Iron John: The City of Stars

Iron John flew from Great Tower with Mari clinging tight. Mari looked back and saw smoke rising from the city.

Iron John landed in a dirty alley in the slums. Mari usually flew over this type of neighborhood in a hover car.

“Are we landing here?” Mari asked.

Iron John nodded. “I used the azurgem from your family’s tower to get enough power to fight the Dragon. But I need more to battle his bronze masters.”

He continued. “There is a gem made from a fallen star that I need to activate. For now, you must hide in Red River Slum. Here, you must learn humility.”

“How will humility help save the world?” Mari asked.

“There will be a day when one act of kindness will save more people than any of my weapons,” Iron John said. “Take this.”

The iron giant gave Mari a cloak. It fastened with a garnet button.

“Learn humility,” he told the girl. “If you ever need me, press the button on the cloak. I will come.” Iron John flew off.

Mari glanced around the dirty street. For the first time in her life, she was on her own.

Mari spent the night sleeping on the street. She was too proud to ask for help. She tossed and turned all night.

She decided to look for work in the morning.

The next day, a man saw Mari reading a map.

“You can read?” the man asked. “Lou could use a girl like you. He’s a slumlord. He keeps us all safe,” the man said. “You want a job?”

Mari nodded yes. “Good,” said the man.