I must admit, I didn't expect to see a limousine parked in front of Canterlot High, let alone parked illegally since it is on the loading and unloading zone. I can’t see through the tinted windows, but I calculate a sixty-seven percent chance the driver is still in there, ready to take off if he or she has to, and a seventy-two percent chance that the passenger of this vehicle is a pompous asshole who values his or her privacy.

I could not assess much else from the vehicle itself. It is in good condition. The model is only three years old.

Standing closely behind the vehicle, I blink twice to engage eye tracking mode on my glasses. From there I navigate to camera mode, activate it, then blink both of my eyes while looking straight at the license plate of the vehicle, which said, “Myrulz1”. Doing so causes the glasses to surreptitiously take a picture. I did hear the glasses project a “click” noise but it is only because of the sonic vibration on my eardrums. I open my eyes to examine the picture I took. Satisfied, I close the camera program and then blink twice to disengage eye tracking mode.

Custom license plate. Oh, you make this too easy for me, mysterious stranger! Also, I bump up the odds to eighty-seven percent chance of a pompous asshole.

I make my way to the entrance of the school but, before I reach the stairs, I notice movement out of the corner of my left eye. I look and see a tall white man in a dark blue business suit, complete with red necktie. His black, combed hair neatly recedes about four inches past his forehead. There is no hair to the sides of his head. It's all combed behind his ears, and he has a pointy goatee at the end of his chin.

I lower my eyelids halfway as I realize who this is.

Superintendent Neighsay. Great! Make that one-hundred percent chance of a pompous asshole.

Oh jeez! What a day this is turning out for me.

Bad timing, too. First a pony princess from another world temporarily kidnaps my mother, and now I see that the Superintendent just happens to show up on the same day for a surprise inspection.

I would calculate the odds of something unfortunate as only a one point eight-two percent chance, but Neighsay seems to be on a war campaign against my mother lately, so that forces me to bump up the odds of showing up at inconvenient time to at least thirteen percent chance.

I sigh irritably then walk over to him. I better go see what he wants and see if I can clean up this damage.

I notice, as I approach him, that he is staring directly at the base of the Canterlot High statue which was now secured with a ten foot tall iron gate around it and several cameras aiming toward where the portal used to be and away from it in order to record anyone who dares to approach this.

I know for a fact that he was the deciding vote to impose all of these extra security measures around the supposed portal.

However, what he does not know is that the magical energy of the portal is no longer there. It's been moved to a tall mirror in my mom's basement which is surrounded by a machine. That portal isn't always open anymore, either. Certain security measures have been taken on both sides to prevent unauthorized crossover, but otherwise it can open at any time.

I give a devious smirk and narrow my eyes at the Superintendent as I continue to approach him, for I am one of very few that knew that the iron gate and all those cameras are now guarding an ordinary statue base. It amuses me so much that he continues to feel paranoid over nothing. I am in no hurry to correct this oversight.

“Superintendent Neighsay! To what do I owe the pleasure?” I ask brightly when I arrive at him while putting on a bright, fake, happy smile.

“That is none of your concern, young urchin,” the Superintendent says disdainfully as he continues to glare at the square base of the statue where the portal used to be. “Be on your way.”

“Gee-whiz, Mister, I can do that, but I thought I might be able to assist you while I'm standing here. I am the Student Council President, by the way, so you may find me more useful to you than you thought.”

“Really?” He looks at me. Now I have his interest. “Aren't you the adopted daughter of the Principal of this campus, Miss Twilight Sparkle?”

“I sure am her daughter!” I say brightly while inwardly wincing in anger. Enough with the “adoption” title already! Jeez! Twilight Sparkle is my mother! End of story. Get it right, you insensitive dipshit!

“I'm also her number one assistant!” I continue brightly. “So if there is anything I can do for you on her behalf then I'm your gal!” I pose for him cutely for a second, placing a single finger to my right cheek.

“What I want . . . is Twilight Sparkle,” he announces dryly.

“Well gee, Mister. I'm sorry, but my mom is not here right now, but please feel free to leave a message at the sound of the beep.” I pause for three seconds, then say, “BEEP!”

“So you're telling me that Miss Twilight Sparkle . . . the Principal of this school . . . is not at her post right now?” Neighsay asks without an ounce of humor in his voice. I start to doubt he has a funny bone in his entire, pathetic body.

Not at her post? Is he serious? Where does he think he is? A military school?

I guess somebody does not know how to use Google Maps. It's probably because it had too many big words.

“Well, she had to be called away for important business,” I explain as I shuffle my feet nervously. “That happens. My mother called ahead and let Vice Principal Sunburst know, so everything is fine and dandy!”

“I see.” The Superintendent crosses his arms before me and grows a scowl. “Important business, you say? Well, I'm glad we got that all cleared up. I'm glad she regards something on this Earth as important, but if that thing is not her job here in this school . . . well then. It might be time to consider a change in management.”

A hint of alarm shows through in my eyes behind my glasses.

“There's no need to get all up in arms about this, Mister. Mom had to take care of something and she'll be back before long.

“Now then, is there anything I can help you with? I'm quite talented for my age, you know.”

Superintendent Neighsay sighs in annoyance, then says, “Well then . . . I'm glad somebody around here takes their job seriously. From what I heard, your mother has made quite a mess of things in the past, and it seems she's no better off than she was when she attended this school as a student herself!”

He glares at the base of the statue.

“Exhibit A!” He nods at the statue. “If it weren't for her carelessness, perhaps this statue wouldn't have been damaged in the first place, nor would it's vile and satanic 'magic' have leaked into our world. Every single time when such forces have shown up, it's been nothing but a menace to human society. These creatures . . . these ponies . . . are clearly a danger to us and should be treated accordingly. I will not rest until every last ounce of their satanic portals are locked up and guarded.”

He glares at me. “How many students here at this campus had near-death experiences because of the meddling forces of this other world? Students should not come to school and have to fear for their very lives! Instead, they should come here to learn, but all I see them learning here is useless information other than how to survive these Equestrian invasions to our sacred land.”

“Well, as you can see, we do have this portal locked up tight.” I gesture to it.

“Yes.” He looks at it coldly. “That's a start.”

I am tempted to announce that my mother is working right now on a solution to solve the Horse-Land leak problem even further, but that information was shared with me in confidence.

Besides, it’s probable that the Superintendent might take that information and blow it out of proportion, especially if he learns that my mother built another portal in our basement and the energy that used to go to this portal has been relocated there.

But, I have to admit, the pompous asshole kind of does have a point. I look at where the portal used to be and realize that, before the extra security measures were taken around this portal, anybody could have stumbled into the portal accidentally or vice versa. My mind spun with the havoc it would have caused if such things ended up in the public news or the White House. Humans are stupid, so they'll blow anything they don’t understand or fear out of proportion.

Considering all that, the gate and camera around this portal is actually long overdue.

Plus there is the fact that Equestrian magic really has been a menace on multiple occasions. Considering everything that happened so far, it surprises me that people are not this paranoid more often.

“Cozy Glow, was it?” he asks as he looks back at me.

“Yes indeedy! That's my name! Don't wear it out.”

He focuses on me fully. “Yes, I heard of you. The local child prodigy with an astounding IQ of one-hundred and ninety-seven. Genius of your caliber is rarely matched. That's probably even greater than the great Albert Einstein. Your mother may be an incompetent individual both as a Principal and as a mother, but if there is one thing I can say in Miss Sparkle’s favor, it's that she was astute enough to quickly adopt you not long after those test results came out to the public. I'm really quite astounded that she reacted this quickly.”

I stiffen.

“Um . . . go back a bit on that one. Did you just call my mother . . . incompetent?”

“Clearly she is,” Neighsay confirms with a droll roll of his eyes. “I shouldn't have to specify that, especially to you. You know her better than anyone, which is probably quite unfortunate. Everything she touches turns into a mess.

“Here you are, one of the greatest child prodigies of our time in the incompetent hands of Miss Sparkle. I shudder to think of the results.”

“Oh. I see,” I say stiffly. I reach up and slowly pull off my glasses then deposit them in my purse. “You know, Sir, now that you mention it . . . there are a few things I'd like to report to you about my mother.”

“Oh?” He looks at me with intrigue.

“However, this information is rather sensitive. I can't let you splash it all over the news or something like that, so can you keep a secret?”

He shrugs. “That depends on what it is. If it is child abuse, then I'm legally obligated to report it to the police.” He looks at me squarely but with dim expectations. “You're not being abused at home, are you?” He did not really sound like he believes in those words. He is just checking.

“No.” I shake my head. “It's nothing that severe . . . but . . . it is something that needs to stay between us.”

“Out with it, child,” Neighsay demands impatiently. “What is it?”

I lean forward and finger him to lean down. He sighs irritably for a moment, but then proceeds to do so. I lean closer and gesture for him to lean down more. This time he cooperates without anymore fuss. His face is practically right in front of mine now.

“The thing that is important to understand about my mother,” I whisper to Neighsay conspiratorially, “is the fact that she's alive!”

“Alive?” Neighsay actually regards me with a bit of alarm. “Was there ever any doubt? Was her life recently in danger?” Right after he said that, he gets a droll look. “On second thought, that might actually be possible.”

I shake my head in denial. “No. It's nothing like that. She wasn't in danger recently, at least according to my knowledge. The reason this news is noteworthy, however, is because that is a distinct advantage she has over you!”

Right after I say that, I quickly slash at his throat with a scalpel. A line of blood is drawn across his neck. Because he’s leaning towards me, his jugular is within my reach.

Superintendent Neighsay backs off as he regards me with utter shock, but only for a few seconds. I kick him in the nuts as hard as I can then drag him down to his knees in front of me just to make sure we are more at even eye level.

Well, actually, from that position, I am now a foot taller.

“Nobody . . . but nobody . . . fucks with my MOM!” I screech at the end of that sentence.

Meanwhile he continues to regard me in utter horror as he chokes on his own blood. During that time, his blood leaks down his neck like a waterfall which soaks his clothes with the stain of red, although his red necktie somewhat conceals that fact.

“You have no idea how hard she works to support others!” I wail at him while stabbing my right pointing finger into his chest several times. “She works harder than anyone I have ever known. She works to support me and all of my interests. Do you know what my violin cost her? A whole fucking lot, that's what!

“And I'm not the only one to benefit under her benevolence. Every student in this whole campus adores her. Why? Because she's the best goddamn principal this school has ever received. She has gone out of her way time and time again to open up new opportunities for every single one of her precious students. She does this because she honestly cares for the welfare and education of her students, which is probably a goddamn whole lot more than you have ever done in your whole miserable life, you sack of shit! I'm doing the whole world a favor by wiping your smug little face right off this planet!”

Superintendent Neighsay falls to the ground. His blood soaks through his clothes and is now spreading across the ground.

I lean over him and peer right into his face. This causes my dark shadow to fall on top of him.

“My mother . . . and all of her friends . . . are angels incarnate in this world. They spread joy, happiness, and friendship wherever they walk upon this godforsaken planet, but guess what . . . if angels can exist on this world, wouldn't it make sense that fate can also swing the other way?

“Well, tah-dah!” I pose cutely for him. “Behold my medicine! I am Cozy Glow, a devil incarnate who came to this world and disguised myself as an adorable and petite little girl because nobody would ever suspect little old me!

“I'll let you in on another little secret, though. We devils and angels actually get along with each other far better than most would think, and that is largely due to necessity.

“Think about it. What would happen if these angels incarnate suddenly lost all hope and faith in humanity? What would happen if they leave this world and return to the higher dimension that they actually belong in?

“Well, I'll tell you what would happen! If the last pure ray of sunshine and hope would set upon this world, then everything that's left would fall into utter anarchy. When mankind is left to fend for themselves without the kind, gentle, and wise guiding hand of higher powers, then it wouldn't take long for the stupidity of mankind to leap off a cliff like a bunch of fucking lemmings.

“Then, after that, where would we devils gather our precious souls to drag to hell?

“It is true that we have a tendency to enjoy watching the world burn, but our emotional satisfaction is not overshadowed by a lack of foresight. If we burned down this entire field then we'd have no crops to harvest next season. It's simple numbers.”

I kneel directly above Neighsay. I visibly see his skin turning whiter due to blood loss.

“My, my. Looks like you lost a lot of blood, Mister. Such a shame. Now you know how a woman feels whenever she's having her period.

“I'll let you in on another dirty little secret of mine as long as you promise me you'll stay quiet about it, okay? Please don't tell anyone! It would mean so much to me.

“Anyway, another thing you should know about me is I am an expert computer hacker.

“Well, actually, the better term is computer cracker. A hacker is someone who can use their skills to defend a digital system like a police officer. A cracker is someone who breaks in completely illegally, like a burglar breaking and entering into a house to steal or deface all of your stuff.

“Anyway, my cracker alias is 'The Shadow Queen' but, believe it or not, that wasn't my first choice. I actually wanted to go with the alias 'The Red Rook' but it turned out some other jerk took it already.” I point to myself using the scalpel. “I didn't want to be thought of as some copycat hack who operates under the shadow of some two-bit incompetent asshole.

“Besides, my favorite symbol I like to wear is the Red Rook.” I tap the sides of my headband with my bloody scalpel for emphasis where I wear two of such symbols. “But then I thought . . . isn't that a little too telling? I can't afford to be that obvious because not everyone I deal with is a complete moron.

“By the way, I'll give you a hint why I prefer the red rook.” To illustrate my point, I lick his blood off my scalpel which causes his eyes to widen in further horror.

I then change subjects a bit.

“So that got me thinking . . . Hmm. What identity could I adopt that still fits with my identity and personality?

“Then I thought, 'Wait a second! I love to play chess, and there are plenty of other pieces on the board. Which of those do I identify with the most?'

“At first I looked at the king, thinking that maybe my identity could have something to do with that, but I'm a girl so it didn't quite fit. Besides, the king may be the heart of the game, but he's not the backbone. That pathetic little piece can only move in any direction only one square at a time per turn. I guess that harkens back to the good old days when kings used to be fat and lazy.

“But then I thought, ‘Who else on the board really governs the fate of the game?’

“Why, it is none other than the very same gender that gets underestimated for centuries, the Queen.

“She's the one whispering sound strategy to her fat, lazy, and stupid husband on how to govern his army competently while they have fun in bed.

“She plays her hand intelligently and carefully by letting him get all the credit and blame for her work because, if things go south, it's his head on the chopping block, not hers.

“Meanwhile, her enemies will think they won the game the moment the fat patsy is over and done with. However, in the shadows, the real brains of the war is busy pausing and reassessing her resources in order to prepare a sound comeback strategy. By the time anyone realizes what a true threat she is, it will be too late.

“She is manipulative, charismatic, strategic, talented and cunning. I can think of no better cover identity than that.

“So . . . there you have it. The amazing origin story of my cracker alias, The Shadow Queen.”

I notice Neighsay's eyes roll up and his eyes flutter.

“Oh.” My shoulders droop in disappointment. “Here is the part of your whole 'dying' bit that I don't enjoy. The part where your body starts to shut down.

“The reason for that is your body is in emergency mode right now so it's shutting down all non-essential systems to preserve itself for as long as possible.

“That includes your nervous system. That is unfortunate to me because it means you are no longer in agony right now. If it were up to me, you'd remain at peak levels of pain all the way to your death. Alas, whoever designed our bodies is somewhat smarter than the people who use them.”

I lean directly over his face and force his eyelids open.

“LOOK at me, you son of a bitch!” I demand of him. “I want to savor the last moment as I watch your precious life wither away in your eyes.”

Obviously he cannot respond to me anymore. He probably can't understand me anymore, so I just watch as the last drops of life in him fade from his eyes.

“Cozy.”

Any second now . . .

“Cozy!”

And . . . gone.

Congratulations, you son of a bitch! You are now dead. All of your dreams, hopes, and wishes are now dashed. You are also forever removed from the lives of all of your friends and family. All because of a few ugly words you said to me.

I hope you found it worth it, because it truly cost you everything!

“COZY GLOW!”

* * *

I snap out of my daydream with a start. I look around me to assess my surroundings, then my shoulders sag when I notice Superintendent Neighsay still standing in front of me.

“You done?” he asks in annoyance. “I've been standing here for a while, waiting for my answer.”

“Oh, um . . . sorry. I must have spaced out.” I pull out of my purse my inhaler. I put it to my lips then press the thing down. The medicine works to open my chest and lungs.

“Respiratory problems?” Neighsay observes, and for once he actually sounds truly sympathetic.

I just nod to him as I hold my breath for a few seconds before I let it out with a gasp.

“I suppose even a super genius is not spared the ordinary faults of common human weaknesses,” I lament. I look at my inhaler, then say, “But at least my vast intellect gives me a chance to improve our system someday. Who knows? I might even find the cure for such things.”

“If you do, you let me know,” Neighsay requests of me. “I have a cousin who has something like this pretty badly, so I definitely sympathize with your plight.”

“Sure.” I look up at him. “That's a simple request.”

“Which brings me back to the question I asked you while you spaced out, but I only ask this out of simple curiosity. What do you plan to do when you grow up? With your vast intellect, there are a lot of options available to you.”

“Yeah, I know.” I drop my inhaler back in my purse. “Half a dozen Ivy League colleges have already offered me a chance for a full scholarship with them.”

“Ivy League? Are you serious?” Neighsay asks in amazement.

“Yeah.” I nod at him. “I took a picture of a bunch of their letters on my cellphone. Want to see? They have my name on it, so you'll know they are genuine.”

He holds up a hand to me. “No. That's quite alright. I believe you.”

Why do you believe me? I'm not lying to you, but you have no evidence of that. Not yet, at any rate. I even made a very substantial claim, and you're going to accept it just like that?

Fools. Why am I cursed to walk this earth surrounded by so many fools?

“I hope you realize that they would not offer full scholarship to just anyone,” Neighsay points out. “This really is quite an honor. I hope you're taking this as seriously as possible. I know that the handicaps you're dealing with, like being raised by your mother, is a burden . . . but I believe you are smart and talented enough to overcome these trials.”

Stop dissing my MOM!!!

What's your problem with her, anyway? You act like her mere existence is insulting to you.

“Anyway, to finally answer your question,” I say as a way to tactically change the subject away from my mother before I really do murder the miserable bastard, “I was thinking of stepping into the political arena.”

“Oh?” He raises an eyebrow. “Why is that?”

“Well,” I thumb to the school behind me, “I'm Student Council President at this campus and I'm doing a pretty good job, if I do say so myself. I enjoy the power, I love being the center of attention, and I love helping people. In positions like this, other people come to me in the hopes that I will help them solve their problems. Every time they do, I treat it like a puzzle. Every problem has a perfect solution if I study it long and hard enough. I enjoy my work and I'm proud of it.

“In a larger political arena, I can take my talents several steps further. By changing the laws of the city, state, or country, I can promote lasting change on a level that really matters.

“I consider this campus to be a practice ground for me so I can prepare myself for a far more ambitious future. First mayor, then State Senator, then finally . . Well, you might be looking at the future first female president of the country, and I have big plans!”

I allow a bit of my true self to reveal itself as I wriggle my hands while a look of evil, ambitious glee spreads across my face. He'll probably just assume I'm joking with that expression so no harm, no foul.

“Well, if you're serious, I have some people I'd like you to meet after you graduate that might help you get started on that journey,” Neighsay kindly offers.

For a moment I think that such generosity from him is uncharacteristic, but then it occurs to me exactly how he could benefit from this arrangement.

“I can introduce you to the right constituents that could open doors for you,” Neighsay resumes. “Plus, in your campaign, you're going to need a lot of money, and I know some who might be able to help you with that, including myself.”

I lean to my left to see if the limousine with the “Myrulz1” license plate is still there, and yes . . . still there.

“I see your point,” I acknowledge as I address him again. “I appreciate your offer. I'll take a look at it seriously when the time comes. You have my word. If you want to assist me with my big plans, then you'll at least have my undivided attention.”

“Excellent!” Neighsay says happily in a slightly conniving sort of way. “Then I'll look forward to it.

“Until then, keep up the good work and resume your studies. Do everything in your power to make sure that nothing stands in your way.”

“Oh, believe me.” I narrow my eyes and smile darkly. “I won't!”

“Well, it was a pleasure talking to you, young lady. I look forward to doing it again sometime.”

That makes one of us.

He turns to look at the base of the statue behind the iron bars for a few seconds, then sighs in lament. “I really wish I had adopted you instead. Then I could show you education and opportunities that would help you accomplish whatever you want.”

“Well, I make do,” I say casually with a shrug. “It's not so bad once you know how to use the system.”

He glances at me out of the corner of his left eye as he says, “Indeed.

“Well, until next time, I bid you adieu.”

“Did you have any message you want me to share with my mother?”

“No. I'll just reschedule.” He says to me as he continues to walk off. “I just pray that Miss Sparkle chooses to share her good graces with me next time. I hate to waste my time. Fortunately for me, you've helped with that this time.”

I shrug, then turn to leave myself.

For the record, my mother adopted me before I was tested and certified as a genius. That is because she can see the value in people before she has proof.

I don't know how she does that. That just appears to be one of her gifts. If it weren't for her, nobody would have fully known what I am capable of; maybe not even me.

So, what do you all think so far? Do you like the story, or is there somewhere I can improve?

Likely plenty of the latter, which is why I'm offering another invitation to help me edit this story to make it better. As of 2/24/2020, I'm working on (but haven't finished) chapter 18.

For those of you who are interested to help me make the story better, PM me an e-mail address and I'll use it to give you permission to edit the google docs version of this story. As a reward, you get to see more of the story earlier, but it's also a version that might need more clean up if that's your thing. I might add in a few additional surprises too if you decide to help me.

Also, I have a question about this chapter in particular. So far the rest of the story does not get this gory, but do you think this chapter alone warrants the "gore" tag, or is it fine as it is because of the twist ending?

Let me know what you all think.

Oh, and one more thing. My current plan is to typically post two chapters per week on Sunday and Monday. I might post more, and I'm thinking about doing that for next week so that the cliffhangers end at very good points for the next few weeks. Hope you all look forward to that!