The Songs in Our Hearts Book One: Reaching Out

Chapter Thirteen: The Outside World

After feeling a tongue (ew) lick his entire face, Sora's sky blue eyes fluttered open to find a dog with golden fur and long, black ears. A bright green collar was adorned around its neck. Through blurred vision, Sora could make out a brick wall and a few wooden crates.

"What a dream..." he murmured, still unaware of the strange and new scenery. His sky blue eyes closed again, ready to go back to sleep. A scream left his mouth as the dog pounced on him. He was wide awake now and fully aware of the unfamiliar setting. "Oh my gosh— this isn't a dream!" Sora cried.

As he stood up, the fourteen-year-old studied his surroundings. A starry, night sky loomed over head. Sora was in a space between two buildings. At the exit of the alley, he could make out a dim, orange streetlamp.

"Where am I?" he wondered, looking around. The area was quiet. "Oh, boy," Sora muttered to himself. Bending down, he asked the dog, "Do you know where we are?" For a moment, the dog stared at him with a blank expression.

Suddenly, his ear shot up, and he bolted out of the alley way. Sora's expression turned distressed as he watched the dog leave and disappear around a corner.

"Hey..." he called out, but the dog was already gone. Deciding to take a look around, Sora stepped out of the alley and onto a brick path. As he walked around, he caught sight of a few people standing in an open area that was lit with streetlamps. "This is totally weird..." he whispered under his breath, trying to take in his surroundings. "I'm in another world!" Sora exclaimed in wonder as he looked around.

Turning behind him, Sora noticed a sign on a door.

"Accessory Shop"

Hoping that he would find some answers, Sora pushed on the doors and stepped inside. As the doors behind him closed, he noticed an older man behind the counter. The man wore a white T-shirt that fit tightly around his well-built body, and spiked blonde hair covered his head.

Turning around, the man began to ask, "Hey there, how can I..." He paused as he took a good look at Sora. Sora did the same, taking note of the goggles strapped around the stranger's head and the tough look on his face. The man's expression turned disappointed and he groaned to himself, "Aw, it's only a kid." The brunette pouted at the remark, and he marched up to the counter.

"I'm not a kid— I'm fourteen!" he corrected the man. "And the name's Sora!" he spoke in an irritated voice; the man huffed a little bit before putting his hands on his hips.

"Okay, okay, simmer down," he grumbled irritably. Sora's eyes widened a little bit. Maybe he did come off a bit harsh. "So why the long face, Sora? You lost or somethin'?" the man asked, a change in his mood apparent now.

"No!" he protested, but then he thought for a moment. "Well, maybe," Sora murmured a little more to himself rather than the man. Looking up, he inquired, "Where are we?" and waited for an answer. The man gave Sora a strange look.

"Huh?" he grunted in confusion. "Didja hit your head? We're in Traverse Town," the man explained.

"Traverse Town..." Sora repeated softly. "I'm from the Destiny Islands. So, gramps, is this really another world?" he asked in wonder.

The man's face turned red and he scolded, "Don't call me gramps!" through gritted teeth. "The name's Cid!" Sora sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. Cid rolled his eyes and regained his composture. "Anyways..." he began. "Not sure what you're talking about, but this sure ain't your island," Cid explained, his gaze cast to his left. With a disappointed frown forming on his face, the boy crossed his arms over his chest and thought. After a brief moment, he came to the conclusion that Cid might not be too much help at the moment.