A group of ponies are approached by a traveler, a newcomer, and brought into a game larger than life with costs they only begin to understand as each player takes her turn... and the whole thing takes a turn for the worst: Equestria must fight for its survival amidst the desperation of other worlds not unlike their own.

As they retreat from Ponyville, the allegedly world famous Flim-Flam brothers take stock of their shortcomings, explore their options, and through unexpected events find themselves on a new, magical course of action. Along the way, they uncover just what it means to have a special talent, to be brothers, and to work magic.