Record of Genesis

Chapter 4: The Scrouge of God

Saying a final goodbye is the hardest thing a parent can do.

It was one hour before the first round, and Raguel stood with Michael as they watched over the crowded arena. Despite his expressionless face, Raguel was nervous. He knew that if his human fighter were to perish, he would too.

But he didn't want to die yet. He had a family waiting for him.

Raguel's hand shook as he sipped his bottle of water. He inhaled deeply, holding it for a moment before releasing it. He repeated this a couple of times to reassure himself that he would be fine. It's not like Attila will be defeated without putting up a grand battle.

But the possibility of them losing is still existent. It's clouding Raguel's thoughts. What if he died? He would never see his family again. He'll leave them fatherless; his remaining children will have to grow up without a loving dad. The archangel of harmony's hands trembled violently, threatening to drop the bottle in his hand.

"I understand." Michael's words shook him out of the train of darkness.

"I know. This is a very hard decision to make: putting our lives on the line and risking death. Not everyone has the courage to show such bravery. Just as a reminder." He smiled and faced Raguel. "This is not an order. If you have second thoughts and want to back out,

"I won't." Raguel replied. Clenching his other hand, he took another deep breath, calming himself down. "I will put my life in danger for the sake of mankind. Yes, I am horrified at the idea of dying. But my decision is final."

Michael lowered his head, then reached out his hand. Raguel understood this and shook the archangel leader's hand, knowing that this could be the final time they ever did this.

"May the light of heaven be by your side." Michael wished.

"May the light of heaven be by my side." Raguel prayed. Michael was tempted to give Raguel a final hug and didn't let go. But time won't wait for the extinction of humanity; they must fight. Sighing, Michael asked him a crucial question:

"Anyone you want to see before you bond with Attila?"

Raguel nodded. "Of course. You know me."

Naturally, Ariel was not pleased about her father being the first to head out.

"Father!" She wailed, clenching his hand. "Are you sure about this? Are you really going first?"

"My sweetheart." Raguel cooed, gently stroking his daughter's hair. "It's inevitable that I'm going to risk my life in Genesis. Either today or tomorrow. And one round, you will have to put your life on the line too."

Michael silently cleared his throat, remembering that Ariel also volunteered to be a fighter for mankind. Did he do the right thing? Is it really worth destroying a family just for the survival of humanity? How would he feel if either one of them died in battle? Clenching his fist, he told his thoughts to shut up, soothing himself before listening to Raguel's family.

"Excuse me." A voice spoke behind them. Michael and the family were shocked to see Attila the Hun present right before their eyes. He gestured to Raguel, sighing. "Archangel Raguel. The fight is about to begin."

Holding back tears, Ariel and her two younger siblings gave Raguel a bearhug.

"Daddy!" A young angel cried. "Please, don't go!"

"Come on, daddy!" Another, slightly older, young angel begged. "Stay with us!"

Raguel was on the verge of tears, but his facade of strength hid it from his children. "Elysariel." He said this to the older young angel and turned to his youngest child. "Kaelith." Kissing the young angels on the forehead, he patted their heads. "Fear not; Daddy will make sure to kick the sorry butt of whichever god comes out first, and I'll make them cry!"