Be Steel My Heart

By RocketFAN

Chapter three: Matters of the heart

"It's good to see you again, Hun," Professor Shiranui told her as she and Attila approached him. "And you as well, Attila," he said to the large man beside her.

"Likewise professor," Hun replied as she folded her arms.

"Giovanni tells me that you've accomplished quite a great deal since our last meeting," Professor Shiranui said to the pair.

"I suppose you could say that," Hun said as she and Attila stood before him in their black uniforms, symbolizing them as Class "A" members. This was the second time they sported them since they had become a team. They were demoted back to class "B" members a year and a half later and were re-promoted six months ago.

"I have a special assignment for the two of you," the professor continued. "There have been sightings of a very unusual phenomenon taking place over the Cerulean city area. It appears that strange ice clouds have been forming. According to DNA samples collected over the area, the ice formations are from the wings of an Articuno. No sightings of the Pokemon have been reported, but we are certain that it will be back," he explained in his calm, even tone.

"Sound intriguing, as long as it's not a wild Farfetch!d chase," Hun replied with a raised eyebrow.

"We have prepared a base camp for you on the outskirts of town. Articuno is rumored to appear to those who seemed doomed. So we have arranged a little "re-enactment" around carefully placed nets and high-tech sensors. And you're going to be the one to help us, Hun," the professor explained with a small smile.

"Well, I wouldn't say I'm much of an actress, professor," Hun said flatly with a hint of laughter in her soft voice.

"Well, that won't be a problem, my dear. As long as Articuno thinks you're in danger," the professor replied. His fondness for Hun evident in his voice and smile. Attila seemed irritated at the professor's flirting with his partner. Over the last two years, he and she had become very close friends.

"We'll do our best, sir," Attila said while stepping between Hun and the professor to stop their subtle flirting back and forth.

"That's all I ask," Professor Shiranui said while showing them to their transportation.

"This is nice," Attila said as the settled into their camper that was set up for them. It had a large "R" on the side, symbolizing it was part of Team Rocket's arsenal of vehicles. Hun sat on the bed with a deep sigh. "Are you okay, Hun?" Attila asked her as he noticed she was breathing a little hard.

"Yeah . . . I'm just tired," she replied breathlessly. Her face was paler than usual and she was starting to sweat profusely.

"Hun? What's wrong?" Attila asked her more concerned as he sat down next to her and felt her head. "You don't have a fever," he said as she started breathing very heavily.

"I... I... can't breathe . . . ," Hun said shakily as she fell back against him and gasped for air.

"Hun!" Attila cried as Hun went limp in his arms.

A/N: Oooooooo . . . cliff hanger