Kingsman: The Blue Burro
The foggy London streets were unusually quiet at this time of night. Every street lamp was lit which illuminated the mist of rain drizzling through the dreary atmosphere. For a certain tailor shop, a little rain never closed up the humble boutique. Warm lighting invited the dark shadows that passed by with black glistening umbrellas just outside the glass window. The glass window had golden lettering plastered to its exterior which simply read "Kingsman". Upon entering the shop, brown leather couches with green and navy plaid pillows were resting in the middle of the room. Classy and fitted suits were displayed along the edges, leaving a wide section for maneuvering. Here, you could find agent Galahad, or Harry Hart rather, casually sipping on an aged and expensive alcoholic beverage.
He studied his highly functable wrist watch as he took a sip of his drink. Harry was growing impatient, which wasn't like him at all. He sighed at his lack of forbearance for his partner in crime. Just then, a black sleek cabbie reeled into a parking space just outside the tailor shop. Harry noted immediately something was off. Examining the other side of the glass he found a scene that did not sit well in the pit of his stomach. The cabbie was covered in bullet holes, scrapes and burns. The vehicle was completely windowless and every inch was all smashed to hell. At this point in Harry's observations, he was standing and almost practically to the entrance of the shop.
Just as Harry opened the door to the tailor's, a figure unbolted the driver's side door, or what was left of it. Harry's heart stopped when the glow from the tailor shop rested on the face of his partner, Eggsy Unwin. Eggsy's face was covered in blood, cuts and bruises which made his facial features look swollen. His glasses were cracked and one side was even missing a frame piece. His once slicked back hair was in shambles. The agent's bulletproof suit had seen better days itself. It looked as if it was tied to the back of a boat that had seen rough seas and shark infested waters. It definitely didn't look bulletproof anymore. Eggsy's oxfords looked like they had actually seen the inside of a shark's stomach. He was a complete mess, and the rain wasn't aiding him either.
Just as Harry was framing the situation, Eggsy clasped onto the moist sidewalk, the water that flowed into the street was now velvet. All Harry could say in that moment was a just and simple "Fuck." At this point, he could care less if his newly crafted suit was about to get bloody and soaked, Eggsy needed aid, and from the looks of it, he didn't have long. Harry wrapped his arms around Eggsy's limp torso and soon had him completely off the ground. He carried him bridal style into the tailor shop with ease. Harry swiftly laid his young partner on the couch, placing an accent pillow under Eggsy's head and neck. Eggsy's broken and useless glasses were placed neatly on the side table along with the blazer he was wearing. Eggsy's white buttoned shirt was stained with blood. Harry could see that his chest was rising and falling with difficulty. This could mean there could be multiple internal injuries. This discouraged Harry, what could he do with what little supplies he had. As he contemplated as to how he would get Eggsy to Kingsman's hospital wing, Eggsy started to shift.
"Oy-What the fuck-" Eggsy's words were difficult to understand but Harry got the idea. He tried to comfort the boy by holding his wrists and reassuring him that the danger had passed.
"Eggsy, it's Harry. You're in the Kingsman's tailor shop. Do you remember what happened before you arrived here?" Harry could hear his voice shake with concern. At this point he had to reassure himself.
"Ye-yeah. I think so." Eggsy's eyes were barely open and would flutter when he tried to speak, "There was some guys. They-they attacked me."
"Who were these men? Why did they attack you?" Harry's grip on Eggsy's wrists tightened with anticipation. He needed to know who did this to Eggsy. He already started to plan what he would do to them.
"Guy's in blue, they wearin' blue." Eggsy gave out an exhausted sigh and slipped back into unconsciousness. His wrists fell limp in Harry's grip. Shit. Harry was fully prepared to venture out into the stormy night to find and kill these mysterious blue dressed men. Eggsy, however, couldn't wait, he needed medical attention as soon as possible. Harry scooped Eggsy into his arms once more before heading to fitting room 1, located in the back right of the tailor room. This room kept the same theme as the lounge, brown, dark green and navy blue accented the walls and decor. Hanging on the wall in the back of the fitting room rested an old rustic mirror. Upon a second glance, one with a keen eye might notice a hand print hidden on the left side of the mirror. This activated the moving floor which ran deep under london's city streets. Harry, still carrying Eggsy, watched intrigued at the brick walls constantly moving upwards, as they slowly descended.
How could I have let this happen? I should have gone with him, maybe there could've been some sort of chance- Harry shook thoughts of blame out of his head. He knew there was nothing he could've done, it was all in the past now. He had to push forward to ensure Eggsy had a future.
Once the fitting room came to a halt, Harry briskly made his way toward the tube which could seat four, and in this situation, he was able to use two seats to lay Eggsy comfortably in position. The trip was short considering the speed they were going. The door soared open to white and navy blue corridor, beautifully designed. Portraits of past Kingsman were scattered across the walls, their frames a dark crisp brown with golden accents. A hallway connected to the corridor lead to many doorways, all had plaques and descriptions. The new Kingsman underground headquarters had completely magnified it's security and missile detection scanners since the last one. With the help from the Statesman, Harry and Eggsy were able to recruit eligible Kingsman agents to take the places of their fallen comrades. Agent Whiskey, who was once Agent Ginger Ale, awaited the two agents just feet from the tube. Her short bob was brushed and her glasses were sparkling. Agent Whiskey always dressed for the part, accompanied by her white lab coat and electronic clipboard. Her eyes widened at the sight of Eggsy astray in the tube as Harry lifted him up once more. Harry explained what happened as the two agents wheeled Eggsy off to the medical wing. Once Eggsy was in a grey tee and some sweats, laying adequately on a medical bed, Agent Whiskey stitched up his open wounds and injected him with morphine. She then turned her attention toward a worried Harry Hart, who starred on at the younger injured agent.
"He'll make it through this, Galahad. He's a strong kid." Agent Whiskey grinned as she reassured Harry. "Did Eggsy give any details about his attackers?"
Harry, still focusing on Eggsy, replied, "He said they were men in blue, but he wasn't able to say more. I'm worried these men know what Kingsman is. That's what he was besieged." Harry grabbed a chair from the end of the bed and placed it by Eggsy's right. He sat down with difficulty before he crossed his legs. "I have an ominous feeling about it all, frankly. Only six months have passed since Poppy's drug reign, and look where it's gotten us. Looks where it's gotten Eggsy."
"We've made progress, more than most. I don't tie this attack with Poppy's Golden Circle goans. I think it's something else entirely." Whiskey situated her clipboard in theorization. "But if you feel like there could be a connection, i'll look into it. For now, why don't you see what you can do for him." She nodded toward Eggsy before leaving the room typing something on her clipboard. Eggsy and Harry were left alone in the medical wing, and the night was slow. Harry wouldn't be able to sleep. He studied the rise and fall of Eggsy's chest. The motion underneath his sealed eyelids, the occasional twitch of his open mouth. Harry was prepared to spend the entire night in the medical wing, sitting in his chair with one hand now resting on the bedside. And he did.
The next morning came rather suddenly. The medical wing was greeted by a burst of light from a hidden skylight. Although the new Kingsman headquarters was completely underground, Agent Whiskey during construction suggested the medical wing be the closest to the surface. She said this would provide the sick and injured to be more comfortable and not feel trapped. Harry stirred in his chair that was no longer satisfactory. He lifted his head groggily, he didn't remember falling asleep the night before. Perhaps the amount of emotional stress was enough to knock anyone out. Now sitting up properly in his chair, Eggsy's rustling caught his attention.
Eggsy's eyes were closed, but he shifted his shoulders, "I was wondering when you would wake up." His voice made Harry's chest warm and his heart leap. He was overjoyed that Eggsy's recovery was going this well.
"You seem to be much better than yesterday. How are you feeling?"
Eggsy's eyes opened leisurely as he shrugged, "I feel like shit. What happened last night, 'arry?"
Harry hesitated, Eggsy apparently didn't remember what happened. This of course was understandable for the trauma he endured. Harry switched his seating position from his seat to Eggsy's side on the bed. Eggsy watched him curiously, waiting for a reply, "Harry?"
"What's the last thing you remember?"
"Well, I was coming back from profiling that gun seller on 16th street, and I saw a van I thought looked suspicious so I parked nearby-" He started coughing, so he sat up to try and seize the fit. Harry placed a hand gently on Eggsy's back while the coughing came to a stop. "Thanks, 'arry."
"Are you alright?" Harry's hand remained on his partner's back.
"Yeah, must've breathed in wrong or somethin'. But anyway, that's about all I remember. Parking near the van and getting out of the cabbie, and then nothing. I woke up this morning and saw you sleeping. I'm pretty shaken up to be honest." Eggsy started to lean over as if someone softly pushed him. Harry gripped his shoulders and put his face in Eggsy's view, "Eggsy? What's wrong? Eggsy?" Harry gave him a gentle shake. Eggsy's eyes started to drip as he replied, "Yeah, yeh. Just-tired."
Harry gently laid Eggsy back down on his pillow. He had no choice now, he needed to end whoever hurt Eggsy. He needed to not only for Eggsy's sake, but now his own.
Harry Hart was no more, Agent Galahad was now on the move. With deadly intent, he sprang out onto the London streets to gather as much information as he could. Every alley way, every cracked window, every small shop and every resident he encountered. Everyone was a suspect. Galahad located the parking space where Eggsy scoped out the van. It was a quiet little street with shops and cafes. Nothing looked out of the ordinary, but that didn't mean he could let his guard down. He sat on a bench just outside of a cozy breakfast cafe on the opposite side of the street. He waited for what seemed like a eon, the sky was getting dark and there was a chance of rain showers. Galahad started to grow angry although he didn't express it.
He was just about to head back to the tailor shop when a rugged and scraped up black van reeled into a vacant parking space, just under a lamp post. Galahad could feel a wave of thrill seep over him, this was the moment he's been waiting for. He sprang to his feet and opened his black sleek umbrella casually. At this moment, four men in blue jumpsuits scattered out of the van haphazardly. Each one started to load the van with crates just hidden in an alleyway. They seemed frantic and sloppy. How could they get the upper hand on Eggsy?, he pondered. The men were average heights with little muscle definition. Eggsy could easily take them out, but why hadn't he? Just as Galahad started to figure it out, everything went black.
The bright lights of the medical wing could be compared to hearing the sound of a rooster, but for your eyes. Eggsy had never been in this much pain, and he's had his fair share of violent combat. Everything hurt, some places more than others. He scanned his body without moving, and found the source of the sharp throbbing feeling. A stab wound to his mid torso, just missing his ribs. He could feel stitches and a patch over the wound. Just as he was about to rip over the bandage, he realized he was alone. Harry wasn't in his chair, and Whiskey wasn't by the monitors. This bothered Eggsy, he hated being out of the loop. He decided he's rested enough. Sitting up slowly didn't help the pain, it simply sent shock waves all throughout Eggsy's body. He gritted his teeth and continued to sit up. Once his back was straight, he sent both legs over the side of the bed and descended to the floor. Hitting the floor was the second most painful experience, his entire body weight landed right on his stab wound on his ribs.
"FUCK!" echoed from his raspy pipes all throughout the medical wing. Just as it stopped, Agent Whiskey burst through the double doors to Eggsy's room.
"What happened?!" She lashed out as her vision caught on Eggsy's shaking body on the floor next to the bed. "Eggsy? Are you alright?" She rushed over to help him up.
"Yeah, yeah. Sorry about that. Thanks." He felt bad for putting almost all his weight on Whiskey, but it was the only way he could regain a sit on the bed. "Thanks again."
Agent Whiskey nodded, "It's nice to see you're awake. Do you mind lifting up your shirt? I need to check if you tore the stitches." She was already in the process of doing so before Eggsy had a say. He didn't mind of course, Agent Whiskey always had a steady hand and a good eye for medical attention.
"Where's Harry?" Eggsy asked as Whiskey replaced his old bandage. He had no reason to believe that Harry was in trouble. Just because he wasn't by Eggsy's side, doesn't mean he's dead. For he knew, Harry could be sipping tea by a fire in the tailor shop. Eggsy relaxed at the thought.
Once Agent Whiskey was finished wrapping Eggsy's bandages in silence, she sighed, "He told me not to tell you." She knew she had to tell Eggsy, his expression was desperate and confused, "Galahad ran off to investigate the last place you remember being. Something about the guys in blue and a van."
"When was that exactly?" Eggsy tried to control his frustration in his voice, but it proved more difficult than he thought. Whiskey informed him of when Harry left and his location. She didn't approve of Eggsy going out to look for his partner, but she couldn't stop him. If Harry was in trouble, Eggsy wasn't too far behind.
Once Eggsy had located the very same area he was attacked, and the last known location of Harry Hart, he scanned the area with his glasses. Nothing. Just the usual shopping crowd and the occasional biker. Dammit, where could he have gone off to? Eggsy could feel an uneasy pit nesting in his stomach. His vision started to weaver as he leaned himself on a street lamp. A million words were racing through his mind. None of them were pleasant. Just as he thought he was going to pass out, a shade of blue caught his eye. He glanced in an alleyway where three men dressed in blue were rushing in a black van.
"Whiskey, are you seeing this?" Eggsy gripped his glasses that zoomed in on his targets.
"That has to be the same men who almost killed you, be careful Eggsy. They probably have Galahad. I'll run their plates." Whiskey chimed, Eggsy could hear excitement in her voice.
He on the other hand, was feeling something far from excitement. He didn't care what shape he was in, he would find Harry.
He crept closer, stumbling a bit, to the van parked outside of a warehouse that blended in with everything else. The three blue dressed men causally went inside. Eggsy made his way to the entrance where he covered his face with his sleeve, and bursted through the door. Pulling out his firearm, and keeping his other arm over his face, he glanced around the building. Completely open, full of crates and stairs up to the planks above, he spotted the men who quickly reacted to his arrival.
"I thought you said he was dead!" One shouted to the other as he grabbed the nearest assault rifle.
"He's about to be dead permanently this time!" All three men sprang into action against Eggsy. He took a dive behind some crates, grabbed a grenade from his coat pocket and chucked it. Once the explosion started to clear, he leaped out from his cover and shot all three men who were too dazed to respond. Eggsy dusted off his suit as he heard Whiskey's voice chime.
"Eggsy, I got a read on those plates. The men belong to an organization that deals with underground drug trafficking. Their symbol is a blue donkey, it can be found on multiple buildings around London. The last time they were seen was 5 years ago. They robbed a bank and escaped arrest. They sound like big shots to me. Did you locate Galahad?"
Eggsy didn't care about the details of these blue jackasses, he was zoned out for most of what Whiskey was saying, but snapped out of it at the mention of Harry. "No, not yet. I'll keep you updated, Agent Whiskey."
"Please do."
Eggsy roamed the warehouse, checking boxes and crates alike for any signs. It was way too easy taking out those guys, which worried him. There would most likely be more heading this way. Just as he was about to exit the warehouse to do a perimeter sweep, one of the crates just feet in front of him started to glow.