23rd August, 2026. (2126)
7:23 AM – Schelvia City, Faber's Building, City's Heart
Yoshi awoke with a strangled cry, his chest heaving, hand raised as if reaching for something in his sleep. His dull purple eyes snapped open, unfocused for a moment, before settling on the dark room around him.
"Mother!" he called out, his voice desperate, echoing faintly in the silent chamber.
He sat up abruptly, his breathing erratic, heart pounding in his chest like a war drum. The remnants of the dream lingered—a blurred image of his mother, her voice just beyond reach. His trembling hand clutched the blanket, the other rising to press against his face, fingers curling as he tried to calm himself.
"Damn it…" he muttered under his breath, his tone laced with frustration and weariness. "It's been ten years, and I still can't… I can't even remember her face."
His gaze shifted to the nightstand beside him. There lay his Vitreous, its ominous glow faint even in the dark, alongside his name-tag pendant and the ever-reliable alarm clock.
7:23 AM.
Thirty-seven minutes. Enough time to prepare, yet Yoshi remained still, his legs swinging over the side of the bed. His thoughts swirled as he stared at the floor. These dreams had haunted him relentlessly in recent days, as if reminding him of the distance between who he was and who he had to become. Just one year remained before his graduation from Asterick Unity Education. One year before he could leave Schelvia City for good.
His reverie was interrupted by a soft knock at the door.
"Yoshi-sama? Are you awake? Breakfast is ready, and Sister has already prepared herself to accompany you."
The voice was gentle, almost melodic. Yoshi sighed and rose from the bed, his movements sluggish but deliberate. He crossed the room silently, his tall frame casting shadows against the dim light. Pulling the door open, he was met with the familiar figure of his humanoid maid robot, Sistri.
Her silver hair fell neatly over her shoulders, her sleek frame clad in a pristine maid uniform. She tilted her head slightly and bowed in greeting, her unwavering gaze fixed on him.
"Accompany me for what, exactly?" he asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.
Sistri stepped back slightly, her tone polite but firm. "For your scheduled patrol at the East Gate tonight, Yoshi-sama."
Yoshi's eyes narrowed. "I'll be fine. I've been assigned a patrol partner this time. No more reckless moves, I promise." He raised a hand, as if to pacify her. "I don't need her causing a scene at the gate."
Sistri's expression didn't falter. "Are you certain? Sister may not approve of you being partnered with someone unfamiliar…"
Her voice held a note of concern that made Yoshi groan inwardly.
Before he could respond, a metallic thud echoed down the hallway, followed by heavy, deliberate steps. Around the corner emerged 3AA73, the oldest robot in Yoshi's service and the only one he hadn't replaced.
"Young master!" 3AA73's voice boomed with authority, her screen-like face displaying a pixelated expression of disapproval. "You'd better let me accompany you. I won't let you wander the East Gate alone tonight!"
Yoshi resisted the urge to roll his eyes. 3AA73 was a relic from a bygone era—a first-generation mech from the 1980s (2080). She was part of the original Eight Secretary Mechs, created to protect Schelvia City during its early years. Only three of the eight remained operational, their military-grade capabilities hidden beneath layers of disguise.
Unlike Sistri, with her humanoid features and refined elegance, 3AA73 was imposing, standing two inches taller than Yoshi. Her bulky frame was clad in an old-fashioned uniform, and her silver-steel skin gleamed faintly under the lights.
"I've already been partnered with another Golden Child," Yoshi reminded them, his tone clipped.
3AA73 crossed her arms, the servos in her joints whirring. "Golden Child, huh? Fine. Give me their name so I can mark their face."
"I don't know who it is yet," Yoshi replied, exasperated. "Now, can I please just have my breakfast?"
Without waiting for a response, he brushed past them and headed toward the kitchen.
---
7:47 AM – Faber Building, Room 377
Steam rose from the bathroom as Yoshi stepped out, his damp hair clinging to his face. He dried off quickly and dressed in his uniform, his movements methodical.
The uniform came with its own enhancements—five solid black rings that acted as a concealed mech suit. He fastened one around his neck, two around his wrists, and two more around his ankles. Lightweight and silent, the rings would activate only in combat, enhancing his speed and strength when needed.
At the nightstand, he reached for his Vitreous. The pendant flickered ominously as he touched it, its energy responding to his presence. He slipped it around his neck before adding his name-tag pendant, which displayed his personal data: his name, blood type, rank, and, most notably, his eight starnames.
Standing before the mirror, Yoshi adjusted his tie, though he knew it wouldn't stay tightened for long. His dull purple eyes stared back at him, a pale shadow of the vibrant violet they had once been.
"Protect your sister… in my stead."
The memory of his mother's final words echoed in his mind, a haunting refrain. It was a promise he had tried to fulfill, though it felt futile. In ten years, he had found no trace of this supposed sister. If she existed, she was hidden beyond his reach, and every search had ended in failure.
"Yoshi-sama?"
Sistri's voice broke his thoughts. She peeked through the door, her expression soft. "It's 7:56 AM now. I think you should leave soon. You don't want to be late for class."
Yoshi turned to her, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. His messy bangs partially obscured his eyes, giving him an almost boyish appearance despite the shadows in his gaze.
"Yeah," he said quietly. "I'm ready."