|| 42 [Audio]

[destinedtorule]

[Comm clicks on. Ganondorf's voice is purposeful, hard. Very difficult to ignore. You better be glad he's not addressing you.]

Danny, respond when you have heard this message. There is something we should discuss.

Comments

[Voice]

[shackledpuppy]

[He's been waiting for this. There's a short silence before the quiet acknowledgment.]

Yes.

[Voice]

[destinedtorule]

[Ganondorf smiles. But there's no change in his tone.]

I would rather do this in person. So you will meet me, the top deck. You have ten minutes. I'd advise you not to keep me waiting.

[It's just a test, to see how well Danny follows orders.]

[Commentlog]

[shackledpuppy]

[It doesn't even occur to Danny to disobey, or question. Ganondorf might not be Bart or any of his goons, but he spoke with an air of importance that demanded respect.

It's only a few minutes before Danny emerges onto the top deck, still wearing the filthy rags he had arrived in, the left sleeve soaked in dried blood. Through the tear by the elbow, a swathe of white bandages can be seen peeking out.]

[Commentlog]

[destinedtorule]

[And his punctuality is noted. Ganondorf likes that. Obedience without question. If only his other followers could be more like that. He notes the bandage and the rags Danny wears.

He steps closer, examines Danny like he would livestock. Ganondorf reaches for the collar around his neck.]

What is this?

[Commentlog]

[shackledpuppy]

[Being looked over is nothing new. Danny's always been less than human. He's a dog, an attack dog; it's what he is and it's what he does.

But the moment Ganon's reaches for his collar, everything changes. Danny's hands fly up to protect the clasp, and he stumbles back a step, eyes wide and fearful. If he loses the collar, he loses who he is.]

[Commentlog]

[destinedtorule]

[There isn't much on this boat or in Hyrule that could surprise Ganondorf. Danny has succeeded. He draws his hand back. It's clearly special to the boy. Well it's fine. It doesn't seem to be causing any problems. There is no harm in letting him keep it.]

Be at ease, Danny. I am not going to take it from you.

[Folds his arms over his chest.]

However, since I was gracious enough to help you, I think it would be fair if you returned the favor, hm?

[Commentlog]

[shackledpuppy]

[Slowly lowering his hands, Danny watches the other man cautiously. As long as his collar is still on, he doesn't have to hurt people. It's in his best interests to keep this shackle on for as long as possible.

But Ganon has a point. He had helped Danny, taken him to get medical treatment. Favors like that never came without a price.

He nods his head in a tiny, jerking movement.]

[Commentlog]

[destinedtorule]

[Favors like that should have been done with graciousness. Without expecting something in return. Unfortunately for Danny, he ran into the wrong person.]

Good. It pleases me to know we understand each other. You have a bit of a reprieve now, however.

[Since no one has yet to make Ganny angry. But knowing our ill-tempered Gerudo King, that was bound to change. Probably sooner than later.]

[Commentlog]

[shackledpuppy]

[Danny stares blankly.

That's a long word. Long words are usually followed by dumbed down explanations.]

[Commentlog]

[destinedtorule]

[Sigh.]

Rest. You seem to need it.

[God he feels like he's talking to a child.]

[Commentlog]

[shackledpuppy]

[Oh.

It hadn't occurred to Danny that he'd made the mental shift to considering Ganon a "master" in the few short days he'd been on board the ship. Something about the man's voice and tone, the way he carried himself, the strength of his commands. He demanded respect, and Danny had spent thirty years of his life being trained to respond to that authoritative tone.

He shifts his weight awkwardly towards the door, waiting for a command.]

[Commentlog]

[destinedtorule]

Go. Return to your room. I will call you when I need you.

[Otherwise Danny is free to do as he pleased. That is until Ganondorf feels his authority over him was being threatened. There were a lot of people on board who would try to "fix" him. Ganondorf simply could not have that. Not without using him at least.]

[Commentlog]

[shackledpuppy]

[Not a word. Not a second glance, not a movement of acknowledgment. Danny keeps his head down and turns on his heel, heading back down the stairs to his room.

Unfortunately, Danny's never had his freedom before. He doesn't have a clue how to take care of himself, how to feed himself or wander free. Hopefully he won't starve to death before Ganny needs him again.]