“I didn’t do anything!” Juniper protested but then rolled her eyes as if admitting that was far from the truth. “Okay, I did something but, in my defense, it was to save an injured Pal.”

  Following the answer, Lily turned for a moment and looked in the direction of whatever transpired. Whereupon she closed her eyes and shook her head slightly but ultimately shrugged and refocused her gaze on Juniper where she stood. “The road to hell is paved with good intentions, hmm?” But instead of a lecture, Lily only brought up a hand and waved away concern. “Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. After , I finish here and come find you at camp.”

  “Right,” Juniper said with a nod. Well, at least she hadn’t received a scolding? Or was that for ter once Lily learned the extent of what happened with Tempesta? Ugh, Juniper really hoped not. Honestly, it took a lot for her to turn and walk away from where her friend stood watching. Probably to make sure she actually went, if she had to guess. Of course, a maelstrom of emotions swirled in her mind at what she'd stumbled across, what Lily had no doubt done in an effort to keep them safe.

  Had Juniper’s actions put them in danger? Another mile or two and there was a very real possibility that whoever Lily stopped could’ve found the encampment and Aoi and all the Pals. Damnit, she would’ve never forgiven herself if a rash decision ended up getting them all hurt. But could she have really left Pesta to her fate? Why was this so difficult?

  It wasn’t until Flora came up to her side and reached out to take her hand that Juniper withdrew from her mind and all the fresh questions that were pinging around inside.

  “Boss?” The Glumos asked with her head tilted ever so slightly to one side.

  “Yes?”

  “You, okay?”

  “Yeah,” Juniper started before taking in a deep breath and squeezing the Gumoss’ hand where she held it. “Yeah, I’m okay. We’re all okay.” Those words were probably more for herself at this point but she still tried her best to sound certain for Flora’s benefit. Juniper would definitely have to do better when they arrived at the camp and she had to answer questions from the others.

  “We’ll figure it out,” Flora said before smiling. “Miss Lily and Miss Aoi and all the Pals will help you; you know.”

  “I know,” Juniper replied before finally letting a reserved smile kick up onto her lips. “And I’m very lucky to have you all, I just want to make sure that you’re safe.” Happy too but right now, Juniper would settle for safe. “And you’re sure there isn’t anyone else around? It’s just Lily and Mist?”

  Following the question, Flora closed her eyes and let Juniper guide her along for the minute or so it required for her to…do whatever it was she did. Commune with the pnts, or so the Gumoss said. Eventually though, she shook her head and opened her eyes again.

  “It’s just us, as far as I can tell. Mist is still coming back to Lily after I lost track of the st human…”

  “I see, thank you,” Juniper replied before nodding her head in understanding. Dead, then. Just like the other two.

  Despite Flora’s attempts to distract her and make her feel better, Juniper succumbed to the pull of the anxiety flooding her mind. And when it became clear that the conversation wasn’t exactly going to be…lively, the Pal quieted and simply walked beside her human. Still, her touch was greatly appreciated and it probably kept Juniper from spiraling deeper.

  When they finally emerged from the trees, Juniper gave their little clearing a hard look. It had only been a few weeks but it already looked so different than when she’d first seen it. A line of berry bushes stood tall and healthy with a second on the way. Numerous little patches of other pnts were id out in a grid in front of the little shack that had already gone through a number of repairs, with more on the way. Thankfully, their little hideout on the side of the cliff face couldn’t easily be spotted from where she stood. Or even in the rest of the camp as she had Flora keep the vegetation growing thick to ensure the door stayed covered.

  Of course, it helped when it was actually closed and didn’t have curious heads poking out of it! It didn’t take long for Juniper to spot the numerous pairs of eyes watching her move across the clearing and she groaned to herself once she realized they hadn't all stayed inside. That must have been what they were waiting for because they all came pouring out of the doorway and started running toward her and Flora. Without Pesta, of course. Who they had put in the bed to rest.

  It didn’t take long for Aoi and the other Pals to make their way to Juniper and they all came up a few steps short, each set of eyes looking over both women frantically.

  “Are you okay!?”

  “What happened?”

  “Was it Lily and Mist? Are they alright!?”

  The barrage of questions came so fast that Juniper couldn't keep up and she raised both hands in a plea for them all to calm down. Which they thankfully did after a few seconds. “Okay, what did I say before I left?” She started before putting her hands on her hips and looking each one of them in the eyes.

  Aurora matched her gaze for a moment but eventually averted it to look at something else. Sephie beat her to the punch and had apparently found something very interesting by her feet. Vesta was...moving to hide behind Aoi, it appeared. Though she would have to fight Mai for that spot. And for the young woman herself? Well, she held Juniper's eyes but nervously fidgeted under the stare.

  "You said to stay inside," Aoi eventually said before sighing and dropping her hands. "But we were all so worried and Sephie and Mai said it was only you two coming this way."

  "Uh-huh," Juniper said before crossing her arms and lifting an eyebrow. However, she ultimately defted and shook her head. "I guess I can't be too mad with you. I did run off in the direction of gunshots, after all." Following her words, she opened her arms and curled her fingers inward a few times, indicating they all should come inside her embrace.

  Aoi came in first without hesitation and wrapped her arms around Juniper's torso. Aurora and Vesta each got an arm and Sephie and Mai came in behind to sandwich Aoi.

  "Hey, don't forget about me!" Flora protested before practically smming into Juniper's back and ciming what Aoi hadn't of her waist. All that warmth was comforting and more than a few giggles slipped from numerous lips in the giant hug. After a few tight squeezes, the mass of Pals (and one Aoi) rexed but didn't move to separate much.

  "So, was it Lily?" Aoi asked after looking up into Juniper's eyes.

  "It was," she confirmed and then leaned her head forward until it came to rest on Aoi's for comfort. "She's alright but it seems there was a...fight."

  "A fight?" Aoi asked, concern pin in her voice. "Is she alright?"

  "She's fine and so is Mist. Whoever came looking must not have expected those two to be waiting in ambush." Of course, Juniper didn't exactly expect that either, so their shock was understandable. Wasn't Lily supposed to be off investigating why Sephie had crossed into this part of the isnd? Or had she found the answer, and it was reted to that group? She supposed it didn’t matter; Lily was here again, and would no doubt come along when she had finished her grim task.

  “That’s good,” Aoi said with a nod and then looked back toward their little hideaway. “Not only do I not want to see them hurt, but we already have someone to care for.”

  Juniper hummed her agreement before also shifting her eyes. “I suppose we should go check on her. I don’t want her to think something bad has happened while she’s stuck in bed.” Well, it might be a little early to fully come to that conclusion but at least for the moment everything was safe, and they were all still hidden away.

  When she turned back to regard everyone, Juniper raised one hand and extended a finger as if to emphasize what she was about to say. “Listen, it seems like we got lucky today having Lily here to deal with whatever trouble was coming our way. However, it may not always be that way. So, from now on, no one goes anywhere alone, got it? Seriously, pairs at a minimum, and even better if Flora, Mai, or Sephie escorts whoever needs to go.”

  As she spoke, she looked over each of the girls again, making sure to focus on the grass-attuned Pals st. “And I wouldn’t mind you all doing what you do throughout the day to ensure that no one is sneaking up on us.”

  The two Gummoss and the Lifmunk exchanged a few gnces and Sephie shrugged as if they had come to some kind of agreement. Or at least confirmation. “I think most of us do that anyway, it’s a great way to watch out for those who are trying to hunt us in the wild. Pal and human.”

  “Good,” Juniper replied, and she felt herself rexing at the prospect of having the three of them keep a lookout of sorts. Even if they were busy doing other tasks. She supposed if it got really bad, she could have them take turns sitting by the shack and only doing that. However, they weren’t quite at that level yet. Better to save something demanding like that for when the stakes are higher.

  “Alright, Aoi, Vesta, and Sephie, can you come with me to check on Pesta? The rest of you, Lily should be here at some point so let’s have food prepared when she does.” Nods and grumbles of agreement followed, and everyone dispersed except for the three she named to stay behind. “Right, let’s go.”

  Juniper turned and started off toward the hidden door with the trio in tow. For the briefest moment, she wondered what Lily would think of all the new additions to the camp. Another Gumoss and a Jolthog, another Pal that didn’t frequent this part of the isnd? Was Juniper growing too big, too fast? Was that going to attract attention beyond what might come from subduing a bandit and stealing a Pal from right under their nose?

  Well, there was no use dwelling on it now and Juniper pushed those thoughts aside as she walked through the entrance to their little sanctuary. Only to find said injured Pal standing in the kitchen, peering into the small communications room. Or whatever it had been.

  “Hey,” Juniper started before narrowing her eyes. “What are you doing? You should be resting.”

  Pesta turned her head when they came in through the door and actually managed to look bashful for a second. “Sorry, I just got nervous waiting around. When all the others ran out of the front door, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going on.”

  “I see,” Juniper said before looking over at Aoi. Who looked just as sheepish as Pesta had a moment ago.

  “Sorry,” she said before Sephie and Vesta repeated as much from beside her.

  “It’s alright,” the Jolthog started before turning her head and nodding in the direction of the smaller room off to the side. “I managed to get to the front door and when I saw everyone was okay, I came back in to y back down. However, that’s when I noticed this room and got a little curious.” She paused then and looked back at Juniper. “I think I recognize one of the devices in there. It’s for Pals like me, ones that can generate electricity.”

  Suddenly, any chastisement that had about bubble up faded away, repced by an intense excitement. Juniper had forgotten all about the generator in the time since Lily mentioned it! “Oh that’s right, you found that?” she asked before offering her arm for Pesta to take. She was already up, may as well get another look at the thing!

  After the small Pal hooked an arm through hers, they both took a few steps into the small room and observed the coiled post where it stood silent in the corner. “So, what do you do? Just…shoot electricity into this? Is that how it works?” She didn’t see any other way to get it going so that had to be it, right?

  Pesta regarded it silently for a moment before ultimately shrugging. “I’m not totally sure, I’ve only ever heard about them from other Pals but that sounds about right.”

  Juniper hummed her curiosity and turned her head to Sephie for confirmation of what was just said. However, she only repeated the same gesture, apparently also unsure of how it worked.

  “Perhaps Lily knows,” Aoi offered from behind them and Juniper nodded in agreement.

  “Yeah, if anyone will, it’s her.” She had known what it was, after all. Did she use something simir to power whatever she had in her former community? Well, those were all questions that could be answered in time. “For now, you need to go get some rest.”

  “Alright, I will.” The Jolthog didn’t argue as Juniper turned them and made her way to the bedroom. Once inside, she gently helped Pesta down before sitting on the bed next to her and moving a few errant strands of hair away from her face. “You seem to be healing quickly enough,” she offered while dropping her eyes down to the wound that looked more like a faded scar after every passing day.

  “Pals recover much faster than humans,” Sephie interjected from the side of the bed. “Not only that, Flora and Mai have been helping me speed that process along. She should be fine in a couple of days.”

  “Good,” Juniper said before nodding and smiling. Once the hair was out of the way, she leaned forward and pnted a kiss on the Jolthog’s forehead before rising with the intention of getting back to work.

  “Miss Juniper.”

  However, Juniper stopped before even stepping off, turning back to Pesta where she y.

  “Yes?”

  “What happens after I heal?” The Jolthog asked.

  “Good question, what do you want to happen?”

  “I want to stay here with you and the other Pals,” Pesta insisted with more than a little conviction in her voice.

  Ah, that hadn’t taken long at all, had it? However, Juniper did save her life. She supposed that was as good a way as any to forge a bond. “That would be lovely, Pesta. Everyone would be delighted to have you stay. Myself included.”

  She figured that would've satisfied the Pal but she still looked uncertain. Like something was on her mind.

  "Is there something else you wanted to ask?"

  “You’ll bind me, right?”

  Oh, so apparently saving her life wasn't the full story. Or perhaps she was a little jealous after talking with all the other Pals? Either way, Juniper managed a devilish little smirk following the question and despite the day. “Oh, I’ll make you mine in the proper way,” she said with a wink. “But only after you heal. So, that means no more trips out of bed, understand?”

  “Yes ma’am!”

  “Good girl," Aoi cooed before bringing her arms up and shuffling the others out of the room. "Now get some rest."