What do you do with a drunken sailor

Masao sat in his cell. The only thing to keep himself busy was the only thing they let him keep besides the clothes on his back. A mirrored polished black ebony wood, with a purple heart ball of the same shine, Kendama. He’d gotten good enough at it by this point; it was more to keep himself busy then it was a challenge. Though he did know it was only a matter of time before he’d be out, one way or another.

Masao knew he’d show eventually. He knew Elijah couldn’t help himself. Frankly it’d become a sort of game with the two of them. Though Elijah would never admit to something ‘childish’ as that as childish as he was himself, or more over-spoiled brat he was. Masao was spoiled in his own way, but Masao also didn’t wear his arrogance on his sleeve as a shield or replacement for any actual personality. With him what you see is what you get. Much to Elijah’s annoyance, which was great for a laugh. Seeing the pompous twit so flustered the mask slips, chef’s kiss.

Masao knew it’d be a few hours yet, between the message he sent out, delivery time and then travel. Though if the timing was perfect he’d have everything just where it needed to be by then. Not that he had much to get ready for, since most aspects of his plan were out of his hands. Speed of the messenger, Elijah’s eagerness to rub in the situation and the sun going down. But as they say ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ afterall.

It wasn’t long before Masao heard conversation in the hall outside his cell. He couldn’t make out the words being spoken but he knew the voice. Elijah had gotten the message and probably all but ran here. Masao pretended not to care as a smile etched itself across his lips.

“Right this way sir.” a clearly shaken voice said as the doors opened, Masao didn’t so much as glance up as he heard his half-brother enter the cellblock.

“So…” Elijah said, his voice a mixture of singsong and a slithering of his words. “What have you been incarcerated for this time, hmm?” he asked, though it didn’t sound like he really cared what the answer was. “Enjoying your little cage, you rat?” he nearly hissed.

“Hello Elijah.” Masao said, “Bet you are hoping it’s something worthy of the gallows. Sorry to burst your bubble but no such luck.” he said, “Only got me for disorderly conduct. Drunken rabble rousing, and the singing of sea shanties in public at an undignified volume, or something like that.” he shrugged.

Elijah stood near the bars, but at arms length. “I should report your other crimes. See how long it takes them to realise who you are, then it won’t be long till you are writhing like a beached fish.”

“Oh come on now, Elijah. Is that any way to treat your brother?” Masao chided.

“You are not my brother!” Elijah hissed through clenched teeth.

“Well my surname would beg the differ.” Masao gave Elijah a cocksure smile.

“A stolen name means nothing.” Eliah retorted

“Even if it doesn’t, they’ll start asking questions about our father if you turn me in.” Masao cocked his smile more, knowing he had him on that fact.

“Besides…” Masao paused. “Your mother likes me, you should get on board.” he shrugged. “She’s a wonderful lady by the way. Really generous.”

With Masao’s comment about his mother Elijah was now close to the bars pointing in at Masao. “Don’t you ever speak about my mother, you filthy bastard. You are not fit to speak her name.”

Before Elijah could react Masoa grabbed him by the lapel of his officer coat and wrenched it a bit before pulling him against the bars and into a hug. “I’ll get you to change your mind about me someday. Till then, think about what I said. You could ruin your father’s and your legacy by getting back at me.” Masao whispered in Elijah’s ear, before Elijah pushed himself away.

“Don’t ever touch me.” he said, fastidiously straightening out his coat.

“You tell your mother I said ‘Hi’ won’t you?” Masoa asked the retreating Elijah. “You know what, I’ll just stop by. I'm sure I’ll be leaving soon.

“Like hell you will, you mongrel.” Elijah said, slamming the door.

“Oh ye of little faith.” Masao said, opening a closed hand in his palm was one of Elijah’s naval commendations; he'd nicked off his coat when he’d grabbed Elijah through the bars.

“Now,” he said, “just need to.” he bent the pin just a bit, not enough to damage it but enough to get what he needed done. Masao set to picking the lock, the lock wasn’t made particularly well but it was designed to be very difficult to pick in reverse, so it took some time and some doing, but Masao eventually got the lock undone. Opening the cell door slowly and making his way to the hall, ducking into alcoves when he heard voices, he eventually made it back onto the streets.

Hands in his coat pockets, and whistling a sea shanty he slipped into the crowd and was gone. Making his way first to the Wayneright home to drop off the medal he’d borrowed then, back to his crew hoping they’d found a buyer for their latest strange haul.