The Mighty: Welcome to Town Real

By Yader Hernandez

In a time when Illusions cannot be sifted apart from reality and living the truth seems harder than exhuming the dead, this is a story whose foundational birth occurred before lies ruled the land. Follow the Truecians as they are transported to another realm where in order to overcome, the veil that covers your eyes must be removed, and deception no longer rules.

In the time of Moses, there were three veils dividing the tabernacle of God, each having a name: the way, the truth, and the life. One of our characters has crossed the second veil and entered a place where natural light cannot pierce in and only the light of God reigns. It is up to him, the consecrated king and priest, and his friends to bring rule and ministry as they push against evil forces of darkness to bring about God's eternal purpose. We invite you to read The Mighty: Welcome to Town Real, a fiction that's real.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9781684986644

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Chapter 1: The Discovered

Chapter 2: A New Realm

Chapter 3: Hammered into Shape

Chapter 4: The Oppressed

Chapter 5: The End to Dead Works

About the Author

cover.jpg

The Mighty

Welcome to Town Real

Yader Hernandez

Copyright © 2022 Yader Hernandez

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2022

ISBN 978-1-68498-663-7 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68498-664-4 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter 1

The Discovered

Prologue

One night, two men decided to spend the night fishing, but there were other plans as the wind increased its whistling. The tinkling sounds of the wind chimes gave a loud and erratic singing as trees swayed emitting a mild but disturbing creaking. An odd burbling rumble affected the men's fettle, similar to the incessant prattle of water boiling in a kettle. Neighborhood outdoor lights flickered and tree branches on the floor began to pounce to the echo of a rhythmic ticker. What had been a rather dull night ripened into a voluptuous sight. No matter what the fright, these two men were determined to fight.

It wasn't this riotous just a few minutes ago, right?

No kidding. Maybe it will spook the fish right up to bite, answered one to the other as they both dragged their chairs to the site.

Then one told the story of a time when his dog fell in the canal and paddled as they both snuggled in their chairs like a well-fitted saddle. A lightning illuminated the surface of the turbulent water as their hearts jumped from the fall of a neighbor's ladder.

Don't expect me to stay here if it starts to rain.

Don't worry, I have some ponchos, you rattlebrain.

No! he insisted with much disdain.

The burbling sound from the water became slightly louder as their hearts beat like that of a freshly fished flounder.

Did you see that? A fish jumped over there. one said after his passion began to flare.

I reckon we are getting some tonight!

As long as we get those fish to bite!

The two men leaned forward on their chairs and kept reeling in to see if they had any stories to share. Struggling as they went, they continued on their quest without giving their arms a rest. Pieces of debris began to pass in front of them with great bustle, causing them to hustle. Chunks of dirt, tree branches, and even chairs were flowing on the river without refrain. They had always at least caught one fish, but the debris now entangled with their effort of keeping that flawless record. Fish began to jump and fly while they both considered them clever and sly.

Look at how many, said one as he stood up. It's a school of fish!

I can picture them now lying on my dish.

The jumping fish provided for a hypnotizing view for two eager hearts.

Alex, get the net, its right by the carts!

Why do I have to always be the fool? Can't you be the one to get the tool? He wanted to stay but ended up going instead.

The one who stayed kept fishing until he felt a sharp pain. It was the rod that became caught with the helpless foliage dragged by the water, and so he thought to himself, The whole situation is escaping my domain.

Oh no, we better postpone this for later, he mumbled.

He reeled his line completely in, considering that it was not ideal to fish, for he heard the sky rumble.

The rain began to fall heavily as he started to pack.

I got it, Alex puffed after running back.

I don't think that's going to be of any use now—he gazed at the water—the current is too intense, and it feels like if it's raining cows.

The wind noise turned into an almost constant howling, though the wind itself was keeping steady. Then a loud bang was heard almost as far as their eyes could perceive on this dark and alarming night. A large object had been caught by the tentacle-like anchors of a tree. They couldn't make it right out, so they walked toward it to get a better view.

What could that be?

I don't know, but it's fancy and shiny at least.

A large box?

Yeah, but well-made, and maybe it's worth a few bucks.

It was becoming loose from where it had become lodged. The water kept pounding at it until it budged.

Quick, let's get in position to jump before it floats away. They hoped they would snatch it, but the turbulent water kept them at bay.

We'll throw the net as it crosses! one said as he struggled finding footing on the edge while the waves continued with its tosses. They caught it with the net, but the force of the drag was not easily met. They pulled with all they had as someone tightening something with a wrench. But the drag of the water overpowered them, causing Alex to fall on the canal, leaving him useless and drenched.

Help me! he cried as he frantically swam while his friend saw a rope and ran. Alex managed to climb on to some roots while Luis, his friend, lassoed his boots. Come on, can you do a better job than tying my limb up? he complained as he himself began to climb up.

Alex made it to safety as his heart pounded and thought the whole situation was so weird that it could not be sound. They just caught a glimpse of the box floating away but didn't have enough strength to track it after it went on its way. Alex's drench body could do nothing but quiver as the box kept going on the canal like river.

The box found a resting place on the bottom where no one could see or even fathom, and the two friends were left with a minor spasm.

The discovery

It was a not so hot a summer day and a bit cloudy, so it seemed like a perfect time to be outside to enjoy the breeze and the smell of the outdoors. Three brothers decide it would be a good time to get the water irrigation tubing done so that the home garden could finally get watered by a switch of a button. Behind the house ran a canal and their genius idea was simple, use an electric pump to pump a bit of water out of the canal and supply the water needed by just turning on a switch; great day, great idea, but not the best execution.

Let's get a moving, c'mon, Kevin persuaded.

Chris with a frown of disapproval said, This will not take more than two hours, right?

Does it matter? The point is that we do this and do it right so that everyone who sees it is impressed.

Impress who? said Chris as he dragged his body forward.

Never mind. Kevin looked around for the other member of the expedition. Ivan!

Ivan lagged behind, realizing there was an overlooked detail that could hinder their success. I'm reading the instructions. It says that we have between the water tube and the pump's electrical cord, twenty-five feet.

And? Chris inquired with an apparent lack of interest.

Well, what that means is that it won't reach the outlet unless we have an extension cord.

And we don't have an extension cord, Kevin assumed.

Right, although we do have one inside hooked up to the TV which we could borrow, said Ivan.

We'll just have to buy one later. For now, let's go with what we have and—

And if he keeps reading and not helping, I'm going to miss the twelve o'clock start to the movie, interrupted Chris with a lack of enthusiasm.

Let's go! Kevin marched forward to the edge of level ground and onto the small but steep drop into the water. He had a visionary ambition behind this project. He could taste success and, of course, glory. Yet it was quickly to be stomped as they remembered the ever-lingering possibility of alligators. "Anybody see anything?"

Nope.

Nothing.

So they stared down the steep slope, one waiting for the other to volunteer, considering not only their hard-skinned foe but the complexity of the climb down.

I'll go. Ivan pushed himself forward. Seems like someone has to go down and tie things up. There were moments when Ivan knew, like from experience, that something was prophetically going to come true. He felt an urge to go as if incited. This gave him an image of having an inner intuition of adventurous daringness.

Not much to do. Just press this hook down into the soil so that it ties the tube secure, preventing any current from sweeping it away, Kevin explained, trying to calm nerves down, especially his. Great, yeah, we'll cheer you on.

If something grabs your foot, I'll—Chris hesitates—I'll jump in. Or at least call for help. Good job, get at it.

Ivan began his descent down the slope, grabbing on to anything on the embankment. Come on, little root, he muttered as some plants and its roots proved insufficient to hold him. As he reached the bottom and the soil got looser, he struggled with his footing.

All right, now throw me the tube.

Try grabbing it. Kevin threw the tube, and it landed next to him. Remember, just place it, hook it, and that's it.

Kevin worked on tying things up on level ground while Ivan wrestled loose soil and danger to get the small pipe secured to the ground. Chris was the lookout. Chris enjoyed being in the backyard. It became to him like a place of get-togethers and an opening to exciting activity. Still the twelve o'clock movie lingered in his mind but moved by the interesting adventures Kevin and Ivan always happened to stumble on, he stayed with them.

As completion approached their imagination started to picture the surprise on everyone's faces as they saw it. But little did they know that their imagination was going to go wild after what would be the greatest outdoor discovery of their young lives.

I think I got it.

You sure it won't be swept away? Kevin asked, seeking assurance.

I don't think so, unless we start to get torrential currents on this water. It's not like it's a wild river or something, said Ivan derisively and putting his arms up.

Chris giggled as they all felt a sense of accomplishment. They were on record pace and without any mishaps. They could taste victory, and that meant that everything became a little bit sweeter. The water seemed a little bit cleaner, the trees greener, and the mud not as muddy. The breeze, gentle and refreshing, and even Chris had for the moment forgotten the movie.

What the heck are you guys doing? an admonishing cry echoed from behind Ivan. It was Stephanie, their neighbor from across the canal, who had just effectively snapped the boys out of their short-lived euphoria.

We are trying to install our own watering system, Kevin answered with an air of pride. If this works, we are going to be able to water the plants by just a flick of a switch.

Whatever happened to using the hose? She was both concerned for their well-being but was also shy to reveal her interest in joining in. She had found herself in similar quests before and understood the perilous thrill that accompanied it.

Well, it looks very interesting, she said as she grabbed a few rocks from the floor. Allow me to help out. She threw rocks at Ivan. Don't fall in! She started laughing and mocking him as he made a pathetic attempt to dodge them.

Are you having a good time? he said with a flat expression.

You know, as much fun as I am having, I gotta go. Call me when it's ready. Stephanie had something to take care of though throwing rocks at Ivan gave her a kick.

Kevin, with raised eyebrow and elongated face, motioned and shouted, We will, and everyone else will know about it too!

Can you quit? said Chris while staring at Kevin. It's just a pump and a plastic pipe. Who is going to be impressed with it?

Kevin shrugged his shoulders. Girls will, Chris, so let's finish.

Stephanie headed inside, but she had effectively thwarted their state of stupor. With a newfound focus, the three of them summoned their strength to lay finish their endeavor.

Hey, you know something we forgot? Ivan chuckled.

What? answered Chris, bewildered.

How to get me up!

Kevin smiled. Maybe we might just leave you there.

Hold on, I got an idea. Chris ran to the side of the house. He noticed something the day before lying on the floor that might prove to be of aid in this time of trouble. He ran back quickly, followed by a rustling sound. This will help. Grab on!

Chris was dragging a long dried palm tree branch, brown in color. He extended it to Ivan who stood ready. Holding on to one end of the branch while Kevin clutched on to him, they both got ready to haul their distressed friend from the bottom.

Just hold on tight! Kevin said as his voice shook a bit from a trace of doubt.

Ivan clasped his hands on tight to the branch and assumed a proper position. All right, pull!

The soil being loose and a bit muddy left Ivan with very little to push off from, so he was left to depend on his two teammates and a dried-out palm tree branch to pull him up. Chris and Kevin struggled, but it was working. He was slowly climbing the steep slope. Ivan could almost feel level ground when all of a sudden, there was a cracking sound coming from the branch. Then it suddenly snapped completely and left Ivan defenseless in the air and heading straight to the water.

Aaaahhhh! he yelled as he forcefully fell back into the water.

They couldn't do anything but just numbly watch the defenseless backward plunge down. With less than two thoughts gathered in their stunned minds, they called, Ivan?

Are you all right?

Just swim! they yelled while he gasped for air.

Out of instinct, he started to feel for the floor to push from. The rush of cold water up his shorts was an awakening sensation to the unknown that lay beneath. Yet he quickly felt something solid to stand on. With his head above water surface, he answered, I'm fine. It's not that deep anyway. I-I think I'm on something hard here.

They were both on the edge of falling looking down, trying to figure out what just happened. Kevin relieved blurted with the small of accumulated air that had settled in his lungs after the shock.

Good…good. That was a harsh fall.

Ivan stood straight up with gathered confidence and said with a loud voice, Let's talk when I'm out of here. Now try it again!

They tried the hose with a different outcome, and Ivan finally reached the top and sat on the ground as he reminisced on their toil. Though his clothes were all wet, he was rather thankful for what he presumed to be a rock.

That was awesome, he said with a resounding smile. Water dripped from his hair, but he cared less; he had enjoyed the thrill.

Kevin tried to sweep the thoughts of dread. Great job, and I guess we have more to talk about now.

Chris wondered out loud, It wasn't that deep, huh?

With a smile and an uncertain delight, he sat straight and said, I think it's just deeper than my height, actually— He paused and released an uncontrollable maniacal laugh. The water is nice and cool, and-and you know something? There is something there that kept me from sinking my feet on the muck.

Chris headed toward the edge to get a better vantage point. You know what, there is something. A big rock it seems.

All three stood by the edge as they stared down, trying to make out the object through the obscurity of the water. The more they looked, the less it started to appear like a simple rock. It was rectangular and not situated in a manner you would expect a regular rock formation.

It moved when I stood on it, said Ivan, giving Chris a tingling sensation.

Kevin interrupted the squinting wondering eyes. Do you want to finish what we started or wonder about some dirty murky thing at the bottom of a canal you wouldn't fish out of.

Right, right, and I'm going to miss the beginning of the movie. He frantically moved his hand. We better hurry.

The brothers hurried and did finish their ambitious irrigation project. Everyone who saw it was curious and welcomed the effortlessness of just turning on a switch and having the plants in the greenhouse get watered. For Ivan, though, the success of their project paled in comparison to the dirty murky thing lying on the bottom. His feet stood on something firm and what did not appear to be a rock. Ivan's heart was inclined to uncover the mystery that hid beneath.

*****

Later on in bed, while Chris was entertained playing the video game The Savage West, Ivan was quiet in his bed. Chris was earnestly trying to beat the rumbling wave of bandits trying to upheave his town. With his tongue slightly out of his mouth, he made out a mumbling coming from Ivan.

Chris, listen to me!

Right now, I'm in the middle of a war zone trying to salvage what I can from an evil uprising! What do you want?

A few days ago, I heard that mysteries are things not generally known but that are meant to be found out. I believe that big rock is a mystery. He turned his head toward Chris.

Chris blew some air. If I lose just for listening to your imaginations, you are in trouble.

What do you mean? You are not curious to try and get a closer look at it?

Auuugghhh, no!

Listen, you and I can make a great team. Let's go down and explore. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?

Chris glanced at Ivan with a serious expression on his face. Didn't you see your shoes and clothes? They are wet and dirty, and now you want to mess with mine too? he said with a raised tone of voice.

Small sacrifices, that's all. Anyway, they could be cleaned.

Small sacrifices add up and—

Yes, yes, but something inside, like intuition, tells me this could be a special find, interrupted Ivan.

All right, Mr. Explorer, we'll talk tomorrow. Maybe tomorrow you might be able to convince me, but right now, I'm trying to beat an undead band of headless horsemen trying to pillage my home, and all you've done is made me hungry with all this wondering.

Ivan's heart started to pump just a little bit harder. His inner intuition was telling him that it was more than a rock on a waterway floor, but for now, it was just time to close his eyes and halt his expectations. That which lay beneath would not stay hidden as long as he had the power to uncover it. Eventually, Chris turned off the game and fell asleep too. He knew that Ivan's stubborn heart would not let him free tomorrow; but if helping him in his small quest meant shutting him up later, than it was worth the small sacrifice.

*****

Roosters began to crow next to the bedroom window where they both lay. Chris was already up while Ivan was awakened by the yapping.

Darn bird, Ivan cursed his feathery foe.

See, neighborhood chickens and roosters would jump into the backyard for a morning snack almost every day. A nuisance? Yes, but what can you do about it?

Well, after cursing the chickens, I guess it's only fitting to pray now, he whispered to himself.

Ivan and, in fact, all three brothers were pious, understanding the necessity of living a life not led by good and evil but by the inner intuition living inside them. He stayed there and prayed, asking for guidance.

Breakfast table

Hmmm, very good scrambled eggs, Chris said.

You know what? After this breakfast, we will be able to take over the world! Ivan said grinning. It's that good.

Or you guys are that hungry, said Ms. Lapiz with skepticism. Finishing up some more fried bacon, who wants? Her cooking always attracted good comments, kept her household well-nourished and attended, though she knew that no one lives by bread alone. What do you guys have planned for today? Is it going to be a chill out day or finishing up for Friday?

Kevin put the spoon down. No time for us to just chill out. We do have that event Friday night that we are planning with the rest of the youth group.

Kevin, you know that everything is basically ready. Ivan placed his spoon down and looked steadily at Kevin.

Chris coughed and said, How about the food? Usually one of the most important aspects of any meeting. By the way, I'm voting for pizza.

Kevin glanced at Ms. Lapiz. We have preparations to take care of.

Wait, all that's left is to make a few phone calls and let the rest play itself out. It will work, Ivan insisted.

Kevin became uneasy and felt things heading in the same direction as before. Let everything play out was to him a lack of assuming even basic responsibilities. He believed in having faith but knew the importance of hard work. My opinion is that the more work you put into something the better the result. Between us, we could create a great event with great results.

Knowing he was in a battle that would not yield any change on Kevin's outlook, Ivan spoke his argument softly, The more of us we put into something, the more us it's going to look like, and ‘us' is not the result we strive for.

All right, ‘us' need to talk about something else or the food is not going to sit well in ‘us' stomach, said Ms. Lapiz with a sweet voice that could not be countered.

Thank you, that's what I was thinking, Chris said with eyebrows and hands pointing up.

Conceding to the disguised rebuke, Ivan stopped his persistence. We'll look over it later. You know, whatever else needs to be put in order.

Yeah, let's do that, said Kevin as he placed another spoon of scrambled eggs in his mouth.

Ms. Lapiz cleaned her hands with a kitchen towel. Good, now finish everything up in peace before you guys go out and take over the world.

They left the breakfast table and watched some TV. All was but forgotten about what they saw the day before in the water. Apparently, the night's sleep had all but numbed Ivan's excited heart. Something would have to happen to rekindle the interest of figuring out what that mysterious rock was.

Chris heard something in the backyard and went to check it out. He came back in with reddened cheeks and huffed, Hey, Kevin, Ivan, the girls from across the canal said if we are willing to play a game of volleyball at their yard.

Sounds good, Kevin answered, never wasting a chance to show off his athletic skills. We could use the inflatable raft to cross over the water. We'll make it an adventure.

That's a great idea, Ivan said while he found himself whisking toward the closet.

Kevin followed along, It will surely impress them.

Their childish emotions grabbed a hold of them, and without knowing, they found themselves slaves to games. Ivan had previously noticed how easily enticed he was to something fun, and he didn't like it. He had tried to stop his mind from wandering into the same old games that trapped many into unfruitful outcomes. This time, maybe he could excuse the occasion if it meant spending time with the neighbors.

All three of them sprinted out of the house and into the backyard. They found themselves again having to maneuver the embankment.

You know what we need? Ivan looked around. To use a different route to head down.

True, there is an easier way down past the coconut palm tree, suggested Chris.

They inflated the raft as fast as they could and began their stumbling climb down. Then they placed the raft on the water and started their cross over, much to the surprise of their neighbors.

You look like three clowns on that raft, Stephanie yelled as they laughed and jeered at them.

Despite the ridicule, they could not deflate the boys' passionate outburst. They reached the other end and, with moderate difficulty, climbed up to the other side. They all enjoyed a full Saturday morning with plenty of exercise, lots of shouting, and lots of jumping.

I thought boys were better at sports than girls, Carol taunted.

Ivan tried to rally the troops, Come on, we need to strike at the weakest point—that's Jenny! The volleyball game had become a fierce battle for bragging rights.

Don't let them scare you! Stephanie countered.

The brothers found it hard to come together and coordinate while playing, so they never had a chance. Yet nobody kept an exact tally of the score. They were just glad they were there and didn't have a care in the world.