Clouse led Vex through the dark and treacherous underworld, towards his castle. Vex was a new acquaintance, a villain seeking to reclaim his reign of terror, and Clouse saw potential in the cunning and ruthless figure. The two walked in silence, the only sounds coming from their echoing footsteps and lavafalls. The walls of the underworld were dotted with strange and eerie glowing green crystals, something Clouse noted only showed up after the Merge. Allegedly, they originated in the Cursed Realm, but were merged with the section of the underworld that moved Clouse's home. Vex couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine, however, he kept his composure, knowing that he needed to impress Clouse if he wanted to be a part of his plans. As they approached the massive gates of the castle, Vex couldn't help but feel a sense of both fear and excitement. He had always wanted to be a part of something bigger, and the thought of working with someone as powerful as Clouse was exhilarating.

"Welcome to my home." Clouse said with a sly smile as the gates swung open. The castle was an imposing structure, with dark and foreboding towers reaching towards the sky. The sorcerer led him into the main room where lava flowed through small channels on the base of the walls. In the center was what looked like a boulder carved out to be a throne. It didn't look very comfortable, nor was it very detailed or intricate, but it did its job he supposed. Clouse began to talk about what his plans were, but almost immediately got interrupted by a loud stomach growl. The ghost turned to see Vex looking embarrassed.

"Ah." Clouse signed. "That's right. You're in the unfortunate situation of 'living things need to eat'... I suppose I can't say the same for me anymore. But what I wouldn't do to have my mortal body back. You don't know how much I need a glass of red wine right now." He glanced back at the weakened figure standing awkwardly behind him. "I take it that you wish to eat sooner rather than later. Alright then."

The spirit lit his hand with purple magic and threw it up in the air. The blip of glimmering power rocketed through the roof like the phantom that made it. After a moment, a skeleton ran into the room and bowed before Clouse; asking why he was called. The ghost rolled his eyes. "Kruncha. This mortal requires something to eat. Be a good servant and go fetch some food. And before you ask- yes. It requires you to leave the underworld."

The skeleton bowed respectfully and then ran out of the castle; no questions asked. Vex, who was frozen in place from the moment Kruncha entered the room, looked up at the ghost in genuine shock mixed with terror. Clearly, he'd never witnessed a Skulkin before and was understandably a little freaked out. Clouse, paying no mind to that, turned and floated onto his throne.

"You'll get used to it." He uttered flatly. "Now- while we wait on that, let's get down to business."

The sorcerer's eyes glowed purple as he lifted his hand in Vex's direction. Without a warning, a magic blast shot at him, and the next thing he knew, he was floating in a black void. He called out in a frustrated, confused panic, but nobody responded. Until...

"Vex..." An unfamiliar voice whispered. He frantically spun around as more people started calling out for him in wispy, cold, voices. And yet, he still couldn't see where the voices were coming from. There had to be over twenty of them, but no one was there. "Poor little Vex." One began to mock.

"All that time- freezing to death all alone- starving and wounded- and yet, his animal form STILL didn't come to his rescue..." A second voice joined in.

"He can't fly like a falcon, slash like a bear, bite like a wolf, run fast like a deer, jump high like a rabbit... he's PATHETIC." A third chimed in.

Vex's heart beat heavily as he panicked; holding his head, begging for the increasing number of taunts to be quite. With every one uttered, the others would begin to laugh. Floating in the void, the formling curled into himself. He couldn't take it!!! The mockery was UNBEARABLE!
"I've... had... ENOUGH!"

With that, a massive shockwave of ice rocketed out of Vex's core. Everything fell silent as he looked around curiously. What just happened!?! Before he could panic further, he opened his eyes into the real world. He was back in the underworld castle,  and Clouse was floating in front of him. "WHAT WAS THAT!?" The formling demanded answers.

"I was just confirming my theory, that's all. Besides, now I know what your deepest desires are. And if you let me, I can help with that."

This ghost was crazy! There was no way in hell he could trust him! BUT... if he was implying what Vex thought he was implying, then this could be all he ever wanted. Reluctantly, the man nodded. Clouse raised his hands as they crackled with a fiery blaze of purple magic. He closed his eyes and focused; beginning to usher words Vex couldn't understand. His arms waved through the air in a pattern, almost like a beautiful dance. Then, the magic blasted onto the formling, circling him like snakes. Vex was lifted off the ground and wrapped in the spell like a cocoon. After a moment, the man was freed and gently floated down. When he opened his eyes, they lit up. No longer was he in old, ragged clothing, but a new outfit. He wore a russet brown leather jacket and pants, with white fur trimming, and dark taupe, leather boots. To top it off, what seemed to be a cape made of long animal fur hung from his back and the silver armor on his chest glistened with an almost icy look. He felt different too. He felt... powerful. Vex didn't know what he was doing, but he held out his hands and focused. Within seconds, ice began to form around them, shaping itself, eventually giving him large spikes from the back of his hands; like Wolverine. Vex couldn't understand or believe it. It was like he had the same powers as the-
"Ice Emperor." He whispered.

Clouse smirked. "Yes, Ice Emperor Vex. Has a nice ring to it, don't you agree?"

"But... how?"

"A simple spell I've been working on. It merely brought to the surface a dormant power."

Vex stared at his new ability in awe. Part of Zane's power must have still been inside him, even after he changed back from his icy form. He didn't know how or if it was even possible that was how it worked, but you won't hear any complaints from him. FINALLY. Something about him was special! It might not be the animal form he was secretly hoping for, but it's maybe even better. No more being an 'advisor'....
Now HE was the Ice Emperor...

AND EVERYONE WHO DARE CROSS HIM WOULD BE SORRY!!