//------------------------------// // Prologue - Suprise Photo // Story: The Lost Changeling: Feedback Backfire // by AizakkuHorooee //------------------------------// I believe that this year has been quite a crazy year, especially towards the end.  First, there was the early spring crystalling in the Crystal Empire, then Thorax’s claim to fame over Chrysalis, Rolling Acres’ demise, the Crater Hall scandal, me getting to be a stand in queen, misfortune with my first ride, Chrysalis becoming a friend to all of Equestria, and that heartbreaking cross between Hearth’s Warming and Christmas that resulted in Aita moving to Ponyville. Luckily, everything’s died down now, so I am finally able to relax... but only briefly. There’s one last thing that comes before the new year, and that’s the day I always use to reflect on what’s happened in the past five and a half years I’ve lived here, which is tomorrow. “Hey Carve.” I jump to a standing position and turn around to see Rusty entering the living room. “Ooh... did I scare you?” “Eh, a little bit.  What’s going on?” “I had a tour pamphlet in the mail today.  Tomorrow, somepony from Manehattan will be performing at Gladmane Grand.” “Well, what are we waiting for, Rusty?!?  We need tickets to see that, right?!?” “I suppose so.” “Then let’s go!” I open the door, only for Rusty bash it closed, holding on the best he can. “Should we at least get some money to pay for it?” Huh, I guess I didn’t think about that. “Good thinking.  But after that, it’s-” “But we’ll have to also get you an ID to do that, and we can’t do that until they open up two days afterwards.” “Well, okay.  If I can’t get into Gladmane Grand without ID, you could probably buy yourself a- hey wait a minute.  What about Pane?  Wouldn’t she want to get herself a ticket to that kind of show?” “Eh, it’s a bit more of my thing.  It’s too bad we haven’t even gotten around to getting you an ID, since only now we’ve finally settled in with enough time to do so.” “I see what you mean.  Why don’t you go meet up with Pane at her house before buying the tickets?” “Hmm.  Okay, Carve.  I’ll see if she wants to go.” I nod as Rusty turns to open the main entrance and leave.  The door closes, leaving me with myself and not much else, though it does mean I could think a bit. If Gladmane Grand requires that I have both money and an ID, that probably does mean it’s a place that serves hotsauce.  Maybe even- “CARVE!!!” As I enter the kitchen, I jump at the sound of the open door, followed by Pane calling my name.  She rushes in and hugs me. “Pane, what are you doing here?  I thought you were home.” “Wanted to cheer you up with a gift, but I didn’t know what.  Suddenly, I got some mail that described a concert at Gladmane Grand!  I hurried as fast as I could to find a photographer so I could get you an ID and-” “What a minute... you got that tour pamphlet too?!?  And I’m guessing you found a photographer?!?” “Yes and yes!” Looking past Pane, I see an earth pony with Twilight’s mane and tail, only white.  Her coat is blue, but I could only tell through her face as everything else is covered in clothes.  I can’t see her eyes through her goggles, but I guess those goggles could add to her attention to detail. “IT IS I!!!  PHOH-TOH FEE-NICHE!!!  VERE ICH OWA I.D. MODEL?” Wow.  I knew she was excited to see me, but hearing her would’ve given it away if I weren’t a changeling, “That would be me: Carve.” I wave to her, prompting her to gasp.  Another pony comes in and sets down what looks like a suitcase, which morphs into a camera when unveiled.  That pony moves back to behind the entrance. “OH!!!  SHEEE IS DA WAN!!!  PEN!!!  YA FRIEND MAHKS DA FAHST OF HAiR KIND TO HAVE AN I.D.!!!” Pane trots next to Photo Finish in order for my picture to have a clear distance.  This past minute has made me so excited, I could just scream “best minute ever”.  Oh my gosh, I’m Pinkie Pie again! “NO!!!” Briefly, I look down and watch my hooves return from pink back into the original color.  I look back ahead, still rather excited about what Pane’s done. “Yeeeeees.” I hear the camera snap a photo and immediately the picture is printed.  I head over to the camera and levitate it out.  I still look incredibly ecstatic, which I like, since I was feeling just that way. “YA PHOH-TOH CAPTIAS YA EMOTIONS VERY VELL!!!  I VILL TAKE IT OVAH TO DA CITY HALL!!!” “Great!  Thanks, Photo Finish.  She should expect it by mid afternoon.” “BEH-SICALLY IN A COUPLE OF OWAS!!!  NOW... I GO!!!” Swiftly, Photo Finish compresses the camera back into a suitcase, putting the picture inside it, and takes off with it on her back.  That leaves me and Pane the only ones in the house now, prompting me to hug Pane. “Oh!  Thank you so much for doing this Pane!  I don’t know what I’d do without you!” “Well, I wouldn’t know either.  But I do have your back.  After what happened last time, I think it’s safe to say that whatever problem needs fixing should start at Las Pegasus.” Pane rubs my back as I continue hugging, that is until I realize what she said.  Most of what had needed fixing up until that one time recently had been out of Las Pegasus, and just because Pane thought to go to Wisconsin instead of staying here is reason enough to try and stay here are much as possible.  Pane and i let go. “Um, Pane, you do realize that was the only time you could’ve stayed at Las Pegasus to fix a problem.” “Oh.” “We should take advantage of when we’re able to fix a problem while still in Las Pegasus, yes, but that’s not likely going to be the case unless it’s with us or our visitors.  I’m glad you know now though.” “Well, how about we go find Rusty?” I nod. “Okay.”