A rite of passage. A custom. A way of life. A pastime.

In many cultures, there just so happens to be something of the sort. Be it hunting a deer, or surviving in a pit for several days, or even wrestling your playmates.

Every man, woman, and child learns of these tradition and, at one point in his or her life, indulges in said activity with others of the same tribe.

Said traditions are said to, not only have a deeper purpose by building up one's character, but also provide a sense of community.

One that would eventually accentuate said individuals' growth not just as a person, but also as a character.

It may be true to say that one can not avoid this way of life. After all, as a human, no, as humans, the presence of a culture may very well be an immortal ethos.

One that, irregardless of form, nature, occurrence, or even placement, will always find itself on the minds and shoulders of others.

And, at least in spirit, will be passed on to the next generation.

That was the case as well for the young Maximillian Hunter the next day.

It was Thursday.

Schools weren't open as a result of the previous day's occurrences, and several families were struggling to fix the damages and sort themselves out, to say nothing of those who had lost loved ones that day.

It truly was a tragic scene, simply walking outside of his house. The solemn tears of the citizens of Hypercity.

However, that, while touching Max's heart, was not his objective that day.

He skateboarded from his house after, as usual, hurriedly saying goodbye to his mother at the door. After all, he had plans.

Kenneth Stone woke up quite late that day, but he knew full well what he was going to do that day.

His mother and father had decided to go take a look outside to find a shop that wasn't demolished by the spider bots so they could, in Frida's words, eat some real food.

Frida: Are you sure you can't reschedule with that friend of yours coming over? I'd love to meet him.

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Ken: No, mom. He said he'd be busy.

That was a lie.

Gordon: Well, he must be quite the youngster if he can't make it on a Friday, let alone the weekend. Does he have a job?

Ken: Hmmm... No. None that I know of.

Gordon: I see. Well then... I'll, be off.

Ken: Ok, bye.

Frida: And remember Ken, if anything happens...

Ken: Dont forget to call us. I understand.

Frida: Phew.... ok. Have fun at your play date, honey!

Ken: It's not a.... (sigh) ok.

His mother and father started out the door and once out of earshot.

Frida: You sure we shouldn't bring him along?

Gordon: Oh, I'm sure.

Frida: But this kid. He's new. We dont even know him. And besides...

Gordon: Frida...

His eyes looked softly upon his wife.

Frida: I'm sorry hon, it's just.... after what happened yesterday.

Gordon kissed his wife on the forehead.

Gordon: It's alright. He's a big boy now. So don't be worried.

Frida: Mmmmmmm....

Gordon: Remember what we promised. As we grow older, our boy will have to start making decisions on his own. Good and bad ones. And that we would let him make his own mistakes. After all, his life doesn't go on pause simply because we are worried about him. And he saw the news too, y'know.

Frida: Mmmm... I suppose you're right. It's just... last night.

She supposed she would have gotten used to it by then. But her son was always so logical.

It really bothered her from time to time. It wasn't that he didn't have emotions, no. She'd seen him cry, seen him laugh and even seen him care.

But last night, she expected, not that he didn't show any, a lot more anxiety. She couldn't help but feel that something was off.

Gordon: Oh, you know how our boy is. Tough as nails that one. You'd need a whole snake just to scare him. Hmph....

Frida: Huh?

Gordon: Hmm?

Frida: Are you proud of him?

Gordon: Hehehe! Well, what can I say? Our boy is a strong one.

Frida: Oh you....

Her eyes looked away from her husband upsettedly.

Gordon: Hey, now. He'll be fine. And if it makes you feel better, we can call Ken every once in a while. After all, we're still his parents.

Frida: Yes, I think I'd like that.

The pair had at that point entered the car and began to leave.

Of course, Ken had heard the entire conversation through the house security cameras.

He felt as though something was off when they'd left because his mother was oddly nonchalant about it.

But he could rest his heart now. Good ol' dad just calmed mom down, not that he blamed his mom for worrying.

Which parent wouldn't be bothered by her son coming home from what was mortal danger in a non rattled state?

He acted as best he could, but acting could only go so far. His mom was getting closer to the truth, but she was still pretty far from it. After all, she didn't know the truth. And Ken preferred it that way.

Keeping his mom and dad from his life was a gift he wouldn't trade for the world.

Besides....

A door bell rang.

... he was working that day.

Ken walked over to open it. It was Max.

Max: Yo!