Arya packed up the baskets, trying to make sure everything was ready for the day. Her hands kept trembling making the process even more difficult.
Another pair closed over hers, steadying them silently.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Tomoya kissed her gently before moving away. "Hope this goes well."
"Me too." She finished up the basket she was working on. "Are the kids ready?"
"All the ones going are in the car already." He took the baskets from her.
"Who isn't going?"
"Zal went with Kaien for training. He sends his love though."
She nodded, "Alright. Let's go do this." She gave him a small smile as she headed out toward the car. She looked in the back to double check everyone was buckled correctly. "You kids ready?"
Ryon grinned as the others nodded excitedly.
She smiled and settled into her seat.
Tomoya slid behind the wheel and started the engine.
She watched out the window as they started moving. They drove to a large field, tons of bright flowers in sight. After pulling up, Arya got out and started laying down blankets for everyone to sit on, then let the kids out of the car. She gently carried Elysia and sat down.
All the kids went running into the field. The boys started roughhousing as Azra picked flowers quietly. Suddenly Yamae veered off into a wooded area, his eyes narrowed.
"Yamae, come back where we can see you!" Arya called out.
He stopped, head cocked as he looked at her. "Can't you hear it?"
She closed her eyes and listened, then stood and handed Ely to Tomoya. She went over to Yamae, "Let's go look."
He took her hand, slowly moving into the wooded area.
The noise got louder, a discordant musical note repeated every few seconds.
They continued following it until she spotted something laying on the ground.
"Mommy? It's hurt…"
Arya knelt down beside it and looked it over carefully. She soon realized it was a unicorn. Spreading light out to it, she covered it in pink healing energy.
Yamae stroked it, causing gold eyes to open and stare up at him. He smiled softly.
"Hi there, little one," Arya said quietly as she continued to heal it.
"Her name is Seraphina." Yamae reported as it continued to stare at him.
"Such a pretty name." After a little while she spoke again, "Are you feeling better Seraphina?"
The unicorn dipped it's head and let out a neigh.
"She says thank you."
"Do you have anywhere to go? A family?" Arya asked quietly.
Yamae's face fell. "She's alone. Her family was killed by humans."
"Do you want to come home with us? We can build a nice place for you to live in."
The unicorn's eyes shot to hers uncertainly. 'You would do this for me?'
"Of course. I'm sure all of the kids would love to spend time with you. We'd make sure you have a nice shelter and food. But only if you want to come with us. We aren't making you."
Seraphina nudged her hand and whinnied. 'Please?'
"Alright. We better get back to the others before they start to worry. Come on," Arya took Yamae's hand and led them out of the woods.
"I was about to send out a search party." Tomoya had the kids eating as he raised an eyebrow.
"We had to help her," she motioned to the unicorn. "Her name is Seraphina and she's coming home with us."
"Yes ma'am." He chuckled.
Arya sat down and picked through the food, finding some for the unicorn and making a small pile for her.
Seraphina ate gracefully, not minding when the kids began petting her.
"At least the stables will be warm. Any idea how long she's been out here?" Tomoya rocked a sleepy Ely.
"Not sure. Humans killed her family though."
He scowled. "Assholes."
She nodded and finally began eating her own food. When she was done, she looked at the kids, "Did you enjoy the picnic? Or are you all more excited about Seraphina?"
"Picnics are fun." Kenji grinned as he and Azra made flower chains. The others shrugged, Ryon staring up at the sky as he laid down.
"You okay, baby?" She asked Ryon softly.
"Just tired." He gave a small yawn.
"Why don't we head home then?" She began packing up the baskets.
Yamae picked up Seraphina and took her to the van as the others helped her clean up.
She got everyone to the car and sat down tiredly. She took a moment before helping the older kids and Tomoya strap in the younger ones.
Finally, they were back on the road.
Tomoya squeezed one of her hands gently. "You look wiped out."
"I thought I'd get more of my energy back after having Ely.. but it doesn't seem to be happening."
"Have you and Keisuke found anything promising yet?"
"He's coming up with something. It's in the finishing stages right now, then we'll have to test it and see how it goes."
"Don't lose faith, okay?"
She nodded as they pulled up to the house. She went to move but stopped, staying still in her seat.
"Arya?" Tomoya looked at her in concern.
"I just need a minute.."
He looked unconvinced, but occupied himself with unloading the kids. He took a sleeping Ely and Ryon in his arms as Yamae carried Seraphina toward the stable. He disappeared inside the house, the little ones following quietly.
Arya sat there a few more minutes until the feeling in her leg came back, then slowly pulled herself from the car.
Tomoya quickly moved to her side, supporting her shaky frame. "You need to rest."
She nodded as they headed toward their room. Once inside she whispered, "I'm sorry.. I'm trying so hard to be strong but I'm not strong enough.."
"Don't you dare apologize, Princess." Tomoya glared at her. "You are the strongest person I've ever known."
She gave him a small smile as she laid down, "Thank you."
"Anytime. Now get some rest. I'll take care of everything."
She nodded and soon fell asleep.