"Yeah, okay," she said to his introduction. She played it off as if she was more concerned with escaping than exchanging pleasantries. [i]"'Zero' - that sounds familiar."[/i] "Oh," she said with the inflection of a question as if to ask him if she cared. [i]"No you don't."[/i] Images of memories flashed through her mind at an alarming rate, even a psychic Pokemon would have difficulty keeping up. [i]"It's only ever been me and Samantha. And I only joined last year."[/i] At the mention of Samantha, the image of an orb appeared in her mind - the orb that was like a void that they saw through Oracle's visions. "Hah, sure," she said. Her thoughts were interfering with her ability to respond properly. [i]"This idiot thinks she would be here?"[/i] The image of Jonton's face appeared in her mind but it faded like smoke. The young woman looked impatient as she waited for Tristan to point them in a direction to flee. She was thankful but entirely anxious - afraid. The image of that void appeared in her mind again and a disembodied voice reprimanded her with a smooth and deep feminine voice. Her heart pounded at the thought [i]"I really hope she doesn't mind she lost this contract. I should probably learn how Jonton was found out."[/i] The woman let out the huff of a laugh as they hastily made their way out of the Wharf. The collapsed wall was in sight and the woman sped toward it, desperate to leave. [i]"She owes you shit. I don't even know who you are-"[/i] Her hand shot up to cover her mouth and her eyes widened. She tried to turn and compose herself quickly so her realization wasn't so obvious. [i]"Shit shit shit. Your Tristan Aeros of the Elite-"[/i] Her mind shunted out anything that wasn't her own. This would have been disorienting to those who weren't used to being denied access to the mind. Furthermore, the strength and absolution of her ability to shield her mind was likely the strongest most would have ever felt. She knew exactly what she was doing and she had much practice doing it. Once they reached an alley where Rangers and civilians weren't near, she leaned over with her hands on her knees and breathed deeply. Clearly not used to cardio or such high-stress situations, it took her a few moments to gather herself. Even in this state, her mind was a fortress that couldn't be penetrated. She dusted herself off and looked around, still concerned someone would find them. She shifted to face Tristan and her demeanor changed entirely. Her breathing steadied and her gaze into his eyes was fierce. Her face was flat and she blinked slowly. "Mr. Aeros, thank you for getting me out of there, but we don't have time to play games. You need to tell me how you know about Ms. Shade and why you're looking for her." She was serious and fearless. Calling him by name, she had to know very well how influential he was and how powerful his Pokemon were. It was clear by now that she had no Pokemon of her own. Still, she seemed to look at him as if he was the weaker one between them, the less threatening. Her face showed no fear like it had before. It showed nothing. [center]----------[/center] "Softies," he scoffed with a wry smile as he watched the Gallade and Starmie heal Jonton and his Pokemon. He shook his head slightly then looked up and around as he searched for Syressa. She eventually arrived with Shaq'ti and Damselraed underneath. Forrest nodded at Shaq'ti who nodded back while Syressa levitated Jonton and his Pokemon. She hovered much slower with only the five of them, but large people and Pokemon were, of course, more difficult to move around. Shaq'ti hovered quickly to lead the way for Syressa to bring their prisoners to the Rangers. Damselraed zipped toward and around Forrest to beg for attention, which he gave instinctually and with a smile on his face that might have looked very uncharacteristic for those who didn't know him well. "Thanks, you two, for all your help," he said to the Gallade and Starmie. "You can go back to Mr. Aeros," he continued as he looked around to see that no one was rushing in toward them and the cries and screams were lessening. "I'm going to stay here with these guys to guard the tower until the Air and Gale Rangers get here." He smiled and nodded at the pair. He turned and walked closer to the Tower while his Pokemon followed close behind. It wasn't long until they heard the roar of a Salamance and the screech of a Pidgeot. Warden Lundin took a quick report from Forrest and then dismissed him. She and Sentinel Bailey then started their investigation of the Captain's Tower. Forrest walked casually out of the Wharf. Wickengu and Marionetta eventually joined by his sides. Once he reached the outside of the Wharf, he was approached by several Rangers. Forrest gave another quick report and commanded a few of them check certain locations where bodies would be found but also the places neither he nor his Pokemon went. They rushed into the Wharf and Forrest looked around to search for Mr. Aeros or any of his Pokemon. He shrugged when his lazy attempt at looking for them failed and started to casually walk back to the Rangers Headquarters. He returned all of his Pokemon to their Pokeballs except Damselraed, of course. The commotion and rumors allowed him to hide in plain sight. Though those with a keener eye would spot someone clearly undisturbed by what happened at the Wharf, none seemed to exist along the path he took. The sun was hot and he felt the sweat that had soaked into his shirt and so decided to take it off. Damselraed showered him with cool bubbles, which made Forrest chuckle as he welcomed the comfort and appreciated the mild entertainment she provided as he started to try to pop her bubbles. This continued even as they entered into the Headquarters, as if unaware they had even arrived. He walked straight toward the Master General's office and didn't knock before he opened the door. He popped a few more bubbles and then told Masquerain to stop through his chuckling. The wide smile on his face remained as he turned his attention toward the Master General who just sat in his chair with wide eyes and mouth slightly opened. "That was easier than expected," he said and rose his arm to put his hands behind his head and recline in the chair that only came up to his mid back. "Though, I really have Mr. Aeros and his Pokemon to thank for that," he added with another chuckle and wiped his nose with his thumb.