"You, you, you. I didn't take you as the genuinely selfish type, Belle Valor." Belle. So that was her name then. Kiara glanced at their waitress-she should really stop viewing her as that-before tuning back to the white-haired boy sitting casually in front of them. Still, how had he known her name? Belle didn't introduce herself like the rest of them did...

"I know a great deal of many things Kiara Bastion. I know how you met Marianne. I know about your past, your present...maybe your future?" Kiara stood up in a heartbeat and summoned her weapon, pointing the tip at the stranger threateningly.

"Who are you? How do you know about us-"

"Did I not tell you? I know a great deal of many things. Let's keep it at that." The boy smirked casually as he rounded up on Belle again, finally noticing that she was still having a temper tantrum. Or was he doing it purposely? "Back to you Belle. Why you, of all possible existences? Frankly, why should I know? Actually I do, but I'm not telling you. You see, one can't question their own role in the story; they simply have to embrace it. Isn't that right?"

Sighing in annoyance, Kiara sat back down but made sure to keep Volunta out and by her side. This man...the way he spoke made no sense. Not to mention she was beginning to her a migraine just trying to comprehend it all. "Look, at least give us a name. I take it you were taken by the Ultimatum too?"

"Oh no Kiara. You see, I'm here for a much higher purpose than the three of you. For starters, my name is Zenov. I'd prefer if you think of me as...an observer to this entertaining little tale of yours. As for why I'm here, let's see....I'm a priest just like your gothic friend over there. Yes, let's go with that."

Marianne bristled at what she took to be an insult. "Gothic? You arrogant little...which crony group are you working for here exactly? The Ultimatum or Deux Corporation?" Zenov smiled to ponder the question presented.

"Sides? Ah, I forgot there's a war going on here. The conflict of our story. Hmm, which to choose...if I have to answer honestly, I've gotta say...both of them. And yet, no one at all." Marianne stared blankly at the self-proclaimed "priest."

"Wha...what does that even mean!" This boy was trying her patience....