Fallen Star Swirl

by Barrobroadcaster

Rating: everyone
Tags: Random, Adventure, Alternate Universe, Twilight Sparkle, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Spike, Other, Romance
Length: 10446

Princess Twilight Sparkle recieves an unexpected visit from somepony that puts her recent coronation into dispute and threatens to change her perspective of both magic and friendship forever.

Twilight Sparkle is just beginning to adjust to life as both a princess and an alicorn. She still has her friends from Ponyville though and is convinced that everything is going to be fine. But when a mysterious guest arrives one day to question the specifics regarding her recent coronation, she begins to question more than just the magic itself. Who is this pony and how exactly is he connected to Twilight Sparkle's past?

Published 2013-02-25 07:40:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-03-10 22:09:45 UTC

Late to the Party

Pinkie Pie's 'alicorn party' for Twilight lasted until the wane hours of the evening at Twilight's treehouse in Ponyville. Eventually, the guests dwindled until only a few remained including Twilight and her friends. Soon, she'd have to move in to her new home in Canterlot so this was probably the last time the house would see this much activity. She had to admit, she was going to miss it.

"Okay, tomorrow we have GOT to see you try these things out and show me what you can do with them!" Rainbow Dash said, enthusiastic about Twilight's new wings.

Rarity interjected. "They'll be plenty of time for that later Rainbow Dash. Twilight, you simply MUST tell me where you got this new outfit from!"

"I'm not really sure where it came from Rarity. Both the gown and the wings just kind of... appeared." Twilight explained. Both were going to take some getting used to but she was sure there were some books on the subject. She'd have to pick some up the next time she was in Canterlot.

"Well, if yer gonna be a princess, ya might as well look like one." said Applejack, simplifying the circumstances regarding Twilight's recent transformation.

"I've never seen a pony become an alicorn before. It didn't hurt did it?" Fluttershy asked timidly.

Twilight shook her head. "Not at all. It was like waking up. It felt completely natural." she assured her friend. A few more of Twilight's guests said their good-byes, congratulated Twilight and departed.

"Thanks for coming! After party's going to be at Sugarcube Corner if you guys are interested! It's gonna be a JAM!" shouted Pinkie Pie out the door at the guests. The fact that her joy for her friend could not be contained was not a surprise. "So whaddya guys wanna do now? Crank it up and blow the roof off this joint?!"

Twilight smiled. "I think I'm going to hit the hay now Pinkie. Thanks for coming you guys." Twilight shared a hug with her friends, one of the warmest she'd ever had. They released her and made their way out.

"Tomorrow Twilight, bright and early I want to see you in the air!" Rainbow Dash said as she left.

"Some party huh Twilight?" Spike asked as he cleaned up things from the living room.

"Wouldn't be a party if Pinkie Pie wasn't here. I bet her after party will last until morning." Twilight said as she helped Spike clean up.

"Probably but I don't think I'll be able to stay up that late." another pony in the room remarked. Twilight and Spike both turned to face him.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't know anypony was still here." Twilight said to the gray-maned blue unicorn.

"It's quite all right, I was late to the party. I just wanted to see the new princess in town is all. Congratulations by the way." he said with a smile.

"Thank you, I never expected anything like this would happen. I hope I'll make a good princess." Twilight said.

"Oh, I'm sure you will. How did you become a princess anyway?" the unicorn asked.

"Well, I'm not sure how it happened exactly but it all started when Princess Celestia asked me to work on StarSwirl the Bearded's Spell." Twilight explained.

The blue stallion put a hoof under his chin in thought. "I'm a student of magic myself. Would you mind if I took a look at this spell?" he asked.

Twilight levitated a book off her shelf and turned to the relevant page. "It was Starswirl the Bearded's spell, he just never finished it."

The unicorn looked over the book intently. "How did you finish it?"

Twilight started to say something and then realized she didn't know the answer to that question either. "I... I'm not sure. The words just came to me after everything happened." Twilight decided she'd have to ask Princess Celestia about these specifics later.

The blue unicorn still stared at the spell in question. He silently mouthed the words to the spell as he read them and then stopped. "I'm surprised they still teach anything about Star Swirl the Bearded."

"He's one of the best-known unicorn magicians in all of Equestria. I've studied all his work. I... I even dressed up as him once for Nightmare Night."

"Ha, that's pretty funny..." the unicorn said. He paused for a moment and seemed to consider something. "You know, he worked forever on this spell."

"I know. Princess Celestia told me it was his-" Twilight started to say.

"-his masterpiece. Yes, that's right. It was supposed to be HIS masterpiece, not yours." the unicorn turned away with the book.

Twilight was perplexed at what he said, she didn't know what to make of it. "He didn't complete it. I only just finished it yesterday.

"How did a novice unicorn who can't even use age magic complete what he couldn't complete in over two-hundred years?!" he asked, looking at the book again.

Spike began to back away from the two of them. Twilight was shocked at his accusation. Age magic? How did he know she couldn't use age magic? "How do you know that?!" she asked.

The unicorn closed the book and turned back to her, his face lit with rage. "I wrote this book, every word of it except the last half of the last spell! Those should be MY wings, that should be MY crown and that should've been MY coronation!!" he shouted at Twilight.

Twilight backed away herself a few steps, unsure of what was happening. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice almost a whisper.

The blue unicorn stared right back at Twilight and declared: "I am Star Swirl the Bearded!"

Author's Note

I love ending a chapter like this. Not an entire story, no, just a chapter.

Revelation

Twilight shook her head in disbelief. "How... how is that possible?"

Spike scratched his chin with his claw. "Hold on. If you're Star Swirl the Bearded, where's your beard?" Spike questioned the unicorn's lack of facial hair. Apart from his gray mane and blue coat, he bore no resemblance to the legendary magician.

"I shaved it. When I left here... when I gave up. But I am the only Star Swirl in Equestria." he explained.

Twilight's eyes lit up with studious interest. "If you're Star Swirl the Bearded, oh, I have so many questions for you! How did you discover time spells? When was the first time you teleported?" she began a series of long questions for the unicorn.

Star Swirl took several steps back as Twilight's friendly interrogation caught him off gaurd. "I, uh, would be happy to-"

Twilight advanced on him with questions. "Why did you make the want it/need it spell? I used it once and it seems like it has a very limited range of uses."

"Well, there's a funny story about tha-"

"Did you know your recipe for the wing spell is very fragile? Epecially at high alititudes. But I've developed a new recipe for hoof-made wings that I think will be a lot more durable in the long term." Twilight levitated several books in front of his face.

Star Swirl was overwhelmed. His horn glowed a dark blue and the books flew away from him. "Enough! Half of that spell is mine 'you majesty' so that means half of the credit belongs to me!"

"You want to be a princess?" Spike asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes... I mean, no! I mean, you know what I mean! Half of that spell belongs to me. I worked for over two-hundred years on it!" Star Swirl said.

Twilight thought. "Why do you need credit? You have a whole wing dedicated to you in the Canterlot Library! You're famous! You're a legend! You're-"

"A failure." Star Swirl's gaze dropped to the floor and he turned away from the praise Twilight bestowed upon him.

"What are you talking about? You're Star Swirl the Bearded! Or, Star Swirl the... Shaved... now, I guess. Anypony would give up their cutie mark to be you!" Spike said.

Star Swirl didn't turn to face them. "That spell was supposed to be my masterpiece, literally MY crowning achievement, not yours. I worked so hard, spent so much time trying to get it right. But I never did. Now... I'm just a name from the pages out of a dusty old book. I'm just Star Swirl..."

Twilight felt sorry for the unicorn. She honestly did look up to him and it pained her to see him that way. But she was determined to make things right. "Star Swirl, if you say that this spell is half yours than I will be happy to share the credit with you."

Star Swirl turned to face her, his mood visibly perked up. "You... you really mean that?"

Twilight nodded. "I'll talk to Princess Celestia tomorrow. I'll make sure everypony knows that this spell is your masterpiece and that I helped you finish it."

"Thank you. Thank you so much, really you don't know what this means to me. I feel so relieved."

"They could even call it the Star-Sparkle Spell. That way, everypony will know who it came from." Spike suggested.

"We'll both go to Canterlot first thing tomorrow morning. We'll make sure everything gets sorted out." Twilight assured him.

"Thank you so much, I'm sorry for barging in on you like this. It's been so long since I was in Ponyville..."

"It's all right. Honesly, you're... you're kind of my hero." Twilight admitted shyly. Star Swirl smiled at the comment.

"Do you have a place to stay?" Spike asked.

"Actually no, I kind of just arrived in town today. Everything's changed so much." Star Swirl said, looking around.

Twilight's eyes lit up. "You could stay here for the night! Then we could head out to Canterlot together!" she suggested.

"I would like that, thank you again. I really don't deserve any of this... I can see why you deserve to be a princess Twilight." Star Swirl said. Twilight thought her heart would burst and she would faint at any moment. Sleepover with Star Swirl the Bearded! This was a dream come true. She shifted her hooves giddily. Somethings never changed.

"I have so many questions to ask you! Would you mind maybe... autographing my books? You're in most of them by the way."

Star Swirl chuckled. "Well, of course. And I'll be happy to answer any of your questions but really, it's been kind of a long day for me. For now, I'd just like to get some sleep." Twilight nodded. It had been a long day for her as well. They both helped Spike clean up the rest of the living room, put books back on the shelves and then Spike showed Star Swirl to the guest room.

Twilight and Spike then headed to Twilight's bedroom/study. Twilight removed her gown and accessories, quickly finding a new place to store them in an organized fashion amongst her other clothes, including her gown from the Grand Galloping Gala and her Star Swirl the Bearded costume. She giggled as she looked at the bearded outfit. She never imagined she'd meet the real thing, let alone help him get recognized for his masterpiece. Her first day of being a princess and already she'd met a living legend. She could only imagine what more was in store for her.

Remember

Twilight, Star Swirl and Spike set out for Canterlot early that morning. Rainbow Dash swung by to see Twilight about flying as they set out for the train station. She was a tad disappointed at first but understood once Twilight informed her of the situation.

"Okay, hold on. If he's Star Swirl 'the bearded', where is 'the bearded' part?" Rainbow asked, examining the unicorn. Star Swirl's eyes dropped to the ground as she asked the question. He didn't resemble the legendary sorcerer pony he was known as. In fact, he looked much younger than he was depicted. Whether it was because he lacked the beard he was known for or not, Twilight didn't know. This Star Swirl seemed to be no older than Twilight despite the fact he must've been at least over a thousand, if Twilight was to believe her books. Or, his books.

"That's... a long story." Twilight told Rainbow. The pegasus decided not to ask any more. "So, when you're done with whatever it is you're doing at Canterlot, then will you come fly with me?" she asked, hopeful.

"Of course Rainbow." Twilight assured her. "Just as soon as we get things sorted out about Star Swirl's spell, I'll come back and fly with you all day."

"Awesome! I'll catch you later than Twilight." she said as she flew off. "Nice meeting you Star Swirl the not-bearded!" she called back as she soared into the distance.

"She seems nice." Star Swirl said, looking back over his shoulder as they walked.

"Rainbow Dash is the most loyal friend anypony could ask for." Spike said.

Star Swirl was quiet for a moment again. "I never really had time for friends. I was always working on new types of magic, new spells, trying to improve ponies' lives."

Once again, one of Star Swirl's statements had struck a chord with Twilight. "I was like that too a few years ago. Studying was my only real passion. If I hadn't met Rainbow Dash and our friends..." Twilight trailed off as she looked over at Star Swirl. The ending to her unfinished statement hung in the air in between them: I would be just like you.

The three of them were quiet as they took Twilight Sparkle's balloon to Canterlot. It was still early in the morning when they arrived at the castle. Custodian ponies were still cleaning up from the coronation ceremony yesterday as they walked through the courtyard. Spike stayed behind to watch the balloon while Twilight and Star Swirl went to see the Princess.

"So much has changed. But the castle still seems the same." Star Swirl said as he looked around. Twilight tried to imagine what Canterlot must've looked like in his time as they walked into the castle and made their way to the throne room.

"My most faith-erm, Princess Twilight! It's good to see you this morning!" Princess Celestia said as she saw her enter.

"It's good to see you again too Princess."

"Hello Princess Celestia. It's been a while." Star Swirl said as he stepped out from behind the throne room door.

Celestia's face immediately changed it to one of shock. "Star Swirl? You've... you've returned."

"I heard Twilight finished the miracle cure spell. I uh, I came to see if maybe Twilight and I could share credit for the spell." Star Swirl half-stated, half-asked.

The princess turned and lead them into the throne room. "I'm afraid it's not as simple as that. I have no problems with two of my students sharing credit for the magic but the spell is bound to Twilight."

Twilight's eyes went wide. "Two of your students? That would mean..."

Star Swirl stopped. "I don't understand. How can the magic be 'bound' to her? Half of the spell is mine."

"She completed and cast the spell Star Swirl. It's bound to her and her magic alone. Others will be able to cast it but like your spells..."

The unicorn shook his head in disbelief. "But half of the spell is still mine! That should've been MY coronation yesterday, I've waited so long and-"

"My student Star Swirl." Celestia interjected in a firm but caring tone. "I know what you really want. I'm sorry but there is nothing I can do. The spell is Twilight's now."

Star Swirl was furious. "I wrote half of that spell! I wrote the entire book except for the half of that one spell! I should get something for that, something at least-"

The princess put a hoof on Star Swirl's shoulder. "You will earn your wings eventually. It is good to see you again." she consoled him.

He looked back up with tears in his eyes. "It's been so long. I worked on that spell for so long and it's just, to have her finish it so easily, it's, it's..."

"It's not fair." Twilight spoke up. "But there's nothing we can do Star Swirl. I'm sorry."

"I... I...", Star Swirl began to say. He clutched a hoof to his chest and collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed. His horn glowed blue with magical power. Twilight ran over to him as he twitched on the floor.

"So long... so long..." he said as he quivered. Twilight noticed something strange as he shook. His cutie mark, a swirling galaxy with a star in the middle, somehow it flashed and reversed. His horn crackled and sparks shot fourth. The air in the throne room began to whip around them as if pushed by some magical force.

"What's happening to him?!" Twilight asked.

"That was my destiny! That was my destiny!" The blue energy poured over Star Swirl enveloping him in a dark blue light. His beard grew back, clothes appeared around him and he changed to fit the description of the old Star Swirl the Bearded seen in the books. The light around him exploded in a flash sending Twilight and Celestia smashing against the walls of the throne room. Star Swirl the Bearded descended slowly as the room filled with shimmering blue sparkles.

"I am Star Swirl the Bearded and today I take my rightful place as ruler of Equestria!" he announced.

"What is happening? What is going on?" Twilight Sparkle asked. Before Celestia could answer, Star Swirl turned on the ruler. A blue beam shot out of his head aimed at the Princess. Celestia's own magic leapt from her horn and captured the blue boom, enveloping it in a bright aura and sending it into the ground. It exploded, scouring the air with dust and debris.

"Why are you doing this?! Stop fighting!" Twilight ran out to Star Swirl. He turned his head to her and blasted her with his horn. Twilight skidded back to the wall, dazed by the blast.

"Usurper of my power! Your borrowed time is at an end!" Star Swirl advanced on her with his horn glowing. "I shall now take back what is rightfully mine, starting with the gift of flight!" Celestia leapt on him from above with her own horn glowing. Two magical shields appeared between the two combatants, Star Swirl turned to engage Celestia. They slammed into each other, horns glowing and barriers flashing as they collided. The palace around them shook.

"Twilight! Get to the Canterlot Library! Use the time spell!" Celestia told her as the two struggled. Sparks showered the floor around them as the two shields grinded against each other. Star Swirl bore down on Celestia, his teeth gritted and his face twisted into visage of pure rage.

"The time spell? But..." Twilight was frozen as she watched the two battle. Half of her body telling her to run, the other priming her to defend the princess, her own hooves shook as the castle around them vibrated.

"I studied under your mother too my teacher. You cannot resist me forever."

"Go Twilight! Now!"

Twilight did as she was told. She flew out of the castle as fast as her new wings would take her. She turned a corner out of the throne room and headed back to the entrance as the castle shook again. Shock waves reverberated through the walls. Paintings and decorations fell as the battle between the two magical titans threatened to bring the palace down around them. Twilight turned again as a chandalier fell in front of her. She just barely flew underneath it as it hit the floor. She took one last turn and flew towards the entrance. The doors were closed. It only just occured to Twilight that while flying seemed to come naturally, at this split second, this one faithful moment in time, this one instance now, she did not know how to stop.

"Oh, no no no no no no NO!" Twilight crashed into the door. The force of her impact caused it to slowly slide open. She slid to the ground and massaged her temple. Spike ran over to her.

"Twilight! Are you okay? What's going on? Where's Star Swirl?" he asked.

Twilight brushed herself off"There's no time to explain Spike! We have to get to the library and get the time spell! Get on!" Spike carefully mounted Twilight. She took to the sky and flew to the library. The two of them approached the library rapidly. Too rapidly. Twilight was aiming straight for the window. Again, the realization hit her that the knowledge to halt her forward momentum elluded her.

"Oh no. No no no not again!" Spike pulled back on her mane sharply and Twilight's wings spread out as she recoiled. Functioning as something of an airbreak, they stopped and Twilight flapped slower to keep them aloft.

"Thanks Spike." Twilight said, catching her breath. Spike nodded and brushed some sweat off his forehead. They entered the library through the window. Qucikly, they made their way to the time spell section. They heard rumbles in the distance. Outside the library, the sky grew dark.

"So what's going on Twilight?" Spike asked as they ran.

"Star Swirl's gone mad. He attacked the princess!"

"He attacked the princess?!"

Twilight stopped and began examining the books in a nearby shelf. "He's obsessed with that spell! I don't know what's going to happen. The princess told me to use the the time spell!"

"But I thought the time spell was too limited. And doesn't it usually just cause whatever you're trying to fix?" Spike asked.

"I don't know Spike! She just told me to use the time spell... here it is!" Twilight pulled out a book and turned the pages to the time spell itself. Like most of the other books, it had been written by Star Swirl the bearded.

"What time are we supposed to go to? Princess Celestia didn't tell me what time to go to! She didn't have time! Yesterday, last month, last year... what time is it now even?!" Twilight shouted, exasperated. "I know! I'll go back to yesterday and stop myself from becoming a princess!"

"But won't that leave your friends..."

Twilight groaned in nervous frustration. "What time then?! Maybe we should go back to five minutes ago and ask her!"

Spike pulled out the spellbook they brought with them. "Maybe she meant this time." Spike suggested. At the back of the book was Star Swirl's miracle spell. Spike turned it over. A note had been scrawled on the back of the page, a date. The floor beneath them began to shake. "I noticed it last night."

Twilight looked at the date. "Spike, this must be what she meant! It's the date Star Swirl stopped working on the spell!"

A pair of books fell off the shelves around them. "What are you going to do? Go back and help him complete it?" Spike asked.

"I don't know what I'm going to do! But... we have to try something!" Twilight cast the spell as more books fell from the shelves around them. The floor, walls and ceilings of the library shook with a world-ending force as a bright light engulfed both Twilight and Spike. In a flash, they were gone as the Canterlot Library collapsed.

Author's Note

Star Swirl's lines remind me somewhat of Saren/Sovreign's last lines in the original Mass Effect. "I am Sovreign! And this station is mine!"

Old World Charm

Twilight opened her eyes. It was dark, the room around her was nearly pitch black. She and Spike let go of each other and looked around. There were no bookshelves but it roughly resembled the same room they were in, the wing of the Canterlot Library. Twilight lit her horn with a light spell to help them see.

"Did it work?" Spike asked. Twilight trotted over to the window, the same one they'd came in. Or would come in, dependong your interpretation of time. She looked out.

"It must've worked Spike. Come look!" Spike shuffled over to the window and stuck his head out. The city of Canterlot had indeed changed. Most of the buildings were missing, many were houses and cottages similar to the ones in Ponyville, only of an older design. There no paved roads and very few buildings made of stone. The only thing that did look the same was Canterlot Castle which still dominated the landscape. Twilight considered flying momentarily and then thought better of it. She and Spike took the stairs to leave the library.

Twilight and Spike walked out of the entrance to the library. They stopped past a sign out front. Future Wing of The Canterlot Library was posted in large letters on the face.

Spike looked at the sign. "It looks like it worked Twilight. What do we do now?"

"Now we find Star Swirl." Twilight said in a determined voice. Her tone conveyed a resolute confidence with the slightest betrayal of underlying anger. Spike followed in an ever-so-slightly cautious manner.

The two of the walked into town. Old Canterlot honestly resembled the Ponyville Twilight knew of in her time. It was like one of Twilight's history books come to life. The ponies themselves had older-style cutie marks, even wore clothes. The sight of an alicorn and a dragon walking together drew several looks from passersby.

"Uh, hey Twilight?" Spike asked.

Twilight was so enamoured with the surroundings she barely noticed anything else. "Yes Spike?"

"Why is everypony... staring at us?"

"They must not be used to seeing a dragon or an alicorn just walking the streets together." Twilight surmised.

"Or it could be because we're not wearing any clothes." Spike thought. Twilight looked down at herself. She'd left her gown at home; although she was a princess, she had no intention of wearing the outfit on a day-to-day basis.

"I think we'll be all right Spike. We'll just find Star Swirl, fix this problem and be back in our own time before sundown." Twilight said confidently. They turned a corner and walked down the street. Twilight almost recognized the road despite the change in scenery.

A young lavender unicorn just a shade lighter than Twilight stood on the corner with a satchel full of folded newspapers. "Extrey! Extrey! Read all about it! Crystal Empire disappears! Read all about it!" he called out as Twilight approached.

"Paper ma'am? Only two bits." the unicorn asked. His horn glowed a light red and a roll levitated from his bag in front of them.

Twilight quickly realized she was broke. "Uh, I'm sorry, I don't have two bits." she apologized to him.

"Eh, no sweat. This one's on the house." he told her.

"Thank you very much!" Twilight said as she grabbed the newspaper. Unfolding it, she read the headlines. "The Canterlot Chronicle" showed the date. It matched the same one Twilight had found at the back of Star Swirl's spell book. Something was important about this date it seemed. The main article was about the Crystal Empire disappearing. That wasn't news to Twilight; she knew the Empire would be fine. When it reappeared in a few centuries anyway.

"Wrote, printed and published this myself." the unicorn said. "Scary thought huh? Whole big place like the Crystal Empire just vanishing over night."

"Very scary indeed." Twilight remarked as she studied the newspaper. "You wouldn't by chance know where a Star Swirl the Bearded is would you?"

The unicorn tapped his chin with his hoof. "Not a name I've heard around here. You might want to try Ponyville." he suggested.

"That might be a good idea. Thanks again." Twilight said to the unicorn. She levitated the newspaper to Spike for him to take a look at as they started walking again. Spike looked at the bottom of the Crystal Empire article. By Dawn Sparkle was written at the bottom. Spike turned to the unicorn on the corner again.

"Spike! Let's get going!" Twilight called. Spike gave his head a slight shake and ran up to follow Twilight.

Author's Note

GREAT SCOTT!

Yesterday's Problems

Twilight and Spike took the train to Ponyville. The train itself wasn't much of a change from the one they knew in the future. It ran smoothly and carried them quickly to their destination just as the train in Twilight's time had. Although Spike and Twilight still stood out a tad amongst the passengers, none payed much attention to them on their short journey. Before long, they arrived at the station in Ponyville and disembarked.

"Wow, the Ponyville of yesterday." Spike said as they exited the station and walked into the busy street. Ponyville looked more like a village at this point. Good portions of the town were still under construction. New houses and buildings were being built to accomodate a growing population. Ponies filled the streets carrying goods and materials to and from various destinations, chatting with one another as they moved about. Vendors sold products from stalls offering everything from food to clothes to jewelry. Two unicorns selling cider drew a glance from Twilight but she continued on. She looked for something specific amongst the salesponies: information.

"Excuse me! Excuse me ma'am? Would you care for some dirt?" a vendor asked Twilight as she walked by. The vendor was a magenta earth pony mare, her stall covered in jars full of dirt. "Got the finest dirt in Ponyville, guranteed." she said as Twilight stopped.

Twilight looked over the jars of dirt. "I'm not really looking for any dirt, sorry."

The mare frowned in disappointment. "Of course, of course. Nopony needs dirt after they get done walking on it all day. Well, is there anything else you might be interested in? I've got sand too!" the pony held up a jar of sand.

"No thanks, we're looking for somepony in particular."

"Who're you looking for? I know most everypony in Ponyville." the vendor offered.

"I'm looking for a blue unicorn, Star Swirl. He's a magician." Twilight said.

"He may or may not be bearded, uh, depending what time this is... err, what time IT is I mean." Spike added.

"Star Swirl... Star Swirl..." the mare thought aloud. "Not a name I'm familiar with. But you know, I have heard there's a unicorn magician who lives in the Everfree Forest."

"Really? What do you know about him?" Twilight asked.

"Not much really. He comes into town now and then, goes to the library mostly."

"That sounds like who we're looking for. Where exactly in the Everfree does he live?"

"Oh, just follow the path right through there. I think he lives in some kind of old stone building across a ravine. You'll probably want to go before it gets dark. Everfree can get dangerous at night." the mare explained.

"Thank you so much, we'll get going right away." Twilight said.

The vendor smiled back. "Don't mention it. Hey, take a jar of dirt with you. Never know when it will come in handy." the mare pushed a jar to Twilight.

Twilight took the jar, not wanting to seem rude. Who knew? Maybe it would come in handy. "Why are you selling dirt exactly?" Twilight asked the vendor.

"My family owns the biggest dirt farm this side of Apploosa. Don't know what else to sell to be honest." the magenta mare explained.

Twilight thought for a moment. "It doesn't seem like there's much you can do with dirt. You would probably have better luck selling rocks."

The mare thought for a moment. "You know, that's not a bad idea. We do keep winding up having to seperate all the dirt from the rocks anyway because they keep getting in the way."

"Well, thank you for the dirt and the uh, dirt." Twilight said as she walked off with the jar. Spike noticed the words "Pie Farm's Finest Dirt written on a sign above the stall. Again, he shook his head. Was this deja vu? Or... would it be deja vu in the future? How did this time travel work?

"Spike! Come on, let's get going!" Twilight called. Her voice brought him back to the present, or the past depending on your interpretation. Regardless, he ran to catch up to Twilight as they headed to the Everfree Forest.

Author's Note

Can't really think of a name right now for the dirt salespony so I'm going to leave it a tad vague. Also, I try to make it at least a little vague before the audience realizes "OH! That's supposed to be Pinkie Pie's ancestor...? Or something?" I enjoyed writing the rock farming suggestion and think it's quite the appropriate lead in and reference to a certain pink pony in the future.

Living in the Past

Twilight found the Everfree Forest oddly familiar. The plants and trees looked just as the same as the ones she saw the first time she ventured into the dense underbrush. That familiarity was strangely comforting to Twilight as she followed the path into the forest. She quickly realized she was following the same path she had when she and her friends had first ventured into the Everfree Forest. The sun made it easier to navigate and she and Spike arrived at the stone building in question just as the sun was beginning to set. It was then Twilight and Spike saw something they weren't expecting. Star Swirl stepped out of the temple as they approached, he wore his traditional clothes but he was still shaved. Acompanying him was a familiar face.

"Hey Twilight, isn't that-"

"Shh Spike!" Twilight hushed him and motioned to crouch behind a bush near the path. Twilight was truly surprised. Walking side by side with Star Swirl was none other than Princess Luna. They walked along the path and went back the way Twilight and Spike had been coming. Twilight did her best to remain still as they passed. Thankfully, they didn't seem to see her.

"What is she doing with him?" Spike asked once the two were out of earshot.

Twilight was wondering that question herself. "Star Swirl was connected with the royal family. He said he was Celestia's student. And her... her mother's." Twilight remembered what Star Swirl had said, what seemed like ages ago when really it was only a few hours ago to her. Her perception of time had been thrown for a loop, she did her best not to dwell on it.

Twilight crept through the bushes to follow the two. Both she and Spike did their best to stay out of sight. Star Swirl and Luna walked to the ravine but instead of taking the bridge across, they turned and walked along the edge. Eventually, Twilight started to smell brine for some reason as she followed quietly. The two walked parrallel with the ravine until they reached another cliff in front of them. They turned right and walked along that edge as well. Twilight looked over the cliff to see the ocean. Which ocean, she wasn't sure but far below her was the smallest outcroppings of a beach and the ravine poured out into a small isthmus. Ahead of her, Star Swirl and Luna stopped and looked at the ocean. Twilight and Spike hid in a bush nearby and listened in quietly, trying to discern any reason the two might be together.

"Your sister does a good job." Star Swirl said as he watched the sun set on the waves.

Luna's gaze dropped a bit. "I'm really lucky to have a sister like Celestia."

Star Swirl picked up on her sister's subtle change in mood. "Your job is important too. Both of you working together, you keep Equestria in balance. A state of harmony." Star Swirl explained.

"I know, it's just... I wish we had more than just the night." Luna said.

"Hey now." Star Swirl said in a confident and reassuringly firm tone. "We have all the time we need. When I'm with you Luna, the night might as well last forever." he said to her. That made Luna giggle a bit. Twilight's eyes went wide as the two snuggle up closely together. Her jaw dropped as she watched the two innocently kiss. Spike blinked a couple times.
The sun went down as the two's lips parted and for a brief moment, they stared into each others eyes as stars filled the skies.

"It's time for you to shine." Star Swirl said. Luna walked to the edge of the cliff. In a ritual similar to Celestia's during the Summer Sun Celebration, Luna spread her wings wide, took off the ground for a moment as the moon raised behind her into the night sky. Star Swirl applauded as the shimmering orb lit up the night sky, its reflection turning the waves silver along their crests.

"Marvelous." he remarked as she descended. "Nopony lights up the night like you do."

Luna smiled back at him, the slightest hint of sadness in her eyes. "I just wish more ponies could see it."

"I'm sure a few of them do. Like me. Remember how we met?"

Luna giggled again slightly. "You were staying up so late, I couldn't help but notice."

Star Swirl smiled again and nuzzeled her, pressing his face against hers and locking eyes in the moonlight. "I feel asleep at my desk, you came into my dreams..." he kissed her again. "And I didn't want to wake up." he said as they released.

"You know, my sister can actually move the sun AND the moon on her own." Luna said.

"Oh, your parents have told me a lot about you two. I don't doubt you both have amazing capabilities." Star Swirl assured her.

"What I was getting at was, maybe we could spend a whole day together?" Luna said.

"We'll... we'll talk about it." Star Swirl said, sounding a little less confident. But neither of them spoke again as they gazed at the stars, Luna's head resting underneath Star Swirl's. Twilight and Spike were both quiet as they watched the two of them for the longest time just sitting together, holding each other, speaking volumes but saying not a word that could be heard, the language of true love.

"Looks like things just got a lot more complicated." Spike said. Twilight couldn't have agreed more.

Author's Note

Does this count as shipping? I really don't know. Would saying Star Swirl x Luna be appropriate? I'm new to writing this kind of thing but I like the way I've written it. Your thoughts?

Familiar Place

Star Swirl shared a parting kiss with Luna before she ascended to the heavens. His eyes were focused on the ground as Twilight and Spike followed him to his house. They watched him enter and close the door behind him. Twilight waited a couple minutes before finally approaching the door and knocking.

"Who is it?" Star Swirl's voice called out. The door opened a crack and then swung fully open to reveal Star Swirl standing behind it. "Luna? Is that you?" he asked Twilight. In the darkness, Twilight actually did resemble Luna slightly with her horn and wings.

"Uh, no, I'm not Luna, I'm-"

Star Swirl cocked an eyebrow at the guests. "No you're not. Who are you? Is there something I can help you with?"

"Um, yes, we... uhhhhhh..." Twilight trailed off. She was at a loss for words; she hadn't thought this through. She couldn't think of a reason she and Spike might have for coming to see him in the middle of the night.

Star Swirl started to close the door. "If this is about an autograph, it will have to wait until morning. Now if you'll excuse me..."

"The princess sent us!" Spike shouted out.

The sudden outburst caused Star Swirl to open the door again. "The princess? Celestia?" he asked.

Spike rotated his claw in a circular motion prompting Twilight to continue with his story. "Um, yes! She uh... she sent us to help you!" Technically that was true. Celestia had told them to use the time spell for some reason.

"Is this about my new book? I just finished it today, it will be ready to publish by the end of the week I'd say."

"Do you think we could look over it before it's published? Just to make sure?" Twilight asked.

"I guess that would be all right. Please, come in." Star Swirl opened the door all the way for them and they stepped inside. The shrine was just the same as Twilight remembered but had more furniture. It looked as if somepony had been living there, which seemed to be the case. Several bookshelves, a desk, other furniture and even a couple carpets occupied space in the main room where Twilight and her friends originally fought Nightmare Moon, or would in a few short centuries. In the back, Twilight saw them: the six pedestals that had the Elements of Harmony. Although currently in their stone form, eventually she knew they would be used to protect Equestria.

Star Swirl went over to his desk and levitated up a book with his horn. "This is what I've been working on. It's taken a few months but finally I've assembled all my best magical cures and remedies into this one book with detailed instructions on how to perform them."

Twilight examined the book, the same book that had led her and Spike here. She tried to act more interested in each spell despite having read them all before. She only wanted to see the back where Star Swirl's destiny cure spell was. In as non-chalant a way as she could manage pretending to skim through the pages, she flipped to the last page. The page where the spell was located, the spell she would use to fix her friends' destinies and become a princess, the spell Star Swirl had told them was his masterpiece, was gone. The page was blank.

Twilight didn't know what to think. She turned the page over. There was the date, today's date just where they had seen it, or would see it. So what did this mean? "Hey, uh, what does this date mean?" she asked.

"I always put down the day I finish the book in the back along with my signature, kind of a personal touch." Star Swirl explained.

"Why is this last page blank?" Spike asked.

"That's a section for notes, a place for things the reader might want to write down about the spell, reminders and such. Most books like this have at least a few pages in the back for that." Star Swirl said with a smile, the kind of smile a teacher got after teaching a lesson. "Do you think the princess will approve?" he asked.

Twilight closed the book. "Yes, I think she'll be quite happy with your latest book. I'm sure the Canterlot Library will put it in the Star Swirl the Bearded wing-"

Spike cleared his throat as Twilight went a little too far. "I mean,-"

Star Swirl laughed as he heard. "Ha, my own wing of the Canterlot Library? Well, I have written a lot of books on magic." Star Swirl walked over to the book shelf and pulled off several books. They encircled him as he levitated them about the room with magic.

"I'm sure you'll get plenty of recognition for what you've done..." Twilight said, not sure of where to go now or what to say.

"I'm not really interested in becoming famous or anything. It hasn't been easy though since Celestia sent me here to study the Elements of Harmony." the books flew back into the shelf as Star Swirl stopped explaining. He walked over to the pedestals holding the Elements, Twilight and Spike followed.

"You're studying the Elements of Harmony?" Twilight asked.

Star Swirl put a hoof to his chin as he examined the Element of Magic. Twilight turned herself a tad so he wouldn't see her cutie mark, lest he make a connection of some sort.

"Yes, the Princess sent me here to learn everything I could about them. I've tried every spell I know but I can't really get a reaction from them. It's almost like they're in a dormant state of some sort." he explained as he walked around each Element. "It's my theory that only somepony who represents the Elements can wield their power."

"I think you might be right about that." Twilight said, knowing all to well for herself.

Star Swirl stopped and looked out one of the windows. He stared for a few moments at the moon. "It's getting late. The Everfree isn't that safe across the bridge while it's dark out. You should both probably stay here for the night."

"Thank you, that would be nice." Twilight said. Inside, Twilight was getting a tad giddy again. Sleepover with Star Swirl the Bearded! INSIDE his OWN STUDY! This was a dream come true! This was... woah, deja vu. Star Swirl used his magic to materialize a bed for both of them, a regal mattress appeared out of thin air.

"I'm sorry if I can't conjure up the accomadations you're used to in Canterlot but this is a bit short notice." Star Swirl said.

His modesty astounded Twilight. The unicorn had just spawned a bed from thin air without so much as breaking a sweat. She would have to get more magical practice in once everything had been resolved. Twilight and Spike crawled into bed but questions kept nagging at Twilight. Why was the last page blank? Why was Star Swirl... dating... Luna? What did all of this mean? Why would Celestia send them back to this time if it wasn't connected to the future somehow? Spike's snoring prompted her to try to get some sleep of her own. Hopefully, she would find more answers in the morning.

Meant To Be

Sunlight pouring in from the window roused Twilight and Spike from slumber. Twilight got out of bed slowly, Spike followed suit. Star Swirl was asleep at his desk. Twilight walked over to him. His lips moved as he snored, Twilight could tell he was mumbling something. He looked as though he'd been up for most of the night. He probably didn't get to sleep until a couple hours after Twilight and Spike. The spellbook was open in front of him.

"...I love you..." he said. Twilight took a cautionary step back and accidentally bumped the desk. Star Swirl was roused by the noise.

"What? What is it? Who's there...?" Star Swirl asked groggily.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... to wake you." Twilight said.

"Oh, it's all right, it's all right. I had trouble getting to sleep last night." Star Swirl explained. He sat up in his desk.

"Were you working more on your book?" Twilight asked. She tried to look over his shoulder at the open book itself but couldn't tell if he'd written down anything more. A knock at the door drew both their attention.

"Oh, right... um... could you get that?" he asked. Twilight trotted over and opened the door. She almost leapt when she saw Princess Luna standing in the doorway.

Luna's eyes went wide when she saw Twilight. "Um, excuse me? What are you doing here?" Luna asked in an accusing tone.

"Uh, nothing, I was just-"

Luna advanced to the door. "Where is Star Swirl? Star Swirl!" she called out behind her. Twilight's heart started racing. Had she done something to anger the princess?

Star Swirl ran over to the door. "Luna! What are you doing here so early?" he asked.

Luna did not look happy. "What is SHE doing here?" she asked in an angered tone. Twilight still didn't know what was going on.

Star Swirl's eyes went wide and he gasped. "Oh... oh no. This isn't what it looks like." Twilight's eyes darted from Luna to Star Swirl.

Luna strode up to the door, right into Star Swirl's face. "Well? What is it then? Because it LOOKS like you're seeing another pony behind my back!" Luna accused Star Swirl.

Twilight turned around to Spike. His face was frozen in a mile-long stare with his mouth wide open. Twilight felt her entire body go cold as the realization hit her. Her and... Star Swirl the Bearded?! She felt like she might faint. Luna thought that her and Star Swirl... this can't be happening.

Twilight shook her head. "No, no it's not like that! We just came over last night to see his new book!"

"Celestia sent both of us! Honest!" Spike added as he held onto the door behind them, half hiding behind it.

Luna raised an eyebrow as she saw Spike. "You both came over just to see his book?" she asked.

They both nodded. "Yes! It was getting late and to forest is dangerous so he offered us to stay for the night." Twilight explained.

Star Swirl walked up to her and took a knee. "Luna, you know you're my special somepony. I wouldn't let anything come between us, I promise. I love you Luna." he tried desperately to assure her. He grabbed her right hoof with both of his hooves and they locked eyes for a few moments. Twilight was at a loss for words. Spike remained silent too as they all watched for Luna's response.

"You said you just came over about the book?" Luna asked Twilight.

Twilight nodded emphatically. "Yes!"

Luna gave out the slightest of sighs, whether in relief or out of frustration, nopony could guess. "Okay... I believe you." she said at last.

Star Swirl nuzzled Luna's hoof. "Thank you, it's the truth."

"So, who are you both exactly?" Luna inquired.

Twilight thought frantically. Telling Luna her real name was probably a bad idea considering they would meet... in the future. "I'm uh..." What was a name to go along with her cutie mark? "My name's uh... Dark Spark. And this is..."

"Minister Spine of the Dragon Kingdom, at your service." Spike bowed. Twilight rolled her eyes and felt like putting a hoof to her face. Quickly, she turned back to Luna hoping none of them had noticed.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. minister and Dark Spark. I am Princess Luna. I haven't seen either of you in Canterlot before." Luna remarked.

"Why, Ms. Spark is part of our diplomatic party. She's Canterlot's newest ambassador to the Dragon Kingdom. We've been away away on business, you see. What with the Crystal Empire disappearing, it's not surprising that you didn't hear about our latest visit." the 'minister' went on. "We've just came here to see Star Swirl's latest book with the hopes that it could be released in dragonese."

Luna looked a tad puzzled. "Dragonese? I wasn't aware dragons could use Equestrian magic."

"Uh, they can't. But they like to read a good book now and then and believe it or not, Star Swirl's books are actually quite a big hit in the Dragon Kingdom." Spike quickly fabricated.

"How exactly does an Equestrian spellbook become popular with dragons?" Luna asked.

Star Swirl put a hoof to his chin. "I knew my books were popular but I never realized they'd become a hit with other species." he said.

Twilight thought Spike had finally been cornered but the little 'minister' continued. "We dragons are very fond of poetry. Your spells are poetic, almost musical in nature and they're quite an inspiration to us. Star Swirl's one of the favorite authors in the Dragon Kingdom."

"I see." Luna said. "So you've come to see if could be translated into dragonese?"

Spike nodded. "Yes indeed. It's quite troubling for us to translate copies of the books after they've been released so we're hoping the publisher would release a dragonese version for use by dragons."

"I'm sure that wouldn't be a problem. I'll talk to the printers about it when I go to see them about the book." Star Swirl said.

Luna turned her head to Star Swirl. "I... actually came to see you about your latest book too. Is it okay if we had a little privacy Mr. minister?"

Spike backed out of the way. "Oh, please go right ahead. We were just leaving anyway."

Luna walked up to the door and passed Twilight as she entered the shrine. "It was nice meeting you both." Luna said, although her manner was nice, her expression didn't convey happiness. The door closed behind her as Twilight stepped outside.

Twilight turned to Spike. "Where did you come up with that story from?"

Spike bashfully put a claw behind his neck. "I, uh, got it from a book I read." he admitted. Twilight sighed.

"So, what do we do now?" Spike asked.

"I think... I think Luna might have something to do with his masterpiece spell. I don't know why he hasn't started working on it yet. Why would Princess Celestia send us back to this specific time if there wasn't something she wanted to prevent? Or fix?"

"Maybe we went to the wrong time. Or maybe, she wanted us to stop the whole book from being made." Spike guessed.

"But if he never completes that spell... I'll never have anything to complete in the future. I'd never become a princess." Twilight thought. The situation was delicate. Working with time spells, despite knowing the future, you never knew really what to expect with spells about time. Twilight had only used one before and it hadn't worked out. This was the second time she'd traveled back in time and she still didn't have any clue what she was doing. But she was certain the princess sent her back to this time for a reason and she was determined to figure out exactly what it was.

"I don't know what we can do for now Spike except watch and wait." Twilight said. They took position behind a tree and settled in. Twilight would wait for as long as it took. She had plenty of time.

Destiny

It wasn't long before Luna left the shrine. Twilight and Spike watched as she stepped outside. Her expression hadn't changed. Whatever had been said inside that shrine hadn't lifted her spirits. She wore a somber look on her face as she took to the skies.

"Let's go see what went on." Twilight said as she stepped out from behind the tree. They walked up the steps again and knocked on the door to the shirne. Star Swirl answered quickly.

"Oh, you're back." Star Swirl said. His own expression was as glum as Luna's had been when she'd left. "Is there something else you... you needed?"

"Um, yes, uh... it seems the Minister forgot something." Twilight said quickly.

"Oh! Yes, I've misplaced my... uh..."

"Your jar of dirt." Twilight added quickly.

"Yes! My... my jar of dirt?" Spike quirked an eyebrow.

"Yes Minister. The sample of Ponyville soil you got from that dirt vendor? Remember?"

Spike understood. "Yes, the soil sample. I think I left it inside. May we come in and look for it?"

"Oh, uh, of course." Star Swirl let the two enter again. His eyes were fixed to the floor as he lead them inside.

Twilight leaned over to Spike. "Just keep looking long enough for us to find out about Luna." she whispered. Spike nodded.

"So, that was Princess Luna?" Twilight asked, trying to start up a conversation.

"Yes... wait, hold on a second." Star Swirl turned around on them. "If you've met Princess Celestia, how could you not've met Luna?" he asked, suspicious.

"Oh, we just got here. We didn't have time to meet everypony." Twilight said. Technically, that was true too. She didn't like having to fabricate this story to keep Star Swirl from knowing but... she didn't know what was going to happen. It was best to stick to the story they had, whatever it was.

Her explanation seemed to convince him. "Oh. I, uh, I understand, yes. I'm sorry, I haven't slept well lately. I've been working a lot on this book and... it's taken a lot out of us."

Us. Twilight picked up on the subtle way he phrased his explanation. What did it mean? "It's quite all right, I understa-... us? Um, wha-" Twilight inquired.

"Yes, Princess Luna's been helping me with the book. She's even helped me write a couple of the spells." Star Swirl explained as they entered the main room.

"This shouldn't take long." Spike said as he started looking for the jar that in fact Twilight had tucked behind her right wing. She knew it would take as long as they needed.

"Is there anything Princess Luna has helped you on specifically in the book?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, just a few things. She helped me develop a special 'desire' spell, when used it can make any object wanted by everypony around it, even needed." Star Swirl said.

Twilight knew about that spell already. She thought quickly, she needed to get the conversation around Luna again. "Would you mind if I took another look at that book?" she asked.

"I don't see why not. I had no idea dragons enjoyed my work." Star Swirl levitated the book over to them both.

"Oh, they uh... they sure do. And they're uh... really looking forward to this one." Twilight said as she looked at the book. Star Swirl turned to his desk and Twilight quickly turned the book to the last page. Her eyes went wide. The half of the spell! It was there! He must've written it... in his sleep?

"Where did this come from? I, uh, I didn't see it last night." Twilight asked.

Star Swirl turned back to her. "Luna helped me add that... last night." he said.

"But Luna just got here this morning." Twilight said.

Star Swirl's eyes went wide. He looked as though he'd just said something accidentally but what had he revealed? "I... um, well, she comes to me in my dreams. While I'm asleep." he said. Twilight knew Luna was the gaurdian of the night. She had the power to enter ponies' dreams. But Twilight had no idea that she had entered Star Swirl's dreams that night.

"She helped you write that spell last night?" Twilight asked.

Star Swirl paused for a moment. "Yes. It was a couple hours after you both went to sleep. We... we were actually in the middle of writing it when you woke us up. That's why she came over so quickly." Star Swirl explained.

"Oh..." Twilight said, understanding. "What did she help you work on?"

"I...um, you're, you're asking a lot of questions about this and I-"

"Well, I was just wondering about anything knew she might've added for the dragon readers."

"I... right. She, uh... she helped me write a new spell." Star Swirl explained. Spike looked underneath the bed they'd slept in last night. He looked over to Twilight . She shook her head, gesturing for him to continue and he did so, turning the bed covers upside down.

"What sort of new spell is it?" Twilight asked.

Star Swirl turned to the book levitated before Twilight. He turned to the page and examined it for a long moment. He said nothing.

"The book is about remedy spells right? What does this one cure?" Twilight pressed.

"It's a cure for destiny." Star Swirl said at last.

The destiny cure. This was it! She was on the right track at last! "You mean it can fix somepony's destiny?"

"Something like that. It's supposed to allow ponies to change their destinies, change their cutie marks."

"But why would somepony want to change their... oh." The realization dawned on Twilight. Everything was starting to fall into place.

"Princess Luna... this spell is for her. She's jealous of her sister, she's tired of being the gaurdian of the night. She gets really lonely sometimes. I'm one of the only ones that will stay up and talk to her. That's kind of how we met... and fell in love." Star Swirl explained.

"But raising the moon is an important responsibility. If she doesn't do it, who will?" Twilight asked.

"Celestia can. She could takeover responsibility for raising both the sun and the moon. That way Luna and I could be together." he said.

"Why can't you be together now?"

Star Swirl closed his eyes. "We can only be together in our dreams. In the day, our duties keep us apart. During the night, she raises the moon and must be the steward of the night. We try to spend as much time together as we can but... we're only able to share a sunset now and then. The few precious hours of twilight before dusk." Twilight felt sad. She had no idea things were this complicated. This was why he was so obsessed with the spell. Why had he told her it had been about getting recognition?

"You're trying to change her destiny so that you both can be together." Twilight said.

Star Swirl nodded. "If this spell works... it'll change both our destinies. If my calculations are correct, it could make me an alicorn. And a prince. Luna and I could get married, live in Canterlot. We could spend every day and night together." He had tears in his eyes as he spoke. Were they tears of joy or sadness? Was he happy that he and Luna were so close to being together, happy their dream was at hand? Or was he fearful of the possibility that he might fail, forever be seperated from the mare he loved?

Twilight didn't know what Star Swirl thought at the moment but she did know the future. She almost cried too. "I know a little about magic. Let me help you work on it." Twilight offered. This must've been what Celestia wanted her to fix. She didn't know what impact it would have on the future... but she had to try something. Would it be okay if she just told him the last half of the spell? Or did he have to learn it on his own...?

Star Swirl was silent for a few moments. He levitated the book in front of him and looked at it. "Okay." he finally said. Twilight came over to his side and they took a look at the spell together. Spike gave up the ruse shortly after and silently sat on the edge of the bed, waiting until he was needed. They had a lot of work ahead of them.