5. Monster history.

As the siblings stirred awake from their restful slumber, they were greeted by a tantalizing aroma that filled the air. The delightful scent of buttery caramel and warm cinnamon wafted through the room, instantly making their stomachs rumble with hunger.

"Is that... pie?" Daisy asked, her voice still groggy from sleep but her curiosity piqued.

"I think so," Davis replied, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. "It smells amazing."

Daniel, too, had been awakened by the inviting fragrance. He sat up, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep, and a small smile graced his lips. "Well, I guess we don't need an alarm clock when we have the smell of pie to wake us up," he joked.

Their curiosity getting the better of them, the siblings followed the delightful scent through the Ruins until they arrived at a cozy kitchen. There, on a wooden table, sat a steaming, golden-brown pie, surrounded by an assortment of other delicious-looking treats.

"Wow," Daisy whispered in awe, her mouth watering at the sight of the delectable spread before her.

Just as they were about to dig in, the owner of the kitchen appeared. It was Toriel, wearing an apron and a warm smile.

"Good morning, my dear children," Toriel greeted them. "I hope you slept well."

"Good morning, Toriel," Daniel replied, feeling a sense of gratitude for the kind monster who had taken them in.

"Did you make all of this?" Davis asked, eyeing the spread with awe.

"Why, yes, I did," Toriel replied with a hint of pride. "I wanted to make you all feel at home, and what better way than with a warm breakfast?"

As the siblings sat down at the table, Toriel served them each a generous slice of the butter scotch and cinnamon pie. The moment they took their first bite, their taste buds were treated to a symphony of flavors—buttery sweetness mingled with the warmth of cinnamon, creating a perfect harmony of deliciousness.

"Wow, this is amazing," Daisy exclaimed, savoring every mouthful.

"I agree," Daniel added, a smile of contentment on his face.

After enjoying their breakfast, Toriel sat down with them, eager to continue their conversation from the night before.

"Now, my dears, let us discuss your plans, but before that, I don't think you've told me your names," Toriel kindly remarked.

Daniel, the eldest among the siblings, spoke up with a respectful tone, "I'm Daniel, and these are my younger siblings, Davis and Daisy." He gestured to Davis, who nodded, and Daisy, who offered a small but warm smile.

"And this is Snow," Daisy chimed in, gesturing towards a petite white squirrel perched on the table. Clutched in its mouth was a peanut it had snatched from the nearby bowl of nuts Toriel placed for her. Snow had been a steadfast companion since their arrival in the Underground, a silent witness to their journey.

"Ah, it's a pleasure to meet all of you," Toriel said warmly, acknowledging each one of them. "Now, let us continue our conversation from last night. The Underground can be a dangerous place, and I want to ensure you have a safe journey ahead." Toriel said, her eyes filled with genuine concern. 

The siblings exchanged glances, their determination shining in their eyes.

"We want to find a way back home," Davis said, his voice resolute. "But we understand that it won't be easy, considering what you've told us."

"That is true," Toriel acknowledged, her expression gentle but serious. "Returning to the surface won't be a simple task, especially considering the barrier that separates our worlds. But please remember, my dear children, you are not alone in this journey. I will be here to assist and support you every step of the way."

Daisy nodded, her resolve unwavering. "Thank you, Toriel. We really appreciate your kindness and guidance."

"Indeed," Daniel added, a sense of gratitude in his voice. "We couldn't have asked for a better caretaker in this unfamiliar place."

Toriel's smile widened, her heart touched by the siblings' words. "It is my duty to help those who find themselves in the Underground, and I am glad to have you here as my guests."

Davis couldn't help but frown at that statement, feeling conflicted about their situation. He wanted to trust Toriel, but his past experiences had taught him to be cautious around strangers, especially in this unfamiliar world. Nevertheless, he decided to keep his concerns to himself for the time being.

"Now, let us discuss your options," Toriel continued, her gaze thoughtful. "There are a few paths you can take in the Underground. You can choose to traverse the Ruins and venture deeper into this world, or you may seek the aid of others who may be willing to help you on your quest."

"What about the people you mentioned before, the ones trapped down here?" Davis inquired; his curiosity piqued.

Toriel's expression softened with a touch of sadness. "The monsters who reside in the Underground are indeed trapped, as we all were sealed beneath the barrier long ago. Our only hope for freedom lies in finding a human who can break the barrier's spell and allow us to return to the surface."

"So, you're saying we might be the ones to break the barrier and free everyone?" Daisy asked, her eyes widening with a mix of astonishment and responsibility.

"It is a possibility," Toriel replied, her gaze filled with hope. "The legends speak of a determined human who can accomplish such a feat. But remember, it is a challenging and perilous task."

"If that's the case, why is this place so dangerous for humans? Shouldn't the monsters down here be glad that a human has come to help them break the barrier? Why do they want to hurt us, even though it reduces their chances of leaving this place? I just don't get it." Davis asked, his brows furrowed in annoyance, recalling what Flowey did to his brother.

Toriel's expression softened, understanding the siblings' confusion and frustration. "You ask a valid question, Davis," she said gently. "While it is true that some monsters in the Underground may indeed long for freedom and hope for a human to break the barrier, not all of them share the same sentiments."

"The Underground is a complex world, filled with a wide array of creatures, each with their own thoughts and feelings," she continued. "Just like in the human world, there are those who are kind and those who are not. Some monsters may be afraid of humans because of the legends or past encounters, while others might be envious of our ability to leave this place and yearn for a chance to break the barrier themselves."

Daisy nodded, trying to wrap her head around the complexities of the Underground. "So, not everyone here will be welcoming and friendly?"

"Correct," Toriel confirmed. "It is essential to be cautious and discerning in your interactions with others. Some may see you as an opportunity to escape the Underground, while others might view you as a threat. It is crucial to trust your instincts and, whenever possible, seek allies who genuinely wish to aid you in your journey."

"Does that mean we'll have to fight our way through the Underground?" Daniel asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"Not necessarily," Toriel reassured him. "While conflicts may arise, especially if you encounter hostile monsters, it is always best to seek peaceful resolutions whenever possible. Words can be just as powerful as actions in the Underground, and your empathy and understanding might open doors and forge alliances that you didn't expect."

"We will always prioritize finding a peaceful solution first," Daisy said, determination shining in her eyes.

"That is a wise approach," Toriel said, nodding approvingly. "Remember, my dear children, you are not alone in this journey. I will do everything I can to guide and protect you. And along the way, you may encounter others who will offer their strength and support."

Daniel looked at Toriel, a newfound respect for her in his eyes. "Thank you for assisting us and for being forthright," he said sincerely.

Toriel smiled warmly. "It is my duty to help those in need and to be honest with those under my care."

"But why?" Davis asked.

"What?" Toriel responded in confusion.

"Why is that your duty? You don't even know us; for all you know, we could be dangerous ourselves. So, why... I don't get it... why are you being so nice to us... to strangers..." Davis retorted with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism.

Toriel's warm smile remained, but there was a hint of contemplation in her eyes. She settled herself onto a nearby chair, her gaze steady as she regarded Davis.

"You ask an important question, Davis," she began, her tone thoughtful. "To answer it, we must delve into the history of the Underground and the bonds that tie us all together."

Davis exchanged a glance with his siblings, intrigued by Toriel's response. Daisy's eyes were wide with curiosity, while Daniel wore a more reserved expression, eager to understand the reasoning behind Toriel's kindness.

"Long ago," Toriel continued, her gaze momentarily distant as if lost in memories, "monsters and humans coexisted on the surface. The two races shared their lives, their cultures, and their stories. There was harmony, and there was conflict, as is the nature of any world."

She paused, her gaze focusing once more on Davis. "But then, a war broke out. Fueled by fear, misunderstanding, and greed, the battle raged between monsters and humans. It was a devastating conflict, one that led to the monsters' defeat."

Daisy's eyes grew wide with empathy, her heart going out to the tale Toriel was sharing. Daniel's expression shifted to one of somber realization, as if connecting the dots between the story and the world they had found themselves in.

Toriel's voice remained steady as she continued, "The monsters were banished from the surface and forced to live in the Underground, sealed beneath a barrier that kept them apart from the human world. This barrier was anchored by powerful magic, and breaking it required a tremendous amount of energy."

Davis nodded, starting to grasp the weight of their situation. "So, that's why you need a human soul to break the barrier and return to the surface?"

"Yes, exactly," Toriel confirmed. "A human soul is a potent source of magic, and it is believed that a strong and determined human has the potential to shatter the barrier's spell. This is why some monsters are hopeful for a human's arrival."

"But not all monsters are friendly," Daisy chimed in, her voice tinged with a mixture of understanding and caution.

Toriel nodded in agreement. "You are correct, Daisy. Just as in the human world, not all beings share the same intentions. Some monsters may see a human as a means to an end, an opportunity for their own freedom. Others may hold resentment from the past, unable to see past the history of conflict."

She turned her gaze back to Davis, her eyes meeting his with sincerity. "When you and your siblings arrived here, battered and lost, I saw in you the potential to bring back that spark of hope. You remind me of the resilience of humans, of the capacity for goodness that exists in your hearts even in the face of adversity."

Davis's skepticism wavered, and he regarded Toriel with a mixture of surprise and contemplation. Daisy's eyes gleamed with curiosity, and even Daniel, who had been relatively quiet, seemed intrigued by Toriel's words.

Davis listened intently, his skepticism starting to wane as he absorbed the weight of Toriel's words. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms, and looked down at the ground for a moment before glancing back up at Toriel.

"But even with all this history," he began cautiously, "why are you so willing to help us? To care for us? We're just strangers to you."

Toriel's warm smile returned, a glint of compassion in her eyes. "Davis, Daisy, Daniel," she said, addressing each of them by name, "the past does not define the present. It is true that the Underground has seen its share of trials and conflicts, but it has also been a place of growth, learning, and unity. I believe that kindness is a universal language, one that transcends history and differences."

She leaned forward slightly, her eyes meeting Davis's. "It is my duty, as a caretaker and protector of the Underground, to offer assistance and guidance to those who find themselves here. And even though we have just met, my heart tells me that you are in need of both."

Davis shifted in his seat, his skepticism giving way to a newfound sense of understanding. He glanced at his siblings, who nodded in agreement, their eyes reflecting a growing trust in Toriel's words.

"I still find it hard to fully trust, given what happened," Davis admitted, his voice softer now. "But... I appreciate your honesty and the kindness you've shown us."

Toriel's smile returned, warm and understanding. "Trust takes time, and it's okay to be cautious. Just remember that you are not alone in this journey, and I am here to support you every step of the way."

Daisy's eyes sparkled with gratitude, and Daniel nodded in agreement. "Thank you, Toriel, for being there for us," he said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.