[Touching the corruption causes an odd effect, though brief. Thoughts that aren't his flood his mind, repeating insecurities, fears, and other strong negative emotions. But out of everyone, Xiao is the best equipped to handle it, and the thoughts won't linger as it's thrown aside.]
[In front of him, Venti's expressions changes: first to muted shock, and then to horror, as he turns to Aether. "I... didn't mean any of that. You know I'd never..."]
[But the corruption hasn't been bested just yet.]
[The blob mutates on the ground, shifting and changing -- before taking the form of Aether himself, cast in the same pinkish purple ooze like a strange, human-shaped slime. As he brandishes a equally corrupt sword, he swings at Xiao -- but this time, there's no reason Xiao can't fight back to the fullest extent.]
no subject
[In front of him, Venti's expressions changes: first to muted shock, and then to horror, as he turns to Aether. "I... didn't mean any of that. You know I'd never..."]
[But the corruption hasn't been bested just yet.]
[The blob mutates on the ground, shifting and changing -- before taking the form of Aether himself, cast in the same pinkish purple ooze like a strange, human-shaped slime. As he brandishes a equally corrupt sword, he swings at Xiao -- but this time, there's no reason Xiao can't fight back to the fullest extent.]