The Hyrulian Valhalla Saga
By Queenie Z

Steamy Hot Springs Action, Part 2

Duo smiled at the small toy duck he had set afloat in the waters of the hot springs. Sure, he had been teased for bringing up by the two Heroes soaking beside him, Wind and Time, but he didn't pay it much mind. It brought him back to simpler days, and it was very relaxing to watch.

Time let out a sigh and tilted his head back, breathing in the soothing steam emanating from the hot water. Then he turned his head to the younger Link. "You really are a strange one, Duo," he said with a hint of jest and affection.

Duo laughed, scratching his nose. "Yeah, well, I guess I can't help it."

"It's fine," said Wind, sinking into the bath until only his head was above the water, "we've all been here long enough to realize that we're all a little strange in our own, special way. Right?"

"Right," Time nodded. Seeing that Duo's duck was now floating right in front of him, he picked it up, held it in front of his face, and gave it a squeeze. He couldn't help but chuckle at the satisfying squeak it made.

"Hey, Time, be careful with that!"

Duo blinked at Wind's sudden warning. "Why? He's fine..."

"If he holds it too close to his face," said the smallest Hero with a smirk, "he'll pop it with his nose!"

Time immediately shot a glare at the boy, squashing the duck in his fist as it made another choked squeak. "What did you say about my nose?"

"Oh, nothing... just that it's pointy enough to be considered a weapon, I guess." Wind shrugged.

Gritting his teeth, the elder Link tossed the toy against Wind's head, causing him to cry out and try to bat it away with his hands. "What did I tell you about respecting your elders?" he snapped. "And don't you dare talk about my nose when your head's the size of a watermelon!"

"Guys! Guys, stop it!" Duo cried, reaching over to save his poor duckie from any further abuse. "We're all brothers here, right? We shouldn't make fun of each other like this!"

Wind lowered his hands. "He's right," he said. "...It's not Time's fault his nose could cut glass!"

Time pushed the smaller Hero into the water by his shoulders and held him there. This startled Duo, who dropped his toy and desperately tried to calm his older comrade down. He hated having to watch his brothers fight - why couldn't they all just along and have a nice, relaxing bath together?