In the episode "Shadow Play" Twilight and her friends, including Sunburst, freed the Pillars from Limbo, returning them to Equestria, and Twilight finally met her idol, Star Swirl the Bearded himself. But in this scenario, he is exactly what she expected, calm, polite, and humble in nature, and filled with wisdom and experience to offer the young Princess and to the ponies of Equestria, who will be ecstatic of the wise old hero's return.

Star Swirl: My gratitude for releasing us from Limbo. Who are thou?

Twilight: Trying to hold in her excitement Great Star Swirl the Bearded, I..I...I'm Twilight...Puh-Puh-Princess Twilight Sparkle. The Princess of Friendship.

Star Swirl: A new princess of Equestria? Am I to assume that my former protégé choose a student that far exceeded her expectations?

Twilight: She sure did ^{^} Princess Celestia will be ever so happy to reunite with you. We must go see her right away!

Twilight turns around and begins to walk away, expecting him to follow her, but instead, he surrounds her with his magic and pulls her back towards him.

Star Swirl: Believe me, I'm certainly looking forward to seeing and catching up with her, and we all are looking forward to see what has become of our old homes. But I'm afraid there is a problem. A serious one.

Twilight: And what would that be?

Her question is answered when the Pony of Shadows appears. We skip to the next scene where it leaves and Twilight puts her head down, feeling shame and guilt for releasing it. But Star Swirl puts a hoof to her shoulder and begins to encourage.

Star Swirl: No need to hang your head in shame, we all make mistakes, but we have to correct them. You didn't know that by releasing us, the Pony of Shadows would be release as well. Now we must stop it, and we will, together.

Twilight ears perk back up, quickly gaining her confidence, as well as excitement for fighting alongside her idol.

Twilight: Together? Me and the great Star Swirl the Bearded, at each others side?

Star Swirl nods and Twilight squees before they all make their way to the Castle of Friendship.