32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 110 Breaking the Barrier

When they get back to their base, they find Charlotte who is sighing at the staredown from Laura and Saphira.

Charlotte: Oh, hi. Great timing. Welcome to the civil war.

Saphira: This isn't a "war." I shouldn't have to fight to keep the ONLY allies I've had on my side. It's just a betrayal.

Laura: I'm betraying you by saying someone should get a second chance...?

Saphira: He doesn't DESERVE a second chance! He's had a lifetime full of chances, and YOU know better than anyone what he's done with them.

Laura: A lifetime? He's barely older than I am...

Saphira: What? No, I don't care about that boy. Do whatever you like with him; I'm over it.

Charlotte: Really? Cuz you sure don't seem over it.

Saphira: I'm not talking about him. Who started all of this?

Charlotte: Me.

Laura: No one blames you for what happened...

Charlotte: I do.

Saphira: I won't allow anyone to talk about you like that. Not even you.

Charlotte: Glad to know I have rights.

Laura: But is that not the same way of thinking? What happened was an accident... Do we really need to keep reminding her of what happened?

Charlotte: Never forgot, but thanks. (Turns away)

Saphira: That's different. She was a kid. She didn't know what was happening. But the doctor is an adult. Even if he doesn't act like it- and as an adult he made himself responsible for all of our well-beings. And you KNOW how he failed to deliver on that. I can't fathom why you're suddenly pretending he's innocent. Did you forget everything that happened?! What I told you-

Laura: I couldn't possibly forget that...

Saphira: Sometimes I wonder. Sometimes I wonder if we're even talking about the same thing. Maybe I was the "lucky" one. Maybe I succeeded in protecting you. Or maybe not. How could I know? As much time as I spent in the Circuit or separated from you, I can't be sure- And that's to say nothing of the other kids- I was always thinking- You show signs of it too- It could be either of you- Maybe you just blocked it out. He taught us about that, right?

Laura: Saphira, what are you-

Saphira: I didn't know...I was supposed to look out for you... I didn't know... I'm sorry... I'm sorry, but... There's no way that I'll ever forgive him. Not for half of a second. Not while he's that kind of person. The kind of person that would do that to a child- Those people don't just CHANGE. If those in power are given to abuse, they will continue to abuse until they no longer have that power. I can't stand the thought of this happening more and more- Not to you, Not to any of the other kids. So I will personally relieve him of that power. I'll relieve him of everything he's had. I'll make sure he understands the shame I felt.

Laura: I don't think it's impossible for people to change... Even then, I do not wish to believe that violence is the only answer we have. Is that not just perpetuating the pre-existing cycle?

Saphira: That kind of thinking is what allows it to continue. That's what gets people like you hurt!

Laura: Then I would rather be hurt.