The Clash Changes: Wyatt Hughes

By Paul Kasprzak

Wyett Hughes: The Clash Changes is the first book of a juvenile fiction series inspired by works such as: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Artemis Fowl, The Inheritance Cycle, and Jason Bourne with settings inspired from the Buffalo, New York area.

 

In a world where magic is a part of everyday life, Wyett Hughes and his friends do not tolerate bullying from Billy Livedson and has gang. The two groups of friends have had some epic clashes over the years as they grow up.

 

One fateful day, Wyett and friends' lives turn upside down. They learn their families are part of a magic organization that's tasked with stopping Lucifer, and his followers, from opening a portal to unleash the army of hell on Earth; and they're the ones destined to stop him. Wyett and his friends must find six jewels his grandfather hid that Lucifer modified, and lost, which will open the portal.

 

Join Wyett and his friends as they search for the jewels to stop Lucifer!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Kasprzak
• Release date: Oct 2, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201340551

Book preview

Chapter 1: Things Change

IT'S THE END OF AUGUST and unusually hot at 95 degrees in the city of New Amsterdam, when typically, it should be in the early 80s. Four boys were in the water playing around while Valeri and her friend Hailey were tanning on the beach. Grandpa Hughes was sitting next to them, monitoring them for trouble always seemed to be just around the corner with them together.

Been a pretty quiet summer Valeri, Hailey said

If you think getting into fights is quiet, then you’re right. Valeri shrugged. But you know you just jinxed us now. Something is going to happen.

Oh, I did? Hailey said as she shook her head and pointed. At least Grandpa Hughes is here to help.

What? Grandpa Hughes asked. I’m getting too old to come to your rescue.

But that’s why you come along, Valeri winked. It’s to keep us six out of trouble with the Livedsons, Grandpa Hughes.

Grandpa Hughes waved his hand in the air as Valeri stood. She brushed the sand from her legs, then reached into a bag for some more suntan lotion. Movement down the beach stopped her. 

You know how I said you jinxed us, Valeri said.

Yeah, so, Hailey replied.

Look at who just rolled in, Valeri continued

The Livedson’s! Ugh! Hailey said and threw her head back. When will I learn to keep my mouth shut?

Billy Livedson was the local bully whose parents were rich and reveled in Billy’s bullying. Not only did Livedson’s parents enjoy his bullying, they encouraged it and gave him tips on what he should do, as the two families have despised each other for ages. Three boys were watching the Livedsons.

Hey guys, look who just rolled in, a boy named Antonio said as he threw the football to a boy they called Wyett.

Wyett was named after the famous western sheriff Wyatt Earp by his parents, because they were fascinated by the legendary lawman, but changed the letter a to the letter e to be unique. Wyett, over time, earned his first name by always rushing to the rescue of his friend. Using the same process, his twin brother was named John, as it was Doc Holliday’s real first name.

Is there a day when we never run into the Livedson family? John asked.

Well, just keep an eye open, because so far it’s only him and his parents, Wyett replied.

Still, they will try to do something, Pat commented.

Nothing new about that, Wyett answered, as he threw a ball at John. They’re always trying to get something under our nerves. The best thing is to go about our business, and pay them no attention.

The boys then continued playing. Meanwhile, Billy noticed Wyett and his friends on the beach.

Great, Billy said as he pointed.

What Billy, Mr. Livedson replied.

The Hughes and their friends are here, Billy answered.

Okay, just don’t do something stupid in public, Mr. Livedson instructed. Aggravating the Hughes is fun, but doing it in public creates witnesses, which gets you into trouble.

Yeah, Billy replied.

Why don’t you listen to your father for once, Mrs. Livedson said. If you listened to your father for once, you won’t get into so much trouble at school.

Yes mom, Billy replied.

I mean it, Billy, Mrs. Livedson followed up. There will be serious problems for us if you get into trouble in public. That could bring us attention from authorities that we don’t need.

As they kept track of Wyett and his friends, the Livedson’s set up their camp on the far end of the beach to avoid any trouble. Billy’s parents hoped for once they could have a quiet day with Billy not getting in trouble. However, that would be all for naught.

Wyett decided he needed a break, and they all got some ice cream from the stand overlooking the beach. He went to his backpack where his money was, and Grandpa Hughes reminded him of the situation.

Wyett, don’t get into any trouble, Grandpa Hughes said. Forget about the Livedsons and have fun since school is around the corner.

I’ll try, Wyett replied. However, I can’t promise anything if he gets in my face.

We’ll try to keep a short leash on him, John said. Well, you know how Wyett is. If Billy gets in his face and threatens him, he’ll feel he must do something.

I understand, but first, do you girls want anything? Grandpa Hughes asked.

Yes, please, the two girls answered simultaneously.

Well, you boys put your money away as ice cream is on me, Grandpa Hughes said.

Yes, they all replied with excitement.

Led by Grandpa Hughes, they were all headed for the ice cream stand, but trouble found them as they walked back to their spot when Wyett and Billy almost bumped into each other.

Watch where you’re walking, loser, Billy replied after he noticed Wyett.

Really, you got to call me a loser on one of the last days before school, Wyett replied.

Of course, I have to, Billy replied. There isn’t anything more satisfying than giving you a whopping.

Mr. and Mrs. Livedson were setting up a beach towel when he heard the commotion. He turned and saw that Billy wasn’t heeding his advice. He gave Mrs. Livedson a look, and she knew exactly what to do. Mr. Livedson turned around and walked back to the boys. When he got near the boys, he spoke.

Boys, Mr. Livedson yelled.

The two stopped and turned to see Mr. Livedson approaching them.

I know our families don’t like each other that much, Mr. Livedson said. However, it’s hotter than normal today, and school is going to start soon, so how about a truce until school?

Unfortunately, I agree, Grandpa Hughes said as he walked back with him to the others. It’s way too hot out for this garbage. Both of you will exhaust yourself in minutes, which will cause heat exhaustion and be taken to the hospital. I don’t think your father would take kindly to that, Billy. Last time you two gave us quite the hospital bill.

Trust me, I haven’t forgotten about that, Mr. Livedson replied with a for once we agree look on his face.

During the incident, Mrs. Livedson slipped off to the far end of the beach. Their new powers were growing as well as their master’s. The chaos and fear they were creating only helped feed their powers. With everyone distracted, Mrs. Livedson knew she could stir up some more trouble.

On the other end, Mrs. Livedson stopped and scanned the area to ensure nobody was around. With the coast clear, she chanted while holding out her hand. The water churned and bubbled. After a few seconds, skeleton leaders of old sunken ships in the lake approached.

Go back and gather your men, Mrs. Livedson instructed. Then approach the people on the beach from the water, terrorize them, take their money and jewels. When you're finished, go back into the water. At midnight, come back to this spot.

The skeletons nodded and proceeded back to the water.

After the skeletons disappeared into the water, Mrs. Livedson backtracked to their car. Mrs. Livedson hurriedly grabbed the remaining items for the beach, so it looked like she was in the car the whole time. When she arrived, things were wrapping up between Billy and Wyett. Mrs. Livedson put the stuff down and approached the two groups. Within a minute, just as she planned, the skeletons arrived.

Dear? Mrs. Livedson asked as she tapped on her husband’s shoulder and pointed to the object emerging from the water. What is that?

I don’t know, Mr. Livedson answered.

He took a few steps towards the water. When he stopped, a couple more objects emerged from the water. A few seconds later, he realized with alarm what he was looking at.

Oh my god, it’s an army of skeletons, Mr. Livedson shouted. Everybody, run for your life!

From there, chaos emerged as everyone ran for their cars. Most of them left their stuff behind, which Mrs. Livedson knew would happen. With their valuables unattended, the skeletons could grab them easily, and when they give the loot to them, add to their growing assets they would need down the road. Wyett turned to Grandpa Hughes for directions.

What should we do, Grandpa? Wyett asked.

Grandpa Hughes looked around the area for some ideas. After a minute, he developed a plan.

Wyett, John, Pat and Antonio, go grab some wood that they are using for the addition to the ice cream stand, Grandpa Hughes instructed. Also, grab some rags from it and the gas can next to the generator outside. Then douse the rags in the gasoline. Once doused, wrap them around the wood and use the outdoor barbecue they used to cook hotdogs to light them on fire. When on fire, throw them at the skeletons and run for the car. It will give you time to get to the van.

He then turned to the girls to give them their instructions.

Girls go straight to the van, Grandpa Hughes said. At the van, open the trunk and lift the carpet. You will see a hidden compartment built into the floor. Open it, take what’s inside, and kick those skeleton’s butts!

What are you going to do, Grandpa Hughes? Hailey asked.

I’m going to help get people to safety, Grandpa Hughes replied. I’m getting too old for this kind of stuff, alright, now go!

Even though it was complete chaos, they all did their jobs. The boys got the wood, grabbed the rags, doused them in gasoline, wrapped them around the wood and lit them on fire. Hailey and Valeri made their way to the van.

Hopefully, Hailey and Valeri made their way straight to the van, Wyett said.

Don’t worry about them, Antonio replied. Remember, even in the wild west there were women who could easily handle themselves. It was a man’s world, but they didn’t care, and proved they could do just as much as men could. Hailey and Valeri have already proven they could hold their own thanks to Livedson and his goons.

A smile came over the boys. It was rare for Antonio to give advice, but when he did, it was right and brought them back to the situation at hand. Others appreciated that side about him, as he was always showing off and having fun quoting his favorite movies. Wyett and the gang never minded, because it was Antonio’s method of rising to the occasion.

Well, boys, let's have some fun, Wyett yelled, as he took off running.

That is music to my ears, Antonio replied, running after him.

Don’t get carried away, Antonio, John yelled. We must get to the van!

Whatever it is, must be powerful against skeletons, Pat followed up. Also, why do you even bother with Antonio? You know he’s just going to get carried away.

Just hoping one day I finally will when we need it the most, John answered.

Yeah, he can get carried away, but he always pulls through, Pat replied.

I goof around because you guys don’t know how to have fun. Antonio replied. You don’t live forever, so why not have fun when you are?

John and Pat took off after Wyett and Antonio. They met up with the pair near the skeletons. Wyett was just about to throw his stick when John stopped him.

Wait, John yelled.

What now, John? Wyett asked, as he was clearly annoyed.

I got an idea, John replied. Here, hold mine.

He gave his piece of flaming wood to Wyett and then grabbed some nearby beach towels and doused them in the remaining gasoline. He then placed them all in line. When John laid down the second towel, everyone caught on to what he was doing.

Nice, Antonio replied. A flaming barrier should give us some time.

Everyone else is gone, so we don’t have to worry about injuring people, Pat followed up.

When John was finished, Wyett lit the towels on fire. Once he was done, he threw his piece of wood at the skeletons. By luck the wood hit a skeleton and instantaneously the skeleton crumbled into a heap of ashes. 

Well, I guess these particular groups of skeletons are weak against fire, Antonio said, amazed at what had just happened.

What gave you that idea? Pat replied in a sarcastic tone. Could it be the skeleton turned to ash when hit by the fire?

Well, it’s a possibility, Antonio said, as a smirk grew on his face.

Knock it off already and throw it at the skeletons, Wyett said to bring them back to what was important. We need to meet the girls at the van!

Sorry, they both replied.

On that note, the three threw their wood at the skeletons. Just as like Wyett’s the skeletons turned to ashes almost immediately. With their wood gone, they did as Grandpa Hughes instructed and raced to the van, where they met up with the girls.

About time you showed up, Hailey said, as the guys stopped.

Wyett took a second to catch his breath. He then looked at Hailey and gave her an annoyed stare.

Sorry, John actually had an idea that worked, Wyett replied.

What was that? Valeri asked.

Wyett then explained how they created a fire barrier with some towels. He explained the skeletons were weak against fire and turned to ash instantly.

So, basically anything that is fire based will destroy these skeletons, Hailey surmised.

Yup, and what’s inside the van? John asked.

A bunch of sword handles, Valeri replied as she led the boys to the car.

Wyett looked at the open compartment. He then grabbed one of the sword handles and turned around.

What is it, Antonio? Wyett asked, as he tossed the handle to Antonio.

Sweet, Antonio yelled out.

Everyone turned to Antonio to find out what he meant. Antonio was the go-to person for weaponry, since many family members were in the military and opened their own weapon store.

These aren’t just any old sword handles, Antonio said. These are called Grams and you make the blade appear like this.

Antonio then flicked his arm, and the blade appeared with a red glow.

Why are they called Grams? Pat asked. Sounds like something Grandpa Hughes would use.

No, the maker of the line is big in Norse Mythology, Antonio answered. Gram is a legendary sword that was forged by a master blacksmith named Volund. Eventually, Gram was used to kill the dragon Fafnir.

Okay, Wyett replied. So, why is the sword red?

It’s red, because I thought of fire when I opened it, Antonio answered. It’s embedded with magic that allows you to change the element you want to use. Like water or fire.

The sword then changed to blue. Then he thought of fire and the sword changed back to red.

Okay everyone, grab a sword, Wyett instructed

The others all grabbed a sword and thought of fire. When everyone had red swords, Wyett peered into each of his friend’s eyes, knowing things will never be the same.

Alright guys, Wyett said. Let’s go send those skeletons back to Davy Jones Locker!

Yeah, the rest replied.

The people were gone when the gang turned and ran to the beach. When they got to the beach, the gang all stopped to survey the surroundings. The skeletons were rifling through people’s stuff, looking for jewels, gold and other valuables.

I guess old seadogs can’t learn new tricks, Valeri said as she turned to her brother.

That’s pretty obvious, Pat replied.

Antonio, Pat and Valeri attack from the right side of the fire line, Wyett instructed. John and Hailey, you follow me to the left side. Once you get past the fire line, scream ah to get their attention. Alright?

The gang all nodded and took off into their groups. Valeri, Pat and Antonio first reached their side of the fire line as they got closer. The three stopped and looked at each other. This was their first battle with something other than a human, so they were nervous.

We charge on three okay guys, Valeri said.

Okay, Pat replied.

Fine with me, Antonio answered

Okay then, Valeri said. One... two... three!

The three rushed at the skeletons while screaming at the top of their lungs. They did this to startle the skeletons and inform the others they were attacking.

That’s the others screaming, John said. We need to move it!

The three went into a sprint as they reached the fire line. Then they screamed while they ran at the skeletons. Within seconds, all six of them were fighting. Once they were engaged, their fear disappeared. One by one, they got rid of the skeletons as fighting seemed to come naturally after all their years of defending themselves from Billy Livedson and his gang. After a few minutes of fighting, the skeletons were gone, and everyone looked around for more.

Aw, Antonio said. There are no more skeletons! Man, I was having so much fun whopping their butts.

Nothing lasts forever, Antonio, Wyett said as he patted his back. "Good work