AN: Here's a really short bittersweet story idea I've written a month ago on what happens right after Toaster's big heroic sacrifice during the horrific junkyard scene, and shortly before it cuts to Rob's bedroom in the city. Now, this isn't canon in anyway whatsoever. It's simply just something I made up for fun, and I really do hope everybody is kept in character as it's been quite a while since I last written anything BLT related.
And yes, there will be spoilers from the film. So only read if you've seen it already. Or if ya don't mind being spoiled, then please feel free to read on.
Enjoy. :)
Disclaimer: TBLT doesn't belong to me, but I DO own all the artwork and fanfics that I make for this underrated gem (along with the movie trilogy on DVD, and some mini character plush I made myself of Toaster, Blanky, Lampy, and Radio.)
"TOASTER!"
Next to feeling extreme agony shooting throughout his now brutally crushed body, this was the very last thing Toaster vaguely remembered before everything went dark.
The rusty metal gears of the evil trash compactor came to a screeching halt at long last. Both his best friends and their beloved master Rob were all finally saved from what could've been a rather cruel untimely death. Something Toaster knew he just couldn't live with, or would ever forgive himself had they been devoured right there before his own anxious eyes.
At least he can die with dignity knowing his family was safe from great harm.
"Quick, somebody call 911! We need to get Toaster out of here before he bleeds out, stat!" Radio cried out in alarm. He frantically bolted around the spooky old junkyard in desperation and search of something useful. Finally, he spotted an abandoned purple skateboard beside a broken little red wagon in a near by trash pile.
''Have no fear, Radio the paramedic is here!'' Radio rushed over, a loud siren sound blasting out of his speaker. Blanky and Lampy both flinched from fright, and hid behind Kirby with fearful eyes.
''Calm down, idiot!'' Kirby barked out of irritation. ''Your tomfoolery isn't helping!''
"Toaster! Toaster, can you hear me? Say something! Lampy, get me a first aid kit! An investigation must be done at once!''
"Uh, it's a little too late for that, Radio!" Lampy panicked, shivering uncontrollably. He was unable to pull himself together at the horrific sight of the giant oil puddle leaking from beneath their mighty leader while he lay there unconscious on top of the skateboard Radio used as a gurney.
"Toaster! Please, don't leave us. We love you." Blanky pleaded on the verge of tears. He cautiously wrapped his fuzzy arms around the mangled toaster, pulling him closer. He was clearly the most distraught out of the group.
"You're gonna be okay. The master can fix you. I know he can. He's superb."
"I hate to break it to ya, Blanky. But I'm afraid his injuries are far too deep even for the master to fix. Sure, he may have a high school diploma. However, not even he can patch Toaster back up to perfect health. Face it, he's well pass his warranty."
Blanky shook his head, refusing the harsh truth. He knew Radio was acting wrongfully about this whole thing. Rob would surly fix their once shiny, optimistic little pal. He wasn't gonna give up hope. Not on his watch.
After all, he was like an older brother who cared very deeply about Blanky. None of the other appliances had that same special bond unlike Toaster, nor were they very understanding.
Of course, Toaster was formerly in the same boat with the others whenever Blanky got on their nerves, but over the course of their journey his attitude towards him turned over a new leaf. In fact, they've all grown much closer.
''No, you're wrong. I know he can. He's our master, Radio. Toaster would want us to remain optimistic."
Kirby rolled his eyes in annoyance at Blanky's highly sensitive personality. ''Don't hold your breath, blanket. He would also want us to move on without him."
This whole bloody mess they found themselves in was overwhelming enough. And unfortunately, he felt Blanky's enthusiasm was growing more sickening by the second.
Although the grumpy old vacuum was beyond annoyed by all this ludicrous shenanigans among the other three appliances he also couldn't help but feel some remorse deep within him.
Toaster was more than some ordinary kitchen appliance, or the compassionate peacekeeper who tried his absolute hardest day after day to get everyone else in the gang to cooperate instead of fight. He was family, and Kirby knew they'll all be truly lost without him.
"Knock it off already, Radio. There's simply no point in trying to break the bad news to the kid. We all know just how darn stubborn and whiny he is. Like dim bulb over there.''
''Hey!''
Before another word could be said a familiar yet hoarse voice caught their attention.
"It's…it's okay, Blanky."
Blanky immediately pulled himself away from Toaster so he could look him in the eyes. He shouted with glee, hugging him a little tighter.
"Toaster, you're alive!"
Once they heard Blanky's voice sing out near by, the other three appliances quickly stopped arguing and came closer. They were taken aback by what was happening.
"Look who's back from the dead. Oh, thank goodness you're alright. You gave us quite the scare there, Slots. Had us all petrified. Kinda reminded me of Lampy's own heroic sacrifice back in the bloodthirsty wilderness. Since when is he a daredevil adventurer?"
"Don't remind me. I can still feel a painful bolt of electricity zap through my snout." Lampy grimaced, trying to erase said image from his memory banks. Blanky even eyed the gooseneck with some curiosity after hearing him bring up that frightful night.
"Long story. Don't ask."
"You…were very…brave that night, Lampy." Toaster coughed, feeling quite groggy in Blanky's warm embrace. "Didn't…know you…had it in you. Thanks."
Lampy nodded in gratitude once he noticed the toaster looking over in his direction. "No problem, Toaster. I just thought I'd do my part in our mission to rescue Blanky. Mission accomplished.''
Radio scooped up a small red bandana from off the dusty ground, sliding it gently over Toaster.
"Consider this a medal of true bravery. Why, look! You even have your very own battle scar to go along with it underneath your left eye. You're invincible, Toaster. No other toaster could survive all the damage and peril you've been through. We salute you. You've made this old mountaineer very proud.''
Toaster gave the little crimson chatterbox a weary smile. Indeed, he may be rather broken and fragile on the outside, but he was still feeling invincible within.
"Never…lose your sense…of humor, Radio."
The End
AN: So this was originally gonna end off on a much darker note, and actually tie in with my first story "Comfort In the Storm" right before Toaster wakes up from his nightmare. But of course it turned into this fluffy mess instead. Yeah, I'm a real sucker for that warmed-hearted trash haha. What can I say? It's a main weakness of mine.
By the way, Toaster's bandana that Radio gave him near the end is actually a small reference to Dodger from Oliver & Company. Since both characters are the leader out of their gangs I thought it'd be cute if they each wore one to show their leadership.