It was several hours before Kai Tyde had arrived at the pendulum. The Drones gave a chirp at the sight of the Lucario and Renamon, if he was to enter the pendulum, he was to do it alone. You initially assumed it was to give him a tactical advantage, only to discover the lobby was surprisingly deserted, likely because the staff was out celebrating. You approached the elevator with the keycard... only to see a hidden elevator open up from a wall partition. Something you wouldn't have seen if the door hadn't opened on its own. The Ascent was nerve wracking. as the punk rockers filled the streets, you had contemplated the narrow edge that divided you from here and being trapped by the various Masterminds efforts. Rockjaw's speech you managed to not be present for. Kai Tyde's Concert you plugged your ears over, Nymfi's spell failing just as it was consuming your thoughts, and outright avoiding Facility 18 after Dr. Bright took it over. It was a lot just to get here. The door opened to an office. large and grandiose, hundreds of camera feeds showing every corner of the city. and yet, Darkwitt was on the computer, typing. Alone.

A massive wave of intimidation washed over the fox. There he was, in he flesh... so to speak. His knees almost buckled. However, Pulse took another breath, swallowed down his fear and approached the canine. "Mr. Kennis, I presume?"

The screen was set aside, and Darkwitt moved to consider the fox thoughtfully. It was a spitting image of his hologram, which he would have typically been flattered, but upon hearing his name, there was a rigidness to his posture. He stood and walked around the desk, but instead of extending a hand, he gave a slight nod of acknowledgement.

"Greetings. I'd offer you a drink but given the circumstances, I think I would need to require an explanation before we begin. Where did you hear that name?"

Pulse let out a coy laugh. He was nervous. But he was also happy. All he had to do... was make a good impression. If he said the wrong thing, God knows what the canine would do to him.

"I have my sources, Sir. Just like you. I've... been researching you for a long time. Mainly just who you are and what you do and your real name, nothing more. I must say, I am a big fan of your work. And it really is an honour to meet you, sir."

Darkwitt folded his arms. his expression was hard, and cold."I'm flattered to be sure. Is that why you went out of your way to discern my name? to get into this event? Just to get an autograph?"


Pulse nearly lost his composure. Seems like he wasn't happy with all he had found out about him.

"Not exactly. Even though I do know your real name, I am not hoping to blackmail you in any way, shape or form. I have standards and morals, you know. I also respect you too much to even think about doing such a thing. I was hoping you and I could come to some sort of... arrangement? An agreement? Something along those lines, I dunno."

"And what kind of agreement is that?"

Darkwitt walked closer. looking at the near mirror copy of himself. His eyes narrowed and took a moment to speak carefully. "You'll have to forgive my reaction. You see, not even people in my own organization know me by my name. It's not just because I don't trust them, but such a piece of information puts a large target on their back for a fate worse than death. Anyone that would know my name would come to a place where they'd be target to a whole litany of people that want to see me, and those close to me, suffer." He slid close to Pulse's ear. Dangerously close. I'll listen to your proposal. and If I am dissatisfied with it, I'll have to kill you. It would be a mercy for both of us. Now. Speak your piece."

Pulse genuinely couldn't tell if he was bluffing. His face was a silhouette after all. He swallowed. Now, he was scared to put forward his offer, fearing the possible loss of his life.

"I... I want to work for you. I want to offer my services to you, as an associate, if you will. I don't know how good your connections are internationally... but I have those. I think your organization could benefit greatly with someone like me at your side."

"Hmm... Well you're connected. you've proven resistant to the other Masterminds. and your dossier shows you have an affinity for magic."

Darkwitt tapped his finger, and the window overlooking the city turned into screens about Pulse's profile. location, time registered, but it had no data about his connections or affiliations.

"There are some gaps in my dossier about you. but if you work for me, you're going to have to understand that the information you have puts you at risk. So I must know, Why me? If you're so connected, why do you want to work with me?"