[ WP ] The `` grim and gritty '' re-boot of a beloved children 's television show goes horribly , horribly wrong . Or perhaps horribly right .

I found Wheeler in a cheap brothel just outside New York, draped all over a blonde hair blue eyed woman. With his hair buzzed to almost nothing and even more scars running down his arms and face I barely recognized him. Except for the ring, that even after all this time he had n't gotten rid of. 
 
 When we made eye contact he seemed to recognize me immediately and nodded his head to a dark corner booth. He shoved his tongue down the throat of the woman he was with before standing and joining me. `` What the fuck are you doing here?'' He asked, immediately hostile. 
 
 `` It's time.'' I said simply, running my eyes over one of my best friends. This close I could tell he reeked of alcohol. So many years had passed, for all of us. 
 
 He brought his palm flat down on the table with a loud slam. Whatever he was about to say was lost as he noted the gold ring on his finger with its simple fire red jewel. Wheeler stared as if he had forgotten it was there. `` You ca n't ask me to do this again. Not after last time.'' He finally croaked. 
 
 My heart broke at the emotion in his voice. I knew it was unfair, that more than anyone he deserved to spend the rest of his life however he wanted but I did n't have a choice. We all needed to come together once again, it was the only way. 
 
 `` You know I would n't be here if there was another choice. Just like I know you still have **it. **'' 
 
 Fear etched itself in tight lines across his face but like he was compelled he reached into his jean pocket. When it came back out he deposited a ring almost exactly like the both of ours on the table. Except this one contained a jewel that was sky blue. Tears formed in Wheeler's eyes as he looked down at it and I stayed silent. 
 
 Minutes passed before he finally collected himself with several deeps breaths. Each one a bit less shaky than the last. Finally he looked back up at me. 
 
 `` We still have to find the others. And a...'' Wheeler trailed off at a loss for words eyes drawn back to the table and the ring resting on it. 
 
 I reached across and put my hand on his shoulder. Noting my own earth green ring in the dim light. `` I know, old friend but do n't think of it as a replacement. Her memory lives on still in each of us. After we gather the others we will find someone she would be proud of.'' 
 
 A ghost of a smile turned his lips up before disappearing. `` I ca n't believe we're going to summon **him** once again.'' 
 
 I learned back in my seat, thankful he was on board. `` Neither can I....but **he** is needed.''
