Title: What He's Done
Fandom: Xaiolin Showdown
Characters: Rai, Kim
Prompt: 055:Spirit
Word Count: 702
Rating: PG
Summary: He held on to it his entire life and in order to become he is, he has to let it go.
Author's Note: I was listening to the Linkin Park song 'What I've Done' and it somehow reminded me of Rai and how it sort of related to my Raimundo tarot card in my DA account (that was begging for a story!) and I wrote this. Enjoy!

He held on to it his whole life and never once imagined breaking away from it. It was passed down from his father, his grandfather before, and great-grandfather before. He had always imagined passing it on to his own son when the time came. It was a part of he was and represented who he use to be. Even after what happened, he has always worn it underneath his clothes. Pressed gently against his chest while the others remained oblivious.

And now, ten years after his promotion to Shoku Warrior, he stands over a cliff with the bronze pendent resting on the palm of his hand. His finger traced the simple swirl that was carved into it. Looking back into his fourteen year old self. Thinking how angry he was when his friends moved up while he was left behind. How his spirit was easily manipulated by a hag and driven him down to darkness. To the Heylin ways. Not to mention the loneliness he felt after his betrayal. With no one around to keep him company. Not even Wuya's rock creatures can fill the void. But the only thing that eased the pain was later on when he redeemed himself. Sealing the witch back into the puzzle box and earning trust from his fellow warriors. Especially hers.

But earning her trust was the toughest thing he ever had to do. For a long while he was telling her that she could trust him again. It didn't go over well in the beginning but her nature did accept him back after his redemption but there was still the 'what if's that followed. He didn't blame her. He'd be the same way if he was in her shoes. It wasn't until he tried to protect her from Dojo did she finally trust him again. To him, nothing felt great than to hold on to her again. To be able to talk to her like he always did. To tell her that he missed being around her. He was happy to get his best friend back.

He laughed at his old self and thought how stupid he was. How easy it was for him to take the path he took. She had asked him if he ever regretted taking that path. He always answered 'No. Because if I didn't, than I wouldn't be who am I right now.' A little heartbroken at first but smiled afterwards. Knowing that what he said was true. But the only thing with that was the hurt that flashed before her eyes when he responded. Thinking that maybe she was reliving the time in her head and he couldn't stand seeing that.

He continued to stare down at the pendent. Then closing his fingers around it and squeezed it. Letting in a sharp breath as he averted his eyes to the horizon. Where the sky met the water. Listening as the water crashed against the cliff below. The heaviness in his heart resided as he continued to squeeze the pendent. Then, with all his strength, he threw the necklace. He watched as it fell into the water and slowly disappearing from sight. He let in another breath only to feel relief and the tremendous weight lifted. Such relief coursed through his body and his head felt light.

"Raimundo?" He turned around to see Kimiko walking up to him. A smile traced his lips as he watched her. Waddling her way to him while her hand was on her slightly swollen belly. "What are you doing out here?" she asked. Concern clearly heard.

"Taking care of something," he responded. The smile still on him. "But what are you doing out of the temple? Especially in your condition."

"I'm a big girl, Rai. I can take care of myself." He couldn't help but give her that look that she fell for.

"I know. That's what I love about you," he responded. Going to her as he kissed her forehead and draped his arm around her. "Now lets get back to the temple before Omi rants us again."

"Sounds great. Your son probably wants something to eat." He let out a laugh.

"He's got the right idea too 'cause I'm starving."