Hyper Runners: Duel Legacy

All Character © Respective creators

Chapter Seven: Recovery Rate

Four days had passed by since the incident at Daedalus Bridge. Crow, one of the five Signers was in charge of leading the reconstruction of the bridge while fending off questions from the media. Apparently, a lot of people reported a blind statue and a water snake battling each other on the bridge – Crow was forced to deny everything. Meanwhile, Marcus was sitting in his own room at Domino Hospital, watching the reports of the duel he had suffered a tragic loss from. As he had expected, Yusei and Akiza had come to visit him again, but this time they brought Hikari, Ruki, and Namura.

"Hey, Marcus, are you all right?" Namura asked.

"Of course he's not all right!" Ruki screeched. "He's be stuck in the hospital for four days straight! What part of that tells you he's all right?!"

"Just asking..." Namura said meekly.

"Mr. Fudo told us what happened." Hikari said softly, holding Marcus' hand. "We know Akira challenged you to a duel, but we want to know what happened during the duel. And why did you throw away your deck? That deck was you're life."

But Marcus made no attempt to answer. Even after these past few days, the night of the incident still invaded his mind in the form of nightmares. In these nightmares, Perfect Chaos would constrict its body around Marcus to crush the life out of him, leaving the Gedo Mazo to take it away. He had only just realized how close his nightmare had come to being a reality.

"Jack told us a little of what happened." Yusei answered when Marcus refused to speak. "His newest student, Akira, has a deadly card that absorbs the souls of the losers in a duel."

"Like those shadow duels in ancient history?" Namura asked.

"That's what he said." Akiza answered, taking a seat at Marcus' bedside. "And ever since the duel, he's been afraid of....well, take a look for yourself."

Akiza reached into his pocket and pulled out her deck to be presentable for everyone – Hikari had to stop Ruki from jumping her. She selected the top card in her deck, which amazingly turned out to be the legendary Black Rose Dragon. Akiza placed the card in Marcus' view, earning a shocking reaction. The redhead troublemaker screamed out of pure terror and scrambled away from the card, falling over the side of his bed. Marcus tried to push himself into the corner as far away from the card as possible.

"Coming in contact with the Gedo Mazo has made him afraid of the cards." Yusei informed as Akiza replaced her deck. "My only guess is that the reality of the duel must have traumatized him."

"Does that mean he'll never duel again?" Hikari gasped; Neither Yusei or Akiza answered. "But Dueling is all that Marcus knows? What will he do now?"

And once again, the two Signers had no answers. Yusei and Akiza decided to leave Marcus alone with his friends for a while, hoping they might break through to him. Both duelists took a seat on the bench outside the hospital, both captured in deep thought around their charge.

"What Hikari said..." Akiza said after a moment of silence. "She was right about him. Dueling is the only thing that has kept Marcus alive all these years. His parents abandoned him, he was thrown into the facility for theft, and he wasn't able to go to Duel Academy because of his Criminal Mark. He has nothing else."

"He was always so eager to duel." Yusei stated. "I have never known a time when he would pass it up."

"Remember when you saved him from the Facility two years ago?" Akiza smiled at the thought. "At first, I wondered why you had chosen to help him of all people. But...seeing how happy he was in a duel, I realized something: he was a lot like you when you were little."

"He has forgotten the joy of dueling." Yusei said, suddenly standing up.

Akiza watched as the Signer Leader marched back into the hospital. A few awkward moments later, Akiza jumped up as the doors burst open with Yusei dragging the redhead troublemaker out onto the grounds. Marcus' friends were just as confused as the Rose Duelist once Yusei forced his charge to be seated on the bench.

"Yusei, what are you doing?!" Akiza exclaimed.

"Like I said, he's forgotten the joy of dueling." Yusei said, walking over to his nearby Duel Runner and picking up the Duel Disk inside. "That makes it our job to remind him. Akiza, I challenge you to a duel!"

"Do you think this will work?" Namura asked interestingly.

"Leo thought so when I lost my memory." Yusei informed. "This should work the same way...I hope."

"Well, we don't have any other options." Akiza said, latching on her own Duel Disk. "I accept your challenge, Yusei."

"Duel!" They shouted simultaneously.

Yusei (4000) – Akiza (4000)

"Ladies first." Yusei offered respectfully.

"Quite the Gentlemen." Akiza quipped. "I'll start off with Dark Verger in defense mode!"

A small plat with two leaves and eyes appeared on the field (0/1000)

"Then I place one face-down and end my turn." Akiza finished, placing the face-down.

"My move." Yusei declared, drawing his card. "And I summon Speed Warrior in attack mode."

A humanoid creature wearing polished armor and a gas mask appeared on the field. (900/400).

"And due to Speed Warrior's ability, its power is doubled when it attacks." Yusei informed.

Speed Warrior – (1800/400)

"I expected as much, I set my trap: Curse of Rose." Akiza declared, revealing her face-down. "When one of your monsters changes its attack points, Curse of Rose attacks your life points depending on the difference."

A swarm of vines jumped from the trap card and stabbed through Speed Warrior before striking at Yusei directly. Akiza may have gained better control of her powers over the years, but there were still some moments when her attacks still harmed others unconsciously. Fortunately, this was one of the times when she was in control and Yusei hardly felt a thing.

Yusei (3100) – Akiza (4000)

"That was amazing!" Ruki cheered. "Wasn't that amazing, Marcus?!"

Unfortunately, the marked teenager was too busy hiding behind Hikari to notice.

"This is only gonna get worse before it gets better." Hikari sighed.

"That was a good shot, but I've got one better." Yusei proclaimed. "Because I play my spell card: Card Rotator! By offering one card from my hand, I can switch the battle positions of your monsters." Dark Verger was forced into attack mode. "Now, Speed Warrior, take out her Dark Verger!"

Speed Warrior raced across the field and jumped into the air to deliver a crushing blow to the twin-eyed plant. At the sound of Dark Verger's destruction, Marcus' curiosity suddenly made him peek over Hikari's shoulder to see the outcome.

Yusei (3100) – Akiza (2200)

"I end my turn." Yusei finished. "And that means my Speed Warrior return to its normal attack points.

Speed Warrior – (900/400)

"My draw!" Akiza said excitedly. "And now summon Violet itch in attack mode!"

A pale female wearing a violet-purple robe with leafy sleeves carrying a golden staff appeared on the field (1100/1200).

"And then I play Wonder Clover!" Akiza announced, placing the magic card. "By sending a Level 4 plant-type monster from my hand to the graveyard, I can allow one of my monsters to attack twice. So I send Lord Poison to the graveyard and activate Wonder Clover for Violet Witch!"

As Akiza sent to chosen card into the graveyard slot, a powerful orange aura surrounded the Violet Witch. Yusei knew what was coming next. Upon the Rose Duelist's command, the Violet Witch jumped forward and pierced her staff through Speed Warrior's chest, which obliterated on contact. As Yusei defended himself from the backlash of his monster's destruction, he barely took notice that Violet Witch appeared before him. The purple-clothed monster lashed her staff forward and expelled a hurricane of flower petals from nowhere, striking at the adversary.

Yusei (1900) – Akiza (2200)

"And now I place one face-down and call it a turn." Akiza announced, placing her card. "This should finish it. I have no doubt that Yusei intends to perform a synchro summon. And when he does, I'll activate Reflect Nature. And when he attacks, he'll be the one to lose life point instead of me."

"Akiza sure looks confident." Hikari noted from the sidelines.

"Of course she's confident!" Ruki cheered excitedly. "She's one of the best female duelists in the world!"

"I thought you were cheering for Yusei." Namura commented.

"I can cheer for who I want!" Ruki growled.

But while Ruki was busy staring down at Namura, only Hikari noticed a change in Marcus. The redhead had finally stopped hiding behind her and sat on the bench peacefully to observe the remainder of the duel. Though he still seemed intimidated by the monster's appearances, Hikari noticed a small sparkle of his former self breaking through.

"My turn." Yusei stated, drawing his card. "And now I play Junk Synchron!"

A small mechanical man wearing orange armor and a white, tattered scarf appeared on the field (1300/500).

"And because of Junk Synchron's special ability," Yusei continued. "I can special summon a Level 2 monster from my graveyard. And now I resurrect Speed Warrior.

Speed Warrior appeared in a burst of light (900/400).

"And you know what happens next." Yusei said. "I tune my Junk Synchron with my Speed Warrior!"

Junk Synchron pulled the cord on his chest armor, reverting the tiny machine into three shining stars. The stars transformed into a set of rings and phased through the Speed Warrior, which suddenly became transparent.

"Clustering stars will call upon a new force." Yusei chanted calmly. "Become the path of its light shines upon! Show yourself, Junk Warrior!"

A stream of light burst forth to reveal their newest champion. A large machine with a humanoid body appeared on the field. It wore a large build of Amethyst/gold armor with a long white scarf wrapped around its unseen neck below its ruby-red eyes. The Junk Warrior's right arm was given an extra layer of armor with a pair of iron knuckles (2300/1300).

"Just as I expected." Akiza thought victoriously. "Now all that's left is to attack."

"Now I activate the spell card: Double Summon!" Yusei declared, placing the card. "This card's effect allows me to summon for a second time. And now I summon Healing Wave Generator in defense mode!"

A large mirror covered in pipes and lights appeared on the field (800/1600).

"And now I use Healing Wave Generator's special ability." Yusei continued. "I select one monster one my side of the field and increase my life points by 100 depending on its level. With my Level 5 Junk Warrior, my life points increase by 500."

The mechanical mirror turned on its master and enveloped him in a shower of light.

Yusei (2400) – Akiza (2200)

"Junk Warrior!" Yusei commanded. "Take out that Violet Witch with Scrape Iron Fist!"

"I activate Reflect Nature!" Akiza said swiftly. "This prevents the destruction of my monster on the field and the damage is dealt directly to you!"

The Junk Warrior glided across the field with its upgraded fist reeled back and made a direct path for the Violet Witch. Its rocketed its fist forward like a piston, but was unfortunately blocked by an uprising mirror. And on the face of the mirror was Yusei, which became the target as Junk Warrior shattered the wall. Even though he was on the other side of the field, Yusei could feel the sting of the attack.

Yusei (1200) – Akiza (2200)

"That was a good move." Yusei Complimented. "So I place one face-down and end my turn."

"Looks like Yusei isn't doing so hot." Hikari noted. "Maybe there is a chance that he could actually lose."

"No way." Marcus said suddenly, earning the shocked expressions from his friends. "Yusei has something big planned. I can feel it."

"My move." Akiza said, drawing her card. "Now I play Copy Plant!"

A large tangle of tree roots with a pair of menacing eyes appeared on the field (0/0).

"And since I have a Plant-type Tuner monster on the field," Akiza continued. "I can special summon Dark Verger from my graveyard."

The twin-leafed plant returned in a flash of light (0/1000).

"And now I tune my Level 1 Copy plant with my Level 4 Violet Witch and my Level 2 Dark Verger!" Akiza declared.

A the Copy Plant devolved into a series of electronic rings, Violet Witch and Dark Verger jumped through the rings and became transparent beings. Their collective levels replaced their body and exploded into a beam of light.

"Chilling flames engulf the world." Akiza chanted. "Pitch-black flower, set into bloom. Appear now, Black Rose Dragon!"

The beam of light evaporated and was replaced by a typhoon of flower petals. A thin tail of thorns appeared in the view of their audience before the rest of the body formed. A colossal dragon with pitch-black skin appeared with wings made from scarlet rose petals and a crown to match its appendages (2400/1800).

"Wow, Black Rose Dragon!" Ruki squealed excitedly. "I can't believe I get to see Black Rose Dragon!"

"That is one of the Five Star Dragons." Namura noted. "That is going to be difficult to beat."

"And Now I activate Black Rose Dragon's special ability!" Akiza declared. "By removing one plant-type monster from my graveyard, I can force one monster on your field into attack mode and reduce its attack to 0."

Upon her command, the image of Copy Plant appeared on the field before it was devoured by the flower dragon. Just as Yusei had predicted, his Healing Wave Generator was forced to change position with its attack power depleted.

"Black Rose Dragon, take out his Wave Generator with Black Rose Flare!" Akiza commanded.

Black Rose Dragon roared anxiously and released a wave of fire with black rose petals mixed in. The Healing Wave Generator shattered instantly upon contact. At that point, the duel should have ended. But when she noticed that all the monsters were still on the field, she did a double take on their life point counter to receive a shocking surprise.

Yusei (600) – Akiza (2200)

"What happened?" Akiza asked amazingly. "That attack should have finished you."

"When your Black Rose Dragon attacked, it activated my trap card." Yusei informed, revealing to card to her. "It's called Iron Resolve. By sacrificing half my life points, I am free from all battle damage."

"Then I end my turn." Akiza finished.

"This is it." Hikari said softly. "If Yusei doesn't draw a winning card, it's all over."

Then all of a sudden, Marcus jumped from the bench and gave his friends a sense of relief and surprise.

"You better not lose, Yusei!" Marcus screamed "I'll lose all respect for you if you do!"

"I knew it – the duel has healed him." Yusei thought proudly. "Now it's time to put a wrap on this duel." "My draw!" He drew his next card; Akiza felt worried when she noticed Yusei's smile. "You put up a good fight, Akiza, but this duel is over. Because now I summon Hyper Synchron!"

A bulky blue machine with twin pistons on its back appeared on the field (1600/800).

"And now I tune my Hyper Synchron with Junk Warrior!" Yusei declared.

As its master had commanded, Hyper Synchron opened its chassis to release four shining stars before destroying itself. The stars reformed into electronic rings, which Junk Warrior jumped through to endure the usual process.

"Clusters hopes will become a new shining star." Yusei chanted. "Become the light its path shines upon. Take flight, Stardust Dragon!"

A beam of light exploded on the field, which was mixed with a storm of shining light star particles. A lengthy white dragon appeared with purple visible muscles on its chest and shoulders. Its withered wings reached to either side of the field and its arrow-like head looked poised to strike (2500/2000). With both dragons present on the field, both Signers' birthmarks began to react – the dragon head on Yusei and the back claws on Akiza.

"Yeah! Stardust Dragon!" Marcus cheered wildly. "That's the way to do it, Yusei!"

"Looks like your treatment worked." Akiza smiled.

"And now for the final inspection." Yusei stated. "I activate a trap card from my hand called Shooting Star!" He places the card on the field. "If Stardust Dragon is present on my field, I can destroy one card on yours. And I choose your Black Rose Dragon!"

Stardust Dragon opened its lengthy wings and unleashed a shower of white stars on the field. Black Rose Dragon seemed to be acting on its own personality and attempted to dodge the bullets. It managed to do well for the first four shots, but after getting hit in the chest, the dragon was left vulnerable to the remained of the barrage. With a painful screech, Black Rose Dragon exploded into a shower of rose petals. Akiza was shocked.

"And that leaves you wide open for an attack." Yusei said. "Stardust Dragon! End this duel with Shooting Sonic!"

The dragon of miracles loomed over Akiza, drawing a cluster of white particles in its mouth. Akiza just stood there and accepted her fate as Stardust Dragon unleashed its power over the Rose Duelist, ending the game.

Duel Victor: Yusei

"That was great, you two." Hikari said happily.

"Thanks." Akiza nodded as Yusei joined her side. Both Signers glanced at one another and looked to Marcus. "And what about you? Are you still afraid of Duel Monsters?"

"I have to say that I am still a little scared." Marcus admitted. "But I can go on in life running away from my fears. The only way I am going to get rid of it is by facing it head-on!" A familiar glint of excitement returned to his eyes. "You two showed me that I shouldn't throw away my life because of one incident. I swear, I will become a great duelist just like you two."

"That's good to hear." Yusei nodded. "Finally, things are back to normal."

"I wouldn't say that." Marcus grinned mischievously; everyone was now worried. "Yusei, wasn't there something you were going to say to Akiza the other day?"

"Oh, right?" Yusei replied, acting a little flustered. He slowly turned to Akiza. "Listen, I'm not very good at long speeches so I'm just going to make it quick." He reached into his jacket and surprised the Rose Duelist with golden ring. "Akiza...I want you to be at my side...forever. Will you?"

"Yusei..." Akiza said softly. "Until five years ago, I always thought I would be alone. But it was you that saved me from my own pain. You were the only one that would endure my suffering and accept it. Yusei...I wish to be with you forever. So, I will accept."

The teenaged duelists cheered happily at the new engaged couple. As Yusei placed the ring on Akiza's finger, Marcus was the first to notice a fresh wave of tears emerging from her eyes. She was truly happy for the first time. And looking back from the past four day, Marcus knew he had only one mission: recover his own friends.


At the point of sunset, we find ourselves back at the Domino Harbor close to the entrance of Daedalus Bridge. A black Duel Runner with a red cloud on the face was park close to the water with a familiar jade coat resting on the seat. It was the Daybreaker – Rev's personal transport. Speaking of whom, the missing duelist suddenly breached the water and quickly swam towards the shore. After pulling himself up, he gazed at his newest discovery – he was holding Perfect Chaos Dragon.

"That's the last one." Rev panted, placing the card with the deck on Daybreaker. "I have recovered all of Kiva's cards from the ocean."

"Are you sure that is a wise decision?"The Deva Path asked, appearing opposite to his partner. "If the Gedo Mazo finds out that you recovered Kiva's signature card..."

"He's not going to find out." Rev interjected. "But what I want to find out is wha card Kiva drew during our duel before our monsters went out of control.

The dark duelist grabbed the deck that had once belonged to his adversary and scanned every trace of its powers. So far, he found nothing that would have given him the advantage until he stopped at one particular card. It was a green emerald, but it was much larger than normal and was labeled as the Master Emerald. Rev's hand shook in anxiety.

"This card..." Rev gasped horridly. "If he had been able to play this card, I would have lost the duel."

"So, when do yo intend to return his deck?" Deva questioned.

"I don't." Rev answered.

"But that deck properly belongs to Kiva." Deva said defiantly.

"I must keep this deck until I find a way to counteract its powers." Rev stated, pulling on his coat and jumping on his Duel Runner. "Only when I know I can't be defeated is when I will return it to him."

The Deva Path lowered its head and vanished from existence. Rev noticed this and felt a little betrayed that his own partner would wish to see him defeated. But he was Akira "Rev" Seta – he could not lose. Rev activated the engine on the Daybreaker and disappeared across the harbor.


Hope is restored into the hearts of many. Will Rev ever return Marcus' deck? Will our redheaded hero be able to find a replacement for his cards? And what other adventures lie ahead? Find out on the next Hyper Runners!

Please, read and review.


Duel Report:

Name: Master Emerald

Property: Equip

Effect: Reduce the attack points of one monster on your side of the field to 0. Choose one monster on your opponent's side of the field and transfer its attack points to the selected monster on your field.