Chapter 216 “Hospitality On The Vanished”
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
The vast expanse of the sea lay tranquil, with a gentle and refreshing breeze causing mild ripples to dance on the water’s surface. The scene looked almost idyllic, luring one into a sense of serenity. However, if one dared to look beyond the superficial beauty, they would know of the unspeakable horrors hidden deep beneath the waters.
Atop the raised platform on the Vanished, the dark and ornate steering wheel moved on its own, adjusting its position. As it did, the ship’s sails shifted direction in response. Below this mechanism, Nina lounged, her back propped against the ship’s guardrails, one leg swinging carelessly over the side, basking in the ambient atmosphere.
She began to speak, her voice soft and contemplative, “This feels so surreal. I’m aware you’re Uncle Duncan. I’ve always known you to be a pillar of strength, someone I could lean on and trust implicitly. But I’m also acutely aware of the other unsettling truths.”
She paused as if reminiscing. “I remember having an uncle, a simple and ordinary man. He was the epitome of goodness, integrity, and hard work. But as time passed, a change overcame him. His health deteriorated, and he began to drink heavily and gamble away his money, and his mood soured. Each day, going home felt like walking into a storm.”
“And then, as if by magic, he seemed to revert back. He was healthier, more jovial, and our home felt warm again. It was almost as if the good days had returned, or perhaps even better than they once were. I often found myself wishing you could remain my uncle forever.”
Duncan’s face displayed a hint of surprise, “You had suspicions even then?”
“In a way, yes. But many pieces didn’t fit,” Nina adjusted her posture, looking at Duncan with a mix of curiosity and determination. “If my home was truly taken over by some ‘evil spirit’ as described in those tales, why did this spirit show me such kindness?”
Duncan held Nina’s gaze, and after a few moments, his face broke into a hearty laugh. “Evil spirits? My dear, I possess power they could only dream of.”
Her laughter joined his, light and free. “So you truly are Uncle Duncan?”
He nodded reassuringly, “Yes, and I will always be here for you.”
Her face softened, relief evident in her eyes. “I’m so grateful to hear that,” she took a deep breath, her expression becoming somber. “Did my other uncle… Did he find peace in his departure?”
Duncan’s mind raced back to that fateful night in the city-state of Pland. He remembered a doomed cultist, breathing his last in the cold and moisture-laden confines of the city’s sewers. Around him, his fellow dark worshippers contemplated disposing of his lifeless body into the abyss. The cultist’s last thoughts were clouded with a deranged and fervent adoration of the dark sun.
Even amidst the chaos and darkness that had consumed the man, a faint glimmer of his humanity persisted. This fragment of his soul held onto memories of Nina, the realization of the impending loss, and the void she would face in his absence. It was this sliver of humanity that moved Duncan to cushion the truth for Nina’s sake.
Gazing into her eyes, Duncan spoke with a gentle tone, “He departed this world in peace. Towards the end, his mind was unburdened, save for the thought of leaving you, his most cherished bond.”
Relief washed over Nina’s face, and it seemed as though a weight had been lifted from her heart. She stretched, arching her back and extending her arms before sinking down to rest on the deck. Her gaze wandered upwards, fixating on the ethereal, almost translucent sail of the Vanished. Taking a deep breath, she said, “So much has happened recently, particularly today. I need you to share everything, Uncle. Everything you’ve kept hidden from me. I want to understand the history of this ship, learn the truth about you, and also… discover the mysteries about myself.”
Moving gracefully, Duncan rose from his makeshift seat on the barrel and settled down next to Nina. He looked at her with a knowing smile, “Brace yourself, young one. I have a lifetime of tales to share.”
……
“On the expansive deck of the Vanished, Alice enthusiastically recounted tales of Captain Duncan’s exploits to her attentive audience. It was evident that many of the stories she shared originated from the whimsical wooden figure named Goathead. As for the authenticity or embellishment of these tales, only the central character, Captain Duncan, could confirm or refute them.
Yet, for Shirley and Morris, who were unfamiliar with the unique assortment of crew members aboard, Alice’s narration was captivating. They hung on to every word, eager to understand more about the ship’s mysteries. On the other hand, Dog, showcasing an uncanny wisdom, seemed content to feign indifference, engrossed in a newspaper.
Morris, stroking his chin in awe, remarked, “The Vanished truly lives up to its reputation. I’ve encountered numerous mentions of this ship in my readings, yet the reality surpasses all written accounts. The tales in the books pale in comparison.”
However, a commanding voice suddenly interjected, “I’d advise you to take Alice’s tales with a grain of salt. Her creative flair tends to surpass even the most fantastical stories you’ve come across.”
Upon hearing this, Dog hastily sought refuge behind Shirley. Simultaneously, she jumped to her feet, offering a salute reminiscent of an officer acknowledging a superior as the ship’s owner made his appearance.
Caught off guard, Shirley stuttered, “Du-Duncan… Captain, have you concluded your affairs?”
With a nod of affirmation, Duncan began his descent down the stairs, closely followed by a familiar, diminutive silhouette.
Upon recognizing the figure, Shirley exclaimed, “Nina!” and rushed forward, enveloping her in a tight hug, her joy evident. However, the black chain attached to Shirley’s arm inadvertently pulled Dog along, thrusting the unsuspecting creature directly into Captain Duncan’s path. The captain’s presence was even more daunting up close, and his stern expression bore into Dog.
Stumbling over his words, Dog tried to offer a congenial greeting, “Uh, Cap-Captain Duncan… A beautiful day, right?”
Nina, sharing in the warmth of the embrace, responded with even more enthusiasm than Shirley. She then bent down to pat the bony, saying, “And Mr. Dog, I’m glad to see you. I’ve returned!”
As Morris extended his greetings, he couldn’t help but turn to Alice and ask, “Miss Alice, were those tales you shared… merely figments of your imagination?”
Alice responded with a mix of indignation and surprise, “I wasn’t fabricating tales! That’s precisely what Mr. Goathead relayed to me!” Her eyes sparkled with an almost child-like astonishment, “He said he’s been a part of he Vanished’s crew for over a hundred years, and he’s more informed about this ship than anyone else could claim to be!”
Looking a bit befuddled, Morris asked, “Who’s this Mr. Goathead?”
Duncan chimed in, his tone nonchalant, “He’s my first mate. Trust me, you wouldn’t fancy crossing paths with him.” Duncan then shifted his attention, seeming to mentally tally the individuals present.
Before him stood Morris, Shirley, and Dog, none of whom had intended to be passengers on his ship. Their presence was a direct consequence of the turmoil back in Pland.
While Duncan had already orchestrated a plan to utilize the Vanished’s unique attributes to rectify the historical anomalies, he had swiftly teleported the “refugees” from the antique shop as a precautionary measure. Now, with the situation in the city-state somewhat stabilized, Duncan pondered on the best way forward.
He was well aware that Mr. Morris still had family ties in the city and likely harbored no intentions of being anchored indefinitely to this spectral ship.
After a contemplative pause, Duncan began addressing them, “By now, you’ve probably discerned where you are and who stands before you. This is ‘The Vanished,’ and I am its captain. A significant portion of the chilling legends narrated in taverns and whispered at bedtime revolve around this ship and me…”
He continued, “While I won’t dwell on the accuracy or embellishment of these tales, be certain of this: once you step foot on ‘The Vanished’, disentangling oneself becomes a formidable task. Due to Ai’s unique teleportation and ‘spiritization’ process, you’re now, in essence, bound as members of this ship’s crew.”
Duncan didn’t mince words as he revealed a disheartening truth, “Regrettably, this transformation is both irrevocable and inevitable.” He reflected on the implications of this newfound understanding of the ship’s powers, with memories of White Oak and more recent encounters like Vanna underscoring his revelation.
To Duncan’s surprise, Morris and Shirley’s reactions were more composed than he’d anticipated. Only Dog displayed any discernible emotion, offering a resigned shrug and mumbling something incoherent.
It appeared they had mentally braced themselves for such revelations.
After a moment of introspection, Duncan emitted a half-hearted chuckle, “However, there’s a nuance the legends fail to capture,” his voice adopting a more optimistic tone, “This ship doesn’t just ensnare souls without hope of return. Contrary to tales, I, as its captain, am not some unhinged, relentless force of nature.”
“You all boarded this ship due to the urgent circumstances we faced, so I won’t confine or limit your movements on board,” Duncan clarified.
Upon hearing this, both Shirley and Morris reacted with evident shock, their eyes widening in surprise.
“Does this mean… we’re free to return to the mainland?” Morris inquired, taking a moment to process the information.
“Yes,” Duncan replied with a warm smile. “The situation in Pland has stabilized. You’re free to move on and off the ship whenever you wish. However…”
Morris felt a pang of anxiety once again.
“But before you decide to leave, let’s have a meal together,” Duncan suggested in a relaxed tone. “Consider it a gesture of my hospitality. While the cuisine on the Vanished might be basic, we do offer some unique dishes, particularly our seafood delicacies. I assure you, these aren’t easily found in the city-states…”
Ah. Yes. The aquatic products which are super monsters forcibly turned into fishies and stewed in a pot.
Drags up Cthulhu’s spawn. This is fish.
A one time only delicacy. The flesh of the prince of the dark sea. That got turned into fish by our one and only captain, Duncan.
Remember if Captain Duncan says it is fish, than it is fish. He is always right.
Now with a hint of subspace flavor!
I am now genuinely, seriously pondering making some art depicting an ad for Captain Duncan’s eldritch fish and chips. Or just call them fries? I dunno. I really want some fries right now.
Dog would be happy to avoid the hospitality, but nobody asks him.
Kinda liked the stern captain not the uncle next door