A new garb from Hope

Lightning materialised on the Ark, taking a moment to catch her breath. Just a handful of days left to the end of the world, and she was still getting a handle on the new powers she’d been given.

She had garbs, clothing blessed and infused with powers. Even just the act of swinging her sword had more strength behind it, to say nothing of the magic she could effortlessly wield. True, a lot of power was in her herself, she’d been changed over her long sleep, but the garbs helped her focus it.

“You’re back,” Hope said.

She looked over the Ark to him. Up here, time was stopped. She could return to the world below and it would be as though nothing had happened, and then any time she wanted she could return.

Her goal was to save as many people as she could; this world was ending, but many could be reborn in the next, if she completed her mission.

Only four areas of the world still remained. Luxerion, a city watched over by a religious order. Yusnaan, a city better known for its night-time revels. The Dead Dunes, a vast and lifeless desert. And the Wildlands, plains and forests where the people lived off the land.

She could warp to any of them from up here.

Hope was her only real helper on this task, he and some connection he had with Bhunivelze, the Creator of this world and the next.

“I’ve got a gift,” Hope said. “Another garb for you to wear. I hope it makes your journey easier.”

Lightning nodded, as usual being rather sparing with her words. She reached out to a shining cube in the air, feeling its power flow over her, the energy of her new clothes overwriting and replacing her old…