Author's note: This is my first fan fiction (though I've been stalking the site for some time now), so light, constructive criticism would be the best, I think. I hope this idea hasn't been used too many times before, if at all. I try to steer away from clichés, but somehow or another I always think I'm stealing someone else's work.

"people talking"

"dogs talking"

'people thinking'

dogs thinking

- - - -

Some say that each leap year, all pets under the range of a full moon go missing for a matter of days. In these days, the pets take the form of a human under that moon. Then, after it passes, these pets return to their owners, unharmed and safe. Or so some say.

- - - -

Sunday

It was Sunday. That could mean only one thing- something Sora looked forward to every other day of the week: Park! He lapped at the water in his dish a few more times before turning away.

He raced through his home, a cozy, three room apartment, complete with a small kitchen and an even smaller bathroom, until he came into a more than familiar room. This room was his own. Centering this room was a bed, a large one at that. The bed had not always been there, since he was a pup, but it had been exchanged recently in place of a small one that was not big enough for himself. Himself, and the other, of course.

Get up, get up! "Woof!" he said with excitement, springing onto the mattress with a thud. "Woof!"

Beneath the blankets, a figure groaned. Shortly after, it rolled over. Sora cocked his head to the side and sniffed at the sheets. Why wasn't he getting up? He looked out the nearest window, through cracked blinds. It was barely sunrise, he noticed, which meant his pet wasn't supposed to get up for another hour, or what he liked to call clicks (clicks, because of the expected sound a clock in the living room would make when each hour began), or so.

He didn't care. It was Sunday. There wasn't an ounce of wait left in him. Get up! He howled loudly, throwing his head back. After a moment of wailing, he relaxed, his tongue hanging limply between two pointed teeth as he panted. His tail wagged. He barked again.

"Okay, okay!" was the irritated response. "I'm up, Sora, I'm up!" Sora beamed and leaped off the bed, watching with enthusiasm as his pet tossed the mess of blankets and sheets from his body. The man blinked and gave a massive yawn, stretching his limbs and sighing deeply. He looked to an alarm clock resting on the bedside table. He squinted his eyes, then groaned. "Six-thirty?" he asked. "You seriously woke me up this early?"

Sora whined at his feet.

"Oh, that's right," the man said. He closed his eyes and sighed once more. "It's Sunday."

The word, Sora recognized. He bounced and gave a single bark. Yes, yes! Sunday, it's Sunday!

The man stood from his bed and fetched some clothes. "You're never this excited on other days," he remarked without glancing at Sora, almost as if to himself. "But then again, I'm always working on other days, huh? We don't get to spend time together like this a lot." He leaned over and scratched behind one of Sora's ears. The dog closed his eyes, rump hitting the floor, and he panted with pleasure.

Mmm. He smiled.

"Okay," his pet said. "Let me get dressed, and we can be on our way. But you know," he added, waggling a finger, "any other day, I would be angry for being woken up so early."

He walked into the bathroom and closed the door, and Sora watched from his place on the carpet, still smiling, the fur behind his left ear still tingling from the man's touch.

o-o-o

Sora's pet was named Riku. Riku was Sora's pet for several reasons: he was hired to feed Sora, take him on walks for pleasure, bathroom breaks, or both. He was also required to feed Sora his favorite mix of kibble (the kind that had a different assortment of meat tossed in) twice a day, and bathe him once every week. That day usually fell on Saturdays, and though Sora didn't particularly enjoy the bathing, he didn't mind either, because he knew the following day was always a nice reward for his patience.

In Sora's mind, and perhaps in a good state of thinking, he was the master, and Riku, undeniably, was his pet. His dog. Riku was his plaything, hired to be at his service.

And he loved it.

Sunday was always Sora's favorite time for the week. Most of the time, it was the same, but he did not care. The schedule was something he had grown accustomed to. He never really liked changes, anyway. Now, first thing in the morning he would wake his pet, who would complain for a moment before preparing himself to take Sora out. Sora would prepare too, by shaking or licking himself, which Riku often scolded him for (and for a reason unbeknownst to him). After getting ready, the two would leave their home, Sora on collar and leash, and Riku, of course, controlling the leash.

But Riku didn't really control anything. So long as it wasn't in the road or someone's flowerbeds, Sora was allowed to go virtually anywhere. He led with confidence, walking with long strides as he and his pet went on their way. Riku stopped sometimes and talked to other human pets, much to Sora's displeasure. He would wait though, because a good percentage of the time these pets also had owners, and some of them were Sora's friends.

"Hey, Kairi!" Sora barked, tail wagging ferociously as he and Riku approached a man with a red Collie at his side.

Kairi yipped and licked Sora's cheek. "Sora," she whimpered in a sweet tone, "it's nice to see you! How are you and your pet doing?" She looked at Riku, who was deep in conversation with the other man.

Sora shrugged and sat, scratching behind his collar before replying. "We're good," he barked. "Riku has been working later than normal each day this week, so I have to wait for him at night off regular time. He hasn't made his curfew once at all the entire week! He's been at least…two clicks late each night, I think."

Kairi narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. She licked her lips. "Well," she began, "Squall has been late sometimes, too. And he always smells like another pet. I think he's out playing with other pets without telling me, but I don't know. I can't really ask him." She yipped a few times with laughter. "Maybe it's the same for Riku?" she suggested. "You can't really blame him, if that is the case. He could be lonely."

"Lonely?" Sora puffed his chest out and sat in a proper manner. His lips twisted into a grin. "How could he possibly be lonely? He has me, Kairi. And I'm all he needs."

"Sure, Sora," said Kairi in a hushed voice, as though the humans were listening. She gestured toward them. "But look at them. Squall- Leon and Riku, they get along so well, don't you think? I agree, our pets are our good companions, but I also think they need the company of other pets, too."

Sora thought for a moment. He scratched behind his collar again. "Hmm… Do you think so? I guess that makes sense. But still…I wish he'd at least tell me, you know?"

Kairi shook her head. "Sora," she barked, "you can only understand about one in each fifteen words he says to you. And a lot of those words have to do with 'food' or 'walk'. And you really expect him to tell you anything at all?"

"…Well, I don't know."

"You know, Riku," Leon said, pointing at Sora, "I think your dog might have fleas. He seems to be scratching an awful lot lately."

Riku laughed and patted Sora on the side. Sora nuzzled his leg in return. "Nah, I just think his new collar is agitating him." A red, satin collar was worn by Sora with pride, a new tag shining in the sunlight. "I put some good money into that thing, too. He'd better not tear it up with all that scratching he does."

Leon stuffed his hands in his pockets, shaking his head. "I don't know why you put so much money into that dog. Hard earned cash," he said, stroking Kairi's head, "should not be spent on things like collars for dogs."

"Well…" Riku trailed off and let his gaze slide down to Sora, who looked back at him with crystal-like eyes. "…I love him, Leon." He scratched behind Sora's ear. "He's my best friend."

"Man's best friend," Leon laughed. "Riku…you really are a sucker."

o-o-o

After meeting with Leon and Kairi, Sora was happy to find himself trotting through soft green grass. It felt nice under his paws, the freshly trimmed lawn. The surrounding air was crisp and warm, the perfect feel of a perfect Sunday. Sundays, they were always perfect. Sundays were the best days.

Riku always brought a Frisbee when he and Sora went out on Sunday. They'd play for a while like that in the park, tossing and retrieving, tossing and retrieving, keeping true to Sora's breed. It was an hour or so before they stopped to rest, both of them panting. Sora would collapse on the ground beside Riku, underneath the same oak tree they rested under every Sunday.

They shared a water bottle, sometimes. People stared. Riku and Sora often shared things, which surprised even Riku sometimes. Who in their right mind ate or drank after a dog? He'd shake off the thoughts and go on with his day. The loud barking of Sora would tell him his dog had found a new squirrel or cat to chase.

This Sunday, it was a cat. The cat was not new to Sora; he had been seen before, strolling in the park and grooming its fur by the lakeside. Sometimes it would lift it's head and look at Sora before bounding away into bushes or the nearest tree.

Sora took much interest into chasing this cat. And he didn't chase others- only the one, because he found it oddly amusing to mess with the timid clump of fur. "Hey Zexion!" he howled, legs springing after the cat as they both sprinted across a large clearing in the park. The cat yowled and threw itself into a tree, and on its perch it hissed.

"Y-you s-stupid dog!" Zexion curled his forelegs under his chest and licked at the messy clumps of fur on his paws. His eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. "Why don't you mess with someone else, huh? I think Roxas is around here with his pet somewhere. Go bother him."

Sora whined and paced beneath the tree. "But I like to bother you," he argued. "Roxas is here, though. Well, I guess I could go catch up with him. It's been a whole week since we last spoke."

"Good," Zexion spat. "Stupid dog."

o-o-o

"Sora!"

When Sora heard his name being called, he had already began making his way back to Riku. He knew his pet would scold him for running off uninstructed like he had done, but it would soon be forgotten. He padded up to Riku and noticed another human standing beside him. He was grinning. Axel? thought Sora. Then that means…

"Sora, nice too see you here!" It was Roxas, another Labrador that Sora was very familiar with. In his eyes, their biggest difference was the color of their fur: dark, chocolate brown, and a silky gold. "I knew I would- I told Axel before we left that we'd meet you guys here." Roxas nuzzled Sora briefly before the two dogs pulled apart.

"Silly," Sora laughed, "everyone knows pets aren't intelligent enough to understand what we say."

"Is that so, or is it us that doesn't understand them?"

Sora shook his head and nipped Roxas playfully. "Yeah right," he chimed. "That's pretty funny."

Roxas smiled and sat beside the other dog. His eyes traveled to Riku and Axel. The two men were laughing about something neither Roxas nor Sora could understand. "Pet stuff," Sora barked softly. "It probably wouldn't make sense even if we could understand what they were saying."

"Yeah," Roxas agreed.

"Well, we better get going," Axel sighed.

Riku raised his eyebrows. "What? It's barely noon," he said.

Axel chucked and looked at Roxas. The dog's tail thumped on the ground. "Yeah, I know. But we have some things we gotta take care of. Right, buddy?" He gave another small laugh. "I have to run by the store and pick up more food for Roxas. He's been eating a lot more than usual, and I think I might have to put him on a diet if he doesn't stop gaining weight… He's nearly two and a half years, so I think his weight should be balanced by now. But anyways, I'll see you guys around, okay?"

"Yeah, okay," Riku said with a grin. He leaned over and gave Roxas a pat on the head. "You be good," he said, and earned a single bark in response.

"Bye!" Sora called as the dog began trailing away beside Axel.

Roxas turned his head, tail wagging frantically. "Bye Sora!" he barked, and disappeared into the distance, out of Sora and Riku's sight.

o-o-o

The dog and his "pet" stayed in the park past noon until the sun had risen high into the autumn sky, a milky mixture of white and blue. They left then and found something to eat at a nearby ice-cream parlor, Sora's table undoubtedly being the heated sidewalk. Sora had no argument; the cool sweet tasted just as good to him as though the ground had nothing to do with it (and really, maybe, it didn't). He slurped the treat happily, and Riku laughed. "You're so messy," he said between licks.

Sora didn't turn his attention to Riku. I have no idea what you said, thought the dog, but I'm not gonna argue.

Just a few minutes later, they had finished their snack. "Well," said Riku, gazing at Sora with lively green eyes, "let's get home."

Their feet, human and canine, approached the apartment around two. Sora's ears perked as they stepped inside. Riku got down to his knees and unclipped the leash. He pet Sora's roughly and gave a warmhearted chuckle. "Okay, boy. You can go now." He closed the door behind him, and Sora leaped away with a bark.

He sniffed the air thoroughly, tail standing high. Good to be home. He made way to his water dish and drank. Today was a good day. All Sundays are.

"What? Are you serious? But I'm not supposed to go back until Monday!"

Sora's fur stood on end as he heard Riku speaking from another room. He let a small growl pass through clenched teeth. Who is he talking to? He stealthily walked into the kitchen, where he found Riku leaning against the counter, talking on his cell phone. Sora sighed. Oh. He's just talking into the square. He flopped onto the couch and stared at the man with interest. But why does he sound angry?

"I…ugh, why are you asking me this now? This is my day off, Tidus!" Riku ran long fingers through his hair. His face was a deep red. "…Okay," he sighed heavily, clenching his fists. "I'm on my way."

Moments later, the phone was back in Riku's pocket. The man stood there for a moment, motionless, eyes staring into the distance. Sora edged forward on the couch. He whimpered softly, and Riku looked at him and gave a lazy smile. "I'm sorry, Sora," he said, "but we won't be able to spend the rest of the day together liked we planned. Tidus just called at work, and I have to get in as soon as possible. It seems things down at the factory are real busy, and they need me there."

Work. Sora understood that word, but sometimes he wished he didn't. His ears fell. I…can't believe this. Riku could almost see him frown. He's leaving me? But it's Sunday! He can't do that. He hasn't before, and he won't now!

But despite his thoughts, the recognizable set of keys were held firmly in Riku's right hand. He was really leaving. He was leaving Sora to himself on Sunday, and the dog was at his feet in an instant, whimpering. Riku shook his head and kneeled down. Apologies slipped past his lips, none of which Sora had the slightest care for. He caressed the dog's fur gingerly before standing.

"I'll try to make it home soon, okay?" He walked toward the front door, opened it, and glanced over his shoulder at the wistful dog. "You be good now," he said, and departed, closing the door and turning the key in the lock with an effective click.

o-o-o

Sora was bored. Now, he had been bored plenty of times, but this was completely different. Not only was he bored, but he was lonely. Waiting had never seemed so hard before in the entirety of his life. He returned to the couch and lay there, still as a brick, and looked at the carpet. Bored.

The clock above a small television set ticked steadily. Sora's ears picked up the rhythm with ease, and he exhaled deeply. His eyes fell on his food bowl. He didn't feel like eating. Eating wouldn't cure his boredom- not today. Sundays were supposed to be filled with fun and excitement, not this. Not at all. Sora closed his eyes.

A faint rustling sound brought him to a start. His head whipped in the direction of the window, open, a small breeze blowing the cheap curtains. There's something out there. He stood and stretched for a moment, and cautiously approached the window. He stood on his hind legs and peered outside, head barely poking out the frame. He sniffed the air, eyes scanning the area. Is that…? He pushed his head out further.

Zexion! What in the world is that cat doing here?

Pawing at a tin can under the shade of a small tree beside the apartment complex was Zexion. He took no notice to Sora, who bit his bottom lip. Who does he think he is? With a low growl, he backed away from the window, pushed energy into his hindquarters, and in a flash he hurled himself into the world outside.

Zexion sprang from his comfortable place with a screech. His legs worked like an engine as he raced into the streets, away from Sora's reach. But the dog made no attempt to stop himself. That cat had intruded. He needed to be punished. Snapping his jaws, he was hot on the animal's trail as he was led through a winding path of empty streets. In the sky, blue and clear, a full moon shone through.

Sora stopped and lifted his head. A full moon, he thought, just when last night it was a crescent? He stared for a moment. Looking closely, he almost thought he could see his reflection in the sphere. He narrowed his eyes. Then, his world fell black.

o-o-o

A faint dripping noise filled Sora's ears.

He groaned. His eyelids felt heavy as he fluttered them open. Around him was darkness. Where am I? he thought. He tried standing, but his hind legs wobbled and he fell again to the cold earth below. He shook his head and shivered; everything was so cold. He pulled his legs close to his body for heat. Where am I?

In the distance, his eyes located a small patch of light- the last of the sunlight before night would fall. A way out, possibly? He tried standing once more, but to his dismay it was without prevail, and he hit the ground with a thud. Why can't I stand? He sniffed the air. It was muggy and humid, hot, but there was no particular scent like he had adapted to, no smell he could pinpoint.

Bracing himself with his forepaws, he gained composure. It felt odd, however, his spine slumped as though it had been broken. His toes were chilled by the wet ground, and he had never felt anything quite like it. Paws didn't get cold so easily- not like that. Gulping, he made his way forward. Walking was difficult, wincing as his knees scrapped against the rough concrete underfoot.

I made it. The outside world looked different. Turning his head, he saw that he had emerged from a cramped space between two rundown buildings. He shivered again as a breeze blew by. He exhaled deeply and closed his eyes. And then he opened them, looked down at himself, and went rigid.

W-what…? What?

His eyes widened a considerable amount as he continued to stare. No longer did any soft, brown fur remain on his body. Instead there was a patch on his head, he noticed, shaking the liquid from it. The coat he took so much pride in was gone, and he was completely exposed. He was naked.

And he was cold.

o-o-o

Riku sighed and closed the door frantically. "Sora," he called, and threw his set of keys onto the kitchen counter, "I'm home!" He smiled and opened a box of dog treats he had purchased before arriving home and took out a snack. "Sorry I'm so late," he added, sidling into the living room. "Those jerks down at the factory-"

He stopped in the doorway, eyes traveling around the room. "Sora?" He stepped closer to the couch and looked behind it- no dog. No Sora. "Where are you, boy?" He walked into the bathroom and found nothing. The bedroom, and still, his dog was nowhere to be seen.

"Sora!" His breath quickened, head spinning as he ran back to the living room. 'He couldn't have…!' he thought, worry numbing his senses. As he came into the room, his heart fell. Two cheap curtains blew softly in the breeze, and behind them remained an open window. "Sora…"

He dropped the dog treat and fell to his knees.

o-o-o

"Yes, I'm sure."

Calling the local police was the first thing Riku did- and he did it with panic resting on his shoulder. "Chocolate Labrador, blue eyes, a new satin collar-" He listened. "-yeah, it has his information on it. You'll probably be able to find him from that?" He let out a deep sigh of relief. "Oh…thank you so much."

o-o-o

Sora brought his hands to his face and balanced himself on his heels. Hands, he mused. He balled them into a fist. Aha! I have thumbs! He gave a wide grin and snickered. "Oh!" he gasped, and felt his neck. Where…is it?

The red collar was not attached to him any longer.

Gripping a box beside him, he tried once more to stand. With much effort (and even more wobbling), he succeeded, the first beads of sweat forming on his hairline. For his accomplishment, he smiled. This is how humans see. It's so different. He closed his eyes and leaned against the brick wall behind him. But how did any of this happen? And how did I get here? This place isn't even familiar; I don't think Riku and I have ever been here before.

He turned his head. "Riku," he whispered. I have to find Riku! Oh, he must be so worried about me! Why did I have to run after that stupid cat? He frowned. Demyx, it's all your fault.

Sniffing the air but gaining no useful information, he decided to make his way home. That is, until a group of kids in the distance took a nice, long stare at him before bursting into a fit of laughter. Sora paid no mind. What were they laughing at, anyway?

o-o-o

A knock at the door.

Riku had been waiting impatiently for nearly an hour before he heard these knocks. In that time he lay on the couch, the last place he had seen Sora, and tinkered wistfully with one of the dog's chew toys. "I'm coming!" he called, and sprang to his feet.

He quickly made his way to the door and opened it, panting, and glimpsed at the man there before speaking.. "Yes," he said hurriedly, "did you find him?"

Sora cocked his head to the side and blinked, large, sapphire eyes glistening in the moonlight. "Find who, Riku?" he asked.

Author's note: I apologize for any sloppiness and such. I thought the idea was fairly interesting. Reviews would be lovely; hearing from any readers out there would be just great!