Author's Note

Yes hello, this is my first time writing an EQG Counterpart that didn't made an appearance in the Canon show.

And yes, Smolder and ember are not doggies :)

Different Lives

December, Snow Day.

The season that declares the start of the Christmas season. The weather that brings forth snowflakes down on the earth, bringing curiosity to the onlookers.

In this season, decorations and ornaments adorn the front porch of the houses and living room that is sure to give a holiday cheer to the onlookers. It is the season where people would come out of their homes and do their Christmas shopping for their loved ones, buying toys and other things they can think of getting for their relatives and friends.

It is the time where malls and stores dish out tempting discounts, the time where joy, love and laughter is the focus of the month. But it is not the case for two young females living on the poorest side of Canterlot. It is in this block where Smolder and her guardian Ember, reside in. Barely able to get through day by day, the duo would go out together and work at a local bookstore to make meets end.

Smolder, a young adult, has just turned nineteen last month. Ever since the young girl turned eighteen, she did not hesitate to use the time off she gets from her public school to work part time at the bookstore to help her guardian.

Ember is an employee of a local bookstore for five years ever since she was fired from the fast food joint she worked for after being accused of stealing from the cash register. Her earnest work has kept herself and Smolder well fed and a roof above their head, that is if you count an old rundown apartment a proper home. Still, the two are content in their one bedroom apartment, grateful that they did not end up sleeping in the streets of Canterlot.

"Smolder! Where have you been!? It's late and you weren't answering my calls!" Ember asked the young girl.

"Geez, I just got back from work Sis. Here's my share of our expenses, hopefully it's enough to get us some Christmas supper." Smolder said as she handed over the pay she received.

Ember took the money and counted it, before tucking it away inside the money box. "$1000 so far…" she uttered.

Inside their apartment is a basic kitchen setup, a simple bathroom and a small living room that consists of one couch, a dining table set and an old LCD TV that Ember bought from an Electronics Junkyard. To the far end is their shared bed that had seen better days, accompanied with a view of Canterlot's beautiful side.

Smolder dusted off the snow from her coat, taking off her boots by the door and leaving her coat by the coat rack. "What's for dinner tonight, Sis?" The young orchid haired girl asked.

"Meatloaf, sadly. As much as you don't like meatloaf, it's the best I can buy without spending too much money. So you're gonna eat it whether you like it or not!" Ember declared.

Smolder huffed and shrugged, "Ugh, meatloaf again. Better than starving, I guess…"

The young girl sat on the couch and stretched her legs, before turning on the TV. "So, what happened on your shift, Smolder? Anything interesting that happened today?"

"Nothing much, just the same old boring routine. It pays so, I guess it's better than nothing."

Ember then took out two plates and set them down on the table, along with utensils and a bowl of meatloaf. "Ah, soon enough something interesting will happen, like that upcoming Christmas bonus of mine. If it's true that it's a big bonus, I'll definitely get us something more than just meatloaf."

"Awesome! I want Turkey Dinner and some Cranberry! Oh and Pizza too!"

Ember chuckled, "we'll see Smolder. Now come on, get your butt off the couch and let's eat before the meatloaf gets cold."

The two are silently as they watched the history channel about Christmas and its traditions. With the snow gingerly falling down on their block, Smolder was glad that they have a built in heater in their abode.

"You know, Sis, once I get a good job and pay, I'll definitely get us a nice place. Someplace like Canterlot Heights! That rich neighborhood with swimming pools and gardeners!"

"One can hope, Smolder. You're a good kid, and I'm sure that we'll both get the house of our dreams one day. For now, we're stuck in this apartment eating meatloaf." She chuckled, "So, tell me. What do you want for Christmas?"

"Me? Well, I want a new smartphone! The one that can let me play more games and can run all day long!"

Ember chuckled, "Of course you do, I can easily read your mind. Because you've been a good girl this year, here." She pulls out a hidden small Christmas present underneath the table.

"Advanced Merry Christmas, Smolder."

"Awww, thanks Sis! Advanced Merry Christmas to you too!" Smolder took out a small wrapped box, as both of the girls laugh at the thought that both have prepared for this moment.

On the other side of Canterlot lies the best part of town, surrounded by shops and diners. Amongst the crowd is Ocellus and Thorax trudging through the busy street, shopping bags in hand.

Ocellus, an eighteen year old girl, beamed as she saw the things she wanted to get for Christmas! She can't help but squeal in excitement now that she's wearing the light grayish Arctic blue coat and mittens her father bought for her as a surprise.

Thorax, Ocellus's father, feels happy for his daughter's excitement. His job has kept him busy for the past few months, and to finally get a breather and spend time with his daughter has definitely put a smile on his face. Ocellus means the world to him, his light in this world.

"Dad, look! A large andy cane! Is it okay if I have one!?" Her cyan eyes glittered with excitement.

"Of course, Ocellus. Anything for you!" He cleared his throat and approached the vendor. "Excuse me, one large candy cane please." He handed over the candy cane to his daughter after paying the candy cane man.

"Thanks, dad! You're the best!" Ocellus exclaimed as she hugged Thorax.

"You're most welcome, dear. Now come on, we still have some shopping to do. You know how antsy Pharynx can be if he doesn't get his Christmas ham!" He chuckled at the thought of an angry Pharynx demanding a Christmas ham for dinner."

The duo proceeded to continue on their shopping spree, with their assistant helping out in carrying most of the shopping bags. Thorax spent most of his money purchasing clothes and jewelry as gifts for his relatives and coworkers in the business office, occasionally purchasing something nifty for himself.

Ocellus on the other hand listed down the things she wants for Christmas as the pass by various stores that catches her eyes. Her list consisted of toys and new gadgets to replace her old ones. Yet on top of that list, the one thing she wants is written as clear as day. "To spend time with my dad this Christmas."

Ocellus smiled as she looked at her list, feeling confident that her father will fulfill her wishes for Christmas. "I hope he gets to spend time with me this year." She uttered to herself.

"Are you okay, dear?"

"Mhm! Just finished writing down my list, dad!"

"That's the spirit, Ocellus. Now come on, let's go home and eat dinner before Pharynx gets too impatient."

"Dad, you won't be away for Christmas... Right?" Ocellus asked, her hands shaking nervously.

Thorax pulled Ocellus in an embrace and patted her back. "Of course, Ocellus. I made sure that the office won't need me for Christmas. You and I get to spend more time this year, I promise."

Ocellus beamed in happiness and squealed in joy. "Thanks so much dad! I love you!

"I love you too, Ocellus. Now come on, let's get going. I can already hear Pharynx demanding us to shift faster and get the ham cooked!" He chuckled, before kissing Ocellus's forehead.

Just as he said that, his phone rang. "Hello?"

"Thorax! Where are you!? You're supposed to be home early today with my Christmas ham!" Pharynx demanded.

Thorax chuckled at his brother's impatience. "Relax, Pharynx. I have the Christmas ham here. We're on our way home as we speak."

"Hmph. You better be or else that wine bottle will disappear faster than you can say Yeehaw!"

"Haha, alright Pharynx. I won't keep you waiting. See you later."