Fire Realm (Hung's POV)

The area was amazing. Volcanoes as far as the eye could see. 'Wow, this breathtaking. How is this possible?' I looked down to the earth below and saw cracks layering the field. Surprisingly, it wasn't hot.

"What bothers you my apprentice?"

"I see all the fire erupting around us but, it doesn't seem to be hot." Clockwork smiled as he pointed to my stomach.

"Because you possess a fire core. Unique as it is, you have a powerful combination that will produce unimaginable results."

"Really?" He nodded.

"Indeed but, that glove you absorbed has also blessed you with a few unique abilities as well."

"Like what?"

"In time. Let's begin." We started our training and eventually, I became aware of some of the other powers Clockwork initially mentioned. One manifested itself through a transformation. His name was Eron. Unusual fellow. Came off to be scary but, we got along just fine. I learned to manipulate lava and create water that even heat couldn't evaporate. During the last week, Clockwork had me do something strange.

"You sure about this?"

"Yes Hung. Trust me, you will be fine."

"So, you want me to spend five days meditating at the bottom of the volcano."

"Yes." 'I knew he was strange but, this is terrifying. I know I don't get hot from my fire core but, lava is more than dangerous.' I sighed. 'Well, it could be worse.'

"Not really." Commented my new friend Eron. "Worry not. This will give us time to train."

'If you say so. I trust you.' On the first day, I was pleasantly surprised to know that I could fully submerge myself without any pain. It was awesome. The stuff of dreams. I swam down to the bottom and realized another interesting ability.

'I can breathe?'

"More or less. It's more that you're use to the action. In this form, you require no oxygen. This is just another advantage of being part ghost."

"Wow. I thought I was actually breathing here in the ghost zone."

"There is air but, you don't need it. Now, we can begin." I sat down on the bottom and crossed my legs. I felt myself being pulled into Eron's realm.

"Welcome Hung." He said towering over me.

"Hey Eron. So, what's the plan?"

"The gauntlet you possess grants powers aside from what you're already aware of. I was manifested from this collection of energy. I allow the ability of transformation. However, unlike other ghost with the same power to shape shift. This power allows you to gain strength through it. Increasing your overall power level per say."

'So, with you inside of me. It's like having two tanks of energy?' I asked.

"Precisely. However, my tank is large than yours. It does come with a cost. First there's the mark." He pointed his massive finger to my wrist. Looking down, I saw a green skull mark.

"It identifies you as one able to turn into a large monster."

'Like a kaiju?'

"What is that my friend?" Eron asked.

'It's a name for a large beast or monster. I bet we could call it a kaiju mark.'

"I like that."

'So, what other powers do you mean?'

"Well, I'm going to teach you how to perform Judgement." I raised an eyebrow.

'I remember Clockwork talking about it before.'

"Yes. It's your most powerful and dangerous move. Only use it if you have to. I will teach you the two levels of it and your heart will guide you as to when you can use them."

'I'm ready.' I was under Eron's instruction until the time came to return to the ghost zone. Exiting the portal, it was hard to believe we were gone only for two weeks in the real world.

"Not much has changed." 'Well something has. I sense a strong force nearby. It's probably nothing.' I commented as Clockwork came from behind me.

"Well well well. Aren't you boys looking stronger." Following the voice, I saw Amser and Hotaru with a new and amazing look. She was taller and her hair had grown longer. Her violet eyes glowed like the sun and her face was just as radiant. Her smile could break any sadness and my heart felt suddenly warmer. Glad that she was okay and happy to see that her time with Amser seemed pleasant. She ran over and trapped in a tight hug.

"Hung!" She screamed. I smiled as I held her tight.

"Hey Hotaru. How have you been?"

"Great." 'I'm glad.' We stayed like that for a moment but, I think our onlookers eventually caused us to separate. Amser walked over and smiled widely.

"And you have become even more powerful than I could imagine."

"Thank you Amser."

"Now, we can get started."

"Started with?" I questioned.

"The ceremony of course. You both we're chosen to become warriors. Now comes the part where you will fulfill that duty." She snapped her fingers and we vanished. I was blown away by this skill that I didn't realize where we landed.

'Woah!' I turned around looking at a massive coliseum. Rustic and old; the structure had seen some time and many battles.

"You have arrived." looking to the entrance, my eyes rested upon two new beings. One beast with white fur and a clear arm; the other was a tall woman with four arms dressed in armor.

"You're right on time." said Clockwork. "Meet the new candidates." He pointed to me. "This is my apprentice Hung and this is Hotaru." The beings smiled pleasantly as their eyes met ours.

"Nice to meet you both." responded the woman. "Let me introduce myself. I am Pandora and this is Frostbite."

"Nice to meet you both. I have heard a great deal about your deeds." 'I guess Clockwork brags about us when we're not around.'

"Now since the introductions are out of the way. The ceremony can begin." Clockwork made his way before everyone. "Ancients, step forward and state who you have chosen to represent." Pandora stepped forward first.

"I have chosen Hotaru." She looked to Hotaru and motioned for her to join her. She advanced slowly of course. I knew she was nervous. I was too. This was a lot to take in at once.

"Very well. Frostbite. Name your champion." He followed the routine, stepped forward and said, "I have chosen Hung." I stepped forward. Standing next to him, I could feel his surprising strength. The chill around him reminded me of something.

"Understood. Now, step forward new champions." We both came before him. He raised both of his hands over us. Suddenly, I saw white light surround me and my power increase. The light dissipated.

"Congratulations. You are now warriors. You are protectors designated by us to defend both worlds. All duties you will perform will be given by either us or those who have chosen you. You hold a higher position than those who reside here normally. Without further delay, your mentors will present you with a gift." Clockwork opened a green portal and began to pull something out. From the depths, he retrieved a massive scythe.

"Wow! This is amazing." He handed it over to me and I could its power.

"You're welcome Hung. This weapon was forged by a scientist known by Technus. Allowing the user to alter the size of it by a thought alone." I gave it a shot and it worked. I shrunk it down to the size of my palm. I enlarged it with a large smile on my face.

"That's not all." continued my mentor. "It is built of a special type of metal. The creator named it Speculum. This type of metal absorbs the properties of ecto energy."

'I think I understand.' I engulfed my hand with fire and it began to wrap around the hilt and traveled to the green blade. I couldn't believe it.

"This is so cool."

"Glad you approve. I also have another gift for you." He handed me a gathering of folded clothes. "Clothing befitting a warrior." I dug my weapon into the ground and took a look. A black and white shirt with black pants. A red dragon raced down the chest to the leg.

'Wow. I can't believe it. You know Clockwork reminds me a lot of my dad.'

"And for you Hotaru." Amser said holding out a sheathed blade. The sheath was red and the lower part was dark as the night. She pulled out the blade to reveal the raven blade. The hilt was wrapped in red cloth and a green crystal rested in the center.

"A blade forged of the same material as Hung's weapon. Constructed to absorbed the user's energy and increase its power." The smile that came to her face was a rare one. Something I haven't seen in a long time.

"Thank you Amser. I don't know what to say."

"No thanks necessary. You have worked hard my apprentice." She laughed.

"Now, go home my friends. In time, you will be called upon to defend our world." I nodded.

"Thank you for everything everyone." We said our good byes and went back home. It felt kind of strange returning back after three months. Everything became somewhat normal again. Hotaru and I became even closer as we shared our separate experiences with each other. She learned of Eron and he became a part of our little family. Everything seemed to be going our way. The battles became easier. However, as time passed, I couldn't shake the thought of my brother. Being sentenced to the Dark Valley. I prayed for his safety every day. Until fate came knocking.

Hotaru and I were in the mountains of the ghost zone. Training with our weapons. They had improved our power and skill.

"That's enough for today." I said shrinking my blade.

"Okay." Hotaru responded. Tossing her blade into the air and catching it in her sheath. 'That was pretty cool.' I don't know what it is but, something has prevented me from taking the next step with her. I know she's full ghost and what not but, I care for her deeply. I didn't really care since I was part ghost now. We were alike in many ways. Enough for us to connect at least. Eron and I have talked about it and he tends to think it's because I failed to save my brother. I failed to protect my family so I don't deserve to express my feelings. Either way, I wanted to tell her how I feel.

"Hotaru." Her beautiful eyes rested on me. My heart skipped a beat as she focused on me alone. I was a strong warrior chosen by one of the strongest ghost in the world and I can't even talk to a girl I've been living with for almost a year.

"Yes." She advanced forward and stopped a few inches before me. It was almost as if she knows what I want to say.

"Well, I've been meaning to say this for a while now. But, I…" 'This is hard. I just have to say it.'

"I.."

"My apprentice." We both turned to Clockwork descending upon us. 'Bad timing but, you probably know that.'

"I think something is wrong Hung." Looking at Clockwork's expression troubled me. He always had this air about him. Where it seemed nothing disturbed him but, I could see something was troubling him.

"Hey Clockwork. What's wrong?"

"I come with bad news. He has returned." He didn't have to say who. I knew immediately who it was.

"Braedon." I said clenching my fist.

"The time has come Hung. All of your hard work for this very moment." said Eron.

"He has begun his conquest of the ghost zone."

"When did he arrive." I asked.

"It seems he escaped a few weeks ago." 'That has to be the presence I felt when we exited the fire realm.' "He has gain unimaginable power. He has gained the ability to absorb dark energy."

"Dark energy?" Hotaru asked joining the conversation.

"Present in the dark valley only. The ectoplasm that surrounds us has two properties. One of light and the other of dark. Luckily that form of energy resides only in that realm."

"So, we can beat him?" Clockwork shook his head.

"During the past few weeks, he kept his power low to avoid detection. He enlisted the help of Dr. Technus. Convincing him to create a device from his new metal."

"Like our weapons?"

"Yes. However, one of a more devious design and purpose. Allowing it the ability to absorb ectoplasm and provide him unlimited power."

"No way. How is that even possible?" I questioned.

"It is true. It has the ability to absorb ectoplasm and filter it into dark energy. Therefore, increasing his power beyond that of any regular ghost. No mere energy can defeat him."

"What about pure energy?" We both turned to Hotaru. "It's like yin and yang. Light and dark. Only the light can drive away the forces of evil."

"That could actually work." said Clockwork. 'Where would we be without her?'

"I will give you both your first big mission as warriors. Seek out Dr. Technus and discover a way to counteract his device. The Ancients will delay Braedon as long as we can. His lab is located in the east. A forgotten part of the ghost zone. Secluded and perfect for research."

"Understood." I wasted no time as I sped off toward Dr. Technus's lab. Hotaru followed after.

'Worry not my brother. I will free you from this curse.'

Half an hour later, we arrived at a colossal building. Landing at the stairs, we read the sign. "DR. TECHNUS LABORATORY".

"This is the place." I knocked and it slowly creaked open. A strange creature appeared on the other side. It was like a living cloud of yellow smoke. At it's head was a pair of glowing red eyes.

"You must be Hung." He said catching me off guard. "And you must be Hotaru. The doctor is awaiting your arrival." He fully opened the door and lead us inside.

We walked through corridors of labs and testing facilities. He had quite the crew of scientist. We came to a large black door. Looking inside, I saw a tall ghost with a long white lab coat and yellow gloves. He wore dark shades that complimented his dark blue skin and a large scar raced down his face.

"Ahh, the warriors arrive. Welcome to my lab." He said as his hand began to twitch.

"Hello doctor. We were sent to talk about…"

"The orb? My greatest creation ever. I had done pain staking research to create this metal and Braedon comes here demanding I use it to help his conquest."

"What does it do?" asked Hotaru.

"Absorbs ectoplasm. The very building block of everything supernatural. The ghost world itself is built from it but, it's an infinite source. Therefore, it uses that fact and continuously replenishes the user. Thus, he will never run out of energy. Any damage he takes will heal, his attacks will blow away mountains and his stability will be in question. Either way, he's indestructible."

"I don't believe that doctor." said Hotaru boldly. "Everything has a weakness." He began to cackle. After a few seconds, we started to cough and wheeze heavily.

"You are sharp my friend. There is a way to beat him. You have to counteract his dark orb with this." He went to a safe in the wall. Opening it, he retrieved a large metallic white sphere.

"Is that?" He nodded.

"An orb designed to gather pure energy. Same principle as Braedon's weapon but, unique. I created it as a countermeasure to his. When he ordered me to create it, I, in secret of course, began creating this one. I can now entrust his downfall to you Hung." He handed it over to me and I could feel it bonding to me.

"Keep calm and combine your energy with the orb." I closed my eyes and focused. I wrapped it in my energy and the I could feel it vanish into my body. After that, I could feel it resting at my core.

'This power is unbelievable. I feel indestructible.'

"Now." He quickly and rudely plucked out one of my hairs.

"Owww. Why did you do that?" He walked over to the vault and placed the hair into a slot.

"Safe precautions. Once this ordeal is over, bring the orb back here and place it in here. Therefore, only someone of your descent can open it."

"Sounds easy enough."

"Okay. Now, you must listen to me. In order to beat Breadon, you must separate him from the orb. The only way to do that is to cause his distort his ecto signature."

"How?" I asked.

"I understand." said Hotaru. "We will take care of it Doctor. Thank you for your help."

"Very well. I wish you luck my children." Hotaru began to walk out and the cloud creature followed us. 'She's smarter than me because I don't get how we're going to do that.'

"Trust in your friend. She is strong in mind and quick to a solution."

'You're right.' We made it to the front door.

"Good luck warriors." He said opening the doors.

"Thank you. Please, what is your name?"

"It's Seth."

"Nice to meet you Seth. I know you already know my name but, it's Hung." I couldn't tell but, I felt like he was smiling.

"The pleasure is mine. Be safe and victorious my friends." We flew off toward the battlefield. Knowing that with this new power, I can finally save my brother.

'I'm coming brother.'