The Mighty Oaks
By Glow60
"The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood it's ground." ~ Anonymous ~
I have always like this quote but I wondered what would happen if the mighty oak could no longer stand it's ground by itself? Will the ones who are the closest to it be able to help or will they be crushed when the mighty oak falls?
Summary – DiNozzo was working an undercover assignment when he disappears. After weeks of searching, Gibbs continues to feel guilty that he let his SFA down. It becomes even harder on him when he starts to believe no one else seems to care anymore. Eventually Tony is found but he is injured so bad that he will never be the same. Gibbs blames himself and the guilt is eating him alive. The people who are the closest to him are having trouble trying to figure out how to help him because Gibbs was always the strong one…their Mighty Oak. Eventually a very special friend of theirs shows up. Will he be able to help or will he be brought down too…
For those of you who have read my I See You & Return to the Innocence stories, I have been wanting to do another story with the character Tac in it. I had originally started this story without him but then an idea popped into my head and I decided to go with it and that meant I had to do a lot of rewriting to fit him in.
In this story you are going to find out more about Tac and his world. You are going to find out some interesting things about Tony and Gibbs and why these two are so close. This story will start off as two different stories inside of one (Gibbs' World & Tac's World). Eventually they will merge into one story. I know some might think it jumps around too much but it is the way I wanted to write it. So you are forewarned.
For those of you who have not read my other two stories, you may not understand Tac at first. His real name is Tackdeillseilfjsltleuladkd but he is called Tac for short. He is a magical creature from Terrae Antiquos. His world is where most of our myths and legends have derived from. His kind likes to befriend and protect lonely human children. They are sometimes known as our children's imaginary friends. Occasionally they will form a special bond with certain children and will be around these children for the rest of their lives. In my story there is a very special bond between Tac and Anthony DiNozzo.
Returning Characters
Gibbs, Tony, McGee, Abby, Vance, Palmer & Ducky
Tac/Thomas (Tackdeillseilfjsltleuladkd) – He is a magical creature who befriends children. On Earth he sometimes takes the human form as Thomas.
Pashasha – Tac's mate
Pamphilus – Pashasha's human child
Galenus – Pashasha's human child
Artemis (Artemiskdeillseilfjsltleuladkd) Tac's mother
Zashous – Unicorn
Tashous – Unicorn
*Warning 1 – I prefer not to use a beta reader so all the mistakes will definitely be mine. If this is not your cup of tea please do not read any further because I do not wish to waste your time.
**Warning 2 – There will be some strong language and some graphic details.
***Warning 3 – To the parents and guardians who like to mistreat their children – I feel it is my duty to warn you that the next time your child is talking about their imaginary friend they could be talking about Tac or one of his kind. Terrae Antiquians are very protective of all the children they became attached too. They will punish those who harm their child and it is a punishment you would not wish on your worst enemy.
Chapter 1
Gibbs checked off another day on his calendar. It was now forty-five days since he had last seen his SFA. He stared at the check marks for another few seconds before he looked up at the mezzanine. Early this morning, as soon as he arrived at work, he was called to the director's office.
"Gibbs…when was the last time you ate or got a decent night sleep?"
"Yesterday when I went home. I ate a big dinner, showered and slept like a baby."
Vance just stared at him for a few seconds before he said, "Gibbs…I doubt that. I have been told ever since DiNozzo's disappearance you have been arriving at work one or two hours before daylight and you don't leave until late in the evenings."
Gibbs shrugged his shoulders, "Director…are we going to talk about my eating and sleeping habits or are you going to tell me why I am here?"
Vance just shook his head at the remark, "Look Gibbs…I really called you here because I have been hearing some complaints about you lately. I've been told you have been short tempered with people and your team has to step in to put out the fires you have created. I know DiNozzo's disappearance has an affect on you but you have to get control of yourself or I am going to have to put you on a leave of absence until you get you act together. Do I make myself clear?"
He didn't say a word but just stood there, staring directly ahead.
Vance stop talking for a few seconds and just stared at Gibb. Finally he says, "Gibbs…as your friend I have allowed this to go too long. As your boss, I am telling you right here and now you need to get control of yourself. Gibbs…I hate saying this but it is time you accept that fact that DiNozzo isn't coming back. He is either buried six feet under or fish bait at the bottom of some river or lake."
Those last two sentences angered him. He finally looked at Vance and said, "Director…you have never liked or cared for DiNozzo…did you? If I remember correctly you viewed McGee more as an exemplified model of what our agents should be more like. I bet if this was McGee or any other exemplified agent who disappeared…you would not have given up on them so easy am I right? The only reason I can think of that you would want me to give up on my SFA is because it is only DiNozzo the class clown."
"Gibbs…"
"NO! You listen to me Leon. DiNozzo is the best agent I have ever had the honor to work with. He deserves better than us making him a damn cold case. I am sure to hell not going to let that happen. Do…you…know…why? It is because that class clown would never give up looking for me or anyone else in the agency and that includes you."
"Gibbs…look…I am sorry…I shouldn't have said what I did. You're right…I did use to think that way about DiNozzo but I don't anymore. DiNozzo has proved himself to be a good agent. And…I can understand what this must be doing to you but I do have an agency to run. We have already spent too much time, money and agents looking for him. Also, these past few weeks you have everyone feeling like they have to walk on eggshells when they enter the bullpen. Gibbs…go…home, get some food in you and get some sleep, talk with Dr. Rachel Cranston or Dr. Miles Wolf if you have too. If you need to take some time off just let me know."
He stared at Vance for a few seconds before he asked, "Leon…have I been doing my job? Yes or no?"
"Yes…you have."
He relaxed just a little as he said, "Leon...listen…I promise I will watch what I say to people. And…I don't need to take any time off or talk with anyone. I just need to stay busy. I will continue doing my job but I will not give up on looking for DiNozzo. My gut keeps telling me that he is still alive and waiting for us to find him.''
He lied to Vance, it was not his gut telling him that DiNozzo was alive but it was the nightmares. There was not a single night that went by without him waking up in cold sweats. He kept hearing Tony begging for him to find him. To him the nightmares seemed so real.
"Listen Gibbs…you don't need to quit. I won't try and stop you from looking for DiNozzo. But…I am very serious…if I hear any more complaints I will have to bench you. Do I make myself clear?"
"Understood."
Present Time…
Gibbs looked at the calendar one more time before he began looking through the paperwork on his desk. As soon as McGee, Bishop and T.A.D. (Temporary Assigned Duty) Agent Matt Marshall arrived at work he sent them to interview the neighbors of the missing marine's wife. He turned his attention toward Tony's…correction Matt's desk. He was still a little pissed because three weeks ago; Vance himself had assigned Agent Marshall to work with Gibbs' team because he had refused to pick someone to replace DiNozzo. He did have to admit that Marshall was a good agent. He was smart, athletic and computer savvy and he fit in well with McGee and Bishop.
Gibbs turned and looked at McGee's and Bishop's desk, he was beginning to wonder if anyone beside himself even missed DiNozzo anymore. McGee and Bishop would only talked about Tony if his name was brought up. The last time he was in Abby's lab she was back playing her music loud again and all the pictures of Tony were taken down. Even Ducky and Palmer stopped asking if he found any new leads on their missing friend. Hell…last week he overheard Abby talking with Ducky about Tony's father and his new wife were on a much-needed vacation. It really didn't surprise him about Tony's father but it really hurt him to know the people he thought, as family really didn't seem to care about their missing family member.
Gibbs rubbed his forehead and decided he needed to get back to work. He opened the folder on his desk. NCIS and Metro PD were working on a case together. He began looking through the pictures and paperwork. As he was turning one of the pages a picture fell out and onto the floor. He went to pick up the picture when he noticed the bottom drawer was open just a little. He slowly opened it the rest of the way and looked inside at the badge and ID. Tony had left at his desk the day he left to go on the undercover assignment. He didn't have the heart to turn them in. He felt if he did he was giving up on his missing friend. He closed the drawer and turned his attention back to the folder.
An hour later, Gibb rubbed his eyes and closed the folder. He looked at his watch. It was an hour before noon. He figures his team would probably not be back for another hour or two. He decided to take a break and go get some coffee. He was also going to stop by metro PDA and talk with them a little about the case they were working on.
Shortly after Gibbs left, McGee called Abby to let her know that they were going to stop and get some lunch. He asked her if she wanted anything. When they returned Abby was waiting for them in the bullpen. She couldn't stop grinning when she saw the logo on the bag. She looked at Bishop and Marshall, "Did McGee tell you Tony kept this place a secret from all of us for almost a year? It was his sort of getaway place when he was having a really bad day and wanted to be alone. Every now and then Tony would bring something back with him. When we asked him about it he would just tell it was from the place down the street. Well one day…there was this really…really bad case that had us all stressed out. Tony decided it was time to invite all of us to his secret place. When we got there we found out this little old couple ran the place and you could tell they really…really liked Tony a lot. We had such a great time. Tony made this bet with Gibbs that he could eat more of the Kamikaze Buffalo wings than him. Gibbs decided to take him up on the bet and he won."
McGee grinned as he placed the food he ordered for Gibbs on his desk. He turned back to the others and grinned, "Yah and for the next couple of days Tony whined that his buttocks felt like it was on fire every time he had to use the john." That statement had everyone in the bullpen laughing until Abby started crying. McGee walked over and hugged her and began rocking her in his arms. Gibbs was not there to see the tears in the younger man eyes as he told Abby he missed Tony too.
Thirty minutes later, Gibbs returned with his coffee. He sat down and noticed the bag of food on his desk. He immediately saw the logo and at the moment he thought he heard Tony begging for his help. He stood up and looked around. Everyone was going about his or her business. Gibbs looked at his team. They were taking a working lunch break. Gibbs looked back down at the bag on his desk and asked, "What is this doing on my desk?"
McGee looked up, "Boss…we stopped on our way back. I tried to call you to see if you wanted anything but you didn't answer your phone. So…I…I thought maybe you might like something from..."
Gibbs threw the bag into the trash, "I don't recall sending anyone to get food. I remember sending you three to do interviews. Now tell me what you found out." The three younger agents looked at each other and then throw what was left of their lunch into the trash. They picked up their reports and headed over to Gibbs' desk to update him on what they found…
After work, three friends decided to meet at Tony's not to secret restaurant anymore. The three were on a mission to save their friend. As Ducky walked into the restaurant, he spotted both Abby and McGee sitting in the back booth. They had already ordered the food. They were just sitting there waiting for him.
As soon as he sat down, Abby started talking, "Ducky…McGee and I are really worried about Gibbs. We just don't know what to do."
The M.E. has been expecting this, "My Dear…what did he do this time?"
"Today…McGee stopped by here to pickup lunch for all of us. Timmy tried to call Gibbs to see if he wanted anything but he was not answering his phone. So, Timmy decided to get him something anyway. He placed Gibbs' food on his desk. When Gibbs saw the bag of food he went ballistic and..."
McGee cut her off, "Ducky…Gibbs picked up the bag of food and tossed it into the trash. He told me he didn't send anyone to pick up lunch. I…I know Gibbs blames himself for what happen to Tony but I was there too. Tony was my responsibility also. I…I can get that Gibbs blames himself because he was the senior agent but…he is not the only one who feels guilty. There is not a day that goes by I don't looked over at Tony's desk and think of him. We can't even talk about Tony in the bullpen because every time we do…Gibbs gets angry or storms out. So…we don't mention his name anymore."
Tears were flowing down Abby's cheeks, "Ducky…McGee and I…we are not sure what to do anymore. I took down all my pictures of Tony because Gibbs started avoiding my lab. And if he did have to come into my lab he couldn't take his eyes of Tony's pictures. Once…I removed them and started playing my music again Gibbs started coming back down to my lab. Ducky…we just don't know what to do anymore…Gibbs just doesn't seem the same. If I try to talk to him about anything besides business…he will walk away leaving me just standing there. Ducky…I feel…I feel like the day we lost Tony we also lost our Gibbs."
Ducky looked at his two younger friends. He knew exactly what they were going through because he is experiencing the same thing with their mutual friend. "Right now…Jethro feels he has a great burden on his shoulders. We know he blames himself and he is not going to rest until he finds out what happen to Anthony and until then there will be no peace for him."
"Ducky…do you think it is possible that…that our Tony might still be alive? He has been missing before and we thought we would never see him."
Ducky looked into the green eyes. He knew she was waiting for him to say something positive that might give her some hope. He wished he could give it to her but he couldn't. "Abigail…Anthony has been missing for a long time. You know as well as I do the odds are against him being found alive. My dear…too much time has passed."
The Goth just nodded and turned the conversation back to the one person who was still alive and they might be able to help, "Ducky…there must be something we can do to help Gibbs? He can't keep going on like this. You can tell by the dark shadows under his eyes he hasn't been sleeping much and he looks like he lost at least twenty pounds or more."
"I have noticed that myself. I have tried to talk with Jethro but he has been avoiding me. At the moment I am not sure what we can do to help him except be there for him when he needs us."
"What if we all try and talk to him at the same time."
Ducky grinned just a little, "My dear, that won't work. You do remember the last time we try to intervene? He nearly chewed our heads off."
Several days later…
Gibbs was sitting alone in the bullpen. It was late and he still had a few more reports to take care of before he called it a day. He opened one of the folders he had on his desk and began looking through it. It was almost an hour later when Fornell showed up. The FBI agent was grinning as he dropped a large manila envelope on Gibbs' desk. "Jethro…I believe we just found your missing boy."
Gibbs immediately opened the envelope and inside he found several pictures. The first picture was of an old abandon warehouse. The next couple of pictures showed several large rooms with cannabis plants at different stages of growth. The last couple of pictures showed a room with several cages. Inside each cage was some kind of exotic animals. Gibbs looked up at his friend with a puzzled look.
"Jethro…look at that cage in the very back."
Gibbs picked up the picture Fornell had pointed to. Gibbs saw the cages with the animals. He looked at the cage in the back and couldn't see anything in it. He looked at Fornell, "I don't understand?"
Fornell pointed to the last cage again. "I know you can't see what is inside but that is where we believe DiNozzo is."
Gibbs looked up at Fornell, "How do you know that?"
"For over a year, we have been working with the ATF in a joint investigation. We have been shadowing some drug dealers we believe have been involved in just about every crime you can imagine in the DC area. Early this morning we raided one of their warehouses and arrested several men. After we made the arrest we began searching through the warehouse and we came across these pictures. When I asked one of the men about them he told me he would only talk if we made him a deal. I talked with my director and he agreed to it. The man sung like a canary. He bragged to us that he knew Carlos Chavez and that the man liked to keep exotic pets. He told me that Chavez even bragged to him about keeping a federal agent in one of those cages. When we asked him who? He told us it was a navy agent. I showed him a picture of DiNutso and he told me it was him. You can't really see what is in that back cage but we believe its DiNutso. The warehouse is just outside of Jacksonville, North Carolina. We planned to raid it in a couple of hours. I have a plane waiting if you are interested?"
Gibbs reached into his desk drawer and grabbed both his badge and gun. He pulled out the bottom drawer and grabbed his vest. He looked up at the mezzanine and saw Vance standing by the balcony looking down at them. Vance smiled and nodded to him.
Fornell followed Gibbs gaze and looked up, "My boss said he was going to call your boss and to let him know what is going on. Come on Jethro…let's go get your boy."