The_Resurrectionist_The_Lost_Work_of_Dr

KINGDOM Animalia
PHYLUM Vertebrata
CLASS Amphibia
ORDER Caudata
FAMILY Monsdraconis
GENUS Draconis
SPECIES Draconis orientis
THIS SPECIMEN WAS DISCOVERED in an old monastery on the island of Nakanotorishim
east of Japan. I was the only one among my companions who believed in its authenticity. I
purchased the remains, giving the impression it was nothing more than a large serpent, and
indeed it really isn’t much more than that. It measures forty feet in length, and though I had only partial
skeletal remains, I reconstructed the image of this impressive and august animal. Its size, spine
protrusions, clearly advanced claws, and defensive capabilities would have lent it a great advantage
in its surroundings.
Other dragons, especially the Western variety, are possible ancient ancestors, though I believe the
relationship is likely to be distant. With its wings and phosphorous breath, the Western dragon seems
more closely related to the leviathan or the hydra than the Eastern dragon shown here. However,
since I have not studied the Western species as of yet, I am unable to scientifically confirm this
assertion.
The legends of the Far East offer elaborate and thoughtful descriptions of the area’s native dragons,
suggesting that the authors had an intimate knowledge of the species. Like many of the smaller
varieties of serpent, lizard, and amphibian, the dragon must have had many shapes and personalities
finely adapted to its specific needs and environment. Certainly many of the species are extinct, but not
all; I cannot believe this animal no longer exists. Surely it continues to thrive in the deepest of waters
or the darkest of swamps.