The children, still trembling from the pain and shock, glanced at the approaching shadow. Velthara's voice, weak but sharp, broke the silence.
Velthara: "F-Father...? Is that you...?"
Kaeltherion, holding his chest where his cracked soul pulsed faintly, squinted at the figure.
Kaeltherion: "That voice... It doesn't sound right, but..."
Lymtherion staggered to his feet, his fiery heart flickering weakly.
Lymtherion: "Why would... Father call us 'children'... like that?"
Zalthirion tilted his head, his green and cyan heart glowing faintly, confusion clear in his gaze.
Zalthirion: "No... It's not him. Look... That's not Father!"
As Toriel stepped closer, her form became more distinct, her gentle eyes and soft features revealing the truth. Valtheris growled faintly, his black and dark red heart pulsating ominously.
Valtheris: "You're not him... Who are you?"
Toriel: "I am Toriel, the caretaker of the Ruins. Tell me, are you alright, my children? That flower didn't hurt you, right?"
Velthara, still clutching her soul, glanced up at Toriel, her sharp tone softening slightly.
Velthara: "We're... fine. But don't call us 'children.' We don't even know you."
Kaeltherion narrowed his eyes, his voice cautious.
Kaeltherion: "What are you? Why did you help us?"
Zalthirion stepped forward slightly, studying Toriel's gentle demeanor.
Zalthirion: "She doesn't seem hostile... but that flower... it almost shattered us."
Lymtherion, still catching his breath, muttered under his breath.
Lymtherion: "What kind of place is this...? That flower called us 'free souls.' What does that mean?"
Valtheris, standing back with his arms crossed, growled lowly.
Valtheris: "Whoever you are, don't think saving us means we trust you."
Elyssirion looked toward Toriel with quiet curiosity, her voice barely audible.
Elyssirion: "She feels... warm. Like she means no harm..."
Nythrion clung slightly to Elyssirion, her voice trembling.
Nythrion: "W-we need answers... Father will find us... won't he?"
Toriel: "Don't worry, my children. That flower only wanted to kill you for obtain your souls. Monsters in the underground will be similar to that flower. They all only want your souls. But don't worry, you all are safe with me. Come with me to my house."
Velthara crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes skeptically.
Velthara: "Safe? With you? Why should we trust you? You're just another monster."
Kaeltherion stepped forward protectively, his voice firm but cautious.
Kaeltherion: "You saved us, but we don't know your intentions. What do you really want?"
Zalthirion glanced at the others, his voice calm but calculating.
Zalthirion: "We don't have many options. That flower nearly shattered us. Maybe it's worth following her—for now."
Lymtherion scowled, keeping his distance from Toriel.
Lymtherion: "If she tries anything, she'll regret it. That's a promise."
Valtheris growled lowly, standing behind the group.
Valtheris: "If this is a trap, I'll make sure she pays for it. Let's move."
Elyssirion looked up at Toriel, her voice soft but tinged with curiosity.
Elyssirion: "She doesn't seem like the others... Maybe she's telling the truth."
Nythrion clung to Elyssirion, her voice trembling.
Nythrion: "Do you think Father will find us...? He'll come, right?"
Toriel offers her hand, and the children take her hand, in a line from the oldest directly holding Toriel's hand, to the youngest as the last in line. Then Toriel started walking through a pink brick small door like gate along them.