Later on in the day, at the library, Spike belched out a message from Celestia and showed it to Twilight that a new problem had arisen and the 8 representatives of the Elements of Harmony were needed to meet with her in the throne room. As they left, the mayor saw them leave town and called out to them, wishing them luck.

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Once all 8 friends arrived in Canterlot and came to the throne room, Celestia was looking very unsettled and Luna was feeling concern for her.

"What seems to be the trouble?" asked Twilight, ready for action as everyone else was.

"You aren't going to believe this," muttered Celestia, "But...Antman queen venom...it has been stolen last night!"

The 8 friends gasped in horror. They recalled when they fought off the massive, sword-wielding Antmen and saved Equestria from them. They recalled how the two Antman twin sister queens, the Mega-Ants (Caron and Gooyok), had venomous bites that could alter the genetic code of a living organism. This had, of course, resulted in Chop and Digger's current mutated forms. They also remembered when apparently the two bled from an accident, the leaders of the Diamond Dogs later tasted that discarded blood and became mutants themselves. The venom had been extracted from the Dogs' bodies and stored away into a jar that had been since locked away in a safe...until now.

"We suspect evil demons are behind this," said Luna.

"I also feel that another soul is involved," added Celestia, right then feeling a little blue, "It's as if it is someone I have not seen in a while, someone I might have broken the heart of."

"Anyway," continued Luna, "We instruct you eight to travel to a very littleknown region of the Everfree Forest: its very center. Some documentation has been done their by early Pony explorers. Mostly they have documented life that appears to be survivors from the distant past."

"Okay, We'll retrieve the stolen venom." said a determined Twilight Sparkle.

"Finally, some action!" added Rainbow Dash.

"I'm with you on that one!" said Applejack.

"It's going to be a wild and crazy trip to the unknown center of the Everfree Forest!" spoke Pinkie Pie in a singsong tone, "Do you think there'll be a reception?"

"I hope it will be safe," mumbled Fluttershy.

"Seems magnificent enough," said Rarity.

"Let's get moving and cracking!" said Spike dramatically.

"I'm also ready to learn about what ancient life we may come across," said Griffy, his curiosity peeked.

"Wait, here's something else," said Celestia. She then whistled and in flew Philomena the Phoenix. "Philomena will be guiding on this trip. She has always wanted to explore the Everfree Forest. Haven't you, Philomena?

The Phoenix squawked in agreement.

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Meanwhile, in the mysterious heart of the Everfree Forest, inside a dark cave, the stolen jar of Mega-Ant venom sat upon the stony floor.

"Are you certain that this plan will help me win my reputation back with you know who?" asked a tall figure within the shadows to another, more frightening figure.

"You have my word," responded the more frightening, practically evil thing in a deep and booming voice, "With this substance, success shall be obvious."

To Be Continued