Chapter 30 New Found Sanctuary

Toadette breathed in the fresh air of the Mushroom Kingdom. It smelt of peace, of nostalgia, and home. It was absolutely amazing, for Toadette hadn't tasted its beauty in so long.

Right now, she was tending to her garden. The young, ripe tomato plants and the blossoming flowers craved attention. Toadette was more than willing to give it. While the adventure she had gone on with the Brigade was fun, it had separated her from the everyday activities that she enjoyed in her home. Sure, she had grown bored of them in the past. But now, they were exactly what she needed to help herslef relax.

"Hey, Toadette!"

Toadette looked up and smiled. It was Bank. Bank entered through the garden gate, smiling like a bandit. He examined Toadette, her dirt covered tunic and her dangling pigtails. Toadette embarrassedly wiped the dirt off of her shirt.

"Hey, Bank. I had not been expecting you to visit today."

"I hadn't been expectin to, either." Bank's smile grew like one of Toadette's tomato plants. "However, there is something that I think you might enjoy seeing."

Toadette felt her heart start to pump in a fluttery motion.

"Ooh," she gushed. "Color me interested!"

Bank laughed, a genuine and friendly sound. Toadette felt her cheeks grow hot just listening to it. She wished that she could hold onto the laugh, fold it up and stick it in her pocket for a harder time.

"Oh, trust me. You will find this interesting." He grabbed hold of Toadette's hand. Her dirt covered, grimy hand. Toadette tried to pull away, but couldn't.

"Wait, Bank! Don't you think I need to wash up and change first?"

"There's no time!" Bank protested. "I have been wanting to show you this for the past week! Now that it is finally finished, I just can't wait any longer! Now come on, Toadette, let's go!"

Toadette was about to let out a huffy breath, but thought better of it. She let Bank lead her down the front path. As he did, Toadette couldn't help but notice Bank's appearance. He appeared to have washed his face, and his green mushroom cap glistened in the sunlight. Toadette smiled. In actuality, Bank had probably done that for her. It was sweet.

Anyway, the two Toads walked down the path. Toadette began to wonder where exactly they were going. They weren't taking any paths that were familiar to the Mushroom girl. In fact, all the twists and turns were making her disoriented.

"Bank, where are we going?"

"Can't tell you. It's a surprise."

This only made Toadette's anticipation build. What was this surprise? Where were they heading? This wasn't going to end badly, was it? Bank continued to lead Toadette along the path, practically pulling her arm out in the process. Finally, he did something that Toadette had not expected.

"Close your eyes."

Toadette felt confused.

"Why do you want me to do that?"

"Just trust me."

So, Toadette,.deciding that Bank was someone worth trusting, let her eyelids cover her. The darkness that surrounded her was nerve racking. She had never been someone that appreciated walking with their eyes closed. She always felt that there would be someone lurking around her, ready to kidnap her and drag her away. But then again, Bank would never do anything to harm her. He couldn't. He loved her.

"Okay," Bank said after they had taken a few more steps. Toadette could practically hear him smiling. "Open your eyes...now!"

Toadette did just that. When her eye were opened, she let out an excited gasp.

"The sanctuary is finished?"

The fenced in area that the Toad Brigade had dedicated to the sand birds was absolutely gorgeous. There was a ginormous food dispenser, ready to give the sand birds an assortment of fruit. There was a pond and a bird bath, both as crystal clear as they could possibly be. There was also a gigantic wooden bird house nestled on the ground.

"Yep!" Bank exclaimed. "What do you think?"

"It's...it's beautiful!"

Bank's eyes twinkled.

"And that's not all. There is something else that I want to show you."

Bank took hold of Toadette's hand again, causing her to laugh.

"You just like dragging me away everywhere, don't you, mister?"

Bank didn't confirm it, but he didn't deny it either. He just continued leading his girlfriend along, not stopping for anyone or anything. Finally, they stopped in front of a bench. Bank gestured to her in excitement.

"Well, what do you think?"

Toadette raised an eyebrow and snickered.

"Wow. A bench. Haven't seen one of those before."

"No, not the bench," Bank said. "Look at what is written on the plaque."

Toadette did just that, and her heart melted into bliss pretty much immediately.

This sanctuary is dedicated to Toadette, a beautiful and cheery girl who brightens the lives of everyone around her. Thank you for going on the adventure with us; we couldn't have recovered the sand bird eggs without you.

Toadette looked over at Bank, who was smiling like a little kid at Christmas.

"Did you write that?"

Bank nodded at a quick pace. Toadette looked at him, feeling happiness and love wash over her heart.

"Bank...thank you."

Bank smiled.

"Anyhting for you, Toadette. Anything for you."

With that, Toadette and Bank shared a kiss. When they let go of each other, Bank looked her in the eyes.

"I love you."

Toadette felt like her heart would burst with all of this love.

"I live you too."

AN: YAY! It is FINALLY finished! Thirty chapters. Thirty...flipping...chapters! I was not expecting it to be this long, but I am glad it is. Somehow, I don't think it would be as good if it was shorter.

Thank you so much to everyone for reading this. You all are awesome and I appreciate the support. Also, I would like to give a big shoutout to PinkRose0106. This wa originally written as a birthday present for her. Rose, I sincerely hope you enjoyed the journey as much as I did.

Well, anyway, see you all next time. Stay safe and stay awesome :)