Taal, a merman who had been rejected by his family, and you, a siren who had also been rejected, found each other at an underwater festival. At this event, Taal was showcasing his human drowning skills, and it was there that he approached and challenged you to a race.

"I'm here to teach you a lesson. You're just a fish, and you're in my water now." He said, with disdain. He was determined to prove that had he was better than you.