“The legends say that we moved underground out of choice. They say that one day our leader, the Stone Giant, looked at what was happening to the world above and created this underground city. The legends are a pile of crap.”

A collective sharp intake of breath could be heard. It was understandable. The story of the Stone Giant was one taught to all as absolute fact. Indeed to talk against was punishable by death. For most people.

“The truth is our kind were not designed to live underground and not one of us, even now, would choose this place to live over one in the fresh air and sun. That was unless we had a very good reason to. Tonight you will be introduced to that reason.”

He remembered his first glimpse of the world above, of the monsters that called it home. His skin crawled. No wonder the ancestors ran to hide underground. He was pretty sure he would have done the same.

“I cannot let you go blind. I cannot let you see what you will see believing all you have been told. Your foundations will be rocked, your beliefs stripped away. That is the cost we must pay to be what we are. I know none of you chose this; neither did any before you. Luck can be a fickle mistress, but she definitely better than some of the other ones.”

He was wandering off topic, starting to talk about things too alien to them. For now. The world they had been chosen to join was not a nice one. Blissful ignorance was not an option. Only too soon would these kids know the true face of this world. It was not a pretty sight.

“Go and rest. Eat well, say your goodbyes. This afternoon is your last day living in the city. Tell none of your family what you have been told here today. We, amongst many other things, are protectors of the lie. We hide the truth from the people because we are told it is the right thing to do. And trust me when I say, I now believe it is the right thing to do to.”

The collected young shuffled out of the room. Some faces were white, some unknowing. He wondered how many of this bunch would make it to wear the silver and black. He wondered how many he would have to kill. Seventy two went in. Few would come out.

Leaning against the back wall was Lila, a silver and black of the highest regard. She had been the one to teach him. She had been the one who stole the illusion away from him. For years he had hated her for that. Now he loved her for it.

“Is that true, Liam? Do you now actually believe?” She said.

Liam smiled. He didn’t. He never could.

“I see why it is done.”

“That is not the same as believing it was right, is right.”

“You’re right, it is not.”

He left. Soon he would have to cross her. That was not a thought that was laying laying well on his shoulders.