Authors note: Wow, it took a while! Don't worry, thought. I'm back. I haven't abandoned ya! Here's some side notes real quick:
1) Ok, big twist at the end of this chapter! One of the many. This fanfic will be shorter than I originally thought, but it'll still be good, has several more chapters, and has so many exiting moments that soon enough that you'll have problems putting your phone or whatever down.
2) Alice will be introduced! She's ninja-ey like Ziva, but unlike Ziva, she would never hurt the people she cares about.
3) Enjoy! Missed saying that!
Tim's POV
Washington D.C NCIS Squadroom
Who was your biggest loss? Was it a parent, a friend, a pet, a sibling, an Aunt or Uncle, or someone else? Was it someone that would be a shocker to most? Now, I've lost friends. Family, too. People who could never be replaced. For everyone you lost, there are similar people, but the similar person is not who you lost, and never will be. I want you to expand your mind. Of all the people you love but lost, who was closest to you? Whoever they are, they're your biggest loss, and you will be emotionally scarred for the rest of your life. Dig as deep into your mind as you can when I ask you again, who was your biggest loss?
Mine was Very Special Agent Tony DiNozzo.
Tony was a mentor. He was a friend, and a brother. Some may love him because he was smart or funny, but I loved him because he was nurturing. The women that he's dated loved him for his looks or his personality, but that's just what was on the surface. Deep down, Tony was the most sweet, sensitive, and innocent man that I've ever met. My big brother was the kind of guy that would do anything to help you, and then within two seconds, he would bounce back and bring so much joy to your life again. He was a healer, a counselor, a mentor, a listener, and a brother.
When Gibbs told me that he's gone, my world fell apart. The reason: Tony brought so many positive things to my somewhat dull life, that now my life seems increasingly difficult to continue.
It was difficult until Gibbs explained that Tony was definitely murdered, and did NOT kill himself.
That observation was obvious because of the location and he seemed to have been assaulted because of his re fractured radius. Plus, he clearly wanted to survive when Gibbs saw him.
That brought on more questions than answers.
Who took him down? Who would kill someone as innocent as Tony? The one time, the ONE TIME that he did something for HIMSELF, he died! It's not fair! He was always frowned upon after he helped someone else his own way, but when he tried to save his own life, someone just couldn't grow up and leave him alone. Someone just never could except Tony. Someone just can't see a good person when they see one because they're either a horrible person or so stubborn that they can't look past a few mistakes. He's taken it too far when teasing me, he's messed up on cases, and he's been a completely unlikable buffoon, but I've always loved, accepted, and forgave him.
Who didn't?
Whoever it is better watch their back because I WILL take down the killer of my brother and it WILL NOT be pretty. They've got some explaining to do, but unfortunately for them, I don't listen to murderers, so it doesn't matter what they say. No matter who it is, I am TAKING THEM DOWN, EVEN IF ITS THE LAST THING THAT I EVER DO!
Suddenly, the strength subsided, and I was left with so much sorrow and agony, that only Tony could help me. The problem: Tony can't help me anymore. He's gone. Someone killed him. Why? I have absolutely no idea.
Even though I don't have the strength to move anymore, I know that I've gotta find who killed Tony.
Allowing tears to drop freely regardless of what people think for the first time, I begin my search for Allison Foster. I can't really do anything right now to help the case, but I know that this is what Tony would want.
I've failed Tony by not having his back now, but I will help Tony now.
Even if it kills me.
Ziva's POV.
Tel Aviv, Israel. Crime scene/right outside Mossad building.
While walking to the crime scene with Gibbs, I felt something. No it was NOT guilt. It's, sadness. Remembrance. I remember the conversation Tony and I had. Stuff he said. One thing he said hurt me the most. One of the last things he said cause me so much pain when I realize that I could've avoided everything. It was:
"You weren't there."
Why wasn't I? Where was I? If I was ever in pain, or just wanted someone to talk to, Michael was always there. When I wasn't, he died. I betrayed his trust, and for that, I will never forgive myself.
I'm in pain. Why can't anyone see that? Tony this Tony that. It's all I hear. Why is he the favorite? I'm the fighter, Tim is the geek, and Gibbs is the leader. Who is he? The incompetent one who brings nothing to the team is the favorite. Why, you may ask? I'm just as clueless as you. He's been here the longest, you may say. Therefore, Gibbs had the chance to fire Tony a long, long time ago. Why didn't he?
If you think about it, I saved Tony.
Someone else would've killed him, no doubt. Not all women are idiots who fall into his trance with that smile. Someone else would've killed him soon enough by choking him, stabbing him, shooting him somewhere that would make his death take longer like the abdomen, anything. Tony died a semi peaceful death, and it was justified.
He killed the man I love.
Really, I'm a Saint in pain. I rid the world of a murderer humanely. If I killed him in my best interest, he would take several gruesome minutes, and I would watch him just stay there in agony, begging for me to kill him. I would offer no mercy, and I would enjoy the pitiful sounds of his plea.
While visioning the dead mans alternative death, I realized a major setback for me:
Mossad watches this area like a hawk 24/7.
I'm not worried about Mossad knowing, they know it's justified, but NCIS won't be as forgiving. As long as Abba deletes the footage, I'm in the clear for that one.
Suddenly, my strategy falls into place.
Obviously, I've gotta frame someone since suicide was ruled out as the cause of death.
Who?
The person has to care for me, must have been in Tel Aviv, and must have a reputation for doing the unthinkable to help people he cares about.
Who is it?
Gibbs.
It may seem cruel to use his care for me as a way to frame him, probably because it is, but oh well. Not all systems are planned by Mickey Mouse.
So, here's my plan:
1) Bag and tag like normal
2) Have Abba delete the tapes
3) Compromise the evidence to make it look like Gibbs killed Tony, framing him.
4) Live happily ever after as the Senior Field Agent in Tim's team.
I know that is was originally going to kill everyone, but there's really no need. Gibbs allowed Tony to kill Michael, and Tony killed Michael. No need to involve the others. I get my revenge. Problem solved.
"Gibbs, I have an idea." I reported, pointing to the cameras.
Gibbs looked where I was pointing.
"Yeah. Check it out and be careful."
Nodding, I head over to Abba's office.
Tim's POV
Washington D.C NCIS Squadroom
After a very long time of crying and doing work, I finally felt so much accomplishment that I could practically hear Tony say,
"See, I told you. With just a little hard work, you'll be fine, McGlum."
Smiling, I stared at my computer screen, now filled with information about one Allison Marie McArthy.
Her background is very sad.
She has a deceased mother, arrested father, brother on the run, living younger sister, and deceased youngest sister.
Her mother died in a car crash when Alice was 7, and when Alice was 11, her father and brother beat her youngest sister, Shelby to death because she had a disorder.
Tony had a lot to help her with, but he obviously succeed. Alice's Facebook page was loaded with information on how amazing Tony was from when she was 15 to 19. Ages 18 to 19 where about how much she missed Tony.
After spotting her contact information, I dialed her number on my phone, feeling very impressed by my extreme ability.
Ziva's POV
Tel Aviv, Israel Mossad Building
I knocked on Abba's door.
"Come in."
I entered.
Apa looked up.
"Ziva!"
He walked over and kissed me.
"When did you start wearing so much makeup?"
I rolled my eyes.
"Abba, I need to talk about-"
"I know. I saw the footage. You were very brave, and I am very proud. So would Tali and Ima."
I smiled.
"Thank you, Abba. I just need you to-"
"Erase the footage. I know. I'll be erasing the best movie I'd ever seen, but it's worth my little girl's freedom."
"Thank you. Now, I've got to get back to Gibbs now, Abba. Shalom."
"Shalom, Ziva."
Alice's POV.
Washington D.C NCIS Conference Room
As an FBI agent, I've lost people. I've lost my friend, Natalie, and I've lost my cousin, Shawn. However, my newest loss is the most significant, even if I haven't seen the person for 20 years.
Tone's death is the hardest thing that I've ever gone through, and the killer WILL be buried six feet under, alive.
The killer will die a slow death, and I will be there as they die, laughing and clapping. No, I'm not usually like this, but this is just the hardest thing that I've ever gone through.
Why? Why would anyone hurt Tone?
"Who did this, Tim?" I repeat verbally.
Tim sighed.
"I don't know, Ally. I'm very sorry for your loss."
"Thank you, Tim, but right now I don't need condolences. I need answers. I wanna know who killed Tony."
"So do I, Alice. I miss him so much. He was like a big brother."
I nodded.
"Tone was like a big brother to me, too. He was always there for me. Nothing I wanted was stupid in his eyes, and he supported me one hundred percent with every little thing I did. If I wanted to go skydiving, he'd strap on a chute and stick by me the whole time. He was just, yah know, there. Anything I needed him to do, he was there. He was the best big brother I could ever ask for."
Shaking my head, I added,
"Leaving him alone was the biggest mistake I ever made, and I'll regret it for the rest of my life. The rest of my life."
Refusing to let the tears fall, I quickly shook my head.
"Enough about me. What'd he do for you?"
He sighed and sat down on the seat next to me.
"Uh, the same, mostly. Only for me, he kinda, shaped me into who I am more."
I nodded.
"You know, I would never leave him like you did. You hurt him. He might actually be alive now if you weren't to selfish to stay with the poor kid who actually cared for you."
Finally letting the tears fall, I processed the information. It's true. If I'd stayed, Tone wouldn't have killed that Ziva chicks boyfriend so he could have the women that he loved. I'd be the women that he loved, and Ziva, Michael, Tony, and I would all be with who we truly loved.
If only I'd stayed.
"It's not like that, Tim. Do you really think that I didn't lay awake at night crying myself to sleep because of how much I missed him? Do you think I just shut him out? Nick's the one who didn't want Tony there. I wanted Tony, my big brother, to walk me down the isle, but Nick said no! I've thought about Tony every single night. Nick filed for divorce, and I'm glad about that. I was going to track Tony down and see if he wanted to pick our relationship up where we left off, but I can't now, because of some killer! I want them! I want them to feel the same pain that they caused Tony. I want to rip them apart limp from limb, and drown them in acid. That and the pain over losing Tony is all I thought about as I sat there and sobbed as I drove over here. You still think that I don't care about him, Special Agent McGee?"
Tim sighed.
"I'm sorry, Agent McArthy-"
"Foster."
"I'm sorry, Agent Foster. I just don't know what to say right now. I'm just thinking about how everyone was somehow involved in Tony's death, including myself."
Leaning closer to Tim, I desperately wanted to help the broken man. We're in similar pain,and we want the same thing. Together, him and I will take down Tony's murderer, but we need to be in the same page before anything.
"Tim, Tony's death wasn't your fault, it wasn't my fault, it was the murderers fault. Now, if one of us were dead, Tony wouldn't take one second to grieve until our killer was dead, and it shouldn't be any different now. How do we know that the killer is done? Maybe it wasn't someone we know. It could've been an assassin who was hired by a friend of Michaels, or maybe it was someone else. Maybe he's after all of NCIS. Maybe he's after Ziva. Maybe it is Ziva."
Tim looked at me with hate and rage.
"No! No way! Ziva wouldn't. Now, if you're just here to accuse my friends, then just get out now!"
"I didn't mean-"
"No! No one else will break up my family. You know what, get out of here."
I'm shocked now. Shocked that this conversation took a turn for the worst so quickly. Shocked that this happened at all. Shocked that Tim would deny me the satisfaction that he knows that he craves, too, just because I was pondering verbally.
"OK, it wasn't Ziva. Just don't kick me out."
"No, it's to late now. Get out."
"You don't have the authority. I'm ranked higher than you."
Tim stood up and leaned down so we were eye level.
"Get. Out. No one will hurt my team again, Allison."
Growling, I stood up, defeated.
"Fine, but your Director will here about this, and he won't be happy."
"Do I look like I care? You know what? As soon as this case is solved, I'm resigning from NCIS."
I looked him in the eye.
"Now who's splitting up your team?"
That was my final comment as I left, hopeful that Tim would change his mind.
Abby's POV
Washington D.C NCIS Squadroom
Spotting Alice walking through the squad room looking rather infuriated, I walked over to her.
"Ally! Hi, I'm Abby!"
She looked over at me with tears running down her red eyes. Instantly, her eyes widened.
"Um, hi? How may I help you?"
Looking down at my attire, I understood what shocked Ally so much.
My mini skirt covered just little bit more than one third of my thighs, my black shirt was torn, fashionably, and my black jean jacket had a skull on it. The poor women is probably petrified.
"I'm Abby. Excuse the attire. Tony was my friend, and I understand that you two were very close at one time, and I wanted to meet you."
Suddenly sympathy drowned her eyes.
"Oh, Abby! Tim told me about you. I'm sorry about your loss. Tony was a great guy and you've gotta be taking this very, uh, hard. It's great to meet you, but I was just leaving so…"
"Wait, why are you leaving? Don't you want to get Tony's killer?"
"Of course, but I was uh, bested and kicked out by Tim."
Anger washed over me.
"What?! Tim? Aren't you going to stay? I can kill him and leave no forensic evidence. Okay, bad thing to say in this situation. That's like saying the grass is greener at where you want them to go if they're allergic to fertilizer. It's like saying-"
She looked at me very weird. Can't blame her.
"Okay, that's irrelevant. My point is, you've gotta stand up to Tim."
She shook her head.
"No. He doesn't trust me, and he's already in pain. I don't want him working with someone he hates, so, I'm just gonna go. Really, you guys are probably taking this harder. I haven't seem him for 20 years. You saw him days ago. You deserve to earn closure alone. I'm sorry to have gotten in the way."
"Ally-"
"I'm sorry." She said, then left.
I stood confused for a while until Tim came over.
"Hay, Abs."
I turned, completely outraged at Tim.
"You kicked her out, Tim?! How could you?"
Tim stared, shocked.
"Say something, Tim!"
He sighed.
"She accused Ziva, Abby."
I looked at him, confused.
"What?"
"I just can't work with someone who will try to break my family up further."
I sighed.
"Okay, but you should've let her stay. She was crying when I found her. She's in pain, too."
"We can't help everyone, Abby."
I stared at Tim.
"No, we can't. We couldn't save Tony, but we can save the women that he loves. She made Tony into the man that we loved. We owe it to her, and to Tony, to let her do this. You already knew that, didn't you?"
The elevator dinged, sparing Tim an answer. Gibbs and Ziva walked in.
When I saw them, I ran over and engulfed them into one of my bone crunching bear hug.
"Oh, you guys! I'm so sorry!"
Tim joined in our family hug, knowing that we will always be one short.
Gibbs's POV
Washington D.C NCIS Building.
When I found Abby and Tim, and we all hugged, I felt empty. The hug felt empty. Tony was missing. I left the squad room with Tony by my side, and now I'm back, with that spot permanently empty, never to be filled.
"Oh guys, I'm so sorry." Abby whispered.
I wish she didn't have to be. I wish that Tony were here to bring joy in our lives like he always has. I'm in so much agony, knowing that he never will bring us joy again.
I'm so going to destroy Tony's killer.
"Me too, Abs. Me too."
I broke the hug and handed Abby the evidence.
"Work your magic, Abs."
She shook as took the bag.
I looked at her.
"Do it for Tony."
She looked at me and what she said made me smile, proud of my youngest daughter.
"I'll let you know ASAP."
"That's all I ask."
Later that day…
Ziva, McGee, and I were all staring at Tony's desk, consumed in our own thoughts. My thoughts? My thoughts were about how broken my family is becoming.
My wife, Jenny, is dead. My daughter, Kate is dead. My brother, Chris, is dead. My nieces, Jenny and Michelle are dead. Now my oldest and most loyal child, Tony, is dead. Who killed him? Now, only my adoptive Israeli daughter, Ziva, who has become so loyal and trustworthy to us, and my youngest son, Tim, who is so smart it's insane, are left.
Suddenly, my phone rang.
"Yeah?"
"Gibbs! Gibbs! Gibbs! Gibbs! The results are back!"
"Who did it, Abs?"
"I'm waiting on you. You've got two minutes to get over here with the team."
"We're on our way, Abs."
I hung up and looked at my team, or what's left of it.
"C'mon." Then I led everyone up to Abby's lab.
In Abby's lab….
"Gibbs! Tim! Ziva! I've got it!"
"Do it, Abby. Let's see who killed Tony." Ziva encouraged.
Abby nodded.
"And the killer is…"
Abby pushed a button and my face came up.
"Gibbs?"
Everyone looked at me.
I was so dumbfounded that I couldn't say a word.
"Gibbs?" Abby chocked.
"I-" is all I could get out.
"You killed Tony?" Ziva asked/stated. There was a hint of mockery in her voice.
"He couldn't." Tim stated.
"I guess he did." Ziva stated. She appeared to be smirking a little.
Ziva's POV
Washington D.C. Abby's Lab.
I stared at the scene, feeling extremely proud. It worked. Mission accomplished. I secretly switched the evidence to make it look like Gibbs killed Tony. Serves him right for letting Michael die.
I let myself smirk just a little as I watched Gibbs squirm and Tim and Abby stare at him accusingly. They were so shocked and horrified.
They believe my lies.
Every single one.
Authors note: okay, very long chapter. Hopefully we're even now. I make you wait, I provide a huge chapter with a major twist at the end. Before you ask, no it is not over, and no the story has not changed. I'll try to update sooner. For now, please comment, like follow, etc. I can't begin to explain how much I appreciate it! 3