A barista was currently brewing orders. It was rush hour and the blonde was trying his best to remain calm. As much as he loved this job, it did come with some downsides. Some many customers and so little staff. It was a shame really. He brushed some loose strands back behind his ear, gently feeling the studs pierced.

"Seems like things are starting to die down. Thank the powers above for that." One of his co-workers named Fumiki stated below her breathe, thanking a customer as they walked to wait for their order. "Things are crazy around here."

"You said it." He smirked, muttering it under his breath as he finished the last of the order he had. He held the two cups up, looking for the name scrawled on in big black marker. "Habiki!"

He saw a young man coming up, dark green hair who smiled. This was the customer; one who was thankfully not on his phone. It would be so annoying to yell out again. Many people these days were locked onto screens.

"Here you go, sir. Have a nice day!" The blonde waved before turning back to post. There he saw another one of his coworkers come from the back.

"Naomi! Just the guy I wanted to see." The blonde turned around. "I can take over; your break was supposed to start ten minutes ago?"

"Was it?" Naomi scratched his chin a bit. "Sorry, guess I forgot with how much Fumiki needed assistance. Are you sure you can cover it?"

"Yes! So go ahead and take your break before Boss finds out. You know how he feels when you're working overtime!" The blonde was pushed to the employee's only area.

Naomi sighed, fixing his apron before walking over to the small breakroom. It was barely and minimalistic. Had the basic necessities to be passable, but it worked. Nobody really complaining with how the outward appearance of Fable Corner was. Besides, he could always change and sit down in the front. It was apart of the job if the place wasn't overflowing. Though the rush over dictated that he remain in the small room. Not that he minded. In fact, this was a perfect chance to look over something.

Getting out his cellphone, he scrolled through his contacts until he found the number in question. He pressed the call button and waited for an answer.

A click on the other side confirmed his thoughts. This was a perfect chance to make a joke. "Hey, guess who's finally been released from rush over prison?"

A female laughed a bit on the other end. "Is that how you're greeting me? I thought you have better manners."

"What can I say? My job means a lot to me. Even if Rush hour, it feels like I'm working at a prison."

"Right, like you even have to work. Your family runs the place, idiot." Naomi placed a hand on his chest, feinting an attack.

"Oh, how you wound my heart. Whatever am I ever to do?"

"Maybe something about that Solarflare mad." He tensed up, hearing the Duelist's name.

"Did something happen with him?"

"Of course." He could hear her annoyance on the other end. "Apparently, we got the news that somebody broke into a secured - formerly secured and encrypted - database looking for something. And whatever was inside broke out. It was connected to Link VRAINS, so SOL is trying to cover it up. But everyone on the flip side knows that Solarflare is the only likely to have broken through."

"And idea what he was looking for?"

"Not entirely sure, but I did get something. The database, while not directly connected to the SOL Data Bank itself, was a hibernate, old and lost one from a former competitor of SOL Technologies: LUNAR Industries."

"LUNAR Industries…"

Naomi was familiar with the name of LUNAR Industries. It went bankrupt and split nearly five years ago. A scandal involving bribes, conspiracies, and other terrible things caused it to crumble. But before that, they were also developing a rival system to that of Link VRAINS. Though it was nothing compared to the other research LUNAR had under its belt. LUNAR Industries was responsible for some of the advancements of Duel Disk Technology and medical advancements. Though, most of that soon was bought out by SOL when LUNAR fell under.

But to think that Solarflare would go so far to break into a former database once owned LUNAR Industries - now owned by SOL Technologies - to find something. He was aware of the many speculations that are LUNAR as a whole. If he was connected… he lingered on that idea.

"Yo! As your buzzing off again?" He was brought back by the call, shaking his head and jolting back to awareness.

"Solarflare… does he have a connection to LUNAR Industries?"

"How should I know? All I know is that Bishop and Rook decided to pin a bounty on his head. They want to keep this on the down-low though. Don't want a headline with both Rosebud and Playmaker clogged up by another rogue hacker."

His eyes widen at the first name spoken. "Wait, did you just say Rosebud?"

"You haven't heard? Have you been to the shop for that long? Some footage surfaced of her dueling Nero. Been blowing up as of late. I'll send you a link. Watch it after work. But that's all the news I got on my end. Make sure to pass it along to your group. Nobody on the flipside is happy about the current state of things."

The female hung up, leaving Naomi alone in the silent breakroom. All he could do was bring a hand to his face and rub the bridge of his nose.

This was not going to be good, would it?

Solarflare could feel the growing pit of rage deep inside of him. His eyes focused on the pinned announcement plastered by both Bishop and Rook for his arrest. But it was not just that. He had pulled up some of the footage of Rosebud's Duel with Nero. Why, oh why did it choose to confine itself in her? Had he done something wrong? Why were things like so… so… skittish. All he wanted was to rip out Nero's guts and let it all burn.

He could feel Photon clicking in agreement; his dragon itching to their right through digital flesh and strike fear into its foes. Yet it was nearly impossible now. Not with the restrictions Link VRAINS put on all its users. So annoying.

His current base was locked off, far and entangled for even SOL to detect his location. Both his dragons were prowling. Photon hanging out while his own Solarflare took off, probably burning off steam for not having any battles today. Clawing of the false rocks by Galaxy-Eyes filled the room.

"Both of you will have your chance to fight soon enough. I can't risk it right now. Not until I can ensure Rosebud's entrance." He stated, feeling the surge of anger both his dragons pulsating in his mind. "And I won't forgive either of you if another Tear happens. We already caused enough damage here. Don't make it worse."

A ringing starting to rise as he sensed something of the outside world. Overpowering both his dragon's noises as the vision around him flickered to a view of reality. A view of an urban park, brick, and concrete covering the ground while trees sprouted for designated circles. Peaceful, average day area of Den City.

"Damn this... " He held his head in pain, a headache starting to come.

A growing growl crawled its way up his throat. A feral reaction to seeing something so pristine. So happy. So perfect-!

His irises turned into slits. Burning an aura that dispelled the vision. Faintly he could hear both his dragons roaring. Distantly, he knew what kind of risk would be to burn away at coding. Solarflare needed to tread carefully. It took so long to make this server serviceable. And not just another damaged mess.

The voice of Rosebud brought him back. Eyes darting to the screen displaying her Duel. The Aromage user summoning the Link 3 Aromaseraphy Belladonna. In an instant, he felt Photon Dragon growling, angered at seeing the monster. He could sense the unnatural energy around that monster. A similar, leeching energy attached and draining Rosebud away. It was an unhealthy bond. That and the other energies lurking on Link VRAINS, waiting to strike from their chambers.

If he wanted to do something, he had to act fast. Otherwise, things could get dire very soon.

He wished he could get up and find her. But only through Link VRAINS. This was his best shot. Finding her in the real wouldn't work. Digging for a needle in a haystack would be counterproductive. Hopefully by defeating one of her Compendium members would bring her out. However, this new tactic by SOL was anything but planned. How they even located it and lured it to her was pissing him off. They had no idea. No idea on what it held.

Leaving it in the wrong hands would only spell disaster. One that he couldn't allow. And the entirety of Link VRAINS would pay should it be reawakened.

Nobody else should be brought back into that mess five years ago.

"To think Solarflare would once again escape. Bishop and Rook won't be happy about this." Siren scowled, sitting on a throne and sipping her wine. "His wings will soon be clipped. Just like how the thorns of the flower will soon be cut."

She sat upon her throne room, constructed of wood and stone of a tree. A fantastical tree castle where nature was left to flourish. Variety of avian life took root and nested in the building. All chirping happily or talking so gleefully. The Nest was a dedicated server she sought to protect.

Around were many of her darling chicks. Each one bearing a small feathery wristband, signaling their alliance. While they were her children in Siren's eyes, they all looked to her as the mother hen. Nobody would dare lay a finger on them. Unless you wish to face the fury of the Queen. It was very much this source of power that gave her some much of the community control of the private sector.

A dove flew down from above, carrying an olive branch. The natural green of her eyes changed to yellow, narrowing. She knew what the branch was. Finishing her drink, she placed it down on the tray of a willing chick.

"Take this back and inform anyone who needs me that I require some time to take flight I will be back some." The dove vanished, leaving the branch as a pair of white wings opened from her back.

Taking flight, she flew out from the throne room and into the air. From far away, the tree of the Nest was so much grander and larger than the other trees of the forest server. The perfect cover for her dear chicks.

Up and far away, the green-haired female stopped, resting far above the treeline as she rubbed the branch. Instantly, it became ash, swirling before forming the object of a chess piece - a bishop piece to be more precise.

"I see that something has happened beyond your control, Siren." The SOL executive bluntly stated. "I thought you were handling it."

"Well I was - I still am!" She snapped, before clearing her throat. "It is just that this Solarflare guy isn't like the others. Even with his Galaxy-Eyes Dragons; are you sure this isn't some employee or yours or Rook's going AWOL?"

"Do you honestly expect that of us? Why would risk our side of business by letting an employee burn off some steam? If his destructive pattern goes public then you are compromised. Just like with Rosebud."

The woman's eye twitched at the name. "Are you to be blamed on that girl?"

"We have no other leads at the moment. Playmaker has no ties directly to your side of the world. Rosebud would the only one available." She heard an audible sigh. "And here I thought you had plucked her offline for good."

"Rosebud would have no reason to side with either of those boys! Let me tell you one thing Bishop: If you so much as harm a hair on that girl-!"

"What would you do? Or better yet, what can you do? If you are forgetting, I hold power over all of you. It wouldn't take me a minute to expose all your crimes to the mass media. You have no power against me, Siren."

Siren did all she could to suppress her anger. Bishop had a point; she had nothing against the SOL executive. All she was had been because of Bishop's policy. In a sense, she was a contracted employee of SOL. She couldn't risk the fall of others connected to her. The Nest was too valuable. But if she had Bishop, she could confirm one thing with the leaked footage.

"...So that your plan? To leak the footage of Rosebud to fulfill your needs. I wouldn't be surprised if Queen gave you the order to do so."

Bishop didn't respond immediately. This was strange for Siren. Usually, Bishop could predict and respond to all her questions.

"What happened to Rosebud was not apart of Rook nor I. What is known is that Rosebud has SOL property. And if she doesn't comply, then she will find herself in the same space as Solarflare and Playmaker. Mark my words very carefully. It would be a shame to find you lost on the wrong side." With that, the ash chess piece vanished, leaving the Duelist suspended in the air.

"Rosebud… I need to warn Compendium. This doesn't seem right."

"And so the sparrow said to the bee about the footage, leaving us all alone here with the aftermath." Cross Nine stated the trio of Compendium members back at the bar, having different drinks. "That what happening to us, isn't it?"

"...I'm so sorry." Pastrybee apologized, motioning to get another refill of her huge mug. "I thought I had him. I thought that he would be easy to beat and I failed you all. Oh, how is Rose going to be when she finds out? I'll be a goner!"

Rass patted her on the back, paying attention to not crush her wings. "It will be fine. If Rosebud can handle us, I'm sure she wouldn't mind it at all."

"Will she Rass? Will she?" She looked up, wiping tears from her eyes. "After everything I've done, I-!"

"Hey! Don't worry about it." Cross Nine playfully jabbed her shoulder. "If I'm still allowed to hang out with you guys, I think she won't mind. She's our Rosebud after all. Kind and sweet one day and prickly thorny the next day."

"I sometimes feel bad for her. She's been quite some shit. Even if she doesn't say anything." Rass twirled his glass.

"This about Rosebud? Haven't seen her lately." The bartender questioned, coming over to the group.

Pastrybee nodded. "Yeah, she out of commission for the time being. And I'm worried about her."

"I believe we all are. It isn't like her to just vanish out of the blue." The bartender looked around, much of the other customers weren't paying too much attention. "It's quite strange really; she's never one to talk about what's weighing on her mind. Then again, that's a trait all of you share, am I wrong?"

The trio didn't reply. Rass went back to drinking his glass, pulling his hat to cover his eyes. Pastrybee grabbed her mug and chugged a good amount of it. Cross nine just shrugged.

"It isn't like we don't want to talk about it. But we don't need to." Cross nine replied, peeking back to his two friends. "Never really good to drop a bunch of personal shit on strangers online."

"I second that." Pastrybee slammed her mug, wiping her mouth. "I think that's crossing a line."

"You draw the line at your personal problems, but not to the problems of the targets of your clients?" The bartender raised an eyebrow.

"Trust me, there have been stupider things we've let slide. Like the one time, we had a conversation about what it takes to create custom cards on Link VRAINS. Ones that aren't just a custom archetype. Like some of the ideas we got were good ideas. The others... not so much." Cross chuckled. "But if I were to be a bit honest, I do enjoy Decks that reflect one's own personality. And not just be a clone of another person, Deck and all."

"Says the guy going around with a Gouki Deck before Rosebud kicked your ass." Bee playfully jabbed.

"Not cool! Besides, I've been messing with some new ideas for my Deck. Might even dip out of Invoked or Spellbooks to get a new one. I got my eye on one sort of Deck. However, I haven't got the cards or cash to buy the remaining ones I need. Would have loved to try it out today."

"Oh? I thought you had cash from your last gambling spree? Don't tell me you spent it all already." Rass gave the other male a look.

"Of course I didn't I just paid bills and shit! But I'm broke again and these requests and the bets I take are the only solid ways I get money!"

Pastrybee shook her head. "You know, I don't even know why Rosebud even allowed you into our little group. But, I think I'm starting to see why."

"Hey, I'll be logging out now boys." The female placed her mug onto the counter. "I got to open the shop tomorrow. You two better take care of those requests while

I'm gone. Otherwise, Rosebud will kill us all. Later!"

The female tapped her Duel Disk, logging out. Cross Nine also finished his drink. He got up from his seat, sending some money to the bartender. "Keep the extra as change."

Cross Nine logged out, leaving Rass as the only Compendium member left in the establishment.

"I take it with that latest news floating about, neither you nor Rosebud are taking it well." The bartender stated, taking both cups. "About the break-in to the former LUNAR Industries property?"

Rass' face turned ghastly withing seconds. A hand went to his waist. A digital gun and hook shot rested there. He was so tempted to fire it. Yet the man couldn't; it would be a weakness more than his criminal history.

"I don't know for certain, but I don't think Arisu will take it well at all. Hell, I don't know even if she knows about it. But if Solarflare was the one to break into there..." Rass trailed off, purposefully since he didn't want to believe what his thoughts were telling him. "...Then I fear for Rosebud's safety."

"That guy did defeat Pastrybee, and she's usually a pretty good Duelist. He doesn't appear like a Duelist that would hold back."

"I know, and that's why I'm fearful... for our sake." He looked to his Duel Disk, a memory of his younger sister smiling as she ran into a fog, never to return.

"Take it easy kid. I'm no therapist and I'm not cleaning up tears."

Rass wiped an eye. "I'm not a kid! ...But thank you for the concern."

"Go off and get to work. I can give you half prices off, but if Rosebud were to see you this way, she wouldn't be able to bare it. Not like both of you have done these years."

"Yeah yeah. Got it old man." Rass got up and choose another server, placing his glass down before switching on over.

"Hey Sueko, I'm home!" Takumi announced his arrival, opening the door slowly.

He first noticed a trail of blankets all around the house. Guess that meant Sueko went around the house again. The sight them made him smile. His little sister was funny at times. Dropping off his bag, the teenager went up to the stairs to her room. The door was wide up, bits of her colored light shining pink into the hallway.

Ever so quietly, he approached and peaked inside. The soft music playing gave him the notion that she was in one of her moods again. And whichever was had all the blankets around the house, again. Where was their housekeeping bot? Usually, they were better at returning all the blankets back to her room.

"Sueko?" He decided to ask for his sister, see what was going on.

"...Taki?" He walked and looked at the door frame, seeing his younger sister wrapped up in blankets. A tuft of hair poking out.

"What have you been doing? You've been streaming your blankets everywhere." The teenager smiled, approaching the bedside.

She peaked her head out, sticking out her tongue before they both started to laugh.

"Brother, do you think Blue Angel will be back?" Her face grew somber, almost saddened by her own question.

"What… of course she will! What makes you say that?" He tried to be positive about the situation; so much chaos was happening on Link VRAINS. It was too crazy for him to even understand.

"I want Blue Angel to come back. It makes me lonely not seeing here. It isn't fun without her."

"I know, but Blue Angel has a life outside of Link VRAINS. She might be down in the blues, but she'll come around."

"Blues… Big brother, did you just make a pun?" He was not saved from his sister's question, so he facepalmed himself.

His little sister laughed at his expense.

"Now, it sounds like you two are having fun." A third voice entered the room, being quite an older man with black hair.

"Daddy!" Sueko burst out from her cocoon of blankets, running to embrace her father.

"Fa-Father!" Takumi straightens up, a bit rigid upon seeing his old man in a white tuxedo. "I-I thought you weren't coming home until later!"

"Work told me to go home early today. Even if today was quite a stressful day, I couldn't let an evening with my family go to waste, could I?" His father took no notice of the tension Takumi had. "Both of you are going to be so excited to see what's in store for the future! Now, let's get you all dressed and ready for dinner! I got a new restaurant for us to try out. Both of you better get dressed so we can celebrate this fortunate evening together!"

Sueko was in full bliss, trailing behind blankets. Takumi forced himself to smile, even when the urge to rebel was ruminating in his brain.

"So, Rook has left for the day?" A female inquired, speaking on a chess board and taking the avatar of a Queen piece.

"Indeed. I allowed him to leave early; he'll have no knowledge of this meeting." A male spoke from the Bishop piece.

"Good. It is hard enough to keep my own employees from questioning too much. Eliminating too many pawns would cause quite a stir. How are things on the private end? Was Nero serviceable?"

"If you mean to get that footage of Rosebud, then yes. However, your decision to not directly pursue the lost asset or reprimand Solarflare is causing quite a scene. Those customers will soon file a complaint and go public should it not be handled."

"The asset from LUNAR Industries is nothing but a failure on all fronts. Besides being nimble, it can be shattered with a single flick. It is nothing but a loose the creation of its creator. A Frankenstein that will die on its own. Besides, if Solarflare continues to seek it out, Rosebud works at perfect bait. She becomes a pawn, and once she has served her purpose…" The Queen piece has summoned a pawn before it shattered into data pieces. "We can erase her completely. No direct damages or indication that we did it. Only that they eliminated each other while we were doing a peaceful solution."

"And you're sure they won't link it back to us?"

"Most certainly not. With our connections, erasing the annoyance that is Compendium and Rosebud will be simple. And much simpler than the current situation with Playmaker. Just remember this: as long as Rosebud has the failure. All will play out according to the plan."

~ Next Time on ~

~ VRAINS - COMPENDIUM ~

While Rosebud's hiatus continues, Arisu comes to a sneaking suspicion about a certain classmate of hers. He seems to suspect the same as her. Meanwhile, a Duel between two Charisma Duelists is set in place to liven things up. A Duel of Beasts and Artists; who will succeed?

Find out in Episode 6 - Canvas of Mystery

Fun Facts (For "By Demon's Wings" and "Of Sun and Moon")

Nero is obviously a reference to Devil May Cry; when I was thinking of having a Burning Abyss Deck, that was the first thing that came to mind. So yeah, I don't know how far I'll go with that joke.

I'm still debating on if the bartender character deserves a name and if so, what he'd be called. I'm just using him more as a support for Compendium and I have no plans for him to Duel at the moment. So for me, I just call him "Mr. Bartender."

LUNAR Industries is obviously a parallel/rival to SOL Technologies. I decided to keep it simple for the parallel. I decided to add the company to spice up the story. At least for the OC side of the story. Even if it technically no longer "operational."

Before anyone asks, the event from five years ago is not the Lost Incident. Too many stories use that as a trope so I went with creating a similar event that happened five years ago. It will be explained later on, but I wanted to state this before it got out of hand.