Prelude to the climax!

Night of the Final Day: 12 Hours Remain

Zelda rubbed her eyes. Time to head to the shelter. Just 12 hours left. She had gone all over Hyrule and pleaded with those who were staying to come. Most people obeyed only because she was the princess. Others refused. Their fate had been sealed. They would die if the moon fell. She sighed, mounted her stallion, and rode to the desert.

Ganondorf had made it into the hallway, had found his old cell to use as a reference point, and was running toward the Bottom of the Well. He knew where it was because it was the place of torture and execution. Only once had he been taken there, only to be flogged. He had noticed the exit and wondered if he could get out through that way.

He found the wall. More bricks to remove. He found a small hammer and began pounding the wall. There were ten hours left. He needed to use up only six of them to get away safely.

Malon delivered the letter to Madame Aroma. She was a little saddened by it.

"I hate to think that I cannot see my son before... before it happens."

"Ma'am, you should get to Romani Ranch. Quickly."

"No, it's okay. I have chosen to cast my lot by waiting. I can only hope that the moon doesn't fall."

Malon nodded and exited the bar. She saw the postman sprinting out of the city as fast as he could. She started running toward Romani Ranch.

"Wait. I came to spend my last few hours with Link... Why am I going to die away from him?"

Without another thought, she turned around and ran back to Castle Town. There were 6 hours remaining.

The Clock Tower transformed into it's Carnival of Time counterpart.

Link and Kafei solved the puzzle Sakon had set for them and were running back to Hyrule. Link made it there first and waited in Anju's room. Kafei ran in at about 2:00 and the ceremony took place.

Link exited.

"Link, we have to get to the moon now. We have four hours left." said Tatl.

Link knew that and began running toward the Clock Tower.

Zelda entered the shelter, taking her stallion and putting it in an underground stable. She then entered the shelter. It was almost time for the world to end.

Ganondorf gave one last pound. The bricks broke apart under that blow. He was behind. He had to sprint as fast as he could to the desert. Without another word, he began running.

Malon ran all around the town, looking for Link. She eventually came to the clock tower at about 3:00, just as Link came up. He caught sight of her.

"Malon! Why aren't you at Romani Ranch!?" He was angrier than she had ever seen him.

"Link, I can't go." she said as she started crying.

Link stopped.

"Why not?"

"Because... because..."

She sobbed for a little bit, then without warning, she grabbed Link's tunic, pulled him in and kissed him.

"Link, I love you."

Link looked at her. Then, he cupped her cheek.

"Malon, I love you too."

Her heart skipped a beat. He kissed her softly for a few seconds. They seemed to last an eternity. She didn't want it to end... But then he pulled away.

"Wait for me." he said, then he entered the tower.

Climax, next chapter. R&R