[i]Well... Worse has happened.[/i] Shannon's steady plod was working easily through the road, though paving had become hard dirt and sporadic cracks of moss were replaced by tufts of grass. The route was clear, but his feet seemed numb to the path, drowned out by his thoughts. [i]A stroke of bad luck. No more.[/i]

* * *

[i]"Yes, yes, I was told you were coming," the Archen interrupted. His voice, impatient, overwhelmed Shannon's with its authority. "Come along, now. There's paperwork." The Amaura was carried along by this odd gale of a Pokemon, a perfect blend of business and chaos. "Not the first in recent days, hm? No matter. Our Guild welcomes you." Shannon's mind easily recognized the habit forcing that last statement. Archibald swept it into his speech like dust before a broom. It was a meaningless phrase. "Mm-hm. Yes, you'll need to read this; It's the same garbage that every new recruit needs thrown at them to make sure they understand what they're getting into." 

Rustle rustle. Some sheets, efficiently filled with tiny but distinct script, fell at Shannon's feet. The assistant leaned over the desk to hand the recruit some paper, not waiting for him to take it before letting go. "After that, we can get your papers in order and fit you into a team. Well, following your introduction to Arnold-" Shannon forgot to breath for an instant "-and the Guild headquarters, of course. With luck you'll get to complete your first mission today. Have you finished reading that ye-Oh!" The Amaura looked up from the papers, which he had placed back on the desk in preparation for reading. The room's empty size was quickly filled by the silent noise of Archibald's brain calculating furiously. "...Yes, that'll do, but we've not a moment to lose!" The immersion was broken, and the Archen suddenly worked with frantic efficiency. Paper and miscellaneous objects seemed to materialise out of nowhere, but Shannon saw drawers resting suddenly open. 

"Just sign here," Archibald's voice fired again, yet another paper appearing before Shannon, whose neck was already strained from propelling his gaze left and right in pursuit. "And take this Treasure Bag, and... This map. And this. And this. There's a new team of presumably about your skill level currently travelling to... This place... Crystal Chasm." Shannon had yet to hear the Archen draw breath until now. The aura of the room had changed from hectic to... Personal. "Take this as a challenge, and an alternative to all these papers and pep talks. You will go to Crystal Chasm, catch up to the Combee, Hex, and her band. You will act as a productive member of Team Scarab... And I will streamline your application. You won't receive any hazing or needless initiation ritual from me, ever." Another breath. "Are we agreed, Monsieur Carrol Shannon?"[/i]

* * *

Reenacting the scene in his head, Shannon felt a little more positive about it. His initiation would be practical, and swift, if perhaps more challenging. And besides, this way he would appear more presentable to Arnold, when they finally met. He could wait. As the next hour passed, the Amaura's feet and focus returned to the ground, which was increasingly littered with rough gravel composed of low-grade quartzes. That was encouraging, considering his destination. Shannon had started to hum easily. The map wasn't optimal for navigation, but Shannon was long used to navigating by landmarks and heavens, as Alaois had taught him, so he made his turns with confidence. And the map was pretty. He liked that too.

A low hill with an odd colour had been surfacing the horizon. Shannon produced the map from his bag again with his mouth, compared distances, and began an oddly elephant-like gallop. If Team Scarab was still around, he was determined to catch up to them before he entered the Chasm. A collection of figures near the entrance, some engaged in vigorous activity of some kind, came into view. He sounded an excited cry, slowing down when he approached them. Running was not his forte. "Friends, hail; is this the team of Anthony?" Shannon's bow was small and respectful. "One Archibald from Allure sent me. My name is Carrol Shannon." There was a little more emphasis on 'Shannon' than 'Carrol'. The Amaura stood patiently, awaiting some response. There was a Goomy present, and Shannon watched him... Realised he was bruised. [i]Did I arrive at an unpleasant time?[/i]