Giant pass-out fest.


Eventually they all set up a temporary place on the mainland to work from. It took some negotiations with the country but eventually they agreed to host the refugees of Genosha for no more than two months.

During that time, people were sent in shifts to Genosha to rebuild.

Ciara stayed behind, entertaining children while their parents went off to rebuild. A group of children ran around the field, chasing bubble creatures while Ciara sat and watched. A smile on her face. Her head wound now properly wrapped.

She turned to Big Blue, "So, what you're telling me is that... I have no brain damage?"

"That's correct Droplet" Beast smiled at her, "Good news I would say."

Ciara tilted her head, "But... that...Well that is good news but that...That doesn't make sense. Unless the water was cold enough to somewhat freeze me... I was clearly not breathing for over 5 mins! How is that possible?!" She said shaking him, not understanding at all.

"wah!" Beast wobbled as she shook him, "Well.... it's quite possible this is another manifestation of your abilities." he replied, stopping her from shaking him and straightening his glasses, "It's actually quite common for mutants to develop to another stage in their powers, as you well know. Also, you have never been put into such a situation before. It's also quite possible you have had some ability to protect yourself underwater this whole time."

"Hmmmm... Maybe it has something to do with my glowing freckles? I mean... we never really looked into why I glow and stuff."

"Well, when we have the labs up and running again, we'll be sure to give you a proper physical" Beast ruffled her hair, "I'm sure you'll be just fine until then."

*

Ciara came across on one of the very over crowded boats back to Genosha. She headed back up to the mansion and took a deep breath. She'd been running the conversation over and over in her head.

She looked up at the mansion, apparently Eric had remolded again. "Papa? You here? I need to talk to you." She called from the hallway.

Eric floated down from the ceiling in his usual Ultra-Magneto fashion. He was such a drama queen.
"Can this wait dear?" he asked, "I am still reforming a lot of the city."

"No it can't. I-I... want to move out."

Eric's feet actually touched down on the floor and he removed his helmet, "Excuse me? Why? where would you go? What's this all about?"

Ciara rubbed her shoulder, "I knew you'd start freaking out. Look Papa. I just... I need some space. Away from people. Every since Gotham, I've felt... crowded. I'm not leaving Genosha. I just need a place by myself."

".... hmm...." Eric frowned, thinking about this for a moment, "... so you're still going to be nearby?"

She nodded, "Yes. I just need my own place. The only place I could get away was my room and Now that just reminded me of when Sinister had me as a child. I feel trapped, Papa. I just... need space."

Eric sighed, "Alright... alright... I hear you, and I understand. You are an adult now after all I suppose." he pouted a little, "Give me a moment to think this over." he turned away in thought.

Ciara blinked,a moment to think it over? What was to think over? She was moving out. Going. Gone. outta there. no more... But she stood there anyways.

After about ten minutes of silence and standing there, Eric finally turned back to her, "Come with me" he stated as he turned and walked out a newly made door.

The entire shape and structure of the tower had changed, becoming somewhat more narrow but just as tall. The door they walked out of lead down a newly constructed path that lead through a section that was clearly marked off to be decorated with earth and some sort of garden array that Eric wasn't able to create. The biggest change however was a new building just a stone's throw away from the tower. It was relatively small but elegantly designed.

Eric placed his hand on the door handle as it formed and a moment later he handed Ciara a key, "The safest locks I know and structurally sound. I'll give your fathers each a key for emergencies but aside from that, this is all yours. You can always come back home if you want, alright?"

Ciara took the key and walked inside and looked around the space. Yes. this would work. She turned and smiled wrapping her arms around him, "It's perfect. Thank you Papa." She hugged him tightly. "This is just what the Doctor ordered... And I mean that literary; Big Blue suggested it."

"Well then" Eric smiled, hugging her back gladly and taking the moment to pick her up briefly, "I suppose it won't come as a shock to him. You'll need to get some furniture and things. It will take awhile to stock up but I'm sure we can at least find you a bed to bring in for tonight."

She couldn't help giggling when he picked her up.

"A mattress is all I need Papa. Till we have everyone settled in, I don't want to take away from things that they could need. Our people need it more than I do." She said smiling sweetly. Always thinking of others. "I know you like to spoil me Papa but this time you can spoil me by giving things you'd give me to others, ok?"

"Hmmm, alright" Eric smiled and kissed her forehead, "But you have to promise to smile more. I do these things to make you happy after all, and you have seemed a bit down lately."

She made a small smile before looking down, "I know. I'm still...working out the issues I had in Gotham... Big Blue's been helping me work them out but he's been busy lately with setting Genosha back up.... I just... don't feel right. If that makes any sense."

Eric rested a hand on her shoulder and looked her square in the eyes, "If anything, I can understand that more than most." he replied, "it doesn't matter how many times people tell you that it's alright, it's over and you were just trying to survive, no words can erase the past. It becomes a part of you forever, that person you had to become, and it can take years to figure out how to live with it because it will never go away. But you will learn, you will live, and you will find your way again. As far as I'm concerned, you take all the time that you need, and if you ever need to talk to someone who understands. I will be here."

As he spoke, she started to tear up. Eric knew more than anyone what she went through. He had to do terrible things in order to survive those camps. He may not have had to do the same things as she did but he knew the pain. The pain those memories would bring for the rest of her life.

She wrapped her arms around him, trembling, "I don't want to remember! Every time I try to be intimate with someone, all I want to do is run away. I want to... I really do but I can't...I just can't..."

Eric hugged her tightly, "I know dear. I wish I could say it would all go away but I won't lie to you. You'll just have to take your time. Don't rush into anything, if and when you're ready, it will fall into place and you'll be able to create new memories. Better memories. They don't erase the old ones but they make them fade. Like diluting a drop of blood with water. The blood is still there, but after awhile you can barely find it anymore. You just need time."