Caramel has been the assistant and close friend of the charismatic magician Ace of Diamonds for almost a year, and they now prepare themselves for the final six weeks of their tour in Baltimare and Canterlot. When Ace is confronted by an old friend of his about using his special talents in magic for purposes of greed and chaos, the two find themselves on the wrong end of a very powerful syndicate working in Equestria's underground. Ace must learn to trust his own materials once again and Caramel has to decide whether or not he wants to go back to the comfort and safety of his old life or risk himself for the stallion who swept him off his feet to this new, exciting life... a stallion he's coming to realize he barely even knows.

More characters to be added when they appear.

Light hypnosis, M/M relationship included now, will transition to M/F later.

Chapters will be frequently-used poker terms and will be defined in the author's notes for each chapter.

under the gun = the first player to the left of the dealer’s button who must act first