I carefully set down the egg. I growled, and ran into his direction, there was no dodging from my attack. I was too fast. I leaped on him, and claws grew from my hooves. I clawed him, slashing his scales.

I knew it, I wasn't just fighting any dragon. The same evil spirit came out of him just like that mean stallion. It had affected the dragons as well.

My fangs had come in use, I bit him and he disappeared. I panted, for that took a lot of power I didn't know I had. But for that egg, for that creature, for those creatures, it was worth it. My claws retreated, and my eyes turned back to their normal blue. I went back to the egg.

Astra flew over to me while Sterope was collecting the eggs and putting them back in his tree. "Wow! Shadow, darling, you did amazing! It really is truly a miracle. I can't believe you're  a wolf-pony! That's amazing! Truly amazing." Astra says flying around me in circles. Sterope had finished putting the eggs back, and he also flew over to me. "On behalf of Sterope, and I, Astra, we would like to thank you. For everything. And to repay you, we would like to give you that egg. Well, not any egg, her name is Athena." Astra said kindly nodding, and Sterope nodding as well.

"R-Really!? That's amazing. Thank you guys! And Athena... Like.. Like the goddess, meaning she has a lot of power? Woah." I say quietly amazed. 

"Yes, actually. I'm surprised you know that." Astra says. 

"Oh. Welp, I do read lots of books." I say picking up the egg and protectively holding it once more.

"Okay. Well, you take good care Shadow. We will always be here in that tree." Astra says replying. 

"Alright, take care Astra. Take care of your eggs as well. And Ste-" I begin but Sterope cuts me off. Astra flew back to her tree and it was just me and Sterope now. 

"I wanted to talk with you alone, I just wanted to say that, thank you. And, I consider you my friend now. I have learned a great deal from you being here and I just wanted to say be safe on your journey." Sterope says with gruffness, but also kindness. 

"Heh. Thanks Sterope. You are my friend as well. Forever. I will come visit you guys don't worry! Welp, I must be off on my path. Farewell." I say back to him but he had already flew off.

I begin back on my path toward home. "Ready to start our journey, Athena? Heh. This will be one interesting path." I say talking to the egg.