FROM: Scorpion

TO: Sub-Zero

SUBJECT: My Office.

It's only been a few days since the new treaty's been signed and you just couldn't help yourself, could you?

I must commend you, though. Breaking into my office without detection is not an easy feat.

Signed,

Scorpion

FROM: Sub-Zero

TO: Scorpion

SUBJECT: what about it?

Hello Scorpion,

I'm sure I don't know what you are referring to.

Innocently,

Sub-Zero

FROM: Scorpion

TO: Sub-Zero

SUBJECT: you know what.

I am referring to your email that was framed and hanging on my office wall. It's missing.

And I'm fairly certain that the terms of the treaty stated that there was to be permission on BOTH sides before one decides to set foot in the other's territory.

I know you did it,

Scorpion

FROM: Sub-Zero

TO: Scorpion

SUBJECT: lock your windows.

Dear Scorpion,

I wasn't aware that that specific rule applied to us. Also, what is the fun in being Grandmaster if I can't abuse my power a little?

Your guards made it too easy,

Sub-Zero

P.S. – You're not very observant, are you? I took it days ago.

FROM: Scorpion

TO: Sub-Zero

SUBJECT: I will.

I'm not in my office every day. My being observant has nothing to do with it.

In any case, I'm just going to assume that you destroyed that email. Shall I make copies? You didn't delete the original from my account…

And did you move my books around?

Stop abusing your power,

Scorpion

FROM: Sub-Zero

TO: Scorpion

SUBJECT: re: I will.

Dear Scorpion,

You're safe in assuming that I disposed of the email – frame and all. I wasn't aware that you saved any of my emails to you.

….I find it adorable that you save our correspondences. Shall I return and take your laptop? I bet you don't even use a password.

As for your books – yes, yes I did. But not with the sole purpose of simply moving them around. I was actually taking a look at what kind of books you read and apparently didn't put them back in the same place I found them. My apologies. I actually own several of the same titles, so that was a pleasant surprise. I'm not usually one for reading (I find it difficult to sit still for too long) but I do enjoy the works of Sun Tzu, as well. Also, I took note of the book that was marked and resting on your desk… How long have you been reading The Hunger Games?

Also what's with the broken Sake set on your book shelf? I was tempted to throw it away.

Until next time,

Sub-Zero

FROM: Scorpion

TO: Sub-Zero

SUBJECT: The Hunger Games.

SOMEONE GAVE THAT BOOK TO ME I'M NOT REALLY READING IT. I merely glanced at it and put it aside for another day. That was months ago.

I'm not really a big reader myself… I mostly read because it relaxes me and helps me fall asleep, but that's not all the time.

I feel compelled to throw my laptop across the room every time you use the word "adorable". Please refrain from doing so in the future. I can only buy so many laptops.

And yes, I DO have a password. One that you could never guess.

And let's just forget about the email. You write to me so much anyway I don't need a reminder of you on my wall.

The Sake set was a gift. It's of great sentimental value to me. I put it on the shelf as a reminder to me of how easily things can be broken and taken away…. It's all I have left

Just don't touch it.

Goodnight,

Scorpion

FROM: Sub-Zero

TO: Scorpion

SUBJECT: let's watch the movie.

Scorpion,

Since you've already said good night I must take that to mean that I won't be getting a response until tomorrow. But I'm going to write this to you tonight anyway.

I laughed when you said that you mostly read to fall asleep because that's the same thing I do, I just didn't want to admit it. The Hunger Games wasn't so bad. I have the series if you'd ever like to finish it. I have yet to see the movie, though. We should watch it together. Same thing, right?

I'll use "cute" from now on, then.

Is that a challenge? I bet I could guess the password in three tries.

And excuse me but who wrote to whom first? All I do is reply… In any case, I have attached a selfie of myself for framing. I bet your wall misses me.

Scorpion, forgive me if I made you remember things you'd rather not. I did not intend to upset you. I admit, I don't own anything that is of sentimental value to me. I understand logically that those broken pieces of onyx represent certain memories that were precious to you, but at the same time I cannot really relate. Growing up I wasn't allowed personal items. It's only now in my adult life that I've begun to take pride in some of my possessions. I suppose if there was one thing of mine that I am sentimental about it would be my alias Sub-Zero.

I have an idea.

Please don't get mad.

Abusing all the power,

Sub-Zero

FROM: Scorpion

TO: Sub-Zero

SUBJECT: Why must you torment me?

Sub-Zero(I was going to say good morning but there's nothing good about it),

I'm fairly certain that I told you not to touch that Sake set. Where is it and what have you done with it? I'm not joking. It's taking all of my composure not to go over there right now and beat your face in. I really don't want to have to do that so I pray that you answer me swiftly.

Deadly serious,

Scorpion

FROM: Scorpion

TO: Sub-Zero

SUBJECT: books and movies.

Sub-Zero,

While I am waiting I will address the other points in your email.

CUTE IS JUST AS BAD. OH GOD YOU WILL PAY. IT HURTS JUST TYPING THAT WORD OUT.

AND I'M USING THE PICTURE YOU SENT AS A DARTBOARD.

AND I hope you realize that movie versions are usually entirely different from their book forms. It's not always the case but they're generally not as good. All the same, I would watch this movie with you if I haven't already killed you by then.

Still angry and still not cute,

Scorpion

FROM: Sub-Zero

TO: Scorpion

SUBJECT: Good evening.

Hello Scorpion,

I know it's been a while, but I had to wait until you left your office. I thought you said you weren't in it that much?

Name a time and place and I'll bring the DVD. If nothing else we can make fun of it together. Unless it's good. Then shut up.

My poor selfie. You didn't have to print it out, y'know. After I got the right angle and lighting and everything.

I heard you've been terrorizing your students in your anger. I feel bad for them as it is because of me.

Stop scaring the children,

Sub-Zero

P.S. – I left you a surprise. Find it yet?

FROM: Scorpion

TO: Sub-Zero

SUBJECT: the surprise.

I was speechless for a long time.

And now I find I am unable to adequately show my gratitude.

You fixed it.

It looks beautiful… Thank you.

How is it that you know about Kintsukuroi? How do you know this technique?

And how did you do it so quickly?

I apologize for defacing your picture. I wish I could return the favor of this gift that you have given me.

Extremely grateful,

Scorpion

P.S. I never thought I'd see it whole again.

FROM: Sub-Zero

TO: Scorpion

SUBJECT: you're welcome.

Scorpion,

You are entirely welcome and no favor or debt is required. That is what makes it a gift, I believe. I mean, that is what I intended it to be – a gift.

Truly it pleases me to no end that you like it and that it gave you even a little bit of happiness.

I learned of Kintsukuroi by reading a book on it a while back. It's just one of those things that stays with you. Plus I Googled how to do it properly. I worked on it non-stop. I like to think that the gold lacquer goes rather nicely with the black of the onyx.

Don't worry about the picture. I was just joking.

Still glad you like it,

Sub-Zero

P.S. – Some things are never truly broken.

FROM: Scorpion

TO: Sub-Zero

SUBJECT: Sacred Forest.

Sub-Zero,

After much contemplation I've come to realize that I have failed in extending an invitation to give you that tour of the Sacred Forest. Which as you recall was the reason for the new treaty in the first place.

I know it's late, but the moon is out so it shouldn't be that difficult to see our way.

Perhaps you would like me to provide some warm Sake as an incentive? I have a "new" Sake set that I would be happy to bring and share with you.

So please consider this a formal invitation.

Awaiting your answer,

Scorpion

FROM: Sub-Zero

TO: Scorpion

SUBJECT: re: Sacred Forest.

Dear Scorpion,

I accept.

Sincerely,

Sub-Zero

TBC...

A/N: Look up Kintsukuroi, it's actually a really lovely Japanese concept of mending things that are broken. "the proof of its fragility and its resilience is what makes it beautiful." "Don't strive for perfection, just be you—cracks, lines, chips and all. You being you is what makes you beautiful."

And again, thank you for all your reviews. (: