"Are you leaving?" the voice shot through the air.

Ike turned slowly to see Granit, the village's doctor standing there. Over the last few weeks that Ike had spent here, the doctor had become a close to him. "Yes," he said turning away and finishing strapping his swords holster around his waist, "I plan to be gone within the hour. I have already picked up food and supplies so all I have left to do is say goodbye."

"Goodbyes are meant for the dieing…"

"But I will not be returning, my life will continue far from here where no one knows of my father or his mercenary group."

"I remain confident that one day I will see you again," The doctor took a moment to let out a sigh, "my friend."

Friend… Ike thought to himself, why would be call me that… I hurt all my friends…argg!

"Then I guess this is just a bye?" Ike side his fists clutched at his side.

"No, this is a time when until we meet again would be more appropriate."

"Thank you," Ike said as he held out his hand, "Thank you for all that you have done for me, it truly has meant a lot."

Granit smiled and reached his own hand over, "I will see you when the time comes."

With a small nod from Ike he left with nothing but a bag on his shoulder and a sword in his hand. He knew that news of his arrival in this town would be heard from far and after the rumor of the great Greil's heir traveling through had come, many would come looking for him. He had no choice but to leave, even if he was starting to feel at home.

His speed picked up a little as he moved farther towards the exit of the city, where would be go? From the heavy mist in the mornings and the high precipitation he knew he wasn't that far from the coastline, maybe if he headed down there he could store away on a ship or catch a ferry across or something.

He sighed a little as he reached the edge of the town and pulled up his hood. He seemed to be wearing it now more then ever… maybe just because of the fear of being found, what would happen if someone found him? Would he be forgiven? Shunned? Hated? Argg!

"Hello there."

Ike spun around in surprise but saw nothing.

"Not over there."

The voice was feminine and cheerful but Ike knew that lots of things could be deceiving whether looks or sounds.

"Who's there?" He said spinning around again.

"No one, just me," The voice responded in a singsong tone.

"Then there is someone around, isn't there?"

"What do you mean?"

Ike ripped the sword from the holster and pointed it upwards to see a sub-human from the cat tribe hanging above him, "What do you want?"

She flipped off the tree and landed on the ground with her hands spread out on either side and her tail whipping from side to side, "Taadaa!"

Ike slide his sword away and attempted to push past her, "I have no time for games, I have places to be."

"Fine," the feline replied looking at him, "I need your help."

He smirked a little, "And if I refuse?"

She grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled him forwards holding her sharp nails just in front of his face, "Then I'll rip out your throat."

For a moment glares were exchange. Ike knew he didn't have time to grab his sword and the feline knew that he was powerless in her grasp.

"What do I have to do," Ike said in a tone that showed his defeat.

"I need to get on a boat," she said as her grip on him loose and gentle released him, "They may check want to see under the cloak of a single traveler but one with a beorc, I don't think they would look into it."

"And if they do?"

"Well, then we kill them," she said with a smile toying over her lips.

"You are kidding, right?" Ike said a little startled, "I don't fight anymore?"

The Laguz stretched a little as the smile grew, "Then that sword at your side is just a trophy or something?"

"No, it's just that…" He trailed off before letting out a deep sigh, "Well there is no point is trying to reason with you, so let's get going."

Ike started to walk hearing the footsteps fallowing him at a close pace, "So beorc, do you have a name?"

"Does it matter what my name is?"

"Well, maybe I would like to know," The feline said as she raced up beside him.

"It's Ike."

The cat stopped and stared at him, "Do you mean that you are Lord Greil's son?"

Ike stopped and turned to her, "No, you must be mistaken me for someone else…"

"It is you! He said you were dead, that both his children had been killed by the black knights, he'll be so happy to know that you are alive!"

"No!" Ike said quickly, "You can't tell him, it's my fault that my sister died!"

"What?" The feline said a bit confused, "You killed your own sister?"

"No, it's just that… never mind, I don't want to talk about it," Ike said as he turned and started to walk again.

The cat chased after him, "Why not, did you do something that bad?"

"I said I don't want to talk about it," He said getting a little frustrated at from the questioning.

"Ok, fine, I won't pry anymore," She said in a tone that admitted defeat, "I'm Leith by the way."

Ike said nothing but continued to walk. There was nothing left to say, she knew who he was and knew his father. What if she had a lose tongue and told his father? Then everyone would be on the look out for him.

"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone I saw you," The words finally came.

It was like she had read his mind, almost like she knew what he was going through even.

"Thanks."

That was the last thing spoken on the long walk to the ocean front city.

"Just remember, we have been traveling for months together, do not say anything that will give away the fact that I am a laguz," Leith said as she pulled her hood down a little.

"I won't."

They walked towards the harbor in silence occasionally getting glances from people on the street but that was probably because they were new faces in the town.

As they approached the docks, Ike whispered to Leith, "Do not say anything unless they talk to you."

They reached a loading dock and Ike walked up with Leith by his side, "Where is this ship heading?"

The person standing at the loading ramp looked towards them, "It's heading across the ocean and coming out in Cindiam."

"Can we come aboard?"

"Who are you?"

"I am Granit and this is my sister Mai, we are just two wanderers," Ike said in a convincing tone.

"And the sword is for?" The harbor man asked.

"Well, we need protection in case any laguz attack."

Just then Leith cough and Ike looked over, "Although so far, things have been pretty safe."

"Well, I guess I can welcome you aboard."

Leith walked up fallowed by Ike, who nodded a quick thank you at the man. Next stop… who even cared.