The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat
Once upon a time there was a fierce war waged between the birds and the beasts. For a long while the issue of the battle was uncertain, and the bat, taking advantage of his ambiguous nature, kept aloof and remained neutral.
At length when the beasts seemed to prevail, the bat joined their forces and appeared active in the fight. After a successful rally made by the birds, he was found among the ranks of the winning party.
A peace being speedily concluded, the bat's conduct was condemned alike by both parties. Being acknowledged by neither, he was excluded from the terms of the truce. He was obliged to skulk off as best he could and has ever since lived in holes and corners, never daring to show his face except in the duskiness of twilight.