The Canterlot Snow

'Before I answer your question, why don't I tell you a little about myself to help you.

My mother is a bat pony named Star Dust. Her coat is colored like the evening twilight, and her mane is the softest shade of blue. She grew up in a bat colony, like you would expect, but she was unlike most bat ponies in that she went to night classes in Canterlot to become a teacher. And while not unheard of, most bat ponies either became Luna's guards or exterminators, very rarely did they go for a job such as teaching. This, however, did not deter her in the slightest. She stuck it out, and when she got her teaching degree she finally got her cutie mark; a red apple with a ruler leaning against it. One thing I remember most about my mother was her determination and stubbornness. Those were only her two most memorable traits anyways, she was also smart and sarcastic with a glare that could "make even a dragon quiver" as my father used to say. It's a wonder her and my father met and fell in love, but I guess the saying is true that opposites attract.

My father, Snow Plow, is almost the complete opposite of my mother; soft-spoken but honest, almost a little naive in his kindness, honorable, and one of the most intelligent ponies I know; except for my mother of course. He is a tall, light blue stallion with a dark purple mane and a snow shovel for a cutie mark and grew up in Ponyville. He works to keep the streets and sidewalks of Canterlot clear of snow during the winter, and worked as a general street cleaner during the rest of the year. While my father is not a very outspoken stallion, he is very protective and if being diplomatic did not work, he still had Earth pony strength.

Although my parents grew up in different places, they met in Canterlot close to Heartswarming Eve. My mother was walking home from her night classes and my father was clearing the sidewalks. It was a particularly chilly evening, so not many were flying; my mother included. Now, both my parents told different sides of the story, but all I know is that they bumped into each other and somehow my shy father was able to ask my headstrong mother out for some warm cider. Apparently my mother was enamored by my shuffling and blushing mess of a father, even going so far to say that he was "adorkably cute". However, I digress. Those 2 cups of cider soon turned into a date at places like the theater and bowling alley. After a couple years of dating, my father had gained the courage to ask my mother's hoof in marriage, with me following the year after.

About my childhood, I mostly grew up in Canterlot, with a few summers spent between Ponyville with my father's family, and the bat colony my mother grew up in. I went to day school like most 'regular' ponies. (The only reason my father won that argument was the fact that while being half bat pony, I did not have wings, which would have made night school with other bat ponies very difficult.) I had a pretty average childhood, well, as average as you can have in Canterlot. By the time I reached high-school though, it became pretty clear that I was an outcast. I guess having bat ears, slitted eyes, and fangs would make it hard for anyone to fit in. There were a couple colts, and even one mare, that tried to date me, however, that all ended pretty quickly. I guess they just couldn't get past my, uh, 'batty' side.'

I smiled at my little joke, one of my fangs slightly poking my lip. I put the pencil down and sighed, not sure what else to write for the advice column. I picked up the letter that held the question I was trying to answer and read over it again.

"S.S.,

I am going to start high school soon,  and I'm afraid I won't fit in. I am a bit of a nerd, and I am also scared that in my history class, people will make the connections between me and certain ponies I am related to. I don't want to be ashamed of my heritage, but it's hard to ignore all the stipulation surrounding the particular ponies. So, I guess my question is, is there any way I can fit in and avoid the past ruining my future?

-Anonymous"

I hummed softly, and picked the pencil up again.

'I guess to answer your question, its never certain who will be popular and who you will fit in in with high school. The best advice I can give you is to not be afraid of your heritage, while it may not be the best, they are still family. As you certainly know, history fluctuates between good and bad, as do families and even life in general. Don't fret about the small things, no matter how big they seem. You will find your niche, just give it time and don't force it.

• S.S.'

I checked back over what I wrote, satisfied and hoping it would help. I have always been very personal with my readers, whether they be reading my advice column or my 'headlines' in the newspaper. Unfortunately, none have been able to read the young colt novel series I've been writing. I looked over at the stack of paper holding my regrettably unfinished story, then glanced at the clock.

"Oh horseapples!"

I quickly stuffed the paper I had been writing my response on in an envelope, rushing to my closet to get on a dress.

"I can't believe I might be late to the garden party! Come on Quill, you have worked hard to get a reputation, and you CANNOT lose it all now"

I usually talked to myself whenever I was stressed or nervous, and right now, I had plenty reason to be. I had worked up a reputation as a pretty good reporter, and I have been getting invitations lately to report on various events the rich and noble put on.

"Of all the events to be late to, it HAD to be the garden party!"

I quickly grabbed my things in my saddle bag, taking a quick look in the mirror to check my mane was all in place before rushing out the door. I galloped to down the apartment steps and waved for a carriage, and, to my luck, one did pull over soon after.

"Canterlot Palace please, and step on it" I told the driver, panting slightly. I slumped back into the seat, blowing at a stray piece of mane.

I sat up and cleared my throat a bit, adjusting my dress and putting all my mane back into place. I lived a bit of ways from the palace, otherwise I just would have walked. Shortly after, the carriage stopped. I threw a few bits to the driver, thanking him and going inside. I showed my invitation to the guard and walking out to the garden. I stopped behind a tree, sighing softly and mentally preparing myself before walking out.

"Ah! Snow Quill, mighty good to see you my dear"

I turned to see one of Canterlot's most influential ponies; Fancy Pants. I smiled and bowed my head, "Fancy Pants, always a pleasure"

He smiled back, "The pleasure is all mine." He paused and raised an eyebrow, "I judge that by your saddlebag you are here for more than a little social interaction?"

I nodded and smiled 'sheepishly', "Oh you know me Fancy, I am always on the lookout for the latest gossip."

He nodded dismissively, "Yes, yes, gossip. You know, you should be careful;a little bit of bad gossip can completely ruin a reputation"

"Of course, that's why I always check my facts"

"Of course," He echoed, "always the diligent reporter. Well, I hope to see you again tonight Ms. Quill, do enjoy yourself"

"I will try my best"

I watched him walk off, thinking about his words. 'Huh, he's never said anything like that to me before...'be careful...What are you up to Fancy Pants?' I thought to myself. I shook my head and went deeper into the party, being able to listen to multiple conversations at a time. 'Perks of being part bat pony' I thought with a smile.

"You'll never believe what I heard happened at-"

"Shh! That reporter is here, the half bat pony. You know that their hearing is advanced, so I suggest you pipe down about that"

I willed myself not to turn my head at the two mares I just heard conversing. 'I guess my reputation precedes me here. Hmm..I wonder what she was about to say. Eh, it was probably just some meaningless comment about someone's salad being slightly overdressed.' I rolled my eyes, 'But the way that one mare said 'that', it does seem a bit suspicious..I'll have to see what I can find out' I thought, having thankfully mastered the art of finding information with subtlety.