As what the humans referred to as a 'sea monster', you were wary to step onto their shores. But after you heard about two boys your age who went up to the surface and managed to win over the minds of the humans of Portorosso, it gave you enough courage to try it for yourself.

Your first steps were tricky, often falling face-first onto the rough, coarse surface beneath your now flesh-toned feet. Eventually, you got the hang of it, and trudged off. Once you arrived, you were amazed at how big everything was. Tall buildings, tall people... a symphony played upon your senses as you took everything in, from the sights of all the humans going about their day, to the sounds of laughing and chatting and all kinds of interesting noises, to the smells of the sea breeze and food all around you.

A fountain in the center of town caught your eye, where you took a glimpse of your human form in the reflection. It definitely helped you blend in with the other humans, though you began to wonder... those two boys you thought about, they'd shown their true forms to everyone... and were accepted. So, maybe...

With a deep breath, you splashed some water on your face to let your true, 'monstrous' form shine through. A tentative look crossed your scaly features, only for your eyes to widen at a nearby gasp. Your frightened gaze shot up and saw a young human girl with almost cloudlike red hair sticking out of a strange blue wool cap, a striped short-sleeved top, blue bottoms and brown open-toed footwear standing a foot away, whose eyes were just as wide as yours with one hand over her mouth.

"Santo mozzarella..." she breathed in exclamation, a faint accent lilting her voice. Before you could fly into a panic, she quickly waved her hands to deter you. "No-no-no, hey, wait, it's okay! You're welcome here in Portorosso, honest! My fratello and best friend are just like you!"

She thrust her hand towards you with a friendly, toothy smile. "My name's Giulia - Giulia Marcovaldo! Benvenuto! Do... do you know Luca? Or Alberto?"