Engraved in Flesh

First Lesson

Mook and Aru were unsure how to approach the situation.

When Aru had woken up from her fainting fiasco, Xena was the first to find her. Aru was in the bed, red as a strawberry. She didn't know what to do or how to react to the situation. After being calmed by Xena, she listened as her friend explained the plan for the time being. After thinking it over, she finally nodded and agreed to it. Taking a minute to collect her thoughts, she finally got up and went downstairs with Xena. She quietly sat across from Mook as Xena got her a glass of water. She and Mook quietly listened as Xena made a schedule and game plan for them to go by. After finalizing everything, they decided to start everything the next day. After a few more awkward moments, Aru stood up and stated that she should be checking on her mother. She quickly said her goodbyes and headed out the front door.

She only ran a few blocks, but it felt as if she ran for miles and hours all the way back to her house. She quickly entered the house and went to her room, ignoring her mother's attempt to welcome her home. When she was finally alone, she tried to take deep breaths and calm down. She quickly turned as soon as her mother opened the door and walked in.

"Aru, dear, what's wrong? What happened at Xena's?"

The dam broke. Aru's eyes flooded with tears as she put a hand over her mouth in an attempt to stop the emotions from pouring out. She let out sobs of heartache as her mother held her. They sat on her bed as Aru cried her heart out to her mother. When she had calmed down, she began to explain the situation to her mother. She told her of the small adventure she and Xena had on the beach. She told her of the body she found and how she instantly felt connected to it. She told her of the extremely handsome and polite man whom she saved. She told her that he was a Korean who was a Japanese soldier.

She told her that he was her soulmate.

As Aru began to cry again, her mother quietly thought the situation over. Petting her daughter's hair, she pulled away and wiped the tears from Aru's eyes. In a soothing voice, she comforted her daughter.

"Aru, my love, I'm sure that this will all play out for the better. I may be a mother of very little brain, especially from the American standpoint. But just like you, I am of very big heart. The true love of a soulmate will win in the end, I know it."

"Do you really think that?"

"I know it. I have an idea that might help your heart decide. Every now and then take him out on a date, okay? Getting to know the person you're destined to be with will help your heart speak clearer. I know you're unsure of everything, but you are a very brave girl Aru. I know you can get through this. I'll be right behind you every step of the way."

With a nod, Aru hugged her mom and cleaned herself up.

The next day felt brighter to her. Her mom had helped her pack a small bag of Hyun's clothes so that Mook could better fit the American look. Hugging her mom one last time, Aru made her way to Xena's house. Xena had let her in and told her that Mook was in the guest room. Still anxious in front of him, she set the clothes down and knocked on the bedroom door before running downstairs. Cheeks slightly pink, she sat and waited to begin their plans for the day. After a while, Mook finally came downstairs to join the two girls. After everyone was ready for the day, they began the first lesson: learning English. It took all day, but Mook eventually got the basic greeting and conversation starters down. He got a few ways to say goodbye down, but he still struggled. The sun was beginning to set when Aru left. She was hesitant at first, but she decided to leave without mentioning anything about a single thing about a date.

The next day was a similar process. Aru woke up and went over to Xena's. She'd wait for both Xena and Mook to be ready and then they would all go over another English lesson. They would take a lunch break and continue. As soon as sunset came, Aru would then go home to her mother. They continued this exact schedule the rest of the week, only reviewing what Mook learned and remembered at the end of the week. He was a quick learner and tried his best to remember what he was taught. Aru and Xena were thoroughly impressed with his dedication and commitment. The last day of the week was also the one where Aru decided that she needed Xena's opinion. When Mook went into the garden to tend to it, Aru took the time to quickly explain to Xena what her mother had told her. After she was done explaining, Xena took a few pauses before responding.

"I think you should ask him. Not right now, it feels so soon. Perhaps after this next week. Maybe his English will improve by then, making it safer for the both of you to get out."

Looking out the backyard window, Aru watched as Mook quietly tended to the garden. He had a content look on his face as he was deep in thought. It was only when Xena snickered that Aru pulled her mind out of deep thought, a red blush covering her face. Hushing her friend, she went off to get herself some water.

Maybe this love would be worth fighting for.