Just because Reflections is Lighter and Softer than canon doesn't mean it's without a lot of pain.
- Akzeriuth is arguably worse here. Not only do they pass through it before things go to hell, but in this version Luke fully takes all the blame unlike in canon. And here, it's made even more clear that he's truly not at fault - he actually wanted to save Akzeriuth and not just as a stepping stone for success and advancement. Not to mention, Van's attempt to trick him into using hyperresonance to destroy the control ring almost fails due to Luke knowing more about it than he did in canon thanks to Asch teaching him to control it. Van was forced to use the Trigger Phrase to get him to use it at all. The sheer amount of nightmares he has after that ties into it. Oh and everyone chewing him out without letting Luke explain things here is heartbreaking - especially since he stops trying to explain after the first time and just takes it as truth. Their My God, What Have I Done? reactions when they finally learn the truth is just as painful.
- Anise being revealed as a spy earlier than in canon is very hard on her. Because of that, Ion not only removes her from the Order, but goes to remove her parents as well despite them being Stupid Good. Anise just breaks down in tears. Oh, and for bonus points? Asch himself, who revealed her status as The Mole, is not in good shape either as Luke notes he wishes it had been wrong and regrets it.
- Ion's death from taking on Tear's miasma poisoning. Worse of all, the exact reasons behind it are kept secret by Luke from everyone and the emotional fall out leaves everyone, but particularly Luke, completely out of it. And then it gets worse as this leads to Arietta's, unnecessary, death.
- Arietta's death is more heartbreaking than in canon for one simple fact there was ultimately no reason to her and Anise's Duel to the Death except them being mad with grief. Anise rubbing salt in the wounds by revealing the "Ion" she was taking care of was actually the replica of her Ion - who had been dead for three years now - just makes it worse. When Anise realizes what she's done, she breaks.
- Lady Susanne's Heroic Sacrifice, Taking the Bullet for Asch nearly kills her. No one takes it well at all.
- The entire Tower of Rem situation breaks Asch to the point he has hysterics. All on top of Luke getting ready to pull a Heroic Sacrifice and Tear realizing almost too late she loves Luke.
- Luke and Asch's slow death by fonon separation. Not only is it Nightmare Fuel in description of how they feel but they constantly get hit with more and more reasons to live the longer time goes on and their own time runs out. And then they free Lorelei, do a Headbutt of Love, and...disperse.
