The Mighty: Absence of Man: Book 2 in Series

By Yader Hernandez

The Truecians are called back to Town Real after a bloodsucking creature captures villagers for its experiments and digestive delight. Ivan and the rest of the Truecians make their way to face Batton, a formidable foe, with the goal to free the captives and put an end to the creature's fleshly desires; but an unexpected twist not only thwarts their effort but catapults them into a whole new objective. Join the Truecians in their quest as one of their own goes missing and the development of God's purpose for His house to be established and grow takes centerpiece. So take the leap into this young-adult fictional story based on a town that is real.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Newman Springs Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887633244

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Chapter 1: A Life Taken

Unlikely Servants

A Different Spirit

A Battle to Remember

Chapter 2: Unforgotten

Finding a New Way

The Window

Victor

Holiness

Chapter 3: Conspirators

A Different Species

One True Owner

A Biting Menace

Chapter 4: A New Emergence

Back at Work

Absence of Man

Back at Crafty

The Light

Reality Experienced

Justice

Life Is Unity

Risen

Chapter 5: Multiplication

An Unlikely Servant

The Real One

Chapter 6: A House Filled

Stuck

No Holding Back

About the Author

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The Mighty: Absence of Man

Book 2 in Series

Yader Hernandez

Copyright © 2023 Yader Hernandez

All rights reserved

First Edition

NEWMAN SPRINGS PUBLISHING

320 Broad Street

Red Bank, NJ 07701

First originally published by Newman Springs Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88763-323-7 (Paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88763-324-4 (Digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Chapter 1

A Life Taken

R uana, come and look at this! said a man bringing a load of wheat unto a horse carriage.

How much wheat did we harvest?

So much that we are going to be able to eat and share. He took a handful and showed it to her. This is pure, no contamination. He was unable to contain his smile as he looked at her.

Ever since the rain was restored to its normal state, we have been having grandeur and, of course, purer crops. This is so exciting. She clasped her hands together as they both went to a barn.

They began to unload the wheat to its place as the sky became gray.

We might have rain again.

Is that a good thing, Sergio?

The more rain, the faster the plants grow.

They kept unloading and arranging the wheat into piles when the rain started. They brought the horse and the carriage inside the barn and just sat down for a moment to enjoy the view. Water poured down from the roof, and Sergio got the irresistible urge to collect it in a bucket.

I can't recall just how long we went without feeling the sensation of uncertainty, not knowing whether the rain was acid or normal.

That acid rain sucked. She laughed and kicked up her leg at the straws on the ground.

Wanting to allow the horse to rest, he proceeded to untie the horse from the carriage and tie him up to a hook close to the door of the barn. He sat back down again, but it wasn't too long before the horse began to lose his cool. First its ears started to flick back and forth, then it began to snort and shy away from the door. Afterward, it began to frantically walk to the inside of the barn up to where the reins allowed him.

I think this horse doesn't like the rain.

Funny, that has never happened before. He moved it from the front of the barn to a wooden pole at the back.

Being that the animal calmed down, they continued to enjoy staring at the rain and how puddles were forming on the ground.

Hey, I dare you.

What?

Go run from here to the pen entrance and come back.

Right…and for what purpose?

For the purpose of having a good time. Now go.

That's silly, but I…I will give it a try.

Then go on. I'm waiting.

He stood up and took a few seconds to prepare himself and plot out a path in order to avoid unwanted mud. Then he went out in an attempt to outrun the rain, if possible. He touched the entrance to the pen and came back. She clapped and cheered.

Yeah, don't be too happy because you are next.

Water dripped down his face, and besides his best effort, he was pretty soaked. She was next, but just as Ruana stood up, they heard a loud bang on top of the roof. The horse began to snort again and get jumpy.

What was that?

Maybe a piece of wood became loose.

Or hail?

Maybe. I'm going to try and calm the horse down.

He walked to the horse while she went to the entrance of the barn.

She extended her arm out of the barn and felt the rain. No hail here.

No? Then maybe it was something else!

He was combing the horse when he heard a bang coming from the door. He turned to see, and Ruana wasn't there.

He went to the entrance of the barn and yelled, Ruana, you dummy! Don't you know that hail could hurt you? Where are you!

There was no answer apart from the continuous rain crashing against the roof and ground.

Ruana! He peeked outside, expecting to spot her.

He became concerned not hearing an answer and grabbed a plastic covering and went out to look for her. He came upon a group of stray sheep clearly frightened. With mouths open and harsh breathing, they circled around. You could see water being dispersed as they breathed intensely. Not giving it much thought, he kept along, trying to find Ruana.

Sergio, are you enjoying the rain to its fullest? said a villager from his window.

No, I'm trying to find Ruana. He adjusted his plastic cover and approached the neighbor. I don't know where she went, and there…there were sheep just strolling around. Actually they seemed frightened.

They must have jumped the fencing. I'll be right out.

Sergio remained put waiting for his neighbor, Mr. Rony. He kept a watchful eye for any sign of Ruana, and then he heard a racket coming from the front of Mr. Rony's house. The front door of the house was not in his viewpoint, so he paced quickly to get there. Once he reached the corner of the house, he heard loud yelling.

Mr. Rony!

Sergio, get me down!

Mr. Rony was being taken away by a large creature with wings. Sergio ran and screamed desperately. Other neighbors heard it and came out but were unable to do anything. Mr. Rony was being flown away captive, and everyone feared the worst as they witnessed the horrific sight.

Sergio fell on his knees in the middle of a muddy puddle and cried. It probably took Ruana too.

The neighbors came to his aid and comfort. Others attempted to follow, but it cleared the area fast. All feared it, for it was one powerful polyp. They heard a loud screech as the animal went out of view, and their hearts sunk a bit at the thought of their fate.

Unlikely Servants

Has it been strange living here? asked Stephanie.

Melissa was fixing her bed. I have never felt more at home than when I'm with you guys.

They both finished and made breakfast.

Mom! Stephanie cried.

What do you want?

Did we get any pancake mix from the supermarket?

Yes, it's by the top shelf closest to the fridge.

She opened the shelf and shuffled things around. Oh yeah, it's here.

Melissa followed her with a grin. The toughest part must've been explaining what happened to you guys for the two weeks you were missing.

They were hysterical, but after telling them—she winked—maybe not all the truth, but enough, they thought we were crazy and stopped asking. Stephanie took a spatula and pointed it at her with a maniacal expression. You were rather difficult to explain. Good thing Chris came up with an idea.

Thanks for giving me lodging.

You can count on us.

I heard people talking back at Cadaecia. You know they tend to be more scrutinizing, saying that you guys must be like princes over here. She smiled. You are not.

There is no one special but God Himself. She handed her a plate of food.

That's true.

Stephanie bit her lip while trying to remember. In Corinthians, it says that we have this treasure in jars of clay, that is us, so that it is obvious that this surpassing power is from God and not from us.

What is the treasure?

The life of God that was…was… She paused.

Was what?

It might sound weird, but the life that was inseminated in us, and so therefore the first new birth is accomplished.

Oh geez, try to explain that to a group of people.

Stephanie sat down with a smirk. That's why we opt to only say—she made funny mimicking gestures with her hand—we were born again yet there is a seed that is planted in us that now starts to grow.

You said, she whispered, inseminate.

Oh, shut up and eat. Your immaturity is apparent.

They laughed.

The Truecians had all but adapted back to their usual state of everyday happenings. They were at Town Real for only about two weeks, but it was enough time to change their perspective. Back here, though, where things were not seen as they really were, they couldn't reveal entirely what they had gone through. Ivan, for example, was back at his job.

A register rang as Ivan typed on the keyboard.

Would that be all, sir?

For today, it is, son. Thank you.

All right, that will be seventy-five thirty-two.

The register opened, and Ivan put the money in their respective slots.

Thirty minutes till you leave. Better start picking up, said a coworker.

Ivan went into the shop's aisles and started to organize and arrange everything in its place.

Someone asked him a question, Would you know the difference between this pillow and this other one?

Ivan went ahead and explained the difference to the best of his knowledge. The customer left happy but placed Ivan a bit behind in his organizing task. That was just fine as long as the people left satisfied. When he finished, he said goodbye and went home.

How did it go? asked Chris.

Are you still playing video games?

Yes, I'm almost at the last challenge. By the way, Mom made food.

Good.

Ivan ate and went for his scooter. Riding the scooter was his pastime and a superficial way to connect with his other duties, for through the neighbors, he was reminded of how much responsibilities he held at Town Real. At Real, everyone basically inquired guidance from him. Here, though, he was just another young man in a herd of many although some people considered him a fine young man—well mannered and disciplined. But was that it? The whole purpose in life is to have a good reputation or to make a good living, procreate, be productive in society, or read the Bible. Nope, that wasn't it. He knew that. It had never been it. There is an eternal purpose.

Along the way, his attention was captivated by a couple of ducks that were in an intense fight.

Hey, stop, Ivan said as he approached them.

The ducks were exhausted from the battle. He was able to break it up, but the ducks were very expressive of their disgust for each other. He ended up feeding them, for he always went out with a bag filled with crushed-up corn. After finding out that, in Town Real, everything was under his domain, even animals and nature itself, he tried to rule the same way here. Although man lost dominion over the created, when he left the dominion of God, Jesus had come to restore it. When Jesus stopped the storm that was raging, He didn't do it as God but as a man that was subject to the rule of God.

Ivan knew it; and this was one of the realities that palpitated in his heart—that man will sit in the throne with God as said in Revelation, a wondrous, hard-to-believe kingdom truth for us all. And as he got closer to the holiest place—that is, the very presence of God—he knew there was less of him in him and more Christ added. For no one can enter the holiest place but the high priest Melchizedech and become the minister that God wanted, a consecrated one. To serve God and bring joy to his heart. He heard that said a few times, and it was becoming more of a living experience.

For a natural man's eyes, though, he was just someone that rode his scooter and broke up duck fights.

That same afternoon, Kevin decided to cut the grass outside. He went into the shed to get the lawn mower. He saw the famous ark. It was covered. They had not opened it in the four months they had been back. Ivan sometimes would sit next to it and clean it, but that was about it. It had become but a relic in the shed. Sometimes Kevin would move it around when he organized the shed but was careful not to disturb it too much. He didn't want anything crazy to start happening. But as he began to take the lawn mower out, the ark began to shake.

He was stunned. Oh, boy…I didn't even touch you.

Kevin felt the oppressive tension and took a seat. Then he heard a compartment open.

I guess that means I should check up on you, he told himself.

Kevin knelt down in front of the ark and uncovered it. It was his compartment. His pouch was clearly visible! He took the pouch out and stepped out of the shed. He didn't know if he was falling into temptation or if he was just following the lead given off by the ark. He opened the pouch and saw the sword—the sword that had been used for so many adventures.

Activating it wouldn't hurt anyone.

He checked around, making sure no one was looking. He was careful. He wouldn't want anyone realizing what he was holding. When he was certain that it was all clear, he activated it. The sword unfolded to a raucous schwing sound, and he began to swing it around. Although the sword brought responsibilities with it, it was indisputable that it overwhelmingly gushed out, upon each one of them, peace and security. But not long was he out there till he heard a disturbance coming from a neighbor.

Hey, get off my yard, a neighbor said agitatedly.

Kevin looked over, bewildered. The neighbor was four houses down, right on the canal. He was speaking to an odd man walking in the yard with a distressed demeanor. He told the neighbor something, but Kevin couldn't make it out. Kevin kept watching as the man jumped the fence and headed his way.

A beggar? he wondered.

His shoulders were sloped down, and he kept asking for someone.

Hello, he would say while standing at the backyard of a house, I'm looking for the Truecians.

Once Kevin heard Truecians, he leaned backward against the tree he was hiding behind. His heart began to beat faster. He had conflicting emotions run through his soul. On the one side, he thought of all those creatures they faced and barely made it out alive from. On the other side, he thought of Revine. It didn't take long before Revine won the battle.

Did you say Truecians? Kevin shouted as he stepped out from his hideout.

Yes, yes, are you it? I mean—he stammered—I've been sent to find them… Mr. Spoof, my friend! He jumped the neighbor's fence and then another until he was close to Kevin.

Kevin held the sword right in front of him. Don't get any closer for now. The last time we had visitors, they were not too friendly.

The man took deep breaths and collected his composure. My name is Sergio. I am from Town Real, and I need help. There have been a number of people taken, and we have no way of getting them back, one of which is a good friend of mine.

Taken by whom, and why are you wet?

Mr. Spoof sent me through the unconventional way, through the river, the same way the witch used to send her creatures.

Oh, keep going. What is the problem?

Batton has gone mad for blood. It has captured about six people since the Truecians were there. People are missing from my village as well as other villages.

You mean the big, ugly polyp with a laboratory?

Yes, the grand polyp.

I knew this day will come. I'm going to tell the others. Come with me.

Kevin knew that the situation required immediate attention from them all.

Hello, answered Steven.

Steven, this is Kevin. Can you make it tonight at my house?

Yeah, what's up?

We have a visitor from Town Real.

Steven's eyes opened wide. A what? Somebody is here from over there?

Yes.

Didn't know that was possible. I'll get ready and go.

Steven hadn't seen Tany for a while now, and any news of Town Real felt like a closer connection to her. Believe it or not, Steven had kept talking to Tany over the phone—yes, the same phone he had given her. He would call to check on her, and so did Kevin talk to Revine. The least they could do for the time they were separated was talk to each other.

Steven drove to Kevin's, where all the Truecians gathered. Steven came in the room, and Ms. Lapiz was serving some snacks.

If I had known with time that there were so many of you coming over, I would have had something ready, said Ms. Lapiz, somewhat embarrassed.

It's all right. We didn't know either. It's quite a shock for us too.

She was surprised by the response. So what is the gathering for?

Ivan smiled and bent his head. Don't know, but we are about to find out.

Sergio ate bread without stopping, maybe to calm his nerves or maybe to regain the strength he had lost since his encounter with the dark, thirsty grand polyp. Ivan finally made reference for him to speak.

I never got the chance to meet you, but some of us are aware of your zeal for Town Real. I'm from a village called Zoee, and about two weeks ago, we had a terrible thing happen. His eyes drooped. Two friends of mine were taken by a beast.

How so? asked Melissa.

It was a regular day. We had just come back from picking up the harvest. Zoee has quickly become gooey-green-stuff-free, and we are trying to produce and distribute goods fast so that all of Town Real can enjoy pure food. Then we heard something. I turned around, then Ruana, my friend, disappeared. I went outside to look for her, and a neighbor came out to help me. After that, I heard a noise in front of his house, and it was Batton. It flew off grasping my neighbor, and I know it holds Ruana captive too.

Chris lightly slammed the table with his arm. I knew that animal was going to come back for retribution.

Well, I have since investigated, and…and it turns out six people are missing, and they are very certain that Batton is behind it.

Ivan looked at his hands and clenched them. Has it taken this many people before?

No, no, that is the other part of the story. There has never been so many missing people at once ever before.

We probably left it with a bad expression the last time we met. Now it is taking more than it needs.

Someone even told me this. His lips quivered. It might be recruiting other polyps to become bloodsuckers, powerful like it, and that is why it is collecting more of us now.

Tomorrow, by this time, we will be in Town Real to look into this matter, said Ivan. That life sucker will not achieve its goal, and we will get the missing back.

Steven seemed puzzled. You know, it was hard enough to explain what happened to us for those two weeks we were missing. What will we say now?

Stephanie rubbed her face. I won't know what to say.

C'mon, guys, you know this is important. Take heart and come up with the best little twist of the truth as possible.

Some of them sighed and put their heads down.

I have something to say. Kevin stood up. Before Sergio came along, I was about to go cut the grass. I went into the shed—he reached into his pocket—when the ark began to shake and a compartment opened. Kevin became a bit passionate while talking. My compartment opened, and it just felt like somebody was calling me. You know who. He cleared his throat. Anyway, we can't let anything stand in the way of this calling.

The Truecians nodded.

And one more thing, we need to check up on Revine and Tany. Tha-thank you. He placed the small sword on the table.

There was a pause in motion from everyone until Steven's blood flowed fast enough.

I agree.

Then we are all in agreement, said Ivan.

For tonight, Sergio, you can stay here, here outside. I mean, like in the shed. Sorry, I don't know you.

The rest grimaced and shook their heads at Kevin.

What?

That night, they fell right asleep and didn't put much worried thought into the matter. Tomorrow they had to engage in an adventure, but for tonight they were exhausted.

Early morning, everyone packed their things and went to the shed. They made sure everyone had arrived before they grabbed their items. Even Pinker was there.

So this is the famous ark, said Sergio. He reached to touch it.

Melissa stopped him. Look but don't touch. She paused to soak in its majestic image. Should be handled only by those it's meant for, spoke she, placing much emphasis on the for.

Stephanie placed her hand on the eagle. The compartment opened. Chris placed his hand on the buffalo. Its compartment opened. Ivan placed his hand on the lion. Its compartment opened. It was thrilling to hold their items once again.

There is something else in mine.

There was an additional pouch in Ivan's compartment. It was red in color. He picked it up and opened it. It was another small sword. It didn't have gold in it, though. He lifted it up for all to see.

So now you have two? Stephanie asked.

Ivan opened his white-golden pouch; and there it was, his sword, the one with golden outlines. He became puzzled, and so did everybody else. He placed the other sword in its red pouch. The whole time, Steven was quiet in the back, just sitting down; but something grabbed on to Ivan.

Hey, Steven, I want you to try something. He threw the red pouch at him, and he caught it. Try activating this.

You think? said Chris with excitement.

Let's find out.

Steven untied the pouch's laces and saw the sword with red outlines. He picked it up. Heavy for such a small dagger. He turned it, examining its design. You mean, press this red jewel-like button, right?

Yes, go, press it! exclaimed Kevin.

He pressed the button, and the sword unfolded. He wasn't ready for what came next since the sword extended, almost reaching Kevin as it finished.

Hey, watch it.

Wow, that was amazing, said Sergio.

All clapped with joy.

Hey, wait, Mine has another item in its pouch. Now I have five items, said Stephanie.

She lifted a small bow and a quiver with arrows in it all tied together. The bow and quiver also had a small button in it. She pressed on it, but nothing happened. She pressed on it again but nothing.

I think it might be broken.

Or it is not meant for you, said Ivan.

Melissa doesn't have anything. Let her try it.

Melissa grabbed the item from Stephanie's hand with reverence. She pressed on the button, and the bow became bigger.

Yes! she said emotionally.

All the Truecians celebrated with her and knew that they had become a more complete body.

Are we going to go back the same way that I came over here?

No, we have our own way. Ivan opened the lid.

There it was, the ladder leading a few steps down to the tunnel. They entered, descended, and took the short walk to the door.

We ought to be careful. This will probably take us to that ship with those annoying apes.

Sergio made his way to the front. I remember now…something that Mr. Spoof told me. They were going to use powerful firecrackers to keep the gorillas away from the ship the whole day.

Great, said Ivan as he opened the door.

The door took them to the main hallway, where they had seen Donald's name inscribed on the door. They all exited to the quiet hallway.

Stephanie spoke with wry grimace, I could smell that the stench hasn't changed. She held her nose.

They crept forward in perfect unison.

There is the hatch door on the floor that leads to the bottom and our way out, said Steven.

They opened the door; and they all made their way, leaving Chris and Ivan on top, when a small infant gorilla showed up in the hallway.

I guess not everyone left, said Chris as he tapped Ivan's shoulder.

Ivan barely saw a glimpse of the infant before it went back to the room and cried loudly. The floor began to shake, and Ivan urged Chris to climb down. Chris jumped into the hole, and then Ivan started his way down when a full-grown female gorilla showed up banging on the floor. It charged