Chrysalis has once again overrun Equestria — and this time, her victory is complete. She's captured all four princesses and the Elements of Harmony, and the clock is ticking on their death sentence. She'll show those pathetic ponies the true meaning of power.

So why can't she beat them in a simple game show?

Third place, "Keep Pretending" Writeoff! Expanded and edited for FIMFiction.

Story occurs during the Season 6 finale ("To Where And Back Again").

The most innocent things can alter the very course of our lives.

Consider; an ordinary, albeit strangely configured, piece of art acquired from a distant land and sent to a seamstress in a small town. She vaguely recalls the relative who has sent the gift, but cannot fathom the reason for the giving of said present.

A closer inspection of the item reveals a bizarre series of symbols inscribed upon the surface, simultaneously repulsive and yet attractive to the young mare's eye...

///////////////////////////////////////

Day 4 of the Seventh Anniversary Story Bomb... and sister story to 'The Thirteenth Hour'.