Parallels: A Dragon Raja Story

Chapter 2: Operation - Tokyo Pre-Debut

Alnoire made his way across campus from the dormitory, passing by the fountain square where a holographic dragon reminded each student at Cassell College the school's mission. He let out a yawn as dawn was barely breaking and the early birds zoomed past on motorbikes—a complimentary vehicle for all who attend. Alnoire wasn't in a rush however. These pathways all across campus were known by heart, the average walking distance included. He was closing in to the enormous statue of the school's principal, which must've costed a fortune by the looks of the details. Up the stairs and down the hallway, Alnoire stepped into the principal's room as if it were his own.

"Ah yes, Alnoire you're here!" The delight in the old man's husky voice caused heads to turn from few others in school uniforms. Alnoire was in the presence of some of the top students at the college: Johann Chu, Caesar Gattuso, and Luminous Lu.

"I am sure you are well acquainted with one another after yesterday's commotion."

That was quite far from the truth aside from Luminous—and even then, it was only because Alnoire called him through Finger's phone, who was passed out drunk in the fountain square on an early Saturday morning. Since then, most of their messages regarded assistance for attacks and general questions on mutual courses taken within the semester. Each gave a courteous nod.

"So, the special assistance you were talking about was your son." The blonde-haired man eyed Alnoire, arms folded. "He looks capable."

"That's his son?!" Luminous's jaw dropped. The memory of his roommate, Finger soaked in fountain water mumbling who knows what followed thereafter. He scratched the back of his head. "What a first impression..."

"Reporting for duty!!" Rapid footsteps made its way towards Anjou's desk and halted, nearly leaving a streak on the polished floor. There was Jas with her vibrant energy radiating the room. She snuck in a bagel from the studio and handed it to Alnoire.

Not too long after, metal clunking noises rumbled closer and closer until a sweet yet massive Titan mecha stationed itself next to Jas and Al. The robot opened itself up with a half-asleep Rae still in her pajamas—but to be fair, Jas happened to be wearing her brightly colored pajamas on as well. It was simply too early to care.

Anjou gestured over to the superstars. "The three of you will be an assist team for the SS-rank mission to Japan," He began. "EVA has determined the most fitting auditions for your talents. I have no doubts you will be chosen, however should that be the unfortunate predicament, we've found a list of other auditions. Consider this mission like an internship to sharpen your skills as both superstars and dragon slayers."

"Japan huh...I've heard it's really pretty there and the food is amazing!" Jas was already planning a vacation itinerary. Superstar life wasn't easy, but to think it would allow her to travel and star in more diverse roles was a dream. Most importantly, she'd get to meet her number one idol, plastered on the walls of her dorm room—Ruri Kazama. The expressions she made were readable. Alnoire had to bring her back somehow.

"The auditions and projects in Japan are obviously undercover tasks. What is our main objective in assisting our seniors?"

"My, my Alnoire can't you dream a little?" Anjou teased. "While we are aware of the Hydras's contributions to our school, there is much that they are hiding from us. We'd like to create a diplomatic relationship between the two. Our Operation Hydra team will assist them in examining the abnormal activity in the oceans of Japan's territory. Speculation leads to us believing it is related to an incident decades ago...in fact, you all were not born yet!"