Chapter Text
Star gasped as the green liquid filled their lungs and quickly shot up like waking from a nightmare, coughing out the water like liquid that filled it. They looked around, they didn’t understand how they were alive. They were blown up, and there was none of their broken bones or bruises from Makarov were found. Their brows came together in confusion before looking up, seeing a tanned women with deep brown hair, trying to hide the gray streaks in her hair, and she looked like in her 50’s with wrinkles on her face. Star squinted at the woman, they knew who she was “Brazil.” Star growled. Brazil smirked, striding to the young person.
“You know, you should be thanking me, fledgling.” She noted, a tall man with his face concealed behind a purple mask. “I just returned you from Death. You can return home. After some training to get you on your feet, of course.” Brazil motioned for the man to step forward. “Egypt even has had a room prepared for you.”
“I don’t need your help, I never asked to be revived, you know?” Star stood up, at least the bandages covered most of their body so the important parts were covered, god they hated the tumors. “Why should I even train with you of all people?” Star retorted back like it was common knowledge. Brazil came closer.
“Because you can take revenge on Ghost with it for leaving you behind to a madman.” She pointed out with a low voice. “You have unfinished business, Raven, and retribution to set upon those who've wronged you. And that is all I aim to do. Help people gain their closure.” Brazil motioned up to the man - to Egypt. “Take my dear Egypt for example. If I had not given him a chance to set fire to the family ties that were making wire scars in his flesh, he would not be the capable warrior or lover I know today.” She purred, stroking his chin. Egypt didn't move or speak. He just stared at Star.
“It’s not Ghost’s fault that he left me.” Star snarled, “I don’t hate him, don’t you dare try to make me hate him.” Star gagged a bit at what Brazil was doing to the boy, but didn’t say anything. Not their circus, not their monkeys, they were focused at the task at hand, going back home to Birmingham.
“Well… what if I told you Makarov still breathed?” Brazil looked back over at Star. “What if I told you he didn't receive his due punishment? It's something I'd do myself but unfortunately I have an organization to run.” She admitted, going to leave. She beckoned Egypt to follow, which he did like a puppet. “Wait…he’s still breathing?” Star questioned “This is a sick joke, you’re joking?” Star tried to hear what they wanted to hear from her, they couldn’t believe her because why would she? She’s been nothing but trouble, so why wouldn’t she rile the poor kid up for sick pleasure.
“You’re lying…right?” Brazil stopped and turned to her. The smirk was gone. This was one of the few times she was serious.
“Egypt, pull up the footage from the Gulag.” She requested, Egypt trudging forward. He tapped on his tablet a bit and showed them live feed of a cell… Makarov inside. He was laughing and taunting guards. Star’s eyes widened, they wanted to not believe it at all. “No…” They were disbelief, their father figure hasn’t killed the man.
“This is live right this moment at the Gulag. I'm sorry, Young Raven.” Brazil held actual sympathy in her voice. “Egypt, shut it off.” Egypt did as told, standing ominously above the two ladies. “You can kill him yourself, Raven, I can teach you things the Ghost will not.” The Brazilian pointed out, striding to her with a saddened look. “Why, if I had been in Ghost's position, I would've ended the man myself. He's wronged you, and now you must learn to fly from his nest and grow from a single chick to a plentiful unkindness.” Brazil stood a bit taller. “My offer still stands, Mx. Laurier.”
“Deal.” Star held out their hand. Brazil smirked, shaking it firmly.
“Egypt, ensure our new England gets comfortable. I will see you both at supper.” She strode away. Egypt nodded, and looked over at Star.
“Follow me.” He had a slight whisper for a voice, from not talking. This was the first he ever talked around Star, even if it was an order. He sounded young, a bit too young to be in such a relationship with Brazil. He walked ahead, boots thudding on the ground. Star started following, they were confused why they were dating the old ass woman but again not their monkeys right now. They started looking around the base, trying to get familiar with it. “How old are you?” They asked, trying to understand if he just sounded young or was young.
“Eighteen.” He admitted. Egypt kept walking ahead. “Been here since I was eleven.”
“Oh-” Star gagged a bit, “How…” Star took a deep breath, they forced the question out of their throat “How long have you been dating Brazil…?”
Egypt thought for a minute. “Since I was 13.” He looked over. “Nothing wrong with that. She's a good partner.”
“Right-” Star scratched their face, one of the nervous ticks they had. Especially when things get uncomfortable, “I haven’t really thought about love, just something I didn’t have time with as Raven” Star shrugged, which they were right. They were trying to pass school while being Raven, at least they graduated before they died.
“I didn't think much of it either until she confessed her love. I thought everyone got a partner around that age so I agreed.” He led them down a hall, only staring at his tablet. “I’m only as powerful as I am now thanks to her.”
“Is the power worth it? I mean it seems you had to grow up so fast…” Egypt nodded at Star’s question.
“I was already grown up when she found me.” He began to climb some stairs. “What could more do?”
“That must suck, I know how that feels. Had to steal car parts to keep myself alive before Ghost found me…”
“I used to be in a sweatshop.” He stopped at a room door. “Here.” Egypt opened a door with the placard England. Inside was a queen bed, a dresser, two nightstands on either side, clothes on the bed, and large curtains over the window. It was a simple yet lavish area. “This is your room. You have free reign over the hideout save for Brazil and I’s room and Brazil’s study. Your different uniforms are on the bed. Please get changed and I will see you outside.” He walked away, closing the door behind him.
Star picked one up, it was just a simple black noir like suit that everyone in the league wears. Well it was better than wearing bandages no? Star started taking them off, before slipping into the suit, something it seems they have to get used to wearing for a while, they got socks on before slipping on the shoes. Star soon walked out and nodded at Egypt, letting the boy know they were done. He looked over and nodded in return, handing them a key before walking away.
“Your room key. Now let's meet Ms. Sierra for dinner.” He noted, lifting up his mask to rub the bags under his eyes. Egypt had golden skin, and brown eyes. He was wearing a balaclava under his mask, so there wasn't much else to see. Star just nodded letting the boy lead the way.