Then
- Strap on your seatbelts, because we travel back in time all the way back to the Haitian Revolution. For you history buffs out there, that's 1791-1804, to be exact.
- Meet Toussaint, who was an actual guy around during this time.
- We catch up with Toussaint when the rebellion is in full swing. Sure, he's a slave, but he knows how rally the troops and fight.
- Everyone cowers when they first meet Toussaint because, well, let's just say his face isn't going to win any beauty pageants anytime soon. He doesn't mind, though. He figures it's better to be known for something than forgotten altogether.
- There's lots of talk about how liberty should belong to everyone. Yep, we can get behind that. Of course, Toussaint isn't exactly sure where these big ideas come from since he tells us he can't read or write.
- One of the leaders questions Toussaint about the silver cross around his neck. Toussaint shrugs since he doesn't want to get into it right now, but he fills us in on the details.
- It turns out Toussaint's dad was a big Bible thumper and taught him about Christianity. Toussaint inherited the religion, and he liked the idea of there being one god.
- Still, he's not so sure religion is the only answer—his dad also taught him about the power of herbs and potions. Some might call that witchcraft, but Toussaint says it's a practice called "simples."
- It's clear he has a mixed sense of beliefs, which doesn't go down too well with the other leaders who believe in Voodoo.
- So Toussaint would rather keep quiet than get into it with them.
- He remembers back to a couple nights ago when a houngan rallied the troops by raising a man back from the dead.
- Toussaint knows the guy wasn't actually dead, though; it was all part of an elaborate script to get the rebels excited about opposing the government.
- He knows there are drugs that can make men appear dead, and others that can revive them. It's all about knowing the herbs.
- Regardless, Toussaint tells us that it was really effective. Everyone got pumped up and ready to take down anyone standing in their way.
- Back in the present, everyone starts chanting and cheering. One houngan even sings to rally the men.
- The fighting begins, and Toussaint thinks to himself how impressive the leader is at convincing everyone to storm the city. Even though he knows it's scripted and a lot of play-acting, the guy is good at his job.
- Ouch. All of a sudden, Toussaint feels a sharp pain in his spine, and tastes blood in his mouth. He's not sure what hit him, but he knows he's hurt.
- Something is hot on his arm, but he's not quite sure what it is; everything is losing shape and distinction.
- Toussaint hears singing, and sees blood, and then sees their leader, Boukman, get hit.