A number of months ago.
Various members of the nine membered organization—Pursuit of Happiness—welcomed the latest member. Of course, the friendliest members were the only ones that took the time to introduce themselves to Bloody Penny at first.
A small strand of cobalt blue hair was held between pitch white digits, the youthful young man blowing on it and letting it fly. A slight fizzling noise sounded as a spark lit on that same strand's edge before exploding like a miniature firework.
The man who did this was lying atop a curved outcropping in the zeppelin, seemingly formed by several broken pillars that were mashed into a curved edge.
He was a man with pure white skin. On his neck was a cartoonish depiction of a winking spider with barber font, the top word being Lucky and the bottom word being Chucky. His hair is predominantly cobalt blue, and he has a sleek bob that stops below his chin, framing his effeminate face. His brows are fiery, making him look a little cute. A red spiral surrounds his hair as it slowly moves upwards.
He stood at 5'7 feet. He had a lean, almost sickly-looking build, with little signs of substantial fat or muscle. Thin spider legs extend from his back, a stylish fuse wrapped around each reddish blue appendage. They were currently curled around his suit, which was correctly put on and lacked any wrinkles whatsoever.
His lips were curled into an impish arch, plucking another strand of hair from his bob. His name was Lucky Chuckies, and he was currently doing one of his favorite hobbies…
Blowing things up.
At least he had the courtesy to nod at Bloody Penny, though. His fingers twitched as a manic glint flashed over his face, but he subdued that same enthusiasm and played with his exploding hair strands instead.
Of course, the dangerous explosions jolted her and made her quite uneasy. The meekness that pervaded her body language drew the attention of Sancre, who walked up and patted her on the shoulder.
"Don't mind, Chuckies. Felicidad has already warned him about blowing up our members, so he won't do anything to you. Anyways…what are you doing here? You seem weak." He had a somewhat disapproving look in his eyes as he loomed over the shivering woman, who wanted to soften up to the man somewhat. Anyone who was even slightly friendly…and no, not Felicidad friendly—was someone to rely on.
"Ummm…I volunteered out of the goodness of my heart?" Bloody Penny gave a faltering smile while lying to the man. In truth, she joined out of fear for her life…
For fuck's sake, Felicidad destroyed a whole entire neighborhood for some reason. So naturally, she was spooked by this and wanted to leave but was quickly found by the perceptive Suspect and was quite close to passing out. To her surprise, though, Felicidad simply extended her hand and offered her a job.
Sancre nodded at this. "Spreading happiness is a joy we all agree on, in one way or another. Ah…the happiness I felt on that day was incredible."
He looked up, his eyes becoming murky as he ensconced himself in his reminiscing. Bloody Penny was a bit curious at this, deliberating with raising brows before finally asking.
"So…what made you so happy?" She crossed her fingers and asked, hoping she had just done the right thing.
Sancre's gaze softened even further as he formed a half smile.
"I'm glad you asked," he said, stepping back and fixing his shades as he began recounting it.
"I used to be a Warden. Every day was the same, day in and day out, killing Suspects to maintain civil peace. I didn't have much time to be home, but I felt content knowing I was fighting for my wife and daughter's safety.
Though after such a long time, things started to become quite strained with my family, I suppose. My wife and daughter both were becoming more and more distant, and it was making me quite worried. So I begged, pleaded, and promised that I would be even better in the future—just to allay what I assumed was dissatisfaction from being unable to connect with me.
Haha…I was quite wrong." He put his forehead in his hands, a foreboding vibe exuding from his starved gaze. His eyes became sunken, worn…and murderous for just a moment.
The man, that looked to be in his thirties, gritted his teeth but kept talking.
"It was a rude awakening when I found out that my beloved wife of mine was having an affair. That she not only allowed MY daughter to be exposed to him but ENDORSED…their…relationship.
Oh, it was the worst. That…fucker…had the most smarmy grin. And my dearest wasn't even apologetic, not at all. Even my daughter snubbed me; they looked so perfect—so happy.
So I encapsulated that moment into eternity. With this glass of mine, I carved into their faces, spitting all the while. They can embrace each other in the afterlife—and I won't have to suffer through their shit any longer.
But you know…" he trailed off, regaining his composure with a deep breath. Then, straightening his posture and fixing his tie once again, he fixed his facial expression as he ran a hand along his stubble.
"I wasn't satisfied. Why should I be? There are so many sinners of this world that lurk in the shadows, and I take it upon myself to deliver them to their eternal happiness. So I truly appreciate that voluntary nature of yours, little Penny." His lips trembled with a half smile yet again, while Bloody Penny narrowed her eyes and smiled back.
Inwardly, she was whinging to herself while subtly backing away. She had the same thought constantly repeated in her head while she tried her best to play off the situation.
'This guy is a fucking weirdo…haaa….'
——
Back to the present.
Bloody Penny traced a finger alongside the floor and answered the inquiring ginger-shaded man.
"Well, I just wanted to ask a couple questions. Like…do you have any information on the workings of the Wardens?" She near mumbled as she said this while Felicidad strode over and plopped herself down.
Her own eyes were fixed on the burning building with increasing intensity. She was almost radiating obsession.
Sancre scratched at his stubble while contemplating Bloody Penny's words. "It's been a long time, so it wouldn't be accurate." He held a hand up as he finally offered.
"But we can play poker or something if you're bored." He then put this forward, as the man had a hankering for dealing some cards. Bloody Penny's nose crinkled along with her furrowed brows as she promptly refused.
Sancre was basically a poker nerd. The one time she tried to play with him, he corrected and explained every single move in detail to her. All she wanted to do was put the funny cards down, damnit!
"I have something I want." Felicidad's husky, seductive voice sounded as she pressed her face down on the transparent floor.
A mouth sprouted on the nape of her neck, the lips glistening as they arched into a smile.
"That energy signature…someone call Aotori. He has been playing too much recently; I'll give him an errand to run~!" Her voice became more excited as she stood back up again and reached out.
A clear, crisp-sounding bell rang as Sancre nodded.