I'm going to die. I am really going to die.
But she continued to take step after step. Her lungs were on fire, burning every time she took a breath. She felt like she was going to throw up, even though she hadn't eaten anything for hours.
Why do people run marathons?
How could people possibly run 15 kilometers? She'd run five already, along Djose Highroad and the Moonflow, and she was ready to drop.
She used to train by the Oasis and run races across the scorching, desert sands. The best part was the last 100 metres. No matter how exhausted she was during the race, she always managed to sprint the last length. Once the finish was in sight, the adrenaline rush would bring her past the line. But as exhilarating as that was, she'd be wasted at the end. Too dizzy to stand up straight and breathe, but if she lay down, she'd throw up. She was really fit; traveling around Spira fighting fiends had strengthened her body. But she always felt like vomiting after a long run, even though she trained so hard.
A blast of cold, icy air buffeted her, causing her to fall. The dirt was cold and damp against her face, uncomfortable but surprisingly refreshing. She looked up and saw a Spine Drake, poised to strike.
Charm Bangle must be broken.
Too tired to fight, she jumped to her feet ready to flee.
But first…
She dived forward, grabbing a shiny Nulfrost ring. Grinning, she fled before the giant beast could turn and catch her.
She gasped, wishing she'd brought more water. The empty water skin swung wildly with each step she took. The temple was in sight. She quickened her pace, her blood pumping to get her to run faster. She sprinted, faster and faster, her feet feeling lighter than air.
Passing the end of the bridge, she slowed to a sudden stop. She rested her head against the temple, savouring the feel of the cold metal.
"You didn't tell me you were running today," came Gippal's voice. He handed her a water bottle and leaned against the door. She gulped it down gratefully.
"There is no way," she said in between breaths. "That I am running with you."
"Why not? Aren't you the one who said I needed more exercise? And most girls like running with their boyfriends."
"It'd be ridiculous. I'd have to take five steps to keep up with one of yours."
He grinned and kissed her on the forehead, making her shiver despite how hot she was.
"I guess so, Shorty. You can use the shower in my quarters if you want," he said, entering the temple.
Rikku swallowed the last drop of water and sank to her knees, exhausted. There was no way she was going to go jogging with Gippal. It would ruin her motivation. She needed some sort of incentive to run all the way to Djose Temple, and the gorgeous leader of the Machine Faction was just perfect.