Family Reunion

Twilight Sparkle hummed to herself as she prepared herself a cup of tea. She blew the rising steam from the porcelain cup and took a cautious sip. A bit hot but still fantastic. She happily trotted into the library's sitting room and made herself comfortable on the small couch she kept. Placing the cup on her coffee table, she magicked a thick tome toward her. She snuggled down to read.

Deep under the ground, something stirred. It peered up at the world above it. A smile graced the beings lips.

"Perhaps," it thought, "it is time to visit the surface again. I'm sure they would be happy to see me." It chuckled and began roll its joints as it prepared for its journey. it was sure to be a rough one.

Twilight was pulled from her book by a slight rattling. She peered around quizzically before her eyes settled on the tea cup. It was shaking along the coffee table. Soon, it began to bounce and jump. The reality hit Twilight.

"Earthquake!" She cried as she tried to steady herself of the sofa. She heard Spike yelp as he was woken from his nap upstairs. Books began to tumble from the shelves and her cur fell from the table to shatter on the floor. The quaking of the ground continued to get worse until suddenly... it stopped.

"Spike..." Twilight called "are you okay?'

"Ugh... yeah I'm fine." Came the reply. A belch soon followed. "Uh... Twi, you got a letter from the princess." Spike said as he descended the stairs. Twilight seized the letter from his claw with magic. She frantically tore the letter open and read it.

My Dear Student, Twilight

As you no doubt noticed, we just suffered an earthquake. This in of itself is not that much of a problem, I fear it may have just been a sign of something much worse. I need you to gather the other element bearers and meet me and my sister outside the Everfree. This is very important, please do not keep us waiting.

Princess Celestia

Twilight was out the door with speeds that would have made Rainbow Dash proud.

Several minutes later Twilight stumbled toward the forest gasping and panting. Not surprising seeing as she basically just ran a marathon in about fifteen minutes. The other five elements looked at her with worry in their eyes. She looked about ready to collapse. Which, upon seeing her mentor, she did.

"We're...all ...here your majesties." She gasped through ragged breaths. Celestia looked rather surprised that her student had gotten here so quick. Luna, on the other hand, was trying not to laugh at the poor, disheveled unicorn.

Twilight stood as Rarity tired to make her look somewhat presentable.

"So, what do you need us for princesses?" She asked. "Has something happen. Did that earthquake unleash Discord or open one of the gates to Tarturus?"

"Shucks, that would stink. That earthquake really helped down on the farm. Shook all the loose apples off'a the trees. I'd hate it if'n that got ruined." Applejack drawled.

"Not quite." Celestia said. "Follow me and you will see the problem." The ponies diligently followed their princess into the forest, worry gnawing at all of their minds.

It was a fairly short walk before the group entered a clearing. In the center of the clearing there was a jagged gash of earth. Steam billowed out and an eerie red glow shone from the crevice. The six element bearers braced themselves as they approached. Celestia and Luna slightly in front of them. Oddly enough, Celestia looked uneasy while Luna looked almost...Excited?

"Get ready. I'm not sure what exactly is about to happen." Celestia said out the corner of her mouth. Suddenly, a deep laughter rang out. A dark form burst from the earth and landed with a heavy thud a few feet from them. The mane six stumbled back in surprise while Celestia Pawed angrily at the ground. The dust cleared to show a large pony... an Alicorn to be exact.

It had a coat the color of old parchment and a mane of what seemed to be liquid earth billowing behind it, shimmering shades of brown. Great billowing wings were shook as it swung its head back and forth, its horn waving like a baton. The young mares were shock as they realized this Alicorn was male. He looked at them with eyes of a deep hazel and a calm half-smile. A cutie-mark of swirling greens, blues, and browns adorned his flank. He took a deep breath and spoke.

"Hey." A voice so deep it was as if the ground rumbled with every word.

"Who-who is that Princess?" Twilight asked as the other five stared with slack jaws. Celesta growled and opened her mouth when something very odd happened. Luna squealed and clapped her hooves together before jumping at the newcomer. She wrapped her hooves around his neck and pulled him into a hug. This made the six non-Alicorns very confused.

"Tia! Look who it is!" Luna cried, her voice brimming with glee and excitement. The new Alicorn spoke in that avalanche like voice.

"Come on. Ain't you gonna give me a hug too?"

"No." Celestia snapped. "You aren't supposed to be here."

"Aw, what, I can't even visit ya?" He said.

"Go away. Get back in that hole."

"That's what she said." He quipped. Luna, Rainbow, and Pinkie laughed, Applejack chuckled, the others blushed and Celestia ground her teeth together. She spun on her hooves and marched out of the clearing with Twilight following confused.

"Who was that Princess? Why was Luna so happy but you so mad?" Twilight inquired.

"That, Twilight, was a dim-witted, slack-jawed, mouth breathing jerk." Celestia grumbled. "He is also my older brother."

Twilight stopped dead in her tracks. She was stunned into silence, but only for a moment.

"You have a brother? Why wasn't anypony heard about this?"

"Because I don't like him." was the only reply. Twilight hurried after her mentor hoping to get better answers.

Meanwhile, back at the clearing, Luna and her brother were catching up. At least, until the new Alicorn noticed the other five mares.

"And who are these fine, young ladies?" He with a raised eyebrow. Luna smiled.

"Meet the current holders of the elements of harmony." She began to introduce them one by one. With introductions done the mares all tried to figure out how to ask the same question. It was Rainbow who finally said it.

"So, uh, who are you exactly?" She asked without tact. The Alicorn pulled back in surprise. Before anypony could scold Rainbow Dash however, he burst in to a deep laughter.

"I thought i had forgot something. I am Tercreavi, but you can call me Terry. I'm Celestia and Luna's older brother."