kh_drabble | Challenge Post (Reply)

Challenge: [136] Endurance
Title: No Pain, No Gain
Word Count: 378
Rating: G
Spoilers: None
Notes: This ought to cheer up anyone depressed by the drabble I wrote last week. Thanks to

crimsoncookie for the beta!

One, two, one, two, one, two…

How did she talk me into this?

Lungs burning, Seifer glanced at the same struggle advertisement he'd already passed ten times in his laps around the sandlot. He'd needed to catch up on his training so he could build up his stamina, but with the tournament date only a week away, he knew he needed help. But this?

Feeling his legs wearing down, Seifer slowed his pace only a moment before feeling a tug on his right ear. "Ow!"

"Faster."

Panting, Seifer adjusted his grip on his coach's legs and quickened his pace as ordered. Any loss of speed or hesitation on his part resulted in another pinch, poke, or tug from Fuu, who rode piggyback to add weight training to his running. Rai and Vivi better be standing watch like I told 'em to. Either of them let Hayner see this, they're de—OW! Does she have to pull that hard?

Another lap, then another. The tugs came more frequent as Seifer tired, but he forced himself on. He had to. I'm not letting that loser beat me. He'll wish he stayed hiding in that little playhouse of his.

One. Two. One… T-two…

Geez, Fuu looks scrawny, but she weighs a—

"Ow!"

"Faster."

One…

Seifer planted his right foot, weight shifting for the following step, but his left foot wouldn't lift off the ground. Sensing he'd reached his limit, he made an attempt at a final step and pulled his foot off the ground, only to have his right knee buckle under all of the weight.

Falling forward, Seifer reached out to catch himself, but without the arm-strength to provide support, he finished his descent face down, spread-eagled in the dirt. He listened for Hayner's laughter, but heard nothing. He was dead tired and dusty - but his dignity and reputation were still intact. Good.

Life returned to his arms as he caught his breath. Placing his palms in the dirt, he realized that the weight he'd carried had vanished. Aw, man - where's Fuu?

Pushing himself up, Seifer saw Fuu lying on her back only a foot away, head near his. He leaned over her and took in her dour, upside-down glare. She stabbed a finger at his face.

"Clumsy."