One day earlier...

Rushing Wind, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were in the Canterlot Mall, in line for the release of a new game coming out at midnight. The game was called 'Blackout', and it was a Battle Royale shooter. The three friends were the first ones in line, with Rushing Wind, a fan of both racing and shooter games, being the most excited.

"Oh boy, oh boy, I'm so excited! I heard that this game is supposed to be far better than so many other shooters! And I just can't wait to play it.", he said excited.

"Ha, I can only figure. You've seen so many trailers of it, and you've been so excited for the last months. And now, you're gonna be one of the lucky ones who play it first. I can't wait to see your clips once you send them to me.", Rainbow Dash said. She loved to see Rushing Wind play, especially shooter games, which were also her bet, but she wasn't as good as Rushing Wind or Applejack.

"When I bought the game, we're gonna go to my place so you can watch me play. How does that sound, Rainbow?", Rushing Wind asked.

"Ah, no. You know athletes like me. They need their sleep. I only came along because Fluttershy came along too. I'm going home once you bought the game.", Rainbow said.

"Okay.", Rushing Wind said and turned to Fluttershy, "What about you, Fluttershy? I'm sure you'd enjoy watching me play. Heck, maybe you want to play a few rounds too, don't you?"

Fluttershy was no fan of shooters, so she said: "Oh no, Rush. I can't do it. Just the thought about killing people, even virtually, it makes me... eep!"

"It's okay. I understand if you're not comfortable with that. I just heard from your friends that you were an amazing shot at the carnival's shooting range, but that's different.", Rushing Wind said.

After Rushing Wind bought the game, the ways of the three separated. When Fluttershy got home, she walked up to her room, took off her boots and socks before she laid down in her bed. When she turned off the light, she thought about the game Rushing Wind bought.

"Hmm, looking at those pictures, it looks pretty beautiful. Who knows what would happen if I was in the game as well? I doubt I would survive that long...", Fluttershy said to herself before she closed her eyes and drifted off into sleep. And then, the wild dream about the fight for the last one standing built up in her mind...

Author's Note

And now you know how everything began.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you read this chapter before the main chapter, make sure to read that chapter too, or else you'd miss the sense of this extra chapter.