Chris didn’t know the answer to many of the questions Luna was asking, quite a few confusing him as his vocabulary wasn’t too large. By the end of her questioning, she had taken several reports taken from the doctors, asked a few questions the medical staff that had tested and examined him in detail, scanning the area of the blizzard outside the city for any clues, and had done a half hour’s worth of scouring through several ancient tombs of historic creatures that previously inhabited Equestria.

With no previous mention of ‘Human’ in history and his naive innocents, Luna was ready to make her decision. While the odds were still in Chris’ favor and his sweet shy demeanor helped his case, Cadence couldn’t help but feel nervous as she watched her aunt stroll back towards the examination room. As the lunar mare stopped in front of Cadence and Shining, she gave both of them a stoic face.

The silence that held control over the air in the room was broken when Luna cleared her throat. “Cadence, Shining Armor. I have completed my research and have come to my solution for the small creature you wish to adopt.” She began, making Cadence quiver with anticipation while Shining Armor retained his usual stone faced expression. “If both of thee wish to take this wayward child under thou’s care and raise him as thou’s own, I have no reason to deny your request.” Cadence nearly cheered with glee had it not been for one small thing.

“But-” The catch. Cadence almost deflated as she heard Luan begin to speak once more. “You must make sure the child is willing to be taken under your care. From what I have heard, the poor colt was separated from, and most likely lost, his mother. This surely is traumatic for the child, as he is firmly sure his mother is coming back. And I can assure you, no one is out in that tundra and that child was lucky to be found when he did or he would have surely frozen.” The words made Cadence wince at the grim thoughts.

“So in short, before you attempt any legalities or prepare to take care of him, thou must make sure he understands the situation and accepts it. Otherwise, I cannot let thee raise him.”

“Wait wait wait...” Shining began, raising a hoof and putting it on the bridge of his nose. “Are you saying we have to go in there and tell him that the possibility of finding his mother is slim to none and then ask him if he wants us to take care of him?” Cadence’s heart froze in shock and horror. She knew she would have to have told him eventually, but not within the next twenty-four hours. She was snapped out of her thoughts by Shining’s voice. “Cadence? Are you sure you want to do this?”

Biting her lip, she looked from Luna and Shining to Chris, who was still idly tapping his feet and listening to his music with the nurse from earlier. A small smile was on his lips and he seemed much more calm than before. He was too sweet and innocent to be left to fend for himself in a foster care, along with the likelihood of him getting adopted by the Xenophobic populace was completely nonexistent. A somber sigh escaped her lips as she turned back towards Luna, giving a slow nod.

“I will tell him.” She stated reluctantly. Luna gave her a smile, taking the opportunity to drape and wing over her niece's back and give her a light hug. “But may I at least hold off until tomorrow? I don’t want to hurt him so soon after getting out of the snow.” Luna gave a slow, but firm, nod of approval.

“I understand thou’s reluctance, my niece. This shall not be a easy task, but I wish thee the best of luck. Now if thou will excuse me-” She let go of Cadence and turned towards the halls. “I must adjourn back to Canterlot. My time here has been exciting, but I must return to my own royal duties. Please contact me or Celestia when everything has been said and done.”

And with that, Luna walked off and down the hall, leaving Cadence and Shining Armor to figure out a way to break the news gently.

They had given a room for Chris to sleep and recover in, while Cadence and Shining continued to mull over the ways to do it. They had finally decided on the direct and gentle approach, seeing how beating around the bush would simply make the experience harder. As everyone laid sleeping, the sound of gently breathing filling the air, Cadence laid wide awake.

In no manner was she looking forward to breaking the harsh news to the child. She wished to all heavens that there was a easier way. She could only imagine how it was going to fare as she finally closed her eyes and let herself fall asleep, her dreams filled of relaxing thoughts and images, courtesy of the fair night goddess.

As the next morning rose, Cadence prepared herself for the day. Dawning her regala, making sure that not a single hair was out of place, her wings preened, and her smile warm. However, she knew what the morning meant.

The day went by fairly quick. They had eaten breakfast with Chris, the child vocalising and praising the chefs for their cooking, causing quite a few chuckles and giggles to be heard throughout the castle. Cadence went to her office, with Chris in tow, while Shining Armor went about his job, directing and training the guards. Before they knew it, the afternoon was upon them and the time to do the deed was nigh.

Cadence had chosen a small place in the gardens, the warm sun and relaxing breeze giving comfort to everyone around. A beautiful place for such a harsh truth. She sat down, patting the area of grass next to her. As Chris plopped himself onto the ground, she took in a dep breath and began to speak.

“Chris, I need to tell you something, but I am afraid you will not like it.” Cadence stated, gaining the boy’s attention. “We have been searching for your mother for quite sometime, scanning and searching every inch of the tundra outside of our castle, asking all of the ponies across the city and even a few outside of the city. But I am afraid... ” She truly did not want to say these last words, she’d rather have chewed her own hoof off than tell a child he’d never see his mother again.

“What, Mrs.Cadence?” He asked sweetly, his eyes showing worry and apprehension. Cadence took another shaky breath and let it out slowly.

“I am afraid, we couldn't find her. Or how you got here. I am so sorry.” Chris’ gained a knowing but denying expression.

“I-I can’t go home? T-To my M-mommy?” The words tore Cadence apart from the inside as she nodded sadly. He was quiet a moment before he silently began to sob, putting his face into his knees as he cried. Cadence put a wing and a arm around him, pulling him into her side. Chris only wrapped his arms around her middle, now sobbing loudly into her fur.

Cadence could only repeat the same phrase over and over again as she clutched the child tightly against her chest and rocked back and forth. “I am so sorry.”

Author's Notes:

This was heart wrenching to write.
I am not so good with sad stuff.