Entry #1

To my dearest, Trixie. May you learn from my mistakes, and live the life I failed to.

I was once known across Equestria by many names; Shadowtrot the Annihilator, Bloodcolt, The Betrayer, I was even mistaken for Nighmare Moon on occasion. Silly, I know, but to you, I've always only been "Daddy". I realize you might not fully remember the stallion I was before I left you alone, but despite everything that has happened, I've always loved you. This book is all that's left of me now, and I want you to use it. Learn from my mistakes, become the unicorn I know you have to potential to be. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have been so much more. You have a rare opportunity, Trixie. You're destined to become something great, your name will echo across Equestria, and everything you could ever possibly need to know is recorded within this book.

As you turn the pages, you may become confused. Most of the pages in this book appear blank, and you'll be unable to read them until you're ready. They hold knowledge that no pony should should have the privilege of gaining without first proving themselves worthy. You, my dear, will be no exception. Knowledge can be a dangerous thing, knowing certain things before you're ready can and will lead to your certain destruction. Experience is the key to handling knowledge properly. Your magical abilities can be summed up with a simple metaphor: a scale. On one side, experience. On the other, knowledge. Each side must stay balanced or the other will fall into uselessness. Knowing this will be your key to success, using your knowledge and experiences to their full advantage will surely put you on the path to greatness.

Through your trials in life, you'll gain many experiences and knowledge of your own. Once you're ready, the pages will reveal themselves to you. Good luck, my daughter, and know my love and best wishes follow you wherever you may go.

Entry #2

You're Growing Older

I presumed when you first received this book, you had still yet to gain your Equinsignia, or "cutie mark", as some call it. I might be so bold as to point out that it is likely a depiction of the Ethereal Moon, a representation of blurring illusion with reality. You'll learn more about this very special Equinsignia in the future. Now that you've obtained it, earned it, you're ready to begin learning very important spells. The spells I'm about to teach you are not to be shared, as they're for our family's horns alone. You'll realize that unlike most spells you may be forced to learn during your foalhood studies, these don't contain a purpose to yield any benefit to society. They're simply defensive combat spells, something not everypony will be taught. Thank Celestia herself for half of Equestria's citizens being completely defenseless. Now read and reread the information in this entry, don't attempt anything in real combat until you're absolutely sure you're ready. This information slightly tips the knowledge vs. experience scale, but it's essential as of right now. I'm sure you'll gain experience from this magic soon enough

Good luck, Trixie.

Entry #3

Inevitable Defeat

This is an important part of your life. We all must realize that on our quest for greatness, we aren't the best. This is why you must fight and practice harder. Each time you fail, your name falls and your reputation takes a devastating blow. My thirst for vengeance caused my reputation to plummet into the depths of darkness, causing my name to cast fear across the land. The things I did out of spite pushed me into a world of hatred and dismay. Now that you know the pain of defeat, know that seeking the vengeance you crave will only bring you more pain. Whether you instigated the fight you lost, or it was unprovoked, you failed to defend your name. I realize how degrading and humiliating that must be for you, but use those feelings to ensure you're never beaten again, no matter what your cause.

Now that you're getting older, the ponies around you have the ability to hurt you beyond full recovery. It's very important that you know when to flee. Fleeing a battle is disgustingly shameful, but sometimes necessary to ensure your survival. Trixie, there is a great and powerful foe gaining support and power in the dark, south side of Equestria, you will be forced to face him or his allies at some point in your life. Celestia refuses to prepare the civilians, she believes it's nothing more than temporary rise in power and will easily be stopped. Just know, that rise in power is why I am no longer alive.

This is why you must be prepared to take the lives of the threats around you. I'm going to teach you a very simple spell that is only meant to be used as a last resort. You will hold and destroy your target from the inside out, leaving no evidence behind. They will quite literally disintegrate into the air. Remember, killing is only meant to be used as a last resort. Don't get ahead of yourself Trixie, or you'll end up being forced to live in the shadows just as I was.

Take this knowledge and become great. Secure your reputation, so that no one will question your greatness, no one will dare face you in battle without a death wish, and all will rise to your call into battle. Spread your name across the land, so that all the cities of Equestria know and respect you. In doing so, Trixie, don't forget who you are, and don't lose respect for what you have. Never be defeated again.

Entry #4

Loneliness