Truelight- the Hexagram of Elements

Disclaimer: I am most certainly not Stephanie Meyer, and I therefore did not write the Twilight Book Series, or the Host for that matter, which I haven't even read yet. I do however love Celtic jewellery, the Lion King, my piano, my clarinet… and the Audi R8 Spyder. Gorgeous car…

I don't own anything from Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse or Breaking Dawn basically.

I do however own the Planet Alstania and everything I created within it. So like the Silver Mountains, Castle Andromeda, and pretty much everything on the map. Pollentia is MINE. :) It will all make sense later I'm not just talking crap. :P

A/N: This here begins the era of my new fanfiction, Truelight. It's literally a brand new world. I'll put up the map I drew later on. :) I've gone really crazy with this one.

I must warn you now, if you simply adore Edward to bits and think he's perfect for Bella, then reading this probably wouldn't be such a good idea. This is well and truly a Bella/Jasper fanfiction. You may get away with reading the first few chapters, but that's it. Just a slight warning, only looking out for you guys of course. ;)

If you haven't read If Every Word I Said Could Make You Laugh by carmelinagunn, then I strongly advise you to do so! It's fantastic. She's written a sequel to that called More More More and it's just as good.

Also Bella Swan: Kidnapper is pretty amazing. Check it out. :)

Anyways, on with the read. Hope you like it…

Prologue

The Hexagram of Elements. Commonly known as the Circle of Power. This was formed from the six elements: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Ice and Weather, bourn by the young prodigies of the Hexagram. The young, most powerful miracles that have ever walked the Planet, Alstania. Better for them if they had never been discovered…

Castle Andromeda, the fortress at Pollentia, and secure sanctuary of the prodigies, has had its fair share of dark, mysterious stories to tell. It had been in that very castle where it had all begun, with the birth of Andromeda Cullen and the foundation of the Elements. Since the time of Andromeda- the first child to wield such power- Pollentia faced many wars, conflicts, and countless enemies, against warlocks and witches, and even royalty from the Castle itself, all who had longed for the power of the elements in their hands. Without the prodigies, Pollentia would have fallen long ago.

The hexagram prodigies, born with a certain powerful element, were duty-bound to protect the people of Pollentia from the countless dangers that lurked over the lands. They were at their most powerful together. Together, they formed the most potent weapon of the universe. No one could defeat them. Together they formed the weapon of invincibility.

As a gift of thanks for their protection, the prodigies each were offered individual gemstones, all representatives of their sheer power. They were recognised and honoured by everyone. They were even worshipped by some. The prodigies were the guardian angels of Pollentia. Indestructible.

Wielders of the elements.

Chapter One: The Era of the Ruby

The element of fire
Constructive, destructive
The bright light of fire
The slight of fire
The all consuming fire

Does not exist
In its natural form
Exists by consuming
Another form
It transforms from one
Form to another form

Fuels our passion
Leaves everything ashen
Duels the darkness
Heaves on compassion

Fire, constructively destructive
Fire, destructively constructive
Fire, living death
Fire, dying life

Elements-Fire; by Anand Dixit

BPOV

Date: 1st January

Location: Pollentia (City of the hexagram), Planet Alstania

The first day of the 3001st year since time was recorded had finally arrived. For weeks, the people of Pollentia had been preparing the various stalls, banners, dances, games, and performances for the celebration ceremony of the beginning of the Year. Commencing the age of the Ruby. The most powerful gem in the universe. Today, the Hexagram of elements would be cast at the beacon, and the era of the Ruby would begin.

The day everyone had been waiting for.

The day I had been dreading.

In a less than an hour, I would be standing at the pedestal at the top of Castle Andromeda, facing the thousands and thousands of people who had ventured for miles and miles across the planet, in order to see for themselves the formation of the hexagram. Every 500 years a new gemstone was chosen, as an insignia for the joint powers of the elements. The prodigy of that gemstone would then have the privilege of commencing the year with an outstanding performance worthy of honour for the people, with the element he or she was born with. This was my time. The year of the Ruby. The element of Fire. This was my chance to shine more than ever.

I had been rehearsing for weeks on end, to ensure my voice was loud enough. Pitch perfect. I knew my lines backwards, forwards and even by the number. Nothing could possibly go wrong. Yet I was shaking so hard, that I could barely see in front of me. How was I to perform in front of thousands of people like this?

Just at that moment, my idiot brother strolled into the room, murmuring under his breath. The lucky bastard had the affinity of water. The biggest ceremony he had to lead was when he'd received his totem, and had the insignia emblazoned on his forehead. We all had to go through that one. Now I had this. One wrong move and the entire planet would see my failure.

I groaned and he looked up with a frown as I clutched at my stomach. The butterflies hadn't started yet. Soon they would attack in earnest. Realisation crossed over his face as he stared over at me, noting how tightly I held onto the delicate Ruby pendant around my neck. I only did that when I was particularly nervous. Right now I was more than nervous. I was fucking petrified.

"What the hell Bells? You seriously need to calm down about this okay? I've watched you rehearse this thing over and over again, and each time it's been bloody perfect! What makes you think after all that you're gonna fuck up now?"

"Somehow, I think the fact that over a million people will be watching me, adds a particular emphasis on the matter Emmett," I said frostily, drumming my fingers across my chest impatiently. I knew he meant well, but as my older brother, the last thing I needed from him was reassurance.

He didn't reply straight away. I peered over at him just as he stooped down by the sofa. "Bella, you have more confidence than anyone I've ever known. If you can't pull this off, I don't know who else can." He reached down underneath the sofa and seconds later, pulled out a small leather shoe, shaking his head. "Leo," he mumbled to himself.

"Gee thanks," I muttered softly, pulling my knees up close to my chest. Mom and Dad had promised to arrive early with me. They were the old prodigies from the pentagram era, so they had a place in the beacon to watch. At least they would have more advice than this bloody moron. Emmett leaned forwards to rumple my hair and I ducked instinctively.

"It was a compliment baby sis."

I scowled at him, and was about to tell him where he could put that compliment, when little Leonardo came dashing into the living room, his eyes frantic as he searched around for something. They found mine and widened expectantly. Oh boy.

"Auntie, have you seen my—"

"I've got you covered Leo," Emmett laughed, holding out the shoe for his son. Leonardo and Lily were Emmett and Rosalie's gorgeous twins. Leo was the oldest by a few minutes. The two of them were inseparable; thick as thieves, just like their parents. Leo had more cheek than his sister, who was more a smart mouth, but other than that they were basically peas from the same pod. Two adorable, four-year-old Tasmanian devils.

Leo beamed and gratefully took the shoe from Emmett's outstretched hand. His cute dimples and playful attitude were from Emmett's genes. Although Emmett was handsome, both of the twins definitely got their beauty from their mother.

Rosalie Lillian Hale Swan was quite possibly the most beautiful, kind spirited young woman I had ever had the privilege to meet. She and her brother Jasper had grown up in the Beta village, not far from Emmett and myself, and Rosalie had always been the 'eye-catcher' that all the men were drawn to. With her perfect features and silky cream skin, which looked beautifully tanned in the sun, she was the perfect image. My brother Emmett had fallen under the same spell the first time they met in school, and then when they both discovered their affinities, they soon grew closer. Now they've been married for just over four years, and have two kids. It all happened too fast for me to keep up, but apparently-as Emmett used to always tell me-it was 'meant to be'.

I could say that I was surprised by Rosalie falling for Emmett, but that would be a complete lie. My brother had charm when he needed to. Heaps of it in fact. He had been the heartthrob at school that girls adored. All he had had to do was smile that goofy grin of his, and girls would squeal and weep at his feet. As his sister, I got the lesser of the charm, and more of the teasing part. He was a downright pain most of the time to me, but I knew he would protect me no matter what.

"Thanks daddy," Leo chirped, before scampering off again to his adventure-themed bedroom.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched my little nephew attempt to put on his shoe whilst sprinting at top speed down the corridor. He was so much like Emmett, that sometimes I could almost picture Emmett in his place; chucking eggs in the air and trying to catch them all single-handedly, taking Mom's make-up and putting it on our cat, Felix. Oh the things he used to do. Crazy.

"Bella? You still here?" Rosalie's voice called from the hallway. She appeared by the door, wearing a dazzling pale salmon dress, with long lacy sleeves and deep v-neck. Her long, sleek blonde hair was styled into thick curls, which trailed down her shoulders and settled at her breasts. Her pearl pendant hung from a silver chain around her neck. As usual, she looked absolutely stunning. How was I supposed to look more beautiful than that?

"Do you want me to help you get ready?" she asked, sounding concerned. She of all people knew when I was down in the weather if you'll excuse the pun. That was her affinity; weather. I had to remember to remind her later to start the storm at the right time…

I suddenly realised I had yet to answer her. I stood up slowly ignoring the butterflies in my stomach. "It's fine Rose, I'll probably need help with the hair, but that's about it. Thanks." She smiled and nodded, reading my expression pensively. I was usually good and keeping my true feelings concealed, but I was too petrified to even attempt it now.

"You'll be fine Bella, trust in yourself," she told me softly. Almost exactly what Emmett had said, and yet it sounded so assuring from her. I managed to smile back, and took a deep breath in. Not long to go now and it would all be over.

"Just don't trip over, and you'll do great," Emmett chimed in, a smile in his voice. I was rarely clumsy, but nerves sometimes got the better of me. Please not today…just not today…

"Emmett," Rosalie chided him, her voice stern yet gentle. I could always tell how much she loved my brother at those moments. Apart from our parents, she was about the only person who could calm my brother down. She was more the disciplinarian of their small family, whereas my brother was the joker/idiot and spoilt the twins.

Emmett laughed. "Sorry hon." There was a tremendous crash, followed by a "MOMMA!" from what sounded like a very irritated Lily. Leo had obviously played one of his daily tricks on her again. Emmett and Rosalie shared a look of understanding, before Emmett chuckled and shook his head. He was such a hypocrite when he did that. "I'll leave you ladies in peace then." He winked over at me as he strolled past, and kissed Rosalie on the cheek before leaving the room, yelling "Lily baby, what's going on up there!"

Rose rolled her eyes at me, gesturing me over. "Come on, we need to get you looking perfect today." I smiled meekly, and begrudgingly took her hand. I began running through the procedure in my head over and over again as she led me through the house to the spare bedroom. My partner Edward would be on my immediate right, with his sister Alice on my left. They were Ice and Earth. Their parents, Carlisle and Esme were the guardians of the hexagram; after Edward and Alice were born, they lost their affinities, and instead were given the ability of control and power. If any of the prodigies got out of hand with their elements, they could stop them in a flash. They no longer, however bore an element themselves. Apparently it was something to do with the fact that there couldn't be more than one bearer of Earth and Ice. That's one of the theories anyway. Carlisle and Esme would be at the front of the beacon beside the pedestal, Rosalie right opposite me, Jasper on her left, Emmett on her right…

Rosalie pulled me into the bedroom and shut the door behind her. She inclined her head to the ensuite bathroom at the far corner of the room. "Where did you say you put your robe?"

I didn't. "In your wardrobe I think," I replied, heading over to the bathroom. "It's in the silk packaging." I had spent ages weaving together the perfect robe for this event. Since it was all about the ruby and the element fire, I had chosen to go with a deep scarlet robe, which hugged tightly to my chest and waist, with a lacy bodice-styled middle. At the waist, the material flowed like an undulated flame, rippling at my ankles, with a long narrow slit on the left side at my thigh. It was a light silky material, but didn't look it because of its deep, rich colour, and at my shoulders were thick puffs of soft auburn velvet to match my eyes. Hanging sleeves made from a light, almost transparent silk covered my arms; I had wanted sleeves that would get out of the way when I dealing with fire, but these looked cool. With a little bit of Alice's professional touch, the design was perfect, and I sent it to Aria-the best weaver and designer in Pollentia- to be made. I had received it early in the morning, and hadn't actually looked at the final product myself yet. It would be interesting to see what the final result of my design had turned out to look like.

Rosalie left the room just as I turned on the shower and stepped in. I stood under the water, reciting my lines in my head. Here, on this day, at this hour, begins the era of the Ruby…firstly, let us recall our blessed Andromeda, the first and last bearer of the hexagram…

The poor woman at the age of fourteen had discovered she could control all elements. The only person to ever have done so. I honestly thought that one element was difficult enough to control. Imagine all five…

I shuddered furiously and frowned up at the showerhead. I seriously needed to keep warm. Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath in and concentrated my mind. In an instant, I felt the soothing heat gush through me. I smiled contently, leaning my head back into the water. I was okay with heat. Not so good with cold. That was Edward's forte, in more than one perspective.

There was a soft tap at the door. "Bella? You okay in there? I've got your undergarments." Rosalie called through the door.

"Yeah, I'm coming," I replied, turning the shower off and grabbing a towel from the huge cupboard beside me. The room was so filled with steam that I could barely see ahead me. I found the door handle, and pulled the door open slightly. Rose handed me my underwear, smiling warmly.

"I just had a peek at the dress," she told me, sounding apologetic. "You'll look absolutely gorgeous in that." I smiled gratefully. For the first time that morning, I was excited.

"I'll be out in a sec." I pulled on my underwear, glancing at my reflection in the mirror. My hair was drenched and tacky, but I knew Rose would take care of that soon enough. My body was toned and curved; thank God I had inherited my mother's figure. Prodigies had to keep fit and healthy in order for us to set a good standard for the Pollentian people. Not to mention being more fit and agile meant we had higher stamina and could defeat our enemies without much problem. Keeping the fitness up wasn't too difficult either, given the amount of training we had to do every single day. Carlisle and Esme had a strict agenda we had to follow to the T. It was tough but necessary. Either that, or we got our arses kicked in combat.

I peered at my forehead in the mirror, tracing the bright blue hexagram in the centre of my forehead. All prodigies bore the mark of the Hexagram Insignia. It was a way of helping the people recognise us quickly. The gemstones were so they knew what element we possessed. They were all traditions passed down the generations, long before our parents were even born. It made me feel strange at times, to know that people knew exactly who I was wherever I went, but I guess it was kind of cool as well. Carlisle often said that some day, we would all have to get over the fact that we weren't normal people. We were born for a purpose and we should be proud of what we are. There was no room for shame in Castle Andromeda. There was no room for weakness.

With a sharp nod to myself, I marched over to the bathroom and pulled it open. Rosalie was waiting for me by the bed, sitting beside a large package covered in woven silk. My heart skipped a beat. This was the moment of truth. Rosalie had given me a bit of reassurance before, but I needed to see for myself. Rose stood up, taking hold of the ends of the package, smiling widely. "Ready?"

I gulped softly, and nodded, too excited to speak. With one swift movement, Rose tugged at the packaging and cast it aside, revealing the work of art beneath it. I gaped in awe at the beautiful robe, my robe, hardly daring to believe how perfect it was. On the bodice, which was a darker shade of scarlet than the rest of the dress, Aria had sewn our insignia at the bottom right-hand corner. Under each hanging sleeves, she had put a lacy layer, which would fit tighter to my skin, with elaborate and intricate patterns that resembled flames. It was what I had hoped for and more. So beautiful.

"Wow," I breathed, reaching forwards and caressing the delicate material. It felt as soft as it looked.

"Gorgeous isn't it?" Rosalie whispered excitedly. "Put it on, put it on!" I carefully lifted the dress from the mattress. It felt so light and delicate in my arms. Rosalie held my wet hair out of the way as I slowly slipped the dress over my head. It fit perfectly. We switched roles and I towel dried my hair whilst she secured the bodice tightly at my middle. I desperately wanted to see what I looked like in it. Rose passed me my two ankle bracelets, smiling widely. If it was enough to please Rosalie, then it would definitely be enough to please me. I secured the bracelets on with surprisingly steady hands and then sat at the seat beside the dressing table, turning the chair away from the mirror. I only wanted to see the end product.

Rosalie set to work at once, and I closed my eyes as her hands lightly combed through my hair. Edward hadn't come home last night till very late. He and I had been living together for just over two years now and had been destined partners from a very young age. Ice and Fire. The two total opposites. Like magnets, they draw closer together. That pretty much explained our relationship. I fell in love with him within weeks of being with him in senior school, and he had felt exactly the same. It was destined. Only a few months ago though, I had begun to notice something wasn't right. He was changing before my very eyes. We got into more arguments; he lost his temper a lot easier. He often snapped at his sister Alice, and even his parents at times, whom he cared for more than anything in this world. He even sometimes found it difficult to control his element. A sign of weakness. No room for weakness in Castle Andromeda…

He had promised me that today he would make an effort to make sure everything ran smoothly; as my partner, it was his job to ensure that I was cared for and protected. He was my lover, my guardian angel. If anything went wrong today, it would ruin me. He wouldn't be to blame, but he would feel my pain. When prodigies became partners, over time, they could begin to feel each other's emotions, like pain, and even at times physical pain depending on how strong their bond was. We had reached that stage now. When I felt pain, he felt it in earnest. He wouldn't let that happen to me. He couldn't.

"There," Rosalie suddenly said softly, satisfied. My heart leapt at my chest. Let me see…

Rose helped me up, and led me over to the long mirror on the other side of the room, stopping a few metres away. She stepped aside and we both gazed at the beautiful woman before us. Her hair was immaculate, the mahogany brown curls cascading delicately down her back and over her shoulders, stopping just above her waist. Her smooth, unblemished skin was a delicate creamy colour, her cheeks subtly flushed. Her deep pensive, auburn eyes stared at me, mirroring my own enthralled expression. Her body was curved and elegant, the bodice hugging at her waist, the light scarlet silk flowing down her legs, like a glorious flame. I watched intently as she reached up slowly and traced the insignia at the corner of the bodice. The sleeves were absolutely dazzling, with the translucent material slightly obscuring the elaborate patters of flame underneath. At her forehead, the bright blue hexagram insignia was clearly visible, revealing her true status. A hexagram prodigy. I knew once she used her powers, the insignia would blaze bright blue, and her eyes would glow a brilliant, fiery red. The dazzling ruby hung delicately around her neck, adding to the perfection.

"Incredible," was all I managed to get out. Rosalie laughed, and stepped back into view. Even beside Rosalie, the young woman looked stunning. Her hexagram insignia had been covered slightly by the intricate silver tiara the sat low on her head.

"Come on Bella, we've got a ceremony to attend." Right. Ceremony. Crap.

"Rosie! We've gotta go! Kinda like now!" Emmett's booming voice called from downstairs. I hadn't noticed what he'd been wearing actually. I hope he's dressed alright, for Mom and Dad's sakes…

"Be right there Em!" Rose called back, tugging lightly at my sleeve. "You've gotta go too."

"Yeah," I replied slowly, following her suit out of the room. "I'm going to have to borrow a pair of your sandals Rose, sorry, I forgot mine at home." I would be barefoot at the actual ceremony; I had to have direct contact with the ancient floor to channel my full powers. The fact that I needed sandals to actual get to the castle had escaped my mind completely it seemed.

Rose smiled knowingly over her shoulder at me. "Of course Bella. Take what you need. They should be in the closet room at the front. Emmett and Rose had a ridiculously big house. All the prodigies did. Before Edward had moved in with me, my house had been vacant and seriously depressing. It was always clean- I was a bit of a fanatic about cleanliness- and shipshape, but except for whenever my friends and family had come over, it had just been myself, my TV, and my various tubs of Ben & Jerry's ice cream. Nowadays, even though Edward now lived with me, I was beginning to feel more and more alone, just like before. Ben & Jerry's were slowly but surely starting to submerge back into my life again, because my boyfriend wasn't paying much attention to me and spent most of his time elsewhere, without really telling anyone with whom or where he was going. Not even me. Depressing right?

"Momma? Momma, could you help me with this ribbon?" Both Rosalie and I turned around to see little Lily by the front door, looking like a total mini version of her mother, in a cute, immaculate white blouse and red frilly skirt. Her long wavy blonde hair flowed delicately down her back and over her shoulders. Her small, hazel brown-eyes were a little too sincere for a four year old. She was beginning to look more and more like Rosalie as the years went by. She was even picking up some of her mother's favourite sarcastic comments, which also meant she was developing a rather sharp tongue. I'm pretty damn sure I didn't understand some of the things she did at her age. It was incredible.

She waited patiently for Rosalie to reach her, then held out the thick red ribbon she was attempted to tie in her hair, glancing over at me with a cute radiant smile. "Hello Auntie Bella."

"Heya Lily," I croaked. That was all I could get out.

"Of course baby," said Rose, taking the ribbon from her hand. "Hold still." I went over to the closet room and pulled out the first pair of brown sandals from Rosalie's cupboard. Edward had told me he would arrive early so he could watch me practice one last time before the actual ceremony, just to give me a final boost of confidence. I needed all the boosting I could get. Especially from Edward. Somehow when he said things, they meant more to me. Jasper was also someone I had grown very attached to over the years. Being Rosalie's older brother, he always used to be there Emmett and myself whenever Rosalie came round to see us. Since Rose and Emmett had been going out at the time, it left me talking with Jasper, and gradually the two of us had become very close. I had grown to trust him with a lot of things. His opinion always mattered. He too, had promised that he'd arrive a little earlier and give me a little support before the moment of truth, although he told me he may have errands to do.

I stood by the front door, waiting as Rosalie and Emmett bustled Lily and Leo about to get ready for school. Rosalie taught the Arts at the senior school in Pollentia. She had a gift when it came to anything arty. Emmett, Jasper and Edward ran a martial arts club for the little kiddies, at the large hall in the Alpha village, with my father supervising them. It was where I trained every night, in order to maintain my fitness. I was taking the year off a bit, teaching archery and horse riding only in the afternoons. Next year, I was to take a course in the theatrical arts. I have always loved the acting; it would be my own way of treating myself after a year of predicted hell; I would have so many responsibilities thrown upon me this year, that I probably wouldn't have any time to myself at all. This was the era of the Ruby- of fire. I had always been at the top of the prodigies ranking, but after the ceremony, I would have more responsibility than ever, to ensure the safety of Pollentia and the elements. The pressure was going to be immense.

Emmett appeared at my side, and patted my shoulder. "Ready sis?"

"I'm scared shitless."

"It's okay to be scared Bells, but there's honestly no way you're gonna do badly. You've been practicing, day in day out for the last six months—"

"Emmett, please don't go all brotherly on me," I begged, feeling uncomfortable. I preferred the teasing Emmett to the weirdly compassionate one. It suited his character better.

He laughed and kissed my cheek roughly, before Leo bounded over and grabbed his leg. Rose came to his rescue before Emmett responded in the only way guys knew, giving her son a stern parental frown. "Not now Leo. We've got a very busy important day today."

Leo smartly complied and stood upright, knowing all too well the wrath of his mother when she was annoyed. Not a pretty sight when she did.

"Okay…Bella. We're all set. Let's go." Fuck.

…..

The sky was a calm misty grey, the sun barely visible beneath the thick wispy clouds. Up ahead, Castle Andromeda towered over the village, with its huge magnificent towers and ancient walls. In the centre, rising up almost fifty feet more than the rest of the castle, was the Hexagram Beacon. The Sanctuary of the Prodigies. It would not be long till the castle would be completely surrounded by people from the entire planet, looking right up at that Beacon, watching me.

Rosalie and Emmett had both gone to drop the twins off, which meant I was now walking on my own. Passers by stopped and gawped at me, a few bowing respectfully when they noticed my insignia. I didn't mind if people didn't bow. Most of the time it was embarrassing anyway. What I didn't appreciate was people staring over at me with wide eyes, their mouths hung open like howler monkeys. I wasn't so cool with that.

"Bella!" I frowned, turning towards the voice, and spotted my best friend Victoria sprinting across the grounds towards me. Victoria and I met at junior high, and I knew we going to be great friends right from the moment she first spoke to me; while everyone else sat and stared at me, she had marched over and said, "Hey there Bella. So yeah everyone's staring at you because your parents are the blessed prodigies and they're too scared to even say hi, because they think if they do, you'll get angry and gobble them up." I will never forget the looks of horror her fellow classmates gave her. Priceless. Back then, I'd only just discovered my affinity (I was the youngest person to ever have done so) and hadn't been accustomed to the rules as such, so had no idea how to control my powers. My classmates had sense to stay back. Victoria had been the one to brave the rumours and confront me. I was glad she had done so.

She was wearing a sleek, glossy aqua-blue gown, which billowed out from her waist, stopping just above her knees. Her beautiful auburn curls trailed delicately down her shoulders.

I smiled meekly and opened my arms out as she practically dived into me, hugging my waist tightly. I winced anxiously, peering down at my delicate garment. She stepped back and appraised me, her eyes widening. "Wow Bella! You look stunning!"

"Thanks," I said, flattening my dress down at the front. The wind was beginning to pick up slightly, and could feel the cold chill lap at the backs of my legs. "Will you be watching?"

"Of course Bella!" Victoria exclaimed, squeezing my waist as we walked through a small market. "I'll be cheering for you. You're gonna be amazing of course. You always are! Whenever I see you performing your best, especially with that element of yours…you're bloody beautiful!" I smiled at my best friend, hoping that she understood just how grateful I was to have her beside me. I wasn't the hugging 'lovable' type. I very rarely cried, and when I did they were usually tears of anger rather than sorrow. Victoria winked at me so I guessed she got the message. She knew me so well.

The castle grew larger ahead as we got closer, its magnificent pillars dwarfing us in the darkness of their shadows. My eyes narrowed grimly as I noticed the two large pits in the ground from out last attack on the castle. The enemies hadn't even gotten past the drawbridge. Our protective barrier, invisible to human eyes, had knocked them back. The two pits were the enemies' handy work. They had tried to throw burning canons at us. A few had pistols, but most of them we Prodigies had destroyed long ago. The fight was fairer without guns and bombs. It was clearly now a matter of how strong you really were. Alice probably hadn't had the chance to the fill the pits with earth again. I would remind her later…

"Bella? Isn't that Alice over there?" I glanced up to where Victoria was pointing. Sure enough, I could just make out her little, elegant figure up ahead, leaning against the wall on the other side of the drawbridge. She had waited for me after all. I always said she could tell the future…

"Yeah that's her," I replied as Victoria linked her arm through mine.

"You're a little early you know," Victoria said matter-of-factly. I glanced over at her questioningly. She wasn't serious?

"The earlier the better Vicky," I told her. "I need to go through the whole thing beforehand—"

"Again?"

"Practice makes perfect," I lectured. She giggled and bumped my hip playfully.

"Yeah well there's called overdoing it Bella," she teased. I smiled meekly, shaking my head. She could be so immature sometimes…

As soon as we reached the drawbridge, I felt Victoria freeze in place. The powerful barrier was holding her back. I unlinked my arm, turning to face her. "See you later then."

She nodded, grinning widely. "Good luck Bella. I'll see you at the festival afterwards. Say hi to Edward for me." I smiled and nodded, and she pulled me into a tight hug before turning and gliding off towards the market from which we came. I stared after her, almost envious of her freedom and tranquillity, hoping that the next time I saw her, I would be in one piece…

I squared my shoulders, feeling Alice's eyes boring holes in my back. The moment I was close enough, I knew she would start fretting over me, making sure every single hair and follicle was in place. I restrained an eye-roll and turned to face the music, marching over the drawbridge towards her. She was wearing an elaborate robe of a gorgeous green complexion, the long wispy sleeves lighter than the rest of the dress. Her long, jet-black hair was straighter than wood, flowing down her back like a never-ending waterfall. She wore a thin leather belt around her waist, with intricate weaving patterns embossed into the material. The silver choker around her neck had a similar style to the belt, except in the centre lay the stunning emerald pendant, standing out like a glistening star. Her fringe was parted to the side and she wore a small simple tiara in her hair, revealing the bright blue insignia emblazoned on her forehead. She looked like an elf from Lord of the Rings. So beautiful.

As I reproached, I watched begrudgingly as her dark blue eyes widened with excitement as she took in my attire. She had helped me put the final touches to the dress and been more ecstatic than I had been to see the final product. She seriously looked she was about to explode. A soft squeak escaped her lips as the wind at that exact moment and my dress flowed about me. I rolled my eyes at her. Such a drama queen…

I stopped just in front of her, holding my breath. To my surprise, she stepped forwards, and placed her right hand above my heart, smiling respectfully. Comprehending her action, I lifted my right hand, and mirrored her action. The Prodigy's salute. A sign of respect and honour. At least I knew for sure she was taking this seriously.

Literally seconds after I had lowered my hands and bowed my head gratefully, she squealed and jumped up and down on the spot. She was more than a head shorter than me, and yet her jumps were keeping her head level with my own.

"Bella! Oh Bella! Your dress! It's so gorgeous! You look amazing!" she cried, clapping her hands enthusiastically.

"Calm down Alice," I warned her, making nervous glances over my shoulder. I didn't want to attract unwanted attention. When she ignored me, I sighed and tried another approach. "Can we at least go inside before we have this conversation?" I pleaded.

She laughed and nodded. "Sure sure, let's go! Oh my God your parents are going to flip-" Oh shit. Heaven forbid if my mother's reaction was worse than Alice's…

"And as for Edward—"

I perked up at once. "Is he here?"

My heart sank when she shook her head. "No not yet. He told me last night he would make it here before you to surprise you though. I'll bitch at him later. But anyway when he sees you… I don't think he'll be able to wait till after the ritual." I felt my cheeks flush with colour and slapped at her arm reproachfully. She really had no discretion sometimes.

"Shame on you," I chided. She just smiled even wider at me. So much like her brother…

"Come on princess, let's get you ready for the ball," she teased, tugging at my sleeve lightly. As I followed her through the cavernous halls of the castle, I pondered over what could potentially go wrong over the next few hours. I shouldn't have, but I suddenly felt as I followed after Alice up the large marble stairs, the fate of the Hexagram in my hands. This was one of the most important days of my life, and unless everything went exactly as I had planned, I would bring shame to all that I knew and loved. Unless every step and incantation was performed to perfection, I would be a laughing stock for over a million people all whom had come to the see the wonders of the prodigies and their incredible powers.

We reached the hulking, ancient doors I knew all too well, and Alice glanced back at me, smiling. "You ready?"

Fuck no. "Yeah, let's go." I pushed hard at the doors, ignoring my pounding heart as I stepped into the Hexagram beacon. I was surprised but delighted to see that my parents were already there; my father in his dazzling auburn robes- though they were a darker shade than mine-my mother stood beside him, looking beautiful as ever in her shimmering aqua blue robes, her hands caressing gently at the large bump underneath her dress. She hadn't long now. A few weeks at the very most. I couldn't help but wonder what element my baby brother or sister would bear in the future. It was very rare for a child from the prodigies not to share the burden.

As I strode across the room, I noticed Jasper and Rosalie's parents, murmuring softly to one another. They glanced over at me as I passed and smiled gently. I nodded courteously back at them. Their son was nowhere to be seen but I knew he would turn up on time. He had said before he may have errands to do…

Mom spotted me approaching, took one look at my attire, and squealed so loudly my ears were still ringing painfully when she wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling me down and squeezing tight. I winced and hugged her back, smiling up at Dad in greeting. Dad gave me a sympathetic glance. "Give the girl some air Renee honey," he told her, gently pulling at her arm. "She needs to stay alive, today of all days."

I rolled my eyes as Mom finally pulled away. "Gee thanks Dad." He laughed and leaned forwards to kiss my cheek lightly. Mom was swaying wildly on the spot, clutching to her large, smooth stomach.

"How are you feeling honey?" she asked tentatively, although the excitement was clear in her eyes. "Nervous? Scared? It's okay to be!"

I shrugged, ignoring the voices screaming inside me. "I'm fine, I was going to practice beforehand, but it seems people are already here, and the gathering's begun anyway so-"

"Practise all you want baby!" Mom cried, beaming. "We're here for you!"

That's what I was afraid of. "I'll just go through the casting," I sighed, turning as I spoke to take my place in the centre of the room. Carlisle had created some sort of invisible, soundproof dome over the open top of the beacon, blocking all sound from outside. I didn't dare look over the edge to see how many people had begun to gather. They were probably already in their thousands...tens of thousands…

I glanced down at the ancient stone floor, smiling knowledgably at the large hexagram carved in the centre, and at each point, a circle was engraved into the stone, where a prodigy would soon stand. I strode over to the extra circle in the centre, where a magnificent, beautiful ruby stone stood. I wasn't to touch it until the ceremony began. Very soon, it would hold the power of all six prodigies; a host of the elements. I closed my eyes, trying to block out the murmurs around me as I mumbled my lines under my breath. I focused all my attention on my movements; the swaying of my arms, the tingling of the bracelets at my ankle, the beauty of the words I uttered softly… I was duty bound to serve, and I would do my best, no matter what, to protect the elements. The people of Pollentia, our city. The people of Alstania, our planet.

It seemed like hours passed as I recited my lines over and over again, lost in my own world. Bless our beloved Andromeda, bearer of the elements…for she was the bravest prodigy of them all, our descendant who saved Pollentia from the hands of evil…

"I see you're ready then sis?" Emmett's teasing voice brought me back from my reverie. I frowned at him accusingly, and he grinned wider.

"There's nothing more I can do really," I told him honestly. He nodded in agreement, patting my shoulder gently.

"You'll do great Bella, I know you will," he told me, his handsome face serious for once. Then he smiled, kissing my cheek. "Hell I don't think you've failed at anything!" I couldn't' help but smile at him. He was an awesome brother most of the time. I still questioned how he was the elder sibling…

"Anyway princess, I came to tell you that you have got just under twenty minutes to prep yourself."

Twenty minutes. Fuck. Had I gone over everything? "Er…right….thanks Emmett," I managed to get out. Twenty minutes…

"Cool it Bells, we've all been watching you, you're amazing," Emmett assured me, rolling his eyes.

I perked up at once. "Everyone's here?" I glanced around instinctively. Rosalie was there beside her parents, and Carlisle and Esme had arrived too, looking unbelievably gorgeous in their pure white garments…

"Everyone except Edward, but he'll turn up soon don't worry," Emmett continued, frowning slightly. He had never completely liked Edward. The overprotective-brother side of him usually came out whenever I mentioned Edward. "If he doesn't, he'll get his arse kicked and I don't just mean by myself." He winked at me, and I relaxed a little. He was right. There was no way in hell he could be late for this. He would have the rest of the Hexagram to explain to.

"Twenty minutes, okay?" Emmett repeated, before turning away and heading over to Mom and Dad. I stood still in the centre of the room, breathing steadily. I could do this… I could really do this… No problemo…

I knew that once Edward arrived, I would be okay; no matter how angry he sometimes made me, I loved him, and he could always make me feel better. The sooner he arrived, the better. As long as he was there, I could do anything.

I trusted him. He wouldn't let me down.

A/N: And there ya go! Hope you liked the first chapter of TRUELIGHT! It's gonna get a whole lot saucier don't you worry.

Oh and I know that weather technically isn't an element, but the concept of the elements is slightly different in Alstania. They all link in a particular way, and weather fit in the category- it can drastically affect the survival of mankind therefore it must be controlled, and they all interlink with each other some way or another. Any questions you have feel free to message me, or write a review, I'd love to know what you think!

Thanks for reading!

Next chapter up next week :)

Cherry xx