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Season Three : Episode Three, The Searchers

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September, 2019

Becca and the boys sat on the overturned truck, safely away from the rushing water for the moment. Dylan had managed to fall asleep, his head resting on his mother's lap. Becca stirred awake after a short nap, her body still aching from the earlier attempts to search for Aryana. The current had been too strong to go far, so she and the boys stayed put, hoping for a chance to move safely.

Bryan sat towards the end, staring silently at the water, lost in thought. His jaw was tight, and his eyes stayed fixed on the swirling debris.

"You okay? You've been quiet over there," Becca said softly, her voice breaking the stillness.

"No," Bryan replied quietly, barely looking her way.

"Bryan... look at me," she said, sitting up straighter.

"I can't," Bryan muttered.

"And why not?" Becca asked, her brow furrowing.

"Because I'm responsible for Aryana being missing," he said, his voice cracking. "And if I look at you, all I'll see is disappointment. I don't wanna see that. Not right now."

"Hey, hey, Bryan Joseph Murray, look at me when I'm talking to you," Becca demanded. Her tone was gentle but firm. Bryan hesitated before slowly turning his head toward her.

"I mean this wholeheartedly—I don't blame you," she said, her eyes locking with his. "I will never blame you for trying to save your sister. You tried, baby, and that's okay."

Bryan's eyes filled with tears, his voice shaking as he spoke. "But it's not, Mom. She could be dead—"

"Bryan," Becca interrupted, her voice soft but steady. "I know you're scared, and it's okay to be scared. I'm scared too. I don't know if we're gonna get outta here, but I have no choice but to believe we will. I'm the adult here. My job is to keep you and your little brother safe. And we will not stop looking for Aryana. We won't stop until we can't anymore. You get that?"

Bryan nodded, wiping at his face. "Yeah."

"Come here, okay?" Becca said, pulling him closer. Bryan scooted over, and she wrapped her arms around him, kissing his temple. "We're gonna find her," she whispered.

As Becca looked ahead, her heart sank. The water was starting to move again, stronger this time. She knew what it meant—the current was pulling back toward the sea.

The debris around them began shifting, and the truck beneath them groaned ominously. Becca's breath hitched as Dylan stirred awake, his eyes wide with confusion.

"What's going on?" Dylan asked groggily.

"Whatever you do, just stay close to me. Don't let go of me," Becca instructed, her voice urgent but calm.

Both boys nodded, their fear palpable.

Then, before they could brace themselves, the second wave came in, surging with terrifying force. The truck beneath them shifted, tilting violently before flipping over entirely. Becca and the boys were thrown into the water, the icy current pulling them under.

Becca fought her way to the surface, gasping for air as she heard her sons' voices screaming out for her. "I'm right here!" she shouted, her eyes darting around until she spotted them.

Dylan and Bryan were flailing against the current, struggling to stay afloat. Becca swam toward them with all her strength, her arms burning as she reached Dylan first. She grabbed his arm and pulled him closer, then turned to Bryan.

"Follow me!" she yelled over the roar of the water.

She spotted a small, crashed sailboat nearby, half-submerged but still offering a potential refuge. "Head for the boat!" she shouted, leading the way.

Dylan clung to her tightly, and Bryan swam close behind as they made their way to the wreck. Becca reached it first, hoisting Dylan onto the tilted deck before turning to help Bryan up. Once they were both safe, she climbed up after them, collapsing onto the slick surface.

Breathing heavily, she pulled the boys close, checking them over for injuries. They were shivering but otherwise okay.

"We're safe for now," she said, her voice trembling as she hugged them tightly. "Just stay with me. Don't let go."

She glanced out at the churning water, her heart heavy with fear and determination. Aryana was still out there somewhere—and Becca wouldn't stop until she found her.

While Buck and Aryana trudged through the wreckage, the water now shallow enough for them to navigate, but the devastation surrounding them was overwhelming. The air was thick with tension and despair as the two continued their search.

"Chris! Christopher!" Buck's voice was hoarse from shouting, but he didn't let up.

"Christopher! Can you hear us?" Aryana called out, her voice echoing over the stillness.

Buck approached a couple standing nearby, desperation etched into his features. "Christopher! Has anyone seen a boy in the water? He's eight years old, brown hair, glasses, yellow T-shirt...have you seen a little boy?"

The woman shook her head sadly. "No, I'm sorry."

Buck exhaled heavily, running a hand through his wet hair. "Thanks," he muttered, turning back to Aryana.

They kept moving, scanning the wreckage and calling out Christopher's name. Aryana suddenly froze, her breath hitching as she spotted something ahead. A man lay floating face-down in the water, his body lifeless and still.

She gasped, stepping back instinctively. Buck was at her side in an instant, pulling her away and shielding her view. "Don't look, Aryana," he said firmly, his voice low.

Aryana's voice was small, almost trembling. "Is he...dead?"

Buck nodded grimly. "Yeah. He's gone."

Aryana glanced back over her shoulder, her heart sinking as she stared at the man. "I hate tsunamis," she murmured, her voice filled with quiet anger and sadness.

"You and me both," Buck said softly, his own frustration and grief barely contained.

Just then, Aryana's gaze shifted ahead, her eyes catching something in the distance. "Buck, look!" she exclaimed, pointing.

Buck followed her line of sight as she hurried forward. There, tangled in some debris, were a pair of glasses with a red string attached.

"Those are Christopher's glasses," Aryana said, picking them up carefully.

Buck's heart skipped a beat as he recognized them immediately. "Yeah," he said, his voice resolute. "We gotta keep looking for him."

Aryana nodded, determination flashing in her eyes. "Okay."

"Come on," Buck said, his pace quickening as he pressed forward, Aryana following close behind.

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As Bobby, Violet, and Eddie, who are on the fire and rescue boats with another one behind them, have driven over to where the pier once stood but is now covered in water, the only thing visible is the Ferris Wheel, which is barely hanging as it looks like it could fall at any moment.

"You see this, cap?" Eddie said.

"Kinda hard not to, Eddie." Bobby said.

As they approached the Ferris Wheel, a few people up above on the carts all looked down and shouted for help.

"Help these guys in front," Bobby said, speaking into the radio.

"Copy," a fire rescue member replied back.

"Move in here. All right, yeah. Let's go get them right over there," Bobby said.

A family nearby, floating on a piece of wood, began speaking Spanish, and Eddie spoke back to them.

"Wait, who helped them?" Violet asked.

"La Bombera," Eddie replied.

"Hey, we could use a hand up here!" a woman shouted from up above; she's a firefighter.

"Fire lady," Eddie said.

"All right, grab an extra harness, rope, pulleys, figure eight plates. I'll coordinate evac and transport some down here," Bobby said.

"Sounds like a plan. Cap, come on, Vi," Eddie said.

"Right behind you," Violet said.

Eddie and Violet gathered their gear and began carefully climbing up the Ferris Wheel, as down below Bobby assisted the fire rescue team with the survivors.

The duo arrived at the cart where the firefighter is, as she's with a man who seems spooked by this whole ordeal. Violet went to climb in, but the Ferris Wheel shook, and Eddie quickly grabbed her, making sure she didn't fall.

"Thanks," Violet said.

"No problem. That's not part of the ride," Eddie said.

"No, the spokes are coming off the hub. This thing's been thrashed," she said.

Eddie and Violet got into the cart carefully.

"So, you're the infamous Fire Lady," Violet said.

"Yeah," she said.

"Nice to meet you. What about you? Are you hurt?" Violet asked.

"No, and neither is he," she said.

"I'm not going anywhere, not until the water's gone," the man said.

"Sir, if you don't come with us, this whole thing will be gone," she said.

"Don't worry, buddy. We're gonna get you down safely. I'm just gonna put this harness around you, okay?" Eddie said.

"Okay, okay. All right," the man said, as Eddie secured the harness around him.

"So, what's your guy's firehouse?" she asked.

"Eddie Diaz, 118," he said.

"Violet Singh, 118 as well," she said.

"Lena Bosko, 136," she said.

Violet and Eddie looked at each other. "The 136 wasn't that the—"

"Yeah, you were on the pier when it hit," Eddie said.

"Yeah," Lena said.

"Where's your crew?" Violet asked.

"Got separated...to all the spin cycle," Lena said.

"All right. Let's get you up. Let's get you up," Eddie said, as he and Violet helped the man up.

"There we go. Okay. There we go," Violet said.

Violet spoke into her radio, "He's coming down to you, Cap."

They set the man up so he could carefully be lowered down via the harness.

"Don't drop me. Don't drop me. Oh, God! Oh, God!" the man said.

"You are okay. Just try to relax," Bobby said.

Suddenly, the Ferris Wheel started to shift, making everyone panic.

"Get me in the boat. Get me in the boat," the man said.

"We've got you. We've got you. Just relax," Bobby said, as they unhooked the harness from the man.

"We got you, sir. We got you," a fire rescue member said.

Back up with Eddie and Violet, they gave Bosko an extra set of gear to put on, as she was putting on a harness.

"When the wave hit, how'd you get back here?" Eddie asked.

"Swam," Lena said.

Violet let out a low whistle. "Damn, and I thought I was a good swimmer."

"Well, you sure did swim, and then you climbed," Eddie said.

"Free climb on the weekends, soldier," Lena said.

"How'd you know I was in the service?" Eddie questioned.

"You all carry yourselves the same way," Lena said.

Eddie looked to Violet. "Is that true?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?" Violet said, as a small smile peered out the side of her lip.

"Actually, don't," Eddie said.

"I mean, with all that spit and polish. My captain served. Army," Lena said.

"Must be a good man," Eddie said.

Lena, Violet, and Eddie climbed out and got onto the rails, as a woman called for their help.

"Ma'am, stay put. We're coming to you," Eddie said.

"Help, help me, please!" a teenage girl said, from a few carts over.

"All right, Eddie, you and Lena handle them. I'll go help her out," Violet said.

"Got it. Stay safe," Eddie said.

Violet nodded. "You too."

They split up as Eddie and Lena climbed up, while Violet went over to the cart where the teenage girl was.

"Stay where you are. We're coming," Lena said.

"Please hurry. Hurry!" the woman said, from up above.

"Hold on," Eddie said.

Violet approached the cart and saw the teenage girl. "Hi, what seems to be the problem here?"

"My leg. When the first wave hit, I was standing and trying to call my parents. And then I fell a certain way, and...my leg, I think it's broken," the girl said, looking down at her leg.

"Oh boy. Hey, look, what's your name?" Violet asked.

"Tegan," she said.

"Tegan, I'm Violet. Look, I'm gonna get you outta here. Don't worry. But first, I've gotta stabilize your leg," Violet said, as she went to touch it, but Tegan flinched.

"Wait-wait, wait," Tegan said.

"Look, I know it hurts, but Tegan, you gotta let me help you, okay? Please. Tell me, how'd you end up on this thing, huh?" Violet asked, as she took out some things from the medical bag.

"Well, I tried to get out the house. I needed some fresh air, and I kinda got a thing for Ferris wheels as they kinda make me clear my head." Tegan said.

"Bad day huh?" Violet said.

"Worse. My boyfriend cheated on me with my arch nemesis," Tegan said.

"Oh...damn. I'm sorry to hear that," Violet said.

Eddie and Lena arrived at the cart where the woman, Stacey, and her husband, Max, were currently, as he was injured on the ground.

"Oh thank god you're here." She Said

"What happened here ma'am?" Eddie asked the woman, Stacey.

"Uh be hit his neck when the wave hit," she explained, panic in her voice. "He said he can't feel his fingers."

"My arms are went numb a couple minutes later, my legs gave out..am I paralyzed?" He Asked

Eddie crouched beside Max, his voice calm and steady. "Too soon to tell, you said you lost sensation in your arms first, then your legs?"

"Yeah," Max whispered.

"That might be swelling, which means you bruised your neck and instead of breaking it," Eddie reassured him

He went to stand but the Ferris wheel began to shake again, making a few of the people on the ride scream out of fear and some of the fire and rescue members lose their balance almost falling.

Eddie looked down below at Bobby, "Hey Cap, we can get one down to you but, the other one is a possible spinal we're gonna need a Hail Mary."

"I'll order one up for ya," He leaned towards his radio, "Coast Guard, Coast Guard this is Captain Nash LAFD we need a miracle by the pier quick."

Eddie and Lena worked quickly, securing Max in a rescue basket as a Coast Guard helicopter hovered overhead. Violet, meanwhile, carefully lowered Tegan to safety.

"God I can't believe this happened to me, out of all things." Tegan Said

"Hey, I'm sorry kid that happened to you guys are jerks." Violet Said

"Tell me about it." Tegan Said

"But I believe in an old saying, that Karma will always bite those in the ass. And I wouldn't sweat it, that guy clearly doesn't know a thing..it's his loss right?" Violet Said

"I guess so.." She smiled a bit, "Am I going to be okay?" Tegan Asked

"Yeah, you will." Violet Said, as she held her hand.

Meanwhile up above as Eddie and Lena hears the helicopter approaching, Stacey looks down at Max.

"See Max, how's that for a sign there's hope so fight." As she's holding his hand, she felt Max move his fingers, "Max, you moved your fingers." Stacey Said

"I think I'm getting some feeling back." Max Said

"You're gonna be okay. We're gonna be okay." Stacey Said

"Give me the pen, Stacey, and those papers." Max Said

"Max..." Stacey Said

"We were always a disaster, weren't we?" Max Said

Stacey looked at him then reached down and picked up the divorce papers, and Max signed them for her.

"What a beautiful disaster we were." He Smiled

Stacey smiled back at him and leaned over and they shared one last kiss. Eddie and Lena got to work and secured Max in the rescue basket, he held up a thumbs up and the helicopter went away.

Below, Bobby and Violet watched as waves of debris surged toward the Ferris Wheel. The groaning metal grew louder, more insistent.

"Incoming debris!" Bobby shouted. "This thing is going down! Let's go! go! go!"

As the Ferris Wheel shifted violently, Eddie looked at Lena. "You free climb, how about a free fall?"

Together, they unhooked their harnesses and leaped into the water just as the Ferris Wheel collapsed behind them, the sound of twisting metal and rushing water deafening.

On the rescue boat, Bobby and Violet pulled Eddie and Lena aboard, both of them soaked and breathless. The boat sped away, leaving the Ferris Wheel sinking into the water behind them.

As Bobby, Eddie, Violet, and Lena arrived back on land—well, as close as they could get, given the flooding—water sloshed around their boots. The pier was still partially submerged, and debris floated by, but at least they could walk through it now.

Bobby's radio crackled, "There's a truck on its way, Captain," Dispatch informed him.

"Copy that. Nash out," Bobby responded before turning to the others. "Our team is still stuck on the other side. Our trucks can't get through just yet—earth movers are still clearing the roads."

"118's hoofing it for a while," Eddie said, sighing.

"It looks that way huh," Violet agreed. "Any word on Hen and Chim?"

"Hen and Chimney are readying some turnout backpacks until we're mobile again," Bobby said. Then, turning to Lena, he added, "Bosko, your crew from your house 136, they're all alive and accounted for... except for Firefighter O'Connor and Captain Cooper. They're still MIA. I'm sorry."

Lena exhaled sharply, her expression hardening. "Well, if it's all the same to you, Captain, I'm gonna stick around and look for them."

Bobby studied her for a moment but gave a small nod. Before he could say anything, Violet frowned at Lena. "Why are you holding yourself like that?"

"It's nothing. Just a bruised rib," Lena brushed it off.

"Let me take a look at it," Eddie offered.

"I said it's nothing," Lena insisted.

"Clearly, it's not," Eddie pushed.

Lena shot him an irritated look. "Are you guys gonna drop this?"

"Hey, Bosko, let him have a look," Bobby said firmly. "I'm not asking."

Eddie stepped toward her, pressing gently against her side. The moment he did, Lena winced.

"Yeah, that's not a bruise. It's broken. Must be hurting like a bitch." Eddie Said

"Yeah, well, breathing isn't super fun," Lena admitted through clenched teeth.

Bobby gave her a pointed look. "I'm calling it. You're off the field."

"Sir, I said I'm fine," Lena protested.

Bobby ignored her and waved down a passing emergency vehicle. "USAR Command is setting up at the VA hospital on Sawtelle. I want you to stick with her, just in case her desire to track down her captain causes her to lose her way." He looked to Eddie. "Violet and I are gonna meet up with the 118. Rendezvous with us when you can."

"Copy that, Cap," Eddie said.

Violet gave him a nod. "Catch up with you later." She turned and followed Bobby, disappearing into the wreckage of the city.

Eddie turned to Lena, who still looked irritated, and pulled out his phone. She raised a brow.

"Who you calling?" she asked.

"My son," Eddie answered. "Lost his mother a few months ago I don't want him to worry." Lena's expression softened slightly as he spoke into the phone. "Hey, Buck, it's me. I just want you and Becca to tell Christopher I'll be a little late picking him up—got our hands full here. It's a good thing you're missing it. Hope you guys are having fun."

He hung up, tucking his phone away as the truck arrived. Without another word, Eddie and Lena hopped onto the back, the vehicle splashing through the flooded streets as they headed toward the VA hospital.

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The water had finally begun to recede, pulling back toward the sea after the second wave had tossed them around like rag dolls. Becca, soaked to the bone and exhausted, clutched her sons Bryan and Dylan close as they climbed off the abandoned boat they had taken refuge on. The streets were still flooded, but now it was low enough to walk through, ankle-deep in some places, knee-deep in others.

Bryan shivered beside her. "Mom, do you think Aryana found somewhere safe?"

"I hope so, baby," Becca said, scanning the devastation around them. "We just have to keep moving, keep looking."

Taking a deep breath, she cupped her hands around her mouth and called out, "Aryana!" Her voice echoed through the ruined streets, but no response came. The only sounds were the distant hum of sirens, the sloshing of water, and the occasional groan of shifting debris.

She tried again. "Aryana!"

Just as she was about to call once more, another voice cut through the air—a desperate, panicked scream.

"Help! Somebody, please!"

Becca's head snapped in the direction of the cry, her firefighter instincts kicking in immediately. She turned to Bryan and Dylan. "Stay right here. Do not move, you hear me?"

The boys nodded hesitantly, and Becca wasted no time sprinting through the water toward the voice. As she rounded the corner, she spotted a car half-submerged in water, its hood dented, the windshield cracked, and a small fire sparking near the engine. Inside, a woman was trapped, her leg pinned beneath the twisted metal of the dashboard.

Becca rushed to the driver's side, gripping the edge of the open window. "Hey! I'm a firefighter. I'm here to help!"

The woman gasped in relief. "Another firefighter was just here—he said he'd be back!"

Becca's brow furrowed. "Who? Who was it?"

Before the woman could answer, a voice rang out from behind her.

"Move!"

She turned just in time to see a firefighter—his uniform damp and dirtied, bruises and scrapes visible on his face—rushing toward them, an ABC fire extinguisher in hand. Without hesitation, he aimed at the small fire under the hood and sprayed, smothering the flames in white foam.

"Shield your eyes!" he instructed the woman. She did as told, and with one swift motion, he grabbed a tool from his belt and shattered the back window of the car. Climbing through the broken glass, he maneuvered his way to the woman's side.

"She's pinned," he told Becca. "I need your help."

"Got it," Becca said, moving into position.

With precision and teamwork, they worked to free the woman. Becca reached through the window, bracing herself as she gently pulled while the firefighter maneuvered her trapped leg. With a final effort, they got her loose, and Becca carefully helped her out of the window. The firefighter climbed out behind them, lowering the woman to the ground as she winced in pain.

"Thank you," the woman breathed, looking between the two of them. "I guess it's convenient I was stuck... with not one, but two firefighters coming to my rescue."

Becca let out a small chuckle, catching her breath before looking at her unexpected partner. He studied her for a moment before asking, "Wait you're a firefighter?"

"Yeah," She replied, nodding. "Rebecca Martinez, I'm with the 118."

At that, the man grinned. "The 118, huh? The pleasure's all mine." He reached out a hand. "Jace O'Connor, 136."

Becca shook his hand firmly, "Wait the 136 was there a chance your house was on the pier before the Tsunami?"

"Yup that was us." Jace Said

"My God, are you okay?" Becca Asked

"Yeah I'm fine, I'm just glad I wasn't hurt too bad but, "He exhaled, glancing back at the woman they had just saved. "Well, guess it's a good thing I wasn't too far off."

Becca nodded, "Yeah."

Becca knelt beside the injured woman, helping her adjust into a more comfortable position as Bryan and Dylan sat next to her, their small faces filled with concern. She gave them a reassuring nod before stepping away for a moment, exhaling as she tried to gather herself.

Jace stood beside her, watching the woman for a moment before turning to Becca. "Were you here when the first wave hit?" he asked, his voice steady but still carrying the weight of everything they had just been through.

Becca nodded, wrapping her arms around herself. "Yeah, I was here."

Jace let out a heavy breath. "Me too. My team and I were responding to a call on the pier. Next thing you know... we got washed away." He shook his head, running a hand through his damp hair. "Never in a million years did I expect that."

Becca let out a bitter chuckle. "Yeah. Same."

Jace sighed, glancing around at the ruined streets, at the water still lingering like a ghost of the storm. "I just hope Lena and my team are okay."

At his words, Becca's expression shifted, her lips pressing together as she let out a shaky breath. Jace immediately picked up on it.

"Hey," he said, turning toward her. "You okay?"

Becca swallowed hard, trying to keep it together, but the lump in her throat was impossible to ignore. "My daughter... Aryana," she started, voice tight, "she got caught in the wave. She's missing. Along with my friend Evan and—" She exhaled sharply. "And my other friend's kid."

Jace's face fell. "Damn," he muttered.

Becca ran a hand over her face. "I just—I just need to find them as soon as possible. I don't know how much longer I can hold on like this."

Jace immediately shook his head. "Don't do that," he told her firmly. "Come on. In situations like this, you can't think the worst. No matter how hard it is."

Becca clenched her jaw, not sure she could keep herself from spiraling.

Jace stepped closer. "What if she's with your friend?" he continued. "What if he found her? Maybe they found refuge somewhere."

Becca let out a hollow laugh. "Like where?"

"I'm not sure yet," Jace admitted. Then, suddenly, his eyes caught movement down the street—a car rolling through the flooded road. His face lit up, and he flailed his arms in the air. "Hey! Maybe we can ask them? Hey!"

The car slowed to a stop, the driver a middle-aged man rolling down his window.

Jace jogged up to the car. "Hey, is there a refuge place we can go? We've got a woman here who's injured."

The driver nodded. "Yeah, that's where we're headed. The VA Hospital. Our son's hurt."

Becca stepped forward. "Is there any way we could get a ride?"

The man looked at his wife, who gave a small nod. "Sure," he said.

Relief flooded Becca's face. "Thank you," she breathed.

Jace and Becca quickly helped the injured woman into the backseat while Bryan and Dylan climbed in next to her. Becca slid in after them, making sure they were secure.

Jace shut the door and looked at Becca through the open window. "We'll find them," he told her.

She met his gaze, wanting to believe him more than anything.

Jace gave a small nod, then climbed into the passenger seat, and with that, they drove off, heading toward whatever hope the VA Hospital could offer.

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Soon the sun set and the sky around them had grown darker, the air thick with exhaustion and fear. The once-chaotic streets had quieted slightly, the sounds of sirens and frantic voices fading as the night stretched on.

Temporary shelters and emergency tents lined the parking lot of the VA Hospital, filled with survivors seeking medical attention, food, or simply a moment of rest.

Buck and Aryana walked through the makeshift refugee camp, their bodies aching, their clothes still damp and caked with dried seawater and dirt. Every step felt heavier, the weight of the day pressing down on Buck's shoulders like a lead blanket.

He held Aryana's small hand tightly, his grip firm yet careful. She was rubbing her eyes, her exhaustion clear, but she didn't complain—not once.

"Buck," she murmured.

"Yeah?" Buck Said, his voice was hoarse.

"I'm really sleepy." Aryana Said

Buck sighed, squeezing her hand. "I know, I know. Just stay up a little longer, okay, Aryana?"

She nodded groggily, leaning into his side as they walked. "Okay."

His eyes scanned the camp desperately, his heart thudding. He had checked so many places already—the Promenade, the high school, all the other emergency shelters—but Christopher wasn't in any of them. He had to be here.

Spotting a nurse under one of the tents, Buck led Aryana over. "Hey, excuse me," he said, his voice urgent. "I'm looking for a kid. He's got brown hair. Chris—Christopher."

The nurse glanced at him, then at Aryana. "How old?"

"Um, eight, maybe nine." Buck's breath hitched.

"He's eight," Aryana confirmed quietly.

"His name is Christopher Diaz. He has CP." Buck Said

The nurse frowned and checked her clipboard, flipping through a list of names. Buck's stomach churned with every second of silence.

Finally, she shook her head. "Christopher Diaz... No, not here." The nurse hesitated before speaking again, her voice softer. "You might want to check over there. At the black tent."

Buck followed her gaze. His breath caught when he saw it—the morgue. Bodies, covered in black bags, lined up neatly beneath the tent.

His knees nearly buckled. "Isn't that the..."

"The morgue," she confirmed, her expression grim. "I'm sorry."

Buck felt his entire world tilt. His hands clenched at his sides as his breath came in short, shallow gasps.

"Excuse me," the nurse said before walking off to help another survivor.

Buck barely heard her and Aryana looked up at him, her own expression filled with worry. "Buck..."

He swallowed hard, shaking his head. "There's only one way to find out." His voice was barely above a whisper.

He took a shaky step forward, leading Aryana toward the black tent.

As they reached it, Buck spotted a man in charge of organizing the names of the deceased. He forced himself to speak, his voice cracking. "I—I need to check the list. Christopher Diaz. Please."

The man scanned the list carefully as Buck felt like he was suffocating. After what felt like an eternity, the man finally spoke. "We do have a Christopher listed here..." Buck's heart stopped. "...but not Christopher Diaz."

A sharp breath whooshed from Buck's lungs. Relief and terror crashed over him at the same time. He wasn't here. Christopher wasn't dead but,
that meant he was still out there, alone.

Buck's hands were trembling as he turned to Aryana. He had to keep looking. But first he needed a phone.

His gaze landed on the man in charge of the morgue. "Hey—uh, can I borrow your phone? Please, I just—I need to make a call."

The man hesitated before nodding and handing it over. "Sure." He said

Buck thanked him and grabbed it quickly, stepping away as he dialed Maddie's number. But before he did he glanced at Aryana, who sat on a nearby cot, her small legs swinging slightly as she rubbed her eyes again. She was exhausted, just like he was, but she hadn't once complained. That kid was tough, and it made him feel even worse.

Taking a deep breath, he crouched beside Aryana. "Hey, I need you to stay here for a second, okay? Just sit tight. I'll be right back."

Aryana looked up at him, her face scrunched with worry. "Where are you going?"

"I just—" Buck ran a hand through his messy, damp hair. "I just need a second to call my sister, and see if we could get some more help."

"You think she can help us find my mom and brothers and Chris?" Aryana Asked

"I hope so, sit tight I'll be right back." Buck Said

Aryana just gave a tired little nod and let him go, Buck dialed the number. It rang twice before her voice came through. "Hello?"

His throat was so dry it hurt. "Hey, it's me."

"Buck?" Maddie's voice immediately sharpened with concern. "Where are you? I don't know this number."

"I—I borrowed someone else's phone." He exhaled shakily. "Maddie, I need your help."

Her tone softened. "Okay. Tell me what's wrong. Are you hurt?"

"Becca dropped Christopher off with me cause Eddie needed someone to watch him. She and Eddie thought, you know, doing some activities with Chris and her kids would get me out of my apartment...out of my head. Maddie, we brought them to the pier." Buck Said

Maddie sucked in a sharp breath. "Oh, my God. You guys were there? Is Becca with you?"

"No, she, the boys and I got separated." He pressed a hand against his forehead, squeezing his eyes shut. "Maddie, I had him. I kept him and Aryana safe. We were on top of the ladder truck, then the water receded..."

Maddie's voice turned urgent. "Okay, you're not answering me. Are you injured? Bleeding?"

"No, it doesn't matter." His voice wavered. "Don't you hear what I'm saying? Christopher is gone."

"Did you check the VA hospital? The Command Center on Sawtelle?" Maddie Asked

"I'm here now, and he..." Buck's words faltered as he looked up—and saw a familiar figure in the distance.
"Oh, God." His voice was barely a whisper. "God, God, no."

"What?" Maddie's voice sharpened.

Buck took an unsteady step backward, ducking slightly behind a tent as his breath came in short, panicked gasps. Eddie was here.

"Eddie's here." Buck Said

Buck's entire body locked up. His best friend was only a few feet away, talking to someone, completely unaware that his son was missing.

Maddie's voice snapped him out of his daze. "Does he know what happened? Evan, you have to tell him."

"How?" His voice was raw. "How do you tell your best friend that you lost his son?"

Maddie was silent for a moment. Then, softly, she said, "No, no he's his father okay you have to tell me that Christopher is is missing."

Buck swallowed the lump in his throat, his whole body trembling. "No, Maddie, I need to keep looking for him. I need to find Christopher, Becca, the boys—I can't just stop."

"Buck, you are in no condition to go searching for them by yourself. I'm coming down there." Maddie Said

"No, no, Maddie, don't—" Buck Said, But the line went dead.

Buck's hand dropped to his side, the phone slipping from his grip. His mind was spinning.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Buck and Aryana made their way up toward the front of the hospital, still reeling from the weight of everything that had happened. The area was buzzing with activity—paramedics rushing back and forth, volunteers passing out supplies, families reuniting or searching for missing loved ones.

As they moved through the crowd, the sudden arrival of two mail trucks caught Buck's attention. It was an odd sight, but as soon as the doors swung open, it became clear why they were here. Firefighters from the 118, his team, his family, emerged from inside, carrying victims—some conscious, some not.

"Need some help here!" Bobby shouted, his commanding voice cutting through the noise as he guided his team, ushering the rescued victims toward medical personnel.

Buck's heart pounded. The 118 was here. They had made it through. Then, just as he took another step, a familiar voice called out—stopping him cold.

"Buck?"

He turned and locked eyes with Eddie, who had just stepped out of the hospital. Relief flickered across Eddie's face at first, but it was quickly replaced by confusion and concern when he saw Aryana beside Buck, her small frame dirty, her face streaked with dried tears, blood and grime.

"Wait, what are you doing here? Aryana, hey, sweetheart." Eddie knelt down in front of her, his gentle hands inspecting her for any injuries. "Are you okay? Wait—where's your mom and brothers?" His eyes flickered back to Buck. "Where's Christopher?"

Buck froze. The words wouldn't come out.

Eddie stood up, his expression growing more serious. "Buck?" His gaze dropped slightly. His breath hitched. "Why do you have his glasses?"

Buck swallowed hard. He hadn't realized until now that Christopher's glasses were still looped around his neck, swinging slightly with every breath he took.

"We, um..." Buck struggled, his voice barely above a whisper. "Becca and I took the kids to the—we were... at the beach, and—listen to me, okay? I swear to you..." He took the glasses off, his hands trembling. Eddie's eyes locked onto them, the tears forming, though he was trying to keep a brave face.

"I tried," Buck's voice cracked. "And I just... but I... Eddie, I just don't know how to say it. He—he just—he... he just vanished."

For a second, there was nothing but silence. Then, Eddie took a slow step back. His jaw clenched, his breathing uneven. But then Eddie's eyes darted past Buck, locking onto a figure stepping out of one of the mail trucks. A woman. And in her arms it was a boy.

Eddie's entire world slowed to a stop. He knew that boy. Even in the dim lighting, even covered in dirt and exhaustion, he knew.

"Christopher?" His voice cracked, barely a whisper.

The boy's head lifted. His eyes widened.

"Dad!"

The moment Christopher spoke, Eddie's body snapped into motion.

"Oh, my God!" He ran forward, reaching the woman just as she gently handed Christopher over. Eddie pulled his son into his arms, gripping him as if he might disappear again.

Buck turned, watching the scene unfold with Aryana. His chest ached, his vision blurred. Christopher was alive. He had made it.

"Thank you. Thank you," Eddie murmured, his face buried in Christopher's hair before he looked up at the woman.

She nodded with a small, tired smile. "You're Buck?" she asked.

Eddie shook his head. "No. I'm his father, Eddie."

"He was looking for Buck," she said softly.

At that, Christopher turned his head slightly, his tired eyes searching—until they landed on Buck.

Buck exhaled sharply, unable to move, unable to breathe. His relief was overwhelming, yet it was mixed with so many other emotions—guilt, exhaustion, disbelief.

Beside him, Aryana smiled, nudging him slightly. "See? I knew Christopher was still alive!"

But then, she tilted her head, noticing the way Buck's chest was rising and falling too fast. His hands were shaking.

"Buck? You okay?" she asked, her small voice filled with concern.

Buck forced himself to nod. "Yeah. I'm... okay."

But his body said otherwise. His breaths were shallow, his vision was swimming, and his heart felt like it was trying to escape his chest.

Before anyone could say more, another truck pulled up into the area. The doors swung open, and more figures stepped out it was Becca, Jace, Bryan and Dylan.

Jace helped the couple with their son to enter the VA hospital, Becca thanked them again as Jace nodded to her. Buck barely had time to process it before Aryana gasped.

"Mommy!" Aryana Said

Becca's head snapped up at the sound of her daughter's voice. The moment she saw her, her entire body tensed, her eyes wide.

Aryana let go of Buck's hand and bolted. Becca barely had time to react before she crashed into her arms. A sob broke from her lips as she scooped her daughter up, holding her as tightly as she could, her body shaking with relief.

Tears slipped down Becca's face as she exhaled the breath she hadn't realized she had been holding. Her daughter was alive. Safe.

She set Aryana down gently, running her hands over her face, checking her over. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, Mommy," Aryana reassured her.

Dylan was next, wrapping his arms around his sister. "I missed you," he whispered.

Aryana smiled, hugging him back. "I missed you too."

Then, she turned to Bryan.

Bryan hesitated, his lip trembling. "I'm sorry," he choked out. "I should've held onto you."

Aryana shook her head and pulled him into a hug. "It's okay. I don't blame you Bry, I never will..you tried and I'm alive that's all that matters."

"Yeah." Bryan Said

Becca wiped at her tears, "Baby how did you get here?"

"Oh Buck brought me here." Aryana Said

"Buck? He's here?" Becca Said

"Yeah I've been with him the whole time, see he's over there." Aryana Said

Glancing up following Aryana's pointing finger until her eyes landed on Buck. He stood there, battered, exhausted, and still breathing too fast, but his gaze was locked onto her, filled with emotions she couldn't even begin to unravel.

Slowly, she walked toward him and stood across from each other, they didn't speak. They didn't need to. Then, without hesitation, Becca pulled him into a tight hug.

Buck froze for a second before melting into it, gripping onto her like a lifeline. The reality of everything—the exhaustion, the near-losses, the weight of responsibility finally crashed over him.

Becca pulled back slightly, placing her hands on his face. Her eyes shimmered with tears as she looked into his.

"Becca, you're okay?" Buck Asked

"Yeah..I'm okay, we're all okay." She wiped some dirt off his face, "Thank you," Becca whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Buck swallowed hard, his throat burning. He gave her the smallest nod.

"Make a hole!"

Buck barely registered Chimney's voice as the 118 rushed in.

"Buck, what happened to you?" Chimney Asked

Hen's voice followed closely, her eyes scanning his and Becca for possible injuries.

"I—" Buck tried to speak, but his breath hitched.

"Hey." Bobby's voice was steady, guiding.

"Hey, cap." Becca Said

Bobby and Becca followed Buck's gaze as they were on Eddie and Cristopher.

"You two okay?" Violet asked, glancing between Buck and Becca.

"Yeah, we're great," Buck answered, still holding onto Becca.

Before Buck could react, his knees buckled.

Hen's brow furrowed. "Wait, hold up—"

"Get him! Get him! Get him!" Violet Said

"Whoa, whoa!" Bobby Said, as they all caught him.

They all gently sat Buck down on a nearby chair, his grip on Becca's hand never letting go as she stayed by his side leaning on her trying to catch his breath.

"Just breathe, Buck." Becca Said

"Hang in there, Buck," Hen urged, gripping his other side.

The world tilted, his body finally giving in to the exhaustion. Buck's only thought was they were safe, they had made it and it's over.

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

Two Days Later the city was still in recovery mode, and so was everyone who had been caught in the chaos. Becca had spent the last two days focused on her kids, making sure they were okay—especially Aryana. She hadn't had the chance to check in on Buck, and after everything he had done, she figured it was long overdue.

Standing outside his apartment, she knocked, waiting only a few moments before the door creaked open. Buck stood there, looking slightly better than the last time she saw him but still carrying the exhaustion of everything that had happened.

"Hey," Becca greeted softly.

"Hey," Buck replied, stepping aside to let her in.

She glanced around his apartment, noting the slightly messy state of things, but didn't comment on it right away. Instead, she turned back to him. "How are you feeling?"

"A little better," he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "Spent the day with Christopher earlier... that kid, he just... he has this way of making things feel okay, you know?"

Becca smiled knowingly. "Yeah, that boy could lift anyone's spirits."

Buck nodded before his expression softened. "How are the kids holding up?"

She let out a small sigh. "Day by day. A lot happened out there—it's gonna take a minute. But Aryana... she seems to be okay. She had someone looking out for her that day." Becca's eyes met Buck's. "She told me how you kept her level-headed, even when she was scared."

Buck let out a small chuckle. "I don't know how she did it. That girl is strong."

Becca smirked. "She gets it from me." She then sighed, her expression shifting. "Honestly, though? I was hanging on by a thread." She ran a hand through her hair. "It's hard to keep it all together."

Buck looked at her, genuine admiration in his eyes. "Well, you make it look easy."

Becca let out a small laugh, shaking her head. "Yeah, I've gotten used to doing it."

Their eyes met again, and for a moment, there was nothing but quiet understanding between them. Becca smiled softly. "I mean it, Buck. Thank you for saving my daughter. I'll never forget it."

Before he could say anything, she leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

Buck cleared his throat, offering her a small, bashful smile. "You're welcome."

Becca's gaze wandered around his apartment, and she raised an eyebrow. "Okay, but seriously... you should really clean up. It's getting kinda bad in here."

Buck groaned, rolling his eyes. "Come on Becca, I'm too tired with all that I've been through who has time."

Becca scoffed, playfully rolling her own eyes as she shrugged off her jacket. "Tired my butt, Buckley." She grabbed a garbage bag from the counter, then reached for his arm, dragging him up with a smirk. "Get up and straighten this place up. For God's sake, you're a grown man..get your ass up."

Buck groaned dramatically but couldn't hide the small smile on his face as he followed her lead.