This chapter is how Lubbock get his Teigu.


I slowly open my eyes and blink when I look at the familiar ceiling in my room. I slowly sit on my bed and trying what is happening last night. That right. That stranger save me from the wild beast and take me back here. We also have a nice conversation but I guess I fell asleep. I slowly get up of the bed and yawn.

"That stranger must had carrying me here. He must had left by… Eh?" I walk and open the door of my room. I blink. What happen when I was sleeping? The house, look very clean and sparkling. The floor took shining and there is no single dust on it. The books that I leaving all over the place now is well organized in the bookshelf that I don't remember having that bookshelf before.

The kitchen on other hand, also look clean and when you look at first glance, it look like very new and has not been used yet. I then look at the dining table and I surprised to see a fresh baked pancake with a nice hot coffee on it. I walk and sit on my dining chair and slowly take a bite of the pancake, it taste so damn good.

"What did that guy do?" I freak out a little and slowly calm myself. I continue eating the pancake until I the plate is empty. I later wash the dish while thinking why that stranger clean her house.

"I should head back to work. I still need to open my bookstore and all" I sigh gently as I look at the living room again. Now I think about, I didn't ask his name is and he never as my name as well. Well for now, I just have to call his stranger.

After a while, I finish taking my shower and wearing my usually uniform. I heading downstairs. I open the light and once again, I am surprised. My little bookstore look like brand new. The bookshelf in my store are now stronger and better than the old ones, the books are well organized in the bookshelf and I can't seem to find any dust or webs at very corner of my store. I sweating a little.

"So he not only clean my house but also my store. In just one night? What kind of human is he?" Now I can't keep my cool. If I know who that stranger is, I would be happy but the problem is, I only meet him yesterday. I starting to questions how he do it in one night.

"Lubo-chan" someone knock the door of my store. I quickly open the door of the store and saw my neighbor who is the old lady's second son, Soler. The one I met yesterday is his older brother. Like his brother, he has a dark orange hair, with blue eyes, wearing a black jacket which his sleeve was fold and his expose skin was wrap with bandage. He also wears a gray collar shirt along with dark pant and army boots. I am questioning his fashion sense.

"What do you think, Lubo-chan? Do I look attractive to you?" He show of his cloth with a lot of pride. I stare and slowly touching his arm and his waist. I can see he is surprised with my sudden touch.

"Lubo-chan, I don't know you like me that way. You must be impress with my brows" he grin at me and trying to tease me but I immediately punch his stomach. He quickly covering his stomach with both of his arm once the pain is striking his stomach.

"I do like manly man and I admit I am impress you have muscle than you used to. But it all a waste if you can't handle my little punch" I sigh in mockery way.

"I know that I still need to train my endures and all but even someone who is stronger than me can suffer by that punch of yours, Lubo-chan" Soler give a unpleased glare at me which making me want to laugh at him.

"What with this look anyway? You not going on a date like that right?" I tease him and hoping what I said is a joke.

"No. I actually get an offer to be part of the Red Devil's squad. Pretty impressive right" Soler smile happily as I really surprised. I don't know how many surprised did I get today and it is still morning.

"You mean 'The' Red Devil? The demon demon General? That one?" I ask to make sure that it is the same general. The Red Devil. He is currently the newest general and it said to be the Great General Budou's son. I hear, he destroy his enemy in the raging flame. Because of that, he is known as the Red Devil and Soler is part of his squad.

"Yup. I actually surprised to get promote to be in his squad. I guess all that imperial guard's work really paid off" Soler smile happily. That's right. He was used to work under the imperial guard's captain and he always complain about how much he dislike his captain.

"Well, I best get going. I need to give my superior a good first impression and impress him. Oh and what do you think about my look?" Soler ask my opinion about his look. To tell the truth, his sense of fashion is really bad.

"I think you look good. I am sure your superior will like it" I lie and give him my honest smile. Soler smile and thank me for my opinion. He later rush to go to the meeting place. That Soler, he is so easy to be trick.

"I'm sure he is fine. Now, I better open this book store now. Oh and I need to update new book after this" I smile as I enter my store and flip the sign from 'close' to 'open'


About a week has pass and thing still bore as always. Handling with customer's attitude is really a pain. But at least they are happy with the books they brought. For the pass week, there is two cases regardless about Night Raid. First case is about the assassination of a family and the other one is the death of imperial officers. Either way, it just giving problem to the imperial guard.

"Another boring day again" I sigh as I swept the floor of my store. Not many customer come today which is good I think.

"Hey, did you hear about the Night Raid?"

"Yeah, they newest victim has create a fuss in the imperial army"

"What are those guards are doing? I bet they are too busy with their luxury that they care less about the people they supposed to protect"

"Not only Night Raid cases, but crime such as robbery and bride between the noble are increasing. I glad I forbid my son to join the imperial guard or he will died for nothing"

The two ladies spoke loud enough that I can hear what they are saying. As usual, another complain. I get this almost every day so it is no surprised on how I know what is happening in the capital.

"Lubo-chan" just then, Soler's older brother, Weler is in front of my store. I put my broom next to my counter desk and walk towards him

"Hello, Weler. How is your mother and Soler doing?" I greet and ask politely. Weler laugh before he give a calm smile at me.

"Mom is doing fine with her flowers but I don't know much about Soler since he is working with the General right now" Weler answer with a smile as I relief to hear. Well, Weler and his family have always helping me with the store sometimes. Minus Soler since he never helps but he is still my good (idiot) friend.

"Welly!" just then a woman, has a light blonde short curly hair, wearing a blue dress and blue heel appear running and waving toward Weler. He immediately grab Weler's arms and act all lovey-dovey on him.

"Lubo-chan, this is Ai. My girlfriends. We just dating for few days now" Weler introduce the woman to me as she wave cheerfully at me. By the way she dress, I can tell she is a rich girl and the one thing I hate the most is rich girl. But I can't assume her like that since this woman willing to go out with Weler.

"Nice to meet you" I smile kindly at her. I then turn my eyes back to Weler.

"It's about time you get yourself a girlfriend. Congratulation anyway" Weller blush a little as he rub his head. His girlfriend look unpleased with me and immediately drag Weler somewhere with her. I guess she don't like me. That is fine by me.

"Okay, it's about time I close the store. I think I go on a night stroll tonight. I should get ready now" I smile to myself. I close the door and flip the sign from 'open' to 'close'. I go to my room and quickly changes my uniform into my casual wears. After that, I step outside the store and lock the door for safety. Then I begin to walk in the busy street.

The street is livelier during night hour. I watch and amaze some shop that happen to pass-by. I something stop and have a look at some jewelries (I still a girl so don't questioning me). When I starting to get hungry, I stop by at one of restaurant and order some of their great dishes.

There is one shop that I actually don't know why I feel like going it and it is an antic shop. I slowly enter the shop and look around. The shop is not so bad but their antics are very unique and uncomfortable at the same times.

"Is there something interested you?" a young and handsome man ask in polite. I blush and starting to think weirdly. Please don't ask what I am thinking.

"Are you alright miss?" the man give me a weird look. I smile awkwardly as I eyeing at something that I can pretend that I am interested. I notice there is something underneath the display. I approach it and knee down to take a better look. A chest?

"Are you interested in that?" the man walks towards the chest and quickly take the chest out. He then put on the counter table. He later scrub his back a little. Does that chest really heavy?

"What inside the chest? And why you put underneath there?" I ask and curious what inside this chest.

"This chest was sold by some old fella who claim to be a former general before. From my point of view, he just desperate need the money and create a weird story. Apparently my father was interested with the old man's story and brought it from him. It turnout to be just a weird glove and my father soon regret it. So he put underneath the display since then. Here you go miss" The man show to me an open chest after he telling his story.

Inside the chest is a dark red gloves with whatever it call on the center that look like it can spin and metallic fingertips with wire threads running through them. There also a stool of wire thread. My first thought that, it look very cool then my second thought is what is this?

"This is what inside the chest. Sorry to disappoint you" the man sound regrettable and apologize as he assuming that I have a high hope about something.

"How much will you sell this glove to me?" I ask him as he look at me with a bit surprised. He slowly rub his head.

"I not sure how much does it cost but well… " He look at me and he can see how much I interested in this glove. In truth I don't why I so interested with it. It kind of like it calling to me. Strange I know.

"I give you for free. Since my father don't want it" the man still rubbing his head and his eyes look at the ceiling. I can see him blushing a little.

"Thanks a lot mister but here some money" I place a bag of money and put on the counter table. I immediately wears my new glove and it fix perfectly. I also attach the stool at the back of my pants.

"Thank you, miss. You very kind" The man smile at me before I left his shop. The reason I give him my money is because he look a bit tired. By the look of his back and the way he is carry the chest, I can tell he must has comeback from some heavy work he do. He also look grateful when I give him the money.

"I think I should go home now" I sighed. I think I have enough fun for one night and I got a cool glove which making me wondering what it this glove anyway. I finally arrive at my home and was about to open the door of my store when I saw a shadow in front of me.

"Well hello there miss" I turn around and saw the three huge guy wearing a tight black jacket, light brown pants and brown shoes. They even wearing a dark blue hat. Luckily their height are different.

"Can I help you with something sir?" I ask politely as the three man walk closer to me.

"We just thought that you like to join us in our 'little' drinks" the middle man invite me and about to grab my hand when I slap his hand.

"Thank you but I have enough of tonight" I smile politely to them.

"Sir, what are we going to do now?" the man on the right whisper but I can hear perfectly thanks to the silent of my neighborhood.

"The lady ask us to kill her but I think we should enjoy with her before leaving her corpse here" the man grin evilly. I snorted and immediately take a run. The men who just realize what I just did, quickly chase me from behind.

"Crap. This guy are insane" I continue to run and run. Until I believe those guy no longer chasing me. I look behind me and I sigh of relief that those guy are gone but here is another problem.

"Where am I? How did I get into the forest again?" I internally scream. I was too focus on escaping that I don't realize that I was lost in the forest. Not again. Please there no danger beast in this kind of hour.

Just then, I hear some noise coming from the brushed. When you all alone in the forest, in the middle of the night, you brain start to function differently as you might think that something bad will get out of the brushes.

"WWAAAHHH!"

I immediately scream as I hear something just come out from the brushes. After a while, nothing happen. I took a peak and then, I blink. The thing that is coming out of the brushes is the man the other day. That stranger. I shock and my face get all blushing.

"Wh-what are you doing here in the middle of the night?" I panicking and blushing at the same time while the stranger look at me with the blank look. What with that blank look?!

"Su-san! Is there something wrong?" just then a boy, about my age, wearing a white, high collar jacket over a tan sweater vest, a pair of black pants and combat boots. There also a sword at his back. The boy expression change from worry to blank look on his face when we met for the very first time.

"Who is she, Su-san?" the boy ask about me as I trying to calm down my brain, thanks to this 'Su-san' guy who scare the crap out of me.

"She.. my friend" I hear his answer and I am not the only one who look shock. Even his companion look shock as well. What he is up to?

"I have bad feeling about this" I whisper quietly. I notice this Su-san just put his finger on his lips. Damn that look so sexy. I blink. Did I just think that way to him? Sure he is handsome and strong and all but… Damn it! What is wrong with my head?!

"Are you alright?" the boy look at me weirdly like I did something strange.

"I am totally fine! Anyway, who are you and why are you two doing in this night?" I quickly changing subject. This is so uncool of me.

"Oh, my name is Tatsumi and you alright knows Su-san. We are hunters so I guess you can tell why we hunting at night. Nice to meet you, miss" Tatsumi, his name, smile innocently as he lend me his hand indicate to shake his hand as a sign of meeting. I admit, he does look kind of cute.

"My name is Lubbock and don't make fun of my name" I glare at him, making him startled a little before I shake his hand with a small smile. Tatsumi was smiling back but his expression changes when look at my hand. Maybe because of the gloves.

"So why are you here in this forest?" Tatsumi ask me which give me a silent for a while. Tatsumi and Su-san does look strong and kind.

"Well, I actually running away from some thug who look like they going to rape me and then kill me. Apparently someone, hired them to kill me but I can't think of someone who hold grudge at me" I sigh while crossing my hand and place my finger carefully on my chin.

"I see, how about we take you home. I am sure that those thug will not attack you if we company you" Tatsumi offer and he does have a point. It be dangerous to walk alone and those thug are nor some random thug.

"Alright. If he don't mind" I eyeing at Su-san and he nodded saying that he agree. Hence, the three of us heading back to the capital.

"I must admit, I can't believe I run this far" I look at the tree and if I have to guess how long I been walking, I think it's already 10 minutes now. Yes I am good at tracking time.

"Can I ask, what is it that you wearing on your hand?" Tatsumi ask me while looking at my hand.

"Oh this? I just brought from antic shop. It look really cool like. I don't know what it is but I kind of like it" I show off my glove as Tatsumi give a weird smile at me. He probably thinks that I weird.

"Just my curious, what will you if someone what to buy that glove " I raised my eyebrows and surprise to hear a question from him. I silent and think for a while.

"Probably wouldn't sell it. I have no interest in money or any uninteresting thing. Beside I can used it to scare some kids that has been annoying me for a while" I grin widely as I look at the two boys.

"I see" I can hear Su-san small sigh. Was he disappointed about my answer?

"Why are you asking anyway?" I ask back. Su-san silent. Tatsumi on other hand look like he is trying to think of good answer to cover Su-san sudden silent.

"I just curious that is all" Su-san give me his cold answer which disappointment. I was hoping he has some weird habit on liking weird thing like me. I sigh in disappointment.

"Is something I said?" Su-san ask with a black look on his face. I shook my head and then smile.

"No, it is nothing" I look away and I get a feeling that those two knows that it is not nothing. After that we didn't talk much.

We continue to walk for another 5 minutes and finally arrived in the capital. We then take another few minutes to get to my bookstore. Luckily, there is no problem appear and makes me wonder where are those thug who trying to attack me.

"Hey, Tatsumi, have you ever think about changing the country?" I asking out of blues making Tatsumi and Su-san look at me. I smile weakly

"This country is corrupted, cruel and disgusting but boring at the same times. People died so easily and the feeling of guilt is no longer exist. Maybe that how this world should…"

"That is not how it should be!" Tatsumi suddenly yell which startled me and stop our walks. He look intense like he in an edge of anger. I must have make him feel angry. Tatsumi slowly calm his self after Su-san pat his shoulder. Tatsumi then regret what he just did.

"I know I have no right to say this but, I do think this country should, no, must change. People are all suffering and dying because of this corruption. I know how twisted and corrupted this capital but if I can help even a single life, at very least, I was able to save a life even if what I did is wrong" Tatsumi said with strong and serious eyes. This is the first time I see a fire in someone's eyes. Tatsumi, you must have a hard life. I slowly smile then pat his head.

"That was the impressive speech that I ever heard" I giggle while Tatsumi blushing and Su-san smile.

"You are something Tatsumi. You are pure and innocent but determine while your companion is kind of like a robot sometimes" I laugh and then ruffling his head.

"Well, let's continue our walks. I starting to get sleepy and tired with your intense speech" I tease as I continue my walk. The two following me from behind. After like 2-3 minutes, we arrive at my bookstore.

"Thanks for company me back here" I grin.

"It is no big deal. It actually nice to get to know you Lubbock-san" Tatsumi smile back

"Lubo. I prefer you calling me Lubo"

"Lubo-san" Tatsumi repeat and that sound much better.

"By the way, I forgot to ask this guy how he was ever to clean and fix my store in just one night. But maybe I ask some other times then" I glare at Su-san with intention but only make him smile.

"But thank you anyway. Let's hang out again" I said in my cheerful tone. This is the first after a long time, I actually enjoy someone company. Probably because they are boys. Yes, handsome and tall guy with a cute and shota boy. Although, Tatsumi's height is the same as me.

"Well we.." Tatsumi about to say when Su-san pat his shoulder and shook. He look a bit serious.

"Right, sorry. We are hunters so when the season changes, we going to move somewhere else" Tatsumi look a bit sad as I understand why. Hunters normally hunts base on the season and weather. They also have a life to do as well while is mine…

"I understand but if you ever free, come by to my store okay" I bow politely and then give then a wave of goodbye before I enter my store and heading to my room where there is window that shown the sight in the street. I look at the window and the two still there. As they about to leave, they waving at me as I reply they back. They later disappear from my sight.

"Damn, what a wild night. I hope those thug didn't attack me on daylight or break in my store" I sigh as I remember the harsh reality.

"It strange, I just meet them tonight and I already miss them. And that guy… " I stare at the moon and remember that silent, tall, handsome and strange guy named 'Su-san'. Well I forgot to ask his full name is but it is better calling him that than 'stranger'. For some reason, I have this strange feeling for him but maybe I too tired for today.

"That reminds me, why those two look worry and asking about my glove anyway? Damn I usually more alert but I guess been chase by those thugs and then almost have a heart attack by that guy, make sense why I acting not myself today. Oh well, time to sleep" I sigh. I when to my desk and slowly take off my green jacket and my red goggles. Just I about to take my glove, the thing in the center of the glove starting to spin which causing a 'hay-wire' to my thread. Okay my pun suck.

"What the hell?" I shut my eyes as I was afraid what will happen. After I feel that the gear (the spinning thing on the center) stop spinning, I open my eyes and shock to see the thread are all over my room. When I touch the thread slowly, I thread's thin yet sharp. I also can feel the weight of the thread through my glove. Is like, the thread is part of me and I can tell what is happening through this thread.

"What is this thing?" Like a snap, I remember something. I once read in an old book when I was a child. Long ago, the first emperor has command the scientists all over the world to create a weapon to ensure the safety of his empire. So the scientists create those weapon with not just any material. They used the rarest, difficult and uneasy material to create this weapon. Some are from Ultra-class-danger-species while some are from rare material that only exist to that time. Hence within the first emperor hand they are 48 super weapon known as..

"Teigu" I shock and look at my glove. This glove is a Teigu and I didn't realize it. That is why Tatsumi and Su-san look at my hand weirdly. I also remember that Su-san once make a quiet sign to Tatsumi. Could that be he knew that this is a Teigu and that is why he is asking me about if I sale this glove.

"Holy crap. This is probably the greatest discovery I ever achieve. I starting to regret for not been alert with those two. What should I do now?" I silent for a while. Just then, the gear is starting to move again.

"This is… there is three men inside my store?" I somehow was able to detect and can figure out what it is based on the gear move and the feel of the thread. So the thread was not only in my room, it entire building. I take a deep breath to calm myself. I slowly stand up and place my back again the wall of my room as I thinking on how I use this.

"I need to think of a plan. This might be my first after a long time" I look at my Teigu and I internally laughing at myself. I guess, my worst day has come again. Here I thought I can live peacefully without any blood again.

"Even I can't run away from my own fate" I grin.


"Tatsumi, you do know that your word just now make she think that you are part of Night Raid or revolutionary army?" Susanoo comment which Tatsumi freak out a bit. They are now heading back to their Hideout

"I'm sorry, Su-san. I just can't help it when she said something like that. Her word is like there is no hope for us" Tatsumi look a frustrated when remembering Lubbock's word about this country. What she said is right, this country is too corrupted. That is why he choose this line of work, to help change the country.

"By the way, what did you do to her store anyway? She look serious about it" Tatsumi stare at Susanoo as he just remember Lubbock's word about Susanoo doing something in her store.

"Well, her house was very messy and the bookshelf in her store are like ready to break any time. When she fell asleep, I carrying her to her room and then began cleaning the entire building. I also when to the forest, looking for a good quality wood and then used it to create brand new bookshelf and rearrange the book in proper order. I also cook her some pancake and hot coffee before leaving. I must forgot to leave a note to her" Susanoo explain as he look at Tatsumi with proud eyes.

"No way" Tatsumi sweating a little. "The boss and the rest were worried when you didn't came back that night. We all when all-out just to look for you. I was relief that Leone and Mine find you after that." Tatsumi smile weakly.

"I don't understand, why you people worrying about me? I am just a Teigu and there is no need to worry about me" Susanoo look a little confused. He is a human Teigu and as a weapon, he don't has a capacity to understand any emotion.

"You not just a Teigu but a friend as well. We fight and help each other no matter what" Tatsumi smile and Susanoo still don't understand.

"A friend?" Susanoo repeat.

"Yeah, just like you and Lubo is. I surprised that you and Lubo are friends. I starting to understand why u ask about her glove. You worry that weird glove of her will hurt her" Tatsumi remember about Susanoo first introduce her and asking about her glove. It seem, Tatsumi does not notice about what is on Lubbock's hand.

"That glove is a Teigu" Susanoo reveal the truth as Tatsumi freak out again. Like really freak out. Did he hear right?

"What does that mean she is.." Tatsumi look at Susanoo and hoping that it is not what he think she is.

"Yes. She is that Teigu's wielder but she does not seem to notice it was a Teigu" Susanoo sigh as he look worry about Lubbock.

"Is that the reason why you asking me to be a little quiet so she wouldn't notice about the Teigu on her hand?" Tatsumi ask again.

"No, I do that so she wouldn't suspect us. She probably thinking it is strange that we hunting some danger beast during night time. She may look like a normal girl but she actually has a flexible mind. I know that because I once saw some few books that has high language barrier and even an adult has difficulty to read that kind of book. She real combat books, criminal book and some picture of men and.."

"I think you shouldn't mention her personal life, Su-san" Tatsumi immediately stop as Susanoo's observation because it when off the topic.

"I guess I understand why she has flexible mind if she read those kind of book" Tatsumi sweating again.

"It best we discuss this with the others. I am sure the boss has some piece of her mind" Tatsumi smile softly as Susanoo's agree. In few minutes they arrive at their Hideout.