AN: Hey, everyone! I hope you are excited, because we are finally approaching the climax! Yeah!

Chapter 27 A Sandy Flight

The ocean stretched on for miles and miles, as far as Toadette's eyes could possibly see. It was the color of the sky, and Mrs. Sand Bird's reflection could be seen in it. It was kind of disorienting, as it made Toadette feel like she was surrounded by sky on both sides. She hoped that the party would find land soon.

Bank and Sunny were just sitting on the sand bird's back, not making conversation. Toadette didn't feel comfortable with the silence. She was in the mood to talk, and when she was in the mood to talk, boy could she talk! She turned to Sunny, a smile spreading like wildfire across her pretty little face.

"So, Sunny," she said. "What do you see yourself doing once all of this is over?:

Sunny smiled back.

"Oh, that's easy. I am going back to Duneshine. I am going to enjoy my life there for the rest of eternity."

Toadette grinned.

"That sounds like a good plan."

"Yeah," Bank said as he walked over to the Dragon koopa. "And we will definitely visit you from time to time."

Sunny looked surprised, and Toadette shared in that surprise. Was this really Bank who had just said that? The Bank who hated Dragon Koopas with a passion? Before Toadette could voice a question to her green capped colleague, Mrs. Sand Bird spoke up.

"I see land up ahead, my dears. We are almost there."

Toadette grinned.

"That's awesome! I'm so glad!"

Bank smiled at the way Toadette had said that. Toadette looked back at him.

"What are you so happy about?" she asked with a grin.

Bank shrugged, the smile stubbornly refusing to fall from his face.

"I don't know. Am I not allowed to be happy?"

Toadette snickered. That was such a weird question to hear escape from the mouth of her grouchy friend, Bank.

Within minutes, the party was flying over a sea of golden sand. Mrs. Sand Bird cast a ginormous shadow over the land with her amazing wings. Toadette, however, barely noticed it. She was far too excited to finally rescue her friends. She couldn't even imagine how terrified they must be at this moment.

"Hey, Toadette?"

Toadette turned to Bank. She was puzzled when she saw that he had a sort of shy expression on his face.

"Yes, Bank?"

Bank hesitated, tripping over his words when he finally spoke them.

"There's...there's something I need to tell you."

Toadette smiled.

"Okay." Together, the two of them moved to the back of Mrs. Sand Bird's body. Sunny, realizing that Bank was going to say something important, moved up to the head. Once the two Toads were situated, Bank let out a sigh.

"Toadette, I promise you. When we go up against the dragon, I will do everything and anything in my power to protect you."

Toadette's smile got even bigger.

"Thank you, Bank. You must think I'm a good friend."

Bank shook his head.

"No, it's not that. You see...I've developed feelings for you."

Toadette was shocked. Her eyes grew wider than the Mushroom moon, her heart fluttered in her ribcage.

"You have?"

Bank nodded. He cast a sweet smile in Toadette's direction.

"Yes. I have."

Toadette blushed a scarlet complexion.

"Since when?" were the first words that came out of her mouth. Bank laughed.

"Pretty much ever since you defeated Brighton the angry sun. I thought that was amazing of you. It was very admirable; no girl I've met has acted even half as brave."

Toadette remembered the compliments Bank had given her then, and her blushing complexion became even darker.

"Bank...I don't know what to say."

Bank laughed, although there was a bit of fear attached to it.

"Yeah, I get it. You probably don't want to date a cranky old curmudgeon like me. I get it."

"No, no, that's it!" Toadette said. "I just find what you said very sweet. And if you want to try your hand at a relationship, then I am all for it."

Bank perked up.

"Really!"

"Yeah!" Toadette said. "Although be warned; I've never actually been in a romantic relationship before."

Bank's smile grew bigger.

"Want to know a secret?" He leaned in close and whispered; "Neither have I."

Toadette smiled.

"Well, then, it will be a learning experience for both of us!"

Bank nodded.

"I suppose it will."

Before Toadette could say anything more, Sunny approached them.

"Guys, I hate to interrupt. But we are approaching the dragon's lair."

Bank and Toadette looked ahead. They could see a humongous volcano approaching. It was big and looming; a perfect home for a Dragon. Bank turned to Toadette.

"You ready for this?"

Toadette smiled back at him in the most triumphant of ways.

"I was born ready!"