Jurassic-Questria

“Okay class, last problem. Four-hundred and eighty divided by two.” Cherilee spoke out to twelve young students. They each sat at their own desks, taking—or passing—notes. There was a bit of quiet murmuring amongst themselves before one little filly rose her hoof.  She had a soft white coat and a dual colored curly mane of pink and purple. Her eyes green like limes.

“Ah yes. Sweetie Bell. Four-hundred and eighty divided by two please.”

“Um…Two-hundred and thirty… nine?”

“Nice try Sweetie Bell!” Cherilee gave an encouraging smile “You were close, it’s actually two-hundred and forty.” The other students chuckled a bit at Sweetie bell’s wrong answer.

“Hey! I don’t want to see any of you laughing, unless any of you think you can do better.” An awkward silence befell the class now as Cherilee scolded the rest of them. “Now, are there any questions before we move on to the next lesson? Ah yes, Apple Bloom.”

“Um, Excuse me miss, but what’s that thing over on that there poster?” Apple Bloom pointed to a creature which resembled a dragon, except it stood on two powerful legs and lacked any form of wing. Another differing detail was its big head and nubby, two clawed, arms. Moonshy, who was spectating the lesson from outside, wondered how that ancient creature even stood up right, it was so front heavy. He knew what it was but could hardly understand it. Nopony did, even the ones who studied them for a living. After all, those creatures have been extinct for many millions of years.

“That’s a very good question Apple Bloom, a perfect way to ease into our next lesson. You see, that there is, what we ponies call, a dracosaur. That one in particular is called a Draconis Rexidae. Although…” Cherilee’s voice grew more lighthearted “He prefers to go by his nickname, D-rex.” She smiled and giggled, the class joining in with her.

“Yeah, that’s cool and all,” Scootaloo stated from the middle of the classroom, channeling the one pony Moonshy understood to be her idol, Rainbow Dash. “but it can’t be real, I mean, I don’t think anypony in Equestria has ever seen one for real.”

“Well Scootaloo,” Cherilee answered happily, “That’s because it went extinct a very long time ago. You won’t find a D-rex living today. Good thing too, they, and all the dracosaurs, were far too dangerous. If they still walked this planet, we ponies wouldn’t be.”

“Okay… well how do we know that they were real?”

“My, aren’t you inquisitive today Scootaloo? We know because paleontologists from all around the world have been digging up their bones. Now, any other questions? Featherweight, how about you.

“Um, what drove them all into extinction miss Cherilee?”

“Oh, now that’s a long story. You see, back when the dracosaurs shook Equestria’s grounds, there was no magic.” The classroom lit up with the gasping of fillies and foals alike. Each having a mixture of awe and shock in their voices.

“Well… not the kind of magic we know of anyways. You see, back then, the weather changed by itself. It rained when needed, and winter came and went by itself. The creatures that evolved to survive these conditions thrived for millions of years. That was… until one day, when an asteroid from far beyond Equestria smashed into our planet. Now, as you all know, most asteroids don’t typically make it to the surface, the atmosphere burns it up generally; but this was no ordinary asteroid. Or so scientists believe. This asteroid was large, the size of an entire mountain range. It held the very essence of all magic we know today, and when it hit, the explosion sent that magic to every crack and crevice in Equestria. It is even speculated that some of it went back out into the cosmos, affecting the sun and moon. For many years after that, nature was thrown out of balance. The sun and moon were stuck in one spot, half and half across the sky. All the lakes, rivers, trees and plants dried up, killing off the dracosaurs with a lack of water and food. The few animals who survived learned how to harness the magic they were suddenly thrust upon, and changed the weather for themselves. That was where we ponies came from.”

Moonshy stood quietly outside, listening to the rest of the lesson intently. Dracosaurs always interested him as a foal. The thought that there were once creatures on this planet so large that they could trample towns in one fell swoop amazed him. Even more so, what amazed him was the thought that an entire world existed once, a world without magic. An unfathomable concept if not for his experiences in the Everfree Forest. He continued to watch as the children’s eyes lit up with wonder, something Moonshy always enjoyed seeing in younger minds. Childlike wonder, is a trait that everypony should always possess. It inspires them to learn new things, and express themselves fearlessly.

DING, DING, DING, DING! The school bell tolled, signaling only one thing, schools out! The children inside rapidly grabbed their stuff, all finishing within ten seconds. They rushed out the door to meet their parents, siblings, whomever their current guardian was, and began escape the premise. Cherilee, noticing Moonshy through the window, gave him an intent smile. After that, she accompanied the stragglers through the door.

“Well hello there sir, how are you today?” Cherilee spoke from behind him as he was walking away.

“Um… I’m fine, thanks.” Moonshy turned around to face the school teacher. Her eyes going wide as she noticed the moon shaped birthmark surrounding the inside of his left eye.

“Oh goodness, hello, Moonshy. What brings you to our humble little school?”

Sense the changelings, many of the ponies in Equestria learned his name. Too many. They would fallow him around town when he walked, asking questions that steadily became more and more personal. At times, he felt more like he was being interrogated than idolized. So, he was hoping to escape before Cherilee could do the same. The obvious means of escape; spreading his wings and flying up, or bolting the other way; would be good, if not for their suddenness. Those would be seen as a bit disrespectful. So, his mind buzzed with several unfinished escape plans, none of them coherent enough to work.

Maybe I can talk my way out of this one.

Not likely! You know you’re still lacking in the social skills department.

Well, I guess that means I’m screwed then doesn’t it?

Pretty much, unless you can pull a miracle from out your rear.

That’s… hardly reassuring.

“Um… I jus- love children.” Oh no… Please tell me you didn’t say it like that! You did… BUCK!  Oh, please don’t get the wrong Idea miss Cherilee, you’re a reasonable pony right?

She looked at him, disdainfully confused at what he just said. She seemed to think exactly what Moonshy didn’t want her too.

“Oh! Nonono, NO! Not like that! Not like that at all.” Moonshy stated nervously “I mean that… Ok. Seeing children learn, seeing those little… err… lightbulbs ding above their heads, it fills me with hope, which makes me smile. You’re a teacher, surely you understand… right?”

“Oh, okay.” Cherilee chuckled at herself for a second “And here I was thinking you meant something completely different. Anyways, I was wondering if you wanted to come down to the café with me some time for a bit of coffee and some donuts.”

“Er… why?” Oh no, is she asking me out for a date… or, what is she doing?

You know, she is pretty cute for a school teacher.

Shut up! Shut UP! You know I already have my eyes on somepony. And it’s not Cherilee!

Cherilee looked confused once more, but she quickly shook it off. “It’s the least I can do for a hero of Equestria.”

Phew… it’s just her being nice, okay.

If you consider “nice” pulling personal answers from out of you, than sure, I guess she’s nice.

Don’t jump to conclusions just yet.

“Besides, I was hoping you could tell me more about your encounter with the changelings. My student’s do enjoy a good love story.”

Okay, now you can jump to conclusions. NOT OKAY! NOT OKAY AT ALL!

“Um… I think, with the hospital fixing my wing and the mayor giving me a house for free… Th- Th- The, er… That’s enough. What I’m trying to say, you don’t need to do anything else for me.” Moonshy smiled with his eyes closed, his nerves making him shake like an earthquake. Tiny beads of sweat trickled down his neck.

“Hey, um, miss Cherilee.” Scootaloo stepped up next to her, taking Cherilee’s attention off of Moonshy. Never had he been so relieved to see a filly talk to a teacher.

“In a minute Sweetie-.”

“I’m Scootaloo.”

“-Ah… in a minute Scootaloo, Just let me finish talking to mister Art here and I’ll be right with yo- huh?” She asked as she turned her head back around to face Moonshy. He was no longer there, he had taken the instant opportunity to fly off and get away. Thankfully she didn’t see him after that.

At least I still remember my stealth maneuvers from before, though it was a little sloppy. Sweet Celestia that was a long recovery. I really need to start practicing again.

To avoid catching anypony else’s attention, his flight was short. He entered a particularly shady alleyway and climbed down into the underground tunnels he had discovered during his last venture through Ponyville. At the very least, he could thank Chrysalis for that. Closing the wooden trapdoor above him, he dropped down into the still somewhat muddy ground and walked towards the direction of his house. It didn’t take much longer than ten or so minutes to get there. He climbed up a ladder and opened up another trap door, this one leading into a small closet-like space.

I wonder if all houses in Ponyville have a secret entrance like mine. Moonshy chuckled, that would be a major security flaw on the architects account.

He opened his closet, creaking the door open. His house was dimly lit, and for whatever reason, his blinds were shut.

That’s funny… I don’t remember closing those earlier this morn-

“SURPRISE!” Shouted a collective set of familiar voices as his lights suddenly clicked on.

“GAHH!” Moonshy jumped back, hitting a wall. Before he knew what exactly was happening, a pink pony with cotton candy like hair grabbed his arm and began to dance and sing.

“Happy birthiversary to you, yes you today! I-can’t-believe-your-already-twenty-one. Time-sure-flies-doesn’t-it-WOW! Seems-like-only-yesterday-we-met-you! But now your twenty-one today, HEY!”

The pony he finally recognized as his friend Pinkie Pie stopped dancing and took a deep breath. Now he wasn’t staring just at her, but the rest of her friends as well. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack and… Fluttershy; his heart filled with butterflies when he saw her beautiful form. His best friends, they were all there, standing right in front of him. He nearly couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Happy birthday Moonshy!” They all cheered collectively, expecting him to say something. When he didn’t though, there was a bit of awkward silence.

“Well, what do you think?” Twilight asked, breaking the silence.

“Um… Uh… How did you guys know it was my, err… birthday.” He asked, still trying to break free of the shock of this pleasant surprise.

“Fluttershy told me!” Pinkie bounced, announcing in her high pitched voice.

“What? No I didn-.”

“PARTY CANNON!” Pinkie Pie interjected, she rushed out of the room as quick as lightning, and just as quickly, came back with a gigantic blue cannon. She lit the fuse. Moonshy only had a second to realize… that it was aimed right for one of his artistic works-in-progress.

“No no NO!” Too late. All he could do was cover his eyes anxiously. In an obnoxious squeak, the party cannon fired, unleashing flurries of confetti, balloons, and streamers. Before he knew it, his house was flooded with colorful decorations. He opened one eye, and then the other. He realized that the decorations managed to hit everything but the painting itself. Sighing with relief, he flicked some sweat off his brow. Stsstunce, Stsstunce, Stsstunce, Stsstunce. Fast paced music with a techno sort of beat now filled his hovel, the rest of his friends danced, but he continued to stand in awe.

“Hey? What gives Moonshy? It’s like you’ve never had a party before.” Rainbow stated in her usual manor.

“Well, to tell you the truth, I- I haven’t. Not sense I was like… six.” The music stopped suddenly, and everypony in the room stared at him with shock in their eyes. Pinkie Pie gasped noisily and rushed over to Moonshy.

“Oh my gosh! You went fifteen years with no birthday party!?” Pinkie asked, looking as if some blasphemy was spoken upon her religion. Not long after, she grabbed his shoulders and began to shake him back and forth.

“FIFTEEN YEARS!? How did you even survive out there!?”

“Uh… by eating… Pinkie, I don’t think birthdays are required to-.” He grunted as Pinkie Pie lifted him with a death hug. A little bit of air leaving his lungs.

“I’m Sooooo sorry you had to go through that!”

“N- No, really, it was, it was no problem. C- Can you let me down please?” His voice was mushed and abnormal, sounding like his voice box was squeezed down to the size of a frog’s.

Pinkie gasped again, this time like she had a really good idea. “You know what this means right?” She asked excitedly, dropping Moonshy to the ground.

Gasping for breath, Moonshy replied “Thank you. And… what?”

“More Presents!”

“Oh no, that’s really not necessary.” Wait… More presents? But there’s not even one- Oh… There was one present, sitting over at his dining table wrapped in striped paper of jungle green and sunset orange. There was a golden seal underneath the yellow ribbon that encumbered the box. “Wait! Before you go and, get more presents…” It’s useless to convince Pinkie that I don’t need presents, isn’t it? “…How about we open that one first.” He said, pointing towards the tiny wrapped box. When his six friends looked over at what he gestured towards, they all grew befuddled, even Twilight… Twilight is never befuddled!

“Um, Pinkie.” Twilight inquired, “Did you get him that?”

“What? No! I remember every present I’ve ever given ever. And that one is not one of them.”

“Okay… Uh… Rarity then?”

“My present for him is still at the boutique, I was going to have him try it on later. Anyways, it’s much too big to fit in a box that small, and even if it wasn’t, I would NOT have wrapped it in a color combination as HIDEOUS as that.”

“Rainbow?”

“Um… I kinda, sorta, forgot all about Moonshy’s party until we came here… heh heh… yeah. Sorry.”

“Ajay?”

“I’ll be honest with you Twilight… I left my bits at the farm, so I couldn’t buy anything for Moonshy here.”

“Er… Fluttershy? You’re the only one left. Did you get Moonshy this present?”

“Oh, No I didn’t Twilight. I was actually going to bring Moonshy over to my cottage so he could choose a pet for his birthday. Um… Oh, I’m sorry, do you not like pet’s Moonshy?”

“What? No… No, I mean, no, I don’t, not like pets.”

“Ooookay then…” Twilight rolled her eyes. “Well then, who is it from?”

“Well, err… there’s only one way to find out.” Moonshy trotted over to the table and got a better look at the seal. It was stamped with a picture of a Draconis Rexidae skeleton. It stood with its right side facing the Pegasus, and the framing of the circle cut off most of the creature. Only its torso head and claws showed. Weaved into the ribbon, a small rectangular note-tag hung off the side. He turned the thing around and read the words on the tag.

“To: Moonshy Art, Hero of Ponyville. From: The hard-working and intelligent scientists of… The UJRC?” Moonshy looked up first at Twilight, and then to the rest of his friends, wondering if any of them knew what “The UJRC” was. None of them seemed to have any idea what that meant, or what that stood for.

“Well, go on, open it.” Rarity urged Moonshy.

To his surprise, the box was incredibly light for its size, felling like it had nothing more than a feather inside it. He raised an eyebrow and shook the box, listening for anything inside. There was something, it created light vibrations against the cardboard and tiny little thuds from inside the container. He set it down gently and began to tear away the paper. The box itself was made up of some nice black velvet.

Oh look, the kind of material one would… put a ring in?

Ring? What do you mean?

You know what I mean. If I could, I would totally be winking at you right now.

He gazed over at Fluttershy briefly. Shut up.

Oh, Come on Moonshy, You know you want to.

I haven’t even started dating her yet! …I’m pretty sure marriage is out of the question.

Opening up the lid, he saw a sealed scroll wrapped in a green ribbon lie in the center of the cushioned box.

“Err… It’s a scroll.”

“What does it say Moonshy?” Fluttershy asked.

“I don’t know… I haven’t opened it yet.” He replied, taking the scroll out of the box. When Twilight saw him struggle to open up the scroll. She smiled and trotted over to help him out with her magic.

“It’s Okay Moonshy. Here, I’ll read it to you.” Twilight cleared her throat and began to speak once more.

“To the pegasus Moonshy, It is with great enthusiasm that we courtly invite you to attend this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You may have heard about dracosaurs, but never will you be able to see one up close… or so they say. Here in Jurassic-Questria, the UJRC has worked tirelessly studying ancient biology and have finally made the biggest breakthrough in the history of genetic science. Here we reconstruct these long dead creatures and bring them back to life, atom by atom. You will never see anything like them anywhere else, so come on over to Jurassic-Questria and be amazed at nature’s most magnificent creations walking once again on Equestria’s life giving soil. … Well that’s pretty vague don’t you think?”

U… u… scientists. Well twilight is pretty close to a scientist… and she was a unicorn before she became an alicorn. Maybe the U stands for Unicorn. Jurassic-questria, Jurassic-questria, Oh! Maybe the J stands for Jurassic… as for the other two letters, R and C, I have no clue.

“Seems pretty clear to me.” Moonshy said after a second of thought.

“No, I mean, it doesn’t give any explanation as to who the UJRC are beyond scientists, and like, what do they mean when they say “reconstruct”?

“Well, I think the U might stand for unicorn. So… uh, yeah. Maybe they mean that they have… created accurate magical images? Oh I don’t know. The place just sounds like a fancy museum to me.

“Okay, well… I guess that still leaves one question. Who are the UJRC? Why have they only surfaced now?”