The moment Xavier touches Eagle's feet, the dim lines around him disappear.
He seems to notice it as well, chasing his tail as if looking for its invisible trace.
Somehow puppies always manage to be the smartest in the room. Even when outdoors.
Eagle: It's you.
X: Seems like he likes you. I thought I heard something barking before ...
X: And you proved me right.
Boy Scout I: Hey! We found Xavier! That reward is ours!
Eagle: You didn't find him. He found us.
Boy Scout I: What did you say?
Boy Scout II: Let's see if he meets the description: brown, curly fur, tag on his collar ...
Eagle gently grasps the dog's collar and wipes the dust from his tag.
Eagle: Turns out you were here with me the whole time.
Boy Scout II: ... It's got an "X" on it, X for Xavier.
X: What a coincidence.
Boy Scout II: That's him alright.
Xavier answers with an upbeat woof.
Boy Scout II: So, how do we take him back?
Boy Scout I: Let me try, Xavi—
"Xavier": WOOF!
Boy Scout I: Hey! He snapped at me!
Eagle: The Scouts Manual clearly says never to reach for a distressed animal.
Eagle: He seems to trust me, I can take him back with you.
Boy Scout I: You're not even a scout! Who says you can go with us?
X: Because I don't think Xavier will go along with you little credit-stealing twerps.
X: Am I right?
The puppy looks up affectionately at X. He smiles back.
X: Also, weren't you just asking her to go back with you?
Boy Scout I: Um ...
Eagle: Mr. X.
Eagle: Are those people over there your partners? Their clothes are similar to yours.
X: What—OH, SHOOT.
Even before he can read their expressions, the look of the people approaching in white spells trouble for him.
X: That's ... an emergency. See you later!
Eagle: Hmm? Okay, Mr. X, see you.
Boy Scout II: What's going on with him?
Eagle: Dunno. Let's just go back.
Scout Leader: I understand.
Scout Leader: Now, take Xavier out to Mrs. Clark. She's waiting for him.
Boy Scout I: What about her? She and her weirdo friend blew up the—
Scout Leader: Scouts, you don't have to repeat it for me.
Boy Scout II: Let's go, Matt.
Boy Scout I: Whose side are you even on?
Boy Scout II: I just think maybe Xavier will want to see his owner soon ...
The boys take the dog and leave.
The little disturbance doesn't distract Eagle. She stares intently at the scout leader, hanging on every word he might say.
A simple distraction may lead to serious consequences. She has learned her lesson.
As the leader looks at her, she straightens her back even more.
Eagle: Sir, I want to join the scouts.
Scout Leader: Kid, it's not even been six hours since the last time I turned you down. I haven't changed my mind.
Scout Leader: Besides, all I've got is your word that says you're the one that found Xavier.
Eagle wrings her hands. Despite all the instructions in the Scout Manual to the contrary, she blurts out.
Eagle: If you don't trust me, why did you ask me to stay?
There is a mix of pain and confusion in the question.
Scout Leader: Because I know Matt well.
Scout Leader: He wouldn't make something like this up.
Eagle: So, you believe me?
Scout Leader: I believe them. And what they told me is that factory crumbled to pieces and the noise is what brought Xavier out.
Scout Leader: Now, Matt blamed you and your friend, but I can't see how two teenagers could take down a whole building, and anyway, he agreed you were the one that brought the dog back.
Scout Leader: So, against my better judgement, if your friend vouches for you, I'll give you the merit badge.
A tempting offer. Her eyes glint, but the light soon fades.
She doesn't even know where to find this so-called "friend."
Eagle: ...
Scout Leader: What, you don't think your friend will come?
She clenches the pocket watch, rubbing the cover.
Its familiar scratches giving her the courage to speak.
Eagle: I-I can vouch for myself, sir. I'll show you my a-arcane skill!
Scout Leader: Arcane skill?
Scout Leader: Of course, arcane skill. Like that's going to prove anything.
Eagle: Sir—
Scout Leader: Two choices, young lady. Either ask your friend to vouch for you and get the badge, or give up and don't come back.
Scout Leader: Either way, don't ever mention your arcane skill again.
Scout Leader: Don't waste my time.
