Despite everything, Siquioce managed to cope with his feelings and move on, living his life as he usually did, albeit without his sister. The other Samanians, as was tradition, also suppressed the bad feelings that arose after the recent event, forgoing mourning in favor of staying productive. Thus, the following 10 years proceeded as usual, with the sea-dwelling species farming, hunting, and socializing as they always did.
Siquioce, in his casual brown shirt and grey leggings, sat on a flat rock in the middle of a gnarly anemone field, observing the various sea creatures that inhabited the area. Such an activity was a hobby he had picked up, recently. As he looked at the various fishes, crustaceans, and invertebrates, he felt a small entity suddenly bump into his back. Mildly startled, Siquioce turned around, noticing a green parrot eel looking up at him. "Hey," he said, "What are you doing here?"
The eel blinked before responding in a raspy voice, "Tell Siquioce that he is to report to the palace. We have something very important to discuss. He is to meet me in the throne room."
Looking intrigued, Siquioce said, "I have to report to the palace? I wonder what for..." he got up and reached inside his shirt pocket, "Thank you, eel. Here, have a gift." He pulled out a leftover piece of tricrab meat and gave it to the eel, causing it to spin in a circle happily. Proud of his act of generosity, Siquioce faced westward and swam back to the Roalitelv Settlement.
Making his way through the halls of the settlement's palace, Siquioce ended up in the throne room, where his father and mother were sitting.
"Hello, Siquioce," said Chief Kaqiss from his ruby throne, "I hope that I was not interrupting anything important."
Siquioce shook his head and replied, "No, I wasn't doing much. I was just watching the animals."
Kaqiss nodded, "That is fortunate. Now then, as you've heard, I have something of importance to tell you. You are aware that our decennial Expedition is happening now, correct?"
Siquioce nodded, "Yes, I am aware. What about it?"
The chief explained, "We are here to tell you that you shall be setting out on that journey this time around."
Siquioce reeled back in sheer surprise, a shocked expression on his face. "Me?!" he said, "Really? Aren't one of my older siblings supposed to go instead of me?"
Kaqiss stroked his beard, "Ah, yes, about that..."
Chiefess Pilitina spoke up, "Elio, Ayüma, and Cishali are all out on a trip to negotiate with the Sneder Tribe. Furthermore, Dayra, Tauã, and Zameyalli have made the decision to become part of the Roalitelv Defense Force, and we do not want to disrupt their duty. Additionally, Balo, Qumome, and Vowahe are unable to travel great distances due to injuries that they sustained during a hunt. Finally, Kenojuak is feeling ill."
Siquioce held his head in disbelief. What were the chances of all of this happening?
Chief Kaqiss cleared his throat and said, "Yes, precisely that. So, while this is a bit unusual, I'm afraid that you are the last available option."
Siquioce shook his head, "I-I don't know what to say. This is all just so sudden!"
The leader responded, "Do not worry, my son. Although this is an unexpected situation, I have the feeling that you will do just fine. Besides, you had 10 years to learn from your 10 older siblings, correct? You should be prepared enough."
Pilitina asked, "But what do you say, Siquioce? I, personally, am against this idea, but do you feel confident in yourself?"
Siquioce looked down and drummed his fingers, thinking about how to proceed. Wait a minute, he mused, am I ready? Do I even have the skills necessary to succeed? I doubt it... He closed his eyes and tapped his foot before opening his eyes and balling his hand into a fist. No, he thought to himself, I can't be like this. I've got to be bolder! With this in mind, Siquioce took a deep breath and looked at his parents, stating, "Yes, I feel confident. I'm ready to go!"
Chief Kaqiss hummed in approval, "Very well. We shall begin the ceremony tomorrow." He waved his hand outwards, "Take this time to prepare yourself. We are looking forward to your departure."
Still feeling a bit hazy after the sudden news, Siquioce took a second to take everything in before bowing respectfully and leaving the room.
Entering his room, Siquioce paced around and rubbed his hands together, saying, "Oh, Tomanil, I can't believe this is happening! I'm so lucky! Or..." he held his chin, "Maybe I'm unlucky...I don't know. I'm very excited for this, but...I still don't know if I'm fit for the task. I could get lost, I could starve, or..." he shuddered, "I could get...eaten." He groaned, feeling a lot less sure of himself. After some thinking, Siquioce stated, "But I can't be a coward. Ulaka would be disappointed if I did. No matter what, I've got to take on this challenge!"
Now a bit more self-assured, Siquioce sat down on his rock chair and began to relax. As he sat there, he got the idea to pray for his safety. So, he got his hands and head into position and initiated his connection.
"Oh, great Tomanil," began Siquioce, "I thank you for this opportunity, no matter how sudden it is. I do not know exactly what waits for me out there, but I know that you'll do your part in keeping me safe, as you hopefully did for Makun. And for Ulaka, I hope that you'll take some time to watch over me as I embark on my journey. I promise, whenever you see me, I'll be doing my best to explore the land above. I will make you proud. So, Tomanil, if this is in your will, then please fulfill my request. In your name, Kachum."
After finishing his prayer, Siquioce looked through his window and said, "Now that I think about it, where did Makun go? He never returned..." Siquioce pondered over this fact for a minute before shrugging; he did not feel like concerning himself over the whereabouts of his brother, especially not when he was unfavored to begin with. Instead, Siquioce picked up his book on the life of the Samanian explorer Ohimeso Dide and began reading, seeking to wind down for the day.
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The following day, Siquioce, who was provided with Makun's discarded ceremonial robe, was escorted to the decks by Chief Kaqiss' advisor, where a considerably unenthused crowd was waiting. Trying his best to ignore the vibe of the area, Siquioce swam his way to where his parents were and looked around absentmindedly.
"Welcome, all my gathered," announced Kaqiss, "It is time for another ceremony! This time, my youngest child, Siquioce, will be the one setting out." A disappointed silence filled the school. Looking back and forth, the chief chuckled a bit to lighten the mood before glancing at Siquioce and saying, "Yes. Anyhow, do you have anything to say, my son?"
Siquioce stepped forward, stating, "Uh, I'll do my best out there."
Kaqiss nodded, "How succinct."
Pilitina looked around, "Does anyone here have something to tell Siquioce?" Alas, no one spoke up.
Noticing this, Chief Kaqiss held his hands behind his back and said, "So be it. I suppose that this is the last time that we'll see each other for now, Siquioce." Both him and his wife bowed, "May your journey be a pleasant one."
Siquioce bowed back, "Thank you, father and mother. I will be sure to get good info and things like that." He turned towards the audience and waved both of his hands, "Goodbye, all of you! I'll hopefully see you later!" With that, Siquioce turned around and swam at a high speed through the metal arch out into ocean, with his acceleration forcing his robe off his body. Just like that, his adventure had started.