Torn and Broken

Continued from Tower of Terror

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Ezekiel Blat wrote:

She'll be fine, lets get you out of here. He told Gabe and helped him out of the tower. Really he didn't think the girl would be fine at all, but that wasn't his problem. He lead them all to his car and helped Gabe in the back seat. Tiphanny quickly took the front seat and once Gabe was settled in he climbed in the drivers seat.

I know you don't want to hear this, man. But we're bringing you to the hospital.

Gabriel was not willing to leave Mikko behind, but it was obvious that he didn't have a say in the matter. He was practically being carried out, because even though he was on his feet, they wouldn't work as he wanted them to. Blood loss had left him pale and weak and barely clinging to consciousness. He made several attempts to 'put on the breaks', but that didn't work, either. He still found himself outside the tower, and the chilly night air caressing his painful bare skin made him realize that. Pain was life, right? Then why was he wishing for death? The pain was unbearable, and every simple movement made him want to scream, but only a wince would take its place.


Despite Gabriel's weak and almost unnoticeable protests, he soon found himself in the back of the van with a very worried Lexi hovering over him and cradling his head as he curled on the floor.  She was frantically trying to slow the bleeding, which was causing more pain as the shirt she had found in the van was pressed against some of the wounds. The white shirt was quickly stained in red. He was bleeding out.


Then came the words that the injured thug didn't want to hear. Ezekiel was taking him to the hospital. "No...no hospital..." Gabe told him, trying his best to hold to consciousness. Just the thought of being admitted was causing his lungs to constrict.."Take me.. to Lexi's.." Because she could fix him.. she could make him okay...

Eze was racing down the street and he wasn't heading to Lexi's. He knew how Gabe felt about hospitals and the last thing he wanted was to upset Gabriel. But the man was losing blood fast it was more then Lexi could take care of.

He didn't respond to Gabe he simply drove to the hospital. once there he pulled up to the emergency doors.

Sorry man. No can do. I'll get a nurse. Eze jumped out and headed inside to grab someone to come get his brother.

Despite Lexi's best efforts, she couldn't slow the blood loss that would surely kill Gabriel if they didn't get him medical attention. Her hands and bare legs were stained in her ex's blood, her face smeared in streaks of red. The wet stickiness didn't seem to faze her. She had been covered in gore before, but not to this extent with her boys. She had treated their gunshot wounds on several occasions, and Gabriel's stab wound from a bar fight... but nothing like this. These wounds would kill him if they didn't get him to the hospital. How cruel it would be, to lose him after she had been so relieved that Saki spared him. Would fate be that cruel? Of course it would.

One of the wounds was so deep that even with the blood filling it, she could see spine. The sight caused her stomach to lurch, but she had to hold it together in order to help him. Though, her best efforts were failing. It was obvious that he was suffering, and more than anything she wished there were drugs in the van that she could give him.


It was obvious that they were in route to the hospital, long before Ezekiel told his brother where they were going. Then she felt Gabriel's body tense, as if every muscle in his being was resisting and fighting with the notion. shallow breaths because quickened in a state of hyperventilation. Gabriel had always had a phobia of hospitals, due to an abusive father. It broke Lexi's heart, but it's the only way he stood a chance.


"I.. can't fix this, Gabriel... you need more help than I can give." She whispered to him, fighting back her own tears. This whole experience would have been easier for him if he would lose consciousness, but he was fighting, struggling to remain alert. He had always been a fighter.. he had to be. The shock from these wounds would have killed a lesser man.


As soon as the van stop and Ezekiel apologized for what he was about to do, Gabriel struggled to push himself up and weakly tried to pull himself toward the van's door to escape. Lexi tried to hold him back, and looked to Tiph for help...

When they stopped in front of the hospital she noticed Gabe freaking out. Unlike the others she didn't know about his fear of hospitals. She knew he didn't like them, but who dd? She climbed in the back seat and lightly held on to Gabe's arm. She didn't want to cause any more pain for him.

You need a doctor or you'll die! she said practically screaming at him through her tears. and we are not going to let you die.

The world seemed to be spinning out of control and his vision was blurred, but Gabriel still made attempts at reaching for the van's door. Each time, his hands were pushed down by Lexi as she and Tiph tried to hold him back. His wrists were still bound in the cuffs and chains that held him hostage, and it was only now that Lexi realized that they hadn't removed them yet. Maybe it would have been helpful to leave them on, but she knew they had to remove them before the emergency staff came to take him. It would raise too many questions and telling them the truth would get them nowhere.


Lexi reached for Tiph's head and pulled one of the hair pins that held her wild do to a somewhat manageable level. She jammed the rounded end into the lock hole of the first cuff, and after a few seconds of wiggling and twisting, it popped open. The action was repeated with the second and soon Gabriel's bloody and bruised wrists were free. Now the two women had to focus on keeping the injured thug from stumbling out of the van. He wouldn't make it far, that much Lexi was sure of, but they needed to keep his actions from causing more damage.


Tiph's screaming momentarily halted Gabriel in his attempts, and his unsteady gaze shifted to look at her in a state of confusion. It had been so sudden and unexpected, and his deprived brain was struggling to comprehend the outburst. And then it registered. She was trying to stop him, too. His confused gaze turned pleading.


"Please... I'm beggin' you..just take me home..." He pleaded through labored breaths. Lexi was struggling to hold it together. She realized that Tiph probably didn't know about Gabe's past or his debilitating phobia. The woman was a part of their little team, and obviously cared a great deal about Gabe. She would have to make it a point to tell her soon. Right now, they had to focus on keeping Gabriel in the van. Hopefully Ezekiel and the medical staff would return soon....

And soon Ezekiel was coming out with a stretcher and three ER doctors. The back door flew open and hands reached in to help him on the thin bed. Of course they didn't want him on his back and Eze knew Gabe was going to make this difficult.

He's not to found of hospitals so I'm sorry if he causes trouble.

One of the male doctors pulled out a shot of a mild sedative. "this will help some." He said and looked to the other doctor to help hold his arm so he could give Gabe the meds.

It's going to be alright, man. We're not leaving your side. Ezekiel promised Gabe. We just need you to get fixed up then we can go home.

Lexi was trying her best to keep Gabriel calm, but that was next to impossible. he was hyperventilating and stressing. It would have been obvious to the doctors that this was more than a simple fear of hospitals. And soon, Ezekiel returned with the doctors. Gabriel's eyes were still locked on Tiph, not understanding why she wasn't answering him or trying to help, and then he saw the white coats when Eze slid the door open. The sight sent him into a state of panic and he tried to push himself back, but his arm was grabbed and a needle shoved into his vein.  He tried to pull away, but the sedative had been administered into his blood-stream. Gabriel felt betrayed. No one was trying to help him. In his state, he couldn't register that was exactly what they were doing. Saving his life.


Mindful of his wounds, Lexi held onto him to support him as the sedative began to relax him. He took a few deep breaths as if doing so would reverse the effects, but there was no stopping the drug's intent. Even though it was a mild sedative, in his condition, it was making it difficult to stay conscious, but he was fighting to do so. He managed to shoot his friends a hurt look that conveyed just how betrayed he felt, and once he was sedated enough to transport, the medical team climbed into the van and very carefully placed him on the stretcher, resting him on his stomach.

"We need to start an IV and get him into surgery.." One of the doctors told the others. Lexi was surprised that they were making him a priority without checking for insurance. Maybe it was because they recognized her. She had served an internship here before, after all.


"What happened to him?" The other asked, sparing the three a look over his shoulder. "A gang jumped him." Lexi lied. Otherwise she would have to tell a long story that no one would really believe. Besides, no one knew just how firm of a grip Shredder already had on the city.

Just then, Lexi's phone began to ring. At first she was going to ignore it because the number wasn't programmed in her phone, and Gabriel needed her full attention. But something about it looked oddly familiar. Had she seen it on Gabe's phone before? Finally, she decided to answer with a very shaky 'Hello' issuing through the phone...

Ezekiel nodded in agreement at Lexi's story about a gang. It was better that way, everyone worked for Shredder no sense blaming the foot on this. He was just glad that Gabe was getting into the hospital.

When they wheeled Gabe in Eze and Tiph followed closely behind. Soon however they couldn't go further with him as he went into surgery. There were chairs just outside the doors and both thugs took a seat. Though eze couldn't sit still for long and was soon pacing the floor, nervously running his fingers through his hair.

He had no clue who Lexi was on the phone with, but it didn't seem like the time to be taking calls so it had to be important. He didn't know details of why Gabe was in the situation he was in. He heard enough to know some Mikko girl was involved though, and he had no doubt that this was because his brother stood up for that turtle.

He would make damn sure none of them came close to Gabriel again. As far as he was concerned the turtle freaks belonged in a zoo and Mikko....Gabe obviously cared something for her, he would find her, if she was still alive, and have a talking with her.

Mikko McKinnon wrote:

Lexi! It's Mikko. Is Gabe ok? he's....still alive right? where are you guys?

Lexi followed the stretcher in and tried to go into surgery with them, but she was quickly told that she couldn't go past the doors. She had to stay in the waiting room which upset her even more. Someone needed to keep Gabriel calm, and even though Ezekiel would probably be better qualified for that, she was trying to help. If they were performing the surgery immediately, then they would fully sedate him, so he would soon be okay. She hoped, anyway.


Sighing deeply, Lexi took a seat next to Eze, just now registering who was on the phone. "Mikko??" She asked, shocked to hear the woman's voice. "Did you make it out?" That was pretty obvious, otherwise the woman probably wouldn't be making any phone calls. "Yeah. Gabriel's alive. He's in surgery now. Maybe you should be here for when he wakes up.. he didn't want to leave you..."

Lexi was glad that Mikko was willing to be there. Up until tonight, she thought that the woman saw Gabriel as nothing more than a sex toy, but she had risked her life to save him. Granted, Shredder was torturing Gabriel because of Mikko, but Mikko was in her position because she had tried to protect the Turtles. It was a messy situation but Lexi was in no mind-set to sort through it all, not at the moment. She was worried about Gabriel and what this would do to him. What Hun would do to him...

The young woman slid the phone back into her purse and ran her hand over her face, trying to rid herself of the tears and fatigue. It was going to be a long night, but she wasn't leaving this hospital. Her gaze slowly turned to Ezekiel.


"Are you going to talk to Hun?" She asked, figuring that the leader hadn't been in the mind set to think that far ahead yet. "You have to make him understand that this isn't Gabriel's fault. We can't get him through this, only to have Hun kill him."

So that Mikko chick was coming to the hospital? Good he would pull her aside and have a word with her. He was pulled from his thoughts by Lexi's question about Hun.

Yeah I'll talk with him. I'm sure Hun isn't going to blame Gabe. At least he wont blame just Gabe. You know if one of us gets in shit all of us do. But I think even Hun would think shredder took things too far. Don't worry about it.

He reached out and ruffled Lexi's hair. It's going to be ok.

Lexi hoped that Ezekiel was right. Hopefully Hun would agree that things were taken too far. Gabriel's only crime was trying to help someone in need. She gave a little nod, and managed a small smile when he ruffled her hair. He seemed to be holding it together pretty well, but that's how Ezekiel was. He rarely showed emotion. Still, she knew that he had to be worried.


"He needs to understand that Gabe is gonna be out of commission for awhile." If not forever. Who knew the extent of the damage. One of the wounds had laid him open to his spine, another to his ribs. There could be nerve damage. He may never walk normally again.. or at all. That thought caused Lexi to choke up, but she was trying to hold it together. "How are you, Eze.. you holding up?" She asked, but knew if he wasn't.. he probably would never admit it.

Eze finally sat down and looked over at Tiph who was being quiet. The fuzzy haired girl was falling asleep, seemed all her emotions were tireing her out. He looked back at Lexi and nodded.

I'll let him know. But Gabe's tough he'll be good as new soon. I'm holding up. I know Gabe will make it through this. When that Mikko chick shows up me and her are going to have words.

Lexi wished that she could share Ezekiel's confidence in all of this. But the truth was, she was scared. Yeah, Gabriel was tough. He had proven that time and time again. From his abusive childhood, to having his jugular slit by their rival gang, he had come out of it all. Still, he was only human. There would come a day when he wouldn't bounce back, and hopefully that wasn't tonight.


She spared Ezekiel a little smile, glad that Mr. cynical could have such a good outlook. Then he mentioned having a word with Mikko, and she wondered what was going through his mind. "About what?"

I think she needs to stay away from Gabe. I get that she tried to help him. But it is her fault he was in the situation to start with. I don't want to see her and those turtles around any of us.

Eze leaned back in his chair and reasted his head on the white wall behind him.

Gabe shouldn't be risking his life for some whore that he likes to screw. I told him that shit would get him in trouble.

Of course Ezekiel was very opinionated, and she understood that he was simply trying to protect his brother, but he couldn't make all of his decisions for him. Lexi was quiet for a moment, not really knowing what to say. She understood, but didn't agree with him. Especially about the Turtles. But voicing that now would only bring on an argument that she didn't feel like having.


"I think for his peace of mind, he needs to see that she's okay, Ezekiel." She told him. "You saw for yourself that he didn't want to leave the tower without her." She only hoped that the guy could understand. It wasn't very likely. Ezekiel was usually very firm in his beliefs. "And.. someone he liked to fuck? I had to patch up his wounds after their one night stand... not so sure he enjoyed himself. But, they are friends."


She hoped that there wouldn't be more drama than there just had to be. Gabriel had been through enough. They all had. The young woman wondered what Laz was up to. Surely he would have expected her back by now. She pulled out her phone and wrote him a text.


'Hey Laz... Shredder tore Gabriel up pretty bad. He's in surgery now. I'm at the Metro hospital... come keep me company??'


She sent the message and shifted her attention back to Ezekiel. "So, what's the rule about me dating ex Foot ninjas?" She lightly teased, trying to lift her own spirits some. Hopefully Ezekiel liked Laz...

Eze was set on what he thought. But, He would tell Gabe that the girl got out alright and explain to him that Mikko was a danger, he was sure his brother would understand.

A friend that's going to get him killed. All of us killed. I'm not just looking out for him but for you girls too. Anyone who betrays the foot or the dragons need to left alone. Fucking with these people is dangerous. and it's a danger that we can avoid.

Hearing that Lexi was with a ex foot sent Eze into a near panic. Were they all crazy!?

Are you serious? Are you insane? Lexi, look what happen to Gabe! No. I see the guy I'll be having a talk with him too.

Laz was so bored. Not only ws he bored but he was worried about Lexi. that meeting was lasting a long time. He didn't want to call her in case that would get her in trouble. So when he got the text he was relieved. Of course hearing that Gabe was hurt and in the hospital put him on edge again.

I'm on my way now he text back and got up to put on his shoes and coat. He knew shredder was up to something. He should have never let Lexi go to the tower.

Lexi could understand Ezekiel's point of view, she really could. But Gabriel should have a say in this. She still held to her opinion that it would have been good for Gabriel to see Mikko for himself. To know that she was alright.

..Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to tell Zeke that her potential new boyfriend was an ex Foot ninja. He jab at a light moment had been shot down before it had time to take flight. She sighed deeply, rolling her eyes at him. It did make her feel better to receive Laz' text and know that he cared enough to come here. Even though it would surely be a long night of waiting in an uncomfortable chair with screaming babies and the other noises that accompanied a waiting room.


"Have you ever stopped to consider that the Shredder considers us all traitors now? I mean, you did take a shot at him. We both caused a scene. What's so wrong with us all sticking together?"

Shit, Lexi had a point. He did try to shoot the man. Shredder seen all their faces he could easily get more info from Hun. But, if they proved that they no longer had ties with those people then maybe they wouldn't have any more trouble.

we did. I did. The way I see it, if we stay away from these people, and prove to the bosses that we are no friends of people who betray the clan, then no more trouble will come our way. No doubt shredder will tell Hun about this, maybe even twisting it around to make us all look bad. I have to clean this mess up and it's not going to help to have ex foot members and turtles running around us. I'm trying to do damage control here. Help me out.

Lexi was confident that she made a strong point, but of course Ezekiel wouldn't accept that. He was still determined to block all 'threats' to them. But hell, they were in a gang. How long did he really think any of them were going to last? Everything was a threat, because they were a threat...

She sighed deeply, shaking her head. Obviously she wasn't willing to just accept his rule and force Lazarus from her life.


"I know you're trying to protect us, but it's too late, Eze. Laz is already a part of my life, I can't just pretend that he never made an impact on me. That's not fair, to me or to him. He knows that he has to be careful, so just give him a chance."

Of course Lexi wouldn't see it his way. She was so stubborn! It looked like he had to at least meet this guy. he would be talking to him though. For now Eze dropped it. he just shrugged his shoulders. For now it didn't seem Shredder cared about this guy, it seemed the foot was more pissed about Mikko leaving. and though the turtles weren't mentioned he knew Gabe stood up for one of them, that had to stop.

I'll meet him. but then he leaves. as with Mikko. I mean really, how much can Gabe really like the girl. You know how Gabe is. She's just a fling.

Ezekiel thought she was stubborn, but she thought the same about him! It was always his way. God, the guy could be so close-minded sometimes. He really needed a woman in his life, Lexi thought. He had been this way ever since Sally was gunned down. She sighed deeply and leaned her head back. She really needed some physical comfort. A hug.. anything. But Ezekiel only wanted to argue about her and Gabe's horrible choices. She leaned her head back and sighed deeply.


"You will meet him...but then he's staying. He wants to be here for me and honestly.. I need that. I mean, you're great company and all, but I can't exactly snuggle with you without it being too weird." She said, casting him a little grin. Yeah, she was frustrated and upset, but a little humor never killed anyone.


"And yeah...I know how Gabriel is all too well, but I think I'm an example that he's capable of loving a woman. I mean, I know it didn't work out, and I'm not saying that he's in love with Mikko, but it's pretty obvious that they're friends."

Ezekiel was quiet for a time then he looked over at Lexi. Why would it be weird? He didn't respond to Gabe being friends with his one night stand. Yes Gabe and Lexi had been a couple. but Gabe proved that he wasn't a one woman man, much to eze's dispproval.

I don't think it would be weird. If you want to snuggle I can snuggle. I'm fucking great at snuggling.

Oh, wow. Lexi was not expecting Ezekiel to respond that way. So, the hard ass was taking a jab at humor. Honestly, this is exactly what the group needed, to help alleviate the stress and worry. Whatever was going to happen would happen regardless of the amount of worry ad grief involved. The little moments had to count for something.


She spared him a grin and chuckled quietly. "Oh, you seriously don't think it would be weird, snuggling with your brother's ex?"