~Chapter 11: It's Just Business

Demonman and Suki stood in the center of the Star Hill Area, surprised to see that the E.N.D. personnel had already left. All the computers and machines that had once crowded the area where gone. Nothing remained of the organizations presence, yet still it felt as though someone was watching them.

So far the search for any sign of Specter, or his virus lackeys, had turned up negative. The Net had returned to normal, and many where glad that the viruses had left.

"No sign of anyone…" Demonman said, his voice echoing throughout his body.

Demonman was not much more than a suit of armor, his head, arms, and legs slightly detached from his body. The entire form was held together by an eerie blue flame, but despite his dark appearance he was really a kindhearted soul.

"It's just a little too quiet around here…" Suki said, glancing around the area for any sign of life.

Suki looked much like a normal version of a navi, slightly based off of Megaman's design. Her body was a gentle cream color, while her armor was a deep green. She may look innocent, but she was strong in her own way.

The pair walked forward, toward a large fountain in the center of the area. They could remember seeing footage of Megaman's arrival at Star Hill, to enroll in the tournament. The area then had been full of life, and sparkling happy stars as well. But now, since the fall of Dark Aero, the area had fallen into ruin. In two years the area had become neglected, and many never ventured into it.

Rumors had spread that the spirits of the navis defeated during the tournament haunted the Star Hill area, which kept most of the citizens out. Only a few walked the halls of the area, and they only came for a brief moment before leaving as fast as they could.

The fountain that had once flowed with pristine blue water was empty now. The gentle little programs, called Storas, that had helped to keep the area running and safe where no more. No longer did they dance around the fountain, singing their songs and helping the guests find their way. It was a shame really, that the area had fallen to this as it did. It, at its creation, had been a fun place to stay.

The two navis where lost in memory, and jumped at a sudden sound behind them. Turning quickly they saw a purple kitten smiling up at them.

Suki smiled, kneeling toward it.

Lucia and Tyrell's image appeared on a small screen above the two navis, both of them smiling slightly at the small kitten.

"Aww! It's so cute!" Lucia said, looking to Tyrell, who just smirked and turned away.

"Hey there, are you lost or something?" she asked, the cat brushing up against her leg.

Demonman smiled slightly. It had always been a secret, but he really liked cats.

The purple cat turned away from the group and ran toward the edge of the area, a large star sitting at the very edge of the path. Once it got there it sat down, and turned toward the two navis, meowing to them.

Suki turned to Demonman. "Do you think it wants us to follow it?"

"…I don't know, but let's find out." He said, moving toward the cat.

"Be careful Demonman…I'm getting a bad feeling about this…" Tyrell said, being the only one to put a damper on things.

The cat seemed to smile when they moved to it, and it pushed against the large star. The star opened, revealing that it was actually a door. The navis followed the cat through the door, and then down a long hallway.

At the end of the hall they opened another door, and where shocked to see themselves standing in a very familiar area…they were standing in the center of the old Dark Aero area. The entire Dark Aero Network had been destroyed during the final battle with Iblis. Thanks to the use of the Control System, Megaman tossed Iblis into the core of the area, and the energy overload destroyed the entire complex, yet here they stood, in the very same area.

"How? This place was destroyed!" Demonman said, gasping as he looked around the area to see that navis in black uniforms still walked its halls.

There was a cackle of laughter behind the two navis, and they turned to see the cat burst into light and stand upright. When the light died away a female navi stood before them, laughing.

"The look on your face is absolutely priceless." She said, stepping toward the navis.

Suki looked the navi up and down. "Who are you?"

"My name is Pluto, I'm a member of your Masters new organization."

Demonman chuckled. "Then you are just as much a fool as we had been. Kane is mad!"

Pluto's smile fell quickly. "How dare you speak of him like that! Of course, you're not really that far off. My brothers and I are only working for the man because Specter told us to."

"So you work for Specter? I thought Kane controlled Specter." Tyrell said, staring directly at the purple navi.

Pluto burst into laughter. "Oh my dear, you are sadly mistaken if you think a stupid HUMAN orders my Master around. Specter is only using Kane to help his own cause."

The two friends glanced at one another, before looking back at Pluto. "Who's running this, Kane or Specter?"

Pluto opened her mouth to speak, but quickly shut it, growling at the two navis. "I've said too much already! But it won't matter, you are not going to be able to help your friends."

"And why not?" Suki asked.

Pluto smiled. "Because…you two aren't going to be seeing them again…ever."

Two black navis walked up and grabbed Demonman and Suki on the shoulders. The duo tried to move, but the navis grip was too much.

"Let them go!" Lucia yelled, being greeted with nothing but laughter from Pluto.

The purple navi stepped toward them, extending her fingernails like claws.

"As I said, you won't be seeing them again. It's nothing personal, it's just business."