Concerned Hearts

As the Pope was helped into his room, the Ghost returned to the Demon Kingdom. The Wings of the SR-72PA folded in as he walked through the gates.

Where the hell did you go?

Kazuto... That's not important. 

No, you don't get to pull that shit. Where did you go?

If you must know. I paid the Church a visit.

The CHURCH OF HUMANITY!?! You do realize they want you to help them right?

I do, and I also made it clear to the Pope I have no intentions of leaving any members of the Church alive.

Wait.. What happened.

The Ghost told Kazuto what had transpired during his mind battle against the Pope. He spared no detail. 

The gods must have been shaking to have made the Pope lose his will to fight. As for you, what the hell have you been through and seen to make you that much of a mental stronghold?

I'd say I'm more like a fortress. As for what I've seen, there's no need to tell you that much.

Why not? Afraid I'll shit myself like the Pope?

No, afraid you'll actually see just how wounded I am. said the Ghost with a smile.

Kazuto was stunned. The Ghost was talking about how damaged he was, yet he was smiling. 

You must be crazy to be able to say that and smile.

No, it's just a skill I picked up. Hopefully, you'll never have to. 

As the two checked on the refugees, Kazuto would watch the Ghost. How could he smile in the face of hardship and still move forwards? How is it he seemingly could calm the fraying nerves of the people around him?

Kazuto shook his head and focused on making sure everyone was taken care of.

Much later, Kazuto was snooping around the Ghost's room. Peering into a window, he saw the Ghost remove his shirt. Kazuto covered his mouth as he saw scars varying in size and width. His wrists had scars as well as his legs. 

What in the world had done that to him...

If you're going to watch me change, my prices aren't cheap.

How did you see me?

Just one of my many skills. What did you need?

What caused those scars?

Some were self inflicted. Reminders of what happens when I get too close to people. Other I had gotten in battle, injuries from my old life, injuries from work. Nothing that should...

Don't say I shouldn't be concerned. You said some were self inflicted.

What of them? I can't erase my scars. I wear them as a reminder of the pain and a reminder of what I have risen above.

Kazuto shook his head. Who else has seen all of these?

Juno has seen just the ones on my arms. Nobody has seen every single scar I have.

Kazuto shook his head again. Tell me you haven't been adding more to that count.

I made a promise to someone I lost that I would never do such things again. The temptation is there, but trust me. My word is my bond. I haven't added any new ones.

Good.

Now get out of my room, and stop peeping.

Right, you have a good night.

As the door shut, the Ghost revealed the rest of his scars to the mirror.

For the sake of my friends and for my own mental sanity, I can't forget nor forgive what you did to me.

His eyes narrowed on the mirror before shattering it into pieces. 

I am a survivor... I have seen hell and I shall overcome anything that stands in my way. If it won't move, I shall make it bleed and kill it until it fears me.

As the candle was blown out, eyes from a far closed. 

Seems to me that one is strong, stronger than any hero the humans have put forth within the last four-hundred years.

Yes, keep an eye on him. I want to see if he is worthy of us making ourselves known to humanity.

As you eyes and ears, I shall keep you informed my lord. 

This, Ghost of Ottawa, might be champion we have been seeking, he who shall balance the world once again.