Learning new things is one of Shade’s favorite past times. Shade has a lot to learn in this new world; mannerisms her least favorite yet important to conform to her new life. She first teaches herself how to communicate with sign language; Sunset and Starlight have decided to learn along side her. Sunset and Starlight have taught Shade plenty: skateboarding, fashion, music, poetry, technology, and teenage jargon, to name a few.

Shade looks up from the circuit board she is working on to search the area. Thinking about the past two months she remembers that Starlight had taught her most of those things while Sunset had showed up less and less. Starlight sits at the computer tapping away madly at the keys, probably working on her manifesto. Starlight holds views similar to Shade’s culture so Starlight had taken an immediate liking to Shade.

With a sigh Shade sets down the soldering iron and turns it off. She decides to search for Sunset.

“‘Therefore, everyone being the same would promote friendship and harmony’. Done! What do you think about that, Shade?” Starlight looks over to Shade expectantly and notices a serve lack of albino females. “Shade?”

Learning that she had been reduced to “Human” level mortality is one thing she is struggling to accept. She misses her acute senses, superior strength and reflexes, not to mention her durability as an Ancient. Said senses may have come in handy at the moment while Shade tracks down Sunset.

A girl with distinct curly hair and hair ribbon catches Shade’s attention in the lobby of the mansion. Whistling grabs the girl's attention.

“Well, hello, Shade! Need help with something?” The girl’s large eyes beam as bright as her smile.

Shade shows an index card to the girl.

“Gosh, Shade, I haven’t seen Sunset since lunch. She was out by the veranda in the garden.”

Thanks. Shade signs and grins.

“Always happy to help a friend!” The girl chimes and skips away.

“Whatever you say, kid,” Shade thinks to herself.

Not taking anything Cozy Glow says at face value was a quick lesson to learn. Her eyes hide the flames of ambition and ulterior motives. Something Shade has seen many times in her lifetime.

Sunset Shimmer sits in a chair by her favorite flowers she helps tend. A yellow color pencil rests in between her fingers as she colors the sunflower on the large white paper. Using the easel Shade put together two weeks ago helps Sunset with her drawings and other artwork.

A frown begins to morph her content expression. She sets the pencil down which clatters against the other pencils in the tray. Even with color Sunset feels her drawing pales in comparison to Shade’s. Sunset closes her eyes and hangs her head no longer wanting to look at the garbage on the paper.

Shade is just better than her at drawing. Shade is just better than her with art. Shade is just better than her with everything; especially, being a friend.

Pale yellow eyes look up at her.

Sunset yelps and jumps out of her chair. Shade remains sitting on her heels staring impassively at Sunset.

“Sorry, Shade, you scared me,” Sunset sighs.

Shade points to a yellow eye and makes a “c” with her right hand.

Sunset breathes a soft chuckle. “Right. Um, is there something you need?”

Checking on you.

“Oh. Um. Well, I’m fine. Thanks though.”

I’m mute not blind.

Sunset smiles. “I’m fine. Really.”

Shade winks and clicks her tongue.

“Stop that,” Sunset giggles, hiding behind her red and orange locks.

A smirk tugs on a corner of Shade’s mouth. She places her hands on the front of her thighs and leans slightly closer to Sunset. Let’s go skateboarding.

Sunset suddenly gains interest in the ground. Her right hand clutches her left elbow as she holds her left arm close to her. “Skateboarding is Starlight’s hobby.”

If the tone in Sunset’s voice does not tell Shade anything, Sunset’s posture and demeanor speaks volumes. She has taken that stance thirty-seven times since Shade met her and only increasing in frequency. Working on interpersonal skills was not on the agenda today.

“No time like the present,” Shade monologues and sighs inwardly.

Shade reaches into one of the pockets of her cargo pants to pull out a stack of index cards. Quickly shuffling through them she hands one to Sunset.

Sunset looks at the drawing of a sunflower on the pink index card. Her frown deepens. Shade flips the card over for Sunset to read.

“‘Sunflowers make sunflower oil. I fear how baby oil is made.’” Sunset snickers. “That is ridiculous, Shade. Thanks.”

What do you want to do?

After a moment of contemplation Sunset answers, “Would you like some help with your prototype?”

“Hmm...” Shade hums. She rubs her chin in mock thought. With a thumbs up and wink the two head to the computer lab.

“When do you think you’ll get your citizenship and new identity?” Sunset asks as she solders wires together.

Tomorrow. Ten-thirty-seven in the morning.

Cyan eyes cast a questioning gaze. Light yellow eyes catch the gaze and returns an even stare back at the cyan eyes. Dull blue eyes appear between the crossfire.

“I think it will be tomorrow at ten-thirty-eight in the morning!” Starlight inputs.

Shade grins and adjusts a sensor on Starlight’s shoulder.

“All the hardware should be done. Now we just start it up and start calibrations.” Sunset informs the other two.

“Remind me how this contraption,” Starlight motions to the sensors, wires, and metal on her body, “is going to help you speak, Shade?”

Shade places her hands on the front of her thighs and leans slightly closer to Starlight. Just sit there and be pretty. Shade signs and pats the top of Starlight’s head. Chipmunk cheeks.

Starlight frowns and stares daggers at Shade. “Call me that again and see what happens.” She growls out the warning between a tight jaw.

Shade studies Starlight and determines the dilate pupils and flaring nostrils an indication of anger—the opposite reaction she had tried to instigate. Why? Quick thinking gives her the answer: Starlight had not given nor acknowledged a play signal.

Shade lowers her head and looks up at Starlight. Sorry.

“Apology accepted,” Starlight says after a long moment of silence.

I guess I still have a lot to learn about friendship. I should probably tell you more about my culture and our body language. Shade writes on a dry erase board.