Harry and Merlin walked in silence as they made their way through the halls. As they rounded a corner, Harry saw Eggsy and Roxy standing outside of the meeting room, talking with each other. As they got closer, Harry felt a smile grow on his face as Eggsy turned to look at him, with a huge smile plastered across his face.
"Harry!" Eggsy shouted excitedly, while running up to meet him. He had his arms stretched open, almost as if he was going to hug him but stopped, shifting awkwardly on his feet while shoving his hands in his pockets. "It's bout time you showed up. Rox and I have been waiting ages for you."
Harry smiled back, "It's good to see you to Eggsy, and you as well Lancelot."
"Thank you Galahad, you too." Roxy gave him a small smile, holding her hands behind her back.
"ahem…" Merlin let out a cough from behind him. "If ya don't mind, we're late." Merlin gave Harry a pointed look, while walking past them, entering the meeting room. Eggsy and Roxy gave each other a sheepish look before quickly following after Merlin, Harry following them with a smile on his face.
As Harry walked into the room, he was unsurprised to find it empty, except for Percival, Lancelot, Merlin, Eggsy and himself. The others had sat themselves down around the rectangle shaped table, with Merlin at the head of it; his hands clasped together a serious look on his face. Percival and Lancelot sat on either side of him, with Eggsy sitting beside Lancelot.
Harry made his way over to the table, taking a seat beside Percival. Percival nodded his head at Harry as he sat down, his gaze moving up to the tiny scar on Harry's head, hidden just under his hairline.
"Good to see you Galahad. How's your head?"
"Good to see you as well Percival, my head is feeling much better, thank you."
"Ahem…Gentlemen…glasses if you'd please." Merlin interrupted, slightly annoyed. Harry nodded his head in acknowledgement as he put on his glasses. Immediately, the empty chairs around them, filled up with the other kingsman agents. Geraint, Leon, Gareth, Tristan, and Lucan; the only one missing is Gawain…To think…one of us will become the new head of Kingsman…"Gentlemen…" Merlin's smooth Scottish voice brought Harry out of his thoughts. "A…a lot has happened in the last two days…as you all know…Valentine created a plan to wipe out the human population with his free sim cards that emitted a frequency that caused uncontrollable aggression in people…" At those words, Eggsy and Harry exchanged a knowing look with each other, not noticing Merlin glancing at both of them. "…and if it wasn't for the bravery and courage of Eggsy and Lancelot, we would not be here today…" Harry couldn't help but smile as Eggsy let a triumphant smile grow across his face while Lancelot just nodded her head in acknowledgement, a slight blush appearing on her cheeks. Merlin let out a small sigh before continuing "…but as you all now know, just before Valentine's scheme…it was revealed that Arthur had betrayed us and joined Valentine. Which is what brings us all here today…" Merlin had a solemn look on his face as he gazed at every single kingsman agent around the table. "…It is time to decide who shall be the new head of Kingsman…to elect a new Arthur…"
"Well I think it should be Harry." Eggsy interrupted Merlin, with a proud look in eye. "Harry is brave, a skilled fighter, as well as calm and collected. I don't think I have come across another bloke as serious as he is. If anybody could run Kingsman he could and he'd do a bang up job at it."
"…Thank you for your input Eggsy…" Merlin cast an annoyed glance at him. "But we do not elect a new Arthur by shouting out who we think is best. First I shall ask who is interested in the position, then each shall make a case as to why they would make a good Arthur, and if they have the support of the rest of the agents, he or she shall be made the new head of Kingsman." Eggsy had an indignant look on his face as he crossed his arms and leaned back into his chair. "Now then, raise your hand if you'd like the position."
Harry glanced around the table, noting only Percival, Tristan, and Lucan had their hands up. As Harry turned to look at Eggsy, he saw a look of bewilderment cross the boy's face. Ignoring him, Harry turned to look back at Merlin, who was about to speak when Eggsy cut him off.
"Oi, why don't ya have your hand up Harry? You'd make the best Arthur!"
Harry let out a small sigh, staring Eggsy straight in the eye. "Look Eggsy, I am flattered you think so highly of me, but I am not the one for the job. I prefer to be out in the field to do my job. Not stuck behind a desk…no offense Merlin." Harry offered Merlin an apologetic smile, while Merlin just raised his eyebrow at him.
"But ya don't have to be behind the desk! You can be the first Arthur to go out in the field and take action!"
"And how do you suppose I do that Eggsy? The role of Arthur is to run Kingsman and look after its agents. How do I do that if I am out in the field worrying about my own mission."
"Well you could have Merlin do your job while your gone. Besides, isn't what you just said his job anyway?"
"Eggsy has a point Galahad," Lancelot spoke up from beside Eggsy. "You are patient, observant, and efficient."
"I appreciate your input Lancelot, but those qualities you listed are qualities every other agent in this room has as well. Now please respect my decision to not go for the position of Arthur." Harry paused for a moment before turning to Merlin. "I am sorry for the interruption Merlin. Please continue."
"Thank you Galahad." Merlin paused to glare at Eggsy for a moment, while Eggsy looked on in disbelief, before continuing. "Percival, Tristan and Lucan; you have all volunteered for the position of Arthur. Please take your turns stating why you would like the position, Percival…you may go first."
Percival nodded his thanks, standing up from his chair. "What happened over the past couple days was unbelievable and the fact that Chester King betrayed us is even more so. But I believe what this event has taught us is that times are changing and we need to adapt with that change. I know Galahad does not wish to become the new Arthur, but he has ideals that I believe will help change Kingsman for the better. For starters, introducing more young blood into this organization. I do not mean young in age, I mean young in mind. We need people who are familiar with new culture, not people who are stuck in the past. As I have heard Galahad say, 'there is a reason we've developed weak chins.' And I for one would like to make sure Kingsman is still around in years to come, and to do that, I believe we need to make changes, changes Chester King was not willing to make." Percival sat back down, giving a slight smile to Harry before turning back to Merlin, his face serious again.
I always knew Percival didn't quite agree with how Chester ran Kingsman, but I never guessed he agreed with my point of view. Perhaps I should talk to the fellow more; maybe there are other things we might agree on. Harry watched as Merlin inclined his head towards Tristan, letting him know it was his turn to speak. The blonde haired man nodded his head in acknowledgement, and moved to stand.
"I personally agree with Percival." Tristan began, casting his gaze over everyone at the table. "Although, I believe we need to be careful about who we let into Kingsman. I'm all for involving people with new ideals, but they should also be open to our old ways as well. If I were to become the new Arthur, I would be sure to make sure the organization remains efficient and organized, and would do my very best to make sure the world and our agents remain safe." Tristan quietly sat back down, glancing a Merlin who hand his hands clasped together, resting on the table. Harry looked to his right to see Lucan was already standing; his hands clasped together behind his back, as he cast his cold green gaze over everyone. Harry felt his muscles tense a little as he observed Lucan glance longer at Eggsy. Apparently Eggsy noticed as well, because he was glaring right back at the man.
"I am not so sure…" Lucan began, "introducing people with new ideals is the best idea for Kingsman. They would never belong here; we are properly educated, polite, and mature. We have traditions and standards to uphold and although Chester lost sight on how to up hold those standards, I agree with how he ran Kingsman."
"Pssh…"
Harry inwardly cringed at the sound the boy across from him made. Not now Eggsy…
"Excuse me? You have a problem with what I said young man?" Lucan glared at the boy who was sitting a couple chairs down from him. Eggsy stood up and returned the glare.
"Eggsy leave it be." Lancelot tried to pull Eggsy back down into his chair but he shrugged her off.
"Aye, you bet I do. Anyone who agrees with a traitor is a wanker."
"Eggsy that's enough! Sit back down!" Harry interrupted with a firm voice.
"No Galahad, let the boy fight his own battles. I for one wonder what he's even doing here in the first place. He isn't a Kingsman Agent."
Harry felt his body tense at the words, but forced himself to calm down. The words were meant to rile up Eggsy not me. Hopefully Eggsy remembers to not take the bait…
"Not an agent?" Apparently not… " I don't recall you helping to put a stop in Valentine's plans! That's because you weren't, you were off going crazy like the others and using your training to slaughter innocent people!"
Instantly the mood in the room dropped, and Harry felt the hairs on his skin stand up as he recalled that horrible day at the church. Flashes of blood and sounds of screams filled his senses, and he scrunched his eyes shut to try and block out the images that were consuming him.
"Oh shit Harry…I'm sorry…"
"Are ye al'ight Galahad?"
Harry opened his eyes to see the concerned looks of his friends staring at him. Straightening up in his chair, while fixing his tie, Harry flashed them a small smile. "I'm quite alright everyone, please let's stop this arguing. Eggsy sit back down before you make your self look like even more of a fool and Lucan, as an agent of Kingsman you should no better than to antagonize people after all 'There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. ' " To Harry's pleasure, Eggsy had the decency to look ashamed as he sat back down, Lucan on the other hand looked slightly miffed at being put in his place but quietly sat back down in his chair. "Sorry about the Merlin, please continue."
"Thank you Galahad. Now we shall vote. For those who wish for Lucan to be the new Arthur, raise your hand." Harry watched, slightly disappointed, as Gareth and Geraint, raised their hands. "Okay, now for Tristan." Only Leon raised his hand for Tristan. I bet Gawain would have raised his hand had he still been with us. "Okay and last of all, Percival." Harry, along with Merlin, Eggsy and Lancelot, all raised their hands. "Alright then it's settled, Percival shall become the new Arthur." Everyone began to clap in applause as Percival and Merlin stood to take each others seats.
"Thank you…" Percival, now known as Arthur, began. "I promise I shall run Kingsman to the best of my abilities. But now that I am Arthur, someone needs to take my place as Percival." Arthur turned to look at Eggsy, who now sat straighter in his chair. Harry smiled with pride as he knew what was about to happen next. "Eggsy, because of your bravery and dedication to Kingsman as well as the protection of human life, I would like to officially welcome you to the ranks of Kingsman as the new Percival." A huge smile spread across Eggsy's face as he looked from Arthur to Harry to Lancelot and back.
"Thank you sir, I promise I won't let you down."
"I'll be sure to hold you to that promise." Merlin said, a smirk slowly growing on his face.
Harry smiled proudly at Eggsy, as he turned to glance at the other members. They all seemed quite happy, except for Lucan, who just leaned back in his chair and watching the moment quietly. Hmmm…I hope he won't be a bother…even if he is, Eggsy can handle himself.
"Now…" Arthur began once again, "There are other matters to attend to. In the chaos of Valentine's plan, we lost an agent. I'm sure you have all notice Gawain isn't here with us, but we shall honor him in a toast." Arthur reached out to grab the glass in front of him, filled with liquor, and so did the other members in the room. "To Gawine…"
"To Gawain…" Harry and the others repeated as they downed their drinks.
"We shall need a replacement for Gawain as soon as possible. But I understand in these difficult times, finding a replacement may be difficult so I shall give you all a week to find somebody. Report back here in one weeks time and we shall begin the selection process. You are all dismissed."
Harry took off his glasses, and instantly the other agents disappeared, leaving only Arthur, Merlin, Lancelot, Percival and himself in the room. Arthur and Merlin nodded to everyone as the stood to leave the room talking to each other. Harry noticed Eggsy, or Percival, smiling broadly at him, looking like a kid getting to go to the candy store.
"Can ya believe it H'rry. I'm officially an agent! To be honest I was thinking I'd be taking over for you after I thought you were…you know…" Eggsy gave Harry an awkward shrug of his shoulders.
"It's quite alright Eggsy, in your position I would have thought the same thing." Harry smiled reassuringly at him.
Eggsy and Roxy shared a look before Eggsy turned back to Harry. "Umm…Harry, I was wondering…why did you not want to become the new Arthur."
"I was wondering as well, I would have thought after the incident at the church, you would prefer to be out of the field."
Harry gave them a small smile, "Well you see, the memory of what I did will always be ingrained in my mind. If I were to be here all day, I would sure to be bored at one point or another, allowing my mind to wander and think back to that horrible day. I would much rather be on the field where I can keep myself distracted."
"But with all due respect sir, wouldn't that make you compromised? If you were out in the field, what if something triggered your memory and you were unable to preform your duties?"
"Well if it comes to that Lancelot, Merlin and I will handle it. It's not yours or Eggsy's concern."
Eggsy and Lancelot shared an unconvinced look but let the matter drop.
"Well if ya need anything Harry, Rox and I will be around here."
Harry watched as the two stood to leave, walking side by side out of the room, leaving Harry deep in thought about the conversation they just had.
Sorry for the wait guys. I had to do a little research on names for the knights of the round table.
Also, every time I went to write something, I ended up not liking it and starting over. I hope you enjoyed this; the next chapter will be from Alex's point of you again, when that will be up I have no idea but I do hope you are all still interested in reading it.
Hope you all had a great weekend!
