In these moments, as Aqua watches her friend carefully, something in Ashley reminds her so forcefully of Terra. She feels the recognition slice through her, empathy etched across her face, and she reaches out a hand to touch Ashley's arm, gently resting there to provide solid comfort again.

"You're my friend," she points out softly but firmly. "You're kind and compassionate. You care about others. And something was done to you without your consent. It took control of your body, maybe even made you do things. I don't know what happened. But I do know it didn't destroy your heart. It couldn't take away that part of you that defines who you are."

Maybe a part of her is talking to Terra. Just maybe these are words she should be saying to him one day, too. She gives a slight shake of her head.

"That's what matters. You had something terrible happen to you. But you have strength of heart that no one can take away from you. Try to hold onto that. Try to remember that, if you feel the darkness closing in."

Darkness is a slightly different concept for her than for most. She can't know what Ashley is thinking about what was done to her. Yet, Aqua's idea of darkness is still relevant. All she can do is hope that it will be enough to help.