The King in Red

The merman threw him a dirty look before turning away.

Max leaned even closer towards Hao Xuan and whispered, "Oh, do you think they don't understand our language? What language do the fish people usually speak?"

"Oh, I know!" the little boy exclaimed while looking in the merman's direction, "BlOoOoOp bLoOp! BloOoOooOoP blOoP!"

Shocked, Max's eyes widened, "Wha-What's that???"

"That's what it sounds like when I try to talk in water stupid!"

"Ohh! You're right! Mr. Fishman, did you understand that? Bloop bloop?? No?"

"Hmm," rubbing his chin in contemplation the little boy shook his head despondently, "I think he is too stupid. He doesn't know how to speak at all!"

"No no I think he does speak. He probably just doesn't like you."

"You go to HELL! EVERYONE LIKES ME!" the boy screamed at the top of his lungs before lunging at Max like a lemur.