Story of Evolution - Part 1

A long time ago (thousands of years before humans evolved), in some land far far away, lived Grrr the ape.

Grrr was happy living amidst the trees with his troop, till one particular day (ya there is always a particular day for the story). The skies became dark with sadness and began crying loudly (or so the apes thought). And this time with sadness came the anger in form of sparks and noises.

These things were quite common for the troop except for Grrr. He had been expelled from his previous troop for being the laziest, but fortunately he was taken in by his current troop. A troop formed by the expelled apes. This troop occupied the most horrid region - few trees, less vegetation, prone to floods and droughts - under the leadership of Lall. Lall was strong and smart, but was expelled by his previous troop for being too horny. Every ape in this troop had a past in some other troop.

Lall had taken charge as usual and was guiding the troop uphill to a more safer place. Grrr was the laziest in this troop as well, and as usual he ignored the orders. He preferred sitting in his corner doing his deed(don't think too much - Lall was the horny one, not Grrr).

Just about then a stray spark came down on a tree setting it ablaze(Yes, the twist begins here). The burning bush created panic among all creatures - preys and predators alike - as the fire began to spread. Grrr was also afraid but was compelled to sit by his laziness, until the fire started nearing him. That's when Grrr decide to flee for his life.

All trees near Grrr were torched by the wildfire, so he had no option other than to run on his fours (apes preferred jumping branches as compared to running). Panicked and stupid as he was, Grrr ran into the area engulfed with flames. His only option was to move the blazing branches to make a way out.

Gathering all his courage, Grrr went forward to pickup the branch from the non burnt end. Hardly had he touched the branch, he closed his eyes hoping the fire would prey on him. But as he slowly opened his eyes, he was astonished. The fire had not dared to come any closer(the branch was wet cause of rains - for those who forgot it was raining).

This particular incident filled Grrr with new confidence to overcome the fear of fire. He picked up the branch and started running towards his troop. The troop was amazed to see Grrr controlling fire. They began praising Grrr.

Grrr was just as humble as he was lazy. He gave the branch to Lall and the rest to hold. No sooner had Lall got the branch in his hand, every other ape wanted to try holding it.

In all this chaos, a new courage was born in the troop - to tame fire rather than to run away. As time passed the apes began experimenting when ever there was fire - some burned skins, some succeeded. 

(And that's how the story of evolution began)

But soon everyone forgot the ape who gave them that courage, except for Rerr. (Oh yeah, Grrr too had a love story - more of it coming in later parts)