The Hyrulian Valhalla Saga
By Queenie Z

Steamy Hot Springs Action, Part 1

If there was a single place in the entire realm that each of the Heroes loved, it would be, without a doubt, the hot springs. It was a beautiful place situated on a mountain plateau with a view of the green fields below, and its steaming pools of hot mineral water melted away tension and did wonders for the hair and skin. It was like a small heaven within their heaven, where they could relax, socialize, and share drinks, secrets, and stories.

Today, three of the Links decided to do some washing up before they soaked in the magic healing waters. Twilight slumped in his seat, his hair dripping wet from just being washed and his entire body aching horribly from his last training session with Time. Luckily, Sky was there to help with that; he sat behind the sore Link, rubbing and kneading his bare back, focusing on his shoulders and upper arms. At the same time, Brown with situated behind Sky, rubbing a curiously pumpkin-scented shampoo into the latter's hair.

Twilight winced and grunted when he felt his predecessor's thumb hit an especially salient knot in his back. "Ow! ...I can't believe this. Time's a slave driver! He made me do 150 push-ups. In a row!"

Sky frowned, rolling his hand into a fist and kneading the knot with his knuckles. "Weren't you the one who agreed to train with him, though?"

"That's what he told me, too," Twilight replied, putting his head in his hands. "But sometimes, I think he just enjoys bossing me around because he had nobody else to teach his techniques when he was alive. Don't you think?"

"You know that's not true, Twilight." Sky moved his hands to the other's neck. "He only works you hard because he cares about you. You're like a son to him!"

"I heard," chimed in Brown as he continued to massage Sky's scalp, "that he cried like a baby when you got married, Twilight." He grinned. "I kind of wish I could have seen it."

Sky laughed. "It's true! He sobbed for hours." He returned his hands to his shoulders and applied a little more pressure. "Don't tell him we told you that, though."

Twilight felt a blush creep across his cheeks. "Y-Yeah... yeah, I suppose you're right."

When he fell silent after that, Brown took the opportunity to change the subject in an attempt to maintain the jolly mood. "Hey, Sky," he said, "did anybody ever tell you how fluffy your hair is?"

"You're one to talk!"

"Yeah, Brown." Twilight turned his head. "You've got the poofiest bangs out of all of us!"

"No way!" He shook his head. "That's gotta be Light for sure. Or Duo."

Sky chuckled again. "I think you need to look in a mirror, Brown."

The newest Hero lowered his hands from Sky's hair and grabbed the bucket of spring water beside him. "Yeah, well, how about you look at this!"

When he poured it over Sky's head, the elder Hero screamed in surprise, quickly raising his hand to cover his eyes. After spitting out soapy water, he rose from his seat with one hand on the towel around his waist and the other curled into a fist. His lips, however, were curled into a half smile.

"Oh, now you're asking for it!" He grabbed the bucket and scooped up some more water, causing Brown to begin running away and Sky to give chase.

Meanwhile, Twilight took the opportunity to remove his own towel and step into the water, sighing contentedly as he let it soak his entire body. Yes, not even the laughter and shouts of his comrades could ruin this wonderful, relaxing bath.