101 - One Cat's Out of the Bag (Not the One You Think)

Lexie bolted up in bed as she opened the text from Xena. 

It read simply, Can't Talk. Tell Emma to stop calling so many times.

Lexie read over those two lines again and again, trying to decipher a hidden meaning from it, but nothing was coming to mind. Could it really be as simple as that? Was that all Xena had to say? Lexie’s brain moved fast to type out the words.

Lexie: Where the heck are you?

Xena: Fae Planet. Can’t talk.

Lexie: I thought they told you that you didn't have to go. They signed a magically binding contract. Those dirty liars.  I’ll come get you.

She was already planning how to do that, an elaborate plan that included reaching out to Naem, employing her Uncle Max in the effort and so much more.

Xena’s reply stilled her thoughts. 

Xena: No need. I’m fine. Will be back soon. I just came to visit. Lionel is giving me a dirty look now because I’m using up his interplanetary minutes. Just tell Emma that I’ll be back soon and I’m okay. Love you. Bye. 

Lexie: Huh? Xena, don't just leave, I need more context. Who's Lionel? Who are you visiting? What on Earth are you doing on Planet Fae?

There was no response after that and Lexie was left staring at the holographic screen, her body riffling with frustration. 

Lexie: You’re so annoying, you realize that right?

She sent it to the void because there was no response to that either. Lexie didn’t know what to do now. Was that truly Xena she just spoke to? That 'I love you' at the end was pretty weird, Xena wouldn’t say that. Had they replaced her brain with someone else, invasion of the bodysnatcher’s style? She couldn’t stand this, and her worry was making her even more antsy. She needed to speak to someone who could tell her. 

The chorus of laughter from below her reminded her of the party going on. Lexie needed to talk to Aiden. He would know what to do, but obviously, she couldn't do it in front of all those people, especially Emma who Lexie didn’t want to worry needlessly. She would have to wait till they were gone to approach Aiden.

They didn’t want to leave. As the hours ticked by, the laughter only got louder and the conversation more exuberant. Lexie thought maybe they were being so extra to cheer Emma up and get her mind off Xena's disappearance. Lexie wondered if she should tell Emma about Xena’s text, but decided she needed to talk to Aiden first, so she waited, anxiously reading a textbook to pass the time. 

At some point, someone, probably Emma, turned on the radio and they began karaoking as they cooked. It sounded like they were playing oldies songs and wailing along with them, but each person's totally did not match the song. And the worst part was that they each thought they were in the right, even though they were all equally off-tune.

"No, it's like this Carissa. A little higher on the last 'ah'."

"You’re a little pitchy at the end, Glinda.”

"Yeah, well, you sound like a harpy.”

Lexie stared at the ceiling alone with her thoughts and her worry. Should she pass on Xena’s message to Emma? Who was Lionel? And what was going on now?

Maybe Dewie might know something. 

Hey, she messaged him. It took a few minutes for him to answer. 

Dewie: Hey, sorry I was in class. I’ll try to answer faster next time.

Lexie Don’t worry about it, Dewster. Do you know who Lionel is?

Dewie: Yes. He’s Xena’s trainer. Why?

Lexie: Xena’s still on Planet Fae. She’s with him. I heard back from her this morning, or at least I think I heard from her. 

Dewie: Oh. That’s nice.

Nice? Lexie stared at the screen, then recalled that Dewie’s parents went to planet Fae all the time and it was supposed to be some kind of paradise. So he probably thought Xena had just gone to visit. Perhaps Xena hadn’t told him of her fear of being abducted by the Fae. It didn’t make sense that Xena would just leave like that, just as it didn't make sense for Xena to be all affectionate over text.

Something was going on here and Lexie needed to figure it out.

Is something wrong? Dewie asked after Lexie hadn't responded for some time.

Lexie: I'm just worried. She left so suddenly and I’m not sure where she is and so I’m thinking too much.

Dewie: Oh.  Do you want me to ask my mom? Maybe she knows someone there who can look for her.

Lexie: No.

That would be her last resort, asking Vera for a favor. Even if Lexie forced herself to ask, she didn’t have any faith that Vera would help Xena if she was in trouble. Heck, with Vera's ridiculous level of Fae worship, she would probably side with the Fae over Xena, or maybe ask Xena to switch places she Vera could get kidnapped by the Fae instead.

Lexie amused herself with the thought for a second.

Lexie: Are you busy?

Dewie: A little bit. I’m in extra classes right now. But I can talk to you anyway, it’s just that I have to do it on my pad because texting on the system gives me a headache. 

Lexie: Right, right.

Lexie was happy to see Dewie taking his academics seriously. She too would soon be busy with the Arcadian school year starting up. But it was kind of interesting because Lexie was used to being the busy one of the group. Now the dynamic had changed, and she was the one often waiting on their replies. 

Lexie: Anything else you want to tell me? Have you seen anything there?

Dewie: No. I haven’t been seeing as much as before.

Lexie: Really?

Dewie: Yeah. Isn’t it great?

Lexie wasn't sure. Mostly because she wasn’t sure what was causing it. While Dewie hated his perceptive sight, Lexie had always thought it was pretty cool and she’d always been proud of him for having it. She just wanted to help him learn how to control it. 

Lexie: Yeah. By the way, did I mention that I created a whole deck by myself? I call it the Lexie defense deck. 

Dewie: That’s amazing. 

Lexie: Yeah, it was pretty amazing. Anyway, I’m moving on to the Dewie Card deck next. It should help you with your visions.

Dewie: I appreciate it Lexie but…

Lexie: But what?

Dewie: It’s just…Though I appreciate the gift, I’m not really seeing a lot anymore, so is it truly necessary?

Lexie: Um..I guess? I mean do you not want it?

Dewie: I just don’t want to be strange anymore. Ever since I stopped seeing things, people like me more now. I have friends here and I’m normal. I don't want to not be normal again.

Lexie’s heart ached for him. She understood exactly how he felt, that delight of belonging for the first time and being scared to lose it. It was how she felt with her father. 

Though she didn't necessarily agree with Dewie's decision, her opinion didn’t matter here. It was Dewie who had gone through the ostracization that came with using his powers. He’d been shunned and bullied for most of his life, by his parents and by his classmates. Now he was finally experiencing life as someone who didn’t have to go through that and it must be intoxicating. The threat of losing the comfort must be terrifying.

Lexie: Alright. If you’re sure about it. But if you do want the Dewie deck, just let me know. I already have a few ideas for how it would work. 

Dewie: I will. I have to go now.

Lexie: Alright Dewie, Love you. 

She’d said the words on a whim, maybe because of how emotional she was feeling or maybe because Xena had texted it to her and now that seemed to set a new precedent for their friendship. Whatever it was, Dewie replied with what looked like a thousand smiley faces and a 'Love you too.'

It reminded her of the first day she spoke to him, how he’d assumed that she was only talking to him because she was in love with him. Lexie smiled at the memory. They’d come a long way since then, but somehow still full circle.  

Those were good times, and Lexie was scared she would never get them again. Maybe that was what bothered her most about this whole Xena thing. If Xena had not been kidnapped and did in fact go to the Fae Planet of her own free will…well, Lexie was scared that Xena wouldn’t want to come back. 

The planet was supposed to be a utopia that would treat Xena like royalty. Maybe Xena would have such a blissful experience that she would forget all about Earth.

She wouldn’t do that, Lexie thought. But somehow the thought lacked the conviction it had just minutes ago.

***

At some point, Lexie must have dozed off because when she woke up it was late at night. She guessed that Aiden had come on to check on her because her fluffy blanket was tucked over her body, and a fluffy pillow supported her neck. 

She yawned, stretched, and rolled out of bed. Then she trudged downstairs to find Aiden in the living room on his pad. He was probably grading papers, because when Lexie got to the base of the steps, he was shaking his head and frowning while muttering, “Come on, Flint, we’ve been over this. Mana crystallization is not the same thing as mana transmogrification.” 

“Dad?” 

He looked up and smiled. “Hey, bumble bee. You woke  up from your nap.” She nodded. 

“I hope you’re hungry. There’s a lot of dessert and I also made dinner for you, and kept it warm.”

“Thanks, I’ll eat it later.” She went to plop beside him on the couch resting her head back as she stared at the pad on his lap. “Grading papers?”

“Yes.” He put the pad away and laced his fingers together.  “But I sense that’s not what you want to talk to me about.”

She shook her head. He was right. It wasn’t.

“Is it about Xena?”

She nodded. “She texted me back.”

“She did? Oh Good.”

“But I’m not sure it’s really her.”

Aiden cocked his head. “What makes you say that?”

“She said ‘I love you’ for one thing.” At her father’s wry smile, Lexie continued, “And she also said she couldn’t talk but that she would be back soon. Didn’t say when. I don’t know, this all just gives me a bad feeling.” She gave her father another imploring look. “Do you know what the Lightlarks actually do on Planet Fae?”

He shook his head. “Much of their work with the Fae is top secret. Of course, there’s the obvious stuff like keeping the Eldritch under control and battling other forces of darkness, but I have a feeling that isn’t the only reason they’re there.”

“I have the same feeling too,” Lexie said, disappointed. She was hoping her father would have more information, but she understood that the Archmage couldn't be all-knowing either. 

“I’m sure Xena will be fine,” Aiden said. “Trust me.”

Lexie glanced at him. Could she?

They’d also come full circle in their relationship, from mistrust to trust back to mistrust. 

She wondered if their relationship would ever go back to what it used to be at the start of this year, when they were honest with each other, when she trusted Aiden with her life. Could there ever truly be trust in a relationship built on lies? After all, she wasn't his daughter. 

She would have to tell him about the cards soon and she was dreading it, but she was going to be honest. At least one of them had to be. 

“When’s the meeting with Naem?” Lexie asked instead.

“How does the next two weeks sound?”

“That’s pretty far away.”

“Naem’s not an easy man to get a hold of. And he can only come here under certain contingencies." 

Lexie sighed. "Alright then. I guess a week is fine. Thank you, Dad.”

"Of course, honey bee."

"How did the vegan cookies turn out?"

"Better than expected but still not good enough to win over Glinda. We’ll have to try again next week."

***

Most of the group was gathered on the bleachers when Lexie walked in the next day. Tate and Ken were going at it on the mat and Shadow was doing his loner things but the rest looked like they were having a mildly contentious discussion.  They fell silent when Lexie approached.

Lexie glanced at each of them.

“What’s up?” she asked.

Cara responded by shaking her head. “Nothing we were just watching a funny video. Conrad’s taking us costume shopping today. Also, he asked if we’ve thought of any names yet for our personas.”

Lexie pursed her lips and sat. “I think I’ll just go with Lexie for now.”

“Boring,” Jan said. “That tells me nothing about you. You should go with something card-based. Like Deck Girl or Card Master.”

“Too on the nose and not catchy. I’m fine with Lexie for now. Conrad said we could always change it somewhere along the line. But once we have a nickname, it’s hard to change from one character name to another you know.”

Jan rubbed his chin. “I guess.”

Lexie stared straight ahead at the sparring pair but she still felt like the rest of the group were staring at her. When she craned her neck, they tore their eyes away.

“What is it?” she asked again.

They shared a look and seemed to silently assign Boris as their spokesperson, gesturing to him with their chins.

Boris sighed. “Alright, I guess it’s up to me to just come right out and say it. There’s a rumor going around that you’re Jane Phoenix’s daughter.”

Lexie's eyes widened in true surprise. “A rumor? From where?”

“Remember the video of you getting the flag from Conrad? A couple of commenters seemed to know you were and mentioned that you were the Archmage's daughter. Years ago, I remember there being a rumor that after Jane Phoenix retired, she married the Archmage, but the rumor was never substantiated since both of them kept their private life very private. But, if it was true, that would make you her daughter, right?” Boris’s gaze was imploring and apologetic all at once. Lexie glanced around and they were all giving her similar looks.

Well, she figured the cat would come out of the bag at some point. Despite her mother wearing a mask and Jane Phoenix not being linked to Lara Sparrowfoot, it was a given that with enough digging someone would find out.

Lexie sighed. “Right.”

Jan gaped. “So you’re her daughter.”

"I guess,” she responded because it was easier than saying that she was simply a soul possessing Jane’s daughter’s body. 

"Are you kidding me?" Boris's voice boomed. "You didn’t think to mention that Jane Phoenix was your mother, Lexie."

This of course got the attention of the fighting group who stopped for Ken to ask, "Jane Phoenix is your mother?"

"I knew it all along, by the way." Cara crossed her arms with a superior smug expression on her face. "From day one.”

“You did?” Lexie asked/

“Yeah. Why did you think I was so nice to you and let you hold my hand for like an hour?”

“Oh.” Lexie was a bit disappointed. “I thought you liked me.”

“I do, but that came later. At first, it was just to get close to you so you would teach me your mother’s secret sauce.”

“Wow, Cara.” Boris tutted.

“How the tables turn,” Lane commented.

"There is no secret sauce,” Lexie admitted. “And if you wanted a secret sauce, why didn’t you say anything?"

"Why didn’t you say anything about being Jane Phoenix’s daughter?" Boris demanded.

Lexie shrugged. "I thought you guys would think I was bragging."

"Well, yeah, but you’re supposed to brag. Your mother is freaking AFC Golden Glove champ. That’s brag-worthy. I would mention it within two seconds of anyone knowing me. I mean the first thing out of Cara’s mouth was about how her family were elementals and we should all kiss her ass because of it."

"That’s not exactly what I said."

"This though," Boris continued. "I would have been impressed by. Jeez, no wonder you're so cool, Lexie. You got it from both sides of the family."

Lexie smiled. "Thanks." 

"So what happened to her?" Jan asked. "She just disappeared after she retired or what?"

Umbras jabbed him in the side with his elbow and Boris cleared his throat loudly. "Anyway, that's cool. Plus you’ve already gotten a small fanbase thanks to those rumors."

"I have?" Lexie asked.

"Yeah." Cara looked surprised, “Do you not look up yourself on the NET?"

Lexie shook her head.

“You should,” Lane said. “Your flag snatching is doing numbers on Video Alley. And the comments are all speculating about you more than me and Ken. Watch it when you get home.”

“Okay, I will.” She couldn’t do it now because Conrad walked in and was gesturing for them. 

That day, they had more lessons that focused on individual choreography and interacting with the camera. They did more finishing looks.

And as the following days passed, Lexie actually found herself looking forward to her first official AFC match.