Twenty-Four

Jamie, Miles and I landed with a thud outside Jamie's log cabin. We were back in the Sapphire Generation. I took a deep breath, longing to remember this world and everything it meant to me. I clasped my necklace, gently stroking my Sapphire, then looked at the boys.

"Are we all in agreement?"

Jamie nodded enthusiastically, but Miles seemed somewhat subdued.

"What about you Miles? Are you thinking what we're thinking?"

He sighed, his eyes clouding with sadness.

"You know I am, but look at me. What use can I be? This damn chair....."

Jamie walked over to him, grabbing the handles of his wheel chair and hitting his shoulder in a good mannered way.

"Don't worry about it mate, we've got your back."

I smiled at Jamies words. He looked at me and gave a small nod. It was time. Jamie leant down, fumbling for something on the ground near a bamboo root, before taking Mile's wheelchair again. He held up a wand, a grin of satisfaction on his face. I raised an eyebrow in question.

He just shrugged.

"It's always good to keep a spare lying about. Having access to wands was the only perk about being a slave for the authorities and traveling to the other worlds."

He murmured a quick spell and suddenly we were gliding along through the Sapphire world at around eighty miles per hour. In no time at all, we were at the Sapphire entrance. I turned back, getting one last glance at the world in case I never saw it again, then pushed open the door, wrinkling my nose at the smell of the tunnel.

We walked along for ten minutes, Jamie pushing Miles and me walking alongside them. We came to a stop at a commotion in front of us, gasping as we saw Maisie appear before our eyes. We couldn't hug her because of the fact that she was a ghost and us Sapphires would die a little bit if we even tried, so we held out our hands in salute. No sooner had we finished greeting her, Popkins appeared with a bang, falling on his behind.

He muttered a few curse words and got up, rubbing where he had hurt. He pushed his round spectacles up his nose then caught sight of all of us, beaming with pride. I squealed and launched myself at him, gripping on to him tightly. He chuckled and stroked my hair.

"Nice to see you too Cassie."

He nodded at the others in greeting and I pulled away, giving him some space. He frowned, then looked at me.

"Do you think Mel will turn up?"

"Of course she will Popkins. She will."

His frown deepened and he looked at his arms, poking one of his indistinguishable tattoos.

"But she's supposedly the Mayor now. Fancy pants Mayor of The Rubies. She might not be thinking along the same lines as us."

I was just about to tell him otherwise when a flash of red crossed our path and Mel faced us in all her glory. She was wearing a red, jewel encrusted top with tight fitting jeans and heels, she looked amazing.

"Who are you calling fancy pants? If you ever doubt me again, I'll have you all beheaded now I'm the Mayor."

Popkins rolled his eyes.

"You're the Mayor, you aren't an old fashioned Queen from the past human days."

We giggled at the exchange, as Mel sauntered up to Popkins.

"I'll start with you first, you pesky wizard."

Her eyes were filled with amusement as she flung her arms around him, kissing him. After the exchange, Popkins smiled shyly, putting an arm around her shoulders.

"You look incredible Mel. I should have changed too. I feel like a frump compared to you."

Jamie stepped close to me, shaking his head with despair.

"You're beautiful Cassie. You always are."

I smiled, knowing that he meant it, but I still felt unglamorous and mucky all the same. Popkins poked his wand at me and said something I couldn't hear. I gasped as I looked down at my new change of clothes. I had black trainers with little dashes of Sapphire splashed on them. My black leggings complimented my trainers nicely and my midnight blue halter neck top made me feel glam and glitzy. I went to run my hands through my hair, realising that it was up now, in a high pony.

Jamie took me in and gulped.

"Like I said, you're always stunning, but wow."

Miles nodded.

"Cassie, you look gorgeous."

I smiled, feeling better about myself. I definitely noticed the look Jamie threw Miles when he spoke, but I couldn't think about that now.

Maisie floated in to the middle of the group. She hadn't been able to take her eyes off Mel.

"Hey, what about me?"

"Don't worry darling, I'm about to dress us all up. After all, we should go into this feeling confident with fighting spirit."

We all murmured in agreement as Maisie was changed into a glittering silver dress that floated out behind her. It was elegant and pretty whenever she moved and made her look a million dollars. Popkins pointed the wand at himself next. I tried to stifle a laugh as his clothes were now a loud green open shirt with palm trees stamped over it, a white vest underneath. He wore beige cargo shorts and looked chuffed with himself. I could see Mel dying to say something, but to my relief, she kept quiet. I couldn't imagine Popkins in anything else, it suited him.

Miles was changed into a black T-shirt and navy jeans. The dark colours really set off his blonde hair and made his blue eyes sparkle.

Jamie was next. I gasped as Popkins swished his wand and then he stepped back, smug.

Jamie ran a hand through his dark, wavy hair, nervously waiting my approval.

"Wow." My eyes roamed over him as I struggled to keep my heatbeat at a normal level. He was now in a crisp white shirt, the top few buttons undone as always, his Sapphire glowing on his chest. He had black jeans and shoes on, a Sapphire belt neatly co-ordinating with his necklace.

"Blimey Jamie, I almost fancy you myself."

We all laughed at Mel's declaration, apart from Popkins, who was making a face. She kissed him on the cheek to reassure him, making him feel better.

"So, now we are all at least looking ready to fight, we should have a prep talk. I knew everyone would be here."

I smiled at the group as I spoke, knowing that this was always going to happen.

"We had no choice but to act like we accepted Dianne's offer, but we all knew we would never abandon each other. We belong as a group. Together, always."

We cheered at Maisies words. Miles wheeled himself forward to the center.

"But now what?"

I wondered that myself, Jamie answered Miles question.

"Now we really fight. They can't keep our voices silenced. It's time that everyone knew the truth. Do any of us really believe that we are destined for one generation only? I mean...Mel is a Ruby and an Emerald. Maisies a Diamond and a Sapphire. There could be thousands out there the same."

I nodded, linking Jamie's fingers with my own.

"You're right. Things have to change. I'm a Sapphire but the thought of never seeing the Emerald Generation again kills me. I loved my time there, I loved your cottage." I nodded at Popkins. "We should be able to live peacefully with each other. It's time to make a stand."

"I agree." Miles smiled softly at me. "Maybe you even have some Emerald in you Cassie. After all, we don't know about your family yet."

I shrugged. It was something that had been playing on my mind.

"I was under the impression that as soon as I got to the Sapphire Generation, I would know. It hasn't worked out like that."

Popkins stepped forward and rubbed my shoulder, kindly.

"It may mean that something traumatic has happened. Something masking it, making sure you don't find out. Miles has already found out about his family."

I looked at him in surprise, this was news to me.

"Really?"

He nodded, looking guilty.

"Yes. The moment I put on my necklace, my family came into sight. My Mum, Dad and four brothers are all in the Diamond Gen. I would like to go there someday."

I sighed, looking around at everyone.

"So everyone knows who their family is but me? Miles knew when he got his Sapphire, the same as Jamie and Maisie. I know that you two are the only ones who made it from your family, and I'm so sorry. But at least you know who your family was. At least you have each other. Mel has been told that her Mum was an Emerald and her Dad.. well, we all know that one and sadly Drew has been erased....and Popkins knows his family because he's always been the one wizard who bends the rules. It's just me who doesn't know."

Jamie pulled me close, kissing me on the head.

"Maybe there is just too much going on babe, hopefully you will know soon."

I nodded, solemnly. I wasn't entirely convinced. Still, we had other things to do now.

"Guys, we need to talk about what we are going to do. I vote we go back to Pearl Eds, break into the school and start spreading the word to the students who are next to graduate. If they know that just one generation doesn't have to be the only choice, then the authorities are going to have a huge battle on their hands come graduation day. Even if something happens to us, which let's face it, is very likely... Then at least other people will know it doesn't have to be one or nothing."

I beamed at Mel.

"You're a genius. See Popkins, you've got yourself a girl who is intelligent and pretty."

He grinned and fondly rolled his eyes.

"And infuriating. And bossy. And...."

Mel cut him off by hitting him playfully on the arm.

"I hope you appreciate her Wizard Man. I'll be watching you."

Mel and Popkins looked confused at Maisies warning. Miles and I glanced at each other, knowing exactly what it was about. Jamie probably had an idea, but I hadn't filled him in all of it yet because I didn't think it was my place.

We made our way through the tunnel, with Popkins explaining that it was best to walk for now and use magic later when we were about to enter the Pearl Eds world. We assumed that at this current moment, Dianne didn't know that we had already ran off and met up. At least lingering in the tunnel bought us some time.

Popkins pushed Miles up ahead, while Mel and Maisie walked along chatting. They both looked great in their outfits.

Jamie squeezed my hand, smiling at me.

"They look really good, but you look totally out of this world. You are crazy stunning."

I giggled shyly, my cheeks turning pink.

"Thanks, but it's OK...you don't need to feed me just because I have insecurities. They are my problems to deal with."

He shrugged, looking at me softly.

"Your problems are mine. And you shouldn't have insecurities, you look beautiful. I'll never stop telling you."

I rolled my eyes good naturedly, but smiling all the same.

"Well you are kind of breath taking yourself you know. You had Mel practically drooling."

He laughed, but I could tell he was flattered. Suddenly, he wrapped his arms around my waist and backed me up against the tunnel wall, staring at me intently.

"Jamie, what...."

He moved his hands up to my shoulders, brushing my bare skin with his thumbs.

"We haven't really officially given us a title, have we?"

I crinkled my nose, narrowing my eyes at him.

"What do you mean?"

He sighed, then kissed me, deeply. It took me so much by surprise that it was hard to catch my breath when he pulled away.

"I love you. You know that right?"

I nodded, unsure what he was getting at.

"I love you too, but Jamie.... I don't understand...."

He ran his hands down my arms gently, making me shiver.

"If someone asked you to describe me, us, what would you say?"

I opened my mouth to speak, then closed it again. I still didn't understand.

"Cassie, I hear the words friends and friendship alot as a group, but what about us? What are we?"

I circled my arms around his neck and pulled him close to me, feeling his body against my own.

"Surely you know? Isn't it obvious that we aren't just friends?"

He shrugged, pouting slightly. My fingers tangled in his hair, before moving down to his open shirt buttons. I desperately wanted to undo the rest.

"But you love Mel as well. You would say 'I love you' to her."

I couldn't help but chuckle. My fingers slid down, undoing a button almost without me realising.

"But I wouldn't spend all night in bed with her, wanting her. I love her as a friend. I love you as...."

I paused, not knowing the right words. Without even thinking about what I was doing, I had opened the rest of the buttons on his shirt. I gulped as I looked at his chest, wanting him so bad but knowing that it wasn't exactly an appropriate moment. He kissed me on the tip of my nose, then cupped my cheeks with his hands.

"Are you my girl, Cassie?" His golden eyes sparkled with lust, my heart was beating nearly out of my chest just from him touching me. "Because I know I'm your man. I know that if somebody asked me, I would tell them you are my girlfriend. You are somebody who I would die for. I love you so much, it hurts to not be around you."

My eyes filled with tears, but happy ones.

"Same."

My voice was small, shy. He tilted my chin up, so I had no choice but to meet his eyes.

"Then tell me."

I shook my head slightly, feeling embarrassed all of a sudden. Jamie was pouring his heart out to me and I couldn't even speak. I took a deep breath. I had to be mature.

"Of course you're my man. I don't know why you would ever think otherwise. You literally make my heart stop when I look at you and I thank the stars every single day that you were our blood cart guy when we graduated. I love you. I can't imagine my life without you."

He beamed at me, delight written all over his face. He leaned in to kiss me, gentle at first, then harder, more urgent.

He shivered slightly as I put my hands under his open shirt, feeling his chest.

He sprinkled kisses from my jawline up to my ear.

"I want to relive that night again. I want to be with you, just us."

His words made my legs turn to jelly. I kissed him harder, pressing myself against him so I could feel his body against my own.

"Ew. Ew. Ew. You two are disgusting. Get a room."

We pulled away from each other, slightly embarrassed at the sound of Mel's horrified voice.

"They sent me to check on you, and now I'm going to have to poke my eyes out so I never have to witness that again."

Jamie chuckled, doing his shirt buttons up as I tried to smooth my clothes out and regain my composure.

"Chill out. We are coming. We just wanted some alone time, that's all."

She frowned in disgust, I worked on making my breathing normal.

"There is a time and place to do that. Not in the middle of a grimy tunnel in front of your friends."

Jamie rolled his eyes and took my hand, pulling me forward. We ran to catch up with the others, an angry looking Mel trailing behind us. Popkins laughed when he saw the look on Mel's face and winked at Jamie and I.

"Judging by the look she's giving the two of you, I take it she caught you smooching."

Mel huffed and pushed past us.

"You're a grown man wizard. Do you really have to call it smooching? Ugh."

Jamie and I stifled our laughter.

"She finds me adorable really. I know it."

She pushed Popkins gently.

"Will you be quiet? Look, we are here."

She pointed at the doorway that would lead us to Pearl Eds. Miles let out a low whistle, then scanned all of our faces.

"Get ready, it's time for round two."

We gave each other a group hug and took a collective deep breath, before walking out of the door with our heads held high, ready to tackle the authorities once more.