Ben 10 x Horrortale (Alien Hero in the underground)

3: Toriel's House

As Toriel led me into her house, I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy. The place was old and dusty, and there was something about it that made me feel on edge. I tried to brush off the feeling and followed her, trying not to show my discomfort.

Ben: "So, this is your house, huh?" I said, trying to make conversation while glancing around, feeling like I was walking into an unknown territory.

Toriel: "Indeed, my child. Welcome to my humble home. A safe haven for those who have fallen down here." She said with a warm smile.

Her smile seemed warm as we entered her house, but there was something in her eyes that made me uneasy. It was like her whole demeanor had changed the moment we stepped inside.

It was as if she was hiding something behind that friendly facade, and I couldn't quite put my finger on it. But I decided to push those thoughts aside and focus on the moment. After all, I was safe for now, and that was what mattered. Plus, I couldn't help but feel a bit grateful for her hospitality, even if my gut feeling told me otherwise.

Toriel went into the kitchen, and I took the opportunity to glance at the Omnitrix on my wrist. I tapped it, but to no avail. It was as dead as the flowers in this place. I sighed inwardly, feeling a bit vulnerable without my alien transformations.

When she returned with a tray of butterscotch cinnamon pie, the sweet aroma filled the air. I couldn't deny that I was hungry, but I couldn't fully enjoy the treat with that gut feeling still lingering.

Toriel: "Here we are! Cinnamon and butterscotch pie," she said as she served me a slice. "I mustn't send you back on an empty stomach"

I took a bite, trying to hide my unease. The pie tasted good, but my instincts were still on high alert. As I looked at Toriel, her warm smile didn't reach her eyes. It was like she was putting on an act, hiding something beneath that friendly facade.

Toriel: "Oh, before I forget," she said, rummaging through her pocket before handing me a red bandana. "A kid forgot it here before leaving."

It was smaller than my head, but I took it and thanked her for the nice gesture.

Toriel: "Unfortunately, he wasn't well-behaved, a little pushy." Her tone seemed to change for a bit before quickly returning to normal. "I'm sure you can understand. But I believe humans can change over time. Do you not agree?"

I nodded, not wanting to find out what might happen if I didn't. She seemed pleased with my response.

Toriel: "Ah now, you are a well-behaved young man. What a relief!"

Toriel: "I've cared for many young children a long time ago. You see..."

As she continued talking, I found myself losing focus on her words, my mind still preoccupied with what Toriel's true intentions might be. I absentmindedly nodded whenever she said something, hoping to keep up the appearance of being a polite guest.

Toriel: "Of-of course I sent them home once they were ready. It's dangerous... It will be difficult to let you go, though. Ha ha!"

I choked a little on my pie, surprised by her sudden change in tone.

Ben: "Difficult to let me go?" I repeated, trying not to sound too alarmed.

Toriel: "Oh, my dear child, don't worry too much about it. I simply meant that I've grown fond of having company here, that's all." Toriel's warm smile remained, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes, a hint of sadness perhaps, before it quickly disappeared.

Toriel: "Now, let's not dwell on such matters. Enjoy your pie, my child, and take your time while you're here. You're safe under my care." She patted my shoulder reassuringly, and we continued our conversation as if nothing had happened. But I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to her words than she let on.