By the time they got to the stairs, it was clear Aoi wasn't going to be climbing them on her own. So, Juniper came to a stop at the bottom and turned before squatting with her back toward the other woman. "Alright, up you go."

  "What?" It was clear from Aoi's voice that she was either confused about Juniper’s intentions or wasn't sold on its need.

  "I’m sure you’re exhausted and these stairs are going to wipe out any strength you have remaining. Just hop on my back and I'll get you to the top."

  There was only silence for a few moments before Vesta spoke up from beside her. "Miss Juniper, are you sure that's the best idea?"

  "Yes, I'll be fine. I don’t think Aoi is that heavy." Wiry was probably a more accurate description. In the meantime, the newcomer looked towards the stairs and then followed the path all the way to the top. She was no doubt trying to make the calcution in her head and must've been dismayed when she came up with her answer.

  "Alright, if you insist."

  "I do."

  A moment ter, Juniper felt a pair of hands nd on her shoulder, followed by the weight of Aoi's body. When she was settled, Juniper stood tall and set off up the stairs. No point in waiting, the longer she held Aoi, the heavier she’d become.

  It was slow going at first and she did her best to only focus on pcing one foot in front of the other. "So, Aoi. I could use a little distraction. Mind telling me about yourself?" A distraction from the weight she carried, sure. However, there was also an intense curiosity bubbling beneath the surface. Just who had washed up on this beach?

  "Oh," Aoi started but then fell silent once more. "Well, what do you want to know?"

  "What you were doing out on the water, for starters. What you do for a living too, that sort of thing."

  Aoi hummed her understanding before shifting slightly on Juniper's back to get comfortable. "Let's see...I don't do much for a living right now. I'm actually a graduate student."

  "Is that right? I thought you looked a little younger." In fact, Juniper would’ve guessed she was a few years out of college.

  "Yeah, I'll be 25 in a few weeks."

  "I see. What did you study?"

  "Botany," came Aoi’s short reply.

  At first, Juniper only shook her head and ughed to herself. Which prompted everyone to look over, or down, at her.

  “Is something funny?” Aoi’s tone indicated she thought Juniper was teasing her but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

  “No, no! I’m just ughing at the coincidence, Aoi. That’s all. I feel very lucky that a botanist washed up on shore.” Juniper paused and turned her head to the side so she could see the other woman out of the corner of her eye. “I’m sure it doesn't feel like that right now, though.” Still, the fact that someone with Aoi’s skillset had been the one to become stranded was quite remarkable.

  “Yeah, I can’t say I feel very lucky right now…”

  Juniper nodded in agreement and returned her attention to the never-ending staircase in front of her. Suddenly, she didn’t feel like chastising Vesta the next time they did this. In an effort to change the direction of the conversation, she felt it was only fair to share some things about herself. “You know, we aren’t too far off our respective fields. I am a marine biologist.”

  “You are?”

  Juniper could feel Aoi perk up a little at the admission and she answered with an “uh-huh” before continuing. “Yup! Pnts weren’t exactly my specialty but it was always interesting enough.”

  “That’s fair,” Aoi noted. “I had a friend that was writing her thesis on different types of seaweed but I only half listened when she went off on tangents. I…I wish I’d paid more attention though.”

  Aoi grew quiet and Juniper felt the woman’s head fall forward and rest on her back. She didn’t continue from where she’d trailed off and subtle shakes of her body, in addition to a growing wet spot on Juniper’s shirt, indicated she was sobbing. For the moment, Juniper didn’t interrupt the poor girl and let her get it all out. It didn’t surprise her in the least. The st few minutes of climbing were done in silence and when they got to the top, Juniper eased Aoi down to stand on her own two feet.

  Juniper’s thighs burned from the effort and she wanted nothing more than to rub her muscles vigorously and run to the natural pool for a dip. Besides the tears on her shirt, sweat also began to bead on her skin from all the effort and her throat could definitely use a drink. However, despite her own discomfort, Juniper immediately turned and checked on Aoi.

  Tears were streaming down and around the rims of her gsses and her head hung low. Juniper didn’t know what exactly had been the thing to push her over the edge but that wasn’t necessarily important right now. Right now, she could use someone to listen and a hug. So, that’s what Juniper did. She stepped forward and wrapped the shorter woman up in a tight embrace but didn’t say anything.

  In response, Aoi leaned forward into the touch and tried to speak through the sobs that subtly shook her body. “I should’ve listened more because now I might never get to hear those stories again.”

  Ah, so that was it. “Were they on the ship with you?”

  “Yes, a couple of friends and I went for a vacation to celebrate the end of the term but I didn’t see any of them on the beach this morning before passing out again.”

  “I’m sorry, Aoi. That’s awful.” What a terrible tragedy. Juniper’s heart broke for her and she brought her hand up to gently stroke Aoi’s hair in comfort. A moment ter, and without needing to be asked, Aurora stepped up from the side and joined in on the hug.

  “I’m sorry that happened to you, Aoi!”

  “Me too,” Flora added and then joined from the other side.

  The st was Vesta who hesitated and looked to Juniper. When she nodded, the Foxparks simirly came in from behind and wrapped her arms around the group. “I’m sorry you lost your friends, Aoi.”

  With all four embracing her, Aoi looked around, almost in disbelief at the dispy. “Thanks, everyone,” She finally said before bringing up a hand and wiping away some of her tears. “You are all really supportive.”

  “We have to be,” Juniper said before standing up straight. “We’ve got to stick together, right? To make sure we live to see the next day.” It wasn’t like she knew Aoi or owed her anything, but Juniper was determined to make sure people got the help they needed. Besides, she didn’t have everything figured out herself, she needed help too.

  “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”

  “Of course, I am! Now, are you okay to keep going? I have some things I want to show you on the way back.”

  Following Aoi’s nod, she and the Pals slowly backed away and gave Aoi some space. At which point she looked around the trio again, only to have her face develop a light red tint. The three of them were currently nude, after all.

  A small smile spread on Juniper’s lips at the sight and she reached down to take the Aoi’s hand before tugging her off in the direction of the pool. “First stop is our water source.” After a few steps, Juniper turned to look at Aurora before winking in her direction. “Or one of them, anyway. But we’ll get to that.” Aoi nodded in agreement and continued on slower than the four were used to. Juniper simply adjusted and was happy to go at a more rexed pace. Her own legs could definitely use a break too.

  A few minutes ter saw them all arriving at the stream and the pool. At which point Juniper released Aoi’s hand and squatted at the side of the water. “This is mainly where we come to wash in the evening. Both ourselves and clothing or bedding.” As she spoke, Juniper reached into the water and picked up a few handfuls to run over her forearms. “It’s not too far from the camp and rge and deep enough to suit both those purposes.”

  Aoi’s eyes ran over the surrounding area before she seemed to suddenly tch onto one particur thing Juniper had mentioned. “I’m sorry, did you say you wash here? Together?”

  Ah, so she had caught that. Juniper was wondering how she might react but pyed it cool herself. “Yup. There have been plenty of long, hot days and it’s nice to be clean before we all hop into our bed.”

  Aoi’s eyes went wide at that st part and her hands came up to fidget with one another. “The same bed?”

  At this point, Juniper couldn’t help but chuckle and stand tall. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll talk it over when we get back.” Well, at least she might not be focusing so much on the nightly routine now. Of course, mention of how exactly Juniper bound her Pals was probably filling Aoi’s mind with all kinds of ideas. They were correct but it wasn’t like she was going to force the newcomer to participate.

  Not wanting to linger, Juniper brought up a hand and indicated the direction of the camp. "For now, there is more you should see." The group set out again and cut a path through the forest. It felt simir to when Juniper first arrived since she couldn't spot any other Pals around. Oh well, Aoi would no doubt get a taste eventually. Once they all emerged into the clearing with the shack, Juniper led them toward the building.

  "Is this where you've been staying?" Aoi asked as her eyes looked over the condition of it. The holes in the roof and broken gss in the windows weren’t exactly inviting.

  "At first. We have something much better now. It's actually hidden right over there in the face of the cliff." Juniper pointed at the door but otherwise stood still while expining the amenities, or ck thereof, that could be found.

  Aoi winced when she was finished and kept her eyes running over the camp. "I see. That's...tough."

  "It can be, sure. However, having these three has really made all the difference. Lily should also be back in a few days."

  "Lily?"

  "Yup. She was the one who found me after I woke up on the beach. Kind of like I did for you." Or something like that!

  "Did she set you up here?"

  "Well..." Following the question, Juniper brought a hand up to rub at the back of her neck while a nervous smile settled on her face. "Let's just say our philosophy on how to help people is different."

  At this, Aoi only raised an eyebrow but otherwise remained silent.

  "But don't worry about that. She is very kind even if she doesn’t show it right away,” Juniper quickly added.

  "Oh? Well, that's good, I guess. Is everyone so kind? I mean, there is a nearby vilge and your Pals are nice.”

  Juniper didn’t answer right away and the story of Lily’s camp came to mind almost immediately. However, she didn’t want to freak Aoi out any more than she already was. Better not go into too much detail on that one. “From what I’ve heard, not everyone may have the most noble of intentions. However, I haven’t ventured very far myself. Besides you, Lily is the only other person I’ve seen.”

  “Miss Juniper is right, not everyone that comes to these isnds is as nice as her and Miss Lily,” Aurora added.

  “Yeah, it’s dangerous out there.” Vesta crossed her arms and looked towards the forest as she spoke. Which prevented her from seeing the daggers Juniper was currently sending her way with her stare.

  “But! You didn’t happen upon anyone that wants to hurt you so no need to worry.” Juniper stepped up and hooked an arm around Aoi’s shoulder before walking her toward the three bushes that Flora had been working to grow. The perfect distraction!

  “Were nothing if not friendly and also quite talented. For example, Flora here has a very unique ability that I think you’ll really enjoy.”

  “You do?” Aoi turned to the Glumos and looked over the acorn cap with renewed interest.

  “Oh yes.” Juniper nodded and then simirly turned her attention to her Pal. “How about a demonstration, Flora. Botanists work with pnts so that compliments your skills.”

  “They do!?” Flora’s eyes lit up and she came a little closer to Aoi before reaching out and taking her hand. “What are we waiting for, then? Come on!” With a tug, the Glumos pulled Aoi the st few feet to the bush and then brought her down to kneel in front of it. Once they were settled, she began expining her unique powers to a skeptical audience of one. At least she appeared to be if Juniper was interpreting Aoi’s facial expressions correctly.

  While Flora did her thing, Juniper stood back with Aurora and Vesta. The tter of which came up on her tippy toes and dropped her voice low. “Are we going to let Aoi stay with us?”

  “Yes, we are,” Juniper confirmed. “I know Lily does it a different way but I want to make sure Aoi is okay. If she wants to leave ter, that’s up to her.” So far, Juniper hoped she wouldn’t but you never knew. Not only did she have a skill set that would be incredibly valuable, but she was also cute as a button! A win, win if there was ever one.

  “Oh, alright.” Vesta came down and looked towards the little demonstration happening at the bushes. At least until Juniper gently guided the Foxpark’s attention back to her by taking careful hold of her chin.

  “I think good things happen to good people, Vesta. You never know what you’ll be rewarded with when you take a chance on people. Sometimes, it takes a leap of faith, right?” Quite literally. Juniper had no idea what kind of Pal Vesta was when she unched herself off that cliff to save her. She had even just been teasing the Mammorest!

  Vesta’s ears nearly fttened on her head and her eyes trailed to the side for a moment. “Yeah, you’re right. We should help her.”

  “Good girl, Vesta. That’s what I like to hear.” Naturally, such a thing deserved a reward! So, Juniper leaned forward and pressed a soft kissed to her lips. However, their attention was quickly diverted to the yelp of surprise that came from Aoi.

  "Whoa! How did you do that?!" She asked before scooting closer to Flora.

  Juniper couldn't help but giggle in response before pcing her arms around both Aurora and Vesta to drag them all closer to the demonstration. Well, more to watch Aoi’s reaction to the demonstration. It wasn’t anything crazy. Flora grew a few berries on one of the branches and then followed it by growing a small flower you'd find in the clearing. The former she offered to Aoi to eat and the tter she pced in her bck hair, right by the frames of her gsses.

  After that, Aoi was hooked and could barely focus on anything else. Even through the tour of the shack and the mountainside facility she circled back around to what Flora could do. Except for the part that led them to the bedroom. At which point Aoi grew quieter. However, once they returned outside, she quickly perked back up like the sun itself was energizing her.

  Once the tour concluded, Juniper sent her Pals off to do some chores for the day but kept Aoi close so the two could talk more about what her time might look like here. What needed to be done and what Juniper hoped Aoi could help with.

  "Of course, none of this is compulsory, Aoi,” Juniper said as they walked the perimeter. “You are free to leave our little camp anytime you wish. I'll even spare some food for you." It wasn't much but it was the least she could do.

  At first, Aoi appeared to consider the offer but end up shaking her head. "That's kind of you but I think I'd like to stay. You all have been very welcoming and I don’t where I'd even go."

  Juniper had been hoping she'd say as much but didn't want it to feel forced. So, when Aoi agreed, she beamed and stepped in close to wrap the woman's arm up with her own. "Wonderful! We’re lucky to have you."

  "Yeah? I promise I'll do my best to be useful. Maybe I can work with Flora to help with the food selection?"

  "That is exactly what I was hoping you’d do, thank you.” As they walked, Juniper looked over and a small smile cracked on her face. “You could also get a Glumos of your own, you know."

  The suggestion caused Aoi's eyes to widen to the size of dinner ptes and that red tint to come flooding back to her cheeks. "Oh. Well...you think so? I'm not exactly the fighting type so that leaves only one other option, right?"

  "It does, yes. But that option is exceedingly fun. I can attest to that." Juniper offered a small squeeze of encouragement and almost offered to show her the ropes first but restrained herself.

  "Yeah, I guess so," Aoi replied before clearing her throat and looking off in the distance.

  The two soon arrived back at the camp just in time for dinner. Which consisted mainly of seaweed and berries. Not that Aoi seemed to mind, she dug right in and then pointed to both before swallowing her current bite. "I can teach you all what to forage too. Well, for humans anyway. It might help with variety and we can start to grow it ourselves too.”

  Juniper nodded enthusiastically at the suggestion before letting out a contented sigh. This was exactly what she needed.

  Afterward, everyone headed towards the natural pool for the evening bathing ritual. Juniper didn’t know how Aoi would react to getting in but again pyed it off like it was no big thing. However, much to Juniper's surprise, Aoi stripped right alongside her and then joined them for a swim. She was a little shy at first, but as the group ughed and told stories, she gradually opened up and became more rexed. Which was a treat for the others because her body did not disappoint. She was petite but Juniper’s initial impression didn’t match reality.

  "Wow, Aoi! You're so pretty!" Aurora was the first to voice the opinion but a chorus of agreement soon followed. All the attention had Aoi sinking into the water before Juniper finally changed the subject and got their eyes pointed elsewhere. However, she couldn't help but notice that Aoi's wandered between the Pals all night. Once or twice, Juniper had even caught those eyes roaming over her body. Which earned Aoi a wink in response each time.

  Washing complete, the group returned to the camp and eventually made their way inside the small facility. Before beheading deeper in though, Aoi stopped in the living room and indicated the couch with a finger. "May I sleep here tonight?"

  In the soft light of Vesta’s tail, Juniper's eyes went from Aoi to the couch and then back before nodding and shrugging. “Sure, if that’s what you prefer.” Juniper extended her hand for emphasis and, after Aoi sat on the bare piece of furniture, she headed back into the bedroom to retrieve the bnket and one of the pillows.

  “Here,” she said as she returned and held the items out.

  Aoi looked at the bnket and almost immediately shook her head. “I couldn’t! What will you use?”

  “Me? I’ll be fine. I have all these lovely dies to help keep me warm.” Juniper gestured to the Pals standing around her before smiling. “You just try and get a good night’s sleep, okay?”

  “Okay,” Aoi said with a tone that admitted defeat. “Thank you, Juniper. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I washed up on that beach without you finding me. Without all of you finding me.”

  The sentiment warmed Juniper’s heart and it immediately confirmed that this had all been worth it. “I wouldn’t have it any other way, Aoi. Now, I’ll see you in the morning.”

  Pleasantries exchanged, Juniper and her Pals made their way into the back and unceremoniously colpsed onto the big bed. True to her word, she was immediately swarmed by all of her Pals, and the room was soon filled with ughter as they all settled in.

  “Thank you all for helping with Aoi. I’m really proud of you,” Juniper said before closing her eyes.

  “Of course, Miss Juniper!” Aurora happily chimed in before crawling up to one side and settling in the crook of her arm.

  “Yeah, she’s fun anyway.” Of course, Flora would have that impression considering their shared interest.

  “We have a good teacher,” offered Vesta before mirroring Aurora’s position.

  Juniper hummed her thanks before leaning forward and giving them each a kiss in turn. However, when she got to Vesta, the simple bedtime peck lingered to become something more. Which didn’t go unnoticed by the other two.

  “Hey, I want some of that!” Even though it was dark, Juniper could feel Aurora shifting closer to her other side. So, she broke the kiss with Vesta and repeated the gesture with a little more passion. Soon, she was going back and forth between three sets of lips, throwing herself more into it with each subsequent partner. Whenever two of the Pals had to wait, their lips found whatever bit of flesh they could around her camisole and heaped affection upon it.

  It was a good thing Aoi was in the other room because Juniper couldn't ignore the growing heat between her legs. Apparently, she wasn't alone in this either because she could feel the arousal of her Pals poking her legs and abdomen.

  “Actually, I think I’d like to sleep in here tonight–” Aoi’s voice came pouring in through the door and the Pals jumped off Juniper at the sudden arrival. It was a good thing there was no light for the newcomer to see what she had walked into! Only the rustling on the bed gave her pause. “Is everything ok?” She asked into the darkness.

  “Yup! Come right in.” Juniper took a second to catch her breath and felt the Pals shift on the bed, away from the side closest to the door.

  “Thanks, I appreciate it. It’s really dark and I’d rather not be alone right now.” Well, that was certainly understandable. Juniper made room as well once Aoi found the bed and got settled next to her.

  “Don’t worry about it. We’ve had guests in the bed before so it’s nothing we aren’t used to.”

  “Oh? Lily, if I had to guess?”

  “Right you are,” Juniper confirmed. “She stayed st night but was up and gone even before Flora went out to tend the pnts.”

  There was a pause as if Aoi was considering what she’d just said before the next question came. “Do you get up early, Flora? To go out and do your growing?”

  “I do,” the Glumos confirmed from the other side of Juniper.

  “Could I go with you in the morning? I’d like to learn more about what you do.”

  “Sure! I’ll wake you up when it’s time to go.”

  With pns for the morning settled, Juniper turned towards where her Pals gathered on the opposite side of the bed. Only to climb over one, Vesta if she had to guess by the tail, to settle in the middle. Sadly, any fun that was about to stir would have to wait. At least for now. So, Juniper turned away from where Aoi y wrapped up in her bnket and let her mind fill with “what ifs” as she let sleep take her.