Several Hours Later:

In An Abandoned Warehouse:

"Oh, my God! Will somebody shut that brat up?!" A man yelled, holding his hands over his ears to keep Ariel's screams blocked out.

"Don't these things come with an off switch?" A second man questioned.

"How long has she been screaming like that?" A woman demanded, walking in with another man.

The woman was older with long dark blonde hair tied up in a neat and tight bun and green eyes.

The man was also older, with well-groomed, short, sandy brown hair and green eyes.

"Periodically since we brought her here. Sometimes she'll just cry or sob, and other times—well, you can hear her. And when she's not going off like a damn siren, she sleeping." One of the men answered.

"Well, she certainly has a set of lungs on her. Who are the brats?" The woman demanded, noticing Jasper and Sterling.

"From what we've gathered, they're her older brothers on her father's side." The man spoke.

"And who is her father? What's his name?" The man with the woman demanded.

"That we don't know. The lady who had the children wouldn't give any names. We only know the boys are the girl's brother because they keep telling us to stay away from their sister. One of them bit me." The man angrily answered.

"The only thing we got was that some agent called Gibbs has been taking care of them until they can safely be placed with their father and his family. There are two other agents who were aiding Gibbs in watching the kids. Agent DiNozzel and Agent Todd." The second man added.

"Ok. You may be excused for ten minutes. But be back in ten minutes or you'll be fired. You remember what happened to the last guy we fired, right? Good. Ten minutes and not a second later." The woman coldly instructed before walking down to the kids.

"Yes, Ma'am." The men replied.

"Wait!" The woman stopped the men.

"Yes, Ma'am?" The men questioned.

"What's wrong, Dear?" The man questioned.

"What is that thing doing here—alive? I thought I gave specific orders to have that thing terminated." The woman demanded, narrowing her eyes at Haru.

"Sorry, Ma'am. But if we kill the dog and they should find him somehow, it will lead right back to us. And in the US, people don't like when you kill animals. You will get put in prison—nothing can save you from that. And when it comes to kids and animals, most who hurt them, don't fare well in prison. Your immunity won't save you from animal or child abuse. One of the men offered to take the dog later tonight and he won't be a problem to you or anyone in your family." One of the men answered, speaking low.

"Fine. Go before I change my mind." The woman ordered.

"Yes, Ma'am." The men obeyed, scurrying away.

"Now, let's get a good look at you." The woman spoke, walking to Ariel.

"Don't touch her, you crazy psychopathic sociopath!" Jasper and Sterling yelled, standing in front of Ariel.

"How cute. Big words for a child. I suppose we could find a place for you. Keep in mind: I've had children killed for less. But I'm feeling generous. Now, let me see my grandchild. Come here, sweet Willow May. Your mommy can fake your death all she wants, but that didn't work too well for her. Now, because of her little stunt, she's dead. Oh, don't worry, Sweetheart. You'll come home to where you belong, and everything will be perfect. You can forget all about that woman, and your future husband is all you'll ever have to worry about pleasing. God, you're worse than your mother when she was your age; she never cried near as much as Willow. Ugh." The woman threatened Jasper and Sterling before lifting Ariel into her arms before speaking to her. But then she noticed some things she didn't like.

"What is it, Delia?" The man questioned.

"Declain, she has blue eyes. And his hair color is just as atrocious." The woman, Delia, complained.

"And she's much too fair-skinned. But none of those problems matters, dear. The jet will be here in two hours. When we get her back home, we'll give her a spray tan, bleach her hair, and dye her eyes to look like the perfect little girl." The man, Declain, ensured his wife.

"She's perfect just the way she is!" Jasper furiously yelled.

"Oh, Dear; you have a lot to learn. Here. Enjoy Willow's company; these will be the last few hours you'll get to see her as anything more than a peasant." Delia calmly spoke to Jasper and Sterling, dropping Ariel next to them.

It was only a foot or so above the floor, but Ariel still fell backwards, hit her head, and started bawling even more than before. This set off Haru, who started going wild in the kennel he was locked in.

"You're lucky you get to live another day." Delia threatened Haru before walking away as their men walked in, a—minute and a half early.

"Good. You're early. Anything on our grandson?" Declain praised the men before asking a new person.

"No, Sir. Group R had them in their sights in Georgia, but they lost them in some crowd. Crow is on the visual screen in the meeting room." The woman answered, bowing a little.

"Good. You two, come with us; we may have a new job for you. You stay here; you're in charge of the brats and the dog." Delia ordered the men and the woman.

"Yes, Ma'am." The men and woman obeyed, bowing.

Ten Minutes Later:

"I hate that woman. She thinks she's all that because she's married to Declain. So, one of them killed someone in front of you, huh?" The woman grumbled before noticing that Ariel, Jasper, and Sterling all had blood splatter on the fronts of their clothes. It looked like someone had tried wiping the blood off their faces and out of their hair.

"I can't believe they would sink so low as to kill someone in front of small children—especially in the way they do it." The woman continued to grumble as she circled the kids.

"Don't touch her!" Jasper and Sterling yelled, trying not to cry. They believed they had to stay brave for Ariel.

"I know she's Tessa's daughter; she was my best friend. But I like her father. But that's a whole big thing. You two, I don't know." The woman spoke, squatting in front of the kids.

"We're her brothers, and we're going to protect her!" Jasper and Sterling yelled, keeping Ariel's name a secret. They didn't know why, but Delia kept calling her Willow—and with what they already knew, they guessed they didn't know her real name.

"You mean Ariel? Yeah, I know her real name. I was her mother's best friend. I betrayed her—and I deeply regret that. But her father—oh, my lord. But that's not for your ears." The woman spoke with a dreamy smile.

"Then why say anything at all?" Sterling questioned, annoyed.

"Do you know our father?" Jasper questioned, narrowing his eyes.

"I don't know why. I guess I'm just stupid like that. No, I don't know your father; Tessa never told me." The woman answered with a shrug.

"Why are you telling us this?" Jasper and Sterling questioned, watching her walk over to Haru.

"Because I don't like kids; I never want any of my own. That being said, I hate people who hurt them more. I don't believe in traumatizing them either. When you see your agent friends, let them know my name is Krista. Don't stop for anyone you don't know." The woman, Krista, instructed, releasing Haru before lifting the kids over one by one.

"Why are you doing this?" Jasper and Sterling asked, confused.

"I already told you: I hate when harm of any kind comes to a child. Now, make sure you two stay on either side of your sister and Haru. That way, she doesn't fall off and get hurt. Follow me." Krista instructed, placing Ariel on Haru's back.

"What about the others?" Sterling inquired as they followed Krista to a door.

"Go on. Don't worry about them too much. I rigged their door to tightly seal once they closed their door for their meeting with Group R. And after five minutes, the room should start to fill up with sleeping gas. I have regrets—deep regrets: Tessa was my best friend and I betrayed her; I owe her this. I owe it to her to see that her daughter is safe—or at least to get her out of this hell hole. Follow me and stay close." Krista explained, letting them out of the building.

Ten Minutes Later:

"That was a long walk from that building to here." Jasper noted once they made it past a gate.

"It's to deter vandals and teens from coming onto the property and destroying shit. It doesn't. But this is where we part ways. You four go that way and you should make it to town within fifteen minutes on foot—as long as you don't stop too often. You should make it to town just as the sun starts to set. Don't go near the water, stay off the road, and don't talk to anyone you don't know or recognize. I don't know who or how many people these people have working with or for them. If someone tries forcibly taking you, scream as loud as you can, or do whatever you can to attract attention to you. Three babies and a dog covered in blood are bound to get someone's attention, and hopefully they'll call the police. I haven't been out of the building in three days, so I don't know what's going on in the outside world. As far as I know, there could already be an Amber Alert. But do you understand everything as I've told you?" Krista explained before firmly instructing.

"We're not babies; we're six." Jasper and Sterling protested.

"Oh, you're just so cute. Do you understand what I've told you?" Krista picked on the boys before once again asking.

"Yes." The boys answered.

"And most importantly?" Krista questioned.

"To make sure Ariel and each other are safe." Jasper and Sterling answered in unison.

"Ok, that's not creepy at all." Krista replied, creeped out.

"Thank you." Jasper and Sterling replied with smiles.

"Ok, I'm gone. Make sure you find safety. Oh, and tell the police or FBI that this place is called D and D Docking and Shipping." Krista instructed before walking away.

"Ok. And thank you!" Jasper and Sterling called.

"Come on, let's go find Dad and the others." Sterling instructed, standing to Haru and Ariel's right.

"Right. We're going home, Ariel. Or, well… We're going to NCIS." Jasper added, becoming flustered.

Ariel, meanwhile, was deflated; she had no energy from all the crying.

With Fornell:

"What's been going on at work?" Diane asked Fornell as he drove down the road.

"I can't discuss that with you right now." Fornell answered as calmly as he could. Diane could smell fear, and he knew it.

"Since when?" Diane demanded, looking up from her compact mirror to look at Fornell.

"Oh, I don't know—since I value my life." Fornell answered before mentally smacking himself when he realized he said the wrong thing.

"Excuse me? Are we in danger? Is Emily in danger?" Diane demanded, her voice rising every second.

"No. We're not in any sort of danger; Emily is perfectly safe. This has to do with NCIS." Fornell immediately put a stop to Diane's panic. He was also hoping she'd drop it.

"NCIS? Oh, you mean Leroy Jethro Gibbs. What did he do or say this time?" Diane questioned, shattering Fornell's hopes that she'd drop it.

"He's working on an Amber Alert case." Fornell answered, rubbing his brow, annoyed.

"What in the world?" Diane was going to reply when she looked out her window and saw Sterling, Haru, Ariel, and Jasper.

"What now?" Fornell asked, annoyed.

"Lose the attitude. There are three small children and a large dog walking into town alone. Stop the car." Diane ordered, trying to look back to see the kids.

"What?!" Fornell questioned, pulling over.

Sure enough, when they exited the car, Fornell saw what Diane was talking about.

"Wait. That dog won't let you near those kids—or not the little girl at least. Hold on." Fornell instructed, getting his phone.

"This is Tobias Fornell. It is five-forty-nine at night. I have a direct location and visual for the three children and dog taken from NCIS eight and a half hours ago around nine in the morning. Send some backup, but for now that's all. I will call NCIS to let them know as well." Fornell made a call to someone from the FBI.

"What do you want, Fornell?" Gibbs answered his phone, annoyed.

"Well, hello to you too. I just thought I should tell you to get your agents and medical examiner and meet me at the part of town that exits into the countryside—next to the old baseball field. We can play I Spy." Fornell calmly replied.

"I Spy? I'm not in the mood for stupid games, Fornell." Gibbs angrily retorted.

"I know. Just humor me." Fornell replied with a smirk.

"Fine." Gibbs replied, inhaling deep.

"While on the way home with Diane, I spied a large dog, two boys, and a little girl walking into town." Fornell replied, watching Diane walking over to the kids and Haru.

"Damnit, Fornell! Why the hell didn't you just say you found the kids?! Are they ok?" Gibbs exploded.

"As far as I can tell, they're fine; the boys seem to be walking just fine, and the little girl is on the dog. I suppose if anything, they look like they need fresh clothes. I'd also bring your medical examiner just in case. Diane doesn't know anything other than they were kidnapped earlier. However, I think she'll figure it out shortly." Fornell explained.

"Why? DiNozzo, Todd, now! Call Ducky and Abby!" Gibbs questioned before ordering Tony and Kate to follow him.

"Well, she's trying to get them to go with her. It seems to boys are showing resistance—and she's starting to become frustrated." Fornell answered.

"Make sure the kids are ok. If you have to get their attention by saying they're my kids, sobeit. I don't care if Diane knows right now. We're on our way and will be there shortly. I'm driving." Gibbs replied before hanging up.

"I almost feel bad for his agents." Fornell muttered to himself before taking a deep breath.

"Hey, are you ok?" Diane decided not to listen to Fornell and walked over to the kids.

"We're fine, thank you." Sterling and Jasper defensively replied.

"It looks like you and the girl are hurt." Diane tried again.

"We're fine. Our sister is sleeping." Sterling and Jasper continued to defensively reply.

'Why does that attitude of theirs seem so familiar? Come to think of it, they look a little familiar as well.' Diane thought to herself.

"Why don't you let me help you?" Diane tried once again.

"No, thank you. We'll be fine." Sterling and Jasper firmly insisted, going to walk around Diane.

"Now, that's quite enough of that. What did your parents teach you? You three are not ok. Now, come on." Diane ordered, having enough.

"Diane, that's enough. They're probably only protecting their sister. Jasper, Sterling, and Ariel—Gibbs's kids." Fornell stopped Diane before the boys could yell or scream. He then firmly called the kids, getting their attention.

"You're that FBI guy Dad was talking to earlier." Jasper and Sterling spoke.

"Yeah, that's me. Are you three unharmed?" Fornell questioned, walking over to them.

"Yeah, we're ok. Our sister is asleep." Sterling answered.

"Except our feet hurt now." Jasper complained.

"Gibbs's kids? What? No way!" Diane was now in shock.

"That's my wife, Diane. You two did the right thing. But now it's time to come with me. Your dad and the others are on their way." Fornell instructed.

"I know you must be under a lot of stress, but why are you covered in blood? Come on, Diane; you have plenty of time to mull over the fact that Gibbs has kids—just not in a ditch." Fornell questioned, leading the way. He then called his wife over to the car.

"They killed one of their workers because he did something wrong." Sterling answered.

"In front of you?" Fornell asked, horrified.

"Yes." Sterling and Jasper answered.

"Wahh…" Ariel stretched and made a noise as she started waking up.

"Her too?" Fornell questioned, horrified as Ariel leaned up just enough for him to see blood all over her clothes.

"Yes." Jasper muttered.

"Do you have any candy or something to eat?" Sterling inquired, watching Fornell.

"Didn't they feed you?" Fornell questioned, watching the kids.

"No." Jasper and Sterling answered. At the same time, Ariel nodded her head and rubbed her eyes.

"What is the last thing you ate?" Diane questioned, dreading the answer, finally coming out of shock.

"A doughnut. Mr. DiNozzo let us each have a doughnut for breakfast. The one he gave our sister, she shared with him." Jasper answered.

"I have to call Mom and let her know we're going to be late." Diane frantically announced, realizing how late they were. She scrambled into her car and started looking around while she waited for her mom to answer the phone.

"I think she's looking for you." Fornell informed the kids, not taking his eyes off them.

"No, Mom, we're fine. We ran into three young children and their dog who had been kidnapped earlier today."

"No, not literally, Mom. Tobias was driving and I happened to see them walking into town from the country."

"Mom, I can't give you that information and you know that. I do believe it's an ongoing case, and you know I'm not allowed to discuss those with you."

"Yes, Mom. They're alive and well, but that's all I can tell you. Here. It's not much, but it's something. There's half a ham and cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, and some chips in there." Diane was heard talking on the phone before getting Fornell's attention.

"Thank you, Mrs. Diane." Jasper and Sterling thanked Diane for the food—even if it was just leftovers.

"Thank you." Ariel slowly signed thank you.

"Good grief, Mother." Diane groaned and leaned back in the car.

"Hold on a second. I'm not going to do anything to her; I'm just going to make sure she doesn't fall off." Fornell slowly lifted Ariel off Haru from under her arms and set her on her feet. However, she ended up plopping on her butt against Haru and waited.

"Here you go, Ariel." Jasper gave Ariel a piece of sandwich after Sterling broke it into three small pieces.

"Are the children ok?" An FBI agent questioned, walking over with two other agents.

"Yeah, George, they're ok. They're alive and relatively unharmed, but they are hungry. The blood isn't theirs; their captors killed someone in front of them. What's wrong?" Fornell answered the agent before asking after seeing Ariel make a face.

"I don't think she likes the sandwich." Sterling answered.

"No, I don't think it's the sandwich she doesn't like; I don't think she likes the mayonnaise." Jasper corrected Sterling, watching Ariel take the ham and lettuce from the sandwich. They watched her give Haru the bread, cheese, and tomato.

"Ok…" Diane started but stopped when she saw Haru eating the bread and tomatoes.

"None of them like tomatoes, and she didn't like the mayo." Fornell explained to Diane, seeing her face.

"Well, I suppose the dog is hungry too. Mom is fine with watching Emily for as long as we need, but she expects a full report." Diane replied before informing Fornell.

"Of course, she does." Fornell grumbled.

"What was that?" Diane demanded, narrowing her eyes.

"Nothing, Dear. I love your mother." Fornell quickly replied.

"We have a possible suspect or drunk speeding this way." George informed Fornell.

"Ease up, George; that's Leroy Jethro Gibbs of NCIS. He is also the father of these three." Fornell assured George as Gibbs's car came to a screeching halt.

"Well, that was fun, wasn't it, Kate?" Tony insisted with a smile as Gibbs slammed the door behind him.

"That man is a menace to society." Caitlin muttered, holding onto the "oh, shit" bars for dear life.

"Give it time, Newbie; you'll get used to it. Buck up. Besides, it's all worth it in the end, isn't it? I mean, look at that. I've never seen him so freaked out like that before." Tony sincerely insisted after teasing Kate a little, getting out of the car.

"I suppose." Caitlin replied with a sigh and a small smile as they started following Gibbs.

"Kids!" Gibbs yelled, running over.

"Dad!" Sterling and Jasper called, seeing Gibbs. Ariel looked up but did not move.

"Stop. I can't let you have physical contact with them. I called to let you know I found the kids and dog as a courtesy. I waited to have them processed until you arrived for their comfort. That and I'm a little afraid of the dog. But I can't let you near them until they've been processed; you know this. The boys informed me that their captors killed someone in front of them. And because of that, they are covered in blood from head to toe. Now, as another courtesy, because of the peculiar circumstances, I will allow Ms. Sciuto, Dr. Mallard, and your two agents to process the children. But you have to remain hands off. Also, if I am to continue to allow this because of your involvement with the children and being their father, you have to officially recuse yourself from anything having to do with this case. That includes anything to do with Tessa because I believe she's a key factor in this case. Do you understand what I am telling you? Gibbs! The kids are fine. Agree to my terms, and I will tell you what else I've found out." Fornell firmly told Gibbs, keeping him at bay while George kept an eye on the kids.

"Boss." Tony started, watching Gibbs.

"Fine. As I said yesterday, I recuse myself." Gibbs gave in.

"No. Yesterday, you said you recuse yourself from Tessa's case. Now, I need you to swear that you stay out of this case involving your children." Fornell firmly told Gibbs.

"On my honor, I, Leroy Jethro Gibbs, swear to recuse myself revolving around Tessa and the kidnapping of my children. That being said, I demand to be kept in the loop, and to watch any interview conducted." Gibbs swore to behave himself—along with making a few of his own demands.

"Fine. Your agents will keep you in the loop. And you may watch any interviews from the other side of the two-way mirror. Under no circumstances are you to set foot—no, not even a pinky toe in the interrogation room." Fornell agreed to Gibbs's demand.

"Fine." Gibbs responded.

"Fine." Fornell responded.

"Good. Take care of my kids." Gibbs finally ended their—whatever it was that they were doing.

"Where are they?! Are they ok?!" Abby rushed over with Ducky and Gerald.

"They're fine. But they need to be processed. I was told their captives killed someone in front of them for doing something wrong. They said they were hungry and that their captives didn't feed them. They mentioned that all they had today was a doughnut. Diane gave them the rest of her lunch. The little girl didn't like the mayo and ended up only eating the ham and lettuce and gave the rest to the dog. None of them liked the tomatoes. One of the boys split the sandwich into thirds for them. I don't know where they've been, but they came from that direction—and looks like they had been walking for a good distance. That's all I got so far. You four may start processing the children." Fornell informed Gibbs, Tony, Caitlin, Abby, Ducky, and Gerald.

"Oh, my god. The resemblance is uncanny." Diane spoke, looking between Gibbs and the children.

"Oh. And maybe now might not be the best time, but the DNA results are in. Your daughter is your daughter." Abby informed Gibbs before going to process the kids.

"Whoever wanted a DNA test must be blind to not see that they belong to him." Diane grumbled, refusing to look at Gibbs.

"I asked for the test to be one hundred percent sure." Gibbs informed Diane, watching his kids get processed.

Before Diane or Fornell could say anything in return, they heard Ariel start fussing; she was not having any of what Abby and Caitlin were doing to her.

"Excuse me. Hands off; I won't touch anything or anyone. But if you don't let me over there, someone is going to be bit in retaliation." Gibbs spoke, pushing his way past FBI agents.

"Let him through. Hands off, Gibbs!" Fornell permitted Gibbs to help, making sure they knew he wasn't to handle anything physically.

"Hey. Hey, you." Gibbs got Ariel's attention, making sure not to use her name.

"It's ok. You know Tony, Caitlin, Abby, and Ducky. Gerald works with us too. They're not trying to hurt you; they're trying to help you. You need to let them do their jobs so that you can come back with me. Ok. Just watch me. I'm right here, and I won't go anywhere; I promise." Gibbs continued to speak to Ariel, keeping her attention on him.

"He's good with her. How the hell is he so good with her?" Diane whispered to Fornell.

"I don't know. He's had her since yesterday; they've probably bonded or something." Fornell responded.

"I've had plenty of practice before. I've babysat before, and I know plenty of people with kids." Gibbs answered Diane, indicating he heard her and Fornell.

"Did they have you change your underwear as well?" Tony questioned Jasper and Sterling, bagging the clothes they were wearing.

"No. These are the same ones we've been wearing since yesterday." Sterling answered.

"Did they touch you at all?" Caitlin questioned, getting fingerprints from Ariel, Sterling, and Jasper.

"The grandma lady picked our sister up and then put her back in the cage. The only time the guys who took us touched us was when they were carrying us from the building to the van, and then van to the building we were in." Jasper answered.

"The grandma lady?" Tony, Caitlin, and the FBI agents questioned, watching Jasper and Sterling, who kept quiet.

"We're done with you. Go see Ducky and then he will send you to your dad when he's done with you." Tony told Jasper and Sterling, sending them to Ducky.

"Can you tell us what happened to you?" George asked Ariel. Like always, she didn't reply.

"Don't bother trying to get answers out of her; she doesn't talk." Gibbs told George.

"At all?" George asked, stunned.

"Not at all." Gibbs answered, watching Abby carefully remove the outfit those people put on Ariel.

"Well, whoever had them, never changed her diaper." Caitlin noted as Abby put Ariel's dirty diaper in an evidence bag.

"Come on. Let's go see Ducky. Is the dog done?" Tony lifted Ariel but held her away from him before asking.

"Yeah, there seems to be nothing on the dog." Abby answered.

"Here you go. You two did great." Ducky handed Jasper and Sterling a sucker as Tony brought Ariel and Haru over.

"Thank you, Ducky." Jasper and Sterling thanked Ducky for the suckers.

"How are they, Duck?" Gibbs questioned, appearing next to the ambulance.

"Dad. When can we eat?" Jasper and Sterling immediately asked when he walked over.

"As soon as we're done here." Gibbs answered with a sigh.

"They're just fine. This one has a medium-sized bruise on his side. But he's fine otherwise. This one has a few scratches on his stomach and the bottom of his arms. But like his twin, he's just fine. I just got the little princess and the dog. If you have something for them to wear, you can take them to get clothes while I take care of them." Ducky answered Gibbs before insisting.

"Ok. Come on. We'll be right back." Gibbs instructed, leading the boys to his car. But not before letting Ariel know.

"I don't recognize these." Jasper spoke, looking at the pajamas Gibbs had for them.

"Neither do I." Sterling agreed, confused.

"I got the call that you, your sister, and the dog had been found. I suppose I could have dug through your bags to find you something, but I figured it'd be quicker to stop at a store and pick something up. They're only dollar store pajamas, but they should work for the night." Gibbs awkwardly explained.

"Thank you. We've never gotten new clothes just for us." Jasper thanked Gibbs first as he started putting his Batman pajamas on.

"Yeah, thanks. We always got our brothers'—and sometimes our sisters' old clothes." Sterling thanked Gibbs, putting on his Spiderman pajamas.

"I mean, it's not that we weren't thankful; we were." Jasper quickly added.

"At least we had clothes." Sterling added.

"Ok, calm down. I don't have any brothers or sisters, so I don't know what that's like. But I do know a lot of families who don't have a lot of money use hand-me-downs. However, I'm guessing that's not the case with your mother's side. That's not entirely the case with me, but I'm telling you right now, you'll be getting new clothes. And so will your sister. Ok?" Gibbs calmly told Jasper and Sterling.

"Yes, thank you. Umm… Can we ask a question?" Jasper and Sterling thanked Gibbs again before requesting.

"Shoot." Gibbs replied, thinking he knew what they were going to ask.

"Is there a reason you won't use any of our names—any of you?" Jasper and Sterling questioned.

"That's for your and your sister's safety. It's a long story, that you're a little young for. But I suppose I can try to explain it to you later." Gibbs answered the boys.

"Did our sister have a twin?" Sterling inquired, watching Gibbs.

"Does it have to do with the grandma and grandpa people?" Jasper asked Gibbs.

"Grandma and grandpa people? Not that I know of. Why would you ask if she had a twin?" Gibbs asked, confused.

"The lady said she was our sister's grandma, and she kept calling her Willow May." Jasper answered in a whisper.

"Ok… You're going to have to tell Tony or Caitlin and one of the FBI agents all that. There's nothing I can do. Do you understand me?" Gibbs firmly told the boys.

"Yes." Jasper and Sterling replied, confused.

"Hey, Boss. Your daughter and the dog are done now. Ducky cleaned and put her in a new diaper. And he said that she probably shouldn't be riding on the dog for a while—or leaning against him. Feeling around, he said the dog has some cracked ribs. He doesn't think it's anything serious, but the dog needs to take it easy for next month." Tony explained, handing Gibbs Ariel.

"Tony, for now, I'm not your boss; you're in charge. I am strictly hands off, remember? Now, she won't say anything, but the boys have information. How much, I don't know. But you need to get Catilin and an FBI agent or two because they'll probably question them separately. If I can't be with them, I need you and Caitlin to be." Gibbs firmly told Tony.

"Gibbs." Fornell accusingly walked over to Gibbs and Tony.

"I'm not telling him anything." Tony immediately insisted.

"I was telling him that while she won't say anything, the boys have information. I told them they would have to speak with Tony or Caitlin and an FBI agent. I told Tony if I couldn't be with them, he or Caitlin must—especially if they're going to be separated. That being said, I want any interviews done back at NCSI, so I can get them food." Gibbs calmly informed Fornell.

"Oh. Ok. Did they tell you anything already?" Fornell questioned, watching Gibbs.

"Only that their captors are quite possibly my daughter's mother's parents. And that they referred to my daughter by Willow May. Excuse me." Gibbs answered. He felt Ariel start to shiver, so he turned to set her in the car to get her new pajamas he picked up at the dollar store.

Ariel's new pajamas were pink and purple with Minnie Mouse.

"If we tell you where we were, can we go with Dad to get food?" Sterling begged. The boys and Ariel were starving after only having a doughnut, some chips, and part of a sandwich.

"You know where you were?" Fornell questioned, interested.

"Only if we can go with Dad." Jasper insisted with that same look Gibbs had.

"Yeah, fine." Fornell replied.

"Krista—she was the lady who helped us escape. She said the place was called D and D Docking and Shipping. It was a ten-minute walk from the building to the gates. And then she said it was a fifteen-minute walk to town from there. She said we should make it by the time the sun sets. But it seems we made it a little before." Jasper explained.

"Krista said she rigged a door to lock and seal tight once the lady, man, and other people shut the door behind them. She also said something about sleeping gas." Sterling added.

"Geroge: D and D Docking and Shipping. That's where the children said they and their dog were being held. I have to get home, so you're in charge until my next shift. Take plenty of notes and update me tomorrow. Agent Anthony DiNozzo is also in charge for the NCIS side, so take him and plenty of backup with you to the docking and shipping yard. No squabbling. Work together. And take gas masks just in case. The boys said there was a woman who helped them escape; she locked them in a sealed room with sleeping gas of sorts." Fornell ordered his men and Tony.

"Do I get Agent Todd?" Tony questioned, looking around.

"No, but I'll call Tom and have him send you some backup from NCIS; they'll meet you there. Don't worry, Fornell; I'll let him know to let them know that Tony is in charge." Gibbs answered and assured Fornell.

"Go. I don't suppose you have any car seats, do you?" Fornell ordered Tony and his men before turning his attention to Gibbs.

"Not yet, no. It's on my list." Gibbs answered.

"Ok. You two sit perfectly still in the back. I'm guessing you're going to have Agent Todd hold her." Fornell ordered Jasper and Sterling before asking Gibbs about Ariel.

"Her or Abby. I'm going to have the girls sit by the doors with the boys in the center." Gibbs answered.

"Ok. Have a good night. Are you ready, Diane?" Fornell bid Gibbs goodnight before going to his wife.

"Born ready." Diane replied, getting into her and Fornell's car.

Ten Minutes Later:

"Where are we going?" Abby and Caitlin questioned when they realized they weren't heading to NCIS.

"Shopping. The kids need car seats, clothes, and food. Ducky has Haru, so I don't have to worry about having to leave him in the car or dropping him off. For now, we'll get them a corndog or something they can while going through the store." Gibbs answered, looking for a place to stop.

"Most markets will only let you go around the store eating popcorn chicken or popcorn shrimp from those cups." Abby informed Gibbs.

"We're allergic to shrimp." Sterling and Jasper spoke up.

"So is Ariel. Popcorn chicken it is. As for your earlier question. In order to keep your sister safe, her mother made her family think she named Ariel Willow May instead of Ariel Hope. She came up with a very elaborate plan and went through with it. For now, that's all you need to know. Understood?" Gibbs replied.

"Yes, Dad." Jasper and Sterling answered with smiles.

Five Minutes Later:

"I need you to push a cart of stuff while I push the kids around. You two need to sit still back there." Gibbs told Caitlin and the boys, placing Ariel in the front seat before putting them in the back. Abby took off to find food for the kids.

"Ok." The boys replied, sitting still.

"Gibbs!" Abby called, walking over.

"What did you find?" Sterling and Jasper eagerly questioned.

"Three popcorn chicken cups and a box of cheese curds to share; there should be three cheese curds for each child. I've already paid for them. And as long as they stay in the cup or box and don't end up anywhere except their mouths, the kids can eat them through the store." Abby cheerfully answered, handing Jasper and Sterling a cup of popcorn chicken; she placed Ariel's next to her. And then, when they wanted a cheese curd, Abby would hand them one.

"Thank you, Abby." Jasper and Sterling thanked Abby before they started eating.

"Thank you." Ariel signed thank you before slowly eating her chicken.

"You're all very welcome. Where to first?" Abby replied before inquiring.

"Car seats, baby gates, one of those baby monitors, and then clothes." Gibbs answered, looking around.

"You have no clue where you're going, do you?" Caitlin asked after a few minutes of walking around.

"Absolutely none." 'It's been years since I've had to do this—and things have changed so much since then.' Gibbs answered before thinking to himself.

"How may I help you, Dear?" An older woman politely inquired when Caitlin walked over.

"My friend just got custody of his children but has no clue where to go. Could you point us toward the car seats, baby monitors, and baby gates?" Caitlin explained a little before requesting.

"Of course. You go all the way down this aisle and turn right. From there you go until you see aisle 18 on the left-hand side. That's where it all starts." The woman politely answered with a smile.

"Thank you." Caitlin and Gibbs thanked the woman before heading in the direction she gave them.

Half an Hour Later:

"Who would have thought there would be so many choices?" Abby inquired, bored out of her mind from looking at car seats, monitors, and baby gates.

"Who knew they'd be so particular? I think I'm good not having kids. I know they're a lot of work and a lifetime commitment. But this is crazy." Caitlin insisted, following Gibbs.

"It's a lot of work, but it is worth it." Gibbs responded with a smile, watching Ariel yawn as she held a piece of chicken in her hand.

"Have you always wanted kids?" Caitlin questioned, interested.

"Yeah." Gibbs honestly answered, turning a corner. It immediately had Ariel's attention:

· Bedding for kids

· Soft blankets

· Fuzzy blankets

· Soft pillows

· Fuzzy pillows

· Some stuffed animals

"I should have waited to turn for another aisle or two." Gibbs sighed, seeing Ariel light up. Even Jasper and Sterling's interest peaked.

"Well, they are going to need bedding." Abby insisted with a smile.

"Do you have bedding of your own?" Gibbs asked Jasper and Sterling.

"Yes. They're floral designed." Jasper and Sterling answered.

"For little boys?" Caitlin asked in shock.

"You may pick one bed set each. You may also pick one extra blanket, pillow, and two stuffed animals. Any other toys, we'll go shopping for a different day." Gibbs firmly told the kids. Well, he was trying to be firm; it wasn't going too well right now.

Gibbs had a soft spot for kids. And now that he had his own again—he wanted to spoil them. Yet, at the same time, he knows better.

"Thank you." The boys thanked Gibbs while Ariel signed it.

Jasper picked:

· A Space-themed bed set with planets.

· A purple and green plush blanket with Scooby-Doo.

· A dark blue pillow with stars all over.

· A large stuffed dog.

· A stuffed dinosaur.

Sterling picked:

· A tractor-themed bed set.

· A blue and green plush blanket with Scooby-Doo.

· A light green pillow with a dark green tractor on the front.

· A large stuffed dog.

· A stuffed dinosaur.

Ariel picked:

· The last Little Mermaid-themed bed set.

· A pink, purple, and blue plush blanket with Scooby-Doo.

· A pink and purple pillow with fairies on the front.

· A large stuffed white unicorn with a pink horn and rainbow mane and tail.

· A stuffed kitty.

"They are too adorable." Abby cooed, watching Ariel, Jasper, and Sterling sleep, cuddled together, with their large stuffed animals in the back end of the cart.

"It really must have been a long day for them." Caitlin insisted as they walked to the car.

"Yeah. Hopefully they remember what they want to tell Tony, you, and the FBI agents tomorrow. I'm not waking them unless they wake up on their own." Gibbs insisted, unlocking his car…