Bane was getting angrier. The Avengers have joined Captain America's crusade to reclaim the city. It was Gotham all over again. Eclypsa was on her toes constantly and the stress was wearing her thin. She hoped against hope that the Avengers were winning and one day, she would be free.
Walking out into the cool night air, she noticed a woman with hair the color of blood was sitting in her spot on the roof. She paused, unsure whether the woman was friend or foe. The woman stood and in a low throaty voice, she said, "I'm a friend. My name is Natasha and I'm with Captain America. We got your note, Dr. Delalune and Cap really wants to meet the Soldier in person. Privately."
Eclypsa took a deep breath, maybe, just maybe, this was a step towards her freedom. She nodded, "Yes, James would like to talk to the Captain. Just one on one, no weapons. No backup." Natasha frowned, "That's not possible I'm afraid, we don't know what the Soldier is capable of if the memories come back and he's not able to deal with them."
Eclypsa shook her head vigorously, "Don't patronize me. I know very well that Captain America can take care of himself. James only tried to kill him because he was ordered to. This is going to be of his free will." Eclypsa knew about this woman, this master assassin was dangerous, briefly she wondered if she was pushing her luck.
Natasha smiled, "Well, it's nice to see that you have his back. Well tell him that in 3 days, Cap wants to meet him in the Smithsonian." Eclypsa nodded, deciding quickly that Natasha was trustworthy for now. The woman turned to leave but Eclypsa stopped her.
"Is the fight for DC almost over? How far along are you guys?" She whispered. Natasha cocked her head and said, "I don't want to raise your hopes but I think we are close. Soon, we'll take back the city."
Hope rose in Eclypsa's breast, "Is there anything I can do to help? I know quite a bit about Bane's operations!" Natasha gave her a sharp look, "How?! We have been searching for any information about his plans and anything about him." Eclypsa gave her a sad smile, "I've been here since the beginning of the invasion. It's been almost a year and a half, he's kept me because I can stitch up his men and over time, he's come to spend time with me and trust me." At Natasha's scrutinizing gaze, Eclypsa quickly responded, "I'm not attached to him at all! I don't have any feelings for him but I understand if you don't trust me."
Natasha nodded slowly then grinned, "I trust you, you're the type that Steve is always fighting for. The feisty ones with principles. I don't think you handle cages well. Alright, if you have any information write it down and tie it to a rock. Then throw it off the building." Eclypsa's brow furrowed, "How are you going to find it? This is too high up, the trajectory could make that rock land anywhere!" Natasha laughed, "Let me worry about that. You take care, keep your head down and be patient. I'll try to keep in touch."
Natasha leapt off the building and disappeared into the night.