Panchatantra, Aesop's Fables and some similar folktales - what do they have in common? They are all allusions. Allusions are stories that have a true meaning or moral that is expressed without directly mentioning it, but it can be easily understood by the reader. Another thing they have in common is that many are rather dull and cliched. So, I made one myself! Mine isn't as cliched but most of all, it is thrilling.

The Blood Moon

Even at night, the swamp was full of life. The wet scent of wet mud filled the air, providing an eerie aura to the landmark. The chirping of crickets and the croaking of toads was loud enough for someone to hear from even a kilometer away and yet no one dare to approach, for this was the lair of the most ferocious killer - The swamp’s GREEN BEAST!

The sunlight filtered through the leaves of the great banyan tree and the air tasted sweet. The forest’s mammals were up and running, going about their normal routine - feeding, socialising, sleeping, playing and feeding again. The deer were the first to reach the watering hole as always. Followed by the bison and mule and the predators who came much later. 

“The water hole is beginning to dry up”, announced Pak, the leader of the deer. “We need to relocate soon”, said Ra, the leader of the bison, joining the announcement of the Herbivores’ Alliance. “But where can we go?”, asked Shammy, the leader of the donkeys and mules. “That is yet to be decided”. Pak was the smartest of them all. He was the one who had proposed the alliance to Ra and Shammy. He knew that in order to survive, his family - the deer, needed strength from the bison and they would provide brains. The donkeys were allowed to join only out of sympathy. “You always are dumb and clueless aren’t you Shammy?”, said Pak with a smirk, “Why did we even let you join us?” The bison and deer began to laugh. “Now-now, Pak”, began Ra, “We don’t have time for this. We need to come up with a plan.” “And that I already did!”, said Pak beaming with confidence. “Then tell us.” “We will cross over the swamp in the evening. There is a watering hole beyond the swamp”, began Pak. All the mammals’ eyes widened. Nobody dared to go in that direction. Not after a band from the alliance ventured there, never to return. “What about the Green Beast?” Asked one of the bison. “Of course, I thought about that. Listen closely. Once we reach the swamp, all the donkeys will go first, towards the left side of the swamp. The deer and bison will go shortly afterwards - on the right side of the swamp.” “But…” “No buts!”, said Pak angrily. “You donkeys do not contribute to our alliance. It is only right if you lead the way!” The bison and deer immediately agreed. The donkeys however, fell silent. They did not really have a choice. If they disagreed they would be criticised for using the alliance’s help without contributing themselves.

The sun was now fiery orange. Afternoon became evening and all the mammals had set out. On the way to the swamp, Pak said to himself - “I am a genius! Using the dumb and useless donkeys as a decoy bait to cross the swamp! I am truly a genius!”

The mammals had finally reached the swamp. Evening had become night and the blood moon had taken the place of the fiery ball. A more dramatic setting couldn’t have been chosen for the donkeys to accept their fate - death. One by one, the donkeys descended into the swamp that smelt of wet mud and old corpses. Their faces were dull, of course. No one enjoyed walking into the hands of death. 

Two minutes felt like an eternity, and the deer and bison had decided to descend as well. There were no signs of the Green Beast. Moments later, at the exact centre of the swamp, bubbles had risen to the surface and death, reincarnated in the form of a giant crocodile followed. Its eyes were filled with the evil urge to kill. Its teeth glimmered in the moonlight and its powerful jaw felt the urge to snap. The panic had begun. Deer screeched and the bison bellowed. All the mammals begun to rush, many trampled upon in the process. The crocodile however seemed rather relaxed, resisting the temptation to kill. He knew he didn’t need to rush it. He was going to get it anyway. And then Pak had finally noticed his horrendous blunder! Deer feet weren’t designed to tread in a swamp! As for the bison, their tremendous weight caused the ground to disappear as they got pulled into the thick muddy water. The donkeys however were built for this. Their feet were designed to tackle weather and terrain. They didn’t have any problems crossing the swamp. Knowing this, the crocodile attacked the helpless deer and bison. Its jaw opened and shut, slaughtering all the bison and deer. The donkeys however had safely crossed over to the other side. They could only watch as the bison and deer were killed. This was Pak’s second blunder. Donkeys weren’t dumb. They were both smart and strong. In fact, they didn’t even need this alliance. They were just fine on their own. They never contributed, because they were never asked too. 

With his limbs gone and chest bleeding, Pak took one last look at Shammy and Shammy looked back. “If you would have asked to ride on me, I would have gladly allowed you to do so. Your selfishness cost you and your family their lives. There’s nothing I can do for you now.” With this Shammy and the other donkeys turned around and continued walking towards the watering hole. They prayed for their fellow comrades’ souls to rest in peace. The blood moon’s reflection was now invisible against the swamp's water, which had quickly turned from green to red.

Hope you enjoyed reading!