Twenty-Seven

Jamie cupped my face in his hands, his eyes full of worry.

"Are you OK? Did she hurt you?"

I didn't know quite how to answer him. Yes, she had hurt me. I'm not sure what she had done or what spell she had chanted to make my body hurt so much. Thunderbolts of pain were still rocking my core and I didn't know when it was going to stop. But more than that, she had hurt my heart. I nearly lost Jamie. Maisie had sacrificed herself. I glanced at Dianne's body, which was coming to now, stirring gently. Miles was now a ghost. Everything was wrong. Of course I was hurt. But I didn't want to overwhelm him.

"I'm fine Jamie. Don't worry about me. How are you?"

He shrugged and sat up, surprisingly with ease for someone who had just been at death's door.

"I feel weirdly good." He rubbed his head and swung his legs around so he was sitting up fully. "What just happened? Everything was a blur. I... I can't remember much. One minute we were...." His eyes widened as he looked around the room. "Wait a minute, is that Miles?"

Sadness hit me once more as I looked at his now ghostly form. I pulled Jamie up, holding his hand, walking over to where the others were.

"Yes, this is Miles."

Jamie frowned, then held a hand out in salute.

"What happened? Why are you a ghost?"

Miles shrugged as he hovered above his wheelchair, which still had his old body in. It made me shudder.

"It's no big deal. I wanted this."

"Miles gave up his Sapphire to save you. It was the only thing that could have bought you back to life. Without his stone, he would have become weak and died anyway, so I managed to turn him into a ghost."

Jamie's mouth fell open at Popkins words. I knew he was finding it as unbelievable as the rest of us.

"Miles....mate.... I, I don't know what to say."

Miles smiled and rolled his eyes.

"Like I said, no big deal. I'm just glad you're alive. Besides, any time you're annoying me from now on, I can threaten to ghost you, it will be awesome."

We laughed uneasily at his joke. I didn't know how to be happy about this. Jamie scanned the others.

"Are the rest of you OK? Mel? Popkins?" They nodded, shooting each other an awkward look."Maisie?"

Jamie looked around the room, confused. He turned to me.

"Maisies OK, right? Where is she?"

I shook my head, my eyes filling with tears. I knew I had to tell him, but I didn't know how. I looked at Popkins and Mel for some help, not knowing what to do.

Suddenly, the guard who had helped us after being under Dianne's hypnosis came running forward.

"Look, she's getting up."

We watched in silence as Dianne's body stood up. It took some effort. She faced us, looking sad. It was weird to see the woman who had caused us so much grief looking so emotional. Jamie turned to me.

"Why are we all just standing here watching? She's a maniac, we need to do something."

I held his hand, squeezing it. I really was lost for words.

"Jamie, I'm not going to hurt you."

Dianne's voice was now Maisies. I could see the confusion in Jamie's eyes. He looked at me, then back at Dianne, shaking his head.

"Don't say my name. Don't talk to me. You're... you're a monster."

He let go of my hand,taking a step back. I wanted to comfort him, but pain was still rocking my body, it was hard to stand up straight.

"It's going to be hard to take in but Jamie... that's Maisie. You know it is. You can hear her voice."

Mel's kind but firm words were a relief. I didn't want to be the one to say it.

"I mean.... I guess. It's, it's just hard to believe it, that's all. You can come out now Maisie, it's spooky talking to you like this."

I swallowed, exchanging a look with Popkins.

Maisie stepped forward, holding her hand out to Jamie.

"I'm sorry little brother. I don't have much time. You know I would have done anything to save you."

I bit back a sob. Jamie just shook his head, not understanding. Popkins stepped forward, putting an arm around him, pushing him forward to take Maisies hand. It was eerie seeing him hold hands with the body who had just tried to kill him.

"Maisie forced herself into Dianne's body to stop her. But because your crazy, loving sister has done this once before at the prison with the guards to save us...it....it means that this time she won't make it. She knew that when she did it. We tried to stop her but.... I guess her need to protect you outweighed her desire to live."

Jamie shook Popkins off, staring at Dianne's shell in horror.

"That... that's not true. You're going to make it, right? Please tell me it's not true."

A tear fell down Jamie's cheek. All of us were crying now. We watched as Maisie pulled Jamie in for a hug.

"I love you Jamie. I have to go. I have to save all my strength to convince the Pearl Authorities to stop hunting you. They have to listen to me. I'm the head." She stepped back, smiling at him kindly. Even though she looked like Dianne, it was Maisies smile. She always had the ability to smile because of the fact she was half Sapphire, half Diamond. It looked like Miles could do the same as well. "I don't have much time. I know that you will go on to live a fantastic, happy life and that is all that matters to me. It's all I ever wanted."

Jamie wiped a tear from his his cheek and cleared his throat.

"You can say goodbye. That's fine. But there's no need because you are going to make it."

My heart broke for him. She shook her head sadly, then lifted her arm to her mouth, pulling back her sleeve. A chunky pearl bracelet hung on her skinny wrist.

"Attention authorities." We watched as the guard who had helped us stood to attention, just like he was under hypnosis again. I figured that all the authorities must look the same whenever Dianne spoke through her bracelet. The guards head tilted up to the ceiling, his eyes glassing over. "From this moment, the search for our Most Wanted has come to an end. Under my instruction, nobody will search for or hurt Cassie and Jamie from The Sapphires, Wizard Popkins from The Emeralds, Mel from The Rubies or Miles from The Diamonds. If you see them, leave them be."

She closed her eyes for a moment, her skin so pale, she was almost deathly white. Her arm was shaking as she tried to keep it up against her mouth. I could see that it was taking serious effort.

"Furthermore, as of this moment, I officially resign as head of the Pearl authorities. You will no longer take direction from me. Your new leader will greet you shortly. As for now, go on with your days."

Maisies arm dropped and she staggered, holding her chest in pain. Jamie ran over to her asking if she was OK. I could see that he still stubbornly refused to believe that Maisie wouldn't make it.

All of a sudden, her body started to rock violently. Her arms started flailing and hitting out at Jamie. Her body jerked painfully, this way and that, her face contorted in agony.

"Cassie." Her voice was almost a screech. Her eyes locked on to mine. "One last gift before I go."

I didn't know what to do as she started thrashing around again. I gasped as the body started to split in two, an earth shattering shriek. Everything clouded up and went smokey, a huge thud sounded.

We coughed and spluttered, trying to clear the fog with our hands. When the visibility came back, we saw Dianne's body laying in a heap on the ground. She was gone. Maisie was dead, it was clear to see.

Jamie went rushing over to her, collapsing at her side.

"No. No, please. Come back Maisie. I need my big sister, please come back."

I was just about to go over to him when something else caught my eye. A little way off from where Dianne's lifeless body now lay was movement, a person. At first, I joyfully thought it might be Maisie, then realised that the shadow wasn't sparkly and glittering, so it couldn't have been.

The person stood up shakily, turning to face me. I gasped, not daring to believe my eyes. It was the woman from my vision. It was my Mother. I walked up to her slowly, taking in everything from her shiny, brunette hair to her big brown eyes and olive skin. We were almost identical, apart from age. She put her arms out to me, her eyes full of tears.

"Cassie. My darling. I've waited eighteen years to see you again. My baby girl."

I knew that these generations were full of trickery. I knew that not everything was as it seemed and that I shouldn't trust things I didn't know, but I knew she was my Mum.

I timidly walked up to her, my hands taking hers. She searched my face and pulled me to her, squeezing me tight. I hugged her back, seeing visions. I knew they were visions because they were all of her. Her fighting and searching for me. Being captured. Being taken over by Dianne. Her name was Lucy and I loved her. I never knew that I wanted or needed this family bond, but now that I had it, I couldn't imagine stepping back from it. And then I remembered. Jamie.

I pulled away, and she nodded at me, her eyes shining.

"We can talk later. Go to him. He needs you."

I had a lump in my throat as I walked over to Jamie. He was kneeling down over Dianne's body, still, like a statue.

I crouched down next to him, wrapping my arms around him.

"I'm so sorry Jamie."

He buried his head in my shoulder. I stroked his hair soothingly, not knowing what to say.

"Just tell me one thing." His voice was muffled against me, broken and raw. "Tell me that she's at least going to meet Drew and have fun. Tell me that the place she's going to is better, that she will never hurt or be alone up there."

I bit my lip, desperately wanting to believe that she would be going somewhere magical. Drew said it was, but I never got to see it. I came back from the brink of death. I could only tell him what I was certain of.

"Drew will always look after her. Not that she needs him really, your sister is....was unreal. She will be looking down on you watching your every move. There are some things I can't promise, but I do know she'll be OK up there. You are going to miss her desperately and I don't know how to help with that, but I'm always going to be here for you."

He stood up, drawing himself to his full height. I stood with him, worried that I still felt the heavy aching pains thunder through me.

I looked at Jamie's wound that I had bandaged up. Blood had started to seep through the crisp, white cloth.

"Are you in pain?"

Popkins came rushing over at my words. He quickly directed a spell at Jamie.

"There. You may feel a bit light headed, but the pain should be gone. The only thing I can do for your wound is to stop it bleeding. Because it's a permanent injury, I can't erase it. You will have another scar to add to your collection."

Jamie shrugged, still looking at Dianne's body. I couldn't imagine how he felt. It must be torture knowing that someone you loved was now dead inside a body you hated.

I tugged on my ponytail out of nerves and looked at Popkins.

"Err... I seem to.... I don't know. Dianne did something to me and it hurts....can you help?"

Jamie's head snapped round to look at me, Popkins eyes widened. Miles floated towards me and Mel came running. My Mum walked behind them, her hands to her mouth.

"Oh Cassie. I was hoping the spell missed you. You.. you seem fine and alert. This isn't happening. Please tell me this isn't happening."

I folded my arms across my stomach, trying to comfort myself as another pain rocked through me. After everything I had been through, I didn't feel scared. But I could tell the others were.

"Nice to meet you Cassie's Mum. I hope you don't mind the speedy introductions but I need to know what spell was put on Cassie so I can help her. I'm Popkins."

My mother nodded, smiling just slightly, her eyes still full of concern for me.

Jamie came over to my side, staring at me like I was an alien.

"I'm fine, quit looking at me like that."

He nodded glumly and tugged my arm away from my stomach, holding my hand in his. I saw my Mum talking to Popkins, and frowned when I realised I couldn't hear them. I usually had very good hearing since graduating.

Popkins came rushing over to me, his wand held out. I could see that he was scared. He opened his mouth to chant a spell but I held my hand out.

"What did Dianne do to me?"

Popkins closed his mouth again and shook his head sadly. I looked at my Mum, but her eyes were trained on the floor. Mel stepped forward, her eyes kind but her face hard. She was angry.

"It appears she has cast the SAD spell on you. I heard your Mum and Popkins discussing it." She waved at my Mum, but her face remained hard."I'm Mel by the way, Cassie's best friend."

She nodded and smiled warmly at the group.

"Just to clear things up, I've been trapped in Dianne's body. I know who all of you are and the special ways in which you have helped my daughter. I owe you all so much. We can talk later but right now I just want to help Cassie."

Everyone nodded, turning their attention back to me. I raised an eyebrow in confusion, shaking my head at Mel.

"The SAD spell? What on earth is that?"

Mel sighed, then glared at Popkins and surprisingly, even my mother.

"It looks like I'm the only one with the guts to tell you. The SAD spell stands for Slow Agonizing Death. Dianne hit you full force with it. It's exactly as it sounds, you are going to be hit with wave after wave of excruciating pain until it all just gets too much and your heart gives out. It can last up to a week and as each hour goes by, you will be wishing you were dead more and more. You will do anything to make the pain stop. There has only ever been two people hit with the spell before now and they both killed themselves. It seems it was Dianne's speciality. Her party trick."

Jamie stood rigidly still beside me, his hand clutching mine so hard I thought my fingers were going to break. Another pain rocked through my body, making me feel sick. I looked at Popkins. He was giving me that look, the one I hated. A look full of pity and sadness. They all were looking at me like that. My ears were ringing.

"Is there any way to stop it?"

I directed my question at Popkins but it was Mel that answered.

"No. I heard them saying they were going to try a few spells and see if anything could make you more comfortable for now, but there is no way to stop this."

I nodded, taking everything in. It was a weird feeling. I somehow felt at peace with it. The door of the dome was open and I could see the sun rising up, dawn was breaking. This didn't feel like when I was without my Sapphire and I was becoming weaker and weaker. I had somehow always knew that I would find it. That I would be OK. And then when I was injected at the Coal Jailhouse with venom and I went to the in-between world and saw Drew. It all happened so quick that I didn't have a chance to think about dying.

But this, this was definitely different. I think that what we had done here tonight was worth it. Jamie was safe, I had met my Mum. Miles had been willing to change into a Diamond and Maisie had sacrificed herself. It was only right that I paid the price as well. Knowing I was going to die wasn't the scary part. It was knowing that I wouldn't see my friends anymore. That I wouldn't get much longer with Jamie. That was the thing that hurt.

"Listen Popkins, you are not just a wizard, but THE wizard. You can do anything. You can save anyone. You help us time and time again, there must be something you can do."

Jamie's voice was pleading, desperate. Popkins shook his head sadly, his wild, eccentric hair bobbing with the movement.

"There are some things even I don't know how to fix Jamie. You know I would do anything to help her. I would have done anything to stop Maisie from sacrificing herself. But there are some things that are out of my control. I'm sorry."

Jamie let go of my hand and squared up to Popkins. The wizards eyes were wide in surprise.

"Well I don't accept it. Do something for crying out loud. Help her."

I pulled Jamie back angrily, glaring at him. I knew he was upset but this wasn't going to help the situation.

"Leave it Jamie. It's not his fault. If you want to go around blaming people, blame Dianne. Blame me for getting us into this mess. But do not take it out on the one person who would help anyone in a heartbeat. He's a good man Jamie. If there's nothing that can be done then that's it."

We all jumped as the door to the dome shut loudly with a bang.

I looked at the woman who had just walked in with a big cheery grin on her face, recognising her straight away. Her bushy hair was streaked with grey and her kind eyes were wrinkled. She wore a green blouse and matching pencil skirt, making her look a bit like a Christmas tree. I couldn't help but smile just at the sight of her, she instantly bought calm into the building.

"There's always something that can be done."

Her voice was airy and light, almost like music. She winked at me as Popkins ran up to her, throwing his arms around her neck.

"Kitty! What are you doing here?"

Everyone in the room had their eyes on the Mayor of The Emeralds, waiting for her to speak.

"It turns out that little old me happened to be next in line after Dianne. You are now looking at the new head of Pearl Authorities. And I'm here to help you."

I beamed at her, feeling more relieved than I had ever felt in my life.