13 years earlier in colony 9…
"And they all lived happily ever after. The end." Dickson closed a red book with a thick spine. "Remind me again why you always request fairy tales?"
"Because." Shulk said. "They teach us important things."
The young homs was lying in bed with the covers pulled tightly over him. At this very moment Dickson was reading him a bedtime story.
"Well it's your choice." Dickson shrugged. "At least you didn't ask me for any books about science. It's unnatural for someone as young as you to be as smart as you are."
Tears began to form in Shulk's eyes. "Does that mean you think I'm weird?" he whimpered.
"Wha-No!" Dickson cried. "What gives you that impression? Anyways I just think being a genius creates some… problems for you that's all."
"If you mean the bullies then don't worry." Shulk said. "Reyn was there to chase them away."
"Yes but will he always be there?" Dickson asked. "Sooner or later you need to learn how to protect yourself."
"I-I don't think I can." Shulk pulled his covers over his face. "There all so mean to me. What do they have against me? They didn't even stop when I began to cry. Instead they all just laughed at me and called me names. And they come back every day!"
"Some people are really awful." Dickson agreed. "But you can't let that beat you."
"What happens if a mechon attacks me?" Shulk asked. "I won't be able to defend myself. I don't want to die!"
Dickson smiled as he pulled Shulk's covers down. "No mechon is ever going to hurt you." He promised. "I'll protect you no matter what."
Shulk felt his tears start to subside. "T-thank you Dickson." He sniffed. "Will you protect me from the bullies as well?"
"Glady." Dickson beamed. "If I catch them being mean to you, I'll give them a scar they'll never forget."
"I-I I don't want you to hurt them!" Shulk cried.
"Very well then." Dickson said. "I'll just warn them off."
"Thank you!" Shulk cried in delight. He paused for a moment before asking the question he really wanted to ask. "Dickson… is it possible save a princess without being a prince?"
"Huh?" Dickson asked. "There aren't any princesses in this world besides the High Entia and no one knows if their even real. But no, as far as I can tell it's always a prince saving a princess. What bought this on?"
"I just thought… if I could save a princess like the heroes in the stories, maybe everyone would stop being so mean to me." Shulk admitted. "Also as crazy as this seems I really want to find true love. Is that crazy?"
"Not at all." Dickson mused. "I think everyone wants that. Just… don't expect it to be a princess. They're always holding out for a prince to rescue them."
"Oh… alright." Shulk said. "Can you read me another story?"
"Sure thing." Dickson smiled. He opened up a thick purple book. "Once upon a time…"
But at that point Shulk wasn't even listening. I'm so lucky I have Dickson to protect me. He's the best person to ever exist! But… I have this longing. Is this… a desire to find love? I will find it one day! I'm certain of it! But… who would want to date me? I remember all of the names Peter, Kevin and Rufus called me. They said I was a stupid loser, an egghead, a know-it-all, a fatty and an annoying little bitch. Where did they even learn that word? They're only 5! But as far as I can tell it's impossible for someone to love me.