Monster Be-Gone

By Michael Hardy and Jay Gillies

"The new kid isn't afraid, but everyone else should be…"

 

When Alexander Ocean moved to Bentley Middle School, his young rowdy cousin, Jay, warned him that the halls were full of bullies, a crazed ex-Olympic sports coach and other scary stuff that would eat him for breakfast.

 

But on his tenth birthday, a dark voice whispered to his soul. He felt an unspeakable evil pull at his self-control. The influence entered Alexander's flesh and crept into Alex's mind. He was in danger of having his will swallowed by the deadly darkness.

Will Alex regain control, or will he become a destructive puppet of the evil fiend fighting to gain control over his soul? Will Alexander destroy everything close to him, or has evil found the wrong hero?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jay Gillies
• Release date: Feb 9, 2022
• ISBN: 9781096938927

Michael Hardy

Michael Hardy (or just Hardy to his friends) was born in South East Asia and was raised strongly in his country’s culture. Between the ages of 7-9, his family moved to England and he developed a love for western culture, but it unfortunately left a staggering effect on his previous life in his home country, leaving him very out of place there. Even now, that effect still remains. Around the age of 10-13, a family/friend, Oliver, introduced him into the world of anime with “Vampire Hunter D” on VHS, which to him is a hero that he can relate to and has a big influence on him. He bought that same VHS tape from a friend who stole the tape from Oliver. He didn’t read the book or manga until he was in his mid 20’s, which have also influence him as a writer. By the time he went to college and university, his roommate Mike, who wanted to be a film director at the time, inspired him to write a film script, but Mike lost it when he went back to his home country. Hardy tried to rewrite that same story as a novel, but was tired of writing it again, but it still motivated Hardy to become a writer. Then, in the year 2010, influenced and inspired for his love of Vampire Hunter D, the love and hate for certain vampire flicks, video games, Western and Asian monster folklore, and a friend on YouTube, who is also a writer, he created Kris Hellion, a story that he has thought of since his college and university years. He hopes that people enjoy reading his book and would like to hear what people like or dislike about it. Hardy takes heavy influences from anime, live action films, mangas, super heroes, video games, folklore, and pieces of his life that create his vision of his creation, Kris Hellion.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

Ravage King, Ravage King, covered in dark,

Find the broken-hearted, gives a deal, the dark spark.

Born from the night, his revenge against man.

Give a piece of darkness, he owns their lifespan.

With the brokenhearted, given the devil's deal.

Humanity lost, their souls are sealed.

Broken heart, monster heart, their bodies have changed.

The deal with the Ravage King, humanity’s mind deranged.

Promised for desires, make the innocent shrill.

Find the many victims, the monster must kill.

When the murders are done, the desires are theirs.

But one last deal goes, the servant must have heirs.

To humanity, the good, to fight when evil comes,

To bare your teeth to it, bite it in the…

CHAPTER 1: New Kid

Monday began. Loud shuffling footsteps filled the sidewalk as many knapsacked kids headed for Bentley Middle School. The building was brick red, two floors high with a flat rooftop. School buses opened their doors and kids piled out; parents were talking to other parents while their children waited. Hanging under the school sign was a banner that read School Science Fair with next week’s date on it. Many kids were excited since there would be no classes that day and they hoped that today would be nice and quiet for all to enjoy.

YEEEEEEE-HHHHHAAAAWWWW! 

The school doors slammed open with a mighty boom. A motorized go-kart flew out with its roaring engine screaming into the children’s ears. Many near the entrance dodged the vehicle. They jumped to the side of the concrete path. The kart landed and sped down the path. The kid driver inside of it, wearing a bike helmet and goggles, couldn’t stop wobbling like crazy.

GAH! the kid driver yelped as he held the steering wheel tight. Can’t … see…! Too … shaky!

But halfway down the path, the kart stopped shaking and the driver saw a boy upfront. His feet froze in fear. The go-kart driver hit the brakes hard. The kart screeched, turning to the side. It halted right in front of the boy. Dirt and dust filled the air, making the driver and the kid cough. 

Whoa! the terrified kid gasped. That was a close one.

Wow! The driver shook his head rapidly and looked at the kid. Sorry about that! He smiled and rubbed the steam from his goggles. I almost hit you. Whew! Adrenaline surged within the boy driver as he swung his steering wheel playfully. That was so much fun! Ha! I gotta do that again!

Are you crazy? The boy smacked the driver in the head.

Ow!

What is the matter with you? You…. The boy held his chest, feeling his heartbeat banging in his ears. You could have killed me! Man, I haven’t seen this much stupidity since my younger cousin….

Alex? blurted the go-cart driver.

Hey, how did you…? 

The go-kart boy took off his goggles before he ended the sentence. Both boys recognized each other. 

Oh no! Jay? groaned Alex.

Cuz? Jay yelled to his older cousin. Hey, buddy! You made it! So you finally moved into town! Welcome to Bentley Middle School, baby! Wooooo! he raised his arms. Alexander Blue Ocean in da house! And tag-teaming with Jay Cadman once again. He examined Alex. Hey, I recognize those clothes. Green jacket, grey collar shirt, blue jeans and sneakers. You wore them last month when…. But Jay's words stopped when his cousin frowned. Oh…. A little heartache crept into Jay’s chest. I’m sorry, buddy, I didn’t….

Oh my God! a man screamed from behind Alex.

Alex! a woman also yelled. Two thirty-year-old adults in business attire came running from their SUV that bore the sticker, Ocean Realty: Real Estate Agents.

Uh oh! Jay gulped, recognizing the adults. The woman was bushy blonde and pretty. The man was tall, wearing glasses, and had a businessman type of face. They stood before Jay’s cousin.

Alex, are you okay? the man asked, standing on his left. His heart pounded like crazy.

Alex! Blue! The woman kissed him repeatedly on his right cheek. Oh, baby! Thank goodness you are alright!

I’m fine, Mom, Dad. Alex gulped. Jay didn’t hit me.

Jay? both parents yelled out. Both pairs of angry eyes stared at the kid driver.

Um! He gave a nervous wave with a Yikes expression on his face. Hi, Aunt Sarah and Uncle Abner.

Oh … Jay. Sarah ground her teeth. Why am I not surprised that it’s you who’s always getting into trouble?

Um…. He pulled at his collar. It’s just a coincidence. He shrugged.

Oh, my wife is gonna have words with her sister, Joanna, son, Abner declared. Sisters always talk to each other. You are so doomed.

Jay slouched and groaned. Ugh! Not my mom! I am so toast!

JAY … CADMAN!

A Chinese woman—professional, wearing a figure-flattering blouse under a smart black cardigan—marched towards the go-kart. Behind her, other students crowded around. The teacher overshadowed the young go-kart racer and he gulped. Wicked brown eyes glared down upon him. The teacher then looked at Alex’s family. When Alex looked at her, it was as if time slowed down. When their eyes met, her beauty left him speechless with her brown eyes, her soft lips and her clear, beautiful skin. His cheeks glowed.

Ha! Jay belched a fake laugh and made the teacher turn. Hi, Miss Cassandra. He waved.

Don’t ‘Hi, Miss Cassandra’ me, you crazy cowboy. Get out of the kart this instant! How dare you try to destroy school property?

What? Since when was this old go-kart a part of school property? 

The teacher pointed behind him. There was a sticker that read Property of Bentley Middle School. 1960. 

Oh…. he belched.

Out, Jay!

Awww, man! Jay moaned. He got out of the go-kart. Busted! He patted the dust off his blue jacket, white shirt and jeans. He even checked his sneakers for dust.

And take off that helmet!

Meh-Meh-Meh-Meh-Meh! Jay mocked. He took off the strap and his helmet, revealing his long blond hair.

What is the matter with you? the teacher scolded. You could have hurt somebody with that stunt. You could have killed this kid!

Agreed! Sarah screamed at Jay. You almost killed your cousin!

Cousin? The teacher raised an eyebrow.

Oh yeah, Jay interrupted and turned to Alex’s family. Alex, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Abner. This is Miss Cassandra Yan. Miss Cassandra, these are the Ocean family. They moved here from Greenville.

Greenville, huh? The teacher nodded. That’s pretty far.

Jay turned to the Ocean family. Miss Cassandra is our fifth grade teacher.

The parents raised an eyebrow. Though she may have dressed the part of an educator, her age said otherwise.

Excuse me but…. Alex’s mother looked the teacher up and down, scratching her head. How old are you?

I’m nineteen, ma’am.

Nineteen?  Alex’s father let out in a disbelieving voice. My goodness! That’s young!

What? Sarah yelped. They are hiring teenagers in middle school now?

The math teacher folded her arms and gave a strict look. I’m actually highly gifted in math, Mrs. Ocean. I was a child prodigy and graduated university early.

Wow! Abner was impressed. That’s amazing.

I get that a lot. Now, if you don’t mind, I have to discipline your out-of-control nephew! The teacher pointed her finger at Jay.

Hey, easy, everyone! Jay waved his hands in the air. Let’s not play the blame game. Nobody is to blame for this go-kart thing. 

Fiery stares were aimed at the go-kart driver. 

Jay gulped. Okay, it’s my fault. Whatever. But nobody got hurt. I almost hit my older cousin, but look at him. He threw open his arms towards Alex as if presenting him to the three adults. Lucky me… HE’S ALIVE! ALIIIIIVVVVVEEEEE! Jay mimicked the voice of Dr. Frankenstein.

Well, let’s see if you will be alive when you go to the principal’s office! grumbled Miss Cassandra. And I’m telling your mother.

Oh, man! Jay kicked the concrete ground. Come on!

Give me the helmet, Jay! 

Jay gripped his helmet tight, shoved it into his teacher’s hands and crossed his arms. Witch, he mumbled.

I heard that! Miss Cassandra turned to face Alex’s family. I apologize for this. I’ll be sure that Jay gets disciplined.

It’s not the first time we’ve seen Jay do this, Abner explained. He and Alex have always been up to no good.

Really? The math teacher squinted.

Oh, no, no, no! Sarah waved her hand in a ‘no’ motion. You see, our son, Alex, my little Blue—

Mom….! A muted yell came through her son’s teeth.

He’s a good kid. He just covers for Jay when he gets into trouble.

It’s true. Jay joined the conversation. He’s like my little doormat.

Jay! the whole Ocean family shouted.

What? It’s true! Alex is a total wuss!

Let’s move on, Jay. Miss Cassandra turned her attention towards Alex. Alex, was it? Our principal mentioned to me about a new student coming today. You will be assigned to my class.

Sarah raised her hand. Oh, yes, I sent his transcript weeks ago from his school in Greenville. She gave her son a slight push forward. Alex, say hello to your math teacher.

Alex looked up at his teacher. His face flushed red; he fiddled with his hands and moistened his lips. His lips begged to say something, but he simply waved at her.

What’s the matter, kiddo? Abner stepped forward to his son’s side. Cat got your tongue? He noticed his son’s blush.  His head turned back and forth between his son and his teacher. Hmm…. He smirked.

What’s the matter with you, Alex? Sarah asked, patting his shoulder. Greet your teacher. You are being rude.

Oh, let’s let him be, her husband said in his son’s defense. He’s got the new school kid jitters.

He’s not the only one, Miss Cassandra stated. We have many kids in this school, good and bad, and then—the math teacher turned her head towards Alex’s young cousin—there’s Jay. He’s the biggest troublemaker in this school.

AND I AM … THE TROUBLE-MAKING KING! boasted Jay, raising his arms in victory.

Shut it, Jay, or I will triple your homework!

Yeah, like I’m gonna do it! Pfft!

Ugh! The teacher grabbed her head and shook it. Your nephew is a wild one. He’s not smart enough to stay out of trouble.

Alex raised his hand. A-Actually, there are plenty of ways to measure intelligence and human potential.

Measuring intelligence and human potential? Cassandra repeated him with such disdain. What are you talking about, young man?

I-I mean…. Alex fiddled with his fingers. Maybe you don’t think Jay is as bright as a button. But he could be in different areas. 

Jay's ears burned when he heard what Alex said. 

Like him playing with the go-kart, Alex explained. He was b-brave enough to use it. Bravery is a form of smarts in which action speaks louder than words and—

I’m sorry. Stop. The teacher stopped him and looked at his parents. Is your son saying what Jay did was smart? Endangering students, stealing public property and almost getting hit by that kart was the right decision?

Well, he didn’t learn that from us, Abner answered. Alex reads a lot of books and gets it from there.

 Really? The teacher crossed her arms and gaze at the new kid. That’s an interesting theory, Alex. But I believe in A, B, C, D, E and F when it comes to grading intelligence. Where did you get that information exactly? 

Alex heard disgust in her voice. Shame made him look down, frowning. I … um … I can’t…. His lips trembled. 

Well, spit it out, said Cassandra. Where did you learn that from?

The school bell rang. Many of the students who had been looking on now made haste for the school door. Cassandra heard the bell and exhaled.

Whew! Jay turned to the direction from which the bell rang. Saved by the bell. He gazed back at Alex’s parents with kind eyes. Don’t worry, Ocean family. He wrapped an arm around his cousin’s shoulder. I will take care of him.

Oh … that’s gonna terrify us even more, his aunt commented.

Ha, ha. Jay gave a mocking laugh. Come on, Cuz. He pistol pointed at Alex’s chest. Let’s go. We got to send you to the warden’s office to put you and me … in JAIL, JAIL, JAIL! he said. 

Alex groaned. I already feel like I’m in jail.

Jay, Cassandra called him, please stop monkeying around and take Alex to Principal Galen’s office to get his student card. And tell him about your little go-kart stunt.

Jay let go of Alex, lifted his right shoulder up and gave Miss Cassandra a bug-eyed look. Your wish is my command, MASS-TA. He answered her with a nasal Igor voice. He wobbled forward, facing the new kid. Walk this way, you poor mortal soul. Jay led the way, limping and dragging one leg. 

Alex followed behind his cousin.

Bye, kiddo, Abner shouted. 

Bye, Blue. Sarah waved. We’ll see you at home, okay? Jay’s mom is picking you up! Sarah waited for her son to wave back, but he didn’t. It broke her heart a little.

Cassandra shook her head. "You are not Igor from Frankenstein, Jay!" she yelled to Alex’s cousin.

"Igor isn’t from Frankenstein, ma’am, Alex stopped to comment. I thought you should know that." He continued to follow Jay. His back talk took the teacher by surprise.

He’s read the book, Sarah said, making the teacher’s head turn. It’s one of his grand…. She stopped talking for a moment and shook her head. It’s one of his favorite novels.

Oh. Cassandra nodded. Anyway, I gotta go. You are lucky to only have to handle one kid. I get to handle hundreds. The math teacher laughed. And I will take care of your son. Have a nice day. Cassandra rushed into the school.

Sarah crossed her arms and growled through her teeth. I don’t like her, she grunted. 

I know. Abner rubbed his wife’s shoulders. But I’m worried about Alex. Moving to a new town wasn’t easy for him. I mean, ever since your fa—

Don’t talk about him. Sarah gazed at her husband with stern eyes. That’s the last thing I want to talk about.

Her husband shuddered and simply nodded to please her. Okay, fine. Let’s … uh … let’s get to the office. We have more office items to unpack.

Yeah, we do. Sarah smiled. 

Come on. The husband and wife made their way to the car. Let’s hope we can get some things done. I can’t wait for tonight. My Superboy is becoming a super MEH-YAN! He let out an exciting yell.

Yeah. Sarah sighed. I can’t believe he’s turning ten tomorrow. He’s growing up so fast. I hope that—

It will be great, Alex’s father interrupted. I promise. I just want him to be happy.

Me too. She looked at her husband. Hey, do you think that math teacher was too young?

Oh, definitely, Abner snickered. I’m more worried that our little man might fail at math since Alex has a crush on Miss Cassandra.

What? Sarah’s jaw dropped.

Yeah, his face turned red. He was nervous when he was in front of that pretty young teacher. Didn’t you notice? 

Alex’s mother shook her head. 

Well, I did. I’d be nervous too if I had a teacher that pretty. And who knows. He might marry her. OW!

Sarah slapped his arm. The day he marries her is the day I divorce you! Now, let’s get our office ready, Abby! Sarah walked quickly ahead.

Sheesh, Sarah. Abner rubbed his arm. That really hurt.

CHAPTER 2: Bullies

The laughter of children filled the school's outdoor track field. Many activities were going on there. Kids walked around on the field talking, playing physical games like cartwheeling and tag or sitting down to eat. Blue skies conquered the air and a perfect cool breeze made the kids’ day.

The red jogging track had kid joggers running, losing their breath and sweating while trying to outrun each other. Their curly-haired coach timed them as they cross the finish line. 

You call that running? the coach yelled. My grandma with a prosthetic leg can run faster than you brats! 

Sitting at the bleachers was a sad Alex Ocean. He had a book in his hand. Finishing a chapter, he took out an object and unfolded it. It was a picture of him with an old man in a flannel shirt. They both had the same haircut and posture, only one had a bushy mustache. His fingers tingled, caressing the picture of that man, raising Alex’s spirits. He folded it and used it as a bookmark.

Ha! Boom baby! Jay appeared, jumping down from the upper bleacher. He landed and slammed his butt down next to Alex’s seat. Hey, Cuz! he smacked his shoulder. It’s a good thing I didn’t kill you, huh? You’d be as flat as a pancake. And I like my pancakes with lots of maple syrup. Jay licked his lips. Yummy! 

That’s not funny, Jay, Alex commented.

It’s a little funny! 

Alex shimmied away from Jay and put his book down. He turned his head the other way. 

Pfft! Whatever…. Taking a breather, Jay sat there with his foot tapping. He noticed the book in his cousin’s hand. Oh, good old Alex, he joked. Still a bookworm, I see.

Yeah. Alex showed him the book. I brought it from—

Freakin’ kids! Both boys turned their heads. The coach was yelling, stamping his foot and slamming his writing pad to the ground.

What is that guy’s problem? asked Alex.

That’s Coach Tim DeSharc, Jay answered.

The Shark? Alex turned to his cousin.

Yeah. Jay rolled his eyes. He was an Olympic champion until his leg injury a long time ago. Since then, he became the school coach. I know you don’t like sports, buddy, but that guy practically made it compulsory for all of us in this school. So if you think of trying to get out of it, it ain’t gonna fly with him. 

This made Alex sigh. 

Also, I heard him and Miss Cassandra are a couple.

What? The older cousin’s jaw dropped. Them? A couple?

Yeah, or at least that’s the rumor. Jay raised an eyebrow. Why? Why are you shocked by this?

Uh…. Alex shook his head. Forget it. I just want to get through the day.

Eh! Okay. When Alex held his book up, his young cousin noticed his bookmark. Yoink! He pulled it out.

Hey! His older cousin put the book down and tried to grab it. Give that back!

Whoa! Jay held his cousin back. Easy there, Alex. I just want a peek. He unfolded it to find the picture. Hey! That’s you and our grandpa Charles. Gah! I mean your grandpa Charles since technically you spent more time with him than I did. Hey! He turned to his older cousin. I thought your mom banned any pictures of him from you and your house.

Alex stood up and pulled the picture out of his hand. This is my private picture she doesn’t know about, he shouted and panted. So don’t take that picture away from me, Jay! 

His cousin had fury in his eyes and Jay didn’t want to tick him off. 

Whoa! Jay put his hands up. Easy, pal! I was just joking around!

You can joke all you want, but don’t you dare joke about my grandpa, EVER! Alex screamed so loud a few students nearby turned their heads towards him.

Jay’s face flushed. Whoa, Cuz! Chillax! Okay, I get it. Just … come on, sit down. He tapped the seat. Just be cool. Let’s not get the whole school rioting.

Taking a nice slow breath, Alex took his cousin’s advice. He dropped back down and stared at the picture.

Look, Jay said with sympathy, rubbing Alex’s shoulder. I’m really sorry. I know how tight you and Grandpa Charles were. His passing away last month is killing you. But I just thought we could, you know, be as close as a family like you and Grandpa were, huh?

Jay, Alex groaned, I do like you as a cousin but—he turned to him—you are not like my grandpa and we have nothing in common.

Nuh-uh! We have common things. Like what about that time we stole that shopping cart? Remember when we rode it to the other end of that big grocery warehouse?

Dude, that was your idea! Alex barked. We ended up crashing into a pile of cheese!

Oh, yeah! Jay laughed so hard; he held his stomach. We reeked of cheese for weeks.

That wasn’t funny, the older cousin grumbled. We got grounded for a month.

But you gotta admit it was fun, right?

Alex turned away and shrugged. Mm, maybe a little. He smiled a bit.

Ha! Knew it! Jay pointed. Look. Jay tapped Alex’s shoulders twice. It’s gonna be cool with you around, man. We’re gonna have a great night too.

Alex’s eyes bulged. Why? What’s on tonight?

Jay’s eyes went shifty. Uh, I didn’t say tonight. I meant every day.

Jay! Alex yelled through his teeth.

"Okay, okay! Our family