//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 (Old Timeline): Check Out // Story: Dawn of the Dinosaur // by Jongoji245 //------------------------------// The sun began to rise, bringing it’s warm rays to the green fields of Equestria. Further down southeast, the sunlight shined between the weavings of what appears to be a basket. Inside was something wriggling, opening it’s eyes and closing them. The vision is limited, but there are a few good distinguishable shapes. Shadows of birds, crabs, and even a few turtles can be seen crawling. As the object in the basket cooed, a much larger shadow began to loom over, scaring the other smaller shadows away. The object in the basket looked up as the shadow blocked out the sun. The shadow lifted the cover, revealing itself to be a dark blue mare with violet eyes and relatively long brown mane. The mare lifted the object out of the basket and looked at it with a soft, gentle look. “You’ve had quite a journey.” The object closed it’s eyes again as she rocked the foal to sleep. The foal opened his eyes again, his view now in a hospital. The foal in question was Cosplay. While in his hospital bed he gave a very long yawn as he stretched his front legs. Just at the end of his yawn, a dark mustard colored doctor unicorn came in. “Ah, you’re awake.” The doctor lifted a small flashlight with his magic and approached the young Hipparion. He shined the light on his patient’s knee before slowly raising it to the colt’s eyes. “Okay, follow the light.” Cosplay’s emerald eyes tracked the light as it shined in one direction at a time. The doctor then placed the flashlight down before lifting up a small rubber hammer. The colt was asked to sit up with his knees exposed. The doctor then gave a small tap, causing the lower leg to jolt up in response. “Okay, you check out fine. I will send the paperwork to your escorts and you’ll be on your way.” After the doctor left the room, the colt then hopped off the bed and began stretching his legs. He then walked around the room as his body weight began to apply to his sleepy limbs. He scratched his head, wondering who his escorts are. He then sat at a chair just when the door opened. The hospital doors were pushed open as the young Hipparion walked out and took in his first breath of fresh air in a long while. He then looked behind him to find his escorts. It was Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop. The two middle aged ponies rubbed their heads on their adoptive grandson before continuing towards his house. Cosplay looked around and noticed that his classmates and parents were carrying school supplies. Loopty Hoop looked behind her. “Grandma, Grandpa," - The two earth ponies stopped before craning their necks towards the colt - "how long was I in the hospital?” Lion Tamer looked at his wife before answering “Two... and a half… months." Cosgrove dropped down on the floor. The battle on Tambelon really took the stuffing right out of him. “Do not worry, we already bought your school supplies.” Loopty Hoop added. The Hipparion rose on his feet and continued the walk. The house had was just the same as it was before being captured. Though the outside has a new addition. The front yard has a 2 meter statue of Schnookums looking down as if greeting new visitors. The base of the statue had a plaque which reads: In loving memory of Schnookums, the first beast protected under the Custodi Bestia. Let this statue honor his sacrifice during the fight on Tambelon. -Princess Luna Cosplay began to choke as he laid his hoof on the sculpted rock. "Cosgrove..." The colt looked back to the two earth ponies before leaving the statue. The three ponies walked a few steps into the house before the door shut on its own. The light suddenly flicked open, revealing a whole menagerie of ponies. The Mane Six, Cosgrove's classmates, the families of his circus friends, a few additional guests, even Princess Luna was there as well. "Welcome Home Cosgrove!" A party cannon was shot behind them after saying that. The colt gave a small smile before walking over to a table. "Welcome back, little britches." Said Applejack as she handed him a slice of Fluttershy's carrot cake. The colt looked at the cake before looking back at the farm pony. "What's the matter?" "Applejack, you were right. I was overprotective of Schnookums because he is the last-" "Actually a big herd of them was walking through the Everfree Forest." Said Twilight Sparkle "Was the last of his kind." The Hipparion cleared his throat. "And I am sorry about what happened." Applejack took off her stetson and slapped it on his head, "Aw shucks, you've been through a lot." "And certainly slept a lot darling." Rarity added with a chuckle. "Well..." Just as the Cosgrove was about to continue a medal was wrapped around his neck. He looked behind him and found that it was Princess Luna who wrapped the medal around him. "For thy acts of bravery." Cosplay gave a warm smile as Chelsey, Zipper, Diver, Apple bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo gave him a group hug. It was six o'clock when the majority of the guests left the house. Cosgrove was just finished washing the dishes as Lion Tamer and Loopty Hoop were loading the fridge with leftovers. As the two earth ponies made their bed, they looked at the colt. “Hey Cosgrove," The young pony craned his neck from the sink "Can we ask you a favor?” “Sure. What do you need?” “We have heard much coming from Ponyville and we were wondering if you could give us a tour?” “I... would be honored.” The two earth ponies and Hipparion colt laid down on the floor, wrapping a blanket around them and, though he was asleep for long, went to sleep. 1 week, 6 days before school When the sun rose, Cosplay led his adoptive grandparents through the Everfree Forest. The two earth ponies were concerned about this decision; none of them have ventured to the forest before but have heard some scary stories about it. They reached their destination at Zecora’s hut. Cosplay knocked on the door and stepped back. After a moment of not answering, Lion Tamer looked through the window. “Nopony is here.” “Zecora usually goes out to collect herbs.” Cosgrove added “How long have you known her?” Loopty Hoop questioned “Quite a long time actually." - Cosgrove turned to his grandmother - "I’ve heard some good stories about her before actually seeing her in person.” Their conversation was interrupted by a low baritone sound followed by more lighter toned sounds close by. Knowing that it’s a safe distance from the hut, the three ponies followed the sound. Climbing up a large hill, they met Zecora looking at the horizon. Cosplay stepped ahead and widened his eyes. The herd of brobdingnags from before have made a game trail in the Everfree as they marched to new feeding grounds. A trumpet far away was joined by one closer to them. There were beasts of large and small sizes. "Such an amazing sight, they have been on the move since last night." - Zecora turned around and saw the two earth ponies - "Ah who might these two be that you would bring to see me?" The two ponies cocked their heads at how the Zebra spoke in nursery rhymes. "These two are my grandparents..." - Cosgrove looked at his "hands" then to his adopted grandparent's hooves - "Few times removed...?" The two earth ponies gave a small chuckle. "He has told us so much about you." Loopty Hoop asked "High praise indeed." - Zecora rubbed the Hipparion's mane -"He has also helped those in need." Cosgrove walked up to the Zebra before asking, "How're you feeling?" "The fight on Tambelon would have broken every bone. It is fortunate that a Sleipnir could run as if it had flown." That was something the Hipparion agreed with a nod. A while after the visit, the three ponies walked out of the Everfree Forest and to the central part of Ponyville. The group’s next stop was at Sugar Cube Corner, for no visit to Ponyville is complete without a taste of some of the finest pastries in Equestria. The two middle aged ponies had their cheeks full of one cupcake as they enjoyed their unique flavor. The colt smiled at them before giving Pinkie Pie a hoof bump. They then began walking towards Sweet Apple Acres when Loopty Hoop and Lion Tamer stopped and looked at the large hole in the ground. Police tape was circled around to prevent any pony falling in. The middle aged mare pointed to the hole, "Wasn't there a library here?" Cosgrove looked at Twilight's castle. "I'll tell you when we come home." They walked through the plaza based houses and to the more open spaced farm that is Sweet Apple Acres. The earth ponies looked around; if not for the massive barn then the huge variety of apple trees that dot the horizon. "So do you get paid?" "Usually. Besides, its good-" Their conversation was interrupted by crashing sounds in the chicken coop. Suddenly a red fox darted out with a chicken in its mouth. It was two seconds later when Applejack crawled her way out. "Wait here." Said Cosgrove before dashing away. The fox made a left turn around the barn just when the Hipparion jumped at him. Despite Cosgrove being able to run faster than an earth pony of a similar size, his current size prevented him from keeping up with an adult fox. But it isn't about speed. Just as the fox darted to a bush, Apple bloom darted at the fox turning its direction to the left. Lion Tamer began to run towards the fox. Big Mac joined the chase by leading the fox to the right. The fox looked back as its pursuers were further and further away with each stride. It didn't pay attention when Cosplay's adoptive grandfather stopped the fox in its tracks. The fox tried to move around the middle aged pony, who constantly blocked his advances. The fox looked back at the charging farmers and circus pony. Cornered, it had to spit out the hen and dash away. Winona continued the chase for a small distance away from the group before coming back. The hen shook the saliva off its body before strutting away. "Thank you kindly, Mr. Tamer." Said Big Mac "You're wel-" the middle aged stallion suddenly got a cramp just as he was raising a hoof. "Oh, I haven't done something like this in so long, phew..." Cosgrove looked at the sun before turning to his adoptive grandparents. "There is a salon near the boutique that should help that cramp." Said Applejack. "Thank you." said Loopty Hoop as she helped her husband out of the farm. With a wave of his hoof and a tip from Applejack's hat, the colt began to follow them. As time fades to dusk, Lion Tamer walked without a cramp back to Cosplay's house, though he did walk a little lightly. "Did that muscular pony have to be so hard?" The middle aged stallion asked "Don't take it personally." - Cosgrove stretched himself - "Bulk really doesn't know his full strength." Setting up their bed again, the old stallion sighed with relief as he rested his body. The colt wedged between them as they rested on the floor for the night.