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Ike: "I'm never going to get use to being a girl...it feels so strange."

This takes place not long after Ike discovers the "Valkyrie Necklace," which triggered his transformation into the Valkyrie of Light/Vixen, Female Fox. The once fox boy now finds himself as a fox girl, and has to adjust to the change in gender. During this period of time the transformation is believed to be permanent, as Ike learns that the magical Necklace hard part of him/his essence sealed away...thus becoming the Valkyrie Knight he was meant to be. Which when Ike takes the name "Marisa" for his female side.

It not until sometime later he learns to seal that part back in the necklace, allowing him to take the form he was born...becoming a male fox/half Valkyrie, but once again becoming weaker. This does proves to be useful, as he also later gathers the essence of the other Valkyrie Knights, which he can use to take on their element and form. So staying half Valkyrie ends up being a major perk.

However not only does Ike's Valkyrie/Female for make him stronger...but it helps the character to grow and mature. Ike starts off very naive in nature, having been so focused on his training and little else after the lose of his father. He knows nothing about how things work let alone relationships. Once he transforms it forces the character to have to grow and learn how things work, not able to be the same naive character as a young lady. This helps Ike to mature and start building relationships and a true understanding of just what they mean...along with the feelings to those he is attracted to and could not gasp in the past.