As guilt consumed Enya for bringing danger into everyone's lives, a weary voice called out, saying, “You guys are up already?”

Enya turned to see Noah sauntering down the hill, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Belia trodded beside him, her movements unsteady. Her head hung low, looking as if she might collapse at any moment.

Enya chuckled to herself, thinking, If I hadn't realized Pandora was gone, I would have missed seeing them like this.

Pandora sat up, saying, “If you're tired still, isn't it better to sleep some more?” Noah's hand froze as he stared at her for a moment, his expression blank.

Did he forget we were here or something? Why does he look like he forgot where he was?

Noah's hand dropped from midair, his mouth falling with a loud gasp. “Ahh, sorry. I spaced out for a second. Belia and I always wake up at this time. We like to get a head start on the day to have more fun. Besides, we couldn't fall back asleep if we tried.”

For a split second, Enya could see Belia's eyes look at them, a short yip of agreement erupting from the sluggish fox.

Noah squatted next to the pool and splashed water on to his face, his body shivering at the contact. Next to him, Belia stuck her entire face in the water. She remained there for what seemed like forever until Enya almost pulled her out herself. Belia tore her head from the water with clear eyes. She gave Enya an energetic bark before nudging Noah's arm.

“Okay, okay. Go ahead,” he told her. Belia nodded once before taking off through the grass, running across every inch of it.

I'm sure Belia just beamed at him, Enya told herself, confident she didn't delude herself this time. Do all animals express themselves like humans? I thought they communicated through sound. Belia's eyes twinkled as she ran through the small field. Her lips parted. Enya wondered if Belia enjoyed running as much as she did climbing.

Belia spread her wings out but refused to take flight, only flapping them enough to feel a slight breeze on her feathers.

“Why doesn't she take flight?” Enya asked Noah. He slicked back his hair, water trickling down his cheeks, and glanced over at Belia.

“She doesn't want to leave me. If a threat shows up while she's soaring through the sky, Belia would never forgive herself.”

“But, doesn't she love flying?” Pandora asked.

“Yeah, but Belia loves me more. We're family. Running through the grass is enough for her, I guess. I've told her to stretch her wings in the sky before, but Belia won't listen to me.”

“Why don't you go with her, then?” Enya asked. Noah whipped his head around towards her and glared.

“What type of stupid question is that? Because of heights, remember? I couldn't climb that mountain, let alone a tree. What makes you think I'll be able to handle flying through the air?” Enya blinked her eyes at him.

“Right... I'm sorry, I forgot.” But, still. Belia shouldn't have to give up something she loves. Who knows how long she's had to give up flying because of him. Enya stood up and trodded through the over-sized grass tickling her knees, over to the trail Belia left running, its color five shades darker than the untouched deep chartreuse green. Enya waited until Belia neared her before calling out, “Belia, can you come here?” Belia's ears twitched. She halted in her tracks and peered over her shoulder to see Enya giving her a kind smile. Belia walked over to her. “If I watch out for Noah, do you want to go fly in the sky for a couple minutes?” Belia started to shake her head but froze. She met Enya's eyes and searched her gaze. “I promise to keep an eye out, okay? I'll keep Noah safe. Promise.”

Belia looked over at Noah and saw him laughing at Pandora as he splashed her. A mischievous grin crept across Pandora's lips. She faked an innocent smile, wiping the water off her face, before pushing Noah into the pool. Noah broke through the surface with a loud breath. Pandora pointed at him and chuckled, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.

Belia looked up to the sky, to the clouds drifting along, to the birds chirping in their 'V' formation. She dug her claws into the earth, a soft breath pushing past her teeth.

“Go. When you come back, Noah will still be here in one piece.”

A hesitant bark pushed past Belia's lips. She glanced at Noah once more and pushed off the ground, flying into the trees.

“Make sure you stay close. If you're noticed, our position might be given away,” Enya called after her. Belia slowed down and turned around. She flew over the waterfall instead. Looks like she's smart enough to realize her best bet of not being recognized is flying in the only direction we haven't been spotted yet. Let's just hope there's no agents in that area, or all of this will have been in vain.