Le Lutte Pour l'indépendance

My eyelids open, another day has begun, another 24 hours of my life. I rub them slightly to adjust my vision with my right hoof, stretch my back for maximum flexibility for the course of the day and yawn faintly.

Nearly as soon as my sight adjusts, a familiar feline-like of eyes are looking directly at me, and I hear purring. My Beautiful cat, Alivia. I instantly recognize the specimen and I embrace her in a motherly way. She was given to me by my parents as a companion for My four year term at The Imperial University of Fine arts, Government and History. She was just a mere kitten then and her age now is apparent.

A faint smirk escapes my lips

" Did you not want to sleep in your own bed alivia?"

She simply meows In reply, but it's a delicate noise so I assume that in the language of felines, that means "yes."

I gently put her on the the side of the bed, then to see that it's raining outside... Marvelous.

I climb out of the bed and stretch some more, then I trot to the single window of our room.

I can see that a few students with umbrellas and parasols are not heading to class yet, but are have casually conversations.  I know most of them, considering the small size of the university solely dedicated to the arts, history and government to make it brief.

During all of this so that no "peeping toms" as most put it won't look, I then pull down the curtains over the simple window using telekinesis. The process of getting dressed formally and casually for the day begins.

First, off goes the sleeping gown, then my corset, minor metal hoops, a petticoat, the main bright blue and white fabric is put on the hoops, over the black petticoat, then black hoof gloves and comfortable back hoof heels. I then use experimental toothpaste to keep my teeth relatively healthy. Which They are,This does not count for some unlucky mares.

The final I do in getting dressed is putting my mane into a up-do braid and I put a goose feather in the center of my mane., it's white and black, so it perfectly goes with my current look. The journey towards my Final Monday of University begins that very moment after a loving embrace of Alivia.

Oh how horribly I expect the day to go.... A few sexist griffins call me vulgar words,and a few are even spreading gossip as always. My Dress is so much more elaborate than Everypony else's.. Shouldn't they be dressing at least relatively creativity for being... Oh I don't know.. A partially art university in The most artistic nation in Europe besides Italy?!, Alright, one or two out of a three hundred member university know how to dress besides me but that isn't a very positive ratio.

I can hear rain from the Corridor leading to the doorway, that of which leads to the outside. So I put my black parasol into good use... Using it to help me walk for now... And when I reach the outdoors to use it for its proper use.

I reach the steps of the university... And begin to climb them... All fifty-nine of them. I manage it though tired as I reach the top. But as any proper Mare from the area I'm from should, I don't show very much exhaustion.  I reach the area, and as soon as I enter the large wooden doors, smells of paint, ink and all sorts of paper is exposed to one's nostrils. It's a good smell to me... Art and writing... Two things I love... But something that I adore as much as I loath it... Government and politics.

I sit down on a special couch, a annoyed gift from the university since, due to my dresses, I can't really sit in normal chairs, since those would break the hoops. I elegantly use my hand fan to cool me off since the amount of heat in this room is surprisingly extreme given how many ponies and griffins are here. The professor, Franz Van Dovin' sees me , since I sit in the very front corner of the class.

"Oh.. It's you Emerald.." He says, disgust in his voice is apparent

" Good morning Missur Proffessor Dovin'."I reply in a polite voice, hiding the same amount of disgust..

" Your Late for class."  The Griffin tells me,  I look at him as though he were an idiot, which he may be... To the fact that he think we are a part of griffonia.

"Antonettes are Never on time for ponies or other types of species they despise." I say honestly, this being my normal attitude towards a very propagandistic way of teaching In goverment,that of which Dovin' follows seemingly without question. Rather tall, dark brown eyes, and slightly older than most teachers here, I will admit that he has had experience... But he should be giving the lies of state to where he came from, not to a place that isn't officially Griffonian territory.

He rolls his eyes at me, I huff... And he continues about his lesson.

" I'm assuming that all of you did your final reports last night on the History of the western half of Griffonia, if you did, place them on the desk over there." He points his claw to, apparently a desk.

About half of the students get up and turn in the assignment, including me. I did do the assignment because it did not refer to Holestria directly.. Sure, there were some obviously fabricated passages in the text book but I try to be a polite mare and not one of no value.

" It's surprising that she even turned in anything at all..." I can hear him you know who mumble, but I act like how a well mannered... And disciplined mare from Imperium would do.. And ignore him.

I return to my sofa, where just arriving in class... A actually familiar, and rather attractive griffin pony hybrid by the name of " Volan Dewitt Austria Piaire'... Or to me.. Volan." He seems to have ran the entire way from his dorm.

" My appologies sire! I had to change clothing due to the shower!" He begs to the professor as he has his report in his claws, hopefully not ripped.

The professor sighs " You've been late for three days in a row Piaire', step out of this class room.. Your beating will begin in a few hours. You knew the rules, this is acceptable." He says harshly to the meek stallion, as I stand up in downright outrage.

" A physical beating with a whip and claw for being late to class?!, are you really that cold!?" I stand up.

He ignores me as I can see poor Volan's ears flop downwards in fear and guilt.

The professor chuckles " Oh no, no, no, that's only for the worst of students, he will only receive a whipping from a belt a few times on the flank.." His tone darkens severely  " You would be the type of student to receive the whip and beating "Maddam" Antonette."  He says, looking at me with eyes that even night mare moon would call sadistic.

I gulp and sit back down, in an attempt to not worsen the situation, the whole classroom has been watching me the entire time.

Volan bows slightly " Y-yes Professor." He says sadly as he attempts to turn in his paper though, the professor literally forces his claw upon his hoof so hard that blood is exposed " Your report is now worthless, now do as I said or I'll make it worse." He says in harsh tone... I try to withhold my inner rage... Knowing what may become of me if I act up again... Openly challenging the authorities here at least 10 different times during my four year visit here.. From the minor objections to a certain amount of words required in an essay to the expelling of a close friend of mine not even a whole year ago now.

Volan cringes in pain " P-please let go Professor.." He begs, a sadistic chuckle emerges from the possibly mentally Ill professor " Will do student." He says, taking his razor sharp claws off him... And Volan clutches his scratched front right hoof.. He then limps out... Barely even able to limp on the exposed hoof...

After about five minutes.... I ask the professor " May I go to the Outside for a moment?... It's simply too hot in here." I say, waving my hand fan very rapidly

He rolls his eyes " You dare to interrupt my lesson for that?.... URG.. Fine, go. Mares from Imperium are corrupt enough as it is... Besides, maybe the rain will spoil your pretty dress." He says very annoyed and offensively as some of the griffins chuckle, out of fear if they don't, they will be in trouble, While some rightfully see his statement there as too harsh... But I don't show my anger on the outside...

I get up, making sure to not damage the dress, hide my face from the likes of him with my fan, leave my things, making them think I'll come back and trot out of the building, my heels making the typical "Clip Clok" noise as I proceed to the outside...

As soon as I pass some guards, I undo my parasol to where it will Sheild me from the elements.. And I try to find my actual objective, to find Volan.

Meanwhile... Volan is on the thirtieth step of the university staircase, severely depressed and anxiety ridden.. I see,trot to And sit beside him, using my parasol to cover us both. The guards are not able to hear us... Thankfully considering our conversation ahead.

" Your too weak willed... Didn't a part of you want to yell back at him?" I ask my friend, he is still clutching his wound, the blood that of which is now dripping unto the marble stairs... Due to the rain.

He turns to the voice... He smiles when he sees that it's a friend and not another enemy. He nods

" But if I did he would have scratched my fa-face off or something.. Becuase I'm an abomination in his eyes.. A Batpony-griffin-earth pony hybrid who is not as rou-rough and tough as the others." He says, telling the truth to a friend that he has known since the first day here.

I look at his barely retracted Claws

" You have claws Volan, make use of them, you can attack the beaters when they get to you, since if you do, they will allow it since doing so will make you look powerful and like a "proper" part griffin in their eyes and mind." I say, taking out a hankercheif and begin to treat his wounds " He literally made you lose blood... This is going far enough." I tell him, trying to stop the acute bleeding.

He shakes his head in nervousness " b-but they might deform me... Or tar me if I retaliate... Or even castra-" he says nervously as I interrupt for his own good

" Those are only assumptions and the beaters are not the most well trained in the nation, those are in the universities in Griffonia, not Holestria. They probably aren't very experienced neither to be honest." I try to tell him

He smiles " I'll give them Rumble." He says, stretching his, actually rather intimidating claws out that I haven't seen the full legth of until now

" Easy now... Save your strength for then." I tell him in a recommending tone. " As I said, if you win the fight, you won't be expelled since the griffins are always looking for a warrior any chance they can possibly get.. If you lose... Your reputation will be damaged further."  I tell him

He nods in agreement " I know this... " he breaks down from nervousness " Oh hug me friend, for I have no faith." He says... As I do as he requested, behind his ear responding with " Do not fret over this, you will win, if you have troubles... Then maybe I'll step in." I say as he pulls from the hug.

"B-but emerald.. You may be different than most mares and of high social class, but doing that would get you whipped on the back and expelled... The Class R regiment could be sent after you also..." He cringes at the last thought.

I close my eyes and take a deep breath " I've learned enough here already, I've already completed my diplomas for art and history, my main two loves here..." I say... Hiding my internal lust and romance for him.

" You would do that for me emerald ....? I-I-if I don't pull through of course."  He asks, amazed at how strong our bond has become in the four years we've known each other..

I nod " That's what friends are for, to protect each other, mentally and physically." I tell him in a reassuring voice.

I get up, " Now, let me help you back to your dorm, I don't think it's wise to walk on that hoof... Esspecially considering how far away your place of residence is from here." I generously offer, even being a mare and all.

He looks at the building behind us both, " But by the time you get back, class will be over and you'll be in even more trouble than you already are." He tries to tell me, but I shake my head.

" It's our last two days here Volan, and I quite frankly don't give a Ruthian's bottle of vodka about the Proffessor." I say honestly

Volan slightly chuckles at the little bit of humor I tried to insert into the situation... " Or Elizabethiana's flank about them." He adds in jokingly, I cannot help but to laugh.

" Or even a... Uh... Pardon me for my arrogance." He  says, a silly smile on his face

I smile, showing my quite healthy fangs " well, we better get moving if you don't want me to get into trouble." I tell him.

" oh.. Yes." He replies, getting up awkwardly.. But adorably and I begin to escort him there.

Within a quarter of an hour.. We hear the bell ring.. Signaling that the first class of the day is over... I sigh

" We didn't even make it to your house before the bell rang out..." I say.. Knowing that I will have to go back there, since I left my belongings such as my journal, sketchbook and writing utensils on my desk.

Volan Shurgs " I presume that life does and always will have a sense of humor... Even if it's a sick one." He says as I help him up the stair case to his dorm... And open the door for him...

I hug him " Just remember what I told you, if they do come.. It will be after the ball tonight... If I hear destruction coming from here, I'll be right there by your side." She says, since the commons of the university is literally right next to his dorm.

He nods " I, if the situation gets out of hoof will make as much noise as possible." He says... Agreeing and he begins to enter the door

" Volan-..." I try to say before the door is shut, I sigh and head my way back. Volan is a very shy and quite awkward individual, some say he has the nerves of a butterfly sometimes.. I can see why to be honest.. But he is as kind as a kitten once you really get to know him... And as handsome as every word that can be used in the dictionary. He came from a once decently well off family of merchants, but his father was hung to death by local authorities after the rumors of him telling other merchants of different nations got spread.... Which may have been the case, but they still should not have forced the whole family to witness the hanging... I believe that ever since he told me about it, this is why Volan is so afraid to challenge anypony and stick up for himself... He looks like a stallion that would be in the army nearly with his strong and even slightly muscular build, but mentally... He can be as sensitive as a dandelion... As can I sometimes. His Mother tried to remain sane... But one day tried to commit suicide, and has been in the mental asylum ever since he was 15 years of age... But she still loves her son, that's how he got into this very expensive university, she still did pay for it after all... Despite suffering from severe depression. But she should be out of there some day..

Many would think that I'm the most unintelligent, cruel hearted,  stuck up, and judgemental pony on the face of the earth, considering where I was born raised.... Imperium.

Yes, I was influenced by my mother and adore music,literature and fashion... But I was also influenced by my father, who of which is a general in charge of a whole army in the northern half of the nation. While some days I went to the countless tea parties and social events and even picnics with family members my mother attended.. I sometimes went hunting and fire arm practice with my father starting at Age... 15 I think. He even taught me how to use a sword and dagger, but to me.. Those weapons may be out of date despite how majestic they may be. The world is heading towards the direction of Flintlock Rifles, Cannons, Mass armies, with their prestige, swords represent an era that has been gone for at least two hundred years.

The Uninviiting return to the university begins that very moment.