Reira Akaba

Player Name: Usagi
Player Contact: usagisquared

Character Name: Reira Akaba
Character Account: soft_focus
Character Canon: Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V (SexswapAU; See History Note)
Character History: NOTE: While it is unconfirmed and subbers are assuming male for the moment, a series of reveal tropes and language tropes combined have swayed me to the opinion that Reira is (at least biologically speaking, since they'd be entirely unaware of what 'the difference' was) a girl.

Full list of points however are: Reira, first off, is very much considered a girl's name in Japan. The romanization used for it in series (Layra) is also a girl's name, and even the dub name, curiously enough, is considered at least 'Neutral' (Riley).

Second, the 'hair reveal trope' Reira used when declaring themselves as Ray (Reira allowed Ray to possess them for the battle with Zarc) is almost exclusively reserved for women when used in anime-especially with a series like Yu-Gi-Oh.

In addition to this though, Japan doesn't really use gendered pronouns...Ever. In fact while it's clear from the animation that Reira was meant to be hiding someting, it's unclear if gender was that thing, since Reira quite likely hasn't actually been referred to even as, specifically, more than a 'sibling' so much as a brother. The time someone asks Reiji if they ARE his brother in fact, Reiji prepares to correct them for some reason. Most assume in the context and timing that he would have said 'actually, Reira is adopted'. But late series it's made clear that saying as much would have been out of character.

The final nail in the coffin however are these two points; first, more vaguely, after Reira's reincarnation in the series, they're re-introduced in a pink baby carriage...once again a colour-match trope displayed more exclusively for girls when it comes to series like Yu-Gi-Oh.

More importantly though, Reira switches from 'Boku' (Which tomboyish characters in anime use anyway, so it's often used as the 'could go either way' indicator) to 'Watashi'. While some say it could be a final nod to Reiji (who uses Watashi as a businessman), this occurs when Reira fully takes identity and choice upon themselves. They have already accepted that they have disagreements with Reiji, and even that they'll likely never see them again. More likely, this is thus Reira switching to something that they are more comfortable with, much like how they finally abandoned their sweater and hat.

TL;DR, I'm going to be apping Reira as Female, with a note considering them AU unless otherwise revealed, since subbers and viewers at this point are cautiously assuming the reveal means nothing. (Which is fair it. Is kind of a child so having this kind of discussion makes some folk feel super awkward.)

✥ Reira was born in a wartorn country that had been ravaged for decades, where her parents died at a young age. Headcanon states this location to be 'Donbass, Ukraine', due to existing educational aid efforts Japan made to this currently turmoilous area IRL when these episodes aired.

✥ For an unknown amount of time after being discovered and captured by foot soldiers, Reira was used as some form of 'tool'; as emphasis was placed on the fact that she could be given any order and still follow it, headcanon states she would have been primarily used to slip into enemy territory and gather information.

✥ When Reira is approximately 7 years old, Himika Akaba obtains knowledge of her abilities through some unknown method, adopting her in order to be used as a 'weapon' against Leo Akaba.

✥ Reira is trained through programming from cables and wires and soon officially exposed to the duel scene via the Junior division of the Maiami championships. During this time, though she expresses severe anxiety and hesitation toward most actions (and especially toward her new 'mother'), it is revealed that gestures of kindness and gifts from Reiji cause Reira to brighten and smile the minute he shows any form of genuine pride for her skills.

✥ Successfully coming out as the champion of the tournament, Reira sits in on Reiji's observation of the backdrop to the Junior Youth battle royale, formed to distract the audience from an unexpected attack from Academia. Reira watches as those who will be chosen to become the 'Lancers' manage to defeat and subdue the forces.

✥ Reira is introduced to the remaining lancers as an additional member, with the others immediately showing mixed feelings of doubt.

✥ Transport to the Synchro dimension unexpectedly causes everyone to appear in separated groups. Reira in particular finds herself with Yuuya, Shingo, and Serena. Immediately anxious without her brother present, the arrival of Synchro Security doesn't help- Security begins to overwhelm the group, but a group of duelists on motorcycles jumps the barricade and carries the four off.

✥ They're left at Crow Hogan's home, where they meet both Crow, and Crow's adopted children. Still frightened by the unfamiliar surroundings and people, Reira takes to sitting at the side, refusing to speak with everyone for a while.

✥ After a few days, Reira begins to open up-when Crow's friend Shinji arrives with sweets for the children, Crow asks if Reira wants some. Rather than immediately shying away, she quietly asks if it's an ‘order' before joining the children. When Yuuya and Crow begin an argument (smiles or food bringing happiness first). Reira anxiously refuses to pick a side, so the two start a duel.

✥ While the duel is occurring, it seems Shingo and Serena had attracted the attention of Security; everyone is immediately captured and arrested. At the last minute, Tsukikage spirits Reira away to safety and a reunion with Reiji. She stays quietly at his side until he is able to strike a deal with Synchro's council of elders.

✥ The deal being all of the lancers needing to prove themselves by participating in the Friendship Cup dueling tournament. As usual she watches the duels at Reiji’s side.

✥ When the time comes for her turn however, she runs away, finding Yuuya's room and clinging to him in fear. She refuses because her opponent would be Shinji-who gave her candy. After quietly confirming so and after ordering Tsukikage to take her place, Reiji moves to leave...sparking the fear that she has angered the person she has come to love into abandoning her. Reira runs to beg forgiveness, only to hear directly from him that he is proud of her taking a stand.

✥ When Tsukikage's duel begins however, Reiji's words to the council cause her to fear that Tsukikage is 'replacing' her in importance. She mentally curses Tsukikage, who does indeed lose- but becomes anxious when Reiji claims it was part of the plan.

✥ After the duels for the day are over, Reira and Reiji join the council, as well as Jack Atlas (the current reigning champion) for dinner. Jack notes that Reira was meant to duel, stating that he saw himself in Reira's eyes and came out from such a state with nothing but his own strength- so if Reira herself had a goal to accomplish, '[she] must not falter!'

✥ The speech not only moves Reira to focus more heavily upon herself, but allows her to understand Jack’s views. The next day, when Tsukikage escapes from the 'Underground' to pass Reiji information about what is happening, Reira apologizes then declares she wishes to help fight Academia properly- and needs Tsukikage to pass a message to Yuuya. The message is what she learned from Jack-that Yuuya must find his own unique meaning and power, rather than copying what others have done for him.

✥ Jean-Michel Roger of the Synchro Security Bureau starts to rebel against the Council and imprison them within the building. Reira and Reiji are both seemingly trapped, but Reiji begins a duel against those barring the way when Serena and Yuugo finish their match-Reira is ordered to use the chance to escape...and most importantly to keep Serena from being taken underground.

✥ Reira arrives just as Security doses Serena with nerve gas- but in time to duel them for the sake of keeping Serena out of their hands. The tournament continues alongside a covert invasion from Academia.

✥ When Academia locates them, Reira defeats three of Obelisk Force soldiers soundly to encourage Tsukikage to leave and get the rest of the Lancers. Unfortunately, after nine more soldiers, Reira begins to weaken and suffer a PTSD break, hallucinating the soldiers as the gas mask-wearing men from her homeland. Yuuya arrives on a D-Wheel to enter the duel and protect him and Serena, but is soon forced into a duel with Barrett. Reira is unable to face the additional soldiers that arrive- but Sora steps in to stop them.

✥ More people enter the fray; as all four of the dimensional dragons belonging to the facial doubles come on the field, Reira begins to sense their great rage and energy, and grows terrified. Yuzu arrives just in time for her bracelet to force Yuugo and Yuuri out of the dimension, calming most of the air. Reira is helpless to keep a defeated Barrett from warping Serena to the Fusion dimension, while Sergey steals Yuzu away.

✥ Because Sora tried to protect them, Reira clings to him, having become attached to him. It is revealed that in the meantime, Commons has now started a rebellion however- the riots to trigger another form of Reira's PTSD relapses; the girl nearly rushes to join the fray, snarling that she'll 'destroy all of them', but she is picked up and prevented from this by Shun, who calms her down then brings them all to the Council building. Reira is allowed to rush forward and reunite with Reiji by hugging him tight.

✥ The tournament is still on; Reira faces some of the Security officers still trying to capture them, forcing herself to conquer her fear and PTSD relapse in order to successfully defeat them and impress Jack-who is watching from above. She then witnesses Yuuya challenge Jack for their final match, and as the two duel, Reira leaves with Reiji to charge after Jean-Michel.

✥ Yuuya wins his duel, but in the meantime, Reiji and Reira pursue Jean, who is dragging Yuzu with him and has defeated Sora and Tsukikage both. As they come to the chamber that Reiji will have to face Jean in, Reiji pushes Reira out of the room, Tsukikage and Reira remain locked out until the other lancers arrive supporting Sora-who is able to crack the system keeping the door shut.

✥ While Reiji locks Jean in a permanent loop that forces their eternal loss, Jean refuses to accept it. In a fit of mad rage, he activates a device that will open a wormhole through the dimensions, intending to throw the entire city into the void between them. Reira is nearly blown away with most of the others, but Reiji clings to her and keeps her from falling through, until the wormhole finally collapses and ceases to function. They are left unsure of where their friends have been teleported, and so decide to attempt to help rebuild the city.

✥ The remaining Lancers are encouraged, however, to continue their promised duty as 'Lancers'; defeat Leo. They travel to the Fusion Dimension and procure a speedboat. They rescue Gongenzaka, Sawatari, and Yuuya from pirate and eventually arrive on the island of Duel Academia. She, Reiji, and Sora charge ahead to the building itself, while the remaining duelists are directed to distract the soldiers that would have otherwise gotten in their way.

✥ Along the way, Reira and the others run into Yusho and Asuka-as well as Yuuri. Asuka and Sora lock themselves in the corridor with Yuuri so that the trio can still face off with Leo.

✥ Reira listens as Leo explains about the 'Original Dimension' then the history of Zarc and Ray. She becomes overwhelmed by the growing anger and darkness Zarc's counterparts are releasing into the air. The pressure of Yuuya going berserk under Zarc's darkness finally causes her to pass out, remaining that way even after Yusho forces the duel to end via illegal card.

✥ Reira wakes after coming into contact with Ray's spirit; and when she does, insists to Reiji that Ray wants to be revived in order to stop Zarc. The two argue about the matter, before Reira finally challenges her brother to a duel, with Ray's spirit at her side. Reira nearly beats him, but Reiji manages to win.

✥ Yuuri arrives through a broken wall and the two watch Yusho’s duel with Yuuri. It calms Yuuya, but Yusho is defeated in the end. Yuuya (merged with Yuto’s spirit) steps up to face Yuuri (merged with Yuugo) and defeats him, but Reira thus watches in horror alongside everyone else as Zarc's desires overwhelm Yuuya into assimilating the other counterpart and once more to become the 'Supreme King Dragon Zarc'.

✥ Reira manages to feel the presence of Ray again, and hears her voice as the attack begins; confirming with Reiji that Leo is still inside Academia, she rushes inside in order to find them, with Reiji forced to follow after.

✥ Leo intends to use the four cards that Ray used against Zarc, to redivide the dimensions; Reira begs for Reiji to save Leo to that end, claiming that if Leo truly succeeds in sacrificing himself, it won't make Reiji happy. Ray calls Reira to Arc-V, where the girl enters and meets with Ray's spirit. In order to bring Ray to Zarc, Reira tells her to use her body, and possess it.

✥ They move to face Zarc. Reira throws aside her hooded jacket and cap to reveal her hair and face in full, as well as Ray's presence. Together they manage to bring the 'Natural Energy Cards' Leo attempted to activate back onto the field. Yuzu from within Ray pleads for Yuuya to reawaken from within Zarc. He does and the Natural Energy cards are used defeat Zarc just as they had before.

✥ Reira however, insists that she will not allow Zarc to simply split into four with the boys again. While the four boys will exist, Reira forces Ray out and seals Zarc within herself instead, in order to house and be reborn with it when the dimensions re-settle into four.

✥ In canon, Reira succeeds; as the dimensions were already still divided when the duel ended, Reira is reborn an infant, but does not split into pieces, and more importantly, holds Zarc's soul deep within her own. Reira's canon point however is such that while she has successfully trapped Zarc within herself, she has not yet been reborn...

....The Joyous Order hit the Jackpot, apparently. But at least that means Reira has some nifty bracelets.

Character Personality: Reira's character arc in Arc V is a subtle one to start, heralded by the gentle surprise of an existing backstory, and then the strong astonishment of it being taken seriously. Initially assumed to be a frightened and shy child, it turns out that Reira carried far more weight than that in their past; in fact, due to Reira's background, she suffered from severe PTSD, displaying the 'Fawn' and 'Freeze' characteristics of child abuse. She was someone who, for the sake of protecting herself, came to 'forget' emotion, to forget what she desired. If she could carry out the commands of others, and stay alive, that was all that mattered, and this state left her in a perpetually dull-or at best frightened-state of mind.

Interaction with her adoptive brother Reiji, as well as Reiji's Lancers however, allow Reira to begin opening up. They teach her that not everything is 'orders', that it is okay to want things, and pursue those things. A key example of this is when Reira fearfully refuse to duel someone who gave her candy earlier in the series-Reiji has Tsukikage duel in her place, and Reira ends up frantically chasing after Reiji, pleading that she would do whatever he asked, if he could only not be upset with her. Reiji insisted that he was proud however-resulting in Reira's second canon smile in the entire series to that point.

Re-developing a sense of emotions was a rocky road for Reira of course. For a time she was severely jealous of Tsukikage, perceiving him as 'more important' than her to Reiji. After hearing Jack Atlas' words on chasing after what one desires and not giving up however, and after witnessing more duels on the race track, Reira comes to realize where such thoughts of jealousy were wrong. There is a constant back and forth that always ends in one thing. No matter how terrified or reactionary her PTSD episodes leave her, Reira wishes to do the right thing. She loves her brother-and she comes to love Yuuya and the others as well steadily gaining courage to face her enemies and block out the flashbacks of PTSD.

And she would do anything for her friends, now.

At the end of the series, Reira notably mirrors to an extent, how the character has developed in other games I have played in. Reira doesn't quite open up entirely, of course-but she begins to assert herself, and her beliefs, smiling and cheering more openly, but more importantly coming to recognize where a great sacrifice is necessary. Reira is, and always has been, an Empath. She is highly sensitive to the darkness in Zarc's heart, but more importantly, to the voice of Ray within 'ARC-V', and her trust in this voice propels her to chase after possibly the most difficult decision she's ever made. Throughout the series, Reira was defined by following Reiji. At the end, Reira makes the stand and choice to help Ray to stop Zarc for good by not only fighting Reiji, but defying the wills of nearly everyone present. It is fortunate that Reiji accepts this reality-it enforces what Reira is coming to know and realize, that a sense of self, and a sense of 'rebellion' for what they believe is right, is acceptable.

It costs Reira her life, as she tells Ray to use her body in the fight against Zarc, and then in the final moment as Ray is forced to return to ARC-V, use her body again to seal Zarc within her for good.

Wild ride that it is, over all, Reira is a quiet young girl, observant and intelligent where others have failed due to mistrust. For all that she seemed wary at the start of the series, Reira is capable of great trust, able to sense the good in others, and open herself to them in turn. Thanks to the coaxing of her brother and friends, she is more importantly beginning to harden her will to do good. To keep them safe, to keep their families safe, and to share 'smiles' and 'joy' with others, as Yuuya in particular so believed. Her fear for standing up for herself lingers, but only barely, as evidenced by the symbolic casting aside of her coat and hat. No more does she hide; instead, she stands and fights for what represents hope, and life, and love. ...Even if it costs her existence.

At the core, she is perhaps too kind. Reira did not hesitate to allow Ray into her body. She did not hesitate to seal Zarc, surprising even Ray-these decisions were her own, and she was aware of the consequences of 'rebirth'. It is perhaps likely she was aware the entire time, given her increasingly insisting words to Reiji that Ray was his real sister, and that he needed to forgive Leo (Reiji's father) for his actions. Once Reira was gone, Leo and Himika would be Reiji's family again, after all.

And Reira in the end, would far rather forgivness prevail, than subject others to the fear and lonliness she once dealt with.

BONUS: As Reira sealed Zarc inside herself before coming in, and Zarc is under typical circumstances 'inappable', here's a little bit on Reira's 'hitchhiker'!

Reira sealed Zarc within her body in canon, and beyond her canon point that soul is Very Much still there. They're trying to put it to rest now. Zarc however, is the originator of the boys Yuuya, Yuuto, Yuugo, and Yuuri; once a duelist who could speak to the spirits of duel monsters, and someone with desires as pure as Yuuya's own, a series of events would fling Zarc into crushing insanity, a great craving for power to satisfy himself where it could not. As Zarc dueled in the great battle at the end of the series, it is revealed that more than just going mad over appeasing a blood thirsty crowd, Zarc inherited the rage of the monsters he took with him when he merged his entire being with the dragons. He desires nothing more than the destruction of the world, and actively pursued it, his eyes set on nothing but becoming the ultimate thing in existence-the absolute 'ruler' and 'champion' of the razed land... 'As (the audience) demands'. To that end, he fears loss (and Death) above anything, childishly flying into rage when such a matter is brought to his attention.

Tl;dr audience cheers over him shedding blood, Zarc tries to ramp up the violence, dragons get upset, Zarc is already too lost in making a happy audience to notice, and now ZarcDragons becomes the ultimate in 'ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!!!?!!1!'

Noted Abilities: Reira retains a few abilities and objects coming in. First, her duel disk, which can project an action field and solid holograms; these are however, incapable of dealing actual damage. The 'En' Cards used to seal Zarc away have become one with her via the Four Bracelets, which will merge into her arm upon arrival. (It's ~Symbolic~)

Reira is a strong empath, sensitive to the darkness of negative emotions in particular, but also able to hear powerful spirits where others cannot. It is something limited to actual range however, much like a voice over the radio.

From Zarc, Reira inherits the ability to speak with Duel Spirits...but this isn't likely to do much, since chances are when your monsters are things like living swords and armor sets, they don't have much to say.

Monster Assignment: PLAYER PICK: Celestial