Chapter 1
Tao, born into the harsh reality of 19th-century America, faced adversity from the moment he took his first breath. Raised into slavery and sold from one master to another, Tao's life took an unexpected turn at the age of ten when he found himself on a plantation in Kentucky, he prevented a tragedy by stopping outlaws from assaulting the plantation master's daughter. Impressed by the young boy's courage, the master rewarded Tao by taking him under his wing and training him as a blacksmith.
As the years passed, Tao grew into a skilled young man, earning the trust of those around him and gaining fame as a blacksmith. Tao stood tall, his presence commanding attention from the opposite sex as if the very essence of his Native American heritage breathed life into him. His chiselled features bore the mark of both strength and elegance, reminiscent of the handsome grace found in the lines of a classic sculpture. His jet-black hair cascaded with a natural, untamed allure, framing a face that held the echoes of resilience and silent strength. The other slaves grew jealous of Tao and shunned him often but that did not matter as Tao found himself entwined in a forbidden romance with Elisabetta, the daughter of the plantation master. They kept their romance hidden, aware of the societal consequences that would follow if their secret was exposed. However, their union faced a formidable adversary in the form of Christian DuPan, the sheriff of Kentucky who had harboured a sinister desire for Elisabetta for years.
One fateful day, when the master and Elisabetta were away for a business function, Christian, fuelled by jealousy, having recently had his advances rejected by Elisabetta and discovering that Elisabetta and Tao were romantically linked, descended upon the plantation in a storm of darkness with a group of outlaws. Chaos ensued as they attacked the defenceless slaves on the plantation and committed unspeakable acts of cruelty. Tao, horrified by the brutality, fought as best as he could but was powerless to stop the assault. Christian orchestrated a brutal punishment on Tao, which lasted two days, culminating in the horrific crucifixion of Tao. The nightmarish ordeal left Tao battered, broken, and on the brink of death. Christian revelling in his victory, callously informed Tao that Elisabetta was now his possession as he threw his beaten naked body into a ditch.
Yet, as Tao lay dying in the ditch, he contemplated letting go but with all the will he could muster, he crawled out, and scratched and clawed to find his way back to the plantation, to get back Elisabetta. As he dragged his battered body, a trail of blood followed, weak and dying, he screamed at the heavens, cursing the gods for their silence and inaction, vowing vengeance on those who committed this act of evil, Tears of blood marked his anguished plea. In that moment of agony, a green ring descended from the heavens, hovering in front of him, Tao reached out to the ring, and it placed itself onto his finger. A green energy glow enveloped him, and suddenly Tao was propelled into the heavens, Tao found himself above earth one moment and then hurtling towards a green planet. Landing in darkness, voices in an unknown tongue surrounded him. Tao naked and covered in blood let out a primal scream in pain, and when the voices spoke again, the language was now in English:
"He is human" said a voice, "A savage being" said another, "Primitive" said another, "He is dying" said another, "I sense rage" said another, "Yes, regret and pain" said another, "The ring is not of our creation" said another, "We will have to train him" said another, "He has not been assigned to a sector" said another, "We must trust the green flame, he has been chosen" said a female voice, "Agreed" said all the voices in unison.
Light descended into the room and Tao could see multiple beings sat on highchairs in a circle, some short with blue skin and white hair, some tall with green skin and white hair.
"Are you gods?" asked Tao,
"We are the Guardians of the universe. Welcome to Oa." echoed a voice.
Tao, disoriented and overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, looked around at the beings before him. Their features were otherworldly, yet their presence felt strangely comforting.
"Where am I?" asked Tao,
"You are on the citadel of Oa" replied a blue skinned guardian,
"Your name?" asked a green skinned guardian,
"Tao Tala" responded Tao,
One of the blue-skinned guardians spoke, "You have been chosen to be a wearer of the Green Lantern ring, a force of willpower and courage."
Tao, still processing the situation, questioned, "Chosen? For what purpose?"
A taller, female, green-skinned Guardian responded, "You possess the ability of great willpower Tao. You have been chosen to be part of the Green Lantern Corps, defenders of the universe."
"Am I dead?" asked Tao,
The female, green-skinned Guardian laughed,
"Interesting and curious being you are... no, you are not dead... yet, you will however be reborn if you choose to accept" she said,
"What about Elisabetta? What about my home?" asked Tao,
"Primitive emotion for his past life" noted a blue-skinned guardian,
"If you accept this power, you will have to make that choice at a later time" the green-skinned female guardian replied,
"What if I don't?" asked Tao,
"You will have to leave your ring here and you will be taken back to you home" answered the blue-skinned guardian,
Tao, reflecting on the pain and suffering he had endured, felt a surge of determination. "I want the power to protect those who cannot defend themselves, to bring justice to the oppressed and to punish those who have committed evil."
The Guardians looked at one another, and the woman's voice spoke again, "You shall have the power of the Green Lantern ring. Embrace it and repeat after me: In brightest day, in blackest night, no evil shall escape my sight Let those who worship evil's might, Beware my power, Green Lantern's light."
Tao repeated the words and the ring's power enveloped him; Tao felt an incredible energy coursing through his veins. His battered, beaten body was restored, his body was clothed in a green uniform, and he was filled with a newfound strength.
Another blue-skinned guardian added, "Your training will begin soon"
Tao collapsed overcome by the power of the ring as darkness consumed the room again.
When Tao awoke, he found himself in a chamber on Oa, laying on a bed, naked, sitting in front of him was the female green Guardian who taught him the oath:
"You are safe" she said with a reassuring smile.
Tao, still grappling with the surreal nature of what happened, asked, "Why am I naked? Who are you? Why are you sitting there?"
The green-skinned Guardian replied, "What a strange and interesting creature you are... I am Anya, a member of the council of guardians, I was observing you and waiting for you to wake up... as to why you are naked... you arrived that way"
"Are there any clothes for me?" asked Tao,
Anya got up and took off her robes,
"The flesh is the garment for the soul and your willpower is armour for the flesh and mind" she replied,
Ya'ro, a blue skinned guardian walked at that moment and saw Anya and Tao naked, "What is going on here?" he asked confused by the situation,
"Training! is there something I can help you with?" she asked with a hint of annoyance,
"I wanted to inform the human that I have assigned Green Lantern Rashka as his mentor" replied Ya'ro,
"There is no need Ya'ro, I will train him personally" she stated as she put her robe back on,
Anya moved closer to Tao and pointed at the green lantern ring on Tao's finger,
"This ring on your finger, you have been chosen to wield it. Now if you want clothes, Ask it?"
Tao looked at the ring,
"You want me to talk to it?" asked Tao,
"Have you not conversed with it yet?" asked Anya,
"No, I did not know it could talk until you just told me" replied Tao confused,
"Ask the ring?" she said again,
"Ring! give...me... clothes!" asked Tao, he waited for something to happen, but nothing happened,
"Curious... this is not a ring forged by the guardians... hmmm... close your eyes Tao, will it to be with your mind and it will be." said Anya.
Tao closed his eyes and instantly clothes appeared on his body, Anya looked shocked,
"Did I do something wrong?" asked Tao,
"I have never seen a rookie lantern will anything to be on their first attempt" replied Anya,
Ya'ro stood mouth open also shocked by Tao,
"I must be a fast learner" stated Tao,
Anya chuckled, "Indeed, it seems you possess a unique connection with the ring. Perhaps there is more to you than meets the eye."
"It's the ring! It's an abomination!" interjected Ya'ro,
Anya annoyed by Ya'ro asked "Why are you still here?"
Ya'ro frowned and quickly left the room,
Anya looked back at Tao "Now, let me explain who the Guardians are and the role you will play as a Green Lantern."
Anya gestured to the windows around the chamber, "Oa is the home planet of the Guardians, a group of ancient beings who have dedicated themselves to maintaining order and justice in the universe. We are the overseers of the Green Lantern Corps, an intergalactic police force created by us the Guardians to combat evil and protect the innocent."
Tao listened attentively, still coming to terms with the extraordinary reality he now found himself in.
"The Green Lantern Corps is comprised of individuals from various planets and species, each chosen by a power ring that harnesses the green light of willpower. These rings are one of the most potent weapons in existence, and they choose individuals like you who have the ability to overcome great fear with willpower," Anya continued.
Tao examined the green lantern ring on his finger, the symbol of his newfound responsibility.
"You, Tao, are now a member of the Green Lantern Corps. Your duty will be to patrol your assigned sector and protect it from any threats that may arise. You have the power to create constructs with your will, limited only by your imagination and the strength of your resolve," Anya explained.
Tao nodded, absorbing the weight of his new purpose. "What about Elisabetta? Can I go back and see her?"
Anya sighed, "Your connection to your past life is strong, but you must understand that your responsibilities as a Green Lantern extend beyond personal matters. The Guardians have a plan for you, and your training will prepare you for the challenges ahead. As for Elisabetta, the Green Lantern Corps operates on a larger scale, and we cannot intervene in individual matters. Your mission will be to protect an entire sector and uphold justice on a cosmic level. However, the choice will be yours to make when the time is right"
Tao clenched his fists, torn between his desire for justice and his personal feelings. Anya placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, "It is a difficult path you have chosen, Tao, but know that the I will guide and support you. Your journey is just beginning, and there is much to learn."
"I will learn, I will train, I will be the greatest Green Lantern there has ever been" said Tao,
With that, Anya stood up, gesturing for Tao to follow her. "Okay then, your training starts now. Embrace the power within you and let the light of the Green Lantern guide you on your path."
As Tao began his training on Oa, the news of his arrival and the unique circumstances surrounding his induction into the Green Lantern Corps spread among the Green Lantern Corp. Gilet and Carro, two of the blue-skinned guardians, observed the proceedings from a distance, their eyes fixed on Tao.
"He's an unusual one, that Tao," remarked Gilet, stroking his long white beard. "Chosen at the brink of death, and able to will clothes on his first attempt. Quite the anomaly."
Carro, his fellow guardian, nodded in agreement. "And did you notice the ring is not of those that were forged."
Gilet raised an eyebrow. "We should keep an eye on him."
Carro nodded. "Anya has taken a particular interest in Tao. She said he has a unique connection with the ring. Look at her! It's almost as if she is infatuated by him."
Gilet frowned slightly. "Anya has been known to have her own interests and agendas. We need to ensure that Tao doesn't become a pawn in her plans. The balance of the Guardians' council should not be disturbed."
As they continued to observe Tao's training session, Carro sighed. "Anya's influence has been growing lately. Her unconventional ideas and choices have raised eyebrows among some of the council members. We must be cautious."
Gilet agreed, "The Guardian Council should maintain its impartiality. We can't let one guardian's influence overshadow the collective wisdom of our decisions."
During their conversation, Tao, guided by Anya, demonstrated his growing prowess with the ring. The constructs he created were very powerful and intricate, showcasing a natural affinity for the Green Lantern's abilities.
Gilet muttered, "He's adapting quickly. Perhaps too quickly. Anya seems very pleased with his progress."
Carro nodded, "The balance must be preserved, and the Guardians' unity should remain steadfast."
"Great work! That's it for today, Tao" said Anya,
"I can do more" pleaded Tao,
"That is very pleasing Tao, but you need to let your body and mind adjust to the power that you now wield, also your ring needs to be recharged for ten seconds every twenty-four hours" said Anya,
"It does?" asked Tao disappointedly,
"Yes, I have had a lantern battery placed in your chambers, you point your ring towards the battery and say the oath I taught you in the council chamber when we first met. Now get some rest and we will meet again for training tomorrow morning" replied Anya,
"Thank you, Anya" Tao bowed his head and walked towards his chambers,
"And remember to always keep your ring on or close by you" shouted Anya,
"I will" replied Tao.
The moon hung low in the Kentucky sky, casting an eerie glow over the Romano plantation as Elisabetta and Master Romano returned from their business trip. The air carried a sense of foreboding as they approached their home, but the full extent of the tragedy revealed itself only when they saw the flickering flames that consumed their estate.
Elisabetta's heart pounded in her chest as she rushed toward the inferno, her eyes scanning the chaos for any sign of the people who made this place a home. The crackling flames painted a grim picture — a scene of devastation, with the charred remnants of what was once a thriving community.
Desperation fuelled Elisabetta's every step as she sprinted toward Tao's workplace. Fear gripped her as she entered the blood-stained building, the metallic scent of iron assaulting her senses. Panic set in as she surveyed the gruesome aftermath.
Frantically searching for any sign of Tao, Elisabetta's heart sank as an outlaw from Dupan's group emerged from the shadows. Before she could react, he seized her from behind. Instinctively, Elisabetta fought back, sinking her teeth into the outlaw's hand. The taste of blood lingered on her lips as she demanded to know Tao's whereabouts.
A sinister smile twisted the outlaw's face as he callously declared Tao's demise. Grief and fury surged within Elisabetta, but she refused to succumb to despair. As the outlaw prepared to strike, Master Romano, having crept up from behind, delivered a powerful blow that sent him staggering.
The two engaged in a fierce struggle, and Master Romano fought valiantly to protect his daughter. Yet, a blow to the head left him sprawled on the ground, dazed and vulnerable. Seizing the opportunity, the outlaw advanced on Elisabetta.
In that critical moment, Elisabetta's eyes fell upon a glint of steel beneath Tao's bed. With a surge of determination, she retrieved knife. Channelling every ounce of strength, she approached the outlaw from behind and plunged the blade into his back.
The outlaw's pained gasp echoed through the room as Elisabetta, fuelled by a mix of sorrow and vengeance, drove the knife deeper. As he crumpled to the floor, Elisabetta stood over him, breathing heavily. The flames outside flickered, casting dancing shadows over the room, a stark contrast to the darkness that had befallen their once-peaceful home.