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.

Saphira: Then you're still naive. Still just a child...

Laura: I am grateful for your guidance and protection, but are we not entitled to our own opinions of what is best to do? Charlotte, Ash, and everyone.

Charlotte: Don't go dragging me back into this now.

Laura: This dilemma belongs to all of us.

Charlotte: What, Ash too?

Laura: That isn't quite what I had-

Charlotte: You heard the lady. So what's your take on it? Is it fine to use violence as an answer to abuse?

Ash: I don't think it is fine to do that...but I am not sure when we're in this kind of place.

Charlotte: Jury's spoken. I'm out.

Saphira: I don't need anyone's approval. In fact, it's better if you both stay out of it. I'll take care of everything like I always have. Including Dr. Sigmund Connal's funeral. (Leaves)

Charlotte: Drama queen. She thinks saying something intense and then leaving immediately is cool or edgy or something. She might be right, but she's still a drama queen.

After they leave, Serena and Lillie are still confused at what they are talking about.

Ash: The thing is, all three sisters are actually the patients in Dr. Sigmund Connal's Orphanage, just like Noel and Anna.

Serena: So you mean those three also get shocked by the doctor's electric Pokemon before 18 years old? That sounds cruel...

Lillie: Speaking of that place, we haven't found the key to the orphanage, so we could just go in and change the interior...

Ash: And not to mention...Saphira is the last Gym Leader I actually have to face, and her gym is in Labradorra City...which is over there... Now it is not only Charlotte and her family I'm worrying right now, but Victoria as well, after what Cal said, I hope she isn't going to do something rash.

Then they decide to find Victoria next after leaving the house, and Victoria is still thinking.

Victoria: Ever since it happened, I've been beating myself up forever even having liked Cal. At this point... The thought that I might have been wrong to do so is almost more painful than the things I was telling myself. If I believe him... Then isn't it our fault Kiki died? I had always thought I just didn't do enough- Wasn't strong enough- But none of that matters. Strength is weakness aimed at the wrong target. In the end... We killed Kiki.

Ash: I know, Victoria. But we can't just let our emotions get in the way. Even though we might think it is our fault, you have to remember that we are not the ones that directly killed Kiki. Team Meteor is.

Victoria nods as she feels a little better, then they have decided to raid Labradorra City, and they tell Bennett to light up the signal.

Bennett: I don't know how long it'll take me to get to and deactivate the PULSE. If I have to do a lot of explaining, it could be a while. In the meantime, I suggest you make sure everyone else is ready. But don't worry. I'll get it done.

After Bennett leaves with Zero's unconscious body, Ash has gathered everyone in the area, Julia, Amaria, Cal, Radomus, Noel, Hardy, Charlotte, Laura, Saphira,Victoria, Cal, Eve, and Lumi are now in front of the barrier. Ash tries to ask Ciel to come, but she is too depressed about Samson's disappearance and she refuses.

Charlotte: How long has it been now?

Hardy: Too long.

Lumi: Do you think something happened...?

Saphira: Nothing unexpected happened. He was just lying in the first place.

Laura: I'm sure he wasn't lying!

Saphira: That's what people do, Laura. They lie, cheat, And hurt others, And they'll keep doing so until they have no other possible choice. THAT'S exactly why we have to make that choice for them. THAT'S why all we have is each other. THAT'S why I have to look out for you. You're innocent. You can be hurt by these kinds of people. But don't worry. I'll make sure they never hurt you again. I'll make sure they never hurt anyone again.

Radomus: Have you always been this way?

Saphira: Yes. Ever since I understood what kind of world we lived in, I've done everything I could to look out for my sisters. My job's not done yet. But it will be soon.

Radomus: And how about before then? Before you understood, that is.

Saphira: That's... When I was naive. Innocent. Back then, that's not- That wasn't who I am.

Laura: After Mom and Dad passed away, she was really unstable.

Saphira: (Glares) You don't need to bring that up.

Charlotte: I remember that time you punched that one girl- The only one who was in the Circuit more than you were- what was her name again? But you slugged her and then just started bawling.

Laura: That happened more than once.

Charlotte: But you don't cry anymore, huh.

Saphira: There's nothing to cry about. I just need to solve the problem. Put them in their place.

Radomus: But it sounds like you changed, after all.

Saphira: So what?

Radomus: If you can change, what's to say that others can't? In my opinion, you underestimate others.

Saphira: Sorry if my life hasn't been so chock full of fairy tales and fantasies as yours has. We don't all get the privilege to stay soft.

Radomus: And yet, you have a responsibility that sheer cynicism cannot fulfill for you. The best moves often require not only trust in others, but also...

Saphira: But also what?

Just then, the barrier goes down, much to their delight.

Radomus: Patience. Shall we be off? The endgame awaits us. (Leaves first)

Laura: Do you see now? Bennett really was telling the truth. He's on our side.

Saphira: We'll see about that. But for right now... I have an appointment with the doctor. (Leaves)

Laura: Fine. If no one else is going to look out for him, then I will. (Leaves)

Hardy: That's a sentiment I can echo. Let's go, Aya! I'm comin' for ya! (Leaves)

Lumi: Um! Eve, I'm worried about Zero.

Eve: Then you'll have to find him.

Lumi: You're not coming?

Eve: No, I can't be there to hold your hand this time. I'm going to do what I can about the PULSE Pokémon still in there. Whoever fights them will need to be prepared. This might be one of the precious few ways I can still unravel the things I've done.

Lumi: ...Yeah, okay! I don't need hand-holding anyway by now. We'll do what we've never been able to before- Divide and conquer! (Both Eve and Lumi leave)

Julia: C'mon, c'mon already! (Rushes to the front) They need all the help they can get, right? And what better help than tactical explosion support!

Amaria: Oh, sure. (Smiles at Ash) I look forward to fighting alongside you, Ash. (Then both Julia and Amaria leave)

Charlotte: I like the peppy one. Well, I'd better not miss the fun. Just remember, if you see any buildings on fire up there, It tooooootally wasn't me. (Leaves)

Victoria doesn't say anything, but she also rushes forward and leaves.

Cal: She's after Solaris, no doubt. Well, I guess I'm in for her. And however many other dozens of reasons I have to judge myself. (Leaves)

Now the only ones left are Ash, Serena, Lillie, and Noel, and Noel decides not to go, so they also rush to fight the Team Meteor people.


And here is a new chapter, as you can see, Ash and the others manage to wait until Bennett breaks the barrier, and we also get a peek into Saphira's thoughts, and how she really wants to kill Sigmund badly. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the battle with Team Meteor in Labradorra City, and maybe there might be a PULSE Battle? I am not sure.