Pantheon groaned, eyes cracking open at the sound of songbirds against the bright sunshine that dominated the peak of Mount Targon. Since the ancient mountain poked above the clouds, there is almost no chance of rain, and of course no clouds to block out the sun. Suddenly, the young teen remembered what day it was. "Crap!" Pantheon immediately leapt out of bed and donned the traditional Rakkor wear for men, a perfectly molded armored breastplate and a metal-striped kilt. Today was the day of the Rite of Kor. Coincidentally, it was one day before Pantheon's sixteenth birthday. This is the moment that will decide his destiny.
As Pantheon approached the central chamber of the small house, he was greeted by the sight of his stone-faced parents. Before he even had a chance to open his mouth, his father cut in. "Pantheon, you know what today is, correct?" Pantheon nodded wordlessly. "Then you know what is at stake. Your life, your tribe, and most importantly, your honor." Pantheon hardened his expression, creating a mask of solid steel, and answered. "Yes, father." His father stared at him for a moment, then let a wide grin break out. "Then, let us feed and water you, and then, you will decide your own fate."
He can't believe his eyes. The amount of food laid out before him was breathtaking for the Rakkoran boy. On Mount Targon, food was just as scarce as peace. However, before him laid a crispy, roast duck with potatoes and various greens on the side. Behind the plate, a jug of creamy milk was there, and Pantheon almost started salivating. His mother smiled. "Your father and I have saved our food for this very moment." Consider this both preparation for the Rite, and your birthday present." Her face fell. "Just in case you don't..." Quickly, his father folded his mother in an embrace. "Shhhh…. Pantheon will be alright, Leah. He's the top of his class, after all. A true warrior." Pantheon ate in silence, but not before offering a huge portion of the bird to his parents. "I will not eat while my parents watch," he insisted. In a few more hours, Pantheon nervously waited for a signal. Then, a bell tolled. Signaling the start of the Rite of Kor.
As Pantheon made his way to the Coliseum, an ancient relic of the past still used today, he felt nothing. Nothing at all. Sixteen years have prepared him for this day, and by the Solari, he will come out victorious, he silently vowed. As he quickened his pace, a pretty young girl fell into step with him. "What's the matter, Panth? You look like you swallowed a whole salmon." Leona smiled at him. "C'mon, you don't have to be so quiet, do you?" Pantheon gave a grunt in reply. Leona giggled to herself at his attitude, and settled on walking at his side. When they arrived at the Coliseum, Pantheon and Leona were both surprised to find the surge of activity before them. In the previous sixteen years, they were not allowed to step near the arena, for the purpose of keeping the events of the Rite a surprise. Usually, the Coliseum was a looming shadow over the Rakkor tribe, and it was very, very strange to see this much activity. Leona nudged Pantheon. "Well, at least we will know what's going on, she murmured. Pantheon gave a brief nod, and stared straight ahead. Leona light punched him in the shoulder. "You're no fun!" She tapped Pantheon on the forehead and raced off. Pantheon recognized the challenge, and in spite of himself, he betrayed a small smile. "Very well," he thought. He then followed Leona, determined to catch her.