This was all as fascinating as it was aggravating.

Samantha, for her part, wasn't wrong. At least as far as Tristan was concerned. Indeed, Tristan didn't work for her out of the goodness of his heart. Not that any who worked for her had much in the way of "good" to go around. Sure, he did what he thought was right, and ensured he wasn't directly involved in anything unsavory. However, to presume that he wasn't equally using the opportunity and proximity towards his own ends was rather myopic.

Hearing Asuna stick up for him was... surprising. They had only just met and she was trying to protect him. Curious. Especially because she still seemed to defer to her, but worked up the courage in this moment to speak out against her actions.

After that, everything moved so quickly. Tristan was largely helpless as Ether's Light Screen managed to hold against the Meowstic's attack. However, Ether was much more well-practiced in his screens than Veritas. In fact, it could be argued that Ether's Reflect Screen was stronger than either of Veritas' individual screens.

However, having a third pokemon to help defend him against the attacks of two allowed Tristan to remain rather safe. Vertigo interfered with the Bronzong's descent via his own Psychic power, severely weakening the power of the Gyro Ball. Still, the Reflect strained against the Psyshock, but managed to hold. Even before the dust settled, Tristan and his team were now alone.

He'd take a few moments, allowing his pokemon to ensure that the area was safe before letting their screens fade.

[color=a187be]"They're strong..."[/color] Ether opined while they cleared the area.

[color=bc8dbf]"Can't underestimate her. Still... surprised I've never heard of her before. She would be a strong Trainer."[/color]

[color=a187be]"They must keep to the underground."[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]"I... feel bad for her."[/color] He admitted in regards to Asuna.

[color=a187be]"You want to save her, don't you?"[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]"I mean..."[/color]

[color=a187be]"What if she doesn't want to be."[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]"... I don't know..."[/color]

[color=a187be]"Exactly."[/color]

Ether was always the more rational and intellectual of the pair. It was he that largely contributed to Tristan's calm outward appearance in many cases.

Veritas and Vertigo were returned to their pokeballs and Ether teleported them to the center of the Wharf, where Forrest's brawl took place. Arine and Aequitas were recalled and debriefed by Ether before being returned to their pokeballs.

[color=bc8dbf]"Do you know where Forrest went off to?"[/color] Tristan asked a nearby Ranger.

[color=7bcdc8]"Last I saw, he went off towards HQ."[/color] she answered, pointing a thumb in the general direction.

[color=bc8dbf]"Thanks,"[/color] he said with a curt nod. His hand brushed Ether and the pair teleported again to just outside of the Ranger Headquarters.

It was rather busy outside of the building. Several Rangers could be seen running this way and that. With all the chaos at the Wharf, that was only to be expected. Most that scurried about were Area Rangers, but eventually Ether pointed out someone of rank to him.

[color=bc8dbf]"Lieutenant?"[/color] Tristan called out with a raised voice, so he might be heard over the commotion.

[color=c4df9b]"This area is restri... Oh! Mr. Aeros! Sorry, Sir. What can I do for you? Are... you alright, Sir?"[/color] The young man seemed concerned about Tristan's decidedly disheveled appearance.

[color=bc8dbf]"I'm fine, Lieutenant. Did you happen to see Forrest pass by? Do you know where he might be?"[/color]

[color=c4df9b]"Oh, um. I think I heard that he's speaking with the Master General, Sir."[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]"Thanks."[/color] Tristan nodded and hurried off to find them. He couldn't be too far behind - the little spat didn't take that long, but he wasn't sure if Forrest had gotten into the habit of teleporting everywhere like he had.

[color=c4df9b]"Sir,"[/color] the Lieutenant said in kind and watched him stroll away.

Entering inside, he'd be addressed by the man behind the counter. [color=00746b]"Uh, Sir?"[/color] It was clear that the man, similar to the Lieutenant, didn't immediately recognize the Elite Four member.

[color=bc8dbf]"I'm meeting with the Master General."[/color] Tristan was not asking. Not today. Not after this.

[color=00746b]"I'll... let him know, Sir."[/color] The receptionist thought better than to question or deny him.

Tristan wouldn't offer a "thank you" or anything in return - he was in something of a rush.

While Tristan and Ether walked, both would keep their eyes and ears open to pick up what they could as they made their way. Maybe someone would slip up and say something about the raid ad how they knew Jonton was going to be there. Unlikely, of course. Still, whatever other gossip or information he could glean on his way would only help.

Once he made it to the Master General's office, he'd do a quick double knock and open the door before an answer.