[center][b][color=fff200][sup][h1]T H E I R O N F I S T[/h1][/sup][/color][/b] [b][color=fff200][sup]Issue #6: [i]Methinks You are My Glass[/i][/sup][/color][/b][/center] [COLOR=fff200][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]Staten Island, New York City[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][INDENT][sup][color=darkgray]December 24[sup]th[/sup], 2018 | 1:09am | Rand Residence[/color][/sup][/INDENT][/INDENT] [color=fff200]"This isn't how we do things, Davos."[/color] Daniel Rand tossed his house keys onto the table near the door before moving towards the parlor, stripping off his hoodie. His friend from K'un-Lun stripped his grey hoodie that was now soaked red with blood, leaving it on the floor near the door. [color=CC0000]"They were a plague onto this city, brother. I was simply trying-"[/color] Daniel was quick to respond, cutting him off before he could continue. [color=fff200]"We can't just kill those who have done wrong. There are systems in place for rehabilitation... When we went down to the village and took the cart for a joyride, should we have been condemned to death?"[/color] [color=CC0000]"You told me this gang was responsible for murder. The punishment for murder in K'un-Lun was execution. Have you forgotten home already, brother?"[/color] [color=fff200]"New York is my home, Davos."[/color] The two men stood there quietly for a moment. They both had so much more to say, so much more to argue about... but they just couldn't. Danny knew if he went further he'd be pushing Davos away... and he couldn't quite bring himself to do that. So the Iron Fist and his trusted companion went silently about to do their nightly rituals before resting for the night in a small mansion on a silent night. [COLOR=fff200][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]Staten Island, New York City[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][INDENT][sup][color=darkgray]December 24[sup]th[/sup], 2018 | 10:43am | Rand Residence[/color][/sup][/INDENT][/INDENT] The distinct chime of a cell-phone's ringing was what awoke Daniel Rand from the sweet comfort of sleep. His left arm swung to fetch his phone, looking at it through tired eyes before finally swiping. As he lowered the phone down to his ear, he heard a familiar voice speak frantically. [color=lime]"Mr. Rand... Danny... Terry isn't here. We don't have any other volunteers... and people are already lining up around the block. I hate to bother you on Christmas Eve, but could you please send someone to-"[/color] [color=fff200]"I'm on my way."[/color] [COLOR=fff200][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]Chinatown, New York City[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][INDENT][sup][color=darkgray]December 24[sup]th[/sup], 2018 | 11:54am | The Heather Rand Community Center[/color][/sup][/INDENT][/INDENT] Danny quickly rushed past those who were waiting, wearing sweats instead of the usual suit he was often coaxed into wearing. He rushed inside, the various smells of cooked meats and potatoes filling the air. Colleen's head poked through the door leading into the kitchen, holding a still-simmering pan of ham. [color=lime]"I wasn't asking you to-"[/color] Rand was already past her and in the kitchen before his voice rushed up to meet her. [color=fff200]"It's Christmas Eve. I wasn't going to call someone in and take them from their family..."[/color] To the surprise of Colleen, Rand almost immediately found his place in the kitchen, checking on several pots of soup and dashing in spices as needed. [color=fff200]"What time do you need to head out to get dinner with your family?"[/color] A chilling silence washed over Colleen and Daniel for nearly a minute as they worked diligently, to the point where Danny wasn't sure if he actually spoke aloud to ask the question. [color=fff200]"What t-"[/color] [color=lime]"I don't have plans. My father flew to China a few weeks ago and won't be back until March."[/color] The silence again overtook the air. Colleen removed another ham from another oven while Danny began turning off the burners for the soup. The somber mood was uncomfortable for both of them, leading Danny to break the tension first. [color=fff200]"If you don't have any plans... we could grab dinner at the place next door."[/color] Colleen took a second while carving ham to give a nod and a smile. [color=lime]"Sure."[/color] [COLOR=fff200][INDENT][B][SUP][SUB][H3]Chinatown, New York City[/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/B][/INDENT][hr][/COLOR][INDENT][INDENT][sup][color=darkgray]December 24[sup]th[/sup], 2018 | 5:43pm | Jade Dragon Restaurant[/color][/sup][/INDENT][/INDENT] [color=fff200]"The cart was tilting around the corner, and Davos was flapping his arms like he was trying to fly..."[/color] The two burst out laughing, unable to continue the story. The normality of the scene was refreshing for both of them. The streets outside were quiet, and only a few couples and a single family of five were scattered about the dining area. A joyous and simple scene was doomed to be interrupted by violence in the New York in which it took place. The brief flash of cold air pressed against Danny's back. The look of shock on Colleen's face was a distinct cue that something was off. His head spun around to catch the sight of five Golden Tigers entering into the restaurant, one branding the claw-like weapon that signified him as a higher-ranking member of the notable gang. Colleen and Danny almost stood up in unison, both pausing only in confusion at why the other rose. But the Golden Tigers approached and the fists flew. Danny took on the lieutenant and two of the Tigers, while Colleen rushed in to divert the attention of the remaining two. Without much thought or communication, Danny and Colleen traded their opponents seamlessly. The two fought as if they had fought together for years. The civilians in the restaurant gathered near the back of the restaurant, huddling in fear. The fight itself only lasted a minute, at the end of which the five criminals laid upon the floor unconscious. Danny and Colleen observed the small carnage they had wrecked, panting, before locking eyes with the other. The faint recognition of a kindred spirit sparked in their gaze, only to wash away as the familiar voice of the restaurant's owner greeted them. [color=gray]"I... I don't know how to thank you for helping me again. They must have come for the protection money."[/color] Danny nodded, his expression somewhat grim, before giving a small smile. [color=fff200]"Don't worry... I'll handle this."[/color] He spun on his feet and tossed a hundred dollar bill on his table before rushing out the door, Colleen narrowly at his heels. There was a lot of work to be done. And the Iron Fist was going to give Chinatown a gift for Christmas. The Golden Tigers were going to be brought down... or so he thought.