Chapter Text
Eclipse dashes down a nearby alleyway, her chest heaving from the exertion. She's being followed, she knows she is. Even if she can't hear the man's footsteps, the shadows tell her he's steadily gaining.
Ordinarily she would dive into a shadow to make her escape, but tonight she had the misfortune of running into Eraserhead, her current pursuer. If she were to actually attempt such an easy escape, the Pro would easily shut down the attempt and use the opportunity to catch her.
So for now, she needs to run. Run for the hills, as fast and as far as her legs will carry her. However, she can feel her stamina start to flag. Her reliance on shortcuts is coming back to bite her in the form of the most intense cardio she's ever had.
He's close enough to hear his footsteps now, and that sends a wave of anxiety up Eclipse's spine. Getting caught means it's all over for her, essentially a death sentence. She can never let that happen.
Now that he's close enough, Eraserhead goes on the offensive, using his Capture Scarf in an attempt to subdue Eclipse. However, the Vigilante had expected that, deftly dodging out of the way in a roll that lands her just barely out of Eraserhead's sight.
Before either can attempt to continue the fight, a shot rings out. The bullet barely grazes Eraserhead's cheek, but the message is clear. Go home.
Using Eraserhead's distracted state, Eclipse dives into a nearby shadow and emerges on a nearby rooftop where she finds the mysterious sniper. One of her favorite Heroes, Lady Nagant. Although now, she's acting as a Vigilante instead of a Hero.
Well, this should certainly be an interesting conversation.
Eclipse can feel a smirk growing under her mask, "Nagant? Didn't know you operated down here. Any particular reason you're helping little old me?"
The former Pro Hero chuckles, "I just saw you needed help. You're Eclipse, right?"
Eclipse gives the other woman an exaggerated bow, "The one and only. Now, what can Musutafu's premier Vigilante do for one of your status?"
That gets a snort out of Nagant, "Laying it on a bit thick there, aren't you?"
Eclipse shrugs, "Maybe. Though, can you blame me for being excited to meet one of my favorite Heroes?"
Nagant's eyes go wide, "Favorite? Why would someone like me be your favorite? A real Hero's hands wouldn't be anywhere near as bloodstained as mine..."
Eclipse moves closer and prods Nagant's forehead, a pout evident in her voice as she speaks, "Don't talk down on yourself like that. You did your best with what you were given, and you've still saved a lot of people. Hell, you're still doing it now even after the HPSC denounced you. You're my favorite Hero, and nothing will change that."
Nagant is stunned. She can't believe that even after everything she's done there's still someone that believes in her. She smiles softly, gently taking one of Eclipse's hands into both of her own.
"Thank you, Eclipse. You have no idea how much hearing that means to me..."
Eclipse's brain short-circuits, going into full gay panic mode. Pretty woman, holding her hand, smiling at her... She's glad she chose to wear a mask, because otherwise Nagant would be able to see the fact her face is roughly the color of a rose in bloom.
Clearing her throat, Eclipse manages to regain control of herself, "Of course, it's the least I can do after what you've done for everyone, myself included."
Nagant blinks in surprise, "I've helped you before? And it doesn't sound like you mean as a Hero in general... The tone of your voice tells me this is a specific incident..."
Eclipse chuckles, "Oops, said too much. Not that it really matters though, I don't particularly care if you're the one to hear this. To make a long story short, you have saved me specifically before, back when you were still a UA student. That left quite the impact on me, and it's why I do what I do. Originally I was going to become a Hero, but after seeing how easily the HPSC turned on you... I was more than happy to follow your example and become a Vigilante."
Nagant frowns slightly, "I'm not sure how to feel about that... Vigilante is a much more dangerous career than Pro Hero..."
Eclipse hums, "Ms. Nagant, I'd rather that than support the HPSC. They're rotten to the core, and I won't support them."
Nagant snorts, "Ms. Nagant? I think I'd rather you call me Tsutsumi when we aren't working."
Eclipse freezes for a moment, warmth blossoming in her chest, "... You say that like you intend to meet up with me more..."
Nagant smirks, "I suppose I do. I'll be in Musutafu for the foreseeable future, so it shouldn't be that hard to run into each other again."
Eclipse's heart starts racing again. Oh god, she's going to be working with her favorite Hero? This is more than she ever could've hoped for! She's not sure her lesbian heart can take it!
Eclipse manages a response despite her state of mental disarray, "Sounds lovely. It's reassuring to have someone with your experience I can rely on."
Before she can continue, Eclipse's watch beeps. Checking it, she sees her self allotted patrol time is over. She's both angry and relieved. On the one hand, she really wants to spend more time with Nagant, but one the other she knows it's only a matter of time before she slips up and embarrasses herself in front on her biggest childhood crush (That she still can't let go of).
Eclipse sighs, "Well, would you look at the time? I have to get going, but it was wonderful to meet you properly. I'll see you around, Na-," she clears her throat and corrects herself, "Tsutsumi."
With that, she melts into a shadow and takes off into the night, still giddy from the meeting.
Meanwhile, Nagant is left smiling to herself, "Absolutely adorable. I'd forgotten what it was like to meet a real fan."
Nagant turns and leaves, not noticing that a certain Underground Pro had watched the entire exchange.