It was eight-thirty AM as Arizona strode down the corridor of Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, a huge grin plastered to her face. She was extremely happy, ever since the wedding of her and her beloved Calliope three months ago life had been nothing less than super. She was now bound in love to her soulmate and love of her life Calliope Torres and shared with her and Mark Sloane a beautiful little baby , Sofia, who had despite her early arrival in the car accident had displayed amazing strength and developement. Also as a bonus Arizona and Mark had grown a lot closer, arguing less and spending more time together having learned to appreciate and accept each others role in the family of four. Mark Sloane had now become the annoying big brother she never had, who argued with her over which movie to watch and what to put on the popcorn and now in baby arguements even took each others side or point of view which bugged Callie endlessly.
Today the sun sun shone brightly through the large pane glass windows into the rooms. The mood of the weather seemed to reflect the mood of the hospital also, as few emergencies arose and especially in the PEDS wing things were well. The children were stable and well-adjusted and the floor was quiet. Even Doctor Stark was smiling and interacting with the children, a rare occurence, but Arizona wasn't complaining.
As lunch came around Arizona walked theough the open double doors and scanned the noisy lunch room for her wife and their group of friends. She quickly found Mark's greying head of hair and saw him surrounded around the table by Callie, her best friend Teddy and Owen Hunt. "Hey guys" Arizona said happily as she sat down next to her wife and gave her a small peck on the cheek. "Hey babe" Callie replied. "Beautiful day, isn't it? Kinda makes you wish you were outside" Aruzona mused to the group. Teddy sighed "Yeah I know, but we're all stuck in here for the next 8 hours". "ughh" Mark grunted in agreement. "Its unusually quiet in the hospital today so we might get a chance to go out or leave early" Owen grunted as he crunched on his salad infront of him. Mark lifted his head from his hands were they were resting and smiled slyly "Things are quiet now but I bet you they won't be for long". Arizona slapped Mark lightly on the arm "Dont say that, you'll jinx us. What's wrong with a nice, quiet day", Callie nodded "I know Mark, don't be a joy-kill". Mark shrugged "Fine, but you know I'm right".
By seven-thirty pm the sun that shone on Seattle had subsided to give way to torrential downpour of heavy rain, thunder and gale-force winds that shook the city violently. The city was designated with weather warnings, to stay inside and keep away from the horrendous weather. Despite the rocky weather the hospital was still relatively quiet and the surgeons, attendings and residents alike found themselves perched on the sofa and chairs in the first floor foyer. All their surgeries finished or delayed they sat infront of the television screen in pure boredom. Bailey, the only absent member of the team stepped into view of the tele, stunned by constant reports of accidents and danger warnings. "What the he'll is goin' on out there?" she said in a tone of mild shock, "Its frigging biblical" said Robert stark in his well known tone of sarcasm. The group grunted and "yeah"ed in agreement. "You'd think that weather like this would cause some serious accidents. It's too quiet" Christina Yang said non-chalantly, Everyone looked at Christina at this statement. "Is surgery all you think about?" Meredith said in surprise to her best friend. Christina gazed at everyone in confusion "What?" she shrugged, April and Lexie glared at Christina shocked "You are evil" April said, Christina rolled her eyes at this "Oh shut it, what are you my conscience?", "No" April laughed "Apparently you don't have one". Alex let out a small laugh, "Get lost evil spawn" Christina snapped. Just as Alex was about to retaliate Chief Weber appeared with a solemn look on his face. "Everyone, listen up" he said, voice elevated. "There has been an accident on the motorway leading under the river" , "What kind of accident" Jackson cut in. "Due to the extreme weather conditions over the past hours there has been pressure placed on the Walls of the motorway leading underground and there has been a cave-in-". Among the group were gasps of worry and awe at this information, Chief weber glared "I am not finished" he shouted and the group immediately fell silent. "There is a large number of people trapped underground and there is a fear that the Walls may completely cave in and there is not enough Search and Rescue teams to handle this crisis on such short notice. They need help". Chief Weber scanned the faces of the surgeons and sighed "I have been told to assemble as many Doctors as possible to send down there for assistance with injured civilians. I am not going to lie to you, it is a very risky and dangerous job. Anyone who wishes to stay here with me to help with surgeries is free to do so, I will chose one or two to stay here with me". Chief could see by their expressions ,the worry and fear in their eyes at this task, but also the fierce determination. "Torres, Bailey and Fields. You stay with me to supervise with surgeries", Callie immediately jumped up at this "What?..why me?" she yelled in surprise. "Because" Chief Weber stated "You're still recovering from two major surgeries and since I need to send all my surgeons in, which include Robbins and Sloan" he said eyeing Callie "If anything were to happen to one of them you're still here safe to take care of your child". After the last sentence he could see a glimmer of fear set in Callies eyes and he could see her ready to argue "This isn't debatable" he said firmly and now looked at Arizona amd Mark who also looked fearful at the idea of the mission but relieved at the prospect of Callie not joining them. "Anyone who doesn't want to go, speak up now". Everyone remained silent, either in shock or agreement he wasn't sure. He waited a few more seconds before continuing "Okay, get moving". At this everyone moved off the seats and rushed off to get ready, but Callie, Mark and Arizona remained. Callie spun round to face them "You can't go" she stated simply. Arizona's face softened "Callie..we have to-", "No!" Callie exclaimed. "Callie, we'll be fine. We'll look after each other" Mark said firmly and Arizona nodded. "You just do your job here, okay" she said looking Callie in the eye "I love you" she said before stepping back and rushing off to get ready. Mark gave Callie a friendly hug and followed behind Arizona, looking back and giving callie a wink as he left. Callie was left in the foyer, helpless, as she watched her wife and best friend run up the stairs and out of sight. Bailey stood beside Callie, placing her arms around her in comfort "Theyll be okay" she said quietly to Callie before leading her out if the foyer.
Mark saw the look of fear and anger in Callie's eyes as Arizona and he walked away from her. A feeling of his own fear wrenched in his gut as he followed Arizona to the supplies area and collected the equipment they needed. No sooner had mark put on his fluorescent blue medical coat did tbd Chief enter the room full of surgeons "Okay team I'm going to split you into groups of four, each group will go by chopper to the sight and be directed by Search and Rescue. Group one: Karev, Stark, Sloan and Robbins. Mark mentally high-fived as he heard he was with Arizona, knowing he could keep a better eye on her that way. Alex also felt relieved as being paired with Stark meant possibly a difficult night ahead unless Arizona was there to pit him right. "-Group two: Kepner, Little Grey, Altman and Avery". Mark saw Lexie and Avery share a smile at being paired together and stood closer to one another and April stepped beside Teddy, keeping in group. "-And finally Group three: Grey, Sheppard, yang and Hunt", mark also noted the happiness as the two couples were grouped together and Meredith and Christina sided together whispering to each other with stony faces. Chief Weber glanced momentarily noting the distinct features and expressions on each of their faces, they stood watching him obediently like children awaiting instruction from parents. "Group one to the chopper first, the others will await the next one arriving. Good luck and God speed".
Arizona sat on the edge of her seat, literally as the helicopter swayed from the force of the wind pertruding from all angles. She couldn't feel anything but the butterflies in her stomach, her nerves were eating away at her. She couldn't reason with herself that everything would be okay, because she didn't know if they would be. She looked directly across from her seat to where Stark and Karev sat, both deadly still. Robert, the usually detached, irritable surgeon even had a mixed look of nervousness and fear, his forehead creased with worry. Karev merely traced his finger along the handle of the duffle bag of medical supplies held in his arms. Arizona lay her head back and sighed. Her feelings must have shown easily as she then felt a warm hand, bigger than her own slip into hers and grasp it tightly. She looked to her left and her eyes met with Mark's, who winked at her. At this she let out a small smile and felt some of her tension slip away if only for a moment. In reply she tightened her grip on Mark's hand, not wanting to let go.
Mark felt a large jolt as the chopper collided with the hard ground and a huge gust of freezing cold air hit his face, freezing him momentarily and making him shiver. "Hey, I'm Steve from Search and Rescue. I'm going to supervise you in the tunnel. Come with me" he said shouting over the wailing of sirens and blowing of wind and rain. With that Mark watched as Arizona climbed out of the chopper followed by Karev, Stark and himself. He immediately felt himself wobble on his feet and stumble over only to be caught by Stark with a hand to his shoulder, steadying him. "You alright?" he shouted to Mark. Mark nodded in thanks and gave him a thumbs up. The area was cluttered with wires and gurneys that Mark found himself weaving through. Finally the group stopped at what looked like a man-hole cover. The man pointed down at the hole "Okay, gang this is a Tunnel entrance to the underground tunnel and we have to climb down here to get there. We don't have time set up harnesses so be careful and when you get down there watch, it might be quite flooded" , "Flooded?" Mark shouted to him in confusion. "Yes" the man replied "The whole area is surrounded by the water from the river and some of the wall has cracked, that's why it's an emergency evacuation ordered. The people physically able to climb out will. The ones who can't will need to be carried out somehow". Arizona looked back unsurely at Mark before returning her attention to Steve. Steve took Arizona's arm and lead her to the ladder at the edge of the man-hole cover and she grabbed on to the edge and lowered herself down out of the sight of Mark.
Arizona lowered each foot slowly as she made her way down the tunnel. The ladder was wet and slippery and Arizona on instinct felt her knuckles tighten around the metal poles. The tunnel looked longer than it was and soon Arizona reached a solid stone landing, placing one foot after the other carefully so as not to slip. As soon as she reached the floor she released her hands from the ladder, stretching them to relax them from their super-tight grip. She looked up to see a pair of feet about ten metres upward making their way slowly down. She realised then she had to move on, the tunnel she saw hadone exit to her right which was rather small and restricted. She would gave to go down on her hands and knees. She moved forward through the tunnel until she saw a dim light at the end which became bugger the closer she moved. Eventually she climbed through the hole into the light. The sight she met amazed her. Dimly lit as the tunnel appeared she saw instantly a huge pile up of cars against the wall furthest away from her. More cars were scattered haphazardly on the Tarmac road, she noticed also huge cracks in the foundation and walks that poured small streams of liquid. Her gaze caught almost instantly to a large, battered yellow school bus that sat to the far left. Inside the bus, leant against the pane glass window was numbers of small children and young teenagers with looks of fear and horror plastered on their tiny faces. Shifting herself, she fell from the tunnel landing until her feet hit more solid ground. Though, as she hit the ground she felt a cold sensation flow around her ankles. Ice cold. The liquid she had seen earlier now pooled around her, covering her feet making her shiver. Arizona quickly was snapped from her thoughts by the wailing of scared voices all around her, she saw Search and Rescue members helping others and so made her way to the bus. Stopping at the window, met with the tiny humans faces pressed against the window, as though trying to break through the glass. Arizona put her hands up in a thumbs-up "Im going to get you out okay , don't worry I'll be right in" she said raising her voice to let the children hear. She waded through the cold water to the door, placed her hands against it and pushed with all her strength. The door creaked in acknowledgement of the pressure placed on it but didn't budge. She pushed again. Nothing. She noticed a small gap in the door, looking around she saw on the ground a loose pipe swaying in the waters current and grabbed it. Swinging her med kit bag ove her shoulder she raised the pole and wedged it into the gap. Making sure it was firmly in place and pushed in the opposite direction of the door opening. The door didn't move 'damn it' she thought angrily.
Mark pressed both feet onto the Tarmac and jumped at the feeling of the ice water at his feet "Aagh!" he yelled. Robert looked around at him and yelled "You alright?" he asked, Mark nodded and stepped forward scanning the road for Arizona. After a few moments he saw her at the door of a school bus smashed against the left side of the wall. He saw her pushing at the door, trying unsuccessfully to open it. He quickly ran towards it and out of the corner of his eye saw Stark and Karev trying to pry open a car door with the shape remeniscent of a pretzel. As he reached the door he reached out and touched Arizona's shoulder "Aagh!" she yelled and jumped to the side. Mark raised his hand in defense "Just me" he mused, she raised her hand to her chest and breathed deeply "Sorry" she sighed. "Jumpy?" he half laughed. "Can you help me with this it won't budge" she said exasperated. With that they both leaned hard against the pole, gritting their teeth until the door, moving inch by inch, was pushed open. Arizona gave a small smile and jumped up the steps, Mark following closely behind her. "Everyone Okay?" Mark yelled, a collection of 'yeahs ' and nodding of heads showed they were. "Okay kids listen up" Mark heard Arizona say "We're going to bring you off the bus two at a time okay". Again the kids nodded in agreement. Mark turned to Arizona "I count ten kids, none hurt we get them out and give them to Steve" arizona nodded and went to a seat, scooping two small children in her arms about five years old and walked quickly off the bus to the man in black uniform.
Arizona stepped off the bus carefully so she didn't trip. As she hit the Tarmac again she shivered, it was still as cold as the first time. The water gad risen in the short time spent on the bus and was now at her shins, they would all have to work faster. She ran over to Stevd who took the terrified children from her arms and ushered them through the tunnel. Arizona looked at him shocked "Youre just going to let them go up there by themselves?" she said , "No" he replied sternly "There are S and R men in the tunnel to take them up" he reassured her. As she turned she saw Mark right behind her with two more children, handing them to Steve he pulled her by the arm back to the bus and collected four more children of the bus and repeated the action. Only two teenagers were left. As they approached the bus door for the third time they heard a loud creaking noise all around them, the infrastructure was falling, bending, they knew it. They both shared a worried look as the Walls creaked and ground. Mark nudged Arizona in a hurrying motion "Move" he said whilst moving forward, Arozona quickly followed, carrying the frightened girl in her arms to the tunnel. After she left Arizona sighed "Lots more to go", "Damn Straight, shout if you need help" Mark replied and they moved in opposite directions to people in need.
Arizona jogged through the sea of cars on the road, leaning in and looking through the shattered glass windows for a sign of human life. Search and Rescue had done a good job evacuating people, but the road was long and there were more people further up. "Arizona" called out a female voice, she snapped to attention, scanning the area for the voice. She looked further ahead and saw April Kepner waving her hands frantically for Arizona. She was standing next to minivan, the left side of which was crushed against the wall. There was a burst pipe directly above the vehicle spraying water all over the car while April and Lexie tried to push another car away from the doors on the right hand side. Arizona struggled through the pool of water which she noticed now reached her knees, slowing her down, forcing her back. As she reached the van she was met by a thankful look from the young surgeons. Arizona looked at April "Whats the situation?" she asked bluntly "Car won't budge, there's a woman and two kids trapped in there. We think the mother might be more seriously injured" she said in reply. "And the car door won't budge?" "No" April sighed heavily. Arizona made her way over to the window of the vacant passenger seat, she gripped the handle and pulled with no luck. They didn't have time to mess about, they needed to open the doors now. As Arizona tried to think she saw April turn to Lexie "Tell the kids to move to the back, away from the front window. Tell them to cover themselves with something", Lexie and Arizona stared at her "What are you going to do?" Lexie asked her. "Just do it!" April ordered, Lexie turned to the children "Listen, I need you to stay back from the front window and cover your eyes, Okay. She yelled. The children yelled and moved back carefully, pulling their coats over their eyes. April then jumped on the hood of the van almost falling back off from the downpour of water from above making her slip. Arizona instinctively moved towards her placing a hand out for her to grab for balance. " Thanks, Im okay" April assured her. She stood up so that both feet were placed firmly on the hood. Lifting her right leg she smashed it down on the glass window causing a large crack to form on the windshield. She brought down her foot again two more timed before the screen fell through and small pieces of glass flew from the van. Lexie turned to Arizona, a smile on her face "Nice" she said, Arizona nodded "Impressive" she responded. "Guys?" came April's muffled voice, the two of them rushed up to the hood of the van as they saw two small children climb from the car. "Are you both okay?" Lexie called to them, they nodded. Lexie waved to the children to come over and took them in her arms. Arizona looked at her "Get the kids to the tunnel now" she ordered, Lexie nodded. "Mommy" the small boy whined. Lexie bounced him in her arms "Its okay mommy will be right behind us but we need to go, come on". Lexie turned and moved as quickly as possible towards the tunnel which was quite far away from here. As Lexie left Arizona climbed onto the hood and into the car. She saw April with a handful of Gauze and bandages on the womans shoulder. "There was a metal rod through her shoulder, I pulled it out" she said, "You pulled it out?" Arizona said surprised. "I think it was only a flesh wound and we don't have time to stitch her up anyway. We need to get her out of here". After they bandaged her Arizona grabbed the womans legs while April as gently as possible grabbed hold of her shoulders. The woman grunted in pain as she was lifted out of the van onto the hood and cold water collided with her shoulder. "Cover her, Kepner" Arizona said, April took off her coat and placed it over the woman's shoulders before grabbing her again. They gently eased her off of the hood sliding her down until she was held above the water by April and Arizona. They carried her through ther onslaught of cars, being met halfway through by Lexie and Mark who took hold of the woman and held her close to his chest, his arms held protectively around her. "Go help someone else, I got her" he said firmly, "You sure" Arizona shouted breathlessly, Mark nodded. "Alright, you two with me" she pointed to April and Lexie. As they hurried off in search of other people Arizona asked "Hey, have you seen any other doctors?" she inquired worriedly, "Last we saw, Jackson and Teddy were helping a couple somewhere up there" Lexie pointed round the corner. The group moved up further as they reached a quieter area. The metallic creaking began again making Arizona feel uneasy , she could feel their time running out and she didn't know where to start again. Lexie walked past her and walked over to a car door where a dog was pawing at the window trying to escape. The window was opened slightly and Lexie pryed her fingers in the gap, pulling down the window. As she did this the dog jumped out the window pushing forcefully past Lexie and knocking her down until she was shoulder deep in the water. "Lexie?" April shouted to her, Lexie coughed, spitting out water "Im fine" she coughed. As soon as she said this a snap was heard from above and Arizona and April looked up in fear. Nothing had happened. They sighed, relieved and looked back at Lexie. She wasn't there. Panic set in at Arizona, 'where has little Grey gone?' she wondered. "Wheres Lexie?" she shouted out loud as she and April trudged forward to the car. Arizona bent down and felt for Lexie under the water. She felt the soft feeling of flesh and gripped tightly pulling it up. Lexie's hand came to the surface first and April bent underwater pulling her up until she was lying on the hood of the car. She was unconscious. Arizona automatically put her hand to Lexie's neck trying to feel a pulse, a small bump was felt under her hand. She sighed. April placed her ear to Lexie's mouth and her face scrunched up in worry "Shes not breathing, Lexie?" she yelled. She places her hands on chest and started compressions. "1..2...3-" she whispered pressing down on her chest. Arizona stood still, watching Lexie for any sign of life. "-4..5" she stopped again putting her ear to Lexie's mouth. She lifted her head, looking at Arizona and shook it, she then placed her mouth to Lexie's and breathed into her. Arizona heard a spluttering cough as Lexie's body shook violently, dispelling the water from her lungs. Arizona laughed with joy which was followed by a shrill laugh from April, "Thank God" she mused. Arizona more closely inspected Lexie, there was a sizeable gash on her forehead where blood now oozed from. "What happened to her?" April asked aloud, Arizona looked to the front of the car and saw a thick metal pole floating in the water below. "Theres a pole down there, it must have hit her" Arizona noted. April began to lift Lexie from the car and Arizona grabbed Lexie by the shoulder, helping her. "We need to get her out of here" Arizona said, "Yeah" April replied. Just as they hauled Lexie up by her shoulders they heard another snap, only louder. Arizona looked around, the area was mainly deserted, only where up this end. April and Arizona looked at the wall at the other side, there was a massive crack in the wall from which large waterfall flew freely. Arizona could see the crack widening before her. The wall was just about to collapse, if they were going to get out of here they had to move NOW. Arizona glanced at April and her expression said that she was thinking the same. If this was a cartoon April's mouth would be hitting the floor. "Arizona..." April whispered in shock, "April, c-come on" Arizona stuttered pulling Lexie to the right. April followed and they started to run unsteadily through the water, which was up to their waists. Arizona heard a whoosh and before she could look back was swept off her feet by a powerful force and fell backwards, being engulfed by the water.
Mark jogged to the tunnel entrance, the woman, a heavy lifeless weight in his arms. He huffed breathelessly as he handed her over to Steve, hunched over and breathing deeply. Mark jumped as a hand gripped his shoulder, his senses heightened by the terror of the situation. He was out of his depth.
"Stark?" Mark said, "Yeah. You alright?" he asked. "Not really" came his reply. "Have you seen Robbins or Karev?" Stark asked, his voice laced with worry. Mark took a large gulp of air before continuing "Saw Robbins, Grey and Kepner a couple of hundred yards up", Robert nodded turning back. "Wait!" Mark shouted "Where are you going?", "For the others?" Robert shouted back. Mark straightened himself out "Im coming with you" he gasped, Robert scowled
"Your exhausted", "So are you?" Mark shot back "I can't just leave you to find them besides I promised Callie I'd look after Arizona". Robert noted the look of sheer determination on Mark's face. "Fine". "Woah!" said Steve placing his hand out to stop them "Where are you going, we need to leave". "We have to find our friends. Once we do we'll come straight out. I promise" Robert said firmly. With that he grabbed Mark's hand and followed through the icy water. They managed to get about thirty yards when they heard the swaying of water. They looked up ahead to see a wave rushing towards them, overturning cars and lorries down the road as it raged towards them. "Run!" Robert barked at Mark, grabbing his hand and pulling him in the opposite direction. Robert spotted an open car door out of the corner of his eye "In here" he yelled to Mark and pulled him by the arm to the car. He pulled Mark by his coat and hauled him inside, following him once he was inside and closing the door shut just on time before the huge wave came crashing down. Mark felt the force of the wave as the car flew up into the air being propelled forward and carried slowly by the current. Mark felt himself being thrusted around the small space, his head colliding with the window, seats and dashboard before he eventually lost all feeling. Blackness began to surround him, the crashing and crunching of cars and swishing of water dulled as he lost all consciousness.
Meredith climbed up the narrow tunnel and grabbed awkwardly for the ladder rung above her in desperation. The tunnel had just collapsed and the Search and Rescue team leader had ordered them to get back to the surface as quickly as possible. As she neared the opening to the surface she felt a strong pair of hands grip her arms and lift her up onto the hard ground before letting her go "Thank you" she said quickly. She stood up, swaying a little before regaining her balance and craned her neck up to search for her friends. "Meredith" shouted a sharp female voice, she recognised it instantly "Christina?" se shouted back scanning the area for her best friend. The ground around her was cluttered with Ambulance vehicles, gurneys and Fire Engines. Doctors, fire fighters, search and rescue, police and even Army personnel roamed the area attending to injured or commanding groups. Meredith felt herself being spun around and arms pull her into a tight hug. She recognised Christina's perfume and hugged her back, relieved to see her okay. As soon as Christina let go Derek was next again pulling her into a bone-crushing hug "Are you alright?". Meredith smiled "Im fine" she replied "Got dragged outta there by the guy. Never even told me why, I wasn't finished" she told them. "The walls collapsed" came Alex's gruff voice behind them, Meredith turned around and saw Alex followed by Teddy, Owen and Jackson. Owen cut past Meredith and hugged Christina, after he was done kepping his arm around her waist. Any other time Meredith knew Christina would have shied from public affection but she knew that she was glad to know Owen was okay. Meredith nodded at Teddy and Jackson expecting to see April and Lexie behind them and was surprised when they didn't appear "Where are April and Lexie?", Teddy looked shocked at this "We don't know, we just assumed that they found you" she said surprised, "No" said Derek flatly "You were in their group". Jackson shrugged "There was too many people. We lost track of them". He paused a moment before looking up worriedly "Does that mean they're still down there?" he shouted.
Owen looked pensive for a moment "Alright" he stated "Who's here and who's missing?" he asked. "Stark, Robbins and Sloan were in my group. I haven't seen them since I was down there" he said. "So the five of them are still down there and the wall's collapsed" Christina cut in, "We don't know that" Owen replied. "Okay, we spread out. Try and find them, meet here in ten", everyone nodded before turning on opposite directions and searching for their missing friends.
April gasped for air as she reached the surface of water, coughing and spluttering. Gasping desperately as the fresh, cold air penetrated her lungs. Her eyes were blurry and stinging from the water hittig them, her head was spinning and she was shivering all over. The water was soo cold she thought to herself. She flailed her arms rapidly, struggling to stay afloat, she was exhausted but adrenaline kept her going, survival kept her going. Then she remembered Arizona and Lexie were with her, Lexie was hurt, unconscious. April whipped her head around searching for them but all she saw was the cracked grey walls, piled up cars, cars overturned and floating. It took April a while to realise as reality set in that she was able to touch the ground with her feet. The water however instead of being at her waist was now at her shoulders and the current of flowing water kept her from standing still more than three seconds on her feet. She needed to find the others, she began to take small, unsteady steps forward in a desperate attempt to keep her balance and control. She looked back, she was a few hundred yards down from the area she had been as the crack which had widened next to them was noticable from afar. April knew the crack had released much more water and that it would become much higher, much sooner. April saw out of her peripheral vision a shape by the corner. A car situated at the side if the road merely a few iches above the water level held the unconscious form of Lexie Grey, perched on the roof with legs and arms splayed across. "Lexie" April yelled in deep concern for her friend. She tried to walk against the current which gave fierce resistance and she soon tired out, fighting for breath. She realised she couldn't get there on her own and grabbed onto a car, dragging herself along until she reached Lexie, turning her over. Cupping her face in her hands and bringing her ear to Lexie's mouth. She was breathing. April laughed happily at this. Now she just had to find Arizona. Somehow.
Robert awoke to the smell of the water. The freshness of it shocked him, startled he jumped up. He groaned I pain as the muscled of his back spasmed and ached, his head felt heavy and his vision sluggish. He blinked a few times and opened his eyes again, a feeling of surprise and clarity came to him. Now he remembered, the wave of water that hurdled toward them. They had ran to the car and now, that car was sunken, underwater. Robert looked at the windshield and saw a small hole, merely a crack which was spurting water into the car. He looked back to see Mark Sloan straddled ober the backseat unconscious and unmoving. Robert reached back and shook Mark harshly trying to wake him "Mark. Wake up!" he yelled. At this Mark shifted and turned over "Ughh!" he moaned in pain. "What happened?" he mumbled rubbing his temples, his eyes still shut, Robert shook him harder "Look up, we're underwater. We need to move" he ordered. Mark looked up in confusion "What?...Oh shit" he stated, "I know" Robert replied already on his feet. Mark quickly scramble to his feet "What now?" he inquired in panic, Robert stared at him "Im going to break in the windshield" he said. Mark raised his eyebrows "Wont the water stop us from getting out" he asked, "No. We're not far underwater, it's only up to the roof" "How do you know?" "I can see it" Robert said confidently. He gave Mark a look "Ready?" he asked, Mark nodded in agreement. Robert lifted his arm and elbowed the screen near the crack and water flooded through in succession. Robert ushered Mark out and followed him behind. They both stood on the roof of the car, shocked into silence by the sight before them. The destruction of the road which wasn't visable as water had risen to double it's height before the wave. "Good god, where is everybody?" Mark wondered. Robert shrugged "I think we were the only ones.." he said before stopping. Mark eyed him but noticed Robert was looking to the far left down the tunnel. A figure was crushed against the wall by a car, lying with their head flat on the roof and showing no sign of life. "Good God, it's Arizona" Mark exclaimed. Mark glanced nervously to the right and was shocked as he saw what looked like April Kepner struggling against the fast-flowing water, trying to carry a person. "Stark, it's Kepner" he said pointing to his right, Robert snapped his head round to see the tiny form of his friend and crush, fighting determined among the current.
Mark's brain whirred as he saw April and Arizona at opposite ends of the tunnel. He desperately wanted to help both but knew he and Stark would have to coordinate "Hey" Stark yelled gaining his attention "You help April with the civilian, your taller you'll move faster. I'll help Arizona at the car. You come meet me there I don't think I'll be able to move it on my own even underwater" he said quickly "Cool" mark stated, he could do that. With that Stark jumped in the water to Arizona's aid and Mark began to hop the roofs of the cars close to him to help save time and effort. April saw Mark Sloan approach her and felt relief pour through her, she needed help as she could barely keep her head above the water never mind Lexie's. "Dr Sloan" she gasped she yelled as he jumped into the water next to her. He saw that Lexie was the unconscious person, worry etched across his face "Is she-" "She's breathing" April assured him. He grabbed hold of Lexie and pulled her close to him "Come on" he said and she followed behind him "You okay?" he asked, she nodded. "What happened to her?" he said loudly over the gushing of the water while walking. "I was with Lexie and Arizona up there and a pipe fell on Lexie's head and then not long after the wall caved" she said her face solemn, she decided to omit the detail that Lexie had stopped breathing ad she ad Arizona had to revive her. Arizona! She thought "Arizona, Oh my God she's still down here. We have to find her" she said panicked. "April" he yelled "Arizona is up there" he nodded forward with his head. "She's trapped between a car. Stark's with her" "Oh my God. Is she okay? Is Robert okay?" she said quickly. "I don't know but we have to move quickly. The tunnels bad now but it'll get worse" he said firmly trying to hide his own panic and worry.
Robert waddled his way to the car, coughing and wheezing, the cold was getting to him. Hs skin was wrinkles and peeling, it was the worst cold shower he'd ever had. "Arizona ?" he yelled as he reached the car, he was sure it was Arizona, only now her bouncy blonde curls were matted to her head, soaked and her head was flat on the cold steel roof. He moved in closer to see her face which was, instead of her usual smiley grin was impassive and equal to that of a coma patient. Robert sighed, the one time he was dying to see the usually annoying happy, super grin and Arizona was unconscious and exuming nothing but pain. "Arizona!" he yelled again closer to her ear and shook her a little forcefully, but light enough so as not to do damage. At this he heard a small moan escape Arizona's lips, he saw her eyes flutter ever-so-slightly and her head tilt a little higher trying to look up. "D-Dr...Dr Stark?" she muttered almost silently "Aghh!" she moaned again louder in extreme pain. "I'm here, its alright" he said softly "Where are you hurt?" he continued. "Everywhere" she replied "I feel like my head is on fire, I-I,I cant feel my legs". Robert felt his heart sink at this, Arizona was obviously very injured and Robert knew there was nothing he could do for this but to try and get her out. "I'm going to try and get you out, Sloan's on his way here with April" "April, she's okay?" she whispered, Robert smiled a little "What about Lexie?" she pressed on. 'Lexie?" he thought to himself, that must have been the body April was carrying. Arizona looked shakily at Robert, waiting for an answer "I think she's with April" he replied truthly. He looked to the side and saw Mark with April, he breathed a sigh of relief and just as surely he saw Mark carrying an unconscious Lexie Grey in his arms. Mark and April arrived at the car and Robert met April's gaze, she gave him a small smile which he returned gratefully, both displaying mutual appreciation to see each other. So funny, how a life-threatening disaster could put things in perspective. "How is she?" Mark whispered next to Robert's ear "Bad shape, but conscious that's a good sign. We need to move her outta this car" he whispered back, Mark nodded. "Kepner" he said, she jumped up at her name "Take Lexie for me" he shouted and April pushed herself over, grabbing Lexie's arm and placing it over her shoulder while taking her free arm to grasp Lexie's waist for support. Mark and Robert moved to opposite ends of the car, beside the wall and placing both hands on the car bonnet and hood. Arizona turned her head slowly to face Mark who met her gaze and winked at her "You're gonna be okay, i promise" he said smiling his trade mark Sloan smile. With that they pushed away from the wall and felt the car edging steadily away until Arizona started to slip down from the hood into the water, unable to stop herself. Mark and Robert seeing this jumped down to reach her and both grabed each arm, pulling her back up "Woah, where do you think you're goin' Blondie?" said Mark sarcastically as he pulled her up into his arms, her face beside his to keep her above the water. Arizona groaned as he did this, her face scrunching up in pain. Robert let go of her hand and made his way around the car over to April, who had placed her herself on the roof of another car metres away to keep herself and Lexie up above the water level. Robert lifted his arms up, motioning to April to hand him Lexie. "April give me Lexie, I'll carry her" he said as he took Lexie and placed her over his shoulder "We need to find a way outta here".
Jackson tapped his foot impatiently as he waited near the tunnel entrance, he had searched everywhere, asked everyone if they had seen their missing friends but no one had. With every minute that passed he felt himself losing the ability to rationalise to himself that Lexie and April were okay, unharmed. If anything happened to them he would blame himself, how could he not? he was in their group. April was his best friend, he had known her since Med school, her bubbly, bright and quirky personality brightened up his day and she was the only one he could confide in with his social and professional problems and not be judged. She was like a sister to him. And Lexie, she was his obsession, the person who shared his fun, adventurous side but who also helped him and comforted him when he needed. He loved her. He loved her, he could'nt lose her. He saw the worry and disappiontment on each of their faces as the group all made their way back to the rendevous point. Meredith looked to everyone, hoping, but they had all returned and none of the mising were among them. Jackson saw Meredith's face physically drain of colour "No-one saw them?" she asked pleadingly, there was only silence. Meredith buried herself in Derek's jacket and tears sprung down her cheeks. Even Christina could offer no light hearted joke or words of comfort as she too felt the seriousness and uncertainty of the situation. Jackson felt himself become physically sick and frozen to the spot. As they stood a man dressed in black came towards them "Are you the group who are missing some of your colleagues?" they all nodded "Just because you can't find them does'nt mean they're down there, it might mean that they've returned to the hospital". The group remained silent, their looks that of disbilief. The man continued "We will continue searching for them but you have been ordered to return to your hospital due to unsafe weather conditions here and you have people to treat there. Go!" he ordered, pointing to the choppers sat on the other side of the terrain. The weather was still rampaging rain and gale force winds that shook the ground they stood on. One-by-one they piled into the helicopters to be transported back to Seattle Grace Mercy West without the five remaining members of their team.
Bailey rushed down the corridors of the OR floor with a number of charts piled in her arms. She had recieved call that there were more than two hundred patients to be admitted for medical care, many for surgery. The more dire surgical or medical cases were to be admitted to her hospital as it was nearer than Seattle Presbytarian and so she hurriedly began to prepare OR's and delegate tasks to nurses and doctors alike. Still despite her hurried state her mind still could'nt help but wonder to her babies, the surgeons she had raised and taught,even if not from the very beginning and her fellow attendings who still viewed her as a scarier higher power than them, as 'The Nazi'. She had kept Callie Torres busy, for the simple reason so that she didnt break down or worry that her Wife and best friend, parents of her child and own little family, had been seriously injured or worse. Bailey felt sorry for her as she had seen the indignation in her eyes as she realised she could'nt join them or stop them from volunteering themselves. Bailey knew also that even had Callie begged and pleaded with them to stay on the sidelines with her that they would'nt have done anyway, it just was'nt who they were. Despite their quirks and eccentricities and flaws, Bailey did'nt question the unfeterred loyaly and determination to the job that all the surgeons at this hospital radiated, to helping people. Nothing would get in their way to helping save a patient, nothing. As she turned the corner into the main area and entered through the door of the supply closet Bailey saw Callie at the end, tears in her eyes. Worry radiated off of her. Bailey stood by the door for a second, unsure of whether to say something but went over anyway. "Callie?" she said with slight trepidation, there was only silence. "I guess it would be a stupid question to ask if you alright" she continued. At this Callie looked up at the ceiling and back, her face twisted in anger and worry "I hate standing by the sidelines" she stated. Bailey looked down at her feet guiltily, she knew the feeling "I know" she replied "But Callie.." she continued "You know what the Chief said was right". "But I'm fine" she said through gritted teeth "No you're not" Bailey butted in angrily making Callie look at her in surprise. "I feel fine, I feel fit for work". Bailey rolled her eyes at this "Whether you feel fine or not does'nt matter. The fact is you had two major intrusive surgeries a very short time ago and the only reason you feel fine is because you pushed yourself to feel fine" she said, her voice raised. She stepped closer to Callie and looked her in the eye "I know your scared for them" she said softly "I am too".This was the truth, she was scared for them, the idea that someone as cute and awesome as Arizona or as fun and laid back as Mark could face potential life-threatening danger and fear was felt it was in place for humour to reassure and comfort her "I dont thibk you need to worry, I mean Mark's pretty level-headed when and if he wants to be and Arizona hardcore, military, nuff said",Callie laughed at this and Bailey felt better at being able to help her, she just hoped nothing had happened.