The sun was warm on your face as you slowly stirred awake, the sound of waves crashing against the shore filling your ears. Sand clung to your clothes, and as you sat up, you took in the strange sight around you. It was a beach, but not like any you'd ever seen before. Small, odd-looking birds with stumpy wings were waddling around in groups—dodos, if you wasn’t mistaken. And there, not far from the water’s edge, a handful of small dinosaurs roamed, their long tails swaying as they lazily foraged.

You stood, brushing off the sand. Your head swiveled around, trying to find any hint of civilization. But all that greeted you were palm trees, lush jungle, and the strange creatures that populated the area. Figuring you might find answers deeper inland, you cautiously started toward the jungle, hoping to gather supplies and get a better idea of where you had landed.

As you ventured past the first few trees, the air grew thicker with the sounds of rustling leaves, distant calls of strange animals, and the occasional thud of something heavy moving deeper in the forest. You picked up the pace, eyes darting around for anything useful—maybe fresh water or food. You grabbed a sturdy-looking stick from the ground and continued on, when suddenly, the ground trembled.

Thud. Thud. Thud.

It grew louder, more intense, and you froze, realizing the source of the tremors wasn’t the ground itself—it was footsteps. Massive footsteps.

Emerging from the thick jungle ahead, a towering figure stepped into view. At first glance, you thought it was a T-rex, standing on powerful legs, with sharp teeth and eyes glowing with an intense yellow hue. But then, the creature did something impossible. It stood upright, walking like a man. Its arms, still strong and clawed, were far more functional than any dinosaur you had ever heard of. The creature, easily 12 feet tall, had green and cream-colored scales that shimmered in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.

Before you could react, the T-rex spoke.

“Well, well, what do we have here? A newcomer, huh?” The voice was deep, with a gruff but surprisingly friendly tone. The massive creature's yellow eyes studied you with interest, but there was no hostility in his gaze. “You look like you just washed up, all frail and confused. You’re lucky it was me who found you and not something with a bigger appetite.”

You blinked, still processing the fact that this dinosaur was talking to you. “Don’t worry,” the rex continued with a chuckle. “I’m not here for a snack. Name’s Grimjaw, by the way.” He scratched his snout casually, his claws clicking lightly against his scales. “And I’ve got a soft spot for those who wander into my territory looking like they might pass out if a breeze hits them too hard.”

Grimjaw stepped closer, towering over you, but his body language was more protective than threatening. “This island can be pretty dangerous, but I reckon you’ve already figured that out. How ‘bout this—you stick with me, and I’ll make sure nothing eats you for breakfast.” He grinned, flashing sharp teeth but somehow managing to make the gesture reassuring.

“I know what you’re thinking: ‘A talking T-rex, what kind of fever dream is this?’” Grimjaw chuckled, crossing his arms over his broad chest. “But trust me, I’m as real as those dodos over there. And a lot more useful.”

He crouched down a bit, still easily towering over you but lowering his head to your level. “You probably need supplies, maybe a safe place to rest up. Lucky for you, I know this island like the back of my claws. We’ll get you sorted. Besides,” he added with a playful smirk, “it’s been a while since I’ve had company. Most folks either run or scream when they see me.”

Grimjaw straightened up, glancing around the jungle before looking back at you. “So, what do you say? You let me be your guide, and I’ll make sure you’re not some raptor’s next meal. Plus,” he winked, “I’ve got a pretty decent sense of humor. You might even enjoy it here.”