Chapter Text

There are many things to fear in the world. Spiders, Heights, the Dark, Death. No matter how brave a soul is, there is always going to be a force that drives shivers down one's spine and the inability to sleep peacefully at night. But out beyond the never-ending ocean, lies a fear that has remained hidden from the eyes of society. Flouting and sailing in the shadows, and only a few know its name.

The Maw

A mysterious, expansive vessel that floats along the lengths of the dark ocean of the world. Only a few of heard of it, and very few have lived to tell its tale. For you see, those who wish to find the Maw never return to society. At first glance, it appears to be a miniature island with a lighthouse set in the middle. But it is a facade, a trick to lure in curious sailors and boats into believing in safety and comfort. For under the waves lies miles and miles of machinery and sinister desires. No one knows how it came to be, whether someone built it or it stands as a reminder of a lost civilization the world forgot. But the sinister intrigue lies not on the outside but on the inside.

Those who seek to find the maw only search for two reasons. They wish to know more of it, or they wish to dine upon it. Every time the Maw opens its door, gluttonous and vile tourist from the mainland board the vessel to feast upon the supply of fresh yet mysterious meat that the Maw owner provides. Where they obtain the meat remains another question that no one can answer. But the guest no the need to ask, they are too busy stuffing their rotting faces.

The maw cannot be run on its own, it needs something or someone to keep its engines alive and moving. That is where the slave of the Maw reside. The Gnomes. A race of miniature creatures that populate the vessel. One could easily recognize them for their oversized hats that point in s triangle shape and covers their heads. Which gives them the titles of Gnomes. Like the vessel and meat, no one knows of their origins. Not even themselves. But they seem to not mind, they take pride in watching over the Maw, for it is their home. A dark, dreary home, but a home nonetheless.

Near one of the lower floors of the Maw, resides a particular Gnome. This gnome is different because it appears to be a female. While still maintaining the iconic pointed hat that many of her kind shares, she wears a messy dress that lies below her hips. She calls herself Sera

She currently is asleep on one supporting wood planks that the Maw is made out of. It wasn’t the most comfortable place, but it would do. Silence filled the air, only the sound of the Maw humming and the slight sound of water drops forming a puddle. But besides that, no noise can be found.

Pit-Pat-Pit-Pat

The silence is suddenly broken by the unexpected sound. The little gnome might not have been the brightest, but they could tell what noise little, slightly damp feet made. The Maw was always damp, due to the habit of it constantly leaking. Sera opened her eyes and turned onto her chest to see the source of the noise. Beneath her, walking with caution was another gnome. But it wasn’t like any gnome she seen before. Instead of having a large grey point on her head, it’s top was short and stubby coated in a bright yellow. In its hand was a bright green source of light that seemed to be guiding the little visitor along the path.

Excitement filled the little gnome’s insides, after a nice nap, she loved to play “Hunter and Prey”, a game that many of her other gnome friends played all the time. The best part was catching them off guard, which was lucky that the visitor hadn’t noticed her soon to be prey. Sera positioned herself into the jumping formation. Then with a huff, she leaped into the air and began to chase down the other. The visitor didn't even turn around to start running as fast as she could.

The laughter of the gnome was heard as she ran after her, determined to win the game. Sera gave a mighty “Woohoo”, it had been so long since she had someone play the game so well. The visitor just ran as fast as her legs could take her, but she showed no sign of joy. In fact, she made shrieks as she ran as if she was scared. Unfortunately, Sera continued to chase her down the hall, still believing it was a game.

Girl: Where am I? Why?!

Sera: We’re playing hunter and prey, huh? I won’t lose!

The two kept on running until the stranger turned off her light, making the hall grow dark once more.

Sera: Huh? They hid...

Her new friend has disappeared, and they were having so much fun. But the feeling of disappointment was short lived as the sound of wooden boards creaking behind the gnome was heard. She found her.

Sera: There!

Sera leaped into the air and at last caught the stranger with her pinning her to the ground. Both were tired from the chase as shown from their heavy breathing. Sera hid a smile as she stared down at the now trapped visitor, for now She had won the game.

However the stranger didn’t seem too happy, she was scared at the sight. This unknown creature just chased her down the hallway and then jumped on her. She didn’t know what it was, but she didn’t feel safe. In her resort to save herself, she screamed in a begging tone.

Girl: P-PLEASE DON’T EAT ME!

Sera: I won’t eat you!

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The little gnome felt guilty for scaring the visitor. The poor thing was probably scared half to death. She didn’t mean to frighten her, she just wanted to play. She climbed off the visitor and an attempt to reassure herself of her actions.

Sera: Sorry, I just love playing hunter and prey. You must be a gnome that doesn’t like it so much, huh?

She was finally able to get a better look at the new arrival. The visitor wore a bright yellow raincoat with a hood that covered her head. The hood when folded up gave the illusion that she too was a gnome. But know she knew that wasn’t the case. The visitor actually had an open face poking out of the jacket. On the side of her hood rested a blue feather. She had dark aqua hair with matching eyes and clear skin. Her legs were skinny and frail as if they would be barely able to hold her body up. Sera gave an obvious “Um” and “Erm” as she examined her.

The girl looked up at the creature before her. Though she has calmed down, she still was cautious of her new acquaintance. She couldn’t see its eyes, due to the hat that covered her head. Its clothes looked old and grey, yet the voice seemed chipper and excited. She kept staring at the hat that covered its eyes, wondering if it could really see her.

Sera: Feeling Better?

She didn’t think she hurt her, but she just wanted to make sure.

Girl: No. Um, yes. I’m okay.

There were so many questions flowing through her head, but if she were to ask them all, she’d be here all day. So she decided to ask the most important questions

Girl: Are you from here? What is this place?

Sera: This is the Maw!

Sera got on her feet and raised her arms to be like presenting something important.

Sera: I’m Sera. This is my territory.

Girl: Sera? Then your hat is…?

Sera: Why is something unusual?

Sera didn’t know why the girl was looking at her as if she was something weird. The only one that was odd was the girl in yellow.

Sera: What about you? A gnome with a hat so small. Now that’s unusual!

Girl: A Gnome?

Sera: Where’d you come from? What part of the Maw is your territory?

Girl: I don’t know.I don’t remember. All I remember was seeing this scary woman in a mask look at me. When I woke up, I found myself in a strange bag down here.

Sera: Oh, maybe you were born from the Maw’s fire!

Girl: Maw’s fire?

Sera: Yup, us gnomes are created by from the fire of the Maw’s engine. We keep it moving so that more can be born from it.

Sera: Now what section of the Maw did you come from?

She checked the girl.

Sera: Stronger gnomes usually live closer the break room.

Sera stared at her stick-like legs.

Sera: But your body looks too skinny to be strong.

She looked at the feather in her jacket.

Sera: That thing in your jacket might make you fly, but I don’t think a gnome can fly.

The girl was feeling uncomfortable with having the gnome observe her so closely, but if it was any way to find out her location, she was willing to try anything.

Sera: Wait! Where did you say you came from again?

Girl: Huh? A bag I guess.

Sera: Bag? Bag...Bag...Bag!

Girl: Is that a clue?

Sera: Dunno

The girl felt her sweatdrop.

Sera: You might have to go ask the owner of the Maw to find out where you go.

Girl: The owner of the Maw?

Sera: Yup, I was told she knows everything.

Girl: She knows where I belong? Thank you, Sera. Where can I find her?

Sera: I’ll take you part of the way.

She helped the girl to her feet as they approached the upcoming flight of stairs.

Sera: Wait, What should I call you until then?

The girl had no idea.

Sera: Bag! How’s that?

It was an odd name, but she felt like it suited.

Bag: Okay! Thank you.