The day of the Rating Game finally arrived. The ORC were on their way to the Agares domain, the venue where their game will be held
"This place is amazing up close." Issei said in awe as he gazed outside the window
"The floating city, Agreas. Actually, the Bael faction wanted to have the game in the Bael domain." Azazel informed.
"However, the Duke Agares intervened between the Great Satan and the Great King."
" And the game ended up being held in the Agares Domain." Koneko concluded
" Hm. Is our match represented between the Great Satan Lucifer and Great King Bael?" Kiba wondered
" Well, there are many who look at it that way. So yeah."
" How troublesome. It appears that we are being used for their own ambitions." commented Erin which earned a chuckle from Azazel
" That's all you need to worry about. Even if you lose, it will not affect Sirzechs' political standing. The people backing the Great King and Sairaorg will be happy, though."
" You mean the politicians behind Sairaorg?" Erin mused
" Yeah." Azazel placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. " That's why, make sure to win as you represent your brother-in-law."
" Stop it." Erin said with a roll of her eyes and removed Azazel's hold. The Fallen laughed and the Goddess' gaze flitted to Rias, who was avoiding looking at her. The red head also sat far from the girl and it was Akeno who was sitting next to the Goddess
Akeno held Erin's hand in assurance and the other girls also shared the same sentiments
" Master, since we can't participate in the Game, we would just cheer you guys on." Tsubaki grinned as he held a thumbs up
" Hai, Erin. The twins and I will lead the cheer squad for the Gremory family." Irina declared
" Well, that's good. It will surely raise the group's fighting spirit." Azazel mused
" By the way, Lady Erin. Archaea-sama recently called. She and Sebastian would catch up later once they finish their task at the Household."
" They will?" Erin uttered in surprise and the ice wolf smiled.
" Hai. It is a game they wouldn't miss."
They stopped outside a building where several reporters awaited them. Cameras flashed everywhere and a black limousine was on view.
" I have been waiting for you." Ravel said once the group settled inside the car. " The game will begin on nightfall. So, until then, please wait in your designated room next to the venue."
The members nodded in agreement and the car sped off. They arrived at a luxurious building and walked along a hallway. Once inside, they met several grim reapers in dark cloaks and the Royal Trio's eyes lit up in recognition.
" Uncle Hades!" The Goddess called out and the said God stopped in his tracks
" Nice to see you again, my dear niece." greeted Hades and his servants stopped behind him.
" Lord Hades, the God who rules over the dead in the Underworld." Azazel said as he stepped forward as well
" I am surprised to see you here, knowing that you hate devils and fallen angels."
Hades laughed lowly upon hearing the words
" Well, you crows have been squawking around incessantly lately, so I have come to investigate. Besides, it is also a good chance to see my niece and twin wolves so I made my way here.
The Goddess smiled at this and the twins made a small bow
" Welsh Dragon.." Issei flinched lightly once Hades looked at him
"I miss you and the Vanishing Dragon running wild in the depths of hell. Those dragons are such a pain in the backside. Well, that's fine. As long as you bring some sort of entertainment."
Hades turned back to the Goddess
" My niece, I'm sure you'll be delighted to hear that Zeus and Poseidon also decided to watch the game."
Erin gasped in surprise same as the other members
" Uncle Zeus.. and Uncle Poseidon?"
"Yes. As soon as I heard about this game, I informed them about your participation. I also told them about your current state. They couldn't wait to meet you before the game. They wanted to to catch up and say a few words of encouragement."
" Where are they situated right now?"
" Follow me." Hades motioned for the Goddess to follow him and the latter looked at Azazel for approval.
After the Fallen agreed, Erin and the twins followed Hades
"Try your best not to die tonight." Hades said to the ORC before they left. "I didn't come here to take your souls so entertain me."
"He really is something." Issei commented as he still felt slight shivers after Hades' disappearance
" Let's go, minna." Azazel said and the group headed to a spacious room. They spent hours doing a few warm-ups or just relaxing before their awaited game
" Putting Lord Hades aside, I'm surprised that Lord Zeus and Poseidon are attending as well." Kiba remarked
"That's how much attention this game is getting." Azazel replied. "But of course, Erin's presence is also one of the main factors on why the Trinity Gods of Olympus is attending."
The door suddenly opened and Riser greeted the ORC
" Hey, I've come to watch."
The members looked at him in surprise and the man smirked lightly
" Riser?"
" Onii-sama?"
The man approached Rias and sat on the nearby couch.
" The game today is gathering the attention of a professional game. If you can show off your strength here, that itself has value."
" I am not as talented as Sona in battle tactics and not as powerful as Sairaorg." spoke Rias in a slightly dejected tone. " I am just lucky to have wonderful family members."
" Battle tactics and strength will come with experience and effort." Riser assured. " However, Rias, the talent to find and gather skilled individuals is special. I believe your talent is what gathered your family members here."
Rias shook her head in disapproval
" No. Many have gathered here because of Erin." The red head grew sad at the thought of the Goddess
"You are the one who met the Blue Dragon Empress. That is your fate." Riser motioned to the other members who looked at Rias with determined expressions.
" Rias, these people here are irreplaceable treasures for you. Believe in their strength."
Rias gasped at the words and Riser stood up.
" Well, I just came to cheer you guys on. Sorry for bothering you."
" How surprising of you, Chi- Riser." Issei said in disbelief, stopping himself from insulting the man
" Ha! Can't a person have a change of heart?" Riser said with a shrug. " By the way, I haven't seen the Knight, Blue Dragon Empress. Where is she?"
On cue, the Goddess entered the room followed by the twins. When her gaze landed on Riser, her eyes slightly widened in surprise
" Riser?"
" Just the person I was looking for." Riser said with a small smirk and the twins glared at him. " Chill, I'm not here to fight anyone."
"Did you come here to see Ravel?"
" That, and to say a few words to the group." replied Riser and placed a hand on Erin's shoulder.
" I will never forget that attack from your sword. I want to return that favor." He removed his hold and offered a fistbump
" Hurry up and win this match so you could come to the Professional League."
" Is that a request?" Erin asked in amusement
" It will make me happy if you do."
"Very well." smiled Erin and reciprocated the offered fistbump. "I will definitely beat you in a game next time."
" And also, please take care of my dear sister. She is a straightforward one. If you make her cry, then I have no choice but to burn you up."
"T-That is none of your business!" Ravel said with a blush and glared at Riser
" No worries. I will look after her." Erin assured
" Before I forget, Sirzechs-sama told me that he wanted to see you a bit ago."
" Really? Okay. I'll go see him." Riser motioned for the Goddess to follow him
They exited the room and Riser guided the Goddess towards the place. They reached a park-like venue where a water fountain stood in the center. The man excused himself afterwards and Erin walked towards the Maou
Sirzechs was in the gazebo where a small couch and television was present
"Erin, good to see you. It seems that your fans have sent you something."
Erin sat next to the Maou and the latter turned on the television.
" They sent a video clip of some sort?"
" Yes. It is like a message movie."
" I love the Toppuresu Dragon! Please win the game!" a child excitedly said as he held his Dragon figure
" Hai! Please win!" cheered the other children in unison
*(Switch!)*
" Take that! Lightning Zap!" another child said as she held her Toppuresu toy. She and her brother waved their dragon figurines proudly
" We love the Toppuresu Dragon! Toppuresu! Toppuresu!"
Erin chuckled at the scene and Sirzechs switched the video to the next clip
" Kiyah! Blue Dragon Empress, we can't be there for you, but we'll cheer you on! Please win the game for us!" It was a group of teens this time and they cheered excitedly for the Goddess
" Fighting! Go Blue Dragon Empress!"
*(Switch!)*
" Erin-sama! You are our group's pride and power!" It was an all girl's group and they wore soldier-like clothing.
" Represent women! You are a symbol of women empowerment. Fight against all odds! Go, Blue Dragon Empress!"
" SALUTE!" The girls immediately straightened as they saluted the Goddess with proud smiles
*(Switch!)*
" Kiss Kiss POWEER! Go Blue Dragon Empress!" A group of middle aged-adults said
"We love you Toppuresu Dragon! Win the game for us!"
" Today, children, teens, and adults from all over the Underworld will be watching you." Sirzechs retrieved a box which contained hand-written letters addressed to the Goddess. Erin picked one and read the letter carefully
" There are a lot of adult politics involved in this match today. It can't be helped. That's why, I wanted to ask this of you."
Erin finished reading the letter and looked up at Sirzechs
" Will you please fight for the dreams of these people? Please protect their dreams, along with your own."
" I understand." Erin nodded and smiled. "Even without you telling me, I would have done the exact thing. I am what they call, the Toppuresu Dragon, after all."
- End of Chapter -