I dont own d gray man
Chapter 3: Exposition
Ten year old Liberio Mikk was bored. No, scratch that, she was DYING OF BOREDOM. The reason? What else: Lessons. She had been sitting here for 3 strait hours listening to her tutor ramble on about stuff she had learned years ago from books in the library. Really, she didn't get why she still had to take lessons, she was already smarter than the tutors themselves.
As her tutor droned on about some science theory, Libby let her green eyes move to the pendants around her wrists. Though they were made of shining silver, they only glinted dully in the dim light of the classroom, almost as if they were reflecting her own emotions.
'You're bored too huh?' she thought with a smile, tuning the tutor out completely for her special dreamland, where everything was as she wanted it to be. Often she would dream she was with her mother and his friends during their Exorcist days, fighting alongside them through pain and suffering and hardship, yet at the same time having fun. As she let her mind wander even the Pendants seemed to glitter with happiness. Ah yes, moments like this had truly become most treasured since the day her Mother told her the story.
-ady Liberio? Lady Liberio? LADY LIBERIO!
Too bad moments so precious were interrupted easily. Libby sighed and looked up at her tutor. With a question in her eye.
Her tutor sighed almost desperately, "Lady Liberio, I understand you find this boring, but you really should consider yourself lucky for even having the opportunity to learn in this day and age, most girls wont ever get the chance at an education, at least not -"
"-To the degree of which Mommy and Daddy intend for you tutors to teach me right? If I had a nickel for every time I've heard that." she said. The Tutor was about to continue his lecture when the clock struck 3, at the sound of the chimes Libby immediately hopped up from her desk, grabbed her books and dashed out of the room with a quick call of, "Well looks like lesson time is over today, b-bye! Leaving the tutor standing there stupefied.
Liberio skipped and giggled all the way to her bedroom, once inside she closed the door and dumped her books on her desk. She had plans for today, plans that didn't involve text books and tutors. She twirled around her room for a bit, the pendants making a tinkling sound against their chains as she spun, before falling back on her bed with a smile. She relaxed for a few minutes, holding up her hands in the direction of her window to watch the silver pendants glint in the sun, almost like they were alive.
She idly couldn't help but wonder what the pendants would say if they could talk. She let her mind wander with that thought for awhile, just staring out the window, quiet and peaceful. Until
"BOO!" Libby shrieked and then laughed as her Mother, who she hadn't even heard come in, pounced her and began tickling her mercilessly. She laughed and laughed with half-hearted giggling cries of "Stop, stop I'm gonna wet myself!" she didn't know how long it went on, but it ended with them both collapsing on the feather mattress laughing and hugging one another.
When they finally calmed down Lavi spoke, "So, what were you thinking about so much that you didn't hear me come in? Usually you get out of the way at the last second and I have to chase you all over the house and catch you." he said jokingly.
"Oh, you know, This, That and the meaning of life." Libby giggled, sitting up and hugging her knees to her chest. Lavi smiled and at her and sat up.
"So, does my favorite little philosopher have any plans for today, I know you don't want to sit around bored." Lavi said in a knowing tone.
Libby smiled and hopped down from the bed, going over to her closet for her shoes and winter coat, "as a matter of fact I do, I'm going into town to have some fun."
"Really, well then just don't scare your attendants too bad when you run off to do… what ever you do when you do that. Ok sweetie?" Lavi said with a laugh as he came up behind her to help her tie her favorite green ribbon in her hair. "Oh and be back by nightfall, tonight we're throwing your Birthday Ball.
"AW Mommy, you know I hate formal parties, and my Birthday was yesterday, on the 1st of December!" Libby whined.
"I know, I know." Lavi laughed in response, "But you deserve to have a night when everyone's eyes are on you and you alone." he kissed her temple from behind as he admired both of their reflections in the mirror, "Besides, you might wind up having fun, and Rose is gonna be there. I'll bet at least you'll have fun with her." Liberio perked up slightly at that. Rose Dawnsong, her best friend would be there, it made her a bit happier, and she managed a tiny smile. Lavi smiled and smoothed out her hair one last time before saying, "I'll call the chauffer to bring the carriage around front for you, and remember, be back by nightfall." And he walked out the door.
Libby took one more look at herself in the mirror, smoothing out her hair and sighing. Even if there was the lingering threat of a formal event, she'd find a way to enjoy the day.
* _ *
Libby ran down the town street as fast as her legs could carry her ignoring the ever more distant shouts of her so called 'attendants. Oh how she loved messing with people. Her lace up boots clacked against the pavement with every step she took, her breath seeable in the cold December air, though no snow had yet to fall.
Libby took a turn into the mostly empty park in town, stopping at a large patio plaza in the parks center. She smoothed out her purple fur-trimmed winter coat and readjusted the matching cap perched on her head. She sat down on the edge of the fountain, it was off for the winter though, and looked left and right, then frowned when she didn't see the person she was looking for. She stood up and put her hands on her hips in irritation.
'Where is she, she promised me she'd-' Libby's thoughts were interrupted when something White and furry bowled right into her and knocked her over. Then before she had a chance to even blink something warm and damp was moving up and down her face making her gi g g l e .
A laugh came from above her, and she gently nudged the creature on top of her, a white, brown eyed wolf-husky, off and looked up at the source of the chuckle.
"Rose!" she squealed, jumping up and hugging her friend, and Rose hugged back, the girls pulled apart and giggled, while Rose's dog, Thorn, rubbed up against Liberio's legs and whined happily, Libby petted her head in return.
"Libby!" Rose squeaked, her shoulder-length brown hair blowing in the winter breeze as she squeezed her friend tight, "Its been too long.
"But Rose we just saw each other 2 days ago." Libby replied, gently nudging her friend away.
"Too long, too long." Rose chanted happily, smiling and beckoning Thorn to her side, she petted the wolf-husky and grinned up at Libby with her brown eyes glinting mischievously. Liberio's emerald orbs glinted right back, even Thorn found doing things that weren't quite rule--friendly fun. To any passerby the 2 young ladies looked deceptively innocent, just a pair of little girls out for a walk in the park, one dressed in green with a purple winter coat the other in red with a dark turquoise winter coat. But anyone who knew them well would run at the look in their eyes. It was a look that promised pure humiliation to someone once the girls came up with a suitable prank to pull.
"So? Shall we?" Rose asked extending a hand to Libby, Libby smiled and took the offered hand and the 2 girls ran down one cobblestone park path with Thorn at their heels when they came to a certain spot on the path the quickly looked around to see if the coast was clear, they didn't want anyone finding their secret place after all then pushed aside a branch concealing a makeshift path, caused by many back and forth trips trodden down all the plants.
The girls went down the path and continued until they came to what was at the end of it. A cave, which the girls had turned into their secret hideout. They grinned at each other and ran into the cave, intent on spending their time there from afternoon till sunset.
The inside of the cave, which had been just a simple hole in the Cliffside when the girls found it, looked like a small, simple room now. There was a small circle of stones where they could make a fire to keep themselves warm, a small makeshift table with a pair of pillows they'd snuck out of their houses for chairs, and to top off their simple little hangout, there was an old trunk pushed against the back of the small cave. The trunk had a few nice thick blankets inside as well as countless blank journal books which the girls used for various purposes. Basic things like writing and drawing mostly.
In fact the girl's secret base sort of doubled as a makeshift publishing firm between the 2 of them. Ever since they were 5 Libby had been re-telling the stories her mother told her to Rose, who was equally enthralled by the stories. Eventually, soon after they made their secret base, Rose insisted that the stories be written down in books. So they saved their allowance for awhile and bought up as many blank journal books as they could. After that the cave became like a small story publishing business between the 2 girls, immortalizing the tales of the Exorcists. Libby handles writing for the most part, as she could always remember her Mother's stories by heart. If she got stuck and couldn't remember something, she'd simply ask her mother to tell her that particular story that night. Rose, who was an amazing artist for her age, would accompany the story with beautiful illustrations of her own design. Just as Libby finished starting a fire to ward off the cold December air, Rose spoke behind her.
"Heard about the party," Rose said while opening the trunk and digging inside for the books they were currently working on, "Why do our parents insist on torturing us like this.
"Because people would think they're rude if they don't through a party for every single minute occasion, no matter how public or personal it is." Libby replied as she sat down on one of the pillows and stroked Thorn's head as the dog curled up near the fire. Rose sat down across from her, setting down journals, pens and pencils, she handed a blue journal and a pen to Libby, and they both set to work.
"Yeah but a birthday ball, those are always the worst." Rose griped as she began adding illustrations to one book, "Especially for your family, "I mean sure, the guests all have the decency to bring gifts and all that, but then they throw glares at your parents from across the room, or even worse, try to convince your mom and dad to engage you to their brain-dead kid." Rose pouted.
"We both know that can't be helped Rose. People simply don't understand Mommy and Daddy's love. And there aren't THAT many parents trying to engage me to their son, I'm not that great after all." Libby said looking down at her writing.
"Not that great? NOT THAT GREAT? You're only the most amazing girl on the PLANET, LIBBY!!! You're Rich, Beautiful, from a high class family, and you're SMART. Something we both know is rare to find in today's female society. Who WOULDN'T want to wed you to their kid just to brag about it?" Rose raved, Thorn barking in agreement, causing Libby to giggle.
"But to bad for all those attention grubbing lowlifes, I have parents who want me to marry for love, not for money or status." Libby mused.
"Yeah, but the one good thing about this dumb party is it gives me a chance to give you your birthday present!" Rose sing-songed.
Libby just smiled and continued writing, knowing she wasn't going to get any information about her gift out of Rose, so she just patted Thorn's head and continued with her writing. Fantasizing about the days that would come, the days of Christmas time. Christmas was Liberio's favorite holiday. But not for the presents and sweets. It was her favorite because every year, all of her Mommy's old friends from his exorcist day would come and celebrate Christmas and new-years with them. She couldn't wait.
The 2 girls continued working and chatting until the fire they'd made was nothing but as ashes. By then the sunset had already began to dim the cloudy winter sky. And so the girls prepared to leave, re-donning their coats and hats.
"Well we might as well not try to avoid it, Mommy said to be back by dark, so let's get going, and get this party over with." Libby said, Rose nodded in response. Libby smiled and decided she'd at least try to enjoy herself. So she skipped out of the cave…
And smashed right into someone.
"GAAAH!" Libby cried in surprise as she ended up on her butt in the dirt. God-damn it now when she found her attendants they'd scold her for dirtying her dress. She looked up fully intending to give the person she bumped into a polite apology so she could move on. But she never got the chance to more than open her mouth.
"Watch where you're going!" A brash and rude, but young voice said above her. Libby looked up to see who was being so rude.
It was a boy, a young boy, probably no older than she was. He had black hair that was overlong and fell halfway down his back in a low ponytail. His hair was a stark contrast to his eyes; they were white, though they had a steely silver glint to them because of his hard glare.
Libby quickly stood up brushing off her skirt and apologizing, "I'm terribly sorry." as Libby voiced her apology and re-adjusted her cap she noticed the boys clothing, which was… strange to say the least. His shirt was long sleeved, but it wrapped around his torso and the edges formed a neckline where they crisscrossed over his chest, his pants were normal enough, and he wore heavy winter boots. But oddest of all was that in place of any kind of coat to shield him from the winter air, he instead wore a thick hooded cloak that dropped all the way to his ankles. There was something about the boy that struck her as familiar but she couldn't quite place it.
"Che," the boy scoffed, "You should be, but then again do girls EVER watch where they're going?" Libby was shocked, how could anyone be so rude? Especially to someone they had bumped into completely on accident! She had meant no harm in bumping into him, why was he so unpleasant towards her"
"HEY you can't talk to her that way!!" Rose's voice behind her caused her train of thought to hit a wall. Her friend had appeared behind her, hands on her hips and a Dont-skrew-with-me look in her eyes, Thorn was growling at the new arrival. Libby was looking from her friend to the strange boy, desperately trying to figure out how to ease the tension before a fight broke out right here in the woods. She was about to simply grab Rose and drag her away to prevent a brawl and act as a peacemaker…..
But someone else beat her to the punch…
Literally.
Because just before Liberio could move, another cloaked figure, slightly shorter and with the hood of their cloak up over their head concealing their face, brought a fist down on the head of the black haired boy.
" Arashi-nii-sama!" The figure chastised in a voice that seemed feminine enough to dub the figure a girl (though at this young an age who could really tell? especially since she was visibly wearing what appeared to be boys clothes?), "That is no way to treat young ladies. Mother will be very cross at you."
"Only if you snitch on my Shorty! Which you better not!" the boy, now identified as Arashi, shot back
"I told you not to call me that!" The cloaked girl (?) screeched back at the boy before turning to the girls, in the light of the setting sun, Libby could make out a few features of the clearly feminine face, her hair was light colored, perhaps blonde but it was hard to tell in this light with that hood on. But what really stood out to Libby were her eyes, they were dark, extremely dark in color, like a starless, moonless, cloudy night but they were soft, gentle in a way, but strong. "Are you alright miss? I apologize for my twin brother's rudeness, he's so empty-headed sometimes." the girl piped, much to the obvious chagrin of the boy behind her, who restrained his obvious anger.
"Oh its no trouble, but we really must be going now." Liberio replied, "My mother insisted I return home by nightfall."
"Ours did as well." the girl chimed with a smile, before grabbing Arashi's wrist and yanking him away, dragging the cursing boy farther into the woods without so much as another word, leaving 2 very confused young ladies and 1 confused dog standing there. Libby stared after them for a long while, desperately resisting the urge to follow them to retrieve more information. She had always been naturally curious, and these 2 were a new puzzle to her to solve. Who were they? Why did they live in the forest? Who were their parents? Question after question sprouted in her overly curious mind.
" Hey Libby. You coming? We need to get to your house so we can get this damn party over with." Rose reminded while gently taking Libby's hand.
"Oh… right." Libby responded monotonously and began to walk with Rose back to the park paths. But before the strange twins were out of sight Libby stole one more glance backwards.
Just in time to see the winter wind blow the girls hood off, and hair white as freshly fallen snow poor down her back
AN: ANNNNNNNNNNNNND THAT'S IT FOR NOW FOLKS! Btw Rose and Thorn are the property of one of my lovely reviewers: An Angel Flying with Broken Wings. This chapter was only possible cause of her. And I have a lot more planned with Rose in this story and any others that come after it so thanks lots Angel, i apologizew if rose was nything unlike you envisioned her. if she seems out of character, just tell me and i will make adjustments
I'm also debating about whether or not to put any of the other De-noah-fied-Noahs in the next chapter. I want to cause it will be insanely fun to write but I need feedback.