Nightmare Moon appeared as if she were a husk as she just stared at one of the ovens in the back of the restaurant. She had deep bags underlining her eyes as she wore a satisfied smile while she just continued to watch over the baking muffins. And as she stood there like a zombie preparing this new batch, she didn't even notice the door to the restaurant had creaked open.

"W-WHAT IS THIS!?"

Nightmare Moon glanced over to see having entered would be Lightning Dust, already in uniform as she glanced around the back kitchen. There were piles of muffins stacked atop one another, with icing and other ingredients mixed in all forms.

Lightning Dust wore an expression of absolute horror, as she just looked at Nightmare Moon in shock. "Nightmare Moon, what, what is-"

Nightmare Moon smirked, as she pulled out another batch of muffins. "Ah welcome co-worker! While you all went home to recharge your mortal batteries, I have come up with a plan to defeat the enemy! We shall, bake before they wake, as I like to say! I have prepared dozens of muffins! With this there is no way we can fail! SOON, every other fast food enterprise will tremble in fear at the might of the Mcmuffin! And all who stand before us will either join us, or be crushed beneath our splendid business practices! Uhohohohoho!"

Lightning Dust fluttered on over to her in a panic. "No! No no no no no no no Nightmare! You can't do this!"

Nightmare Moon gasped. "And why not!? You dare question my assault strategy!? I'll have you know that despite being-"

But Lightning Dust just groaned as she swiped both hooves. "NO! Enough! You were supposed to go home after your shift yesterday!" She looked to Nightmare Moon in desperation, attempting to understand. "D-Did you stay here all night and just bake? Are you serious!?"

Nightmare Moon gave Lightning Dust a cold stare. "Those whom are dedicated to the battle, will overcome any obstacle to succeed."

Lightning Dust just paced heavily, as she just started scooping up muffins. "W-We gotta get rid of these before the others get here!"

Nightmare Moon frowned heavily. "And destroy our only means of taking the fight to the enemy!?" Her face darkened, "I cannot allow you to do this my supposed comrade. We are at the pinnacle of victory, yet you would take this away? It is unacceptable!"

Lightning Dust shook her head, both hooves stuffed with numerous muffins as she struggled to hold them all. "W-Will you stop playing around and help me!? Seriously Nightmare! We have to get rid of all these wasted muffins before any of our bosses see!"

Nightmare Moon's eyes saddened as she lowered her head and her horn started to glow. "Forgive me, I will do what I must."

Lightning Dust smiled with relief while holding the muffins. "G-Good, finally, I knew you had some sense to you."

Nightmare Moon took hold of the pegasi with telekinetic magic, before throwing her against another pile of muffins towards the back of the kitchen, causing even more to topple over her. "Yes, and it is that sense which will determine the victor on this day."

Lightning Dust emerged from the pile, covered in crumbs, icing, and sprinkles. She glared at the alicorn as her brow twitched and she commented in a cold tone, now beyond her level of patience. "That's,...it, RAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!" She charged the alicorn head on.

Nightmare Moon dodged her with ease before smirking. "Ah! Perhaps why you wish defeat is that you work for another organization? Whom may I ask? The Cookie King? Mendy's?" She stood defiantly before the pegasi as she continued to smile with satisfaction.

Lightning Dust snarled at her angrily, "You're just a crazy alicorn! Probably the biggest whack job in history!"

Nightmare Moon scoffed. "HAH! Yet history is written by the victor! Sassy words from the mouth of a traitor!"

And soon entering the restaurant would be Raindrops, accompanied by an older mare. They each wore smiles, conversing as they made their way inside casually. But as soon as they entered, they each paused, their eyes widening at the sight of muffins flying like bullets back and forth across the kitchen, accompanied by the spraying of icing as if it were no more than party confetti.

Raindrops glanced over at the mare before chuckling heartily. "Eheh, um, I'll head on over to clean some of the tables Ma'am!"

The older mare just sighed as she shook her head.

Nightmare Moon and Lightning Dust stood before the older mare minutes later. Both still a sugary mess as they each had a look of shame written upon their faces. They remained silent, awaiting the punishment which they each felt was lying in store.

The mare sighed heavily as she glanced back and forth between the two, then focused particularly on Nightmare Moon. "Now, Nightmare Moon, I'll let you off this time since you're still new. But, we can't have you doing double-shifts at your leisure. We also can't have you wasting muffins alright? We need to save them for the actual orders, that's a lot of muffins that can go to stale in the mean time."

Nightmare Moon bowed her head, "I understand Mistress. My Co-worker was correct, I was foolish."

The older mare sighed as she did a shooing gesture. "It's fine it's fine. Just don't let it happen again alright?"

Nightmare Moon nodded before wearing a look of pure determination. "Yes, of course! Mistress, at your command, I wish to return to the field of battle. I fear that the one known as Raindrops, might be combating the forces of the food industry as we speak!"

The older mare nodded as she shooed Nightmare Moon away again. "Sure thing. Just don't go causing anymore trouble."

Nightmare Moon faded away into a black mist, bowing her head one last time before disappearing. "As you wish."

Lightning Dust remained standing before the desk silently, before she sighed heavily.

The older mare now focused on Lightning Dust. "Give her some time Lightning Dust, she's obviously a little, different."

Lightning Dust raised a brow at the mare. "Where did you guys even find her? That alicorn doesn't seem right in the head at all."

The older mare smiled a bit. "To be honest, she came to us. But I to have wondered where she came from sometimes. But," she paused, taking a moment to think to herself before continuing, "I have a feeling all those answers will come shortly."

Lightning Dust scratched at the back of her mane. "Well, as long as you guys are cool with the way she acts then I guess I see no problem."

The mare nodded. "Yes, just watch over her for the time being. I'm sure she'll get the hang of it soon enough."

Lightning Dust nodded, "Sure thing. I'll just continue trying to teach her the ropes then." With that Lightning Dust decided to take her leave of the older mare as she just left the office room, ensuring to shut the door behind her on the way out.

The older mare then opened the drawer, taking out a couple sheets of paper regarding Nightmare Night's recent history. "Hm...."

Lightning Dust groaned as she made her way down the hall, back to the main lobby of the restaurant. "Well, back to wo-" but she paused, as she took notice of the fact that the whole restaurant was packed full of media ponies whom rushed the front counter.

"MS.NIGHTMARE MOON! WHAT HAS YOU WORKING AS AN EMPLOYEE AT MCMUFFIN'S!?"

"MS.NIGHTMARE MOON! DO YOU STILL PLAN TO PLUNGE EQUESTRIA INTO A STATE OF EVERLASTING DARKNESS!?"

"MS.MOON! WHAT'RE YOUR PLANS FOR THE THRONE OF EQUESTRIA!? WHAT OF PRINCESS LUNA!?"

"MS.NIGHTMARE MOON!" "MS.MOON!" "MS.MOON!" "MS.NIGHTMARE MOON!"

There was a constant barrage of questions, all relating to the mare of the hour, Nightmare Moon.

Nightmare Moon had her eyes closed as she smiled nervously before raising a hoof. "One answer, per order." She smirked.

And soon enough, all the news ponies began to pull out numerous bits, attempting to order as fast as they could.

One of them stated hastily. "I'LL TAKE A MCDOUBLE!"

Another one, a mare in particular shouted out. "I'LL TAKE TWENTY OF EM!!!"

There was a plastered grin spread from cheek to cheek on Nightmare's face as she snickered. "Heh."

While Lightning Dust just continued to stare at her in question. Wow, that's actually pretty, conniving. But she concentrated at the task at hoof, and saw that Nightmare Moon was actually getting them quite a lot of business. So she made her way to the back kitchen as she immediately assisted Raindrops whom was fluttering about, putting icing on muffins while placing new batches in the ovens. Lightining Dust immediately stopped beside her, tying on an apron in the process. "What's the situation Rainy!? Full report! Status!"

Raindrops immediately saluted Lightning Dust before nodding. "Yes Lightning! Um, we got nearly 20 orders so far!"

Lightning Dust's eyes widened as her jaw dropped. "2-20!?....In how long!?"

Raindrops appeared to be in a slight panic as she looked over all the reciepts. "A-About 3 minutes!"

Lightning Dust cringed as she now appeared panicked as well. 2-20 orders in the span of 3 minutes!? She gritted her teeth in desperation as she looked back hurriedly towards Nightmare Moon in distress. "N-Nightmare! We don't have enough horsepower to complete these orders in a sufficient amount of time to reach the ideal standards of customer service! WE have to pull back! Tone it down a little!"

Nightmare Moon smirked as she glanced back at Lightning Dust in absolute confidence. "Hah..."

Lightning Dust's pupils dilated. W-What's she planning!?

And in an instant, Nightmare Moon let off in a roar of satisfaction,"BEHOLD!" As suddenly manifesting in the kitchen would be shadow ponies in flight suits, as they bared no mind and paid no attention to Lightning Dust and Raindrops, before just assisting with putting cupcakes into the ovens and icing and sprinkles over numerous others, while one was putting sugar buns over muffins in the form of sandwiches. "Ahahahaha! Do you all see now!?" She pointed a hoof at the media ponies who watched in awe. "DO YOU SEE NOW GOSSIP PONIES!? THIS IS THE WALL OF DESPAIR THAT ALL FAST FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS MUST NOW TOPPLE! WHO WOULD BE SO FOOLISH TO STAND AGAINST US!?" She burst into a series of maniacal cackles at the cash registers before she suddenly coughed into her hoof, and then put on a gentle smile. "N-Now um, dearest customers, may I take the next order?"

The media ponies then burst once more into a series of questions followed by cheers of amazement.

Lightning Dust just watched Nightmare Moon in surprise as she soon bore another smile. Hah...

Raindrops glanced around the kitchen to see the shadow ponies still hard at work, as even telekinetic magic supported them in their efforts to cook, hastily speeding up the process. She chuckled a bit, "W-Wow. She's so cool? This is so amazing, isn't it Lightning Dust?"

Lightning Dust crossed her hooves in worry. "Yea, it is. Maybe it's a little too amazing."

Raindrops raised a brow at her. "What do you mean Lightning Dust?" She was skeptical.

Lightning Dust sighed as she closed her eyes halfway, glancing out the restaurant across the street at Cookie King's. "Not really a bad thing I would say. I guess, being amazing just so happens to draw a lot of attention. Sometimes, more unwanted than most."

And meanwhile, at Cookie King's, the restaurant was absent of all service. But standing at the window would be two ponies whom peered across the street with interest. However, one's eyes saddened as she turned with frustration. "Ugh! Really? How the heck did they manage to get an alicorn working for them!? That's just not fair business practice! Everypony knows Cookie King's is far superior! This is just foul play!" The mare bore a light green coat, more along the lines of turquoise, as her mane was a pale blue with streaks of white.

And with a sudden hoof raise from the second mare, the atmosphere of the restaurant changed entirely. Many of the other workers of Cookie King's just focused on that mare with silence and absolute attention, as it was obvious to them this meant she was about to speak. She bore a gray coat and long elegant black mane, with eyes as cold as ice. It was often those whom met her were bested by intimidation, but there was also a sense of class to this mare, frightening status that many did not possess. "What's the alicorn's name? Does anypony know?"

The turquoise mare nodded. "They're saying it's Nightmare Moon. I don't think it's smart to mess with her though."

The gray mare nodded. "Yea, I would assume the same. And we can't hope to inform the princesses, that'll only bring them more business and attention faster. So that only leaves us with only one logical alternative I'd say." She closed her eyes in silence.

All the workers focused on her with interest.

The gray mare opened her eyes with determination. "We'll toss her a deal." She paused and turned with a hoof swipe, purple eyes locked on each and every one of her fellow co-workers. "And should she choose to deny us, we'll simply show her that even without alicorn magic, there are other forms of entertainment, only pure, heart-driven talent can possibly produce." She adjusted her Cookie King hat.

Soon the restuarant burst into cheers.

"OCTAVIA!" "OCTAVIA!" "OCTAVIA!" OCTAVIA!" OCTAVIA!" OCTAVIA!"

And with the cheers, soon followed a pleased smirk upon the gray mare's face. "Hmhm..."

Nightmare Moon soon ported back to the kitchen as she had a look of intense concentration. "Status comrades!?"

Lightning Dust snapped at Nightmare Moon as she was dirty from head to hoof, covered in different assortments of icing. "STATUS!? You took over 100 orders! I lost count of all the darn muffins we have to make! Just toss the receipts in the trash after you finish each one!"

And soon, all the ingredients became outlined in a black magical aura as Nightmare Moon squinted, concentrating fully on using her magic to multi-task a multitude of muffins all at once. She let off a mighty roar as with high enthusiasm and spirit, she began her relentless onslaught of knocking out order after order! And with such precision, she was making absolutely amazing progress, almost as if her brain had gone in a state of overdrive and such actions had become second nature to her. Knives dipped themselves in icing, smoothly gliding across the surface of muffins, while bottles of dressing poured over numerous bowls of salads. "WE WILL NOT FALTER HERE!"

Raindrops appeared horribly inspired as she did a hoof pump. "RIGHT!"

Lightning Dust groaned in Raindrop's direction. "Don't indulge her you dolt!" But as Lighting Dust observed the alicorn at work, she to eventually felt as if she were becoming overwhelmed with inspiration, and she hated the idea. She just sighed again before beginning to help, using her speed and maneuvering abilities as a pegasi to glide through the kitchen, cleaning and replacing utensils, all the while, while tossing batches of new muffins into the ovens. She moved with grace and mastery, showing that she to had mastered this place.

And Raindrops continued to move as quick as she could around the back, calling out orders to ponies whose food was ready. Despite not being as powerful as Nightmare Moon, or swift as Lightning Dust, she would contribute the best way she was able.

While Nightmare Moon only continued to roar in the back kitchen, feeling as if it actually gave her more and more motivation.

Mcmuffin's was her new beginning, her redemption, and she would not let it topple so easily. This was the world she built.

And soon enough, hours passed, after what felt like another banishment sentence, the work day had finally come to an end. For Nightmare Moon, she was beyond satisfied. The three hadn't even noticed that the sun had already gone down ages ago, as they cleaned up the restaurant in the later hours. Nightmare Moon however, due to her hard work, Lightning and Raindrops felt her shift should, end early. She hung her uniform on a rack in the back, before poofing over towards the front entrance. The mare had slight bags beneath her eyes as she stated with a hoof raise. "Ah yes! See allies! This is what we can accomplish! TOGETHER! We are outstanding workers!"

Lightning Dust just shook her head with a soft smirk. "It's not like all that business is gonna suddenly raise your paycheck you know."

Nightmare Moon scoffed, "Hah! Suddenly? Perhaps not. Eventually? Most certainly." She glanced back at the two with a determined look and reaffirming smile. "With time, we will rise and take the throne of the fast food industry, we will rebuild this world from top to bottom." She looked up with a heartfelt expression. "Ah, to build yourself from nothing. The idea is actually quite, refreshing, if I do say so myself."

Lightning Dust just shook her head and shooed the alicorn away. "Go home already, get some sleep." She pointed at Nightmare Moon stubbornly with a groan, "And don't go coming here again and starting to bake without permission! SLEEP THE WHOLE TIME!"

Raindrops waved at Nightmare Moon. "Byyyyyyyyye Nightmaaaare!"

Nightmare Moon winked at her co-workers. "Hah! It seems even we alicorns must assure we get enough rest to be in the right mindset." With that, Nightmare Moon tossed a wave before casually making her way out of the restaurant, shutting the door behind her with telekinetic magic. Thankfully, all the reporters were now absent as well by this time of the day, although she assumed she'd have a few stalkers. And despite not worrying for the time being, she knew those questions she answered, would come back to bite her eventually.

Lightning Dust just shook her head, as she continued to mop around the floor. "Yeesh!"

Nightmare Moon took admiration in the city streets as she walked. Being on the border of Manehattan, she realized that this was her first time ever strolling openly in the land of Equestria at night, at peace. She smiled to herself, bathed in the light of the moon as the sight of the glowing white sphere managed to bring a look of slight discern to her, she frowned, keeping private thoughts to herself. "Lu-"

"So, you believe that with just a couple of powerful spells you'll win over this city?"

Nightmare Moon's eyes snapped wide as she immediately glanced back, as standing in the middle of the barren streets would be a lone figure. This figure had a large case by her side as her black mane coursed with the wind, and most disturbingly, a Cookie King uniform hat.

Nightmare Moon then glared at this lone individual. "Hah, so you're a worker at Cookie King's...."

The mare tipped her hat towards Nightmare Moon. "The one and only greatest fast food enterprise in the city, I must admit."

Nightmare Moon cocked her head back as she smirked. "Your dialect, it is elegant, you are not a mere commoner are you?"

The mare then took off her hat, as she stood up straight with a sudden gust of wind. "Does it matter?......"

Nightmare Moon appeared amused. "I think it does......"

They took a moment to just stare at one another in the street, only accompanied by the sounds of coursing winds.

The mare soon spoke however. "What do you believe you're accomplishing with what you did today? Did you think that flashing your magic around and the mere fact you're an alicorn would assure you rise up in the social status of the food enterprise?"

Nightmare Moon chuckled, "You speak as if this weren't expected."

The mare sighed. "I'll give you one warning alicorn, you can join us at Cookie King's, or perish at Mcmuffin's, the choice is yours. You are but a young pony in my eyes when it comes to the knowledge of the citizens and the ponies of the social structure, you are naive."

Nightmare Moon cackled, "HAH! Hahahaha! You think I would give in to such a threat!? Cookie King's dough is sub-par!"

The mare gasped before stomping a hoof. "Y-You take that back! I grew up on Cookie King's!"

Nightmare Moon cocked a brow at the mare. "You grew up on such filth!? It is no wonder you fear the rise of Mcmuffin's! It is only natu-"

Before the mare suddenly pulled out a cello, bathed in the moonlight. She glared at Nightmare Moon before raising her bow, slowing adjusting it to hover over the strings of the instrument. "You believe you know of status alicorn? You are no more than a filly in the face of a juggernaut, your measly forms of entertainment pale in comparison to the practices we have over at Cookie King's."

Nightmare Moon took a step back, as she flinched. W-What is this feeling?

The mare tilted her head back, with a cold stare. "Allow me to give you a taste of true power." Before suddenly running her bow and hoof over the strings, coursing them majestically, as her actions were followed by a sound which could only be described as heavenly. A gorgeous melody rung throughout the city streets, spreading from building to building, a soothing angelic tune which rolled on and on, riding with the very wind itself as many citizens began opening their windows just to hear it, caught in the trance of the amazing cello player below. Her talents were beyond comparison, and her skill undeniable, as she only continued to play on a whim.

Nightmare Moon trembled, as she couldn't believe what she was hearing. T-This was impossible! S-Such beauty! Here in the city!? Surely Cookie King's did not have such a cello player available to them on a whim!? She couldn't wrap her mind around it! This brought the mare to her lower frame, bowing her head in disbelief, still in shock at the magnificence of such a gorgeous song.

The cello mare soon tucked away her instrument as she sighed heavily, before trotting casually over towards Nightmare Moon. "I'm glad you see what you're up against. It tells me that you're smarter than you act." She smirked, "Cookie King's double Chocolate Chipper is far superior to the Strawberry Mcdouble. Do you believe that I would work there as my primary profession? Oh no no, I work there to show the world that only Cookie King's is worthy of having such serenity at all times. Of course, you are welcome there anytime as well, alicorn."

Nightmare Moon still trembled as she glared up at the mare. "Y-You fiend. The Mcdouble is far superior, you just never gave it a chance."

The cello mare just stared at Nightmare Moon for a moment more before peering on ahead. "Hah, fools and their muffins." She continued trotting on before calling out to Nightmare Moon. "Should you ever choose to make the sane choice, I suggest filling out an application and finding me to give you a personal recommendation. Should you decline." She glanced back, "I will not hesitate to destroy Mcmuffin's."

Nightmare Moon's look of intense rage intensified further as she slammed her hoof on the ground. "GRAH!" S-Such beautiful music! How could Cookie King's have such a cello player present!? It was absurd! Such attractive melodies could start its own concert if it wanted to let alone draw in customers for business! So this was the power of the Equestrian civil society. She trembled, still unsure if she had what it took in order to rise and outcook such monstrous foes. Nightmare Moon focused on ahead as she saw that even after the mare had departed, ponies were tossing bits in the area where she once stood. She frowned heavily. So this was the power of Cookie King's.