Tuffnut's POV All of us are sitting in my apartment's living room right now playing Uno. Eret's wife isn't here so he's alone. Snotlout is with Ruffnut. Fishlegs is with Heather and I'm here all alone with my chicken. Snotlout opens his big fat mouth "Man get a girlfriend!" Ruffnut smacks his head, I'm glad she did. He moans "Babe, don't hurt me please" and makes a puppy face. Yuck! This immature baby! This is immature even for me. The weirdo of the group and I have no shame in accepting it. Being different is a lucky element, to be honest. Not many people have this rare talent to be made fun of. Ha lucky me! My phone vibrates on the counter where it's plugged. Who's calling me now? I stand up and walk there. I pick up my phone and take the plug off. Wait Hiccup! Why is he calling? I haven't spoken to him in months. I accept the call and bring the phone to my ear "Hey stranger! The Nutts residence" I wish I had gripped the phone a bit stronger because I am not ready for what he's about to say. Hiccup sounds vulnerable "Tuffnut I need you guys. It's Astrid" I drop my phone and start crying like a child. Everyone rushes up to me. Heather being the only smart one in the group grabs the phone while everyone else calms me down and stands clueless. She puts the phone on speaker and placed it on the shelf so everyone can hear now "Hi! It's Heather" Hiccup whispers but it's loud enough for us to hear "It's Astrid and I need you guys" everyone starts panicking because we haven't heard from Hiccup in months and it's about Astrid. Eret yells first "Mate what in the Harry Potter! How is she?" Fishlegs runs around screaming "What happened to her?" Snotlout screams "Oh my Thor!" While Ruffnut tries to calm him down still standing in shock herself...Speechless. Heather is the last one and she asks him "Hiccup where are you and what is wrong with Astrid?" There is pin-drop silence. Everyone is waiting for Hiccup to say something and he isn't answering. Ugh, I'm so done with this guy. First, he doesn't talk to me for months and now when he calls something is wrong with Astrid! Kill me, Thor! Man, we can't live without Astrid. We all stand and yell at the phone "You yakdung! Say something!" Dagur slams the door open and raises a fist in the air "Dagur in the house! With his Mala poo!" He bows and lets Mala in "Your majesty please enter" And Oh My Thor, we don't even know how to react. Mala is pregnant and Astrid is Thor knows where. We just stay still and expressionless. Dagur stares at us and raises his eyebrow "What in the Berk! Why are you all encircling a phone am I missing something?" As I was already crying. I sob again "Something is wrong with Astrid and Hiccup won't tell us what it is!" As soon as I say this Dagur's jaw falls. Mala is the first to speak "Umm, so what's happening? What do we do now?" With that, she shuts the door and locks it. Dagur who's still standing with his jaw dropped, Mala holds his hand and drags him and walks here. Now that she's close to us it's better. She speaks again but this time to Hiccup "Alright so Hiccup. Talk now. You wouldn't want to mess with a pregnant woman!" And somehow Hiccup talks "Hey Mala Congrats on your umm pregnancy" We all don't say anything. Hiccup turns his camera on and now we all are looking at him. He looks so tired. Mala just nods at him meaning Thanks. Hiccup speaks with his jaw clenched "Guys Astrid is kidnapped and also Elsa" Ok this just couldn't get worse, now both of them are kidnapped! Everyone gets closer to the screen and yells "They are what!" I get a hold of myself cuz even though everyone thinks I don't care about my friends. I do...I really do. Astrid and Elsa are like sisters to me. Everyone is like siblings to each other and I'm damn overprotective of them. I jump up and take the phone from Mala "Are you kidding me? Elsa too?!" I take a deep breath and continue "So what's the plan" Everyone nods at that. Hiccup turns serious now with fire in his eyes "Eret knows them. It's Pitch and Hans" We all turn to Eret now. We have heard of them maybe once or twice but don't know them personally. Eret's eyes pop out "Mate you serious? Them? But didn't they get arrested last month after that serious drug dealing and sex trafficking situation? They were in for a long haul. How are they out already! Gimme a sec I need to make some calls and update my soldiers" Oh yeah I forgot Eret is in the army. He's a soldier so he must know them. Ah! My dumb brain! Hiccup nods at him and then Eret walks away making a call to some guy Throk. Snotlout grabs the phone from my hand and glares at Hiccup "Hiccup we don't know where they are, so can you maybe try to track the girls' phones?" Wow, Snotlout has matured in these few years, also gotten smart. Why do I keep forgetting he's a soldier and works along Eret! I shake my head and get out these thoughts. Hiccup replies "Well I am doing that. I'll share the location with you guys. I'm headed to Downtown that's where they are right now. There's a gas station like 20 minutes from here which is really close to your apartment. Like a 2 minute walk. Meet me there in your car, all of you with a plan! Bye!" I nod and end the call. I turn back to look at everyone. Heather is crying and Fishlegs is calming her fiancé reassuring her that Astrid is fine. Snotlout is planning something with Eret and Dagur. They all are soldiers so we are damn lucky to have them, I've never appreciated it more. Mala is sitting on the couch placing a hand on her stomach and Ruffnut is with her. They both are very traumatized right now. I groan "Man this was supposed to be a fun day. Everyone was together after a long time" I go sit by Mala and place a hand on top of hers. They both whisper "I know" I caress my hand on her stomach and say with tears in my eyes "If something happens to Astrid and Elsa. Can we please name this girl after them" I am just too emotional to even consider the fact that it could be a boy? I just found out she's pregnant. Mala nods at me with watery eyes "It's a girl we are coming from an appointment. This kid would be the luckiest in the whole World to be named after such wonderful girls" I look at her with nothing but gratitude. She is damn right, this kid will be the luckiest. Heather smiles with confidence "Hey nothing will happen to them, the guys got this! Tuffnut I was hoping you will be our rock right now! Who's going to make us laugh and throw some positivity in right now" I drop my head. She is right. Whenever something goes wrong I'm the one who is the cheery one and washes away the negativity with my annoying jokes. I look up at Heather and Mala "But this is about Astrid and Elsa! I never knew how much I cared about them till now. I am who I am because of you guys! I'm not that cheery one anymore. I'm dead without you guys" I never realized this. Never ever. They make me who I am. Heather grabs my chin and forces my face up "Nothing is wrong with them. Come on cheer up!" I smile and something bumps into me. I look down and Chicken! A smile automatically creeps on my face. Ruffnut rolls her eyes. I take her in my hands and place kisses all over her face "Chicken! Who's daddy's little girl? Who's daddy's little girl? Yes, you are! Yes, you are!" Mala and Heather start laughing "And...he's back" I roll my eyes but still smile. They are right I am back. I stand up feeling way better now and walk towards the guys holding my chicken. They are planning something. I go up to the group and ask them "So what's the plan and when are your boys coming?" Snotlout responds "Well, the guys will be here any moment but remember this will be an undercover mission and it stays confidential. We may be normal people but Astrid and Elsa aren't. They are huge celebrities and so are Hiccup and Jack. The guys who are coming know this too and this stays between us. Got it?" I salute and I don't even know why. It's just an instinct "Yes sir!" Snotlout rolls his eyes at me. I stick out my tongue. Eret looks at Dagur very seriously "Mate, you have to send Mala safe somewhere. She is pregnant and we can't put her in danger. We are talking about mafia here" Dagur nods and has a worried look on his face. Seeing that I put a hand on his shoulder "Dude don't worry she's fine. She's Mala. What could go wrong? She has got all of us so don't worry. She can stay in this apartment, safe. Nobody comes here" The guys nod at me understandingly but there's still worry deep down. Snotlout and Fishlegs add "Also, Heather and Ruffnut. We need to keep our fiancés safe too. They will stay here too Tuffnut you should stay with them. I mean we all are in the FBI but you're a vet, so it doesn't make sense" Oh my god! He is right! I am no help also chicken needs me. I don't have a chickensitter. We didn't even realize that the girls are behind us now. Heather coughs and we all look back. She raises her eyebrow "Who's staying here? Also, Tuffnut shut up. You'll come with us bring your chicken too!" Wow, she knows me soo well. I guess I am going then. Heather's POV I raise my eyebrow "Who's staying here?" Do they think we are weak and not capable of protecting ourselves? All guys look frightened as hell right now. I add "Also, Tuffnut shut up. You'll come with us bring your chicken too!" He nods. Fishlegs looks with most genuine and concerning face "Babe you know I am not thinking you're weak or anything. I just want to keep you protected that's it! Please try to understand, you don't know who we are dealing with here" It does make sense now a bit but I'm not leaving them alone. Mala gives a harsh glare to everyone "Listen here. I'm not sitting here waiting for you guys to come back! I'll be there by your side fighting with you! Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I can't battle! All of us are in early 20s. We are young and have been through nastier. We are going with you and that's final!" We all girls agree with her. We for sure aren't leaving them and will help in any way we can. Ruffnut asks Eret "By the way where's your wife? Wasn't she coming today? She can be a terrific help too. No offense she's way better than you" As soon as the word wife came out of Ruffnut's lips Eret turned yellow. All the blood rushes out of his face. If there's one thing Eret loves the most and is afraid of the most is his wife. Eret gulped "Well umm she...We are getting a divorce" Everyone gasps and then there's pin-drop silence. This is confusing and wow so shocking. They are the power couple. It sounds unbelievable because they've never fought like not even a single argument...at least not in front of us. Mala breaks the stillness "Well not unexpected you guys are stubborn as hell. This day was going to come soon anyway" Ouch the honesty. Tuffnut whispers "Ooh burn" Chicken nods agreeing with him. Eret turns around and glares at him. It's like knives came out. Well, Mala is Eret's cousin so her words don't sound that harsh also she's pregnant so let's just forget about it. I cough "Guys I'm afraid we have to leave now. As much as I am concerned for you right now Eret. I hate to say this but we have a bigger problem here" Eret agrees and brushes his tears away aggressively. I am confused here they were perfect. As much as I'm curious about what happened but it's not that important at the moment. Everyone wears their jackets, shoes and gets ready. Eret, Dagur and Snotlout have guns with them. We all are just going to make a distraction or maybe get a weapon I don't know. Ruffnut looks at the guys, raises her eyebrow and points to the gun "Really? You guys can have the guns and we can't?" The guys rub the back of their necks and look down sheepishly. Snotlout puts a hand on Ruffnut's shoulder "Babe we are FBI agents are you forgetting that? Also, you guys are not getting any weapons. We guys will go in alone. Take off your shoes and go to the room. That's final!" I am so angry right now. All the guys agree with Snotlout and that just adds up to the anger. Ruffnut walks up to Eret and presses a finger to his chest "My dear cousin. You are the leader of the group. Right? Well, guess what I don't care. We are coming and that's final! Get it?" The guys shake their heads not agreeing. Mala screams "Are you guys kidding me! We all are capable of helping you and sorry this might hurt your ego but maybe better than you! So Eret as your older cousin which practically makes me your older sister. I give you the order that we are coming with you" This time Tuffnut speaks up "Guys. I am not losing more friends" I open my mouth to interrupt but he raises a finger stopping me and continues "I agree. You guys are capable but Mala you are pregnant and Ruffnut and Heather, you all need to stay cautious! For Thor's sake, how hard is it?! Eret won't say this cuz he fears you to death Mala but I'm telling y'all need to stay here safe in my apartment because I am not losing any of you. Now take off your shoes and go to the room and lock it from inside. Please" All of us stand amazed. We never excepted Tuffnut to say something like this. Like never. Who is he to give us orders! Fishlegs who hadn't said much, points at Tuffnut "We love you guys and you know that. Please stay here. Now we have to leave. Let's go" All us girls know that we're outnumbered and defeated. I mean they do have a point. Eret was searching his pockets finding something and then he smacks his head "Shit,I forgot my card. Give me 5 minutes. Mate, I need to get it it's important" Well, here we go. The guys whine and lean on the wall all assembled to leave. Mala and I take off our suits and shoes and go to the living room. I look back pausing for Ruffnut and she's texting someone? She blindly walks to us with eyes clasped to her phone. Well, all girls are seated right now. Ruffnut keeps her phone in her pocket and looks at us "Merida is coming. Remember she's is FBI too? If we have her on our side. We'll go with her and no need to beg for the guys' approval" My jaw fell and I shake my head getting a hold of myself "You texted Merida! Eret's wife? My cousin? Are you kidding me? I know that she's our family but they are going through shit right now. How do you think Eret will react?" Mala jumps in the conversation "Yup, that Merida. She has a right to know. Also, that's clever Ruffnut" My eyes pop out "Are you kidding me, Mala? Right now I think we should stay here and not leave with them. Guys are right" Mala rolls her eyes "Whatever you say. I'm leaving with them. I was never gonna stay here. We need to be there with them. Those idiots need us" She looks at Ruffnut raising her eyebrow "Ruffnut did you warn her that Eret is here and how will she assist us?" Ruffnut has a proud look on her face and she clears her throat as if this is her moment "Yes I told her. Well as I said she's in the FBI so she'll bring her weapons. Also, she's bringing Flynn and Rapunzel" I am still sitting shocked as hell. As for Mala, her eyes are lightened up as if this is Christmas! Mala smirks at Ruffnut "Marvelous plan" I part my lips to explain something but I know it would go over their heads so I just seal them and dip my head back knowing I can't win. Then I take a quick nap. Eret appears in the room after 8 minutes with his card I don't know what in his hand. He puts on his shoes and his jacket. As the guys open the door to head out. Merida is standing with her hands crossed and behind her are Flynn and Rapunzel with a smile so large that the corners of their lips reach their eyes but there was sadness hidden behind them. Oh, Thor. Let the show begin. Merida's POV I am sitting all alone in the house. Eret and I fought about our family planning 2 weeks ago. Now we are getting a divorce. I chatter to myself and my voice echos "How do I tell him that I'm not ready for kids? My family was messed up. I won't be a good mother. He just doesn't get it does he?" I start crying like a vulnerable child now "I get it and I know that he's forever wished for a family. I do too but deep down I have insecurities. Also, Eret and I have a hazardous life. If we have a child we'll have to be extra cautious. The child could be used as our weakness. Maybe she could get abducted or oh my Thor kill me, If it died..." I whisper the last word. The word stings my tongue and It's like tears all over it. Well, nothing to bother about. We are getting a divorce anyways so who cares? ~Flashback - 2 weeks ago~ Eret and I were spreading on our bed with my head on Eret's chest. His arms wrapped around me. I feel so comfortable in his embrace. Everything fades away it's just him and I. If only this moment could last an eternity. I lift my head to look at him with my chin resting on his chest. His eyes zoned out and his eyebrows furrowed. What is he thinking about? I get off him and sit clenching his hand "Babe what's wrong?" He looks at me with a sad smile. This glance is so specific that I've never seen it before. I clasp his hand tighter and ask "What is wrong? Come on. I'm your wife" He takes his hand away. Well, that's new. I put my hand back in my lap and look at them nervously. Did I do something? He whispers "I want a baby" I feel as if I'm paralyzed. I can't speak, motion or do anything. My mouth hung open and I don't know what to say. The last time we discussed this was 3 years ago. I get a grip of myself and whisper back "But we decided we won't have one. What brought this on?" I don't even have the stomachs to look at him so I keep staring at my hands in my lap. I should be feeling guilt because this is my fault. If only I could give him what he desires, If only I wasn't so insecure. Eret fiddles with his fingers while chatting to me "I...It's just that today I had this case where there was this mother and her baby. I just...I saw you...I saw you in her and then at the end she ran to her father. I know that we had agreed on something different but I want a baby, Merida. I want a half you and half me sprinting everywhere around the house. A little girl who has me wrapped around her finger. I want this Merida I truly do, please I just...I don't even know what to say I'm so..." Before he can continue I cut him off "Eret, you know I don't want one, you know I hate kids and you know I've had an awful childhood. My parents loathed me, I'll be a horrible mother. Also, with our hazardous jobs, we can't afford them. We are having the exact argument and I don't want to do this again so please just...just drop it" I peek at his face and he has tears in his eyes. Does he want one that bad? Am I being selfish? He shouldn't have to suffer this but then again I warned him this before we got married. Eret makes fists and punches the bed "Merida you're not the first agent to have a baby. We are married, does that not mean anything to you? If I want a baby you should give me one. It's your duty! Isn't it?" Anger took over me and I slapped him so hard so that I'm pretty sure his neck made a noise. I get off the bed and yell tossing my hands everywhere "You fucking piece of shit! I don't want one! Do you think I'm your Baby-making machine. When we got married I warned you...I warned you that I didn't want kids. You brought this topic before and I still had the same answer, you're pressurizing me into having one but I didn't know you could get this low. It's my duty? What the fuck does that mean? You asshole!" I am furious. Is this what he thinks of women? I never knew the real him I guess. This can't be Eret...My Eret never spoke to me like this. Eret stands up and stares at me in the eye "No...no you're turning this at me now! You are the one who's so frightened of letting go, you are vulnerable and miserable that you can't move on" I cross my arms and look at him with confusion "Move on from what? Eret!" I say his name with disgust. He takes a deep breath and pinches the bridge of his nose. He lays a hand on my shoulder aggressively that it frightens me now "From your childhood! Yes, shit happened. I agree and I'm sorry that occurred but you have to move on! I'm sorry that I used those words to make you mad but I've given you years! My Thor, isn't that sufficient? I want a family and I want one with you. If you can't then...then perhaps we should get a divorce because apparently our plans don't match and I..." So he's saying he wants a family with me but exactly in the next sentence a divorce. No...No, I can't and we can't have a divorce. Yes, we argue but it has never come to this. Divorce... I fall on the ground and sit crouching leaning the wall with my face lowered in my hands "No...No...Eret...Why don't you get it! Why are you so rigid? People live without kids so why can't we? This isn't such a big issue to get a divorce over. This is a ridiculous decision" I can't see him as my eyes are shut but I do hear him. He's wandering around the room taking each step so furiously that it makes a wild sound. This is incredibly frightening me now and I'm sure I will get an anxiety attack in a few minutes if this keeps ongoing. He keeps wandering and talking "Merida no I can't with you. We both are 27 and have been married for 5 years now. You know what, we were childish and in love so we made a foolish decision...we were immature. I married you because I loved you and I don't believe I do anymore, I don't believe so. We should get a divorce...I've been thinking about I..." I stand up and scowl at him "You've been what...Thinking about a divorce but since when? You know what don't even bother, we'll get a divorce. One decent thing came out of this relationship though, I learned to not make outrageous decisions. Also, to never date an asshole like you. Now leave!" He just wanted to hear this. The word "leave" leaves my mouth and he gets out of the room. Just like that walked out of my life, I don't need Eret and I definitely don't love him. I cry and cry and cry for hours and fall asleep on my bed. Foolishly I wait for him but he doesn't come back. ~Present~ I was watching Titanic all on my own. For the first time, I've been so bored, Eret was always with me. My brain keeps telling me "No...No...Merida don't think about him. He's out of your life. Forget him!" My phone vibrates and I get a notification. I pause the movie and read it. Wait Ruffnut? Ruffnut "Dude Astrid and Elsa are kidnapped. Don't call just text me" Merida "How? What? Wait I'm coming. I can help" Ruffnut "Yes, that's why I texted you. Hans and Pitch did it. The guys are leaving to rescue them and finish their mission. We want to go too so we need you on our team and we'll go with you. Hope that makes sense" Merida "Oh no! Them? Yes, it does, I'll be there in 5 minutes with Flynn and Punzie" Ruffnut "Great I'll be waiting. Bye" Merida "Bye" This is unbelievable how did this occur and who abducted them? Pitch and Hans, but they're in prison? I don't have the time to ask for details so I open contacts and call Rapunzel. She picks up "Hey Mer what's up? I was about to call you. Eugene and I were headed out to a mall, wanna join?" I walk around nervously "Punzie, Astrid and Elsa are abducted by Pitch and Hans. Don't beg for details, just you and that husband of yours get in the car and be at Tuffnut's apartment in 5 minutes. I'm leaving too, bye" I don't even let her answer back and end the call, she has the info she needs. I wear my jacket, grab my pistol and put some weapons in a bag. I wear my shoes and with that leave my house and lock the door behind. I open my garage, get in the car and drive to the apartment which is very near my house. After 5 minutes I arrive at the apartment and park there. As I get out there is a car 3 parking spaces away from me. Yes, Rapunzel is here. I get out of the car and bring my bag with me then lock it afterwards. I walk to their car and there she is. As soon as she notices me she hugs me so tight "Mer I missed you. Here look I got like 15 bags of weapons and some other stuff. I brought everything I could" She starts babbling about what happened and how she was awful when she got her weapons, then she starts naming them. I cut her off "Punzie leave them in the car. When we come down we'll get them ok? Now let's go but where's Flynn?" I look around scanning for him and then I feel a hand on my back. I spin and there he is standing with a troubled expression. I don't have time for any of this and I just want to go up. Their cars are still in the parking lot meaning they're here. We grab our stuff, enter the building and walk towards their apartment. On our way there I tell them the details and they express almost all types of emotions. The outrage that they have been abducted, fear if something happens to them and by the end, we are smiling as wide as we can because killing those motherfuckers will bring the satisfaction! Also, it's been a while since we have gotten our hands dirty. We arrive at the apartment and before I can ring the ball the door opens and oh boy Eret is here. I knew that he was here but it's just different when you see a person and hear about them. I stand here smiling giving him no other reaction. I'll give him the contrary of what I feel, I am not providing him with any kind of satisfaction. He asks me with his jaw clenched "What are you guys doing here?" I can see limited guilt in him, ex or not I've been his colleague forever. I can tell what Eret talks or thinks about. I smile "Well, we heard our sisters were in trouble so we arrived to rescue them as I'm noticing you guys are prepared to leave. I'll take the girls with me because I'm confident they can help in some way" I look at their bags and they've got all kinds of weapons. Eret grinds his teeth and glares at me "You are not going anywhere and neither are my cousins. Now leave!" The way he used "Now leave" reminded me of our fight. He definitely knows why he used those words. Also, what the fuck does he mean by my cousins. They are mine too, more than his actually! I take out my FBI card and shove it in his face "Here. Merida DunBroch. An FBI agent. I take orders from no one but my leader and since you aren't...I suggest shut the fuck up!" I emphasize my last name as it's my maiden name, it felt satisfactory using it after a while. I used it just to let him realize I'm not his wife as now he'll be my ex soon. I glance around and notice the discomfort. Everyone's trying to act as if they're on their phone and we don't exist. I peek back at Eret and his expression puts me in remorse. He looks awful, shattered and has dark circles around his eyes showing he hasn't slept in a while. Of course, he hasn't! He never sleeps without me. I get these emotions out of my head as I shouldn't feel guilty or bad. He wanted a divorce and he got it. I ask Ruffnut but this time my voice breaks because of all the feelings in me "Ruffnut what's the plan?" All the girls look at me in empathy but remove it right away when I look at them. Ruffnut walks to me and explains "Well we have to be at the gas station in 5 minutes, you know the pedeston gas station?" I nod at her and she continues "With our weapons and a plan but apparently, we couldn't come up with it because everyone was fighting" Well that's good that they don't have a plan. I can still use my skills to come up with some. I lift my eyebrow and ask her with a confused expression "Fight? What happened?" She complains and points at the guys "Well these idiots don't want us to come because they think it's dangerous and they don't want to lose us" The guys look down sheepishly. I clear my throat and glare at the guys "Y'all aren't the only strong ones. Stop trying to protect us, we can do that easily" I whirl my head back and look at the girls and Flynn "Alright so Ruffnut, Heather, Mala, Punzie, Flynn and I will be in 2 cars. I brought a black van it has all the weapons in it. Flynn will be driving that and Mala, Punzie and I will be in it. Ruffnut and Heather will be in another car. I'll give you guys weapons when we meet Hiccup and Jack at the station and then will come up with a plan. Ok?" My team looks at me with determination. They all salute "Yes sir!" I giggle "Guys please don't, now let's go!" From the corner of my eye, I see Mala. She is pregnant? Eret must've known. Why didn't he tell me? So he was keeping me away from the guilt. I am just assuming stuff maybe he didn't know himself. I walk up to her and gleam "Mala, oh my Thor! Congrats!" She gives me a puzzled look "Thank you! Eret didn't tell you? He has known for a month?" So I was right...Before she can say something I decide to cut her off. I pull her in a big hug "I am so happy for you. I can't wait to be an aunty! Your baby will call me Aunty Mer! I can't wait! Now change of plans, you're staying here because you can't put my niece in danger" I just know it's a girl for some reason. She sets her finger on my lips and glares at me. I raise my hands above my head "Alright. Alright. You can come but you'll stay in the car. Get it?" She glares at me harder this time. I yell putting my hands in front of my face "Alright! You can fight but please stop glaring!" She laughs and this time she pulls me in a hug very tightly and I feel my hair get wet. Is she crying? She must've known about Eret and my situation. She whispers in my ear "Please forgive him for whatever he did. He's stupid and you know that. He can't survive without you. On his behalf, I'm apologizing to you" only I heard her. I whisper back "Thanks Mala but you don't have to. Come on now we'll chat later" and only she heard me. Punzie coughs and we break the hug. Punzie claps her hands in enthusiasm "Alright now let's go and kick some ass!" My team yells "Yes sir!" Everyone ran out as they were already prepared. I glance at the guys and they were standing still. They had been for the past 2 minutes. Fishlegs breaks the silence "We clearly have no say cuz you're their leader but plz take care of them and of course we'll be there too" I nod while smiling "Fish they all are soldiers themselves I mean except Ruffnut but she's a nutt so she'll be just fine. Also thank you for understanding fish and you will be there too! So come on now! We need to be at the gas station in 5 minutes" Everyone nods and glance at Eret for permission. He nods at them and then they leave. Tuffnut being the last one closes the door of his apartment while taking chicken with him. Now only Eret and I are in the apartment. I don't even understand why! Why are we standing as if expecting to talk to each other when it's clearly over. Eret stares at me smiling "Umm, why didn't you call me...After our quarrel, ya know?" My jaw dropped "You were expecting me to call you...When you messed up!" I jabbed my finger in his chest. He winced "Yeah you're right, I'm sorry I just don't know how to talk to you" Well if only he said sorry a bit differently. This time apologizing to me for how he behaved. I shrug "Yeah this could be the last time you see me" He looks at the roof trying to keep his tears in and asks me "Why we're coming back!" I sigh "I don't know. I mean I could die. This mission is deadly" He jerks his head to me and where once were tears is only fury now. He glares at me "Nothing will happen! No one is dying! Not you!" I smile and shake my head "Eh who cares. I'm done with life anyway" His breath hitched. Does he still love me? He has tears in his eyes and hands rolled into fists "Merida don't say that! You have so much to live for, there are so many people who love you!" I giggle but in a sarcastic way now. He looks at me in confusion. I stare into his eyes "I don't care about my life. I just want to save Astrid and Elsa" Eret's jaw clenched "You're persistent as a rock!" I don't even have the time to deal with this. At this moment I really just wanna die. I don't have a motive and I don't care. I whirl my head and point to the door "We should leave" I start walking to the door. He shouts "Merida. I Lo..." I turn back with my hand on the doorknob. Letting him know I'm hearing. He starts again "I lo..." he coughs and rephrases "I'll lock the door. Go ahead" Oh I felt he was saying something else... I leave the apartment and take the elevator to go to the parking lot. Eret heads to his car. Everyone else's already in the cars and noticing me Flynn opens his car door. I get in and we drive to the gas station. Elsa's POV Where am I? What happened? I'm blindfolded so I can't see anything. My hands and feet are taped, at least the rest of my body can breathe, unlike last time. My hipbone stings because the floor is so rough. What is this area? Where are Astrid, Jack and Hiccup? Why am I here? There were so many questions running through my mind. I hear Astrid's scratchy voice from my left "Elsa. Are you here?" I hurry my head to the left with tears in my eyes now "Thank god! Thank god! You're here please tell me you're ok" She sobs like a defenceless child "I am afraid of what they'll do. Please Elsa protect me. Please, Elsa. Elsa! I love you! Elsa! Mom! Dad! Hiccup..." Then there was silence. Listening to her sob and speak like this formed a lump in my throat. Astrid doesn't cry nor does she give up. Instantly all the memories kick in, it was Pitch and Hans. I just feel so dizzy right now. I whimper "Astrid. Hey. Hey, look at me. What happened to the Astrid I know, come on don't say that. Don't give up! We'll get out! I just need to get my hands free" I hear footsteps approaching me. Hans lets out in his disgusted voice "Well. Well. Look who we have got here" I growl at him and shift my head away from him. He puts a finger under my chin and makes me look up "Do you really think you're in a position to give me that behavior?" My chin got moist from his hands. It stinks. What was this? He snatches off my blindfold. The first thing I do is glance to my left to see if Astrid is here and what condition she is in but Hans doesn't allow me. Hans moves my head back so I can look at him now "We gave her some of our rare drugs" I shake my hand aggressively and cry at the top of my lungs "No! No! No! You bastard! Not Astrid! That's why she was acting this way! Not my Astrid! Not my bestfri..."He puts something in my mouth and it tastes disgusting. The last thing I hear before I pass out was Hans whisper "Damn your friendship! Bye princess. You get this for rejecting me. Don't worry we won't rape you! You're too filthy for me now! You'll die in approximately 40 minutes and so will that fucking Hofferson" Pitch and Hans start punching us everywhere. I whimper "No Astrid! Jack..." and then collapse. Hiccup's POV We are at the gas station right now waiting for our friends. It's been 2 minutes and they still aren't here. Where are they? I have the location on my phone. I take a screenshot because it may go unavailable soon. Where are our friends? I mean to be fair I have them only a few minutes so I can't really accuse them but still, they should be here on time it's a critical situation. I was about to call Eret, well he is their leader, but Jack interrupts me. I glance at him and he explains "They'll be here. It's just 2 minutes late. By the way, it kinda feels selfish. I mean we haven't spoken to them for months and now we're calling them" I cross my arms and drop back to the seat "Yeah same but hey they are family. So we shouldn't but I get where you're coming from" Jack rubs his head and lifts his eyebrows "Um what's your relation with them? They are Elsa and my friends too but you and Astrid have known them before us. We have time so tell me" I explain "Well Eret, Mala, Fish, Flynn, Tuff and Ruff are my cousins from my mom's side. Tuffnut and Ruffnut as you know are twins and Mala's the eldest in us cousins. As for Merida, Punzie, Snot, Heather and Dagur. They are Astrid's cousins from her dad's side. You might not know this but Dagur and Heather are siblings. Also, Dagur's the eldest in them cousins" I turn to Jack and his eyes are broad and jaw lowered. He mumbles with a cracked voice "I...I...You guys are related to each other! Also no offense but the Hofferson family goes hard on yours. They are way better. Wait what about Elsa and me then? Where do we fit?" I slap my head and shout answering his ridiculous question "Dude Astrid's cousins and mine aren't related. The fuck! You dumb! Most of them are dating each other. Also yeah I know the Hofferson family tree is full of warriors. They really are the best" He asks with a decent expression now as he realizes a little "How is it possible that all your cousins are dating all her cousins" I scratch my chin and reply "Yeah it's kinda weird. We had a gathering at my house. Mom invited all her family aka my cousins. Astrid invited all her family aka her cousins. So that's how" Jack mouths "OoO" and then resumes "Ill ask again...What about Elsa and I? Where do we fit? We are completely out of the picture" I roll my eyes and tell "Elsa was always with Astrid and Astrid used to hang out with her cousins a lot. They were always at her house and so was Elsa. So Elsa is entirely part of their family. Hope that explains! They all even call her cousin!" I take a deep breath and continue "As for you you don't know them much but they feel like you like family since you're my best friend and our parents are friends. Does that make sense?" I look at him and laugh my ass off. His face is all upside down. He's trying to process all the information. All he does is bounce his head. I shake my head "I'll take it as a yes!" He puts a finger at his chest and explains "Well all I knew was that Snot and Ruff are engaged. Fish and Heather are engaged. Mala and Dagur are married. Merida and Eret are married. Flynn and Punzie are married" He raises his eyebrows "Right?" I nod "Yup you're right! Hey, don't forget about Tuff and Chicken! They have been in a weirdass relationship for years!" We both laugh. Jack checks his time and it's been 4 minutes now. Where are they? I track her location and see if her phone is still on and Thank Thor it is! I open contacts and this time will call Eret for sure. I FaceTime Eret and he picks up "Mate we will be there in one minute. Ashamed we are late Tuffnut was constipated" I don't know whether to laugh or be mad. What the hell...constipated? I ask him "Why in the world was he constipated?" Jack and I stare at each other with the same confused expression. Eret moans "Ugh, It was associated with chicken. Can't say more mate" Jack and I slap our heads. Of course, it was. Next thing I realize 4 cars park near us. I end the call and we step out of the car. They all walk towards us and Eret hugs me "Sorry mate we are delayed. So what's the plan?" I turn to Jack and he was staring at everyone. Oh, he's trying to put the relationships together. Cousins and dating. I glance around and shout "Everyone gather up!" They all come and all the couples are standing together. It just makes me miss Astrid more. I get this thought out of my head. From the corner of my, I see Mala and she's pregnant. I give a thumbs up congratulating her. She nods back...So back to work. Eret and Merida come forward "We have two teams and we're the leaders" I notice the tension as soon as they speak. Why not just one team? It's probably nothing so I ask them "What is up with you two?" Merida replies "We are getting a divorce. End of talk. Now tell me about my cousins" She said divorce so calmly and casually as if it doesn't even matter. My eyes open wide and I screech "Divorce? Astrid will kill you Eret for whatever you did to Merida!" Mala is the oldest of our cousins so she glares at me warning me to stop. I gulp and go on "Alright, Pitch and Hans kidnapped them and I'm tracking Astrid's phone so I know where they are. That's all I know. You guys make a plan" Everyone attempts to take in the info and are putting the puzzle together. Even though I told them nothing. Eret clears his throat "I called my boy Throk and asked him for Hans and Pitch's data. By the way, they'll appear too. There are only 7 of them" He shows us the file he has in his hand and starts reading it "So Hans and Pitch are 29. They used to live in Iceland and went to the same school as Elsa and Astrid. After grade 12 they vanished totally off-grid. A few years ago they were caught at Utopia club" Oh yeah they are way older than us. I completely forgot about that. Jack cuts him off "Yes! I do remember that. A few years ago we went to that club and they were hitting on our girlfriends so we left" Everyone glares at him cuz he interrupted Eret. Eret coughs and yells "As I was saying! That night they were imprisoned and it turned out they were in drug dealing and sex trafficking. After grade 12 they met some mafia and got involved, that's how this entire shit started. Also, they escaped from jail last month and abducted Elsa and Astrid" Now it all adds up. After they sexually abused and tortured Astrid and Elsa, which I'm hiding from everyone, they joined Mafia. That's why they were never found. I scratch my chin and glance at Merida "So now that we know all about them what's the plan?" Merida brings out a rolled sheet from her back pocket, unrolls it, spreads it on my car's front glass and tapes it "So while I was in the car I called some fellas and asked them about the downtown location you sent. It appears there is this underground place and it has 4 entrances" She points at one marked building on the map "Here is a room that has the main entrance to their mafia place underground. Here their sex trafficking shit works" Merida points at another marked construction site "Here is some construction going on for years. They say they're building a grocery store but this is the other entrance to their mafia place. This is where they all live. So they have got a whole housing thing down here" Merida points at the third mark which is behind the hospital "This one is their third entrance it leads to the dead bodies of people they have killed. They burn the bodies or torture them here" Merida bangs the last mark on the map which is a small house, I'm pretty sure it will leave a dent in the car, on the map which is a small house and scowls at it "This house's basement leads to a place they keep abducted people at. This is the area where Astrid and Elsa are. It shows on the tracking location too" She has tears in her eyes now. Those assholes kidnapped her sisters, of course, she will cry. Merida explains to us her plan "Now my team will drive to the house. We'll get Astrid and Elsa out and assassinate Hans and Pitch. It's pretty easy" She directs at Eret, who is dumbfounded, and goes on "His team is very big so it will be distributed in three groups and enter the other gates. They will assassinate everyone one by one and clean this mafia shit. We'll be done with Astrid and Elsa pretty soon. We'll enroll their team and assist them. That's my plan and it's pitch-perfect. So, Eret what's yours?" She looks at Eret and his jaw is dropped and is standing straight as a stick. All of us are honestly. Merida stands confused and furious because she was expecting praise but not silence. Flynn yells from her left "You came up with that in 25 minutes?!" Everyone nods agreeing with him. This girl plotted all this in just half an hour. Are you kidding me?! Merida declares "Well yeah. I'm working on this mission officially too. Is it bad?" She makes a nervous face and Thor does she resemble Astrid. Punzie whimpers "You look like Astrid. God, I miss her!" Flynn hugs her tight and murmurs soothing words. Eret gets a hold of himself and assured "Ok! We got this!" He glances at Merida and resumes "So love, you depart with your team immediately. Astrid and Elsa are in god know what circumstance. Throk and other guys will be here in 5 minutes and I have to stay for them. We'll arrive then" Everyone stays still and silent with a stupefied expression. What the fuck?! He just called her "love" How did he ignore that? My cousin is dumb as hell! He gazes around and asks us "What? Did I declare something wrong?" I was about to answer but Merida interrupts "No, Nothing. We are leaving and you guys need to hurry the fuck up because we could get in shit if you don't arrive in 4-5 minutes" Eret nods still ignoring the fact he called her "love" Punzie lifts her hand and questions Merida "Mer what about the weapons? We need them too!" Merida facepalms "Shit I forgot! I'll give some to each of you. Eret's team too! You guys head to my van I'll be there in a sec" Everyone walks to Merida's van. Merida takes a deep breath and glances at Eret "We'll leave together I guess. I'll require time to hand out weapons. Call your men and ask them to arrive sooner" Eret nods and she walks forwards. She opens her van's back door and gives out Thor knows what weapons. The only one I recognized was a pistol and the others were so odd. Is that what the FBI uses? Damn! Eret came back and notifies me "I called the guys and they'll be here in approximately 3 minutes" I nod and inform him "You called Mer "love" That's why everyone was shocked" His jaw fell and he slapped himself "I did what?! Ugh! I'm so foolish! Wow, an agent making slips. Terrific!" I lay a hand on his shoulder and take a deep breath "Love works in weird ways, doesn't it? If you don't mind me asking why are you getting a divorce?" Eret waved his hand in the air and smiles "Nah mate I don't mind" He leans back on the car and says "She doesn't wish for children and I do. Our plans don't match" I frown at him "Eret this isn't one of your missions! What do you mean plan! Also, I clearly recall you guys had agreed that you won't have kids. You made a promise that day! If this is the case I'm on Mer's side. You are pressurizing her to do something she doesn't wish to. You should respect that and love her but you're doing the opposite!" Eret stays still and looks at me with tears in his eyes "I know this isn't a mission! Yes, we had agreed to not have any but catching sight of Mala pregnant and me taking off on missions to rescue families aroused this feeling! I was sentimental that day and declared things I shouldn't have! Sentiments took over me. I hurt her mate. I hurt her" Wow Eret and Merida use big vocabulary but back to the topic. I cross my arms and plead Eret "You should tell her this not me. Merida is the most generous girl, she had a rough childhood kinda like Astrid's. Earlier she made a confused face and she looked like Astrid, I was like wow they look alike and they look nothing like each other!" I got off topic so I wiggle my head and continue "What I'm trying to say is you should apologize and let her realize you're with her. You fucked up! You broke your promise. Explain all this and she'll forgive you I know" Eret raises his eyebrow and asks me "How do you know?" I chuckle and brush away my tears "Because she's just like Astrid. Stubborn but the nicest girl alive on earth. No shit they're related!" We both crack up. Eret asks me "What would you do if Astrid announced she doesn't dream for kids" Within a second I respond "I only want kids with Astrid. We haven't discussed it yet. I want 3 girls all with Astrid's ocean eyes and wavy golden-hair. One queen and three little princesses running around the house. They'll have me wrapped around the fingers. No guy on earth! Will be good enough for them! But if Astrid doesn't want any kids then I don't want any. I'm 100% with her!" Eret stands stunned and whispers "Wow, that was intense. You're correct and you've obtained so much admiration from me" I scowl at him "And you've lost respect from me!" He looks down regretting and I feel bad now. I settle a hand on his shoulder and whisper "But you can change that by apologizing to her. I'll ask this once. Do you love her more than you want kids? Will you love her if she doesn't want any? Which we know" Eret answers within a blink with no doubt in his eyes "Yes and Yes! I cherish her soo much! We have been married for long mate. As I explained sentiments took over me that day. I can't visualize not including her in my life. I only realized how much I cherished her" I frown and then ask "First of all, it's love not cherish. Second of all, Why? You wanted a divorce! So she filed for one. How did you realize you loved her and can't live without her?" He rolls his eyes at my correction. A smile creeps up on Eret's face "Whenever I took off a mission or she did. We chatted for hours every day. So it didn't matter. I would miss her but not that extensively but these past two weeks...I've been living alone. I don't eat, I can't sleep or function anyhow. I was practicing shooting yesterday and I missed all my shots. I have never missed any before! She has been on my mind every second. I can't survive without her! I am used to falling asleep in her arms...I never ate until she did" He starts sobbing like a vulnerable child "I miss her! I miss her so much mate! So fucking much!" I mutter "Then you should apologize" He brushes his tears away roughly and outcries "No I won't because she will forgive me! I will maintain behaving like an ass so she leaves me and weds a thoughtful guy. Who deserves her and treats her like a goddess. Not me mate. Not me. That'll be one lucky bastard" He cries like a helpless child now who was all alone in this cruel world. I groan "Oh man you're dumb! It'll be alright" and caress my hand up and down on his back. He calms down after a minute and gets a grip on himself. A car drives in and parks near Eret's car. He coughs and wipes his tears "My fellas are here. Thanks for the lecture Mate. It comforted me a lot. Now get your car and we'll leave" I nod and watch him talking to his friends letting them know about the plan. I walk to my car. I gasp as I reach my car door "Mer...How much...How much did you listen?" She murmurs with tears in her eyes "All of it" She holds out a gun and a strange sword "Here I came to deliver you these. Eret will explain to you how to operate it. You and Jack already have some training with it" I look at her with sympathy. I plead "Please Mer talk to him he's vulnerable without you" She nods "I know. I heard all that. We'll speak about this later. Right not I need to assassinate those motherfuckers for abducting my cousins. Let's just hope they are safe" It still sounds weird how they all call Elsa her cousin. I say "They will Mer. They will but I do want to talk about this. What if I don't come back? Just hear me out please" She stares at me and then waves a hand "Go on Hiccup" I sigh and tell her "Eret is...Eret. He's stupid and we all know that. I know that you guys decided that you don't want kids but sometimes people say things they don't want to and Eret did that. Can you please now talk to him yourself and just forgive him because after what you heard you sure do know she won't apologize as he really wants you to divorce him now" Merida nods her head and speaks with clenched fists tight and teary eyes "I know Hiccup...I know. It's just the way he said it sounded very real, it showed that he really meant what he said. The last time when we had the fight about kids, the first time, it was plain anger and he said things he didn't mean so it wasn't that deep but this time...this time he meant every word and that frightened me. So now I know we are done." I pull her in a deep hug and as usual she pushes me away not showing any visual emotions. She finished with "Now I need to talk to the soldiers. Thanks for the talk Hiccup" She smiles and pats my cheek thanking me secretly. Damn these Hoffersons, they are just something else. With that she goes up to the guys and tells them about her plan.