Because they were mean, vicious fighters, that’s why. And the only reason he’d been able to hold his own against them was because he’d had Red Wolf’s ability to unpin the illusion. To make them disappear as if they’d never been.
“Do you think I can get it back?” Bing asked, the words a surprise even as he voiced them.
“You mean become Red Wolf again? Even though you kicked out the energy, you want it back.”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
Bing jolted. “What? Really?”
Walter nodded. Then he took a deep breath. “Do you really think you became Red Wolf? Or did his skills just add to yours? I didn’t become Monkey. I was meplusMonkey.”
“But I felt it leave.”
“But no one else is Red Wolf. Just you. So take it back, if you want.”
Could that be possible? Could he have both? Did he want to be both?
Yes. Because from the sounds of it, they were going straight into a fight, and he wanted to do everything he could to protect Walter. “What about you?” he whispered. “Are you going to call back Monkey?”
At that point, Walter sighed. “I already tried. I don’t think it’s the same. I don’t have a zillion fans putting his face on my body.”
That made sense. Which meant…. “That’s okay. I’ll protect you.” And so saying, he called Red Wolf to him. He closed his eyes and whispered, “Come back. Please.”
Absolutely nothing happened.
Walter shot him a worried look. “No-go?”
Bing shook his head.
Walter sighed. “It was worth a shot.”
Bing nodded, but that was all he could do, because at that moment they turned the corner and headed down the road that led to the set. It was slow going, given all the cop cars parked along the road. When one mean-looking cop tried to stop them, Walter rolled down the window and spoke in short, authoritative tones.
“I’m Walter Chen, the producer and lead actor. I can resolve this.”
“Yeah?” the guy challenged. “What are you doing with all those kangaroos?”
“We’re not filming with kangaroos.” He sounded like this was an old argument. “And I’m going to kick the ass of the person who brought them.” He arched his brows. “Work for you?”
The man seemed to think about this a moment, then nodded. “That works.” He waved them on.
While they drove, Bing tried again with his Red Wolf sight. He used to be able to see the density of mystic energy in the air and the coiling pattern of every life form. Now he saw trees starting to bud and a whole lot of people milling around a herd of kangaroos. That had to be a novel sight in Wisconsin.
Walter spun the car into the nearest plot of dirt large enough to park, but before he stepped out, he looked at Bing. “Any ideas on how to handle this?”
Bing grimaced. “I’ll watch the kangaroos. I know how to fight them.”
“I’ll sort things out with Grand Master Asshole, then come help you with Sand.”
Bing agreed with a nod, but they held each other’s gaze for a moment longer. Neither said a word, but a whole conversation passed between them without a sound.
Be safe.
You too.
I want to keep close to you.
