Nightmare Moon yawned, as she'd awoken the next morning in a great mood. She leaned up, currently sitting on a mattress upon the floor in a spacious room. The room was quite furnished with a couple of dressers and a few pictures hanging on the walls, mostly of Raindrops and a few unknown individuals. Nightmare Moon paid little attention to them as she just continued to wear a simple smile, in the form of a perfect sideways c while she also had bags beneath her eyes. She soon glanced down however, as she felt something was wrapped around her leg. She saw the form of a tiny black colt as he was snoring while drooling on her like she was some sort of pillow. She just blinked at him, before standing to all fours and shaking her leg and getting him off as he just laid there by himself now. She then leaned forward, yawning as she did so and arching her back in the process, in similarity to a dog when it woke up in the morning. She made her way over towards one of the windows, then spreading the curtain with telekinetic magic to take in the sun's full shine. She overlooked the neighborhood with interest while wearing a plain smile with an earnest expression. Well then, let us attack the day shall we?

Sitting at a dining table that same morning with deep bags also beneath her eyes would be Lightning Dust, accompanied by an older mare and older stallion, while a filly and a colt also sat nearby munching on their own salads. Lightning Dust sighed as she just continued to stare at her salad. She didn't say anything and only remained lost in thought, which caused the older mare and stallion to worry as they looked to one another first, before looking over at Lightning Dust, while the mare in particular opened her muzzle as if about to speak.

The older mare hesitated as she frowned slightly however. "L-Lightning, what's the matter sweetie? Is everything alright?"

Lightning's eyes widened as she looked over at them before laughing a bit, then shaking her head before closing her eyes. "Ahaha, um, yea everything's alright Mom. I'm just a little worried about work is all, things have been crazy recently." She lowered her head.

The older mare tilted her head to the right. "Is it about those two who came while we were out last night?"

Lightning Dust nodded. "Yea, they mean well, but I guess I'm just worried that they won't be able to handle what's coming. It's like ever since one came the situation has gotten more, complicated. I guess I just hope they can handle the pressure."

The older mare frowned a bit, "I'm worried more if you can handle it."

Lightning Dust sighed as she smiled softly at the mare. "I can handle it Mom, I told you I'll be fine."

The older mare wasn't convinced. "Well I can't help but worry sweetie, ever since that flight school debacle, you were depressed for quite awhile. I don't want you rushing yourself back into work, and with all these issues you're also considering moving out? I want you to rest a little while longer before you try taking on workloads like this." She paused, glancing down at her salad. "Yes I know you feel you have a lot to make up for with what happened to those ponies you met at flight school, but punishing yourself isn't going to do anything either."

Lightning Dust just frowned as she glanced over at her. "Just try not to worry Mom, please. Trust me when I say I'm better now."

The older mare frowned as well, followed by a sigh. "I'll try not to sweetie but I'm your mother, I can't help but worry."

Lightning Dust bared a smile, as she appeared lost in those words, the moment. "And that's exactly why you shouldn't. You guys love me and that's all I need at this point." She gave the two a cheeky grin, "I can handle some crazy co-workers of mine no problem!"

The stallion and older mare returned her smile earnestly.

The little colt munching on his salad just raised his fork to the air. "BIG SIS! WILL WE BE ABLE TO SEE MS. MOON AGAIN!?"

The little filly followed with a fork raise. "YEA YEA! I WANT TO SEE AN AWICORN!"

The stallion glanced over at Lightning Dust in worry, "About that Lightning; this alicorn, is she safe? I heard she has some, history."

Lightning Dust nodded with a smile. "Yea, she's cool." She looked down, a little distracted while chuckling a bit. "She's a little loony but she's also like a kid, attempting to find her place in Equestria. Sometimes I wish I could see the world, as she sees it."

Nightmare Moon cheered as she raised her fork to the air with magic. She was currently sitting at a dining table in the living quarters of the home she was staying in. "WHY, THIS IS STUPENDOUS! THIS MAGNIFICENT CREATION IS BEYOND WORDS!"

Sombra just stared at her blankly as he appeared a bit irritated with her enthusiasm. "Should you wish to be a cow, I suggest you go outside and bow to the grass." He was referring to her salad of course, which the alicorn continued to munch on happily in delight.

With a full mouth, she pointed her fork at him. "And what of you!? Do you not wish to partake in the dining ritual known as breakfast!?"

Sombra rolled his eyes. "Grah, I do not require such things. All I desire is crystals."

Nightmare Moon continued to speak with a full mouth and amused look. "Sho you eat wocks then?"

Sombra leaned forward as he slammed a hoof upon the table. "No, not rocks! They are not simply rocks!"

Nightmare Moon closed her eyes with a nod. "YESH! DO FORGIVE ME! SHINY WOCKS!"

Sombra rolled his eyes yet again with a groan. "Grah, forget it. You understand nothing."

Interrupting them from the kitchen however would be Raindrops as she was currently adorned in an apron. She was currently fixing herself a salad as she looked to Nightmare Moon and Sombra in amusement, before glancing down at her salad. "I'm sorry I don't have crystals for you Mister Sombra, I never expected anypony to enjoy eating those, plus they're expensive." She tilted her head to the right, looking at him curiously from afar. "Maybe you should visit the Crystal Empire someday." She blinked a bit. "I hear they have a lot of crystals."

Sombra's eyes widened "IRK!" Before he'd cringed and sulked, looking in a completely opposing direction in annoyance.

Nightmare Moon had her hoof over her muzzle, snickering deviously. "Uhuhuhuhu."

Raindrops made her way over to the table before lowering herself into a seat. She seemed enthusiastic, "It feels nice to have guests over! It'll be so fun to be able to head to work together from now on!" She paused, "Speaking of work, are you joining us Mister Sombra?"

Sombra smirked as he closed his eyes, resting one cheek on his hoof. "Heh of course I'm going to join this war. Should I manage to succeed, which I will, then I will be invulnerable as this Nightmare has said. It is a worthy price for such a fitting reward."

Raindrops blinked a bit before she began taking a bite out of her salad. "Well, I can't say I'm unhappy! It'll be nice having more faces around Mcmuffin's. And Boss said we could use more workers if we want to be able to actually compete with Cookie King's."

Nightmare Moon's face darkened as she stopped eating for a moment.

Raindrops looked over to her in curiosity. "O-Oh, sorry Nightmare, I forgot you don't like them very much."

Sombra raised a brow to the situation, before looking to Raindrops. "Whom is this, Cookie King? Is he another ruler of this world?"

Raindrops glanced over at the colt, somewhat amused. "Well by these terms, you can say that."

Nightmare Moon snickered. "Hah..." She then burst into laughter. "Ahahahahahahahahahaha!"

And while she was laughing Sombra and Raindrops just eyed her, Sombra with little interest, while Raindrops did so with surprise.

Nightmare Moon tilted her head back, "Ah how invigorating. Surely more allies will come to join us with time, and soon, our most dreaded enemy will be no more, her world shattered around her, her face in infinite despair." She licked her lips, "I can almost taste it." She dunked her head into her salad bowl. "OMNOMONOMNOMNOMNOM!" Munching at it like a wild creature as she was so excited and anticipated for what was to come, that she could hardly control herself. Raindrops and Sombra just watched with wide eyes from then on, speechless.

As they'd arrived at work only a few hours later, Sombra now stood in front of a large wooden desk, as he just stared blankly up at the older mare known as Boss. She just continued to eye him in silence as she raised a brow at his fellows whom were standing behind him. Of course them being Nightmare Moon, Lightning Dust, and Raindrops. "Who does this little kid belong to?"

Sombra closed his eyes with a sigh. "For the last time, how many times must I tell you ponies that I'm no k-"

Nightmare Moon immediately punched him in the face with a hoof, sending him flying and crashing to the side. "ME!"

Boss just stared at Nightmare with half closed eyes. "So you two know each other Nightmare? Isn't it a little much to be taking care of a child what with all the concerns you already have going on in your life? I hope I'm correct in assuming his history isn't as bad?"

Nightmare Moon cringed, "Arguably worse."

The older mare sighed as she rubbed her forehead. "I'm sorry Nightmare, then I can't hire him. This little colt is not only a little too young to work here officially, but if you two have some past complications, I'm not sure it'd turn out too well for us in the long run reputation wise. I also can't go off your faith alone that he can be trusted. I am only mortal Nightmare, I can't handle the both of you, and expect to save you both should everything come crashing down. And what's this about your home? Where are you two even staying?"

Nightmare Moon appeared panicked as she looked to the older mare in desperation. "But Mistress! He would be a valuable asset, y-yes I know that I have burned down my home, but that matters little! What matters is we gather all the forces necessary to defe-"

The older mare sighed, cutting off the alicorn with a hoof raise. "Enough Nightmare. I said-"

"Graaah! Then allow me to volunteer myself then!"

All present in the room suddenly went quiet as they looked to the origin of that voice in the far-off corner.

Sombra huffed as he staggered towards the front desk. "Graaaah, l-listen. If you truly are the general and the one who overlooks the battlefield, then I will stand by these ponies regardless. I need no compensation, all I need to acquire is this legendary status. I am stronger with allies rather than none, and if I must make sacrifices along the way I will do so. Allow me to offer my support, free of any debts, I will assist you all in taking down this fool whom would call himself the Cookie King. There is only one king present in this city."

Nightmare Moon snickered in the background. "PFT!"

Lightning Dust just slapped her up the back of the head with a hoof.

The Boss just stared at him silently for a moment.

Sombra glared right back at her with determination.

She sighed before shaking her head. "Well I can't argue with you if you just want to hang around and help out. Nightmare Moon is your guardian afterall so it'd make sense for you two to be together." She looked to him with a serious expression. "Anyhow, since you'll be an off the books worker, you have more freedom than the rest of us, use it well Mister Sombra. But that doesn't mean I want you causing any trouble for those whom actually do work here either." She paused with a slight glare, "Do you understand these terms?"

Sombra scoffed, "Hah! Of course I do. Do not take me for a fool General, I may be a king but I to am familiar with the art of war."

The Boss added on with a sigh, sulking in the process, "Not too sure about that." She paused before glancing around the room at all of them, baring a smile in the process. "Nonetheless, I'm happy you all are obviously trying. Which is why I to have been working on things in the background, I think you'll all enjoy what I have in store." She bore saddened eyes for a moment before regarding the lot of them with a confident smile. "Just lay low for a little while longer alright? Octavia might still be keeping tabs on the lot of you."

Raindrops commented with a salute. "WILL DO BOSS!"

Nightmare Moon added on with a smirk and head bow. "Of course Mistress, we shall not fail you! If it means combating that devious Cello Pony, I will do what I must." She smiled brightly with her eyes closed, as she raised her head and stood up straight.

Sombra smirked her as well before glancing over at Raindrops and Nightmare Moon with a raised brow. "Well then, shall you two teach me what it means to do battle in this new world. What did you call them again? Customers? I shall acquire the most satisfaction!"

Nightmare Moon then looked to Sombra with eyes of pure passion and love. "Oh Grah King, your support will be most appreciated in this battle. For with you on our side, I can only be certain we've gained a great advantage over the enemy. This is a glorious day indeed."

Sombra returned the look as his eyes to were filled with passion, pride, and love. "Graaaah, indeed. I know together, and with our new allies, surely we will make an unstoppable team. Heh, I'll be taking back the Crystal Empire in no time, and returning to my true and glorious form." He closed his eyes for a moment, before looking to her with a confident smirk. "And it's all thanks to you."

Nightmare Moon sniffed as she had tears in her eyes, "Oh Grah King!"

Sombra did a mane flip as he ran his hoof through his mane in embarrassment. "And surely with my skills I will be the best here as well."

Nightmare Moon gasped! "As if!" Before she hurriedly made her way out of the office.

Sombra growled as he disappeared in a poof of shadow, "I SHALL NOT BE DEFEATED!"

Raindrops then hurriedly made her way out as well, turning to nod to the boss before doing so. "W-Wait Sombra! You're not trained yet!"

Lightning Dust however just stayed, eyeing her boss for a minute. "Are you okay Boss?"

There was a lengthy silence between them.

Boss just leaned forward as she bore a smile towards Lightning Dust. "It's alright Lightning Dust, nothing to worry about."

Lightning Dust just continued to peer at her. "You know, I'm here if you ever need anything to Boss."

Boss glanced away from her before looking to the pegasus seriously. "Lightning Dust, you're a good mare."

Lightning Dust just gave a soft smile as she appeared enlightened by the comment. "Yea, I wish." She then looked back to the boss before turning around, preparing to take her leave from the office. "Just, if you ever need anything, I'm always here. I know Mr. Buck is around as well but-" her eyes saddened as she appeared somewhat skeptical, "You've been distant lately Boss, it's unlike you."

The older mare bared yet another smile towards Lightning Dust, as if reassuring her, but she said nothing.

Lightning Dust tossed her a wave and casual smile, before exiting the office and then immediately hearing some other disturbances.

Nightmare Moon was in the kitchen while there was a line making its way out of the restaurant itself. She scowled fiercely at the oven as standing beside her would be Sombra. "YOU'RE AN IDIOT! A FOOL! AN INCOMPETENT MORON! THE MUFFINS REQUIRE TENDER CARE AND MASTERY!! HOW COULD YOU MESS UP THE SHAPE!?" She closed her eyes as she scoffed, "BAH! NOT SURPRISING! IT SEEMS ONLY FEW ARE GIFTED ENOUGH WITH THE ART OF MUFFIN CRAFTING! MY SHADOW PONIES ARE BETTER THAN YOU ARE!" She paused, "OH, but how can I forget!? You more than likely had all your shiny rocks prepared for you and know nothing of actually putting in an effort!" She snarled at him further, with a deep passive growl.

Sombra was red in the face as he just snapped at her. "YOU SHUT YOUR MUZZLE WENCH! I'M DOING THE BEST I CAN! IT'S MY FIRST TIME ON THE BATTLEFIELD, THERE WERE BOUND TO BE CASUALTIES ALONG THE WAY! YOU KNEW OF THIS!"

Nightmare Moon glared at him. "ACTUALLY NO, NO I DID NOT! FOR EACH MUFFIN SACRIFICED FOR YOUR INCOMPETENCE, IS ANOTHER CHANCE FOR COOKIE KING'S TO GAIN THE LEAD ON US IN SUPREMACY! USELESS USELESS USELESS!"

Raindrops was panicking as she glanced back into the kitchen from the registers. "G-Guys! A little help here!?"

Nightmare Moon immediately pointed towards the registers as she puckered her lower lip. "TO THE REGI-STAR WITH YOU!"

Sombra's brow twitched as he looked to her in absolute annoyance. "GRAH! I can handle the ovens as well! STEP ASIDE!"

Lightning Dust whom was now fluttering behind them immediately bashed them both atop the heads. "IDIOTS!"

While Boss remained in her office, now wearing a cold look upon her face as her wooden door slowly shut itself with a creak.

Boss remained in her office silently for some time not making any movements whatsoever, before opening her drawer and pulling out a small headset. She took in a deep breath as she pressed the button which turned it on. She appeared horribly worried before there was a slight click sound, signifying that the headset had turned on. "B-Buck? Buck is that you? How're you? Are you alright?"

And currently, in a far off supposedly distant location, hidden on the upper levels of a large classical theater which often held plays, would be an older brown stallion. He currently wore a black hoody as well as a pair of sunglasses. He was behind a corner as what he witnessed appeared to be a large gathering of sorts, while he attempted to remain out of sight. Accompanying him would be two other ponies also in black hoodies. He clicked his headpiece as he muttered into it, "Hey Boss, everything fine with that establishment?"

"Y-Yea, I'm just worried about you at the moment."

The stallion chuckled as he raised a brow. "A-Ah thanks, good to hear. How's that um, alicorn doing?"

"She's fine, just as I told you she'd be. Still a little heavy on media attention but the more normal she gets, the more I expect things to die down. There was a run in with Octavia, but we've managed to work out a deal for now. Things seem to have quieted down."

The stallion raised his voice somewhat as he appeared flustered. "D-Don't let those kids mess with Octavia! You crazy!?"

"I've got it on this end okay? I'll take care of Octavia. But how're you Buck? Did you find her yet?"

The stallion then peaked around the corner again as he squinted a bit, focusing on the stage of the theater. There were multitudes of ponies gathered there, masses arguably. But he shook his head at the currently empty stage as he muttered. "W-We haven't seen her yet."

"Please, be careful. Y-You're playing with fire here Buck. You know how dangerous this one is. According to rumors, she's spread her influence throughout most of the city. There's a good chance whoever she is, she's inexperienced, only a passionate player would do these things." There was a slight pause in the mare's voice. "And I know the younger ones are dangerous these days, just look at Octavia."

The stallion was quiet however as he muttered into the headset, "One second Boss, it looks like somepony is coming out onto the stage." There was a lengthy silence as he looked on towards the crowds in confusion at first. They were all focused on a sole figure upon the stage, but as he glanced over at that figure himself, he began to tremble. "T-This, this can't be right. This is impossible."

"What is it Buck? W-What's wrong!?"

And upon that stage was a small pink filly as she wore a diamond tiara upon her head with a smirk.

The stallion staggered back in shock. "IT'S JUST A KID!?"

"WHAT!?"

Boss continued to listen as she was trembling with wide horrified eyes from the other side.

"I repeat! Operation Dealmaker is a child! Operation Dealmaker is a child!"

Boss just continued to sit there, petrified by the news. A-A child? How is that possible? "B-Buck! What's she look like!? Give me all the details you can! This is important information!" There is no possible way a kid could have such influence.

"Large tiara! P-Pink? I think her mane's purple!"

Boss's eyes widened in realization. RICH'S KID!? He let her have the reigns in his absence!? Is he crazy!?

Buck then immediately looked to his fellows as he shook his head then back down towards the stage. As suddenly all eyes in the crowd were focused on him and where he was hiding. The stallion's eyes widened as he then went back to focusing on the child in the middle of the stage, as he noticed that she was also looking at him with amused eyes and a plain smirk. A shiver went down the stallion's spine. "It's a trap.." He then looked to his two fellows accompanying him. "IT'S A TRAP! WE'RE GETTING OUT OF HERE! MOVE MOVE!"

"B-Buck? BUCK!?"

But at the scene, Buck and his companions turned only to see two abnormally large diamond dogs in suits with shades as they loomed over the group of three, before Buck just looked up at them, horrified, and they took hold of all three ponies.

Standing upon the stage the pale pink filly just continued to stand there as eventually, arriving upon her stage would be the three captured ponies as she spread her hooves and spoke into a mic. "Hello everypony! I thank you for coming to today's meeting! But it seems here that we have three ponies poking their heads around in our business! I say it's time they're awarded for their efforts don't you!?"

Cheers rang out throughout the theater.

The stallion and his two female companions just remained there, subdued as the two mares accompanying Buck trembled with fearful looks. They had tears in their eyes he just glanced back at them. "R-Remain strong you two! It's going to be alright!"

The pink filly just chuckled softly as she looked at them with half-closed eyes from afar. "Now, who should I start with hm?"

Boss just continued to listen from the other end, absent of all color now as she wore only a fearful look.

One of the captive mares looked to Buck, tears streaming down her cheeks. "M-Mr.Buck! PLEASE! P-Please! I want to remain loyal! I-I...I love Mcmuffin's! I've loved it for so long! PLEASE! H-Help me!" She cried out, "I DON'T WANT TO LOSE MYSELF!"

Mr.Buck trembled with horror as he saw the fear in her eyes and he smiled to her softly. "D-Don't be scared, it's going to be alright okay? I'll fix this." He then looked to the pink filly. "L-Little girl! PLEASE! Take me but let them go! They're just kids like you!"

"BUCK!? WHAT'S GOING ON OVER THERE!?" Boss shouted from the other end.

The pale pink filly just looked to him with a cold look at first, peering into those wide eyes of his. And slowly and surely, a wide grin crept onto her face as she cackled wildly. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" She just continued to laugh.

Buck's face darkened in despair as he just heard that mad cackling.

While Boss continued to listen from the opposing end, tears swelling in her eyes.

The child soon immediately paused, looking towards the stage lights with half-closed bored eyes. She muttered, "How noble of you Mister." She then looked to one of his companions with those same bored eyes. "But I don't take deals, I make them."

The stallion's expression sunk further, as he then went into a wild rage, while being subdued by the Diamond Dog's. "L-LET THEM GO!" He continued to shout and berate the child as she just trotted away from him, heading on over to one of his companions.

The pale pink filly paid little attention to him now, as she just strolled on over to one of the captive mares with a soft smile. She then tilted the mare's head back with interest, looking her in the eyes. But the mare didn't look back at her, she just continued to avoid eye contact. The pale pink filly just gave her a cold stare from then on, before closing her eyes and baring a bright happy smile towards the crowd, facing them, and then calling out. "These ponies did an awfully great job at finding me didn't they!? Maybe we didn't give them enough credit! Maybe they should receive bigger awards! What do you all think!?" The filly spread her hooves in delight as she chuckled happily.

The crowd let off a stream of excited cheers.

The mare just continued to shake her head, wearing a horrified fearful look, muttering to herself in desperation. "S-Somepony, save me."

Buck just looked to her, before he'd been pinned even further onto the stage floor. "PLEASE! JUST LET HER GO!"

The other mare whom was also held hostage just looked to her fellow as she to was sobbing. "D-Don't be afraid Blue Bell!"

The filly then glanced over at one of the diamond dogs. "STAND HER UP!"

The diamond dog nodded as he allowed the captive mare to stand, as he shoved her forward a bit. She stood there trembling fiercely before just shaking her head, attempting to back away but her path being blocked by the diamond dogs. "N-No please, not like this..."

The filly then wore a cold emotionless expression before lowering her head. "You are quite loyal to them aren't you? This, Mcmuffin's, that is. They chose you well in choosing to find me, but, they should've taught you better. There are a few places that're beyond convincing I admit, but-" she turned to face the mare with a smile. "There's never a worker who isn't."

The mare trembled still, gritting her teeth, absolutely desperate. "Y-You, YOU WON'T TAKE ME LADY DEALMAKER!"

The filly muttered with a sigh before giving the mare a cold glare. "I already have."

The mare then immediately stood on her hind legs, wearing a look of pure ferocity as she snarled, crying out as she suddenly pulled two muffins from her pockets, one in each hoof. "MCMUFFIN DOUBLE STANDARD!!!!! YOU'RE LOVIN IT!!!" She suddenly tossed the two muffins with absolute accuracy as they shot straight for the filly's muzzle, but the filly didn't react as she just continued to stand there.

The filly stomped a hoof, when suddenly leaping in front of her snatching the muffins with their mouth would be another diamond dog.

The mare gasped in horror. W-WHAT!?

Buck cringed as his eyes went wide with shock. T-This loyalty....

The pale pink filly just continued to smirk at the resisting mare with amusement.

While Buck remained lost in his thoughts of horror. It's, it's flawless. She has, the ultimate defense.

The second mare whom was also held captive cried out to her friend in desperation. "RUN BLUE BELL!"

The diamond dog just munched on the muffins happily happily. "MCMUFFINS! MCMUFFINS! DELICIOUS! SO DELICIOUS!"

The second mare just continued, sobbing wildly as she snapped at her friend. "DON'T JUST STAND THERE, RUUUUUN!!!!"

While the one known as Blue Bell, just continued to stand there, frozen with fear.

The filly started, "If you work for me," She paused, before stating with a maniacal grin "You will get  plus 20% base pay!!!!!!!!"

The mare was suddenly knocked off her hooves due to the sheer brutality of such an appealing offer. "GAAAAAAAAH!!!"

As Buck was still upon the floor, he cried out to the filly. "STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!!!!!!"

The filly however continued relentlessly, monstrously. "Work for me," she grinned, "AND LUNCH BREAKS APLENTY!"

The mare then flipped to her side as if she were tripped and slammed to the ground. "EYAAAAAAAH!!!!" She crawled upon the floor, reaching out for Buck desperately as tears continued to roll down her cheeks. "S-Sir, please. H-Help me, I can't, m-much longer..."

But the stallion was frozen, unable to say anything as he just laid there, speechless.

The filly strolled up to the mare again casually, flipping her over, looking her in the face. She then grabbed a ticket from one of her nearby diamond dog guards. "And for all your glorious efforts!" She smirked, "A FREE TICKET TO LAS PEGASUS! ALL FEES PAID!"

The mare then cried out, tearing at her mane. "NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Before she writhed around on the ground like a madmare, convulsing violently as she suddenly froze, "Eheh...." She had her eyes closed as she placed a hoof over her face. "AHAHAHAHAHAHAH! YES YES! OF COURSE I ACCEPT! I WILL TELL YOU EVERYTHING I KNOW!!! HEHEHE!" Tears streamed down her face as she just continued to laugh wildly in delight, suddenly grabbing hold of the ticket and licking it happily, broken.

The little filly looked upon her new pet with amusement, pleased. "I knew you would."

Buck just remained there, forced to kneel as he and the one mare left just had broken expressions. The stallion just trembled as he shook his head. "Y-You're a monster, a complete monster. S-Such deals, how could you? She was one of our finest, ran an establishment deep in the heart of the city and you just.....you just....you, you're no pony, you're a demon!" He shouted angrily at the filly.

The filly then tilted his head back with a smirk. "Soon you all will be working for me, and Mcmuffin's, will be mine. And every other eating place in this big city." She then took a few trots back before muttering, "Take them away, they will still be of use before we convert them."

And as the filly took a few trots back, she then smirked a bit in delight at the sight of a headset upon the ground. She of course picked it up and spoke into it with a happy tone, making cat lips in the process. "Oh? I didn't know I had a secret audience? How'd you enjoy the broadcast lady? Yes, I do imagine you're a lady right? Mhmhmhmhmhm," she grinned deviously, "Or should I say, Lady Muffin?"

On the opposing end Boss just trembled as she wore a look of innate rage. "You brat, when I find you..."

"You'll what? Hahahaha! Join me!? You heard what happened to your friend didn't you!? You'll end up the same dumb lady! I'm saving these ponies, I'm giving them more money! Better jobs than you ever could! You're time has passed you hag!"

The older mare snarled into the headset. "You care not for them! You would throw them under the bus at the first chance of a better deal! You are no dealmaker, you're a dealbreaker! There is no way you could truly give them all you promise! You're just an irresponsible little girl tossing around whatever bits she earns from her allowance! Listen here child, you are still young, you don't have enough experience to be making decisions of this magnitude. You think you can control all the business in Manehattan? Your father understood better, why, attempting to control everything never would never end up well. Cease this nonsense, or pay the price."

There was a slight pause between the two.

"Heh, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!~"

And Boss in that moment just shut off the headset as it was only her now, in this silent room by her lonesome. Flashing into her mind would be Lightning Dust, Raindrops, Buck, and even, Nightmare. She closed her eyes as she smirked, "They'll be fine, I must do this."

Later in the day. Lightning Dust in made her way back into the office as she was covered in a ton of flour, frowning heavily with a look of exhaustion. "Hey Boss, so it looks like we're out of blueberry flavoring. Want me to put in the orders for mo-" but her eyes went wide as she saw that the office was completely empty, and all there was there was was a business jacket hanging on the back of one of the chairs. "Boss?" Lightning Dust made her way further inside, as she saw also upon the barren desk was a lone note.

Dear Lightning Dust,

You're in charge for now kid, I know you got it in you.

Also, I left you guys a gift. Make sure you get in contact with her, she's, something else, with cooking muffins.

And beneath the contact info would be the name as Lightning Dust raised a brow in reaction to it. "Derpy, Hooves?"