The Archer's Revenge by Glenna Meredith (G)

[carabele.livejournal.com]

Fandom: THE MAN FROM U.N.C.L.E.
Pairing: None
Length: approx 6,000 words
Author on LJ: glennagirl
Author Website: MFU Archive
Why this must be read: When is a mission not truly a mission? When it is simply an enemy's chosen means of personal vengeance.

In this hurt/comfort story, Illya is the target of an enemy who brings Thrush into the mix of seeking personal revenge. So Napoleon becomes part of that mix as well. With no real memory of what exactly happened, the two men find themselves in an abandoned cabin. Illya is seriously hurt and Napoleon has no immediate means of contacting help. As memory of what happened prior to this moment returns, will the reality of what was the true reason behind the situation become apparent and thus provide a logical means to overcome the current somewhat dire circumstances?

When he had finished bandaging, he eased his partner back down onto the cot. Illya slept for several hours, his groans evidence of the pain that still plagued him. The one thing missing from their hideout was a supply of painkillers. That seemed odd, considering how well stocked it appeared to be. He was grateful for what they did have, however, and determined that his stubborn friend would never yield to the pain if he were conscious.

"Let him groan. It probably helps".

The thought escaped his lips as he sat at the window, watching the sun setting beyond the marshy coastline. If the circumstances were different, this might be a pleasant place to spend a few days. He even considered that he would enjoy spending the time with Illya, getting to know the enigmatic Russian a little better. After several years as partners, he still had very little information about the man's past, and sometimes, he thought, even less about his life in America. Still, there was no doubt that they worked well together, and had formed a bond that few agents enjoyed.

A phrase or proverb...something he had heard years ago in church, he thought...came to mind.

"Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend".

That certainly sounded like the two of them; the wit and intellect of one constantly challenged the other to keep up, to remain in step. They had found a relationship that mirrored that proverb, and he could think of numerous times when Illya's quick witted and clever response to a situation had saved them both. He liked to believe the same would be said of his own actions. They made a good team, and the number of successes to their credit continually validated Mr. Waverly's decision to pair them up in the field.

Now, as he watched this iron sharp man lying in the shadows of twilight, fighting back the pain of his most recent encounter with the enemy, Napoleon was grateful to the old man for his decision. In spite of everything that might have led to disaster, they had overcome obstacles of culture and philosophy and reached a common ground on which UNCLE and the partnership guided them.

This unlikely pairing had produced more than a partnership. Friendship was the anchor now that held them safe in the perilous waters into which they so often traveled. Sacrifice had become a part of their vocabulary, and a willingness to do whatever it took for the sake of protecting the other man overwhelmed the enemy constantly; their heroics now a result of a vehement determination to not be defeated. It was good to be feared, and even better to always succeed in fulfilling the dread they instilled in those who would try and rule the world at their expense.

As the effects of the drugs wore off completely and they regained their memories, the details of this affair, like so many others, would be filed away before embarking on something new. That was a constant in the lives of UNCLE agents.

The Archer's Revenge