ToT Side story 1: Xavier's judgment.

“So we have to present ourselves with Xavier here so we can decide what to do.” Zack summarized.

“Exactly, since the situation of him was in the hands of the Trackers, you’ll have to explain your condition and fundament your decision of make him join you to Vander.” Gemma explained.

“How did he respond to our choice?” Jack asked.

“He resigned to do any commentaries of the matter. The only thing he said was to bring you with him”. She answered

“And the other guilds?” Alex asked.

“They have their decisions. You already know the one of the Keepers, but the others are going to wait until the session is over.” She pointed.

In all the conversation, Xavier was looking to the table, without anything to say. He already knew that he’s going to be taken to the Trackers and the Shadow foxes will defend him, but the only thing he wanted was a little more time of peace. He’s started to shake in fear. Little at first, but it kept growing; inhaling through the muzzle to catch up more air up until Jack spoke.

“Xavier, having fear before a battle is a good way to losse it.”

Then Alex, Zack and Gemma looked at him.

“I-I-I-I know. It’s j-j-just, w-well…” Xavier started.

“What is it?” Alex asked.

“If-f-f it was only m-m-me; I wouldn’t have any problems with that.” He recovered some composure. “But you’re going to take the hit for me. If Vander says he would imprison me, I don’t know what he’ll do to you.”

“That’s the reason we’re talking to him, we’re going to prove that you will be an aid to the society.” Zack said to him.

“Try to be a little more positive. If you think we fail, we fail with a probability of a 100%. But if you think we can convince him, it will be a 50/50 and it’s better than nothing.” Alex motivated Xavier.

“If you agree, I have a suggestion for you.” Gemma said. “Tell him that he’ll work in anything the guilds assign him for two hours every day for a time and one of you will watch him with a guild member in the meantime.”

They didn’t thought for too long. Then Zack said: “That could work. Are you agreeing with that, Xavier?”

“I don’t see why not. At least I can pay my debts in that way.”

“Oh, another thing. I’ll come with you as well.” She remembered.

“Why’s that?” Jack asked.

“Sela told me that the session needs a witness from another guild. Since you informed me first, she assigned me the duty and Vander agreed.”

“Anything else we need to know?” Zack asked.

“Yes, the session will be at midday. I’ll pick you up half an hour before.”

“Well, if that’s everything, we’ll go to sleep now, because we need a clean mind to not say something stupid.” Alex proposed.

“Then I’ll take my leave.” She said.

“Okay. Thank you and we’re sorry to put you in the middle of this.” He said.

She showed a little smile and spoked again.

“Don’t worry. Actually I’m kind of interest of how you’ll pull this one out, because I guess you did it a few times before. And it’s something that no one will ever try here.”

“What can we say? We’re full of surprises.” Zack joked.

“Heh heh. Okay, good night.” She said.

“Good night to you, too.” Alex said.

Then he closed the door and talk with his team a little more.

“She said that you did this before, is it true?” Xavier asked.

“Yep. We had some cases in the past similar to you. And that’s another thing you’ll have to learn: You’ll have to decide when to risk for someone, know if you can win a discussion and keep your mind calmed, even if everything else is falling apart. Because you’re losing your mind a moment ago and if you´re controlled by fear, you can imagine the worst scenarios, even if they have a small chance to appear.” Alex explained.

“It will be a little difficult to keep my mind cool.” Xavier recognized.

“Actually is easier than you think. But for now, think that we will succeed. That will give you some tranquility.”

“I’ll try.”

“Alright, see you all tomorrow.” And Alex went to bed as well as the others.

Xavier was only thinking one thing before he fallen asleep. ‘I didn’t deserve any of this. And yet you gave me more that I would ever ask. I guess this is what it feels to have comrades who are there for you. If the opportunity presents, I’ll be the one who defend you.’

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The next day, 5 minutes before the session, there were the Shadow foxes, Xavier and Gemma waiting outside the room. The nerves of Xavier were still visible, but he was doing his best to keep them under control. Alex, Zack and Jack were keeping cold faces so they couldn’t let any emotion interfere with the discussion.

“I’m not in the position to say anything, but I wish you luck.” Gemma whispered.

“Thanks. I think we’re going to need it.” Alex responded in whispers too.

“I’ll stay back, since I’m not inscribed yet.” Jack said.

When midday came, Vander called them.

“Alright, you can get in.” He said.

The room has a window, only one big rectangular table and 4 chairs. One of them is where Vander was sitting on one side and there other three empty on the other. There was no one else. ‘At least we don’t have anyone else in this one.’ Alex thought for himself. They took their places in the chairs and Gemma near to Vander. A few minutes of silence passed until Vander started speaking.

“I guess we all know why we’re here for.”

“Correct.” Zack said.

“Then let’s get to the bottom of this. As far as I known, you took a bandit in Tabira and provided some aid. That’s not what I’ve expected when you said you’ve taken care off, I want to know why.”

“There’s a reason of that.” Alex started. “I’ve seen that most of the teams just defeated Xavier, but from my perspective, the problem wasn’t solved.  He can just wait some time and started again, or go to another town, meaning that others have to deal with him. So the best course of action was to take responsibility of him and solving the entire problem.”

Vander kept his silence for a moment.

“But you know that he’s not going to change.”

“With all due respect sir, you’re wrong.” Zack said.

“What do you mean by that?” Vander asked.

“For that, we need to Xavier to wait outside for a moment.”

He frowned about that, but he order Xavier to leave the room. Once the door was closed, he spoke again.

“Why do you want him out?” He asked.

Xavier and Jack waited for at least an hour outside.

“They’ve been taking a lot of time. I don’t know if they’re able to convince him.” Xavier said.

“Patience. Remember that your situation is still complicated and they need all the time so they can persuade him to let you go.” Jack said.

“I know, I know. Damn it, I can’t still control my nerves.”

“Then empty your mind. Without anything to think, it will be a lot easier of waiting.” He recommended.

Xavier tried his best and he managed to have a partial success and they kept waiting. Ten minutes later, Vander called him to get in. He took his place once again, and waited the verdict.

“Alright Xavier, this is your situation.” Vander started. “For all the vandalism you have done, you have to be punished. However, giving the method of the team Shadow foxes used to stop you and the interest of making you join them; we’ll do some things a little different. First, you’ll have to do community service of anything the guilds order you in different days. For the others it will be two hours, but for me, it’s going to be three, every day for a month at least. Any money you’ll earn, a part of it is going to compensate the stolen objects that you cannot recover. Anything to object?”

“No sir. I deserve that for what I did. I’m not going to make any excuses.” Xavier responded.

“Okay then. Shadow foxes, since you want to reform him at your terms, I’ll give you the duty of look out for me. You’ll report me his progress in anything you do with him. Can you handle that?”

“We’ll do it, sir.” Alex answered.

“Very well then. From now on Xavier, you’ll be relieved from your charges. You better get ready, because you’ll have a lot of work to do tomorrow.”

“I promise I’ll do my best.” Xavier said.

“I really hope so. These guys put a lot of faith in you. Don’t let them down.”

“I won’t.”

“Xavier, can you go with Jack to the house. There a last think we want to talk.” Zack asked.

“Umm, okay.” And Xavier stood up and went to the door. When the door was closed. Vander asked.

“What do you want to talk me now?”

Zack looked to Alex. He looked back to Zack and he said: “For all the trouble we put, we invite you and the leaders of the other guilds to be witnesses.”

“Of what?” Gemma asked.

“Of the welcome ceremony we have prepared to Xavier. In that he’ll make his oath with us and stand as a new member.” He said.

“From the tone of your voice, he’s the first one he passed your selection.” She said.

“This is different. We offered him a new path in his life, something that he never saw.” Alex pointed.

Vander and Gemma thought about it for a while.

“When and where you’re supposed to do that?” Vander asked.

“Today, at the sunset, in a small hill outside Tabira, near the main road.” Zack answered.

“An hour when no one disturbs.” Gemma pointed.

“Exactly. You’ll be watching from some distance to not incommode Xavier. ” Alex explained.

“That means Madras can record that, too.” Gemma suggested.

“If she wants, we have no objections with that.” Alex agreed.

“Well, I can make a space to watch it.” Vander said.

“Okay then, we’ll see you all there.” Zack said and the Shadow foxes went back to the house.

Once inside, the four of them reunited in a circle, with inexpressive faces. Then, they’ve started to smile at each other and laughed later.

“I cannot believe you did it! I thought I was a gonner!” Xavier said with tears in his eyes.

“What have we told you? When we fight for what we believe in, with all the resources at hand, there are no ways we can losse” Jack said.

“Well, at least that solve your problem completely” Zack said.

They relaxed for a bit. Then they prepared and ate their lunch. When they’re over, Alex spoke:

“There’s one last thing to do, before the day ends. Xavier, for now you’ll stay here and rest. We’re going out for a while. Guard the house in the meantime”

“Roger that” Xavier listened.

Then the Shadow foxes went out to prepare the place of the ceremony meanwhile Xavier went directly to the bed and took a nap.

Minutes before the sunset, Jack went into the house and called Xavier. He went down the stairs and looking only him he asked.

“Where are the others?”

“Put your clothes and come. We have something for you” Jack ordered him.

Without taking too much time, he put his hat, gloves and belt on and followed Jack. Most of the Pokémon are in their respective houses, so they didn’t drag too much attention. Once they exited Tabira, they turned to the left and head to a small hill behind the trees. Once they’ve reached their destination, Jack ordered him.

“Stay here” And he disappeared.

Xavier waited, wondering what they have prepared for him. It wasn’t too long. Three shadowy figures appeared at the top of the hill. Then one of them used Heat wave to ignite the lumber in the trenches at both sides. He looked up and saw Alex, Zack and Jack with their gear on. Then Alex spoke with authority.

“Xavier. Come closer”

He did what he was told. Once he was near, Zack spoke.

“Xavier, in the past you were a bandit, who caused a lot of trouble and damaged a lot of people. With our intervention, you changed your mind and decided to repair what you have done. Today, you’ll reborn as a Shadow fox and follow a new path. One with adventures and responsibilities”

Then Jack continued. “For the change we asked one thing of you. Take off everything you’re wearing and bring it to us”

Xavier obeyed and brought everything he got to them. With Psychic, he took them, including a small table with an inscription. Then Alex spoke again.

“In that table is written your name in a code language. You’ll have to renounce your past life in order to activate it”

Then Xavier spoke: “I, Xavier, renounce to my bandit life and everything I’ve done wrong since I have memory. I renounce to who I was to become a new and better Pokémon”

Then the table started to shine. With that, Zack threw it with everything else to the trenches.  The fire increased and changed the color to an intense blue. Then, they returned to their normal size, but keeping the color. Zack spoke again.

“Xavier, you’ve died here tonight and now, you’re reborn as a new member of the team Shadow foxes. Your duties don’t end in the borders of Tabira, because we’re one with this world. We’re going where we’re needed. We fight for what is correct and just. We’re the hope of those in trouble. And we renounce any kind of affiliation to any nation. Now, get on your knees and repeat the oath”

He repeated everything with feeling, like he was meant to do it. When he finished, he stood up and waited. Then Jack took the word.

“Now that you’re one of us, take these new clothes and wear them with pride”

Then Alex and Zack brought in a new hat, similar to the one he had, but in green color and with a badge on it; a new pair of brown gloves; and a bigger brown belt with some pockets attached to it.

“I don’t know what to say, thanks” Xavier said.

“It was nothing” Alex said and then he started to shout. “Who are the ones they’re one with the world!?”

“SHADOW FOXES!” Zack and Jack shouted, too.

“Who are the ones that fight for what they believe until the very end!?”

“SHADOW FOXES!” With Xavier included.

 Then Alex extended his paw and said: “Congratulations. Now you’re one of us. Are you ready for the future?”

Xavier shaked his paw with him. “Bring it on, I’m ready”

On the distance, the guild leaders, except Sela, watched the entire ceremony. They were really impressed of how they integrated him.

“These guys know how to put really good effects and the change of color was impressive” Topaz commented.

“I was more intrigued of how that murkrow was able to manipulate Heat Wave like he did” Chandra added.

“I guess with that, they’ve earned completely Xavier’s loyalty, but I still don’t know about them” Vander said.

“Well, they took my note of telling me their story. If you have time, check it with me. I’m sure you can understand how they do things in their way” Madras suggested.

“At least we can count with the aid of a bandit. He probably has some information about other bandits of how, when and where they operate” Gemma pointed.

“Yeah, I never thought this would happen, but they managed, against all odds, to protect him. I guess the Shadow foxes are more of what they look like” Vander recognized.

“Let’s hope they can still help us. They’re good people and they’re willing to do things right” Gemma said.

“We have a lot of work for the teams. They’ll have a lot of opportunities to show us what they can really do” Chandra finished. They all nodded.

They saw the Shadow foxes cleaning the hill and heading back to their house to celebrate the new addition. Then, they all headed back to their respective guilds.