“Good work, Moondancer. Excellent work, Sunset Shimmer. Aim it a little lower, Lyra.”

Princess Celestia walked along the students of the Academy for Gifted Unicorns. All the young mares did their best in their studies, concentrating their magic to transform a simple rock into a flower pot. Celestia was proud of all of them and encouraged them with kind words and a warm smile.

However, her smile faded when meeting a particular student.

The petite light-blue unicorn struggled to light her horn. Her face was distorted by the effort of the concentration and her horn bursts like a broken fuse.

“Don't push yourself so hard, dear,” Celestia advised her.

The young mare ignored her and pushed herself harder, sweating and grunting. She finally managed to release her magic but the rock didn't turn into a flowerpot but merely a simple flower.

All the other students laughed but Celestia moved next to the student and patted her shoulder.

“A valiant effort, my dear.”

The unicron sobbed, refusing to look at her.

“What´s your name, dear?” Celestia asked.

“Lulamoon. Trixie Lulamoon.”

“Well trixie, not every unicorn progress at the same level. Some spells are harder to amster. You just keep on trying,” Celestia encouraged her.

Just as she was leaving, trixie pulled at her tail.

“Princess...”

“Yes, dear?”

“I've been in your school for over a year now and I still can't handle a simple spell like this. You think I made the right choice coming here, Princess? You think I can become a great wizard if I work hard enough?”

Celestia felt like being showered with cold water. She could tell by simply looking at her that Trixie had no real talent. She could just know, the same way she could sense the hidden potential in Sunset, she could sense there was nothing in Trixie. She could train her whole life but she will never go further than making small firework or the like.

Celestia looked at Trixie's pleading eyes. Sometimes she cursed all her wisdom, being able to tell how a pony life will unfold. She wasn't omniscient, there were some things she didn't know; but she did knew enough to keep the truth for herself.

“Of course, my dear. Just keep on trying and never give up.”

****

“Expelled? What do you mean the Great and Powerful Trixie is expelled?” Trixie yelled at the school council.

The teacher remained unfazed, letting the mare with the ridiculous hat and cape vent her frustrations.

“We have conclusive proof you cated in your latest test. Plus, we have numerous complaints for your fellow students that you have been bullying and blackmailing them behind your teacher´s back. You are a disgrace for everything this school stands for, Trixie Lulamoon, “ the headmaster explained.

Trixie rage was bursting through her horn. She looked at Celestia, that stood behind the council. The Princess tried to kept a stern face as her position as founder required but underneath her facade she was struggling with guilt.

“You lied to me. You told me that if I keep trying I could become a great wizard but that was a lie. I tried and tried for four years and I was always at the bottom of my class.”

“That´s no excuse for cheating, Mrs. Lulamoon!” the headmistress said.

“SIlence! I'm not talking to you, I´m talking to the Princess! She lied to me! She made me think I had a chance here! Well, why don't you say something now, Celestia?” Trixie said, pointing at her.

Celestia turned her face away and said “Cheating is not accepted in this institution. And bullying and harassing your colleagues goes without saying. Take your stuff and leave.”

“Fine! You will regret this day! I will show you all how Great and Powerful Trixie is!” an with a puff of smoke she disappeared from the room.

The council quickly dissolved, all murmuring words like “what a disappointment” or “I knew she didn't belonged here” but Celestia  remained in the room, even after the lights went out. She stayed there, remembering the hopeful eyes of an innocent mare asking her if she could be anything she wanted to be.

Celestia wondered if telling the truth would have been better. If her kindness was misguided and caused Trixie´s downfall.  

She wondered about this and more all through the night.