AUTHOR'S NOTES:
[I[Another story that may either be severely edited, or scrapped for the final series of short stories. It does have a key plot point but that isn't the primary focus and making it right could be too challenging.

So I share it below for advice, or just enjoyment. It's final fate either in history or as a true part of the story arc in the compilation book.[/I]

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“Good night, Scuttle!” Lucky exclaimed as he waved to his friend from the stairs of the manor.
“See you later, buddy!” Scuttle cheerfully exclaimed back. “Here’s to another great day of fun! Sweet dreams!”
Lucky smiled and laughed. “Thanks Scuttle! See you in the morning!” With that, Lucky turned and walked into his home.

As Lucky walked in, he noticed his father, Ducky Saurral, walking down the stairs with a bright-red colored person.
“So you think I should ask Snooky to marry me?” The red haposaur asked.
Ducky put his arm around the guest and reassuringly answered, “After all the stuff you told me just now, I think asking her to marry you would be a great idea. I just know you two will live in eternal happiness.”
“Oh thank you, Ducky!” The guest exclaimed with joy. “I’m going to pick me up some candy and flowers and ask her tonight over a starlight dinner.”
“You have my best wishes.” Ducky replied as the guest headed toward the door. As he did, he had a noticeable skip in his step and managed a joyous wave as he exited the manor.
Taking in a deep breath, Ducky exhaled, “And that concludes today’s sessions.”
“Daddy!” Lucky cheerfully yelped as he ran toward his father.
Eyes and smile widening, Ducky outreached his arms to pick up his oncoming son. “There’s my boy!” He chuckled while lifting Lucky into the air. “I didn’t hear you come in. Did you have fun with all your pals?”
“Sure did.” Lucky chirped. “How was your day today?”
“Just a typical day.” Ducky replied. “Paperwork, lending helpful advice to those who needed it, and trying to get old Truent to loosen up.”
Lucky laughed. “Truent says the funniest things when you bring up any fun ideas to him.”
“He sure does.” Replied Ducky as he sat his son down. “I’m sure dinner is waiting for us. Are you ready to fill that tummy of yours?”
Licking his lips, Lucky replied, “Oh yes! I can hardly wait.” The two then proceeded down the hall and into the dining area of Saurral Manor.

Upon entering the dining room, both Lucky and Ducky were overcome by the delicious smell of the meal that had been prepared for them. Gazing ahead, Lucky saw that a small candelabra was placed in the center of the table and that there were three places sat instead of the usual two.
Taking his usual seat, Lucky deeply sniffed the plate before him. “Ooh, it all looks so yummy, I don’t know where to start.” He then recalled noticing the candelabra and the extra seat. “Daddy, is Truent going to join us for dinner tonight?”
“Truent?” Ducky pondered. It then came to him. “Oh yes! I hope you don’t mind, but I asked Binky if she’d join us for dinner again tonight. Truent, as usual, said he’d rather go eat his meal in the privacy of his study.”
“Ahh.” Lucky pouted. “Truent is always in his study. I just don’t understand why he likes being so lonely.”
“I don’t think he enjoys it.” Ducky said. “Truent just seems to feel out-of-place. My guess is that he is reading up on our culture’s history when he’s in there so he can better understand what has become of his kind and how he can become one of us.”
Swiping a carrot from his plate, Lucky posed, “But he is one of us. He’s almost like an uncle to me and I care about him lots. Maybe I should go to his study and talk to him.”
Ducky chuckled lightly. “Your intentions are genuine and good, son. However, I feel it is best if we just let Truent be.”
“But he’s so lonely.” Pointed out Lucky. “Isn’t it the right thing to go and make him feel loved?”
“Yes it is.” Ducky said. “But, it is also important to give people time to themselves so they can get in touch with who they are. Just give him some time.”
Lucky finished his carrots before he answered, “You’re right daddy.”
A voice then came from the dining hall entrance, “Hey! Sorry I’m late.”
“Come on in, Binky.” Chirped Ducky. “You’re just in time to join me and my son for dinner.”
With a giggle, Binky sat down at her place and took in the dinner atmosphere. “How beautiful. You really know how to make a lady feel special.”
“You mean this?” Ducky blushed. “Is nothing special. Just the way we always entertain our guests here. Make them feel at home.”
Ducky’s remark made Lucky laugh for he knew that his father only went out of his way like this for either diplomats or Binky, nobody else.
“And how are you today, Lucky?” Binky asked,
“I’m doing great!” he eagerly replied. “Me and my friends are making up all sorts of fun games and I’m learning lots of new stuff from my smart daddy too.”
“That’s happy news to hear.” Binky replied. “Make any new pals lately?”
“None since Bubble.” Lucky replied.
Binky nodded and took a few bites out of her meal. “Oh wow!” She proclaimed. “This is delicious! My compliments to the cook.”
“I’m glad you like it.” Ducky said with a smile. “I asked the cook to make that specially for tonight’s dinner. It’s a full-flavored taste dish. You get all the vitamins and minerals you need to help you have energy and a healthy tummy. Plus the sky-blue colored berries are specialty treats direct from the top of the mountain here.”
“You don’t say.” Said Binky. “Perhaps we’ll have to go up and pick some for ourselves.”
Ducky, after hearing the “we’ll” part began to feel really excited and happy. So much he closed his eyes and flung his hand as if to scrape through the crest on his head. However, beings his eyes were closed, he accidentally clipped his cup and splattered cherry juice all over himself.
“Whoops!” Ducky exclaimed as he wiped at his wet body.
Binky giggled as she grabbed a nearby cloth and began to dab about on Ducky’s torso. “Oh Ducky, you’re just too much sometimes.”
“And to think, I’m supposed to be the one getting all messy.” Laughed Lucky.
Just a moment later, Truent came into the dining room.
“Ducky.” He said. “Could I see you for a minute, there is something I’d like to show you.”
Lucky turned to look at Binky to inquire if it was okay for him to go, but instead ended up nose-to-nose with her. Out of surprise, or perhaps instinct, Ducky quickly gave her a kiss.
“Ducky?” Said a stunned Binky.
Worried, Ducky rose to his feet. “Whoops! I’m sorry about that. Just so used to giving Lucky a kiss when he gets that close to me so I must’ve acted out of fatherly instinct.” He then grew a huge grin, as he blushed even deeper. “Would you excuse me. Should be just a moment.”
Binky giggled and replied, “Not at all. While you’re away I’ll clean up here and get Lucky here ready for his bath.”
“You don’t have to do that.” Ducky said as he walked toward Truent. “Just take it easy. Perhaps go into the lounge and read one of the many fine books.”
“Nonsense.” Replied Binky. “Is no trouble at all.” Looking to Lucky, she inquired, “That is, if you don’t mind me helping you prep for your bath?”
“Sounds fun.” Lucky chirped. “You go help Truent and Binky and I will make everything nice here for you.”
With a bow, Ducky said, “You’re too kind. See you in a few.” And then he walked out with Truent where the two proceeded up the stairs toward Truent’s study.
As soon as the sound of footsteps could no longer be heard, Binky leaned over toward Lucky, who was just finishing his dinner, and inquired, “Does your daddy like me?”
“Hmm?” Lucky’s eyes widened as he briefly stopped from chewing his food. Upon finishing, he nervously replied, “I don’t know. What makes you ask?”
Binky chuckled as she gently rubbed Lucky’s back. “You don’t need to kid around. Better though, do you like me?”
“You’re really nice.” Lucky answered. “And, when you’re around, my daddy seems really happy.”
“I know he does.” Binky gently responded. “I really like being around your daddy too.” She then looked around at the messy table. “Perhaps I should just get to cleaning up this mess.” And, after letting out a nervous chuckle, Binky went about collecting the plates and cleaning off the dining area. All the while with Lucky helping as best as he could.

As Lucky and Binky went about getting the dining area cleaned, Ducky and Truent were just entering into the large library that lies on the second floor of Saurral Manor.
“So what is it?” Ducky inquired.
“Right here, dear friend.” Said Truent as he walked over to a round, wooden table. There, he picked up a book which had a red bookmark slid into it.
“I wish to see the Book of Salophus.” He said while flinging the book open to the marked page.
Ducky’s eyes widened. “The Book of Salophus? I can’t, it’s forbidden.”
“Not quite.” Truent said. “The book is here in the manor behind a sealed wall. I know from my readings that each and every Saurral must go back and sign it before relinquishing the Saurral staff to the next Saurral of Whimsia.”
“That is true.” Panicked Ducky. “However, I cannot open the seal now for it is not my time.” Taking a deep breath, Ducky finished, “The staff only has the power to break the seal after thirty years. Once the charge is gone, you must wait the minimum of thirty years to open it again.”
Truent nodded. “This is true. However, I believe I can break the seal myself.”
“Huh?” Ducky questioned in bafflement. “Only the staff can open the sealed wall.”
Truent again, walked over to the round table. This time, he grabbed a small notebook.
“Allow me to show you.” Truent began as he flipped through the pages. “From reading multiple texts, I’ve uncovered that the jewel at the top of the Saurral staff about matches that which is now encased into Lithium’s sword.” Truent then stopped and handed his notebook to Ducky. “I believe if I took your friend Lithium’s sword down to the sealed wall that the jewel you encased in its hilt would open the wall and allow me in.”
Ducky scratched his chin. “That is an interesting theory. It is also convenient that Lithium has opted to visit us here in the coming week.”
“That it is.” Truent calmly said. “If he brings his sword, and he lets me borrow it, could I go down and view the Book of Salophus?”
“I suppose so.” Ducky replied.
Seeing Ducky looking worried, Truent approached him and put his arm around his shoulder. “I understand I’m asking for a lot on this one. However, being an archeologist in my past life, I desire nothing more than to uncover the life and times that I have lost. I desire to know how everything of now came to be.”
“I understand.” Ducky replied. “You know, Lucky and I were just talking about you tonight.”
Backing up and relaxing a tad, Truent replied, “You did? Good stuff I hope.”
“Of course.” Ducky answered. “Lucky just has been worried about how you always seem to be shacked up in your study and reading. Perhaps by reading the Book of Salophus you can finally be at rest.”
Truent nodded. “Is admirable the way you two care about me. Back in my time, everyone seemed to always be too busy to care about another person.” Truent then began to smile. “It feels good to know someone cares.”
“We all do.” Ducky replied. He then moved to the far side of the library where a stand had been set up for the dispensing of hot water. Along the side were coffee cups and a number of tea bags. “How about joining me for a refreshing cup of herbal tea? Will make us both feel better and we can talk.”
With a smile and a brief, underlying chuckle, Truent agreed and he and Ducky both grabbed a hot cup of herbal tea and sat down in the comfy chairs in the manor library.

As Truent and Ducky were finishing their talk, Lucky and Binky had just finished cleaning the dining room.
“All clean.” Chirped Binky as she looked about the room.
“Yippee!” Lucky replied with a leap of enthusiasm. “Won’t daddy be surprised to see the nice job we did.”
Letting out a little chuckle, Binky said, “I know he will be.” She then peered down at Lucky. “There’s just one more thing that needs cleaning around here.”
Looking about himself, Lucky saw that he had gotten a bit dirty from dinner and helping to clean. He also felt a tad icky from all the sweat that had poured over his body throughout the day’s playing. “He-he, I guess that would mean me, huh?”
“Yep.” Said Binky. “You wouldn’t mind me giving you your bath tonight, would you?”
“Not at all.” Lucky chirped.
“Well then.” Binky began as she bent over and picked up the young Saurral, “To the bathing chambers then.” The two then exited the dining room and walked to the manor’s bathing area.

The bathing room was fairly dark by the time Binky and Lucky reached it. Beings all of the guests had left for the day there was not a sound to be heard except that of the water gently lapping against each pool’s side. Adding to the relaxing effect of this was the moon’s bright light, which was now beaming through each of the skylights.
“How enchanting.” Binky said in awe. “I never got to see this place after dark.”
“Really?” Lucky asked. “On night’s like this my daddy and I usually come down here and just take in the beauty of the place.” Lucky paused in his statement to yawn. “When I’m having a hard timing going to sleep dad will bring me down here.”
Binky’s eyes were now half closed as she slowly nodded in agreement. Her mind now was simply on the thought of how wonderful it would be to sit and talk to Ducky in this room with this kind of lighting.
“I see you’re getting sleepy too.” Chirped lucky with a giggle.
“Uh.” She said while snapping out her daydreaming. “I’m sorry, my mind must’ve been wandering.”
“Is okay.” Lucky replied. “Though, you may want to.” Again, Lucky had to break to release a yawn. “You might want to turn on the light’s before I go sleepy-bye right here.”
“Right.” Binky then took her left hand and pointed it toward a wall torch that was on the left wall. With a grin, she snapped her fingers and the torch came ablaze. She then went about doing the same thing to each of the wall torches till all six were lit.
“Wow.” Lucky said with amazement. “You do it quite differently then my daddy. He usually lights all the torches at once with these neat little beams that fly out of his staff.” Lucky braked for a moment and looked at Binky. “But the way you do it is much, much more fun.”
“Thanks.” Replied Binky with a hint of modesty. “I’ll go get the bath ready. Why don’t you go and empty the stuff out of your pants. By the time you do that and get them off, It’ll be ready.”
“Okay.” Lucky said as he proceeded over to a corner and removed his trinkets. As he did, Binky approached one of the nearby pools and turned up the heat valve off to the side to warm it up. Afterwards, she walked over to a nearby cabinet and removed a bar of soap, a towel, a washcloth, and a scrub brush.
Returning to the pool, Binky flushed her hand in the water and felt it had warmed up to just the right temperature. “Okay, Lucky. It’s bath time!”
“Hurray!” Exclaimed Lucky as he finished sliding off his pants. He then rushed toward the pool where Binky was and jumped in.
“How’s the water?” She asked as Lucky waded about.
“It’s perfect! Nice and warm.” He replied. “Not even daddy could do a better job.”
Binky giggled for a second before inquiring, “So how do you like to do your bath? Like to wade around a bit first and then get washed?”
“Hmm.” Pondered Lucky. “Daddy and I usually talk during bath time. Normally, I don’t even notice him washing me off until he tells me that I’m all clean. He then picks me up, dries me off with a towel, and takes me up to my bedroom and reads me a story.”
“Sounds good to me.” Binky replied cheerfully while reaching for the soap and wash cloth. “Tell me about your day.”
Binky began scrubbing Lucky’s belly as he replied, “Ooh, Scuttle and I played this really fun game with Fritter and Cappy. We took a juiceberry and we had two teams. What you had to do was run as fast as you could with your partner as you passed the juiceberry between each other. Catch was, if you dropped it, you had to go back to the start and do it again.” Lucky had to pause for he recalled a funny moment. “Was funny cause Cappy through it at Scuttle and it slipped out his hands and he got juiced.”
“That is funny.” Binky said with a giggle. “Would also explain those violet colored stains that are on your tummy.”
“Yeah.” Said Lucky. “I tripped and squished it all over myself.”
“You have some great friends.” Spoke Binky as she finished washing off Lucky’s belly. “Lift up your left arm now so I can scrub in there.”
“Yep, yep.” Responded Lucky as he lifted his left arm. Binky then scrubbed underneath his right arm before the conversation began again.
“How am I doing?” Binky inquired.
Lucky smiled. “You’re doing great.”
“Come to the side for a sec so I can scrub your feet.” She said. Lucky then moved to the side and stuck each leg up individually so she could wash them. As she did, the cloth seemed to tickle Lucky’s feet and he began to laugh.
“He-he.” Lucky laughed. “That tickles.”
Hearing this made Binky scrub even quicker and thus caused Lucky to laugh even louder.
“Stop it.” Lucky teased.
“You do want to be ‘squeaky clean’ don’t you?” Binky asked. And, a moment later she let off of her scrubbing and Lucky sat up.
“That was fun.” Lucky said.
Binky chuckled and grabbed the scrub brush before replying, “Were not done yet.” She then went about scrubbing off Lucky’s back.

About another ten minutes passed before Lucky’s bath was over. During this time both Binky and Lucky told jokes and shared special moments in their days and lives.
“All done.” She said as she wiped Lucky down with the towel.
Lucky grinned. “I’ve never felt so clean in my whole, whole life. My bed will feel very comfy tonight. Yes it will.”
Binky, after fully drying Lucky off, took the towel and hung it up on a nearby rack. She then gathered all of the bath supplies and put them away.
“You ready for that story?” Binky inquired cheerfully.
Lucky’s face lit up like a candle as he answered, “Would you really? Oh boy! It’s like a dream come true.”
With a giggle, Binky reached down and picked up Lucky. In a formal voice, she said, “Then it is off to your room, sir?” The two then exited the bathing area, but not before Binky made a quick stop to snap her right hand’s fingers, which turned off all the torches.

Binky walked quietly and gently as she carried Lucky up to his second floor bedroom. As she did, she took in the humble, gentle atmosphere that the manor had during the night hours.
“What a place.” She said quietly. “The way the outside light mixes with the artificial light in here is simply breathtaking.”
Lucky then yawned and looked up at Binky. “It sure is.”
Binky slowly gazed down at Lucky who now was quite comfortably tucked in cradling arms. However, she said nothing. Instead, she lightly chuckled and pulled Lucky even more into herself which made Lucky feel very comfortable.

A moment more passed as the two slowly moved up the stairs and began down the second floor hallway. As they did, Binky noticed that the door to the library was slightly cracked. Curious, she slid open the door a bit and peered inside. There, she found Ducky and Truent sitting comfortably and drinking tea. She also noticed a great deal of books and papers scattered on the round table that was nearby.
“Poor Ducky.” She thought. “He’s always so busy trying to make everyone happy that I wonder if he ever has time to make himself happy.” She then moved away from the door and continued down the hall until they reached Lucky’s room. Once there, she gently slid Lucky into his bed and covered him up.
“Good night, Lucky.” She spoke as she began to slowly slip out of the door.
“Binky?” Lucky said faintly as he noticed Binky slipping away.
Pausing, Binky turned around and looked toward Lucky. “I thought you were asleep.”
“Not yet.” Lucky replied drowsily. “I wouldn’t miss out on a story for anything, nope.”
Binky giggled and approached the side of Lucky’s bed where a chair was set. “What story would you like me to read?”
“Daddy has my bedtime books set aside by that chair.” Lucky then slowly rolled over to face Binky. “Pick your favorite one.”
“Okay.” She said as she filed through the books. Eventually she came upon a book that seemed very strange to her. “Lucky?” She inquired. “How’s this book sound, its called the Legacy of Lithium.”
“That’s a special book.” Said Lucky. “It’s a diary of how my daddy became a hero to all.”
“Ducky wrote this?” Binky asked. “I never knew he was a writer.”
Lucky slowly nodded yes and continued, “Sure did. It’s a story about how he met up with the great hero, Lithium DeVana, and how they worked together to save the world.”
Fascinated, Binky asked, “May I read a section out of this for you tonight?”
“Oh yes.” Replied Lucky. He then yawned and continued, “Will sound nice to hear you read it.”
“Here I go.” And, at this, Binky began reading the book to Lucky.

A mere eight passed before Lucky had completely gone off to sleep. Seeing that he was asleep, Binky slowly put down the book and tucked Lucky in.
“Sweet dreams, little one.” She said as she slowly tiptoed out of the room.
When Binky had left the room, she looked back and smiled. “You are a very special kid.”
“As are you.” Startled, Binky jumped. However, she quickly recovered as she saw Ducky now coming down the hall toward her.
“I’m sorry about running off like that.” He said.
“It’s okay.” Binky replied. “Allowed me to know your son a bit better.”
Ducky nodded. “He means a lot to me. Without him, I’d have nothing but my job as the Saurral to pass my days.”
“He is very good company.” Binky commented. “I’d be very happy to have a son like him.”
“Really?” Ducky said astonished. With a slight blush, Ducky extended his hand to Binky and inquired, “It’s been a long day. How about joining me for a relaxing walk about the place?”
Taking Ducky’s hand, Binky answered, “I’d be delighted.” The two then headed down the stairs. It was here they stopped and stared at the large, circular sunroof that was in the middle of the large, lobby like area.
“The moon is beautiful tonight.” Binky calmly said.
“Sure is.” Ducky replied in the same gentle tone.
Turning to Ducky, Binky nervously posed, “You know, I wouldn’t mind if you acted out of ‘fatherly instinct’ right now.”
“Uh.” Is all Ducky could say.
Turning Ducky to face her, Binky took her arms and wrapped them around Ducky’s back. “Is okay.” The two then embraced each other closely. Both happy to be with one another and each feeling they had found a part of themselves that had been missing for a very long time.