Wyett Hughes: The School of Hard Knocks: Wyatt Hughes

By Paul Kasprzak

Wyett and his friends continue their question to find all six jewels and prevent Lucifer and Hell's army from opening a portal to Earth. Along the way, the gang learn some hard lesons.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paul Kasprzak
• Release date: Feb 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201400606

Book preview

Chapter 1: Vacation is over

It was late on the first night of summer and a lone figure was sitting on a lawn chair on the backyard patio of his family’s house. He was staring at the stars, appreciating the peace that nature brought that night. Last year, he and his friend’s worlds were changed upside down. He lost his beloved grandfather and was thrown the fate of the world on his and his friend’s shoulders. 

It’s amazing how beautiful the stars can be when it’s peaceful, Wyett said to the figure that was standing in the dark behind him.

They are honey, a figured replied, as she stepped out of the darkness. However, that is no excuse why you’re up late. You should be in bed preparing Wyett.

Wyett refused to budge because he knew the quiet would soon end. It was mid-July, but Wyett knew his summer vacation would be over when the hunt started again. Wyett refused to budge, knowing the next few months would wain, the calm before the storm.

I am mom, Wyett replied. I’m admiring how beautiful nature is during the day and at night time when it’s peaceful. Nothing will ever be the same as soon as he touches Earth.

The figure he meant was Lucifer, but we know him commonly as the Devil. He was God’s right-hand man before vanity, and his own arrogance led him to turn on God. Now, Lucifer and his minions on Earth were plotting to attain the first jewel that Wyett and his friends discovered, along with the map that would lead them to the rest of the jewels.

You know what I mean Wyett, Mrs. Hughes said in a stern voice.

Mrs. Hughes was stunned at the maturity and growth her son exuded. However, she was his mother, and she had a duty to do so. Mrs. Hughes knew she probably would have done the same thing if she was in his shoes, but she knew she had to push him beyond his limits, as the world depended on it.

Wyett smiled, then turned his head into the night and replied, I’m fine, mom.

Wyett knew that his mother had something to say.

Wyett, I would probably do the same thing if I was in your shoes, Mrs. Hughes stated. However, I’m your mother and I must do what is best for you. You have been sitting on your rear too much, so tomorrow morning you’re getting up bright and early and going back to church to train for the next part of your journey.

Wyett turned to the night sky, knowing the peace he enjoyed these last few weeks was ending.

I know, ok, Wyett replied. I wanted time to freeze, but I know that won’t happen. So, I’ve been resting, relaxing and just admiring the peace.

I know Wyett, Mrs. Hughes said as she got up and put a hand on Wyett’s shoulder. I know it’s a lot for your age, but you accepted it.

Wyett turned his body back towards his mother, stunned at the statement she had just made.

I never said I didn’t enjoy the responsibility, Wyett retorted. Also, I never said I felt it was too much for me or the gang. The one thing I won’t tolerate is people questioning my commitment to this cause, which includes family.

Nobody was questioning your commitment. Mr. Hughes said as he emerged from the back door. We do the same thing in your shoes, but we’re your parents, so it’s our job to push you.

Wyett knew his parents were telling the truth. After a minute, the back door opened as his twin brother, John, came out. He just could sense his twin brother needed a drink, as it was hot out. As John walked toward Wyett, Mrs. Hughes went inside and, on the way, put her hand on John’s shoulders. 

However, John agreed with his brother as they and the others need the break. They never told their parents it was by luck they had the first jewel and map. Father Jonah knew the whole truth, but he was still in the hospital recovering from a near fatal gunshot.

You and I both know we cannot sit at home all day, John said.

I know, and I don’t expect to, Wyett replied.

Why have we been sitting here for a couple of weeks? John asked as he sighed in frustration.

Simple. We need Father Jonah, Wyett answered. We need him so we can access the other databases in the church.

Why can’t we access them ourselves or someone here in America? John asked.

It’s because nobody has ever seen the clue outside of us, Wyett answered.

What do you mean? a confused John asked. You gave the clue and the jewel to them after we got Father Jonah to the hospital.

It took only a second before John realized what his twin brother did. John turned towards the backyard, trying to understand his twin brother. It was only a few minutes before he realized his answer.

You wanted to make sure there are no spies in the church, John surmised. That means you gave them a fake map and clue!

Exactly, Wyett answered. Grandpa Hughes was entrusted by the church to hide the map and jewels. So, the jewels would be secure until we came along. So, we have to keep it to ourselves to ensure they don't fall into the wrong hands.

Wyett then opened the drink his brother gave him and drank half the bottle in a mere few seconds.

Also, not so loud, Wyett said in a low, panicked tone towards John. You remember how I stopped at home before we got to the hospital, so I can change?

You switched them at home, John stated as he tried to figure out how his brother just pulled something like that off.

Yes, I’ll explain another time when we’re all together again, Wyett followed up.

Why did you block me out from your thinking after what happened to Father Jonah? John replied in an aggravated tone.

Wyett got up and walked towards the rim of the back porch. Once he reached it, he put his hands on the rails and leaned over in disgust. Wyett then took a deep breath and turned to his brother.

I just simply wanted to make sure that everything was secure, Wyett replied. Also, I felt you guys deserved a break, but that was a mistake. Also, I should’ve told you what was going on. However, we really need Father Jonah if we are continuing with our journey.

John dropped his head in disgust, but said nothing to avoid an argument. Anyone in the church would’ve been fine with the rest of the gang, but Wyett instead went on Father Jonah.

Fine, we will wait for Father Jonah, but you’re going to have to explain to Mr. Sato why we waited, John replied as he walked back into the house. John stopped as he approached the back door. I hope waiting for Father Jonah was worth it, because Mr. Sato is going to drill us hard until we get back into shape.

Wyett walked to a corner of the back porch and stared into the dark.

I know tomorrow is a new day and I cannot predict what will happen. Wyett stated as he turned around to his brother. I can assure you and the rest that whatever happens, I will keep all of you informed from now on.

John took a deep breath before he answered, I know, but we answer to a higher power now.

John opened the back door and was about to walk inside when the brush, which Mr. and Mrs. Hughes used as a fence in the backyard, rustled.

Looks like I will get the information on how you pulled one off tonight after all, bro, John stated as he walked back to his brother and then patted on his shoulders.

Wyett shook his head and whistled into the dark, a sign to his friends that the coast was clear. A few seconds later, the rest of the gang emerged from their hiding place in the woods, which was next to the brush. Pat was the first to greet the twins with their customary fist bump. Valeri was second to approach and did the customary Floss greeting. Antonio was the next to greet, and after a second, they did their customary Wild West Draw. 

Hailey was the last to greet, but unlike the rest, she stood staring at Wyett. Hailey and the rest did indeed overhear what was said between Wyett and John. Wyett’s explanation made complete sense to them. Lucifer’s minions were always right behind, as if someone knew their plans, which was why they interrogated Grandpa Hughes. Somehow, Lucifer and the Livedson family found out Grandpa Hughes was the only one who knew the location of the jewels. Hailey didn’t enjoy being left out of the loop.

I bet it’s safe to say all of you overheard John and I talking? Wyett asked in a sorry tone.

Yes, we did Wyett Robert Hughes, Hailey replied as she stared at Wyett. My problem is that you didn’t trust the rest of us with what you were thinking.

I’m sorry, Wyett replied. Something wasn’t sitting right with me about what happened, and I wasn’t sure. So, I kept it to myself, so you guys wouldn’t worry.

Give the guy a break, Hailey, Valeri said. Livedson found out what we were doing and followed us to the cave. Do you think Wyett was the only one that noticed this? It was obvious something was up since they never tried getting into the Church.

The gang was terrible at keeping secrets from each other. Hailey knew something was up and sighed in disgust that she got mad. She just didn’t like secrets being kept from her.

You know something, Hailey, Wyett said as he put his hands on her shoulders. It’s okay that you got mad. I shouldn’t have been keeping secrets from my best friends. I really wanted to make sure things were safe, have a break, and Father Jonah healed properly.

I guess it’s time for another story, a voice said from the woods.

The gang was stunned as they recognized the voice right away. They turned around and saw Father Jonah emerging from the woods.

Father Jonah, but we all thought you were still in the hospital still? John asked.

Actually, I just got out tonight about an hour ago, Father Jonah replied. I just need to take it easy for a couple of days. But Wyett's suspicions are right. There’s a mole in the church and that’s the reason he was entrusted with hiding them.

Why didn’t you just tell us from the beginning? John asked.

Everything was new to you and that can be overwhelming, Father Jonah explained. I felt once settled, and you got the first jewel, it be time to fill you in on this once. However, as you know, things happened. The only other people who know about the mole are Mr. and Mrs. Sato.

How are you sure about the moles? Valeri asked.

A blue light shot out from the woods behind them. After a minute, both the Archangel Michael and Grandpa Hughes emerged.

I guess that is where we come in, Grandpa Hughes replied.

After Lucifer confronted God, Michael became the right-hand man of God. However, his power to appear on earth was limited, as he was severely hurt in a battle that prevented Lucifer’s minions from opening the gate to hell on earth.

So, I take it your powers have grown more since you are appearing outside of the church? Wyett pointed out that the blue hue surrounding the Archangel was stronger than before.

Yes, but I can only stay a few minutes outside of the Church, Michael responded. Inside, I can now stay hours at a time thanks to the power of God and the faith of humans in him.

I take it vacation is over? John asked. 

Yes, with Father Jonah now fully healed, your vacation is over and time to get back to the journey, Michael answered. Tomorrow you must figure out where you are going. With Lucifer’s minions still out there, the journey will be dangerous, but I’ll help anyway I can. Finally, work on growing your powers, for evil doesn’t rest and surely is stronger.

So, I was wrong for taking the time off? Wyett asked Michael.

No, you’re right to do it, because it’s easier to travel from church to church with Father Jonah, Michael replied. Mr. and Mrs. Sato’s specialty are military varieties like tactics, hand-to-hand combat and weapons. Father Jonah’s is logistics, like supplies, gear and other necessities that are needed. Yes, there’s a mole in the church, and Grandpa Hughes will inform you what must be done.

The blue hue around Michael faded, and the gang knew he had to leave.

My time has grown short and I must go, Michael said. I will see you later. So good luck until then.

Once he was done talking, the blinding blue light appeared once again, marking his departure.

Well, that is my cue, Grandpa Hughes stated.

Chapter 2: School’s first lesson

When I was young, I had two best friends, Grandpa Hughes explained. Of course, one was Father Jonah, but what you don’t know is the Livedsons and Hughes were also best friends at one time.

The gang was nothing short of stunned. They knew something tied the two families, but to hear that Hughes and the Livedsons were once friends was just mind numbing. All their lives there’s been nothing but hatred from the Livedsons and pity from the Hughes. It was hard to wrap their minds around the notion that the two families were once friends.

What? the group yelled at them.

I know what I said is very hard to hear, Grandpa Hughes replied. Herod Livedson, along with Father Jonah, and I were all once friends. Our friendship was so strong, we thought it would last till the end of our days, but one night changed it. So, to understand, I must start with the day we met.

Grandpa Hughes sat down, looked at the sky, and sighed.

The three of us met in church, Grandpa Hughes started. We signed up to be altar boys, which is where we met, and Father Jonah serves right now. Eventually, after years of service, we learned the secret behind the church.

Grandpa Hughes then cried at the memory of his old friend. The gang sat still, knowing this was very tough for Grandpa Hughes. They knew they could do nothing physically as Grandpa Hughes died, but they knew he needed a minute as the memory was still hard mentally.

What happened to Herod was that he suffered the same fate as the rest of his followers, Grandpa Hughes explained. He just simply fell in love with the power that Lucifer offered like the rest of his minions, but Father Jonah and I were too late to recognize what was happening.

He was your best friend, Grandpa, so how could you miss it? John asked.

Sometimes the mind doesn’t want to see the truth, Grandpa Hughes started his answer. Sometimes you’re with someone for so long that you cannot get your heart or brain around the simple truth.

So, how did you know Herod became a follower of Lucifer? Antonio asked.

I caught him trying to steal the jewels from the Church, Grandpa Hughes explained. I forgot something one night, came back, bumped into Herod as he was exiting the front door, and a jewel dropped to the floor. Right there, I knew Herod turned on us, so I tried to convince him not to listen to Lucifer, but it was no use. A struggle ensued, and Herod took out a knife. We struggled to control it and we fell with Herod falling on his own knife, killing him.

Grandpa Hughes then sat down in his favorite old lawn chair near the door and took a deep breath.

The Livedson family then swore revenge on us, Grandpa Hughes continued. Now, that is how they became his principal lieutenant. A word of wisdom, though.

Grandpa Hughes closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear, Grandpa Hughes started. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving to one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Amen, the group replied as they all knew it came from Ephesians 4:29-32 in the bible.

Things will progressively get tougher than your journey continues, Father Jonah interjected. Remember to do the right thing. Like if a poor person is hungry and you're low on supplies, you still give them food instead of turning them away. Remember, just one thing.

What is that, Father Jonah? Wyett asked.

"We are nothing