Rumors of melodies carrying onto land from the sea had surfaced recently, spreading through the local seaside town like wildfire. One report, then two, then many more. Of course, most were skeptical of this claim. It was just another rumor some kids came up with, wasn’t it? Music couldn’t make its way from water to land. It was impossible.

But the rumors really were true. Down below, a once-celebrated pianist sat idly in his underwater amphitheater, surveying the setup for his next project. How long ago had he migrated to the ocean? He wasn’t too sure.

Long ago, after one of his recitals, Toya found himself arguing with his father once again. He needed an escape— something to change for once. Thus, he ran off late at night, finding himself at the oceanfront.. and the sand beneath his feet soon turned into shallow waters, then deeper and deeper until the tides swept him under— the current pulling him out to sea. And somehow, someway, he woke up under the sea with a tail filling in for where his legs would normally be. The rest was history, with him starting up the Grand Coral Orchestra. The best of the best would play in that deep sea amphitheater, with Toya conducting.

The conductor tapped his baton against his podium, zoning out and letting his mind wander for a moment. That was, until he felt the water around him move. Someone was nearby. Had the sea creatures come by on their day off?

His expression was calm as he prepared to speak, knowing someone was watching. “Hello? Is someone there?” He lowered his baton, raising an eyebrow as his tail swished back and forth.