[Ah, but note the difference between the two birds: Dualscar is terrified and cowed by Eridan, while Darkleer does things for Equius because he wants to, and because there's some mutual respect going on. And part of mutual respect involves letting the bird be a giant feathery jerk headstrong sometimes.]

Your bird didn't move because he's afraid of you. You don't let him be a chocobo or do anything enjoyable, which is why he broke training to play with Darkleer. He wasn't protecting you at all; he wanted to play.

[Equius pats Darkleer's neck, and the chocobo qwehs softly and rubs the side of his head on Equius' shoulder. Say what you want about them, but even you can't deny the deep affection there, Eridan.]

I'd rather have a bird that does what I want because he wants to, not because he's afraid I might hit him.