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^Lore-Heavy version to download up above. Lite below.

The Content Level of future parts may change to Mature due to violence and language. While things are calm now, they will not be later.

Firstly, thank you for voting! I appreciate it a ton. And I thank you even more for even reading the story with all its unfixable typos. This issue will be fixed from now on, since I’ll use a format that can be re-uploaded.

Quotes quoting selected comments will have the username in them and will be reworded. Don’t panic if the wording is not the same. A “Common Suggestion” is a suggestion with two or more people commenting it.

This time the Lore-Heavy version will have a bit more separated content in it.

So last time, I reaped nine comments. They were all excellent, keep that up. If, by any chance, there happens to be a LOT of votes, I’ll pick my favorites. Also, do not be afraid to promote other votes if you like them. Just reply that this is a good comment. However, any arguing will get you a warning.

Poll question today is open-ended. So... Yeah. Have fun with that. Don’t derail too much.

VOTING WINDOW CLOSES FRIDAY, 2100 CDT.

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The Great Divergence Part 2
^{Please don’t skip the header. It contains important information.}

Agent Vote Results-
One agent: 5
Two agents: 4

Niko swallowed his spit and shifted weight on his feet before looking at the councilman again. He inhaled, suddenly feeling overwhelmed from the gaze of the lizard. Niko gathered his composure and spoke, “I’ll take one agent with me.”

The councilman nodded, “Okay. We’ll arrange an agent to meet you at the South entrance to Watershrine at noon. What else?”

ISFoxMkloud wrote:Ask about who’s watching his home.
Niko thought about the implications, then decided to ask, “When Tanna isn’t running the shop, who will watch the house and shop?”

The hidden dragon emerged from the shadows, his ceremonial armor shining in what little light was available. He looked to be an eastern dragon mixed faintly with western dragon plating. He had a wide muzzle, stubby flaring nose, and whiskers. He was solid white with faint cyan in the reflections off his polished scales. He was fit, muscular, and imposing. Niko made the connection that this dragon was the Border Captain member of the Supreme Council. He was in charge of the nation’s defenses, while the Military Minister (who is not present) would be in charge of the offense.
The Border Captain spoke, “We will have two Capitol Guards present at your home at all times, while you are away.” Niko nodded and thought to himself.

Common suggestion:
Ask about resources for the mission and help.
Niko asked openly out to the room, instead of directly to either councilman or the silent third, “What is being given to me for this mission?”

The council-lizard replied, “You will be given a choice from selection of weapons, money, crystals, drugs, herbs, food, a decree for passage and travel by Slipstone, some clothes, a set of armor, and a sack. In case you’re captured by the Tyliveerans, for whatever transgression, we will demand your return, or rescue you before any appointed execution. If you commit a serious offense, we will recover you and prosecute you ourselves.” Niko made a straight face to that, trying not to reveal that he’s more insecure now.

Keikitty wrote:Information on destination.
Niko asked, shifting weight again, “My Council, where exactly am I headed?”

The lizard spoke again, “To the desert city of Sifter. This is where the general in question should be living. We will give more instructions in a scroll in your supplies.” Niko thought through that then nodded.

The lizard continued, “Your agent will be briefed as well. She will have resources as well. She is a spellsword as well, but not as skilled with magic as you are, although you are both Voidwalkers. You may leave to take care of your chores and duties.”

Niko nods and bowed a little, “Thank you, my Council.” Niko turned around and started up the stairs. Once he made a rotation, he started to hurry up the stairs. Fear and determination filled him at the same time. He felt cold in the chest and arms and hot on his face. His breathing accelerated into huffing as he reached the top. Once he saw he was alone up there, he paced in a small circle trying to calm his breathing before embarrassing himself in front of the guards outside.

He spoke to himself, “What are you doing, Niko?” He took a deep breath then exhaled slowly. His unconscious shaking dwindled to a halt, although it felt like his stomach turned to ice. The lupine guard from before peeked into the room and Niko nodded to him as he stepped out.

Niko considered that Tanna would be at the shop by now, probably setting up and wondering where he was. He raced past the guards, taking a brief opportunity to look over the town from the Hall. The city was beautifully veiled by the silver fog illuminated by the golden sun. He couldn’t help but feel a little bothered by leaving the sprawling city.

Common suggestion:
Get home, prepare, and lock up shop and personal objects.

Niko ran through the streets, weaving through the people littered throughout it. He tried his best to avoid stepping on tails, but someone’s tail was smashed. Niko didn’t stop although the incident almost tripped him up. He flattened his ears but kept running. He weaved through the houses before finally reaching the lot to his property. He calmed himself and began to muster up his magickal energy, feeling it flow through him and through the ground.

Tanna’s presence could be felt in the house, along with someone else’s. He could feel her channel energy, which meant she was making a scroll. He smiled a little as he ascended the path up to his home. He was walking up the path when he felt the spellscribing process stop. He made a small wave in magickal energy and smiled more when he felt a reply. He shook himself a little and pet down some of his fur fluffs, trying to make himself appear more prepared for today than his poor clothing showed.

When he entered the shop, he almost collided with the customer who was leaving. He didn’t take the time to acknowledge the person nor did he recognize who, despite how rude that was. Behind his counter was a young tan and silver Burmilla lady dressed in fine clothes. This was Tanna, manning the shop alone while Niko was unaccounted for.

She smiled when she saw him, calling to him in her youthful voice, “Hey! There you are! Where have you been?” She quickly walked around the counter and embraced him, her arms only coming around his waist and her head up to the middle of his chest. Niko petted the top of her head and held her for some time.

He frowned a little, “My apologies, my Tanna. The Supreme Council summoned me.” Her eyes lit up, but then she saw the frown creased across his face.

“Oh... Why?” She backed away from Niko then curled her tail up into the air while resting her clasped hands in her lap.

“They want me to go to Sifter to investigate the Tyliveeran’s actions- to figure out what they are doing.” He ruffled the top of her head before flattening the now-disgruntled fur. Once Niko pulled his hand back, Tanna pet down over the top of her head. She looked into the distance then to him, upset.

“How long will you be gone?” Her voice squeaked out.

“Maybe a month, maybe two, my apprentice. You’re an adult with more than a decade and a half of life behind you. I know you’re nervous about being on your own in the shop, but I have faith in you. You’re more than capable. Before you know it, you’ll be Voidwalking.” He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. “I will change and start getting packed. I will make sure you are well and set while I’m gone.”

She nodded and said nothing, eyes focused on the distance. As Niko headed for the staircase he thought she was brooding. He stepped down into the basement then channeled magic into a crystal on the ceiling which took to life and irradiated pure white light.

Common suggestion:
Get things. Lock up. Prepare home for trip.

Weapon suggestions:
Short sword: 3
Staff: 2 (+author’s favor)
Daggers: 3
Spear: 1 (Moved to Staff to make 2 there.)
Bow: 1
Crossbow: 1
Huge fireballs and magical laser beams: 1
He frowned and started to gather up his gear, thinking about what to take with him. He picked up his short sword and examined it. This was a must for him: both personal value and skill. He examined it and the scabbard, then laid it on his bed and moved onto his next thought. He would take his staff since it had a Focus Crystal embedded into the top and would help in fights where he used magic. He moved onto his daggers and frowned at the small pile: few were in good condition, but he still had four. He grabbed his flamberge and searched for the scabbard for it. Once found, he sheathed it and tossed it with the rest of his items. He then considered the bow and crossbow mounted on the wall. While he liked them for sport and competition, he thought that he would never use them in combat. He was a magician after all. Lastly, his mind filled with explosions of fire and beams of electric pulsing energy. He smiled at the power, but then doused the thoughts.

He changed into nicer clothes and grabbed a set of clothes to set down on his bed while he thought about the parameters of the mission. He would be given plenty of money to take with himself on this mission, so he left his purse in a small jewelry box, leaving a few coins aside. While his hand was placed inside, a thought crossed his mind and he felt around until the box produced a small pendant. There was a circle of brown and burgundy jasper, with a center of deep translucent amber tinted carnelian. He smiled at this then slid the pendant and the coins into his pocket. He locked the box before used magic to carve into the stone wall. He set the key inside, then willed the dust and chunks back into place. He smoothed it by rubbing his hand over it and finished with a smile.

He attached his sword to his belt on his left with the dagger accompanying on the right side. Niko laid the clothes on the counter as Tanna turned to him and looked expectantly. Niko couldn’t help feeling guilty about leaving, but he wanted to make sure she was well off. Tanna, after all, lived in a small decrepit house on the edge of the town with her family in one room. He approached her, grabbed her hands placed the coins and pendant in her hands. When she saw them, she gasped.

He kissed her forehead before saying while peering into her eyes, “I won’t be gone too long. You are more than well-enough prepared for this job. If you need help, the Council will help you. If not, let me know. I’ll keep in touch.” She grabbed Niko in a tight hug then he petted her back. She squeezed then let go.

She sighed and whispered, “Be safe.” Niko nodded then left his home. The sun instantly caught his attention: it was nearing noon and the fog was gone. He could see the city sprawl down the mountainside all the way to the ocean. It was a lengthy walk to the shore from his home: it would take about a fourth of daylight to make it there. Luckily that was not his destination. Instead, the south path towards Coldier was. He hurried down the winding path, waving to Tanna through magic as he ran into town.

He used magic to energize himself and make him lighter on his feet. He dashed through crowds while maintaining his pace, feeling the rush and excitement riddle his body. He felt as if he was flying, and he could if he wished, at the expense of focus and concentration. Once he reached the town plaza he jerked towards the south and bolted down the main road, stopping for nothing. His magic-enhanced nimbleness helped him avoid people. Niko had to release his energy somehow.

No doubt the town guards were displeased.

Once he raced past the town wall, he halted and held the sight of a cart and a strangely attired figure before him. A thin culpeo stood before him, dressed in a black uniform that looked far too official and like one of the worker’s outfits. She was tan and brown, with a white front starting at the chin and moving down. She had golden-brown eyes and a fierce gaze.

She smiled, perked her ears, tilted her head a little, and greeted with a loud “Heeeellllloooooooo! You must be Niko Akseli!” She smiled and offered her a hand. Niko went to shake her hand but missed a little because he was too focused on the tail behind the mystery lady that was flailing about. He composed himself and shook her hand.

Niko glanced into the cart and noticed all kinds of armor, sacks, weapons, and papers.

Niko waited and ducked his head a little after the handshake. When she didn’t get the cue, Niko pressed, “And what is your name, miss?” Quietly he wondered how she was an agent with such an attitude. It must have been skill because the personality doesn’t matter so much, he supposed.

“Oh!” She paused and blushed. “Sorry. It’s Ila Vazeila.” Niko rubbed his face and wondered what he got himself into. He pulled out his map and looked over, examining the route. Ila peeked over his shoulder, then suggested “Slipstone from Coldier to Caldon. Then we walk to the other side of the range and find the stone that leads to north of the Kien swamp, then march through to Sifter.” Niko nodded, agreeing.

“That’s the fastest route,” he replied.

Ila nodded. “Yup! And it will be a long time before we return. If there is anything you need to get done in Watershrine, now’s your time!”

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Open poll! This means, literally, you lovely guys and gals give suggestions for Niko! :D

So get at it. Suggest actions, thoughts, feelings. Silly. Not-so-silly. Even Not-Silly. Get creative and think ahead.

Niko WILL be headed towards the objective, as he drives the story.

Timeframe for the next post:
The trip to Coldier. Will take ~three days. Think in that time frame.

And for those who ask, Ila was randomly generated on-the-spot.