Not Really Enemies

By Gratflix

Not Really Enemies

Set in a small city, in a world in which animals are like humans and have to deal with racism, class, instincts, and many other things from the real world, this novel tells the story of a bat who meets his longtime enemy. But they do not act like enemies, creating a frenemy relationship. They join forces to defeat a common enemy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 2, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887938325

Book preview

Not Really Enemies

Gratflix

Copyright © 2023 Gratflix

All rights reserved

First Edition

PAGE PUBLISHING

Conneaut Lake, PA

First originally published by Page Publishing 2023

ISBN 979-8-88793-819-6 (pbk)

ISBN 979-8-88793-832-5 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

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About the Author

As I walked through the fire and explosions all over the street, fear and panic dominated, and the sirens wouldn't stop screaming, with red and blue lights accompanying them. The sweet darkness of night covered me. Unnoticed, I observed the flames consuming the place. What a beautiful view, but at the same time, it was sad because that was a very pretty building.

Well, I guess not anymore, I said with a mocking laughter.

There was just something about the fire that I found satisfactory. I just loved to see it spread, but I couldn't stay longer, or else I'd be late to watch the news.

I was hoping that Dark was seeing this because he wouldn't like it. I think that was one of your buildings, wasn't it? What a shame, I said as I was leaving the place. The reason why that building was on fire was that Darky thought he could get away with things. But he cannot if I have some say about it, I said to myself while I was walking angrily through the street.

I already knew what was going to happen when I arrived home, and I was ready for it. So when I finally arrived and, as expected, the phone was ringing, I decided not to answer it…not yet. First, I had to check what Geo and Emiko were doing. They were always doing dangerous things, not that I worry about them, but they were mine, and by some kind of instinct, I had to take care of them. Surprisingly, they were sleeping, so there was nothing to worry about, a bit contradictory.

The phone was still ringing in the living room, and I decided to answer it this time. Oh, hello, Dark. Do you like what I did to your beautiful building? Very impressive, right? I said while I was turning on the television and hearing all the terrifying news of the building that had just exploded.

Darky didn't sound so happy. You destroyed my building. I won't do anything about it, but if you do it again, you and I will have more problems, and none of us want that, B.! He didn't say much, which was a bit disappointing. I was hoping for more, but at least I got a threat.

He hung up the phone before I could answer, so I called back, but he didn't answer. That frustrated me, but then the words he said resonated in my head, and a strange chill took over my body.

Something isn't right, I said as I was standing up and looking around. I was not sure if it was what Dark told me or something else. All was too quiet. Suddenly, I started to feel sleepy. That was weird. I didn't normally sleep at this time, but then I noticed a gassy substance all over the house, then I realized those kids were playing with my sleeping gas!

I ran to the basement and called my vollings, but they all were on the floor. My mask was not in place. I was already starting to fall, and everything was so blurry that it was hard to think clearly. I just barely got into the kids' room and passed out at the door. I couldn't find where the gas capsule was…

The morning arrived, and I was on the floor. I wasn't able to move. My head was hurting so badly, and my eyes were barely open. I was paralyzed. Those kids would be in so much trouble.

Good morning, sir. Would you like some coffee? said one of my vollings. I was not sure which one of them it was; I couldn't see his number.

Who are you? I asked with a barely calm voice; inside, I was burning with anger not just because of the gas waste.

I'm Number 7, sir, he replied.

Number 7, the luckiest of numbers, I said with a wicked smile and started to laugh. My poor, poor volling started to laugh awkwardly, and I stopped laughing. If you don't want me to detonate you, go find Geo and Emiko and bring them here! I yelled angrily and furiously.

Obviously, Number 7 started to look for them.

Fourteen minutes passed by, and I was slowly able to move again, but my head was still hurting. And Number 7…well, I think there would no longer be a 7. I stood up and stretched. I decided to find Number 7 and find out why he didn't do what I asked.

I started to walk downstairs to the kitchen, and I passed by a mirror and saw my reflection, which reminded me that I was a bat with wings but never learned to fly. But it did not matter, not since the Rule of Zero Wings, when no one was allowed to fly again due to accidents. That was years ago, even before my own mother was born, but still, I would like to fly someday… When I said those words, I…I remembered her, but not the good memories.

Or at least not the real ones…

M-Mom? I whispered, looking at myself with horror.

"What's a mom, Dad?" said a little voice from behind me.

I turned, and there was Geo looking at me with a confused face. Where were you, Geo? I sent Number 7 to look for you and your sister, I replied.

He told me that he was playing hide-and-seek with Number 7.

And where is Emiko? I asked.

"Ooh, Number 7 already