Never Surrender.

A/N: This one feels almost bipolar, but I was listening to Skillet (hence the title) and that usually makes me angsty. And I think that Raimundo would be a really great leader, but get upset if someone got hurt and he could've stopped it. So, here's a dose of morbid-ness and Raikim. Enjoy!

"I will not surrender. I will not surrender. I will not surrender." The chant echoed around the temple grounds as the sun began to brighten the sky.

Kimiko was doing push-ups, repeating the phrase each time she lifted herself up. "I will not surrender. I will NOT surrender."

Raimundo walked out, yawning. "What are you doing, girl? It's too early in the morning for exercise."

"I will not surrender. Well, Rai, unlike some people, I need to train more than other people. I will not surrender."

Rai scratched his head and leaned against a support beam. "Uh, okay. But why the sudden urge to train harder?"

"I WILL NOT surrender. *huff* You saw where not training got Em. I will not surrender. I will NOT surrender."

Raimundo's eyes widened. He looked at the horizon sadly. "Yeah. Yeah, I did," he muttered.

"Any word on how she's doing? I will NOT surrender."

"That's what I came out to tell you. Can we... can we talk?"

"I thought we already were," Kimiko replied, standing and stretching.

"You know what I mean." Raimundo sat on the front steps, and Kimiko sat beside him. They were facing the sunrise, painting the sky in yellows and pinks.

"I asked the doctor. He said... he said we'll be lucky if she makes it through the night. If she can, her immune system will start to stabilize, but if she can't..."

Kimiko gasped. "Oh... Oh no..." Raimundo nodded, running his hands through his already tousled hair. Kimiko noticed that he didn't seem to have gotten any sleep.

"Clay's taking it pretty well, all things considered. He hasn't eaten in almost a full day, though. He won't leave her side."

Kimiko felt tears begin to form. "A-and Omi?"

"I don't think he understands the concept of death very well. He keeps asking Master Fung why she won't wake up. The poor kid's probably still in shock from all that blood."

Raimundo put his head between his knees. "This is all my fault. If I hadn't been goofing off, I would've gone through the Showdown, and probably won. She was too new, too inexperienced..."

"Rai, it wasn't your fault! It was Jack! He's the one that-"

"No, it WAS my fault!" Raimundo interrupted, lifting his head to look at Kimiko. She inwardly gasped at the tears streaming down his face.

"I'M the leader! It's up to me to make sure that nobody gets hurt! And I FAILED, Kimiko! And my stupidity is gonna make a friend DIE!" He closed his eyes and shook his head. "It's all my fault. And if she does... you know... it'll be her blood on my hands."

His eyes opened in surprise when he felt himself getting hugged. Kimiko was crying as well, but that didn't seem to deter her from not letting go.

Finally, she released him and looked him in the eyes. "Raimundo Pedrosa. It is not your fault. It's Jack's fault. Emma's a fighter; she's gonna make it, I promise."

Raimundo nodded, wiping his eyes. "Okay. Okay. I understand."

Kimiko nodded. "Good. And when we go into battle next time, you're gonna get a chance to redeem yourself. Don't screw it up, 'kay?"

Raimundo laughed a little. "'Kay." Kimiko stood and returned to the mat she was using for her push-ups. "H-hey, Kim?" She turned towards her Brazilian friend.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you. For... for everything." Kimiko smiled and nodded.

"You're welcome."

Raimundo walked back inside. Kimiko sighed and looked at the rapidly rising sun. Then she began again. "I will not surrender. I will not surrender. I will not surrender."