Back at the castle, Serah sat by Aria's bed, willing for her to be able to pull through. She remembered the cheerfulness she always displayed and her heart wept. It would be so unfair for such brightness to just be extinguished. Her worrying thoughts were also on Asher. If only she could at least be reassured that he had made it through. At some point, Aria's body began trembling. Serah heard her heart beginning to pound again and some of the heaviness in her heart eased. However, Aria kept resisting in her sleep, apparently in pain. The transformation dragged on endlessly, making Serah feel much sorrow and guilt. She never knew the transformation was so strenuous. Hers happened readily and without any struggle. She inwardly swore she wouldn't impose such a thing on anyone else again.
Som
