rand and Megan were then interrupted when Ward Meachum entered his office and told Megan that he needed to talk to Rand. Once alone, Rand had explained his situation how he had found Bernivig who made the heroin and noted how the Hand had kidnapped Sabina Bernivig to ensure that Bernivig did as instructed; however, Meachum interrupted Rand and insisted that there were bigger issues at hand to deal with first.
Rand is given paperwork for the meeting
Meachum then asked if Rand had now seen the video where he had apologized to Regina Fitzgerald, which was at over six million views, although Rand confirmed that he did and did not understand why it was a problem. Meachum asked why he did not follow the path that he laid out for him as he then explained that corporate leaders for a company like Rand Enterprises must not admit culpability in order to ensure that they were not sued. Meachum also further told Rand that there will be a meeting and they wanted Rand to be there, giving him paperwork to overlook before their meeting took place.
Rand prepares to leave with Ward Meachum
Rand insisted he did not have time for a meeting when someone's life was in danger, telling Meachum to handle the situation himself. Dismissing what he was being told, Rand told Meachum that they would be back in time for the meeting if they went to investigate the warehouses together. With no option, Meachum reluctantly followed Rand, promising to ensure that he would be back for the meeting, comparing him to Harold Meachum. As they got to his car, Meachum was surprised to see Rand had an Aston Martin, while Rand jokingly noted that back in K'un-Lun he had the fastest donkey cart, which had clearly failed to actually impress Meachum before they left.
Rand still angrily lecturing Ward Meachum
Having already visited three of the warehouses and found absolutely no evidence to support his stories, Rand and Meachum headed for the fourth warehouse where Meachum was becoming increasingly more annoyed and angered by what he considered to be a waste of his time, he frustratingly asked Rand to now return to the Rand Enterprises Building for their meeting, insisting that they would not find any heroin or the kidnapped girl as he believed none of it actually existed. Rand had retorted that he could wait in the car, insisting that regardless of Meachum's feelings he would not stop looking.
Rand discovering King's decapitated head
Entering into the warehouse, Rand and Meachum found a container inside the building, with the back doors still damaged from when Rand had struck them with the Iron Fist. When they entered inside of the container, to the horror of Meachum they found a decapitated head on a spike. While Meachum questioned if they should call the New York City Police Department or not, Rand had recognized the head as King who had he fought the night before while trying to get Bernivig free from the Hand. Rand had then found a message written in Chinese and realized that it was an invitation to a challenge.[13]
Preparing for the Challenge[]
Rand explains the challenge from the Hand
- "A grand duel. The Hand's version of a challenge. Their best fighters against me. If I defeat them, they'll meet my demands."
"You've done this before?"
"In K'un-Lun, yeah." - ―Danny Rand and Colleen Wing[src]
Returning into Chikara Dojo to check on Radovan Bernivig's current status, Rand was told by Claire Temple Bernivig was dying from the stab wound inflicted by King. Rand told his friends that the Hand had challenged him to a Da Jue Zhan, as he explained that he would be challenged by the Hand's greatest warriors and, if he managed to defeat all of them, the Hand must finally meet his demands.
Rand rejects Colleen Wing's participation
Rand explained that he had experienced the same kind of challenge back in K'un-Lun, but had never been challenged by the Hand, as Temple insisted the concept was crazy, but Rand noted that it would be the only way to rescue Sabina Bernivig from the Hand before it was too late. Temple had suggested that they call the New York City Police Department, but Rand insisted that this would be too risky as they did not have long to accept the challenge, as Temple called the entire situation completely crazy. Although Colleen Wing offered to go with him, Rand insisted that it was only a challenge for him.
Rand explains that he must face the Hand
Rand explained how the Hand had been told to him as the fairy tale and not something he ever thought he would actually face, as Temple questioned if she actually had more experience in fighting the Hand than Rand could think, which he reluctantly accepted was true. Rand then told the pair about his title as the Iron Fist, although Temple remained confused by what this meant. Wing asked why he was doing this as Rand told that ever since he came back to New York City, it was not what he thought it was, but he knew the Hand was in New York City, he now felt certain that this was what he was meant to be doing.
Rand training for the upcoming challenge
Later during that day, Rand had prepared himself for the upcoming challenge as he meditated and practiced within the dojo. During his practice, Wing had approached and stated that she knew Rand was scared, a statement was Rand disagreed with. Wing expressed her desire to help him with the challenge, but Rand told her to stay and watch over Bernivig, while expressed her worries for Rand's well-being to which Rand promised he will get Sabina Bernivig back and he would not get hurt, as Rand claimed that he was focused on total victory and was certain that he would soon win the challenge.
Rand reassuring Colleen Wing to not worry
Wing then approached him and stated that this was not just another tournament, as Rand losing would mean his death, but once again, Rand reassured Wing that would not happen. Wing asked why he was so confident as Rand recited Lei Kung's lesson that doubting would lead to death. Wing left Rand alone to continue his meditation. To calm himself and give him courage, Rand recalled and emulated the time when he asked Thunderer about the Legend of a child who fell from the sky who was destined to be their greatest warrior. Soon after, Rand then left the dojo to go and face his challengers.[13]
Da Jue Zhan[]
Iron Fist being greeted by Madame Gao
- "The Iron Fist accepts the challenge of the Grand Duel in the name of the holy city of K'un-Lun. My terms are that, upon my victory, the Hand will relinquish custody of the young woman Sabina and depart from Rand."
"Welcome. My master agrees to your terms." - ―Iron Fist and Madame Gao[src]
Rand went to the location where the challenge took place, finding the doors opened as he came close. Entering the Hand's sanctum, Rand had then accepted the challenge as the Iron Fist on the behalf of the Holy City of K'un-Lun. He stated his terms. If he wins, the Hand would then release Sabina Bernivig from their custody and then finally depart from Rand Enterprises, never to return. Out of the shadows, Madame Gao then emerged to welcome the Iron Fist on behalf of her master. Gao accepted his terms and then she stated her own: if Iron Fist lost but survived, he must remove himself from all of their dealing, a term that Iron Fist accepted.
Iron Fist arriving to fight his opponents
As per the custom of their culture, both Iron Fist and Gao washed their hands before he followed Gao to the first of his challengers. Iron Fist entered inside the fighting area where he was then challenged by the two twins, Andrei and Grigori Veznikov who were waiting for him. Iron Fist introduced himself and the twins thought it was a joke as they noted how Rand was on the cover of Forbes and asked if Iron Fist knew that this challenge was a fight to the death. The two brothers then went on to further question why Iron Fist was not protecting the gates of K'un-Lun as both twins were eager to defeat and kill Iron Fist.
Iron Fist readying himself to fight the twins
Iron Fist then noted that the Veznikov brothers were doing a lot of bragging considering they were tag-teaming against him, to which the brothers claimed that they were not two fighters, but one. The pair then each drew a blade and sliced their own palms, creating a ring by dripping blood on the floor, stating that if Iron Fist fell out of the ring he would lose, and if he was to die, then he would also lose. With the rules set and the warriors ready to fight, Gao started the challenge as Rand got into his fighting pose and readied himself for the fight with the Veznikov brothers armed and also ready.
Iron Fist fighting both the Veznikov brothers
Initially struggling against the Twins' dual assault as they gained an advantage and kicked him down onto the floor, Iron Fist recalled his lessons from Lei Kung and then got back onto his feet, with Kung's instructions to be a double-edged sword ringing in his mind. Iron Fist then quickly gained the advantage by adopting a style that allowed him to hit both twins at once. Briefly pausing the fight, the Veznikov twins continued mocking Rand by noting that the Iron Fist should never leave his post, claiming that Rand himself did not know why he was in New York City and was merely chasing little girls, which had angered Rand as he once again attacked the Veznikov twins.
Iron Fist fighting against Andrei Veznikov
Rand once again fought the Veznikov twins, however, his danger at being mocked caused him to lose his focus as the twins gained an advantage, as Rand barely avoided by slashed with their blades or falling out of the blood circulation which would have caused him to lose the challenge. However, upon once again remembering his master's teaching of focus, Iron Fist continued fighting, as he knocked out Grigori by kicking him against the wall, leaving only Andrei left to try and kill him and gain victory of the Veznikov twins during their duel, as Andrei drew a hidden blade and had then cut Rand's arm.
Iron Fist defeats the Veznikov brothers
Finally, Rand was able to land several hard finishing blows against Andrei, breaking his arm before knocking him to the floor as Andrei was unable to continue fighting or even pick up his blade, as he crawled out of the blood ring and yielded the fight. With both of the Veznikov twins now defeated as Grigori was still unconscious, the Iron Fist stood victorious over them with only a minor cut to his arm, as Gao confirmed that the first battle had been won as she then led Iron Fist further inside for his next challenge, with Rand just briefly pausing to tear off his sleeve to make a bandage.[13]
Fists vs Poison[]
Rand meeting the Bride of Nine Spiders
- "Are we going to fight or not?"
"We don't have to fight. Why don't you kiss me instead? If you took me for pleasure, how would that make you feel?" - ―Iron Fist and Bride of Nine Spiders[src]
With Andrei and Grigori Veznikov now finally defeated during the first round of the challenge, Rand was then led by Madame Gao to the next Da Jue Zhan challenger. Entering the next challenge area, Iron Fist found the room filled with smoke with sheets hanging from the ceiling before he was greeted by the Bride of Nine Spiders, as Rand then expressed his surprise that his next challenger was a woman, although he insisted that it did not make him uneasy, despite the Bride claiming that she could sense Rand's fear, while Iron Fist said that she did not as he claimed that he feared nothing.
Rand being slowly seduced by the Bride
The Bride then began seducing and distracting Iron Fist, as she then started questioning about Iron Fist's intention and if he hid behind the mask of Danny Rand or if that identity had gone long ago during the fateful Plane Crash. Iron Fist insisted that he was Danny Rand and attempted to ignore what the Bride was saying to him, but the questioning confused and distracted him while he questioned when they were finally going to begin their fight, however, the Bride instead pinned Rand against the wall and had suggested that he could kiss her instead, which greatly confused and unnerved Rand who would be breaking all his vows to give into his own natural urges.
Rand is suddenly poisoned by the Bride
Amidst her seduction, the Bride stuck a poison needle on Iron Fist's neck. Realizing that his vision was disoriented, Iron Fist had started fighting the woman; however, the Bride was able to take advantage of his disorientation as she easily pushed him away and vanished into the darkness and smoke. The Bride continued evading and dodging his attacks as she continued to stick him with needles, mocking Iron Fist as she claimed that all he wanted was to lose control while also telling him that the more he fought against it and the more his heart raised, the faster the poison would work across his body.
Rand attempts to continue the challenge
As Rand attempted to regain control by taking his deep breath and trying to restore all his Chi, the Bride simply took advantage of his momentary pause and kicked him in the head. As Rand continued trying and failing to land a single strike on the Bride, she continued sticking him with needles, telling him that the rage he was feeling was what all the Order of the Crane Mother back at K'un-Lun were trying to keep away, and she would allow Rand to finally be the real him. When Rand denied this and tried to kick the Bridge, the stuck him again before then throwing him hard against the wall.
Rand is attacked by Bride of Nine Spiders
Losing control of the fight against the Bridge, Rand had yet another vision of Lei Kung, recalling how Kung had told Rand that his crying over the loss of his mother and father was a weakness which Rand had needed to banish in order to move forward. While Rand recalled his lessons with Kung, the Bridge took advantage once again and kicked him to the ground, before seductively straddling his lap before attempting to stab Rand which a dagger. However, Rand was just able to snap back to his senses long enough to block the attack with the dagger before he then kicked the Bride away from him.
Iron Fist defeats the Bride of Nine Spiders
Encouraged and remembering Thunderer's teaching many teachings to him about overcoming pain, fear and doubt, Iron Fist managed to regain his Chi as he furiously punched the wall behind him, causing sparks to fly down all around him. Regaining his focus at last, Iron Fist witnessed the Bride charging at him armed with the dagger, as he was able to gain one moment of clarity and defeated his opponent with a strong kick to the head which had knocked her unconscious. With the Bride defeated, Gao worriedly announced that the second challenge was won and led him to the third and final challenge.
Rand insists on continuing the challenge
As they walked, Gao asked if Iron Fist was hurt but he insisted that he was not as Gao tried to persuade Iron Fist to withdrawn and Iron Fist made it clear that he would still not be leaving without Sabina Bernivig. Weak from the poison, Iron Fist continued to follow Gao as he remembered Kung's repeating teaching to him. He remembered the time when Kung told him about his decision to enter the cave and face Shou-Lao, warning him that if he survived, his former self will be destroyed before Kung asked if Iron Fist was willing to kill his identity as Danny Rand so that the Iron Fist could then be born.[13]
Final Showdown[]
Rand introduces himself to the Scythe
While still struggling to walk following his fight with the Bride of Nine Spiders, Iron Fist entered through the door into his final challenge of the Da Jue Zhan as Madame Gao then closed the door behind him. Inside, Iron Fist found his final challenger, Scythe, waiting for him. Scythe asked who he was and he mockingly questioned when the real warrior was coming. Frustrated by the childish questions from his opponents, Iron Fist mocked him as Scythe asked him to choose a weapon, to which Iron Fist affirmed that he was the weapon.
Iron Fist furiously fights against the Scythe
Scythe noted how a weapon should not feel pain and should be used to serve its master, questioning who Rand's master was, as Rand answered that he served only himself, to which Scythe told him that he would disappoint his master. The gruelling battle then took place between the two warriors with Scythe first using a Naginata to keep the Iron Fist on the edge, with the Iron Fist armed only with his own body and his fighting skills. Iron Fist maintained his focus and kept dodging and evaded Scythe's deadly attacks while landing a few counter strikes as he did. Upon breaking Scythe's first weapon, Iron Fist had then questioned which master Scythe had served.
Iron Fist avoiding all of the Scythe's attacks
Scythe explained that he served the Hand without question, with a desire only to serve until his own death, before he had then grabbed a second weapon and furiously attacked the Iron Fist with it. As the fight continued, Iron Fist took the battle to a room filled with metal bars as he took advantage of the small space to force Scythe to furiously swing wildly at him and constantly get his blades caught in between the metal bars, which allowed Iron Fist to break Scythe's weapon in half as he began to gain the advantage. Scythe restored to throwing the blades at Iron Fist, which he managed to avoid.
Iron Fist strikes and defeats the Scythe
Eventually, it led to another room where Madame Gao was waiting and watching the fight take place. Iron Fist gained more focus and encouragement as he remembered Lei Kung's words when he had ordered him to bury his mother and father to submit to the Order of the Crane Mother and become Iron Fist. Having achieved a single-minded focus on the fight, Iron Fist fought Scythe with such an extraordinary concentration that time seemed to slow down. Using his Chi powers, Iron Fist broke the Scythe's weapons with ease and struck him down the ground with a single powerful punch with his Iron Fist.
Iron Fist being conflicted on who to choose
Before Iron Fist could finish the fight, Gao warned him not to strike Scythe down, revealing she was holding Sabina Bernivig hostage and at knifepoint, warning Rand that he struck Scythe down, Gao would murder Bernivig. Gao stated that Iron Fist withdrawn from the duel and the young girl will be spared, as Iron Fist denounced Gao's action as dishonorable only for Gao to scoff as she questioned why she should care for the honor. Imagining Kung's lecturing and telling him that his purpose was to destroy the Hand and therefore the girl's life was unimportant, Rand found himself conflicted on what to do.
Rand listens to Madame Gao's monologue
Tormented, Iron Fist continued to remember Kung's words that Rand should finish it but ultimately, Rand withdrew from the duel, unable to sacrifice an innocent person's life, allowing Scythe to go free. Gao kept her promise and released Bernivig as she then stated that she never believed that she would meet another Iron Fist in her lifetime. Gao then asked why Rand left K'un-Lun for New York City as it was obvious that he did not come to destroy the Hand. Rand asked who she was and Gao introduced herself properly, revealing she had been to K'un-Lun by describing the Katsura Tree within its center.
Rand walking away with Sabina Bernivig
Gao claimed she was interested in how Rand's mind had worked and wondered if K'un-Lun really changed that much as Rand claimed that they still taught honor. When Gao spoke his father's name, Rand demanded to know how she knew his own father, questioning if she had a connection to Rand Enterprises. However, Gao responded by calmly raising her hand up in the air and used Chi to send Rand flying against a wall as Gao left. As Rand left the Wai-Go Industries Warehouse, he looked back and imagined his own master, the Thunderer looking at him with utter disappointment before then turning his back on Rand.[13]
Rescuing Harold Meachum[]
Rand noticing Harold Meachum in hostage
- "I need to find out how she knew my father."
"Hey, don't play her game. That's what she wants. Time isn't on our side. Look how out of control this has already gotten. What I had to do to protect you. I don't know how much more of this I can take. You know what needs to be done to end this, Danny." - ―Danny Rand and Harold Meachum[src]
Following their final conclusion of the Da Jue Zhan, and having also ensured that Sabina Bernivig was safe, Rand had then gone to meet with Harold Meachum at his Penthouse. However, as Rand arrived, he found Alexi and Vando were questioning what Meachum's relationship was with Rand, threatening to cut off his finger if he failed to answer. As Rand had arrived, Meachum, Alexi, and Vando turned around, shocked to see Rand unexpectedly enter the Penthouse.
Taking advantage of Rand's arrival, Meachum quickly grabbed the nearest knife and stabbed Alexi in the chest, while Vando attempted to shoot at Rand. Reacting swiftly to the new situation, Rand went to Meachum's assistance as he used his speed to avoid Vando's bullets and disarmed him while Meachum still continued brutally stabbing Alexi to death. Although Vando was considerably stronger than Rand, he managed to gain the upper hand with his speed and fighting skills before Meachum got behind Vando and had cut his throat, with Rand dismayed when Meachum had used such brutality to kill them.
Rand telling Meachum about Madame Gao
Meachum insisted that he had no choice as they would have killed him before questioning why Rand did not summon up the Iron Fist during the fight, however, Rand had explained that he could not as he used up all his Chi in the Tournament. Rand further explained that he almost won the Da Jue Zhan, but Madame Gao had then changed the rules when he defeated Scythe, which then forced him to withdraw, although Meachum explained that it did not matter now as the Hand was on to them. Rand asked about Gao, as Meachum explained that she was the one who he had made his original deal with.
Rand seeing Meachum cutting his finger off
Rand then told that Gao knew about his father, to which Meachum claimed that Wendell Rand never told him. Rand informed Meachum that following this revelation he wanted to know what she knew and her connection with Rand Enterprises. However, Meachum warned Rand not to play into her manipulation. Rand asked what they need to do with Alexi and Vando's bodies, to which Meachum said that he would take care of them, but first, he needed to act and made sure that the attacker's original task was accomplished, as Rand had then watched in complete horror as Meachum cut off his finger.[11]
New Love, New Target[]
Blossoming Relationship[]
Rand is treated by Colleen Wing
- "I've been living a very different life for many years. There are certain things I haven't but last night was I enjoyed it. A lot."
"I liked it, too. You know, this cloak of I don't know, bravado that you have I know why you wear it. I do the same thing. It keeps people at bay, but you know that you don't have to wear it with me." - ―Danny Rand and Colleen Wing[src]
Rand returned into Chikara Dojo to get the wound given to him by Andrei Veznikov was then treated Colleen Wing while Rand had then informed her about what happened during the Da Jue Zhan. As Wing helped stitch up Rand's wounds, he wondered if he should go to Metro-General Hospital instead and claim that he had been mugged; however, Wing had told him that it was not safe to go into the hospital due to Radovan Bernivig having already been taken away when her and Claire Temple went to the hospital in an attempt to save his life before he had bled to death.
Rand tells Colleen Wing about the challenge
After the wounds are stitched, Wing then checked for more injuries, finding bruises caused by Scythe and all his other opponents. Rand lamented on how he had lost the fight, although Wing suggested that the tournament may have been rigged from the start. Rand noted that he had been given the chance to win, but he was forced to withdraw as Sabina Bernivig's life had been on the line. Rand told her that he intended to learn what Madame Gao knew about his father, although Wing had suggested that Gao may have been lying and that she was just attempting to then make Rand confused and distracted.
Rand gets a message from Claire Temple
As Wing finished cleaning up his wounds, Rand received a message from Claire Temple that Bernivig has been taken to safety. Having put alcohol on his wound to keep it clean, Rand and Wing then sat down together to have a drink, as Rand had reminisced about a time when Brother Kuo would harvest plums every summer to make wine. He told Wing the story when he and Davos went to sneak in at night to drink Brother Kuo's wine. Wing asked for another story about K'un-Lun, Rand sadly replied that there were not many great memories to tell, thinking back to the training and beatings he underwent.
Rand explaining his Mark of Shou-Lao
Wing then asked about the tattoo on his chest, as Rand explained that it was not a tattoo, but the mark of the Iron Fist, although Wing noted that she still did not understand what this meant. Rand tried explaining that it was a unique force that was used to protect K'un-Lun and that it was passed down from generation to generation. As Wing asked why Rand was chosen to Receive the Power, Rand had answered that he was not chosen but that he earned it. Wing asked more about his powers and Rand then explained that it allowed him to harness his Chi, giving him enhanced strength and focus.
Rand tells Colleen Wing to keep on fighting
Wing asked if he could show it, Rand replied that he could not have recently used it against Scythe, as she wondered if Rand believed that she could not handle the sight and if she was too weak, to which Rand had gently praised that she was the strongest person he had ever met. However, Wing had sadly lamented that she had not been strong enough to protect Radovan Bernivig from being taken by Gao, although Rand did not blame or fault her for that. Wing asked if Rand would keep fighting the Hand, to which Rand had then affirmed that he could not quit now following what he had recently learned.
Rand and Colleen Wing sleep together
As Rand rose up to leave, Wing had insisted that he should stay at the dojo for the night, although Rand had attempted to decline as he would need to head to the Rand Enterprises Building tomorrow. Then Wing grabbed his hand as Wing tenderly replied that she wanted him to stay. Looking at one another in the eyes, having developed feelings for one another, Rand and Wing shared a kiss. Although Rand briefly paused, thinking of his vows he made at K'un-Lun, he soon removed his shirt and had allowed Wing to softly run her hands over the Mark of Shou-Lao as he and Wing then spent the night together.
Rand talks about being together with Wing
The next morning, Rand had woken up first to watch and listen to the stillness of New York City, as Wing woke up and went to stand with him. Rand tenderly told Wing that he enjoyed the night that he spent together with her, while Wing had also agreed as well, although Rand had then noted that during his time in K'un-Lun he had never before experienced certain things like intimacy before. Wing told Rand that he did not need to hide behind his mask of bravery and bravado as she assured Rand that he could always be honest with her. Smiling, Rand shared a kiss with her, as the new relationship ignited.[11]
Gao's Unexpected Visit[]
- "I passed your test. You know who I am. What I can do."
"You're not the first I've met to carry the mantle of the Iron Fist."
"Is that why you use that symbol on your heroin packages? The dragon without the wings?"
"The other Iron Fists I've known were fierce, unrelenting in their mission to protect K'un-Lun from the Hand." - ―Danny Rand and Madame Gao[src]
Rand returned to Rand Enterprises Building where he straight away asked Megan to find any old files about his father mentioned the name Madame Gao, as Megan explained that these files were in storage and she would have them brought up. Fearing this was too specific, Rand asked for every single one of the files, no matter how many there were, jokingly noting that his office was big enough.
Rand reads about the company's chemicals
As he was speaking to Megan, Joy Meachum approached Rand and had wanted him to come with her. Inside the board meeting room, Meachum informed Rand that she has written him a statement for his recent action in him apologizing to Regina Fitzgerald over the Rand Enterprises Chemical Plant situation. As Rand read the document, he noted it sounded like an apology, although Meachum insisted it is the first step to restore Rand Enterprises's image. Rand questioned what will happen to the plant itself as the result of this, although Meachum had seemed completely indifferent about Rand's question.
Rand being told about the company's cases
Rand stated that it might make people sick as Meachum replied that the EPA cleared them. Rand asserted that all fifteen cases of cancer were not a coincidence as the frustrated Meachum professed that she cared about what was happening to these people, but she also cared about the company. Meachum informed Rand that she had no idea where Ward Meachum was. She further criticized Rand's action of not showing up at meetings and when he did, he was beaten up following the Da Jue Zhan. Meachum reminded Rand fought hard to get into the company and now it was the time to start working.
Rand finds Madame Gao inside the building
At the same time, Gao entered the floor from their elevator much to Rand's shock, as Rand excused himself from Meachum and went into his office to find Gao placing a plant on his furniture. Gao chided Rand that he needed to take better care of himself as she had disliked his office and the lack of harmony, noting how the poisoned arrows had weakened the soul, referring to his clash with the Bride of Nine Spiders. Rand asked how she got in as Gao simply smiled and explained that she had been in Rand Enterprises far longer than he had and she did not have any intention to leave anytime soon.
Rand approaching Madame Gao in his office
When Rand approached closer, Gao quickly raised her hand to stop him as she cautioned Rand about attacking an old woman in his own office and in front of his employees. Rand insisted that he passed her test and she knew what he was capable of. Maintaining her calm posture, Gao was not threatened by Rand's words as she had seen another carried the title of the Iron Fist as she further explained that the other Iron Fists were fierce and would never have backed down from a Da Jue Zhan just to save an innocent girl from being killed, as Gao believed this showed considerable weakness in Rand.
Rand listens to Madame Gao's explanations
Rand then questioned why Gao used a symbol from K'un-Lun on her packets of heroin, before he then questioned how she had known his father. Gao, however, simply continued her monologue as she claimed that she had been alive long enough to see the entire world change in many ways, but she noted that this present change felt significant, mentioning Daredevil and Luke Cage and now an Immortal Weapon who had suddenly left K'un-Lun for New York City and had therefore abandoned his duty. Gao had then openly wondered in the current of change if they could be something other than mortal enemies.
Rand asks Madame Gao about his father
Gao deduced that Rand did not leave K'un-Lun to hunt the Hand, but he left as he wanted to be Danny Rand. Gao stated that she needed his company, but all the spoils would be Rand's to enjoy, suggesting Rand to buy a yacht or enjoy time with his friends, Colleen Wing and Claire Temple as Gao warned that New York was no place for the Iron Fist. Gao approached closer and placed a hand on Rand's cheek as she chillingly told Rand that this was the best offer she would give. When Rand tried to ask about his father, Gao simply chuckled before walking out, while also reminding Rand to water his plant.[11]
Investigating Madame Gao[]
Rand prepares to follow Madame Gao
- "You're using my company, my building, to sell poison!"
"Is that really so different than what you're doing on the top floor? Do it."
"You're scared. You don't even have a choice. You can't go back to Gao. She killed the last guy who failed to defeat me. Turned his head into a mailbox. I'm giving you a new choice." - ―Danny Rand and Sophia[src]
Rand watched while Madame Gao left his office and then headed for the elevator, as Rand noted that Gao used a Rand Enterprises card. Determined to get his answers, Rand had opened the elevator doors with pure strength, seeing that the elevator with Gao inside was currently going down as Rand had wanted to know what Gao's true intentions were, for himself as well as his company. Summoning his Chi, Rand gave a prayer to Buddha before he had used the Iron Fist to grab the elevator cable and follow.
Rand follows Madame Gao to the next floor
He managed to land on the elevator undetected and, once Gao and her guards were out, Rand entered into the elevator from the ceiling. Noticing he was on the 13th floor, which had seemingly been unused for quite some time. Rand began sneaking further inside the floor as he looked for Gao, finding her having a meeting with Sophia who was explaining how the Hand would use Rand Enterprises to transport all their shipments of Heroin which Gao was producing, along with the assistance of both the Russian Mafia as well as the Dogs of Hell who would be tasked with driving the Rand trucks with the heroin.
Rand listens to Madame Gao's conversation
Gao then noted that quantity of heroin would not be a problem as Rand had then learned that Radovan Bernivig was almost ready to give up the formula and that they would start mass-producing soon, allowing them to continue selling Gao's own supply of the deadly heroin across New York City with the assistance of Rand's company, which had greatly angered him. When Sophia noted that Hai-Qing Yang was still a problem for them, Rand further heard that Gao would dispatch the Yangsi Gonshi. Gao concluded their meeting, while she commented on how she wanted to change the look of the office.
Rand interrogates Sophia for answers
Once Gao and her guards left, Rand had quietly stepped out of sight before he then went to interrogate Sophia in order to gain answers. After a brief struggle, Rand managed to subdue her as Rand calmed down when he realized that the woman was scared and she did not had a choice in following the Hand. Rand warned that she could not go back to Gao as she killed King, who was the last person who tried to defeat him, telling her to instead run and never return. Rand then managed to convince the woman to help him by giving the password to the tablet she was using so he could defeat the Hand first.[11]
Company Decision[]
- "Some of you aren't happy with me. And I know what you want me to do. But I've made a decision. Until we can be sure it isn't causing illness, we're shutting down the Staten Island plant. We're also gonna keep everyone on payroll. That way no one loses their job."
"Don't be a jackass, Danny. This isn't the way business gets done." - ―Danny Rand and Lawrence Wilkins[src]
Returning to the office floor, as Megan informed Rand that his meeting with the Rand Enterprises board would be starting soon and insisted he could not appear with his dirty suit, which had been messed up as he slide down the elevator shaft. As Rand changed dress, Megan revealed that she only found one box of his father's documents and inside there was only an envelope that had contained Wendell's member card and nothing else, while Megan noted that over the fifteen years many of the files would have been moved around from room to room and eventually lost.
Rand ask about Regina Fitzgerald
Looking at his father's member card, Rand then asked Megan if she thought this was a good company, as she noted that to work for it was, despite commenting that she had recently lost her dental plan. Rand then led the question over to the Rand Enterprises Chemical Plants, questioning what Megan's feelings were over that video of Rand apologizing to Regina Fitzgerald over her situation. After some persisting, Megan simply revealed that her mother lived within Staten Island where Fitzgerald's son had also become sick, to which Rand declared that he would then be making a few phone calls.
Rand personally speaks to the Rand board
Rand entered the Board meeting as Joy Meachum handed Rand the statement for him to read and commented that he had once again arrived late. Rand told the board that he was aware that some were not happy with him and his recent decisions, but stood firm that until they could be absolutely sure, they will be shutting the plants within Staten Island. He also said that they should keep everyone on payroll so no one lost their job when the power plant had closed. Lawrence Wilkins told Rand that this isn't how business was done and not how his father would have wanted.
Rand noting on the New York Bulletin story
Rand retorted that his father was gone and had believed in fighting for what's right. Maria Rodriguez reminded Rand that he may have a voice but it was just a courtesy as Wilkins further reminded that he should not expect anyone to listen to someone who got their MBA from K'un-Lun as Meachum went to Rand's defense. Rand revealed that he already called Karen Page who had already written the New York Bulletin article for the front page tomorrow. With that said, Rand excused himself from the board. Trapped, the Board could now only comply with Rand's demands much to their frustrations.[11]
Harold Meachum's Advice[]
Rand asks Harold Meachum about secrets
- "It's just, it's my father's name. It's my name. I can't believe the Hand's been using it all this time."
"Yeah, well, that's why we're doing this. Get 'em out of our company. Make Rand honest again. And you may have delivered exactly what we need to get it done." - ―Danny Rand and Harold Meachum[src]
Later, Rand went back to Harold Meachum and gave him the tablet as together they found numbers and shipments of the Steel Serpent, although Rand seemed distracted throughout the conversation. Rand asked Meachum if he knew about the thirteenth floor, to which Meachum jokingly replied that had he known, he would have had Ward Meachum charged rent. As Rand had pressed him, Meachum simply maintained that he had always been honest with Rand.
Rand seeing the Hand's illegal actions
Rand expressed his disbelief that all this time, the Hand were using his company for their illegal actions as Meachum assured that was why they were doing this to make Rand honest again. Looking through the files, they deduced that Madame Gao needed to use their own company for all of her current criminal operation of selling the heroin to continue to work smoothly, before they learned that there was a Warehouse in Brooklyn where the Hand could be manufacturing their drugs as Rand was certain that Radovan Bernivig was there and wanted to save him.
Rand is told to first face Madame Gao
While Rand explained who Bernivig was and how he was connected to the creation of Gao's heroin, Meachum had advised Rand not to go to his rescue, insisting that he would then be one man facing off against Gao's army of Hand soldiers and that he needed an army himself in order to take her down. While Rand noted that he could not bear to leave Bernivig behind to be killed by Gao, Meachum instead had further suggested that he should focus on defeating Gao and not save Bernivig, believing Gao to be the more important target for them, which Rand's conscience struggled to accept.[11]
Alliance with the Hatchet Men[]
Rand personally seeing Darryl's graduation
- "I have heard Madame Gao's plans for you. And if you do nothing, you'll all be dead by the end of the week. You don't know me but the Hand does. And they fear me. With you and your men by our side they'll fear you, too."
- ―Iron Fist to Hai-Qing Yang[src]
Following his meeting with Harold Meachum, Rand had gone straight over to Chikara Dojo and found the graduation of Darryl. Rand waited in the doorway until Colleen Wing was finished with her students and wishing Darryl good luck as he prepared to go to University to take an Elite Training Program. Rand had listened smiling while Wing gave her congratulations to Darryl before she then gave a speech to the rest of her students who were still in the dojo, then telling them that together as warriors, they would always be a stronger unit.
Rand informs Colleen Wing about the Hand
Once they were alone, Rand then informed Wing about the Hand's knowledge of her whereabouts and her connection with him as well as Claire Temple, putting them both in serious danger. Although Wing still reassured that she could handle herself, Rand remained nervous as Wing then asked about Radovan Bernivig, as Rand told her that he knew where Bernivig was being kept and that he had a plan to get him free, but a risky one. Wing maintained that she will help him as he said they need to go immediately. When Wing questioned where they were heading, Rand said they would get their allies.
Rand and Hai-Qing Yang discuss the Hand
Later, Rand and Wing went to had a talk with Hai-Qing Yang and his gang at the Golden Sands, as they tried to convince them that they could fight together and end the Hand's Heroin operation. Yang had doubted that they would be able to succeed and questioned why he should attack now, to which Rand had then explained that he had overheard about Madame Gao's intention to wipe the Yangsi Gonshi out, as Rand also further pressed that the Hand had feared him as he was the Iron Fist and joining forces to switch to his own side against them, the Hand would eventually fear the Yangsi Gonshi as well.
Rand learning of Madame Gao's location
With the alliance formed, the Hatchet Men had gone and assaulted the warehouse, providing a distraction for Rand and Wing to sneak further inside. They found Bernivig, sitting on a chair and dying from his wounds, as Bernivig asked for Sabina Bernivig as Rand assured him that she was fine and safe. Rand asked for Gao, while Bernivig asked for forgiveness, revealing that he told her about how to make the Heroin. Before dying, he revealed that Gao was in Anzhou, much to Rand's complete horror, as Anzhou had been the location that he and his parents went on the flight that claimed their lives.[11]
Grim Discovery[]
Rand receiving a phone call from Temple
- "I refused to back down from Gao. I thought if I destroyed her labs."
"That she'd what? Take her ball and go home? Are you a moron? You thought you could end a criminal conspiracy by destroying a few test tubes?"
"I thought I could handle it."
"Well, now I need to mourn my father's death for the second time." - ―Danny Rand and Ward Meachum[src]
Following the attack against the Hand's Warehouse Rand had then headed back to Harold Meachum's Penthouse to discuss the recent events. On the way, Rand tried to call and warn Claire Temple about the danger, unknown to him that she was off taking a shower and there was already someone there. He left a voice message to a warning of the danger of Madame Gao's men. When he entered the apartment, he didn't find Meachum except for a pool of blood in his office which completely horrified Rand.
Rand noticing Harold Meachum was killed
Expecting the worst had happened, Rand heard someone entering the Penthouse; however, when he went to face the intruder, it turned out to be Ward Meachum, who pushed Rand away and questioned what he was doing in his father's Penthouse, to which Rand claimed that he thought Ward could have been an assassin from the Hand. Following some initial scolding from him, Rand told Ward to sit down before explaining that something terrible had happened to his father, which Ward merely scoffed at. However, Ward then saw the pool of blood and had reacted in a state of both horror and shock.
Rand blames himself for facing the Hand
With Ward looking like he was ready to throw up, Rand took him to sit down before Ward then asked why it happened, as Rand blamed himself because it was his actions in challenging the Hand as well as destroying Gao's Heroin Supply that had seemingly led to Harold's death, claiming that he had thought that attacking Gao's criminal empire would finally end this conflict. Ward then furiously berated Rand for not thinking things through and his action led to his father's death, claiming that he could not bring down a criminal conspiracy by destroying a few buildings that were owned by the Hand.
Rand apologized for his actions and their consequences, Ward then furiously mocked Rand and had called him cancer, noting how as a result of Rand's foolish actions, Ward would have to mourn the death of his father for a second time. Remorseful over his mistakes, Rand vowed to go to Anzhou and locate and capture Gao once and for all, although Ward claimed that he did not care what Rand did next, as long as he stayed far away from him and Joy Meachum, which Rand sadly agreed to. Determined to go avenge his beloved father figure's death, Rand then left Penthouse, taking the tablet with him.[12]
Capturing Madame Gao[]
Reckless Plan of Attack[]
Rand declares the Hand's next operation
- "That may be true. But if there's even the smallest chance that I can find out the truth, then I have to go. Otherwise, it's just gonna be this cloud hanging over me for the rest of my life."
"Well, there is no rest of your life if she kills you. I've seen someone else take on the Hand. It didn't end well."
"I appreciate your concern, but I've already made up my mind." - ―Danny Rand and Claire Temple[src]
Regrouping with Colleen Wing and Claire Temple, Rand declared his intention to go to China as soon as was possible, as he explained how he had learned there was a Hand factory within Anzhou and Rand was convinced that this was not a coincidence that he and his parents were heading there and it led to their fatal Plane Crash. Rand explained that his father never visited foreign areas and therefore a possible explanation was that he must have suspected something to go there and investigate himself.
Rand insist on where to find the Hand
Wing asked if Madame Gao was producing her Heroin there as Rand noted that it was possible that Gao had learned that his father was investigating and so Gao then caused the plane crash, as Rand was only certain that Gao would punish anyone who crossed her. Temple warned that his plan was reckless and it could be a trap and that Gao could simply be lying about everything, claiming that the plan completely sucked which Rand took great offense to. Rand insisted if there was even a small chance that he could get the answer to his questions over the accident, then he must take it.
Rand plans to track down Madame Gao
Rand made his decision to go to Anzhou alone; however, Wing said she would go with him and when Rand protested, as Wing reminded him that the last time he went alone to the Da Jue Zhan, he returned bruised and beaten. Temple also stated that she would join them, as she was tired of running and being helpless following the Attack on Metro-General Hospital and the death of Louisa Delgado. Temple asked what Rand's plan was and he could only think of tracking her down and take her captive. When Temple questioned that plan, Rand made an outburst. Realizing his disrespect, he apologized.[12]
Flying into China[]
Rand calms himself during a wind collision
- "I've spent the last fifteen years learning to control my body, my mind, and my emotions. I think I'll be okay. But if I did kill her, I would only be fulfilling my duty as the Iron Fist."
"You really think that you can justify murder?"
"I swore to protect the people of K'un-Lun from the Hand." - ―Danny Rand and Claire Temple[src]
Their group got onto Rand's Private Jet together and had all headed over to China. Along the way, Rand had continued checking over the tablet until the plane started shaking, which had caused his trauma from the Plane Crash to kick in. Rand had managed to get calm as Claire Temple had approached, looking at his iPod, noting Rand's taste for old school music. Temple had inquired about Rand's relationship with Colleen Wing, as Rand was puzzled and blushed by her question, but Temple still quickly deduced the nature of their relationship and then lightly teased him.
Rand ask Claire Temple about relationships
Rand asked Temple if she had her boyfriend but Temple denied this, although Rand said that he had seen her read the letter several times and the writing was distinctly not feminine. Temple explained that he presently was not available. Temple asked Rand if he soon found out that Madame Gao did indeed kill her parents if he was going to do anything foolish but Rand tried to hide it by explaining that he had trained fifteen years at K'un-Lun to control his emotions, but Rand still claimed that if he really did kill her, then he would only be fulfilling his duty as Iron Fist which had made Temple uncomfortable.
Rand listens to Claire Temple about killing
Temple questioned if that justified murder as Rand argued that he swore to protect the people of K'un-Lun from the Hand, as Temple made it clear that killing was wrong no matter what. Nearby, Wing had then calmly questioned if Temple would feel the same way if someone had killed her mother and father. Temple claimed that an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind although Temple still acknowledged that she was not special, she had seen enough people die to understand the value of life, to which Wing countered by noting how many lives Gao destroyed through her actions.
Rand again calms himself with Colleen Wing
The discussion stopped as the plane started shaking again as Rand became stress. Temple tried to reassure him that turbulence was not dangerous, but Rand retorted that his mother told her the same thing before she was ripped out of the plane. Seeing him panicking, Temple helped Rand to relax by asking him to tell them how he was feeling and ignore the facts, as Rand told them about the accident, he watched his parents die and he lost unconsciousness from there. He recalled finding his father's corpse and the monks taking him in. After some struggle, Rand had eventually calmed back down.[12]
Pursuing Madame Gao[]
Rand waits for Madame Gao to show herself
- "It's a sacred symbol from K'un-Lun. Gao's giving them the finger by putting it on her poison. Let's find something to start the fire."
"Are you really planning to capture Gao?"
"Look, can we not get into that right now? Let's finish up and get out of here."
"I just wanted to say Gao is gonna keep destroying people's lives. It doesn't matter how it happens, just as long as it does." - ―Danny Rand and Colleen Wing[src]
Upon arriving in Anzhou, the group then headed for the Facility that the Hand was seemingly located and began to wait for their target to show herself as they continued considering what their plan of attack needed to be. While they waited for an opening, Rand overlooked the facility with a pair of binoculars, as Colleen Wing questioned if Rand was nervous of Madame Gao failing to turn up there, although Rand had instead claimed that it was just the long waiting for something to happen that made him nervous.
Rand agrees with Colleen Wing about death
As Rand sat on the car next to her, Wing shared a bit about her past with Rand by telling him that she had watched her own mother die in front of her as well when she had died of an illness while Wing was still young and confused, noting how her own father had never really spoken about what was happening and just sent her to Japan to live with her grandfather. Rand and Wing both agreed that they had felt a sense of being abandoned following the deaths of their family, while Rand noted that no matter how much he was loved elsewhere, it was never quite the same feeling before they shared a tender kiss.
Rand tells Claire Temple about waiting
However, they were interrupted as Claire Temple awoke from inside the car and asked for an update, as Rand noted that they still had not seen anything significant, although they had deduced in which building Gao's Heroin was being produced in. Eventually, Rand had become annoyed by all the waiting and decided to beat up a guard for information, however, Wing had instead suggested another way to get information. Wing then spoke to a Blind Beggar and convinced him to give her information on the facility. Based on this information, they learned that the guards and slaves left in the evening.
Rand suggests go inside the warehouse
As the group had discussed how Gao was keeping slaves within the facility, Rand suggested that they wait for the workers to leave for their evening meal, before they sneak in and burn the place to the ground. Temple, however, questioned the plan, asking if was a good idea to burn down the only place where they knew there was at least a chance that Gao may turn up, however, Rand had simply replied that this was a way to force Gao out of her hiding by disrupting her business. Once the workforce left, Rand and Wing sneaked inside while Temple had stayed behind with their car to stay safe.
Rand hides away from Madame Gao's guard
Ready to go make their move, Rand put his hood up while Wing had armed herself with her Katana as together they made their way inside the facility, silently climbing over a large gate while remaining out of sight. Having successfully dispatched the guard, they went inside the drug lab. Wing had noted that the symbol on the heroin resembled Rand's chest tattoo while he explained that it was the same symbol from K'un-Lun but made in mocking by stamping it on heroin. Rand started pouring flammable substance on the lab as Wing questioned if Rand really planned to capture Gao as he had claimed.
Rand reasoned that this was not the time to talk about it, however, Wing had still said that Gao was going to keep destroying people's lives if she stayed alive. Rand answered that he was not sure what will happen, but if Gao was responsible for his Plane Crash, he would likely kill her, although he confessed to Wing that the prospect scared him. She related that she also felt out of control when she fought in the fighting ring and she had always been in control as Rand asked what changed and Wing answered that she met him. Rand asked if it was his fault, as Wing teased that everything was his fault.
Rand and Colleen Wing plan to split up
While they were still preparing to burn down the laboratory, however, Rand and Wing then heard Temple loudly honking on the car horn to alert them of incoming danger. The quickly hid as Gao had entered the laboratory with three of her bodyguards, while they speculated on who was making all of the noise. Having stayed out of sight while Gao explored the building, Rand then told Wing to go and find Temple to ensure she was still safe, while Rand went after Gao himself. Although Wing noted that Gao was waiting for him, Rand still insisted that he would be fine and told her to find Temple.[12]
Iron Fist vs Drunken Fist[]
Rand observes Zhou Cheng near a door
- "I don't want to have to fight you."
"I'm Zhou Cheng. Disciple of my master, Ch'i-Lin. Sworn defender of the Hand."
"What would your master think about you drinking so much?"
"He insists upon it. You see some, chase the dragon. I've gotta keep mine sedated. Bad things happen if I don't." - ―Iron Fist and Zhou Cheng[src]
Meanwhile, Rand followed Madame Gao and her guards while they headed to another building in the area, with Rand watching from a distance as Gao then demanded that Zhou Cheng, who guarded the entrance door, awake from his drunken sleep to let them all inside, before Cheng then laid back down and went back to sleep. Rand approached and woke Cheng up in his drunken stupor, believing him to be another beggar, Rand attempted to bride Cheng to sleep elsewhere Rand could then get inside.
Rand bribes Zhou Cheng to gain entrance
Annoyed, Cheng told Rand that he was comfortable here as he had advised him not to force him to move, as Rand reasoned that he did not want to fight him. Chuckling, Cheng had introduced himself as a disciple of Ch'i-Lin and sworn defender of the Hand. Rand asked if his master insisted him to drink this much while Cheng got to his feet and explained Ch'i-Lin had demanded his drinking, noting that while others chased the dragon, he would need to keep his sedated since bad things would happen if he did not. Cheng then cheerfully said that since they were going to fight, they might as get started.
Rand is challenged by Zhou Cheng to fight
With no other option, Rand accepted the challenge as both fighters bowed as they immediately started their duel. Cheng, however, had proved himself to actually be a surprisingly formidable opponent, as his drunken fist style made his movement chaotic and unpredictable for Rand, even as he continued drinking throughout their fight. Cheng taunted Rand, noting how he had thought the Iron Fist was meant to be a great warrior of K'un-Lun and compared his style as a child who was simply throwing a tantrum. Angered, Rand then retaliated that a man only fought with his mouth when his fists are lacking.
Iron Fist trying to fight against Zhou Cheng
Resuming a different stance, they resumed their fight as Cheng was again had gained the advantage by using head butts and strange kicks to surprise Rand, briefly lying on the floor smiling to himself as Rand recovered. As they kept fighting, Cheng continued mocking and taunting Rand by telling him that the only regard in which Rand was superior to him was in his haircut which Cheng complimented. Eventually, Rand lost patience as he smashed Cheng's wine bottle, which only succeeded in angering Cheng as the drunken fighter had landed several hard hits which made Rand spit out blood.
Rand declares to personally stop the Hand
Changing into a more aggressive style, Rand succeed in landing a few hits on Cheng and kicking him against the floor. As he got to his feet, Cheng then grabbed a new bottle of wine while he continued taunting Rand, noting that just like him, Rand had sworn a vow, but unlike Rand, Cheng had always remained true to it. Rand snapped back that he was trying to end the greatest threat to his people to which Cheng then retorted that his intention was to punish and not protect. Cheng told Iron Fist that he was only wearing his oath like a mask and asked the Iron Fist where was the honor in that.
Rand defeats Zhou Cheng with repeat hits
When Cheng threw his bottle at him, however, the Iron Fist was then immediately able to grab the bottle out of the air and smashed it over his opponent's head. With an opening finally clear, the Iron Fist then landed several strong strikes against Cheng's body before he finally managed to punch Cheng through the entrance door. In his fury, Iron Fist began savagely punched his opponent to a bloody pulp. He had finally stopped when Claire Temple and Colleen Wing had appeared and urged him to stop before he was able to continue beating Cheng to death, as Rand looked at his actions in complete horror.[12]
Confronting Madame Gao[]
Rand insists to not harm Madame Gao
- "I don't wanna hurt you. I just want to know what happened between you and my father."
"Is that what's driven you to this state?"
"He tried to shut this place down, didn't he? So you stopped him."
"A shot in the dark rarely finds its target." - ―Iron Fist and Madame Gao[src]
Following their duel, Rand was dismayed and remorseful for nearly killing Zhou Cheng in his rage, stepped away as Claire Temple went to check on him. Rand worriedly asked if Cheng was okay, only for Temple to ask Rand if he had looked okay as Rand saw Cheng was covered in blood from being repeatedly hit in the face. Temple then reminded Rand that he said that he had it under control as Rand, shaken and alarmed, only responded that he thought he had.
Rand ask for what happened to his parents
They were interrupted when Madame Gao appeared to greet Rand, as she had advised that anger was a gift if he knew how to control it and claimed that it would be her privilege to teach him. Rand insisted that he did not want to hurt Gao, but that he simply wanted to know what happened between his father and her as Gao inquired if that's what driven him to this state. Rand theorized that his father tried to shut the Laboratory down and she killed him, but Gao chided that a shot in the dark rarely found its target. Rand asked if she denied this, only for Gao to responded if he would believe her if she did.
Iron Fist fights all of Madame Gao's soldiers
When Rand tried to approach closer, Gao raised her hand and had warned Rand not to take another step closer to her, as Gao promised that if he submitted to her, she would ensure that Colleen Wing and Temple were granted a merciful death. Rand stated that he would die before he let her touch them as Gao only responded that she could not allow Rand to do that before she had ordered her men to attack Temple and Wing. The brief fight ensued, with Wing armed with her own Katana while Temple had put on a pair of Tekko-Kagi, as Rand continued fighting against the men with just his bare hands.
Rand realizes the poison on the soldiers
The fight against Gao's men turned out to only be brief, as, despite the men's superior strength and strong weapons, Rand and his allies worked together as a team and managed to cause one man to even impale his ally with his own weapon before Wing knocked him out. As they looked over the defeated Hand soldiers, Temple noticed that the guards' weapons were poisoned when they started reacting to it. Rand recognized the poisoned veins on the guards resembled how the deceased pilots looked following the Plane Crash, as Rand then realized that Gao was indeed responsible for the accident.
Rand almost kills Madame Gao with his chi
Becoming absolutely furious at finally discovering that Gao had been the one who was responsible for deaths of his mother and father, Rand harnessed his Chi as the Iron Fist had burned brightly. Despite Temple attempting to get him to stop, Iron Fist then charged toward the panicked woman and threw a powerful punch at her; however, ultimately, Iron Fist spared Gao's life, as Rand had used his anger to completely obliterate the door behind Gao. As the Iron Fist had faded away, Rand then took Gao captive, as Rand told his friends that they were finally leaving China with Gao now as their own prisoner.[12]
Looking for Answers[]
Rand watching the captured Madame Gao
- "Never let the enemy choose the battlefield. Always work from a position of strength."
"Why should we be enemies?"
"And don't let the enemy bait you into a trap." - ―Danny Rand and Madame Gao[src]
Having taken Madame Gao captive, they brought her back into New York City and tied to a chair in Chikara Dojo. While his companions questioned Rand's decision to bring Gao back to the dojo, Rand had noted that they must not allow their enemy to chose the battlefield, although Gao had asked why they should be enemies. He told his friends that he would not be turning Gao over to the New York City Police Department until he found out what she knew despite Claire Temple's suggestion that they should take her over to the police.
Rand personally questioning Madame Gao
Gao had asked if they truly believed that a prison cell was where she would actually end up if she was delivered. Rand pressed Gao to tell him what the connection between his father and the Hand, although Gao had instead questioned why he was still asking for things that happened fifteen years ago when he had more pressing concerns. In anger, Rand demanded answers before he nearly punched Gao, who remained completely unintimidated by him as she did not even flinch at his clenched fist, before Colleen Wing then told Rand to stop and brought him into her room to then talk about their situation, all while Gao still remained extremely calm about her current situation.
Rand chooses to question Madame Gao
Rand was forced to defend his actions as Temple questioned what they were doing, as Temple asked if Rand was close to torturing Gao simply to try to get the answers he wanted which Gao may well still lie about. Rand reasoned that he had needed to know why his father and Rand Enterprises had something to do with the Hand, although Wing questioned the motive since it would not change his feelings towards his father. Wing said that Rand already knew that Gao was responsible for their Plane Crash and asked why this was not enough and why he felt the need to continue personally questioning Gao.
Rand agrees to not torture Madame Gao
Seeing that both Wing and Temple were against his current plan of questioning Gao, Rand had then asked why they were imposing him, as Wing replied that they didn't want him to do something he would regret like torturing and killing Gao for unreliable answers. Knowing that they simply needed to know if Gao was telling the truth, Temple got an idea that they take Truth Serum from Laboratory at the Rand Enterprises Building and use it to get their answers that they needed from Gao as Rand and Wing both agreed, while Wing had also noted that this plan would at least be better than torturing Gao.[15]
Taking Truth Serum[]
Rand runs into Joy Meachum on the street
Seeking to begin the plan, Rand left Chikara Dojo and had made his way through New York City in order to get the truth serum ready to begin the questioning, only to bump into Joy Meachum along the way. Although Rand tried to move along past Meachum, she had then informed him that both she and Ward Meachum had just been successfully pushed out of Rand Enterprises by Lawrence Wilkins, much to the complete shock of Rand himself, as Meachum noted that Rand himself had been stripped of all his titles and powers with the exception of his shares in the company.
Rand ignores Joy Meachum's questioning
When Rand had questioned how this could have possibly happened, Meachum blamed him, noting that ever since he had turned up out of the blue from K'un-Lun, everything had changed for the worse, and his filmed apology to Regina Fitzgerald and taking hard stances on both the Leishmaniasis Cure and the Chemical Plants had eventually forced the board's decision to push them out. As Rand apologized, Meachum noted that her brother had vanished, noting Ward took her to the Penthouse before freaking out, although Rand denied knowing anything before walking away, with Meachum not believing him.
Rand tries looking for hallucinogenic drugs
Having now been banned from entering it following his firing, Rand returned the to Rand Enterprises Building and was forced to break inside the lab to look for the Sodium thiopental, finding the door to the lab itself was locked as Rand proceeded to break the window on the door window to open it from the outside. As he looked all around for what Claire Temple had told him they would need for Madame Gao's questioning, Rand was eventually discovered looking all around in the laboratory by Sandi Ann who awkwardly told him that he was not allowed there anymore, which Rand could not deny was true.
Rand thanks Sandi Ann for getting the drug
Believing that he could trust her, Rand told Ann how he was looking for just one thing and that he needed her help to find it, as she had eventually agreed, although reluctantly, noting how she loved and needed her job and requested that if Rand was caught by anybody then he would deny ever seeing her there, which Rand agreed to. As Rand told Ann what he wanted, she questioned what he would be needing it for, before changing her mind and telling him that she did not actually want to know, before Ann did as she was instructed and found the Truth Serum for Rand, allowing him to then leave.[15]
Questioning Madame Gao[]
Rand finds Colleen Wing being poisoned
- "How did you know my father?"
"It was your mother that I knew. She introduced me to him. I set it up for months. She was easy to manipulate."
"That's not true. Claire, it's not working."
"But Wendell won't have anything to do with us. He wasn't willing to make a deal. But Harold, now, is a different story." - ―Danny Rand and Madame Gao[src]
Eventually, Rand returned to the Chikara Dojo where he had found Colleen Wing lying in her bed, while clearly sick, although Wing insisted that she was simply having the flu from their journeys to China and back to New York City, as Wing urged Rand to focus on interrogating Madame Gao in order to get the answers he needed as she claimed they did not have much time, although Rand was still highly unsure and nervous about Wing's current condition as she had suddenly gotten so incredibly sick.
Rand injects Madame Gao with Truth Serum
As Rand confirmed that he got everything, Claire Temple immediately went to prepare a dose of the Sodium thiopental. Rand went over to Gao and asked if she was afraid of needles, while Gao had simply replied confidently that Rand was about to face something that he was still completely unprepared for, to which Rand had tauntingly questioned if she got something scarier than a Dragon in a Cave which Rand had previously experienced himself, while Gao simply smiled and replied that she did, throwing off Rand's confidence with the situation while Temple confirmed the serum was ready to be used on Gao.
Rand listens to Madame Gao's motivation
Once they injected her with the dose, Gao initially laughed if that was all they gave her; however, then the serum had seemingly started to work. Rand then started asking his questions about how she knew his father, although Gao answered that she knew Heather Rand and she introduced Gao to Wendell. She talked about how Heather was so easy to manipulate, but Wendell did not want to make a deal with the Hand. Then she went over to Harold Meachum while noting how Meachum had been a lot more willing to make a deal with them, but before Rand could question Gao any further, she fell asleep.
Rand takes attention to Colleen Wing
Rand still insisted that the drugs had failed to work, as he insisted that Gao could not have had a relationship with his mother, although Temple noted that Gao might not have the answers that Rand was looking for. However, before Rand and Temple could then discuss it further, Wing stumbled out of her room as she immediately fell to the floor in agony. Rand and Temple went straight over to her side as they immediately found out that she had been poisoned from a cut injury she had gained fighting back in Anzhou, as Temple noted that was not able to help her when she did not know the poison.
Rand leaving a message for Bakuto
Then Gao had revealed that she had been faking asleep and lying the whole time as the truth serum did not work on her. She chided them and asked if they really thought the drug would work on her, boasting that she spent most of the 17th Century being interrogated in similar manners. Rand pressed for what poison her Hand soldiers had used, but Gao refused to answer. Wing urged Rand to call up her Sensei for aid, as Rand had then immediately called only for no one to pick up, while Rand could only leave a voice message to the Sensei informing them of the serious situation which Wing was currently in.[15]
Siege of the Chikara Dojo[]
Rand reassures Colleen Wing will survive
- "We'll be fine. We're gonna get out of here. Everything's gonna be okay."
"I don't know."
"Say it. We're gonna be okay."
"We're gonna to be okay." - ―Danny Rand and Colleen Wing[src]
Later as they waited for the Sensei to arrive and offer his assistance, Rand tried to reassure Colleen Wing that they would get out of there and that they were going to be okay, while Wing's poisoned wound continued to cause her considerable pain as it slowly killed her. When he overheard them, Madame Gao mocked both Rand and Wing as she called them as children, but Rand simply ignored Gao's mockery and continued to promise Wing that they would make it out.
Rand prepares to fight Madame Gao's men
However, eventually, the lights throughout Chikara Dojo were then cut out as they realized that someone was approaching, while Gao had taunted Rand that his time was over and he was going to watch his friends die because of him. While Claire Temple armed herself with her Tekko-Kagi, Rand had told Wing and Temple to stay calm as their eyes would get adjusted to the dark, as Wing noticed a small camera filming them. Gao's men threw a smoke bomb into the Chikara Dojo and broke the ceiling to enter as Rand summoned his Chi and gained the Iron Fist to give himself an advantage during the fight.
Rand battles against Madame Gao's men
The armed men entered and a fight ensued, with Rand using the Iron Fist to destroy their weapons with a single strike, while he and his allies protected Gao from being taken away and kept all the attacking men at bay. While Wing used her Bo Staff, despite all of her previous injuries, Rand used his superior fighting skills alongside Temple to gain the advantage over the attackers. They eventually succeed in defeating the guards, as Rand knocked out the final man with a hard kick to the head, before checking that all of his allies were okay and had not received any fatal injuries during the skirmish.
Rand checks upon Madame Gao's men
While Rand insisted that they had to tie up all of the unconscious men before they awoke, Temple had noticed they were not Hand ninjas but military men. With her escape attempt having failed, Gao pointed to the now considerably weaker Wing and then made Rand an offer, if Rand escorted Gao to safety she would make sure that Temple had clear passage to Metro-General Hospital and was given the antidote to cure Wing before he poison was able to finally claim her life, noting that Wing did not have long left to live; however, Rand was urged not to listen to her from Wing as Gao was likely still lying to him.[15]
Saving Colleen Wing[]
Rand struggles to fix Colleen Wing
- "I don't understand what you're asking me to do."
"You weren't taught this. Come. You know how to center your Chi, and then move that energy into your hand?"
"Of course."
"Then do it now. Good. Now open your fist. Now place your hand over the poison. Focus on it. Do you sense the poison?" - ―Danny Rand and Bakuto[src]
With Colleen Wing's condition worsening further was the time had ticked over, Rand and Claire Temple had struggled to find the way to help Wing, but they were perplexed and continued to ignore the mockery of Madame Gao who had insisted that it would not be long until the poison had reached into Wing's brain and finally killed her. With seemingly no way for them to help Wing in her current state other than trying to offer her some comfort, Rand then warned Gao that if Wing died, then he would kill Gao.
Rand introduces himself to Bakuto
While this was happening, Wing's Sensei then knocked on the door, as Wing urged them to open the door. While he had kept Wing calm, Rand had approached and asked how he got in when the soldiers were everywhere, to which the Sensei had calmly claimed that he had taken care of Gao's men, as he then proceeded to show them proof when a soldier who he had already dispatched dropped down from the window. Gao was distressed seeing the Sensei and said he had no business there and told him to leave, however, Rand knew he was the only hope for Wing and opened the door for the Sensei.
Rand follows Bakuto's lessons on healing
As he knelt down beside the dying Wing, the Sensei had introduced himself as Bakuto. He urged Rand to use his Chi to heal her with the Iron Fist, while Gao had still claimed that Rand was about to fall into a trap that he would not be able to escape from. Rand noted that he did not understand what Bakuto wanted him to do as Bakuto realized that Rand had not been taught this in K'un-Lun, he then told Rand to summon his powers into the Iron Fist. Guided by Bakuto, Rand had finally managed to use the Iron Fist to burn out the poison as Rand had succeeded in managing to save Wing's life just in time.
Rand successfully cures Colleen Wing
Although he was successful in saving Wing's life, the technique had completely drained him of his energy, as Rand discovered that he could barely stand and, although he had claimed to be fine, Rand eventually collapsed on the ground. With Rand now out of action, Bakuto's men entered and took Rand and Gao away from Chikara Dojo, intending to take them back to their Compound to be treated and recharge his Chi. While Rand got brought into their vehicle and driven away with Bakuto and Wing, Another Man still observed the situation and calmly followed while Temple was turned away.[15]
Bakuto's Deception[]
Recharging Chi Energy[]
Rand wakes up in bed with Colleen Wing
- "But that was the Iron Fist doing his duty. Guarding an entry. If that's why you're interested in me, then you got the wrong man."
"I don't need a guard, Danny. I need a partner. With you at my side, no one would stand against us. The Gaos of the world would be destroyed." - ―Danny Rand and Bakuto[src]
Having been taken away from Chikara Dojo, Rand eventually woke up and had found that he was now in a bed in a calm and peaceful room, although he did not know where he currently was. Turning around, Rand found Colleen Wing sleeping beside him, as he woke her up by affectionately caressing her. Rand had asked Wing where they were, as Wing reassured him that they were in a Safe Location and her home. After exchanging a few tender words and while checking that Rand was okay following him using up all his energy while saving her life, they softly kissed.
Rand and Wing exploring Bakuto's base
Rand and Wing went out to explore the Compound, Wing explained that she came there when she had returned to the United States of America from living in Japan with her Grandfather. Rand asked if this place was a monastery or school, Wing replied that it was something of both while Wing explained that it was a safe place for people who needed a home, noting that they had taken her in and helped her to get settled. She then explained that Bakuto was the sensei not just for her but for everyone in the compound. She told Rand that Bakuto and his students were her family, noting that she was glad that Rand was there with her while she had affectionally touched his arm.
Bakuto, who was training his students, went to greet Rand personally as he asked how Rand was feeling and Rand assured he was okay. He thanked Bakuto for showing how to heal Wing as Bakuto asked if he was ready to recharge his Chi, although Rand was confused and explained that his own training back at K'un-Lun had gone sideways when he had returned to New York City. Bakuto then taught Rand a different meditation technique, which allowed Rand to recharge his Chi, while Bakuto told him to release the negative energy holding him back, as Rand finally commented that he was feeling hungry.
Rand having a conversation with Bakuto
With their training now done, Bakuto and Rand had started heading towards the office to have a private talk. Rand asked Bakuto about his Organization and why Wing had never spoken about Bakuto, to which Bakuto had answered that she was simply protective. Bakuto answered that their organization takes people in who need help in life. As they talked, their conversation led to Madame Gao as Bakuto told him that Gao was currently in solidarity until they are certain it was safe to hand her over to the authorities. As they headed towards the office, Rand noticed a compound with armed guards.
Rand questions Bakuto's motivation
When they entered Bakuto's office, Rand questioned what Bakuto's motivations were for the Iron Fist, although Bakuto insisted that they were not using people at his compound. Taking a seat, Rand noticed an ominously familiar knife which he had seen at Harold Meachum's Penthouse. Slightly alerted, Rand continued his conversation with Bakuto as he was praised for his action in Rand Enterprises dealing with the Leishmaniasis Cure as he noted how the world was run by companies, it was good to have a man with moral values, noting that Bakuto was certain that Rand would turn his company around.
Rand and Bakuto discuss Iron Fist's power
Bakuto showed Rand a recording back in 1948 as he explained that during World War II a group of Chinese soldiers had inadvertently gotten lost in the mountains, and there the soldiers had unexpectedly encountered the Iron Fist who was guarding the pass and defeating all of the soldiers with considerable ease while only using his bare hands charged with the Iron Fist. Rand had watched as the recording showed a fully-trained and realized Iron Fist who had just furiously dominated his opponents, as Bakuto noted that this was what Rand had the potential of being if he fully realized his own power.
Rand listens to Bakuto's obsession
Rand turned to Bakuto and asked why he was so interested in the Iron Fist as Bakuto had then explained that he had spent his entire life listening to the masters' stories about the Immortal Weapon and became obsessed with learning about the powers of the Iron Fist. Although Rand claimed that Bakuto might have the wrong man if he wanted Rand to be a guard; however, Bakuto had instead offered a partnership with Rand to protect all his students from Gao and her deadly Heroin. Bakuto claimed that this was his motivation, but Rand had remained somewhat uncertain of trusting Bakuto just yet.
