Angelic Predator:Trust Me, I'm Sane

Sigh....

Herua sighed knowing this was coming. He knew he had acted too rashly.

Elarion was asking him- No, he was directly demanding him to serve his loyalty.

A pledge of loyalty wasn't something you could take and break anytime you want.

It was no laughing matter. Taking the pledge is like handling your life in a beautiful designed tray and serving it to your master leaving your fate in his hands to decide.

You will have to do obey every single word of your master, even if it lead to your death.

And of at any point if you were deemed useless...you will abandoned without hesitation.

You could end up being just a tool that can be replaced at any moment for your master, which is the case for most of time.

Of course, Herua knew this was possible before their fight even began. Elarion was a descendant with the blood of patriarch flowing through him—someone powerful enough to attract followers at will. He could demand it if he wanted to.

This wasn't uncommon. It was how things worked. Yet it never sat right with Herua. But what could he do? He was the one who started it.

Still, it felt like having your last shred of freedom stripped away—not even being allowed to choose your own master.

Though there were only few who could actually choose it, especially in this place.

But a loss was a loss. And this was the price. He would give his pledge.

Then, Elarion's calm voice broke through his thoughts.

"Don't rack your brain," he said, casually.

"I know loyalty can't be forced—it has to be earned. I could make you kneel, but I'd rather not."

Herua blinked. Dumbstruck.

Was this real? Was Elarion... letting him go?

Part of him wanted to believe it. Another part whispered it was just manipulation. Pretending to care. But... what if it wasn't?

Herua was dumbstruck as he couldn't understand what was happening.

He was happy nevertheless if what he said is true he don't mind being his follower but he knew better, this could be simple manipulation to act like he care when he doesn't.

But, what if??

"Are you serious, what will you gain with this?" Herua asked speculating.

"A friend, maybe" Elarion said looking directly in his eyes with a genuine yet expressionless face which didn't felt distant to Herua.

Herua was stunned and this time there was no doubt in his heart, even though Elarion later said that this was just a joke, his instinct was screaming.

"Can't we be both?" Herua asked anticipating his answer.

This made Elarion smirk "Yes, why not? But I wish to start as friends and ally instead."

For the first time, Herua saw something human behind Elarion's cold face—not warmth, but... understanding. Like someone who had also been lonely for a long time.

Now, Herua was excited. He don't know if he will regret it in future, but right now it felt the best option.

"My plan worked" Herua said proudly making Elarion confused.

"What plan??"

"hmmm… well hehe you see , everything was planned. I will fight you then we will be friends and slowly later best friends." Herua said rubbing his nose.

Elarion had no idea how to react. He just shakes his head.

"So?" Elarion raised an eyebrow, urging him to continue.

"I mean since we are friend now, shouldn't we have nickname, please" Herua asked in an unsure voice, showing his best pitiful expression.

"Ok, then I will call you Hehe" Elarion said with serious expression showing he wasn't joking.

"what the...Hehe?!" Herua looked like he just got slapped with a wet fish. "Do I look like a walking laugh track to you?"

Herua said scared more so knowing that Elarion was serious.

"What, is it bad? Hehe" Elarion asked not understanding his reaction.

"Look, bro please what about Ruru instead? I will call you Riri and you call me Ruru, matching right?" Hehe said pleading in order to convince him.

"Hmmm...." Elarion hummed as he ponders on it, making Herua tenser as time passed.

"Ok, not bad Ruru" Elarion said satisfied making Herua let go of the breath he didn't knew was holding.

"Then let's go, Ruru," said Riri with a raised eyebrow signalling him to follow him.

Where?"

"To the training ground," Elarion replied, walking ahead.

Herua followed, a wide smile lighting up his face for finally meeting someone he wants to willingly follow.

Herua didn't know what the future held—but for the first time in a long while, walking beside someone didn't feel like a mistake.

This made him happy.

Elarion glanced back—and for a moment, only one word came to mind:

Puppy

Behind them, the wind picked up dust from the training ground. Two silhouettes walked side by side.

One was noble and cold. The other... was nicknamed "Ruru"

And they both left for training grounds.

{A/N: Guys?? Do you like their nicknames?? Should I call Elarion Riri or Ari or El.

I was and am so confused, but decided to go with Ruru and Riri}