Seven

As we rattled along at high speed in the cart, I hoped with everything I had that Jamie would be OK until we reached the Emerald Generation. He had to be. There was no other option. I saw Mel glance at me. I managed a weak smile and a huge sigh. I studied my heavily bandaged hand from what seemed a lifetime ago when I took the ruby necklace off. I remembered how Jamie had been so patient and kind as he had wrapped my injuries up. He was too special to be killed by a bunch of ghosts. I unwrapped the bandages slowly, surprised to see that my wounds had healed.

"I'm sorry for blaming you for Drews death. It just hit me so hard. One minute, I don't have a family, then I have a brother. Next minute I don't. It is going to stay with me forever, but it wasn't your fault, I didn't mean what I said."

I appreciated Mels apology, but I didn't feel like I deserved one.

"It's OK. Drew was lovely. He really was. I'm so sorry he's been erased."

"Like I said, it's not your fault Cassie. But the other thing I have to tell you is that Jamie will survive. I know he will. And as soon as he's awake, you need to tell him how you feel. You can't waste any of these moments. We don't know how much longer any of us have left."

I shrugged, easily. Me being killed didn't mean a thing if Jamie was already dead.

"We don't know that he's going to live." I squeezed my eyes shut and took a deep breath, trying to compose myself. I opened them to see Mel was still looking at me. "And if he does....he...well, me telling him...stuff....that will be the last thing he wants to hear."

Mel flicked her short platinum hair back and put her feet up against the dashboard.

"Oh don't be so silly. He wants to hear it, trust me. And he feels the same. So if you want to live the rest of your life never knowing what love could be, then that's up to you. But I recommend you do it. You have nothing to lose."

I was just about to ask how she knew that Jamie felt the same when the blood cart screeched to a halt. I jumped out, running to the back to check on Jamie. He was still alive but deathly pale. I needed him to wake up. I had to see his big brown eyes staring at me with that look that could melt even the frostiest of hearts. I raised an eyebrow as Mel grabbed a few bags of blood from the cart and downed them hungrily, her eyes flashing as she did. When she was done, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and shrugged.

"What? I haven't eaten for ages."

"Well now you have, we need to get Jamie seen to. Remember what Maisie said, if we don't get him help quick, he will die."

Mel nodded and lifted Jamie over her shoulder as easy as if he were a bag of feathers. Just like in the diamond afterlife, the cart had stopped outside The Emeralds entrance. I walked ahead of Mel to open the door, gasping at what I saw when I did.

The Diamond Generation had been creepy, the Rubies world had been modern and red, but this place...this was magical. I looked around in wonder at fields of green and little blue rivers with pebbled bridges. In the distance, huge castles. The colours of everything were so vivid and bright that you didn't know where to look first. At Pearl Eds, when we had learnt about the old human way of life, we discovered there had been something called fairytales. Looking out at the grass and castles and pretty little houses, it was the only way I could describe this generation. When you entered the vampire world, ruby red stones littered the roads, there were so many rubies that it began to hurt your eyes after a while. In the afterlife, the ghosts themselves were so pale and silver that they were the diamonds. In this world, there were emeralds dotted here and there, making everything sparkling and pretty, but not overwhelmingly so. I bent down to pick one up, soon realising it was a mistake as my hand started to burn up.

"The only stone that won't burn you is the Sapphire. It's not a good idea to go touching stuff in other worlds. Now, I may be strong, but I can't carry your boyfriend on my back forever. What's the plan?"

Just as I was about to answer her, a white butterfly flew past my face. I marvelled in the beauty of it. We had only ever read about animals and insects at Pearl Eds, I had never seen a real life one before. As the butterfly flew away, I noticed birds in the sky. I had already decided that this was my favourite world of the three I had been in. In fact, I was inwardly kicking myself at not picking this one in the first place. It was magical.

"Hello? Cassie??"

I jumped, realising that every second I stood here fascinated by this world, Jamie was getting weaker.

"Lay him down here on the grass, Maisie said we need to find Wizard Popkins."

Mel laid him down. He seemed to be getting whiter if that were even possible. And I didn't know if I was being paranoid, but I was sure the sound of his heartbeat was fainter than it had been. We had to get him help. And quick.

Mel and I jumped back with a start as a plume of smoke engulfed us, followed by a quick flash of light. I waved the fog away with my hands, surprised to see a man in front of us, a confused look on his face.

"Hey girls. What can I do for you today?"

I coughed, breathing in a lungful of the still lingering smoke.

"Erm, who are you?"

I hadn't meant to sound rude, but if we didn't find Wizard Popkins, Jamie would....well, I couldn't think about that.

The man rolled his eyes and folded his tattooed arms across his chest. I couldn't make out what the tattoos were, they just looked like smudges of black ink, but it hardly mattered at this point.

"I'm Wizard Popkins of course. You just said you needed to find me, so here I am."

Mel, who had been eyeing the man with suspicion, hissed in my ear.

"Well that was quick. I thought everything was a battle in these generations."

Popkins shook his head, a thick bushy eyebrow raised in amusement.

"Not in this world little flowers. Everything is easy and happy go lucky here. I'm set up to appear when anyone ever asks for me. It doesn't matter where in the Emeralds I am, if you summon me, I will turn up. A bit like a genie really. You know what a genie is right?"

We nodded in unison, still warily surveying him.

"You don't much look like a wizard."

I knew I was being a bit of a cow, but it all just seemed weird. This was the man that was supposed to help us. He was tall and well built with a shock of thick, black spiky hair. He wore trendy round glasses and had stubble lining his jaw. He wore a plain grey t-shirt and blue jeans. He wasn't what I had expected at all. He gave a low throaty chuckle, his amusement clear to see now.

"What did you expect? A massive cloak and a pointy hat? A cauldron under my arm perhaps?" He laughed again as Mel and I just stood there. "Oh...you did. Well....no. It's just me. Plain old Wizard Popkins at your service."

"With a name like Popkins, you are hardly plain."

Mel sniggered at her own words. I nudged her to make her shut up, I didn't want to offend him anymore if he really was our only hope for Jamie.

"As you well know, you don't get to pick your name when you enter these generations. It's already decided for you. They clearly thought I was a Popkins but I must admit, I'm not totally sold. I wanted something more...I don't know, strong sounding. Like Lance or William. But I got Popkins."

"Lance? Really? No, I definitely think Popkins suits you more. You are a bit strange looking if you don't mind me saying. Strange name, strange person."

I nudged Mel again, harder this time. She rubbed where I had just jabbed her, throwing me a look of annoyance.

"I do mind you saying, actually. That's really quite a rude thing to say. It's not really the polite way of doing things, barrelling into generations that aren't yours and...."

"Wizard Popkins." I cut him off abruptly. "I'm so sorry, my friend seems to have forgotten her manners. We really need your help." I pointed to Jamie who still lay there, looking about as dead as any dead person I had ever seen.

Popkins put his hand to his chin, deep in thought.

"Ah. I did wonder why there was a creepy pale boy lying at your feet. Thought he was a pet or something."

I tried not to giggle at the absurdity of what he was saying. I couldn't laugh when Jamie was like this.

"I'll make a long story short. My name is Cassie, this one that insulted you is Mel."

Mel rolled her eyes and flattened her polka dot dress with her hands.

"I didn't say being strange looking was a bad thing. Some people like strange."

I watched as he studied her like she was talking an alien language. I could tell he didn't know what to make of her. I continued with my story.

"We have just had graduation and I chose the Ruby vampires. It didn't take me long to figure out I wasn't a ruby. We ordered some blood and Jamie...." I pointed at him again. "Well he showed up in the blood cart with a Sapphire necklace." Popkins eyes widened as I carried on. "Basically, I'm a Sapphire. Mel here is a Ruby...even though she can show emotions and other stuff so actually, we aren't entirely sure about that but that's a whole other matter. The three of us decided to go to the Sapphire Generation even though it's illegal. So we are travelling through the other worlds first in the hope that the authorities will go straight to the Sapphire gen."

Popkins still looked wide eyed, but he smirked a little, still rubbing his chin.

"Oh yeah, how's that whole seeing the other worlds thing working out for you so far?" He turned his gaze to Mel. "And you...calling me strange. A vampire with emotions? Ha! I've heard it all now."

Mel looked like she was about to say something rude again so I carried on with my tale before she could.

"Well obviously it isn't working out too great. Mel had a diamond brother called Drew. The authorities got to him last night and erased him."

"I'm sorry." He looked at her in sympathy now. She nodded glumly and looked down at the floor.

"The Mayor of The Rubies also happens to be Mels Dad, and he is trying to hunt us down and kill us."

"Wow, no wonder you stroll along in life hurling insults at people. That is one good sob story you have there."

I frowned a little, sensing Mels growing need to bite back some remark.

"The leaders of The Rubies, The Diamonds and the Pearl Eds Authorities are all chasing us. As we left the Diamond world, Pearl Eds rounded up thirteen ghosts to walk through Jamie. A Sapphire dies a little every time a ghost walks through them. Thirteen is the number that usually kills them but he's been through two years of torture so I'm hoping he can get through it. And we were told to find you by Maisie, his creepy little girl ghost sister who is actually older than him."

His whole persona seemed to change at the mention of Maisie. He seemed to mist over, like he was in another place.

"Maisie sent you, huh?"

I nodded.

"Is she your girlfriend or something?"

If I wasn't mistaken, Mel sounded a bit jealous. The frown on her face was telling me that she wasn't going to be too happy if the answer was a yes. I studied him again, trying to figure out what she saw in him. He was very striking looking. He may not have looked like a wizard, but he definitely had an attractive quality about him. I couldn't figure out his age. I reckoned he was one of those that looked older than he actually was. He looked to be about thirty, but I wouldn't be surprised if he were only twenty three.

"No, she's not my girlfriend. She's a...well, she was...someone. I can't really explain it. Anyway, Maisie wants me to help you guys out so let's get going."

I gasped as with the flick of Popkins wand, Jamie rose into the air, levitating in front of us.

"Follow me. I thought we could have a little walk to my place rather than magic ourselves there. After all, it's not every day you get to see other generations. Well, only if you are on the run like you crazy people."

He chuckled to himself.

"This is really creepy. We are following a floating unconscious person and a mad wizard." Mel whispered, but I already knew that Popkins had heard. He laughed again.

"I can hear you. You do know that, right? Don't you worry about your friend, he will be OK. Just take some of this world in. Live it. Breathe it. Enjoy."

As much as I was worried about Jamie, it was hard to not appreciate the beauty around me. It really was like a fairytale. I looked on in amazement as we passed a field of what looked like sweets and chocolate instead of bushes and flowers.

"Are they real? Could you actually pick one and eat one?"

Popkins nodded.

"They sure are. It's our tribute to the human story of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. Did you ever read that one?"

We both shook our heads so Popkins explained the story to us. He said there was even a little chocolate stream running through the middle of the field. All the talk was making me hungry.

"You should go and eat something Cassie. You haven't eaten since we graduated."

Popkins turned around in surprise.

"You must be starving. Go on, go feast."

"She wasn't too keen on the blood."

Popkins looked disgusted.

"No, I don't suppose she was. You vampires are a bit of a weird sort aren't you."

Mel tutted under her breath as I picked a red and white striped candy cane from the grass and started chewing on it. it was lovely after not having anything to eat for the last few days.

"Now who's throwing insults around?"

I grabbed a chocolate bar from a chocolate bush and carried on walking, eager to get Jamie some help.

"When we get back to mine and your friend is all better, I'll make you a feast. Some of the old human food was delicious you know. You have to try some."

I smiled through a mouthful of chocolate, thanking him. We walked on looking in awe as Popkins pointed out important bits of the Emerald Generation. The huge, magical princess like castle we could see in the distance belonged to Kitty Harris, the Mayor of the witches and wizards. There was an ocean to the left of us where there were a number of caves filled with genies and mermaids. But my favourite bit of the generation had to be the animals. I watched as fluffy tailed squirrels darted up the trees. I saw bright coloured fish in vivid blue ponds. And I squealed with delight as a gorgeous white puppy dog came bounding up to me, licking me as I stroked him. Popkins explained that nobody really owned the animals around here, as the whole generation took care of them. The animals were free to roam and make wherever they wanted their home. They never went without food or shelter. It was all so....magical.

After a short period of time, we came to a quaint little cottage. The roof was made from straw and the build was a pretty brown brick. It had a dark green door with a name plate that simply said 'Popkins'. The front garden had a cobbled pathway and rainbow coloured flowers growing all around.

"Here we are. In you come."

We stepped into the cottage, pleasantly surprised at how nice it all was. Comfy furniture and tastefully decorated walls. A few artsy pictures hung here and there. It was a lot larger inside than it had looked from the front. The open plan kitchen and living area was so cosy, it made me wish I had a place like this. In fact, if somehow we survived this mad adventure we were on, I would definitely design my home to be similar to this. Popkins carefully floated Jamie down on the squishy burnt orange sofa, then turned to us.

"You might want to have a wander around while I help...." He looked at Jamie, realising he didn't know his name.

"Jamie. He's called Jamie. And I would like to stay please."

Popkins nodded.

"I'm going to go explore The Emeralds. I want to give them privacy if he wakes up."

Before I could stop her, Mel skipped out of the front door. Popkins beamed at me.

"Ah. Love birds hey?"

My cheeks flamed red. I shrugged awkwardly.

"No. Maybe...I'm not...I don't know. Can we help him now?"

His heartbeat had definitely been getting quieter for the last ten minutes. It was also erratic and not beating in a steady, normal rhythm. Popkins nodded, suddenly putting a serious face on and getting his wand out of his pocket.

"Go and sit by his head. Hold his hand. Talk to him. I'm not sure how long it will take."

I followed his instructions and held Jamies hand in my own. I was glad it wasn't as cold as when he had first collapsed. I put my face close to his, willing him to wake up.

"Right Cassie, the only thing that will wake him up is true loves kiss."

I pulled away from Jamie, alarmed. What if it wasn't enough? What if I wasn't the one who was supposed to kiss him? What if... I glared at Popkins as he bent over, clutching his sides as he roared with laughter.

"Your face! That was a picture. True loves kiss indeed." He was still chuckling as he started swishing his wand over Jamie. Although I was annoyed at the trick, I knew I already loved Popkins. He was brilliant, and it even made me sad to think we had to leave the Emeralds Generation soon. "My wand is currently being filled with healing powers, it has never failed on me before. All I have to do is say a simple healing spell and your man here should wake up."

I nodded, clutching on to Jamies hand tight.

"Magic wand, let him heal,

The pain he has suffered is all too real,

So do your thing in the emerald gen,

And let this man be whole again."

I raised an eyebrow, wondering if he was joking with me.

"That's the healing spell?"

"Yes, of course it is. You must never declare a false spell while holding your wand or your wizardry could be revoked."

"Oh. It just seemed... simple. That's all. I thought usually spells were all chanting and words nobody understood."

Popkins smiled and shook his head, then repeated the spell twice more while swishing his wand.

The room was silent as I waited for something to happen. If anything, Jamies heartbeat sounded like it was fading.

"Why isn't he waking up?"

Popkins scratched his head, perplexed.

"Hold on, let me try again."

He repeated the spell three times again, each line getting louder, the wand waving more frantic. I bit my bottom lip, willing something to happen. I gasped as the heartbeat that I had been clinging all my hopes on for the last little while stopped completely.

"Popkins, what's happening?"

"I'm sorry Cassie, I.... I don't know. This has never happened before. I have managed to bring even the deadest people back to life with this spell. I think.....he may be...I'm so sorry darling, but I think Jamie is dead."

I shook my head violently, clutching Jamies hand even harder. This wasn't how Jamie died. I was sure of it. He was still there. I tried not to notice how cold he was becoming, almost as if his body was turning to ice instantly. I gently pulled his Sapphire necklace from under his shirt and held it in my hand.

"Jamie, please....wake up. I'm...I'm not really sure on how all this romantic stuff is supposed to work or if I'm supposed to feel this way, but the minute I saw you....I knew. People can say that we haven't known each other long, people can laugh. But I am so certain that you belong in my life." A silent tear fell down my cheek. I studied the sapphire in the palm of my hand, wondering why it was glowing. "You are supposed to live Jamie. I think you are going to change these worlds, that's the reason you had to suffer so much. Come back to us. Come back to me."

I put the sapphire back under his shirt and kissed his cheek, softly. As I did, Popkins started muttering the spell over and over again, quietly. I didn't have to look to know that he was concentrating with everything he had.

I didn't know how long I had sat there, looking at Jamie and clutching his hand. I wasn't sure how long Popkins had been repeating the healing spell and swishing his wand. Time was no longer important.

Just as I was ready to give up, I saw his luminous brown eyes flicker open. His mouth ever so slightly turned up to a smile as he looked at me.

"Cassie."

His voice was barely a whisper.

I flung my arms around him and cried happy tears, suddenly feeling like everything would be just fine.