Jena stood in front of her bedroom mirror, carefully smoothing down her dress. She adjusted the edges of the gown, still not quite used to the way it looked on her. Her reflection showed a young woman with big, nervous eyes and a hesitant smile—a girl who still wasn’t quite sure about the world but had her family to guide her.

“Hold still, Jena! I want to make sure it’s just right,” said her mother, Bea, as she bustled around her, adjusting the fabric at the shoulders. Tall and bursting with an eccentric energy, Bea was double-checking every detail of Jena’s look, as though it were her own graduation.

“Mom, it’s just a ceremony,” Jena murmured, biting her lip.

“Just a ceremony?” Bea threw her hands up, her eyes wide. “Graduating is a major milestone, Jena! It’s a moment to remember forever. Oscar, can you hand me that necklace? The one with the little crystal—yes, that one.”

Oscar, short and calm, picked up the necklace with a shrug. “Here you go,” he said, handing it over to Bea. He didn’t seem fazed by her frantic energy; years of being married to Bea had made him more or less immune to her intensity.

Bea clasped the necklace around Jena’s neck, stepping back to admire her. “There! You look lovely, my dear. Doesn’t she, Candy?”

“Absolutely! And here, I’ll add a little blush,” said Candy, Jena’s older sister, who was busy with her makeup kit. Short but sparkling with energy, Candy loved any excuse to add glamour to an occasion. “You’ll be the prettiest girl up there, sis. Turn a bit, let me get your other cheek.”

Jena laughed, cheeks flushing under the blush. “I think you’re putting on way too much, Candy.”

“Nonsense! There’s no such thing as too much for a big day like this,” Candy replied, eyes alight with excitement. “Just wait till they see you!”

“Mom, are you sure you want to rush everything?” Victor, her younger brother, chimed in from the doorway. He was tall, a little taller than Jena herself, with a big grin and a cheerful, intelligent air. “We still have some time. There’s no need to get everyone stressed.”

Bea waved her hands dismissively. “We’re not rushing, we’re preparing! A little energy never hurt anyone, right, Jena?”

Jena glanced back at Victor, who gave her an exaggerated wink. She smiled, feeling a little more at ease.

“Well, if we’re all ready, let’s get moving. Don’t want to keep the graduating star waiting,” Oscar said, giving Jena a small, reassuring smile.

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Jena said softly, looking around at her family. They had all done so much to make the day special, and seeing them bustling around her filled her with gratitude.

As they piled into the car and made their way to Kayan Senior High, Jena felt a wave of excitement mingling with her nervousness. Her family’s laughter and chatter filled the car, their voices a gentle reminder that she wasn’t alone on this big day. The school building loomed ahead, but with her family by her side, Jena felt ready to face it.

After the ceremony, Jena clutched her diploma tightly as her family gathered around her. Candy, her older sister, pulled out her phone and angled it for a group shot.

“Alright, everyone say ‘Graduate!’” Candy said, holding the phone high and grinning as they squeezed together.

“Graduate!” they chorused, laughter breaking out as the camera clicked. Jena looked at the picture; the joy and pride in their faces made her heart swell.

“Perfect!” Candy declared, looking at the photo approvingly. “Now, who’s ready for some celebratory burgers and fries?”

The family made their way to a fast-food place nearby. Settling into a booth, they passed around trays of burgers, fries, and drinks. Jena couldn’t help but grin as she bit into her burger, the excitement of the day still buzzing inside her.

“So, Jena,” Candy said, leaning forward with a playful smile, “what’s next for our big graduate?”

“Well…” Jena hesitated, glancing at her parents. “I actually can’t wait to go back to Tiga for vacation. I miss it so much.”

Bea, her mother, nodded, a gentle smile on her face. “I know, dear. Moving to Kayan was a big change for all of us. But you and Victor needed the better schools here.”

“True,” Victor said, nibbling on a fry. “But Tiga will always feel like home, won’t it, Jena?”

Jena nodded. “Definitely. I miss the smell of the forest, the sound of the river… and all our old neighbors. Plus,” she added with a laugh, “Tiga’s way less crowded than here.”

Candy smiled warmly. “I’m so glad you’ll be coming back! We’ll have a great time together. I was worried you’d feel like a stranger after being in Kayan for so long.”

“Oh, come on,” Jena said, rolling her eyes. “Tiga will always feel like home to me. Besides, you’re there! How could I feel like a stranger?”

Oscar, her father, smiled as he stirred his soda with his straw. “And the quiet will be good for you, too, Jena. You’ve been working hard these last few years; it’s good to relax for a bit.”

“Exactly!” Candy said, beaming. “We’ll do all the things we used to. I already made a list—hiking, the lake, and maybe we can try a few new places I discovered.”

Victor laughed, shaking his head. “You’re really ready to drag her around all of Tiga, huh, Candy?”

“Of course!” Candy replied, grinning. “I’ve been saving up the best spots for her. Plus, a little adventure never hurt anyone, right?”

Jena’s smile softened as she looked around the table. “I’ve missed this… all of us together. It’s not the same without you guys around.”

Bea reached over and squeezed her hand. “We’re proud of you, Jena. And just think, now you’ve got the whole summer to relax and enjoy Tiga before the next chapter.”

Oscar nodded. “And don’t forget, Kayan will still be here when you’re ready for it again.”

Jena took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her diploma and the promise of a summer full of family, laughter, and all the things she loved about her hometown. “Thanks, everyone,” she said quietly. “I think this is exactly what I need.”

As they continued talking, swapping stories and making plans, Jena felt her excitement for Tiga grow. The simple warmth of being with her family made her feel more ready than ever to dive into the summer ahead.

After a lively lunch filled with laughter and celebration, the Salvador family returned to their apartment to pack for their month-long vacation in Tiga. Jena, her heart still fluttering from her graduation, busily folded clothes while her mother, Bea, flitted around, gathering snacks and making sure everyone had what they needed.

As they packed, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Soon, they were loaded into their family car, the trunk filled to the brim with bags and supplies. Oscar, Jena’s father, slid into the driver’s seat and adjusting his glasses. “Ready for the open road?” he asked, turning back to his family.

“Absolutely!” Candy, Jena’s older sister, exclaimed, her bubbly energy infectious.

As they drove, the landscape gradually shifted from the bustling city to lush greenery, with rolling hills that beckoned. Jena leaned against the window, watching the scenery blur by, feeling a sense of freedom. It wasn’t long before the familiar scent of the countryside filled the car, bringing back memories of summer days spent in Tiga.

Suddenly, the sky lit up with an intense flash, drawing their attention. Everyone turned to look out the window as a strange glowing object streaked across the sky, leaving a shimmering trail behind.

“Whoa, did you see that?” Victor exclaimed, eyes wide with wonder. “What was that?”

“I have no idea!” Jena gasped, heart racing. “It looked like a shooting star.”

But as they watched, the object began to descend rapidly, heading toward a secluded field just off the highway. The family exchanged glances, curiosity igniting their senses.

“Should we check it out?” Candy asked, excitement evident in her voice.

“Absolutely!” Bea replied without hesitation, her adventurous spirit bubbling to the surface. “We can’t just ignore it. It could be something amazing!”

Oscar nodded, taking a deep breath. “Alright, but let’s be cautious. We don’t know what it is.”

He pulled over to the side of the road, and the family spilled out of the car, adrenaline surging through them. They hurried across the field, the grass brushing against their legs as they approached the area where the object had landed.

“There it is!” Jena pointed, her heart pounding. In the clearing, a large glowing, crystalline shape shimmered on the ground, pulsating with a radiant light that seemed to call out to them. It was beautiful and mesmerizing, a stark contrast against the green field.

“What do you think it is?” Victor asked, eyes wide with wonder.

“I don’t know,” Jena replied, taking a step closer. “But it looks like it could be something special. We have to find out.”

As they gathered around the crystal, a mix of excitement and apprehension filled the air. Little did they know, their lives were about to change forever.

The Salvador family stood in a semi-circle, gazing at the enchanting crystal that pulsed with vibrant colors. Each pulse seemed to resonate with the very air around them, drawing them closer. Jena felt a strange energy emanating from it, almost as if it were calling her name.

“What do you think it is?” Victor whispered, his voice barely above a hush, his wide eyes reflecting the crystal’s light.

“I don’t know,” Candy replied, her curiosity getting the better of her. “But it looks like something out of a fantasy movie.” She took a step forward, her face illuminated by the glow. “It’s so beautiful.”

“Let’s not get too close,” Oscar warned, his protective instincts kicking in. “We don’t know what it is or what it could do."

Jena stood slightly behind her family, mesmerized by the pulsating light. The closer she got, the more she felt an irresistible pull toward it, a magnetic force that thrummed in her very bones. She could hear her heart racing in sync with the crystal’s rhythm. Without fully understanding why, she stepped forward, her hands instinctively reaching out.

“Jena, wait!” Candy exclaimed, but it was too late.

Jena felt a rush of warmth as her fingers brushed the surface of the crystal. In that instant, a black crystal shot out and embedded itself in her palm, throbbing with energy. She gasped, pulling her hand back as a strange surge coursed through her. It felt powerful yet unfamiliar, like electricity dancing beneath her skin.

“What just happened?” Victor asked, eyes wide with a mix of fear and awe. “Did you touch it?”

“I… I think so,” Jena replied, staring at the black crystal in her palm. “I don’t know what it means, though.”

Bea took a cautious step closer, concern etching her features. “Are you okay, honey? What do you feel?”

“I think… I think I’m fine?” Jena said, trying to shake off her initial shock. She turned her hand, examining the black crystal, a mix of awe and uncertainty swirling inside her. “I feel different.”

“I want to try, too!” Candy, curious as ever, stepped forward and reached out to the crystal. She placed her hands on the surface, and instantly, a red crystal formed in her palm, bright and fiery. Her eyes lit up with excitement as she held it up to her face, marveling at its beauty.

“Look, I got one too!” she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. “This is incredible!”

Candy waved her hands dramatically, and to her shock, a jet of fire shot forth from the red crystal, erupting in a bright flame that illuminated the area around them.

“Whoa!” Victor shouted, stepping back in surprise. “That’s amazing!”

“Did you just shoot fire?” Jena gasped, wide-eyed. She looked at the crystal, feeling a mix of wonder and anxiety.

Candy stared at her hands, the excitement quickly replaced by disbelief. “Oh my gosh! I didn’t mean to do that! What’s happening?”

“I think it means you have fire powers,” Jena said, excitement flooding her voice.

Candy waved her hands again, trying to focus, but the flame flickered uncertainly, creating an eerie shadow on her face. “How do I turn it off?!” she cried, panic rising in her tone.

“Just think it!” Jena suggested, her own heart racing as she remembered what she felt when she first touched the crystal. “Focus on it going away!”

Candy closed her eyes, concentrating hard. After a moment, the flame sputtered and vanished, leaving her gasping for breath. “That was… intense,” she said, a mix of exhilaration and fear washing over her face.

“Are you okay?” Bea asked, stepping forward to place a comforting hand on Candy’s shoulder.

“Yeah, I think so,” Candy replied, still staring at her hands.

Jena, meanwhile, was still focused on her own crystal, feeling the strange power it held but uncertain how to release it. She tried to summon something, anything, but no flames or light appeared. She frowned, feeling a pang of disappointment.

“Maybe mine is different,” she murmured to herself, but Candy, still ecstatic about her new ability, hadn’t noticed.

The shimmering crystal pulsed gently in the fading light, casting an otherworldly glow over the Salvador family. Candy’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she held her fiery red crystal aloft. “You guys, this is incredible! Just imagine what powers we might all have! We should totally try it!”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” Oscar, Jena’s father, asked hesitantly, rubbing the back of his neck. “What if it does something unexpected?”

“It’s worth the risk!” Candy insisted, her bubbly energy urging the family forward. “Besides, we’re in this together. Let’s find out what each of us can do!”

Victor stepped forward, his heart racing with anticipation, and placed his hand on the crystal. A shimmering blue gem materialized in his palm. “I got one! What could this do?”

“Maybe you can control water!” Jena suggested, her voice tinged with excitement.

“Let’s find out!” Victor said, determination in his eyes. He concentrated on the crystal, and suddenly a stream of water burst forth from his hands, dancing in the air like a miniature fountain. “Water!” he shouted with glee, grinning at his family. “I control water!”

“Wow! Look at that!” Bea exclaimed, clapping her hands in delight. “You really can control water!”

“This is so cool!” Victor beamed, the water swirling around him as he laughed with glee.

“Okay, Dad, you’re next!” Candy urged, nudging Oscar forward.

Oscar chuckled, shaking his head at their enthusiasm. “Alright, alright. I’ll give it a shot.” He stepped up to the crystal and pressed his hand against it. A lush green crystal appeared in his palm, pulsating with energy.

“What do you think you can do?” Jena asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Since it's green, maybe I can control plants!” Oscar said, a spark of excitement igniting in his eyes. He concentrated, and as he did, small vines began to sprout from the ground, twisting and curling around his fingers. “This is incredible!”

“Dad, that’s amazing!” Jena gasped, her heart racing at the sight of the plants blooming at his command.

“Mom, it’s your turn!” Candy encouraged, her excitement palpable.

Bea stepped forward, placing her hand on the crystal. An orange gem materialized in her palm. “What do you think this means?” she wondered aloud.

“Maybe you have earth powers!” Jena suggested.

Bea concentrated, and to everyone’s amazement, the ground around her began to tremble. Small flowers blossomed beneath her feet, their colors vibrant and alive. “I can feel the earth responding!” Bea exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

“This is unreal!” Victor shouted, jumping up and down. “We all have powers!”

“Wait, we haven't seen what Jena's crystal does.” Candy said, turning her attention to her younger sister, who had been standing back, observing the newfound excitement. "Can you try what yours do?"

Jena stepped forward, her black crystal gleaming in the light. “Okay, I’ll try.”

Jena, still holding her black crystal, watched her family with a mixture of curiosity and apprehension. She had witnessed the power of the other crystals, the way they could manipulate elements and create wonders. She longed to experience that power herself, to feel the surge of energy that coursed through her family.

She closed her eyes, focusing her mind on the black crystal, willing it to unleash its power. But nothing happened. She tried again, concentrating harder this time, but still, nothing.

“Don’t worry, Jena,” Bea said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Maybe it takes longer for you.”

“Yeah, you might just need to try again!” Victor added, his face filled with encouragement.

“But what if I can’t do anything at all?” Jena replied, feeling a knot of worry in her stomach.

Candy, noticing her sister's distress, approached her and wrapped her arms around her in a comforting embrace.

“Jena, don’t worry!” Candy reassured, moving closer. Suddenly, Candy brushed her hand against Jena’s, their crystals making contact. An instant flash of light enveloped them both, and Candy gasped, pulling her hand away. “What was that?”

But as the light faded, a cold realization washed over them. Candy stared at her palm in horror. The vibrant red crystal had turned to ashes, falling like blackened dust to the ground.

Candy’s hand froze mid-air as the last of the red crystal’s ashes slipped from her palm, scattering onto the ground. She stared down at her empty hand, her eyes wide with disbelief and confusion.

"My crystal…" she whispered, her voice barely audible. She looked up at Jena, her expression a mix of shock and sadness. "It’s… gone."

Jena’s stomach dropped, a sinking feeling settling in as she tried to process what had just happened. Her own hand trembled, and she quickly pulled it back, staring at the black crystal embedded in her palm like it was a curse.

"Candy, I… I didn’t know this would happen. I’m so sorry!" Jena stammered, guilt twisting her insides.

Candy took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. “It’s okay, Jena. You didn’t do it on purpose.” She forced a smile, but her eyes flicked to her empty palm, betraying her disappointment.

Their mother, Bea, stepped forward, glancing back and forth between her two daughters. "Maybe there's a way to fix this," she said gently. "Candy, why don’t you try touching the crystal again? Maybe… maybe it’ll come back."

Candy hesitated, looking at the large, glowing crystal in the grass. She bit her lip but nodded slowly. "Yeah… maybe it’ll work."

Candy approached the glowing crystal cautiously, hesitating for a moment before reaching out. Her fingers brushed the surface, and instantly, a bright yellow light engulfed her hand. She pulled back, watching in awe as the light coalesced into a new, yellow crystal embedded in her palm.

She looked down at it, a grin spreading across her face. “It’s… yellow this time. I feel… different.” She waved her hand tentatively, and a soft, golden light shimmered around her fingers, casting a gentle glow over the field. “I think… I think I have light powers now!”

Jena let out a shaky breath, feeling a mixture of relief and confusion. "Thank goodness," she murmured, feeling some of the tension ease from her shoulders.

But the relief was short-lived. As she stared at the black crystal in her own palm, a nagging fear began to grow inside her. “But… what if I do it again? What if… every time I touch someone’s crystal, it turns to ashes?”

Bea, noticing the worry etched on Jena’s face, put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We’ll figure this out, Jena. Maybe your power is just… different. It could mean a lot of things."

Oscar chimed in, his voice steady. "Yes, and it’s probably better if we understand what this means before anyone else tries touching your hand. Just in case."

Jena nodded, though the fear lingered. She glanced over at Candy, who was flexing her fingers, testing her light abilities once more. A gentle golden glow radiating from her palm, illuminating the area around her.

"I don’t want to take anyone’s power away," Jena whispered, her gaze downcast. “This… this is supposed to be exciting. We were all supposed to have powers, not… not lose them.”

Candy’s expression softened, and she walked over, giving Jena a gentle hug. “Hey. Don’t be scared, okay? We’ll figure it out. You’re still my sister, and whatever this power is, it doesn’t change anything between us.”

Jena managed a small smile, though her heart still felt heavy. "Thanks, Candy. I just… I don’t want to hurt anyone."

Candy grinned, holding up a small light in her palm. “You won't, whatever this power is, we’ll deal with it together. No one’s scared of you.”

“Not scared,” Bea added with a warm smile, “just cautious until we understand it better. Every power has its quirks, right?”

Jena nodded, feeling a little better. She glanced down at the black crystal in her palm, wondering about the strange abilities it held.

As the family gathered around her, giving her reassuring looks, Jena felt some of the fear in her chest ease. Maybe they were right—maybe this was just something she needed to understand.

But even as they talked, a part of her still worried. What if this power was more dangerous than she realized? What if it wasn’t meant to be controlled?

As the family continued discussing their newfound powers, Jena's gaze kept drifting back to the enchanted crystal, still lying in the center of the field, glowing with a strange allure. The black crystal embedded in her palm felt heavy, almost as if it was pulsing in rhythm with her heartbeat.

Candy, sensing her sister’s distraction, glanced over and gave Jena a gentle nudge. "Hey, you okay? You’ve been quiet."

Jena bit her lip, hesitant. "I don’t know, Candy. What if my crystal isn’t… normal? I mean, I already turned your red crystal to ashes just by touching it."

Candy shrugged, holding up her newly yellow crystal. “But look—I got a different power. You didn’t hurt me. Maybe that’s just part of what makes you special.”

Jena didn’t look convinced. Her eyes flicked back to the large enchanted crystal. “But… what if I touch that one again? Will it disappear, too? Or will I somehow mess things up?”

Oscar overheard, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “It’s a fair question. We don’t know if your power is the same as ours. We don’t even know why you ended up with something different in the first place.”

Despite her family’s reassurances, a strange urge compelled Jena to get closer to the large crystal. She took a few slow steps forward, her family watching her with curiosity and a hint of worry.

As she neared the crystal, she stared at its vibrant, shifting colors, almost hypnotized. She could feel her own crystal reacting, a subtle warmth spreading from her palm. The enchanted crystal seemed to respond, its light intensifying, as if inviting her closer.

"Jena!" Victor’s voice broke through her trance. “What are you doing?”

She blinked, shaking her head slightly. "I... I just need to know. What if touching it again does something different?

She raised her hand slowly, extending it toward the enchanted crystal. The black crystal in her palm began to pulse more rapidly, almost as if in anticipation. Her fingers trembled as she moved closer.

“Jena, wait!” Candy called out, her voice full of concern.

But just as her palm hovered inches above the enchanted crystal, a sudden shift happened. Her black crystal began to glow, changing color right before her eyes. The dark onyx shade melted away, replaced by a soft, luminous white. Jena gasped, her eyes widening as the transformation completed. Her hand felt light, as if filled with a new kind of energy.

She blinked, stunned. “It’s… it’s white now.”

Candy moved closer, looking at her sister’s hand with awe. “White… that’s… that’s new. Do you feel different?”

Jena nodded slowly, trying to grasp the sensation coursing through her. It was light and airy, like a gentle breeze tickling her skin. She closed her eyes, focusing, and almost instinctively, she felt a gentle gust of wind swirl around her, lifting her hair and filling the space with a soft whoosh.

Oscar’s eyes widened. “Jena, I think… I think you have air powers now.”

A cautious smile crept onto Jena’s face as she opened her eyes, feeling the gentle wind fade. “Air… I can control air?”

Bea beamed, pride shining in her eyes. “Yes, honey! That’s amazing!”

Victor ran over, grinning from ear to ear. “See, Jena? I told you you’d have something awesome! Air powers are way cooler than mine.”

Jena couldn’t help but laugh, a sense of relief flooding her. For the first time since she touched the crystal, she felt… normal. Like she was finally a part of the same world as her family.

Candy threw an arm around her, pulling her into a tight hug. “See? You’ve got something great, Jena. And it’s just yours. I knew you’d be okay.”

Oscar chuckled, crossing his arms with a satisfied nod. “Looks like the mystery of the black crystal is solved. You just had to… I don’t know, connect with the crystal again to get your true power.”

Jena’s eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and wonder. She raised her hand, willing the air to swirl around her once more. It responded instantly, a soft breeze dancing around her fingers.

Victor nudged her with a playful grin. “Can you make it fly me up? Like, an actual gust of wind?”

Jena laughed, her confidence building. “I don’t know… I could try?”

She lifted her hand toward Victor, summoning the air around him. A small gust rose beneath his feet, and though it only lifted him a few inches, he stumbled, laughing in amazement.

“Whoa! Okay, maybe we should save that for later!” he chuckled, stepping back with a wide smile.

Jena’s excitement was palpable as she and her family celebrated her new air power. She looked at her brother, Victor, who was beaming with pride. They shared a glance and, in a burst of pure joy, went in for a high five.

“Look at you, Wind Master!” Victor laughed, reaching up to slap her hand.

Their hands collided in a sharp clap. But just as their palms met, Victor’s expression changed. The bright blue crystal embedded in his hand began to glow fiercely for a split second before disintegrating, crumbling into ashes that scattered between their fingers.