Part 38
It Take a Village
Part 4 of 4

As a youth, the Haitian looked up to his father, Guillame.  Guillame protected the village from the corrupt government forces of the Tonton Macoute.  But Guillame learned that his son might be an even greater threat.  He had to make a terrible decision…

Today we conclude the backstory of the mysterious Haitian. 

When we last left off, the Haitian was about to be struck down by his father, who viewed his ability-stopping ability as a curse.  As we begin, Guillame has begun attacking his son in an effort to rid himself of this poison.  Ever wanting the best for his father, the Haitian is prepared to die for him. 

Before Guillame lands the killing blow, however, his son reaches out and touches him briefly.  Suddenly, Guillame is flooded with memories…memories of the birth of the Haitian, of watching him play, of fishing with him, etc.  This stays Guillame’s hand, and he collapses in tears.  He apologizes, saying that he has “forgotten the ground”.  He gives his son the “snake and the crane” necklace, then, as the Haitian walks away, Guillame learns to fly again…he throws himself off the mountain.

The Haitian returns to his village with his father’s final command ringing in his ears: “Give peace to those I have forsaken.  Bury my shame with your own hands…so when the crane comes to you with the promise of sun and clouds, you never forget the ground.  Never forget.”  He tries to restore the people’s souls, but what’s gone is gone, and he sees no other option than to literally bury their shame. 

At this moment, a young Thompson shows up.  He is shocked to see what the Haitian has done, and, seeing his necklace, asks him if he is special.  The Haitian, speechless, doesn’t respond.  He simply draws an image in the dirt of a hand pulling memories out of a person’s head.  Despite everything that his father told him, he takes hold of Thompson, the metaphorical crane, and flies away.