"Magento," Doctor Strange spoke, looking at the children and wiggling his finger against Lulu's stomach. " Do not despair. For in one to gain enlightenment, one must first remove his greatest gifts to achieve... When you are ready to leave, this gate shall take you off the island without detection back to my home in New York... I trust that is alright?"

"That will do just fine, thank you" Eric replied before leaving the room.

About 10 mins later, Ciara knocked on the door, "Papa? You alright?" She hadn't wanted to leave their guest but she could tell something was bothering Eric.

Eric opened the door to let her in as he went back to trying to figure out what to pack with him. He was having a little trouble with it. It wasn't as though he could pack a ball of metal, some clothes and toothbrush.

"Papa?" She called, "Is something bothering you?" She put a hand on his.

He stopped, giving a light sigh, "I'm alright Ciara." he gave her a smile, "It's just not the easiest thing to be around here right now."

She smiled lightly and kissed his forehead, "If you ever need someone to talk to Papa, I'm here for you."

"Thank you Ciara" he gave her a big hug, "You have been more help to me than you could possibly know."

"D'aww." She blushed, "Well, you mean a lot to me. You're part of my family. I just want you to be happy."

"Likewise" Eric smiled, "I cannot tell you how good it is to have you officially be part of the family. I always considered you to be so, but now it's even better"

She blushed, "Well... I really appericate it. I didn't have a family and you welcomed me with open arms... even shared your birthday with me. It means a lot to me."

Eric gave her a hug, "you mean a lot to me"

Ciara blushed brightly, "Aww Papa... Thanks." She hugged him back tightly. "...Now if only you could tell Pietro this."

"Pietro and I are fine my dear" Eric assured.

"Uh huh... I'll believe it when I see it."

Eric rolled his eyes, "Alright, alright, I'll go talk to him before I leave"

"Teehee." She smiled widely, "Yay. I like it when one of your tries to better your relationship."

"Yeah yeah" Eric chuckled, finally finishing up what he was packing. "Alright, well, this is goodbye for now" he kissed her forehead, "I'll be in touch"

Ciara tired not to get too emotional, "I hope so." She gave him another tight hug.

He hugged her back, "Don't you fret little one. Though I cannot say how long I'll be gone, We'll see each other again"

She made a face and held up her finger, "Pinky promise?"

He took her pinky in his, a slight size difference, "Super pinky promise"

"And I'm not little anymore. I've got three little munchians to look after now." She putting a hand on her hip.

Eric stepped forward, practically looming over her, "You're little to me, they are just... very, very little" he teased

"Grrr!" She pouted playfully wrapping her arms around him, "Just the right size for hugs. Now go before I lock you away and never let you leave."