//------------------------------//
// The news 
// Story: Lemon Pies and Chess: Lemonade 
// by Lemon Pegasus 
//------------------------------//

	Lemon moved his pawn forward a couple of squares.
"So, how was the trip?" The foal was enthusiastic to learn of what his dad had seen on his travels. After all, being a pegasus meant Lemon should have a great deal of freedom, but to his disappointment, he did not know how to fly yet. So, stuck to the ground, he resorted to hearing tales of what far off locations were like.

"The trip was awfully exciting," Citron responded while moving one of his own pawns forward, "you should have seen the immense machinery those far off ponies have!"

Moving a second chess piece, Lemon found some interest in something that would be described as 'immense machinery' mainly because Equestria had not come very far in the world of engineering.
"Why, what was there?" Lemon noticed his dad make a move that meant one of his pieces could be taken.

"Well, there were these huge tanks filled with water, coal and machinery. The coal could be burnt, which would turn the water into steam, then somehow that steam powered these enormous steel wheels on either side of the tank!" Lemon saw his opportunity and took a piece, score one for him.

"So... It doesn't need anypony to turn the wheels?" He smirked at his smart little move.
"Well, somepony needs to regularly refill the tank with coal," Citron was in deep thought after the move from his son, "apart from that, it's independent!"

Lemon was intrigued by this idea, "and, what are these machines called?" He saw his dad make a random move.

"They're called 'locomotives' I think." Citron took a sip of lemonade, "I hear there are plans to have them come through here! To Ponyville!" Lemon again made a smart move, clearly he had been practising during his business trip, "nice to see some modernisation come to this old place."

Really, the place had a unique type of beauty thanks to it's simplicity. The two ponies sat upon simple wooden chairs playing chess at a simple wooden table which was placed under the 'super tree' as Lemon called it. It was getting late, the sun setting over the horizon of lemon trees, creating a yellow colour in the sky, the stars looking small but twinkling regularly as if they had significance in this massive expanse of nothing. Citron and Lemon each had a glass of homemade lemonade with them, a drink which had been created by Lemon in anticipation of Citron's return.

Citron moved his knight, allowing his bishop to have some open ground to roam. At that point, Citron remembered some important news he had for his son.
"Oh hey, Lemon. Got some news for ya." Lemon moved one of his pieces right into Citron's trap.
Lemon sighed when he realised this was a trap.
"What's the news?" He spoke just as one of his pieces fell victim to a bishop attack from Citron.
"You, Mr Lemon... Have got a place at Ponyville Primary!" Lemon's face shot up from the game.

"No way!?" Lemon beamed excitedly at his dad. A place at school was a big moment for him, this meant he would finally learn to fly, he could meet other ponies his age, he could learn important things for the orchard, the list went on for the young, enthusiastic foal! A nod from Citron confirmed his fantasies.

"Yep, starting in a couple of days, you'll be at the school just a short walk from here." Citron seemed to notice his son's enthusiasm for an education, though really he believed it was more so he could meet other foals and fillies. "You won't have to stay cooped up on this orchard all anymore!"

Lemon seemed not to be taking in any of what Citron was telling him, in fact, he probably forgot he was in the middle of a chess game! This seemed to be made obvious by the way he looked: like a statue. A statue of a yellow pegasus foal that looked happier than a brony during a date with Tara Strong.

Soon enough, Lemon did in fact manage to escape from his mini-comma.
"That's... That's just awesome!" He could hardly contain himself, trying to regain focus on the game would likely be a useless attempt. It was getting dark anyway, soon enough they would have to go inside. It was a shame that Lemon had to go to bed early due to his age, the lemon orchard was a site to be in awe at when the moon illuminated the expanse of trees, light from the house creating a beautiful circle of bright colour which stood out and illuminated the super tree. But alas, foals Lemon's age wouldn't be able to witness sights like this unless it was winter when the nights came early.

"Lemon, we should head inside. It's getting dark." Citron told his son. The foal replied by knocking over Citron's king.
"That counts as a win in my book!" Lemon seemed to find his joke move rather amusing, chuckling slightly as he got up from his chair and walked back inside, Citron soon following with the drinks which he was carrying using his wings. The glasses were mostly empty anyway, just a small bit of yellow lemonade resting idly in the bottom of the beakers.

The rest of the night went swimmingly, it was over too quick for Lemon, Maple, hell it went fast for every pony!  Citron brought an atmosphere to the room that made happiness and harmony seem so much more enjoyable. Citronella, as planned, had made that special meal with the recipe involving roasted chicken and lemon, a knock out dinner by any standards. It seemed like Lemon could only function properly as long as he knew his dad was well, which says a lot about him, really.
Many nights Lemon had not been able sleep out of worry for his dad. That night, he slept sound. Peaceful. With ease.