Aqua walked along the dirt path through the forest. A clock tower loomed in the distance. As she got closer, more of the town came into view- the roofs of some of the taller buildings, the stone walls around it for defense. It would be a good place to get food.

You sure this is a good idea? You can't talk, after all, said Terra. Being mute was one of the side effects of carrying Terra's soul.

Don't worry. I can manage.

All right, then.

There was a line of people leading into the city. A pair of guards was checking anyone to make sure that there weren't any potential threats. Aqua got in the back of the line.

Once she reached the guards, the one on the left said, "State your business." Aqua clasped her throat, trying to get across that she couldn't speak. "Oh, I get it. Are you mute?" The blue-haired maiden nodded. "I'll help you get everything you need." Aqua smiled in gratitude.

The guard stayed true to his word. He first helped her get a bag for storing things in. Next, they got some food for her.

As they walked past a blacksmith, the guard told her to wait outside. After a few minutes, he came out with a dagger inside a leather scabbard.

"It's dangerous to go alone. Take this. You might need it." Aqua took it and strapped it to her belt.

As they neared the opposite gate, the guard pushed a small bag into her hands.

"There's one hundred gold pieces in there." Aqua nodded in gratitude. "Be careful out there."

See? I told you I could manage, said Aqua as she walked through a grassy field.

I guess you were right, replied Terra, but you might not be as lucky next time.

Don't worry about me so much.

Aqua, if you were to be without help, you would have to resort to stealing, or else you would starve to death.

Terra, please. Don't worry yourself to death.

Technically, I'm already dead.

Stop reminding me, okay? It's bad enough that I have to worry about getting food.

Okay, okay.

The road dipped into a valley. It rose up slightly to the right, leading under a small ledge.

Look out!

Suddenly, something pushed a boulder from on top of the ledge down towards Aqua. She leapt out of the way just in time to keep from getting crushed- but not in time to avoid getting her leg stuck under it.

Agh! My leg!

Aqua, are you okay?

I think my leg's broken. How did that boulder fall?

As if on cue, two masked figures hopped down from the ledge and advanced towards her.

Bandits! Aqua drew her dagger defensively. What am I going to do?

I don't know... wait! On the other side of the valley! Early on, Terra had realized that he had an omnipresent view of Aqua's surroundings, so he could see things that she couldn't. He had just seen the stranger walking on the opposite side of the valley. Someone's there!

I can't call for help! What do I do? The bandits advanced on Aqua.

Just try!

Terra, it's hopeless! I'm going to die!

Just trust me!

But Ter-

JUST DO IT!

"HELP!"

Aqua had somehow spoken.

Suddenly, an arrow buried itself in one of the bandits' heads. The other turned and ran, but he suffered the same fate. Aqua turned and saw the lone figure, a crossbow in his hands.

Aqua, you did it!

But how?

I think it had something to do... with me.

Aqua somehow spoke! It has something to do with Terra...

Also, I am deeply honored to have the great TerraForceXIII actually be keeping an eye on one of my fics! When I read his review, I was like, OMIGAWWWWWWWWWWD! I love his stories, so you have no idea how excited I was (unless you have read his fics for yourself)! If not, DO IT NOW!

Thank you all for your support! (A cookie to anyone who found the Legend of Zelda reference)

Sorry about the short chapter!