Hiya! Hope you all had a good batch of holidays ….Whoo hooo so it's been a long time since my last update but I finally got it out here! (Homework's been killer as well as my job eating into my time and trying to get into college) any hoo this is my first attempt at a full out battle sequence, so tell me what you all think ok? Well now that I've ranted a bit, on with the story!!!

And, a big THANK YOU to Lupanari for editing this chapter ^^

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Link looked up at the huge red eyes of the creature before him and felt his adrenalin begin to surge. The red eyes were surrounded by a purple fog that gave off an eerie glow showing the giant's shape. It resembled a Stalfos in its vaguely human figure, but looked much more menacing then any he's met before.

Link blinked as the giant skeletal beast took a step forward on its short legs, purple glow surrounding them giving them a muscular yet stubby look. Its upper body was huge and its arms hung down just below its knees. Its broad shoulders were given mass as the purple fog added a largely muscled look to the bones and rotting flesh. Its head twitched and cracked as its face took form. Long horns grew like a bull's, however with its elongated jaw and large sharp teeth it looked more like a dragon.

The beast let out a loud unearthly roar and stomped forward throwing out a glowing purple hand in an attempt to do Link in. With a quick jump backwards, Link dodged and drew his sword bringing himself into a ready position.

"That thing looks top heavy," Navi commented fluttering out of Link's hat casting a pale shadow over his face. Link nodded but didn't have time to reply as the beast attacked Navi, attempting to extinguish her light. The small fairy barely managed to escape the creature's bony grasp.

Link shot off an arrow in an attempt to distract the skeleton. Unfortunately it did little more then disperse some of the fog around the creatures hand. Navi fluttered up high above the creatures immediate reach as it's bony claws groped the air futilely. Navi called out for help as the creature used the purple fog to extend its arm in another attempt to fell her. Link readied another arrow channeling his magic into it, unfortunately because he was already using magic to keep up the power the fairy had given him, the arrow's glow wasn't as bright as he'd hoped.

Luckily it didn't matter. Releasing the arrow just as the shadow beast turned around to the larger light source, Link managed to get his shot right in the glowing red eye of the monster. It howled in pain as the arrow lodged its self in the creature's eye, and the light burned its bones. While the creature was distracted Navi fluttered away onto the safety of Link's hat. "That... was so frightening..." she panted.

"Well earlier you wanted to be a distraction" Link smirked as he made his way behind the monster. The great fairies words echoing in his ears, "The playing field is level...." Link ran straight at the legs of the monster letting the smaller tendrils of smoke blow passed him. When he found a larger one attached directly to the beast's knee he began channeling magic through his hands, grabbing it and yanking it harshly. With the golden gauntlets aiding his strength Link easily made the top heavy monster fall flat on the ground.

Link made his way to the monsters head and began to slash at the smoke causing it to thrash about trying to get up. The swords power easily dispelled the fog and revealed the monster's skull. The thrashing monster began to hiss as the Master Sword began turning the monster's bones to black smoke. Just as the beast was about to get up, Link backed away and noticed the many red eyes of the Stalfos. "We shall take him to the surface, keep him busy and expose him to the sunlight, only then will he be vanquished for good..." the Stalfos that brought him there spoke.

"But I thought you couldn't leave this dungeon?" Link asked confused

At this the Stalfos smiled, well as much as a skeleton can, and held up a small glowing green orb. "The goddesses have promised us protection, and they say they shall release us as well!" He held the orb high in triumph. "But we will have time for talk later, come!" And with that the world began to spin again.

The beast he was fighting was back on its feet but now they were out in the open, just outside the area where Link had found the malicious tree. They weren't in the forest any longer but there were still tall trees here and there. Link looked over to the horizon and noticed the dawn sun was coming up, though now it was covered by clouds. It would be a little while longer for its rays to hit. The beast looked around disorientated, screeching as the small blotches of light streamed through the tree's canopy. The sun wasn't even fully up and already this creatures strength was depleting by the dawn.

Angered and enraged the beast lashed out at Link, breathing out a purple sludge so dark it looked black. Dodging the blast easily Link watched the ground become eaten away leaving a small crater. Steam rose from the area and the monster let out an ear shattering roar as it lashed out now with a black flame on its claws. Link fired off another light arrow, aiming at the creature's head hoping to draw it out into the more open area. The creature howled in pain and grabbed at a branch of the near by tree. Ripping it of easily with a 'crack' and throwing it almost half heartedly in Links direction.

Link dodged the branch but rolled right into the creature's smoky extended arm. Hobbling over, the monster squeezed him tight, making Link let out a breathy yell, his hat falling off his head as he thrashed trying to free himself. Lifting Link up to eye level the monster roared again and squeezed tighter making it hard for Link to breathe. The black flames began to burn him, no doubt leaving welts all over his body, while the swirling purple fog was leaving gouges and cuts, which began to bleed freely. Link cringed and gasped out as he felt the beast had broken his arm. Navi let out a yell as she flew out of Link's hat, her eyes darting around frantically, looking for something she could do to help.

Flying over to the Stalfos who was holding the green orb she looked him right in the eye. Nodding in understanding the skeleton held up the orb to the sky willing it to use its powers to save the teen. The clouds began to part reviling the golden semi-circle that was known as the sun. The golden orange rays of the sun hit the giant beast full force. Little holes began to burn through the beast, causing it to screech in pain, tossing Link high into the air.

Though Link was barely conscious he managed to spin in midair hoping to take the fall on his back knowing full well he wouldn't be able to stand for a while. As a Stalfos caught the teen, the monster began to burn up. More and more holes appeared on his body almost setting its bones aflame. The holes soon melded and the monster exploded in a blast of purple and black smoke which hung in the air a moment before it dissipated relinquishing another green orb, the rest of the great fairy's power. It fell to the ground with a soft clang.

A Stalfos approached cautiously, and picked it up tentatively. Link was laid carefully on the ground and the orb was placed next to him. The Stalfos Link was becoming to recognize placed the smaller green orb touching beside the other. They glowed for a few seconds before they combined into one. Link gasped out a quick thank you to the few skeletons that came near him. The leader nodded in acknowledgment before giving something to him. "It is a peace offering, from all of us. If you wish us to help you we shall." Closing Links fingers around the small object the Stalfos backed up a bit.

Link knew he was going to pass out but when he stopped channeling his magic, he noticed he could still see a few of the Stalfos. The one he was beginning to recognized huffed as if laughing. "The Goddesses have given us new life, and we shall not waste it." he said as if reading Links thoughts, "Though the light no longer hurts us we still prefer the shadows, and are still experts at using them to our advantage. If you ever are in need of us, please do not hesitate. You have given us so much more then we expected, and for that we are in your debt." The Stalfos placed its right hand over the left side of its bony ribs, signaling allegiance.

"Rest, we shall keep watch," another said though Link didn't hear it, he had already passed out.

The dawn had come and passed and the morning classes were starting. Link had not been found by either Hermione, Harry or Ron last night, and the trio had ended up having to retire to their dorms due to one rather annoyed Snape. Luckily they had been caught close to curfew and just outside the Gryffindor dorms so when McGonagall showed up they were just sent inside, with the lie they had just come from the library and had been on their way back.

The first of the morning classes came and went quickly, but every class that Link was supposed to be in the trio noticed the teen was still no where to be found. Snape had made a comment about his absence when the potions class started but seemed uncaring as to where the teen had gone. Although the potions teacher did seem to really enjoy thinking up punishments for the blonde teen if he didn't have a well enough excuse for not being in his class. Though Hermione was clearly worried for what happened to Link, even Harry and Ron had to admit, Link's absents to his classes was a call for worry. Hermione gave a quick "check the infirmary later" but was allowed no more speech as Snape silenced them, taking 15 points in the process.

Link moaned as he awoke rubbing his head and quickly regretting the movement. His right arm throbbed, though he could tell that someone had realigned the bone while he was out and it was bandaged crudely. Taking in his surroundings he realized he was rather close to the school, only about a ten minute walk away to be precise. He was lying under a rather large shrub obviously placed there to recover. Navi hearing Link's movements flew over and explained quickly that the Stalfos had bandaged and set his arm then carried him over to the school leaving her to keep watch until he woke.

Nodding in understanding as he stood on shaky legs, pulling out an elastic bandage from his pouch to create a makeshift sling, after he fixed the bandage that was supporting his arm that is. Navi hid quickly under Link's hat as he placed it back on his head. Grudgingly Link took out the school uniform and placed it on over his blood soaked tunic, his singed arm hanging close to his body inside the robe. "They said that they would be scouting for you," Navi whispered as Link took his leave from the shrubbery. "The one even said he should be able to get you a detailed map of this area," she said.

"I think we've made a group of valuable allies," Link huffed out. He had to admit it was nice to have someone to constantly keep you up to date in the going ons. It reminded Link slightly of the way the Gerudo women used to help him, once he was able to prove himself that is. They would give him any bit of information they could about different towns and even a bit of Ganondorf's history. Still to see Stalfos in such a way it reminded him of all that had been, and all that will never be the same again.

Link made it to the front of the castle and rather slowly made his way to his class, Navi reminding him he had to go, and that it was Potions class. Link cringed as he felt a cut on his leg become aggravated from his movements and made a note to drink a bit of one of his red potions when he was able to sit down. When he finally made it to the door of the class room it took him great effort to proceed and to open the door. The door screeched open causing the students in the class to stop whatever it was they were doing to turn and look at Link enter.

"Ah so nice of you to join us Mr..." Snape said starting to turn but stopped short when he looked at his student. Link ignored him and took his seat beside the nervous kid, who stared up at him wide eyed.

"Sorry if I'm a little late... I had to... Take care of a few things before I could come, and believe me it wasn't something I was able to get away from easily." Link said maneuvering his arm so it wasn't touching the table in front of him.

"I see..." Snape said eyeing Link wearily, unsure what to make of him. He could clearly see his face had several cuts on it and as he watched the teen attempt to pull his right arm through the robe he could tell it was in a bandage. "Should I assume you have gone to see Madam Pomfrey?" Snape asked seeing that there was definitely a sling. Link nodded unsure, he didn't like hospital rooms much, nor did he want to be prodded by a curious nurse. Link turned his attentions to his pouch and pulled out a small glass bottle filled with red potion, but as he brought the bottle to his lips Snape grabbed his arm stopping him.

Link looked up at Snape who simply took the bottle away from him examining it closely. Seeing his confusion Link spoke, "It's a red potion.... it helps you heal." Snape swirled the potion and took whiff of it. "Its pretty common where I'm from," Link tried again but still got no reply. Sighing he took out another bottle taking a swig of it instead, the whole while Snape watching him like a hawk.

"I shall speak to you of your late arrival after class." Snape said finally, taking Link's bottle of red potion with him. Once Snape had left the nervous kid did his best to explain what had happened up until that point.

Class went by quickly and once it had ended Snape called Link over to talk to him. "Now then, would you care to tell me what it was you were doing that made you so late, and why you seem to be cut up?" more of a statement then a question.

"I just kinda fell down the stairs..." Link said quickly remembering how he had almost fallen because of a step disappearing from under his feet.

"And then you went to see Madam Pomfrey?" Snape asked knowing full well if he had seen the worrisome nurse he would still be there. Link said nothing but nodded just the same. "Very well, just be sure to bring a note from her. Now perhaps you can explain what this is made of?" Snape said holding up the bottle he had taken from the teen earlier.

"I'm not sure actually, I usually just buy them." Link shrugged. "I think they may have some mushrooms in them though..." Link glanced at the man who seemed to be trying to extract anything he could from his answers. "You're welcome to a bit if you'd like" Link offered hoping to be off away from this man, feeling odd under his silent gaze.

Without a second thought, Snape poured a sample of the red potion into a vial, giving a quick warning to Link about his attendance and then shooing the teen out of the room. Snape stared at the gooey red potion in his vial examining it closely. This teen had something he hadn't seen before, and he was supposed to be a potions master! Snape huffed making a mental note too keep his eyes on the boy, and perhaps ask Dumbledore about him as well.

"What happened?!" Hermione half yelled when she saw Link walk eagerly over to the table during lunch. Her worrisome motherly instincts wanting nothing more then to drag him down to the medical wing of the school. "You weren't at dinner last night, and were missing for most of the morning!"

Link sat down beginning to take his food items only stopping to look at the frizzy haired girl hearing her complaints. People didn't usually fret over his well being, or care too much over where he had been, but he quickly shook his head reminding himself that no one here truly can know what was happening. "I went out for a walk and lost track of time when I fell asleep outside, by the time I woke up it was dark and I slipped on the stairs coming up to the sleeping chambers," Link said smoothly. He had never liked lying, but knew it would be better for everyone that he did.

The brainy girl didn't seem convinced however. 'There's no way he could get those kinds of injuries simply from a fall...' she thought to herself eyeing a particularly nasty looking burn on his neck. Link didn't seem to notice her gaze however, as he turned his attentions to his food, shoveling in as much as he could.

Far away at an unknown location a minion approached its master, giving a report on what had happened. "Hmm, I see," A shadowy figure spoke not turning his gaze away from the tall window.

"So what do you wish of us?" the bowing minion spoke.

"Perhaps we should give our adversary a small taste of our new power," The shadowy figure grinned his teeth reflecting maliciously in the tinted window.

"Understood, but Master?"

"What?"

"Which would you like me to deploy? Would you like me to take care of him now, or would your greatness prefer to toy with him a while?"

The shadow man gave a deep throaty laugh before answering, "Do you really even have to ask? You know how I love my toys."

"Ah yes how foolish of me to forget, by your leave."

"Hmph, see to it that they know... we mean business..."

"Of course, your Majesty...."

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well there you have it (finally) sigh yea sorry this took forever but I had so much to do!!! Anyways hope you all enjoyed it ^^ my first ever attempt at writing a full out battle went fairly well in my opinion but hey that's up to you guys :P anyway until next time....

Burning clutch out!!