Ascot decided to negotiate first, then fight later. In a split second, he had analyzed the suitability of the sandlot for fighting, but in the next, his face relaxed with genuine calm, and he held up his hands to show that he had no weapon, then, in a burst of daring, deliberately put himself under the lamppost, giving himself the position of hostage as a show of good faith.

"My name's Ascot Carver, and these are my friends, Joshua Tamashii, Amaya Van Isis, Belle, and Oner. We mean no harm to Amelia; in fact, we were directed here by another Nobody, who wanted us to..." Ascot knew that he had to be diplomatic here, "...to take her away from this alley, to give her a better home." There, the words were said, to be faced with obvious skepticsm and perhaps even violence.

"Now, before you say you don't believe me, please, listen to me first. I know that you care a lot about Amelia, and I and my group haven't given you any reason to trust us. But do you really want to her to stay here, in this cold place, forever? For that matter, I don't think you have a place to call your home, either." Ascot's eyes narrowed in a way that was challenging, but not in a way that incited to violence.

"You don't know me yet, but what I'm going to tell you is the truth: I have the power to give you all someplace to stay other than dank alleys and abandoned houses. I have the power to ensure that you have something to eat that isn't stolen, garbage, or cheap junk from vending machines. I can ensure that you guys have something better than what you have right now."

"You still don't believe me?" spoke Ascot, "Then crush me under this lamppost, and I. Wont. Move. A. Bit." Now the challenge in his eyes was as evident as fire, telling them to do it, telling them to try him, to accept his proposed test.