The sun was setting as Faraji busied himself with the injured. He had quickly realized that the students would flinch as the other leaders approached.

Somehow, they all knew that a lack of eye contact would be best.

He had already sent for help- the Mexican Aurors and Healers would soon be on their way.In the meantime, he walked among the four remaining students, whispering reassurances mixed with healing charms to alleviate the pains both psychic and physical. He passed by Kazuhiko; something had broken inside the boy, and he was staring straight ahead into the darkness, eyes glazed. Kamaria stared at her camera as he treated a long cut up her left arm. Christopher flinched at every shadow, clutching Elspeth's hand as she swayed from exhaustion.

They hadn't found much of Alejandra. It had taken two forensic spells to identify the scattered remains as hers.

Faraji didn't smile. He wasn't sure he'd ever smile again.

~*~

Night had fallen. David hoped he was a murderer.

It would be best if it were him, he reasoned. He had taken lives before; he could live with the guilt of another death on his shoulders. None of them remembered who had cast the curse the finished the student for good. Let it be him

Cerise wouldn't survive the knowledge that she had killed. Faraji would turn himself in immediately, begging the court for a sentence that would punish him for his crimes. Gloria would crack, but not shatter; that was a process that would only happen after many years and many nightmares.

Four wands sat in front of him. One had killed a student only hours ago.

Let it be his.

He touched his wand and whispered: "Priori Incantatem."

~*~

The moon was high. Cerise was murmuring, barely taking a breath.

"-ididmybestididmybestididmybest-"

She had fulfilled all her obligations: translate the ancient writings, lead the students, listen to the head of the expedition. She had done everything a Runic expert should have done. 

Why wasn't it enough?

She had done everything she had known how to do, as well as she was capable of doing it. It hadn't been enough. 

Strangely, she wasn't crying. Normally, that would have begun hours ago and continued for a week. 

The flames of the campfire flickered. A breeze in the jungle sighed.

For once in her life, Cerise Chevalier was cold.

She was also very, very alone.

~*~

The sun rose. Gloria couldn't bear to look at the golden glow.

El Dorado had been reduced to glittering, rapidly deteriorating rubble. The safeguards had been removed. The armory was open, a treasure trove that should have had her trembling with eagerness to explore. 

She hadn't even looked at the hole in the ground. Let its treasures go to someone who hadn't failed, who hadn't been left with less than a quarter of the students in her care. Let them be taken, examined, catalogued by someone with a sense of wonder left inside them.

Specks appeared on the horizon. Brooms descended, carrying concerned witches and wizards, eager to heal and inquire, investigate the mysterious happenings of the City of Gold.

She had to speak. To explain. It was her duty, but such a feat was magic far beyond her abilities.

The Aurors landed. She steeled her expression and turned to face the world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Requirements

None! Do whatever is necessary to make your character's story complete/

Due Date: Monday, July 25 at 8 PM EST