Chapter 8: Molten Rain
The two Toads rushed down the gilded hallways, the countdown timer ticking in their minds. They both knew that it could go off at any moment. No time to think. Only time to act. They kept running, like soldiers, doing exactly what they've been told, or else! The timer was down to a third of what it originally was.
DETONATION IN: THIRTY SECONDS.
Due to the collapsing of the castle, the Toads now had to dodge some debris. Toadette ran ahead and stumbled on a steel beam, but Toad scooped her up and put her back on her feet. There were no emotions, no panicking. There was just hope. Hope that they could reach the steel door in time. The clock was ticking dangerously low, but Toad could make out the outline of the vertical sliding panel that was slowly closing.
DETONATION IN TEN, NINE, EIGHT...
The molten rock was now closing in around them. The roof was caving in. It would be a miracle to escape unscathed. The door, getting closer, was not wide enough to fit their full height, and they couldn't crawl under in time. They would have to be slid under. Risking one for the other.
SEVEN, SIX...
Toad took Toadette in his hands, and prepared to slide her under like a bowling ball. Toadette looked up at him like he knew what he was about to do, that he knew the risk he was taking. Of all the things he'd done for her, this was the pinnacle. Broken rock was raining down on him, but he barely felt it. All his attention was focused on Toadette. Making sure she was safe was the only objective.
FIVE, FOUR...
Toad hesitated to do it, but he leaned in and whispered his final words.
"Goodbye, Toadette." He slid her under just as the door closed, then braced for impact. It was wonderful while it lasted.
THREE, TWO, ONE...
When Toadette looked up, all she could hear was a roar of effort exerted by Toad as he was engulfed into the blaze that sent molten rock into the night sky.
To be continued...
