[ WP ] Story of the death of Steve Irwin , told from the perspective of the sting ray , who is seen as a hero by all aquatic animals for taking on the feared legendary `` crocodile hunter . ''

`` Gather round everyone, come on, squeeze in now, do n't be shy.'' Across the seabed the school gathered, hundreds of young sprats and fry pushed and shoved in order to get closer to the great Tuna who loomed at the front with the book open before her. After some time the group had gathered and was more or less quiet. 
 
 `` Is everybody ready?'' 
 
 The reply was in perfect unison with the lilting singsong of young children in class. `` Yes Mrs Tuuuuuna.'' 
 
 `` Alright then, we'll begin.'' She settled herself down and flipped over the first page with her fin. `` Once upon a time the oceans were a very different place to how they were today. Where we have peace, back in those days it was a difficult and stressful life, fish having to run from place to place to avoid being caught in a mighty drag net.'' 
 
 `` Of all the threats out there which fish faced, the worst of them all was the one who was known as Iiiirwin.'' 
 
 Some of the younger fish held their heads and the older ones echoed the name back at the teacher. `` Iiiiirwin.'' 
 
 `` Now, nobody knows where Irwin came from, most folk believe he was a natural predator, like sharks or jellyfish, but some folk say that he came from a place outside the water.'' Some of the older helpers at the back chuckled at the idea, they'd heard this story when they were young and it was hard to think that anyone would believe it. A sharp look from Mrs Tuna quietened them down and she continued. 
 
 `` Irwin controlled the mighty drag nets, or so it is told, directing them to the fishes and helping them find the homes of those sprats and fries who were bad!'' A significant look was aimed at several of the young fish, especially the ones who were still pushing and shoving. 
 
 `` What we do know is that he was first seen in the far away lands on the Great Warm Reef. One of the custodians, the great crocodiles who patrol and keep us all safe, he was basking in the sunshine, enjoying a peaceful day. All of a sudden, a great creature fell from the sky and landed upon him. Now this was no normal crocodile, he was an old and respected guardian but even he was no match for the great Irwin and soon he had been trapped, bound and dragged from the water, never to be seen again.'' 
 
 Some of the younger fish were starting to look a little green around the gills and so Mrs Tuna hurried on, the educational discussion about crocodiles could wait, she did n't want any of them going home scared. 
 
 `` Now, this went on for many years, crocodiles were attacked, dragged away and never seen again. At last the fathers of the sea gathered and had to confront this mighty menace. They put out the call for a hero, a champion of the sea and at last one came forward.'' 
 
 `` Stingray was a modest fish, he'd lied in peace all his life, but when he heard the call he knew that he had to act. He alone had the ability to stop this mighty menace. The word went out across the sea for anyone who saw Irwin to call out and at last, someone did.'' 
 
 `` Irwin was back where he started, in the warm waters of the Reef but this time Stingray was ready for him. As Irwin entered the water Stingray confronted him. *'You shall have no more of my kin you bastard'* he cried but Irwin was quiet.'' 
 
 `` On the battle raged, long into the night until at last Stingray with a final great thrust, pierced the evil one's heart. Finally the great evil was gone.'' 
 
 Mrs Tuna snapped the book shut and the boys and girls started talking excitedly. A few sharp raps of her fin against the rock drew their attention again. `` Now little ones what can we learn from this story.'' 
 
 After a pause one small fry put up his hand `` That we can all make a difference?'' 
 
 `` Exactly Jeremy. No matter how insurmountable the odds we can always triumph if we try hard enough. Now, let's go have something to eat, it's lunch and you must all be hungry.'' 
 
 The fish filed back along, the older ones herding them and keeping them safe. Despite the ridiculous story they felt better, thinking that somewhere out there a Stingray was looking out for them all. 
 
 
 ***** 
 
 I miss Steve Irwin, I loved his shows.
