Reira Akaba

Reira Akaba (赤馬 零羅 Akaba Reira), also known as Layra, is a character in the Yu-Gi-Oh! ARC-V anime. He is the adopted younger brother of Reiji Akaba and adopted son of Leo Akaba and Himika Akaba. He is a student at LDS and is known as its jewel. He is the only known Lancers from Junior Class. Despite his young age, Reira's Dueling skill is necessary to their fight with Academia.

Appearance
Reira Akaba is about the same age as Ayu Ayukawa, Futoshi Haranda, and Tatsuya Yamashiro. He wears a turquoise hooded sweatshirt and is often seen slouching. He has a black cap underneath the hood and a black collar necklace. He wears khakis and a yellow and blue striped shirt with white sneakers and pale pink socks. He is also often seen hugging a purple and white teddy bear.

Personality
Reira is shown to be incredibly timid and shy, very quiet and talking only when necessary. Unlike Reiji, Reira has no confidence to Duel his opponents and even reluctant to Duel, only doing so because he was intimidated by his mother or only if Reiji was watching. Despite all of these factors, he is actually a skilled Duelist like his brother and he appears to care for him a lot. Reira also doesn't appear to handle the pressure of being considered the "Jewel of LDS". When his mother bragged that he would beat Tatsuya Yamashiro, Reira was seen gripping his teddy bear tighter, a fact only Tatsuya noted. However, Reira looks up to Reiji as he duels seriously the moment he steps in to watch his duel, and when Tatsuya praised him for able to master the three summoning methods like his older brother, Reira looked happy.

Reira's attachment towards his adopted older brother is shown to be very strong as he goes into a state of panic when he doesn't know where Reiji is. When he, Shingo, Serena, and Yūya first appeared in the Synchro Dimension, Reira was more concerned about the location of his brother, rather than the upcoming Sector Security agents looking to arrest the four. Despite his best intentions, Yūya also couldn't get Reira to open up at all, since he was afraid of losing Reiji.

It is later revealed that Reira suffers PTSD for his experience as victim of war. This mental disorder is what makes him reluctant to Duel and constantly afraid whenever facing Duelist that reminds him of soldiers that hurt him back in his country. To protect himself, his survival instinct prompted him to shut down his own emotion, resulting him lacks a sense of self and he is thus is unable to decide anything, essentially leaving him with no identity whatsoever.

However, after spending time with Yūya and his friends, Reira's sense of self starts to bud. Interacting with the kids under Crow's care and telling Reiji he does not want to Duel Shinji in the Friendship Cup, even running to Yūya when he thought Reiji was mad at him. Advice from Jack Atlas later expands this, to the point that Reira not only overcomes his timid nature in order to apologize to Tsukikage for desiring his loss, but also shows a keen understanding of the Lancers' current situation and passes on advice to Yūya through Tsukikage. Reira also gains the desire to assist his brother, Tsukikage, and Yūya, all of whom he looks up to, in the fight against Academia. His change of attitude is furthered shown when he bravely challenged three Securitiy members that had captured Serena into a Duel and defeated them all by himself.

Past
Reira came from a warring country, causing him to suffer a severe trauma of war and battle. To protect himself, Reira detached himself from his own emotions. Some time afterwards, he was adopted by Himika, who took advantage of his trauma, made him go through an experiment to create a strong Duelist suitable to fight the Academia. This experiment consequently resulted worsening Reira's condition, making him without any sense of self and only know how to obey orders. In addition to this, Reira also developed an ability to sense other people's emotions. It wasn't until Reiji took him under his care and taught him how to Duel, Reira began to open up to his adopted brother.

Maiami Championship
Reira was first seen with Reiji and his mother in the LDS Balcony as participants of the Maiami Championship arrived at LDS. As he watched them file in, he hugged his bear tightly.

Round 1
It was later shown that Reira was a participant in the Junior League of the Maiami Championship when he was revealed to be Ayu Ayukawa's opponent. When they met, Ayu, Tatsuya, and Futoshi tried to greet and welcome him, but were ignored. Reira and Ayu then Dueled, and while Ayu showed her Entertainment Dueling with the reporters, Reira focused on the match and remained emotionless. He then continued to win using Fusion Summoning and claim praise from Reiji, who was spectating.

Round 2
In the second round, Reira Dueled Futoshi and this time won by using a Synchro Summon, shocking Yūya who suspected that he can also use multiple summoning methods like Reiji. He watched the Duel between Sora, Yūto, and Yūya, with Reiji and Shun. He looked nervous as he watched them Duel, but Reiji told him to watch closely.

Finals
In the final match of the Junior championship, Reira Dueled against Tatsuya and Xyz Summoned "CCC Rock Armor the Embodiment of Overlaid Armors". By using its effects to gain ATK equal to the combined DEF of itself and Tatsuya's "Entermachine Gadget Giant" and then negating the latter monster's effects, Reira won the Duel and became the champion of the Junior class championship. Tatsuya congratulated Reira and compared him to his brother, and Reira thanked him with a timid smile.

Afterwards, he and his mother were going to meet Reiji, but Reiji was outside, challenging Yūya to a Duel.

Departure
After the Duel, the next day, Reira was chosen as one of the Lancers, much to Shun and Shingo's objections, but Reiji firmly stated that Reira's skill is powerful enough to fight Academia and he won't be a hindrance. Reira, along with his brother and the other Lancers, then went to the Synchro Dimension.

Duel Against Security
Upon arriving, the Lancers were split, and Reira ended up with Yūya, Shingo, and Serena. As soon as they arrived, Security arrived and tried to arrest Yūya and Serena, confusing them with Yūgo and Yuzu. Scared by their hostility, Reira tried to run away but was stopped by a barrier of "Gate Blocker"'s. Yūya grabbed Reira's hand and took him along as he Dueled a Security officer. Remembering his mother's words about spreading smiles, Yūya attempted to get the boy to open up to him, but failed because Reira was more concerned about where his brother was. When they were surrounded, Crow Hogan and his gang arrived and saved them from the Securities by taking Reira and the others riding the D-Wheel with them. Reira and the others were invited to stay at Crow's house and Reira remained by himself, refusing to socialize with the others despite Amanda's coaxing. When he overheard Shingo remind the group that they had to look for Reiji, Reira's attention was caught and he attempted to leave with Shingo and Serena, but Yūya held him back. Reira remained at Crow's place, still keeping to himself and worried without his brother, though Yūya reassured Reira that they would find Reiji. The next day, Shinji Weber showed up and dropped off some items for the kids. After he left, Crow was able to get Reira to eat with the kids. After Yūya and Crow were arguing over who could make him smile, they got into a Duel. When the Security officers showed up, Reira was rescued by Tsukikage while everyone else was captured.

Friendship Cup
Reira was reunited with Reiji and together with him and Tsukikage, confronted the Executive Council and explained about the dimensional war and the Lancers' purpose before reuniting with the other Lancers who were captured by Roget and taken to their place under the Council's order who fulfilled Reiji's request. At the first day of the Friendship Cup, Reiji requested for Reira to be allowed entry to the Friendship Cup like everyone else, which the Council permitted. When it was his turn to Duel, Reira became extremely scared and refused to go even when Reiji told him to. He ran away to Yūya's room and hugged him in fear, causing Yūya and Reiji to argue over Reira's participation in the tournament and the dimensional war. When Reiji asked him, Reira answered that the reason he refused to duel Shinji is because Shinji gave him candies back when they were hiding from the Security. Without any choice, Reiji ordered Tsukikage to take Reira's place.

Thinking that Reiji was angry, Reira quickly rushed back to him, apologizing and promised that he will do whatever he said. Reiji told him that instead of angry, he was pleased to know that Reira has started to develop his sense of self and both then returned together while holding hands.

Tsukikage vs. Shinji Weber
During the next Duel, Reira was worried that Reiji would like Tsukikage more than him. Fearing that Tsukikage could replace him if he won, he was displeased when Tsukikage dealt damage to Shinji repeatedly and desperately wanted him to lose. He was happy when Shinji won the Duel, even if this meant losing his guardian.

Damon Lopez vs. Sergey Volkov
During the Duel between Damon and Sergey, Reiji decided to not watch the Duel to meet Tsukikage and Reira followed him. After Tsukikage escaped the Underground facility to inform Reiji about the rumors surrounding Jean-Michel Roget, Reira apologized to the ninja as he admitted that he had wished Tsukikage would lose out of fear of being replaced. He then expressed his desire to stop running away and fight against the Academia so he can become a great Duelist like his older brother and Yūya. He then asked Tsukikage to deliver a message for Yūya, which was his wish for Yūya to win the Friendship Cup and Duel against Jack one more time, since this was the only way the City residents would acknowledge the Lancers and their mission in the Synchro Dimension.

King's Gambit
After the Duel between Shun and Dennis, Security members were sent by Roger to take him, Reiji, and the Councils hostage until the end of the Friendship Cup. Throughout the third day Duel, Reira was watching the whole Duel under the watch from the Securities.

Duel Against Securities
After the Duel between Serena and Yūgo ended, Reiji challenged the entire Securities that took them hostage and told Reira to go to where Serena was with Tsukikage's guidance while he hold them back. Reira went to the entrance of Underground Labor Facility and challenged the Securities who were about to take Serena away. Resolving to stop running away for his comrades and his own sake, Reira Duelled fiercely against the Securities and able to defeat all three of them by performing Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz summons in one turn. With the Securities defeated, he, along with Tsukikage who was carrying the paralysed Serena, escaped from the underground. During Yūya's Duel against Crow Hogan while they was on their way to underground Serena's bracelet glowed making them wonder what's happening. The trio eventually began to tire, and Serena urged them to abandon her, but Reira and Tsukikage refused to do so. As they moved into the sewers Serena's bracelet eventually stopped glowing with Reira noticing.

Duel Against Obelisk Force
Reira was weakened with exhaustion and Serena did not fully recover from the nerve gas when the three realized the presence of the Obelisk Force. Reira and Tsukikage refused to abandon Serena, and Reira successfully persuaded a reluctant Tsukikage to leave him and Serena and gather the Lancers from Underground for further assistance after defeating three Obelisk Force members first. By the time Tsukikage sent Sora to him and Serena, Reira defeated another group of Obelisk Force members, but at this point, he was so tired that he was unable to deal with Obelisk Force reinforcements. He started trembling in fear and recalled his traumatic memories of his childhood. Before they could Duel, Yūya arrived just in time and protected him and Serena, much to Reira's relief.

Yūya vs. Barrett
After the Obelisk Force was defeated, Reira, still traumatised and afraid, stance himself to Duel until Yūya hugged him, calming him. Both Serena and Yūya praised Reira for his efforts and momentarily felt relieved, but this was interrupted by another group of Obelisk Force with Barrett's arrival. While Yūya Dueling Barrett, Reira tried to convince himself to stand up and protect Serena, remembering his own determination to protect his friends, but he was eventually overwhelmed by his trauma. Before the Obelisk Force could do anything, Sora arrived and saved them, but this didn't last long as Yūri has followed him with another group of Obelisk Force, followed by Yūgo who challenged Yūri.

Yūgo and Yūri summoned their respective dragons, the sight of the latter's dragon terrified Reira as a dimensional hole opened up in the sky. Before it could proceed further, Yuzu arrived, transporting Yūri and Yūgo. Her arrival was soon followed by Sergey who proceeded to defeat Barrett and Tsukikage protected Yuzu, prompting the Obelisk Force to retreat. Freed from his bind, Sora intended to help, but Reira, who was still afraid, pleaded Sora not to go. Sergey eventually defeated Yūya and captured Yuzu.

Jack vs. Sergey
After their defeat, Reira and the others rest for a while to regain their strength, Reira clinging to Sora the whole time. Shingo, Gongenzaka, and Tokumatsu arrived. Shingo told Sora to get away from Reira, but the boy kept clinging to Sora, confusing Shingo until Yūya explained the situation. Sora and Tsukikage went to save Yuzu, and Yūya, despite their objection, decided to go as well. Reira immediately begged him not leave him behind, but Yūya still go with Gongenzaka, entrusting Reira's safety to Shingo and Tokumatsu, the latter able to convince Shingo and Reira to stay behind. Shingo then told Reira that he could call him "Big Brother" if he wanted, but this only scared Reira who refused to call him so.

Friendship Cup Final Match
Reira, Tokumatsu, and Shingo rushed to where Reiji was, but having difficulty due to the riot between Commons and Security. The scene reignited Reira's traumatic memories and momentarily left him disillusioned, prompting him to attempt to stop the riot until Shun arrived and calmed him down. They then proceeded to their destination, but found Security were gathering on the entrance. Tokumatsu intended to use himself as a distraction, but Reiji swiftly destroyed all Trap and Magic cards set by Security. Seeing his brother, Reira happily rushed and hugged him. Their relief was short-lived when the Security revived and once again ready to attack. After finally defeated all of the Security, Reira and the others, riding on Shun's Raid Raptors, helped Yūya, Gongenzaka, Sam, Frank, Tanner, and Amanda from the incoming riot, entering Duel Palace safely. He and everyone present then watched as the Duel between Yūya and Jack started. Duel Chasers interrupted and attacked, but the Lancers easily defeated them. Reina faced against one of Duel Chasers, and despite being tired, knowing that Jack was watching him and expecting to see his Duel, Reira continued and defeated the Duel Chaser, smiling happily at his brother and fellow Lancers who were watching. In the middle of the Duel between Yūya and Jack, Reira and the other Lancers heard of the Commons were starting their riot again, so he and the other Lancers decided to split up to stop the chaos. While Shun, Gongenzaka and Shingo stop the rebelling Commons, Reira and Reiji went to Public Security Maintenance Bureau where Roget was. He and Reiji regrouped with Tsukikage who revealed that he was defeated by Roget and he took Yuzu with him after he and Sora freed her from her cell. The three of them then found and confronted Roget who was trying to escape back to Academia with Yuzu. Refusing to surrender, Roget lured Reiji into a room. Noticing it was a trap, Reiji immediately pushed Reira away from the room before the door closed, worrying Reira who tried to open the door until Tsukikage stopped him, knowing that Reiji pushed him away to protect him from danger.

Yūya & Sora vs. Captain Solo
The Lancers wanted to stay and assist with the rebuilding effort in the City, but Shinji and Chojiro urged them to do their duty as Lancers. They traveled to the Fusion Dimension and procured a speedboat, catching up with Captain Solo's ship just as Yūya was thrown from the mast. After Crow saved Yūya from falling into the ocean, Reira called out to him. When Solo used "Grand Naval Battle" to attack the speedboat, Reira noticed the cannon fire falling towards it. After Yūya and Sora defeated Solo, Reira asked Tsukikage what he had in his hand, Tsukikage told him that it was something that he had borrowed; a screw that he took out of Solo's ship steering wheel, causing it to steer in circles and prompting a laugh from Reira. When Reiji and Crow told Yūya that the City was now equal and that Shinji and Chojiro told them to leave the City to them, Reira also told him that they told the Lancers had to do what they had do.

Heading Towards Academia
When Reiji revealed to everyone how he went to Academia three years ago and asked Yūya's father for help, Reira was surprised. He also learned that Reiji found out about Revival Zero, another part of the Professor's plan involving Serena and Yūri, and may include Yūya as well. He and other Lancers were told by Reiji to believe in their friends strength and fight to the very end. After arriving on the island, Reira prepared to climb the mountain to charge into the Professor's lab.undefined After climbing up the mountain, they were surrounded by Academia students before utilizing their plan to split into two groups, with Reira, Reiji, and Sora continuing to the lab while the remaining Lancers Dueled the students.undefined

Arriving at Academia
Along the way, they met up with Yūshō and Asuka, but were also confronted by Yūri.undefined He barely managed to pass the fence that was lowered by Sora to block Yūri off, able to pass thanks to Sora who pushed him away before the points of the fence could stab him. Together with his brother and Yūshō, Reira then continued their way to the Professor's chamber.undefined Near the chamber, they were confronted by Academia students, who took them directly to the Professor under the said person's order.undefined

The Origin of Four Dimensions
Reira was fearful at the sight of Leo Akaba, but Reiji calmed him down. He learned about Yūshō and Leo's past creating the Solid Vision together and was surprised to learn that it came from the Original Dimension. He also learned how Leo made Duel Monsters evolve with the Solid Vision system, but it lead to the world's ruin due to Zarc and his four dragons who used the technology to gain corporeal bodies and attacked anyone in their way. When Yūgo and Yūri summoned their respective dragons, Reira felt their presences and started to get scared after sensing great anger coming from them, and his fear intensified after Leo explained how Zarc became the Supreme Dragon King Zarc and destroyed everything.undefined He was relieved when Yūya made it to the inner chambers and watched Leo seal the Doctor into a card. He then learned how Leo created four cards that could defeat Supreme King Dragon Zarc but were stolen by his daughter, Ray, who defeated Zarc with it. When Leo revealed that Ray might be somewhere in the Four Dimensions due to his memories coming back, Reira listened to his brother's past of going to Academia three years ago and learning of Leo trying to start a war. He also learned that Ray had spilt into Yuzu, Serena, Ruri Kurosaki and Rin and saw ARC-V, which Leo will use to revive Ray and the fifth dimension, scaring him even more. He then watched Reiji and Yūya challenge Leo to a Duel.undefined

Yūya & Reiji vs. Leo
During the Duel, Yūya momentarily got possessed by Zarc and continued to Duel in violent manner. Reira, who was able to sense great anger rom Yūya, eventually couldn't face it anymore and passed out from the shock.undefined He remained unconscious for the rest of the Duel and was handed to Reiji by Yūshō when he terminated the Duel.undefined

Duel Against Reiji
Before waking up, Reira came into contact with Ray's and told Reiji that Ray wanted to be revived in order to stop Zarc. But, when Reiji told him how everybody may disappear if the Four Dimensions fuse back into one, Reira asked him didn't he want to revive his real older sister. When Reiji asked him was he fine with Serena and the others who lived in their reality vanishing, Reira couldn't reply, but he then told Reiji how Ray only has him as her ally and challenged Reiji to a Duel. His tactics were sealed when Reiji used "Contract with the Eternal Darkness", so Reira Summoned "Film Magician" and set a card. When Reiji attacked "Film Magician", Reira used the effect of "Film Magician" to match its ATK with "DDD Boulder King Darius" and couldn't be destroyed by battle. However, Reiji used the effect of "Darius" to prevent its destruction, destroy "Film Magician", and deal 500 damage to Reira. He was then attacked by "Gust King Alexander" and "DDD Boulder King Darius" but used "Damage Vanish" to reduce "DDD Flame King Temujin'" damage to zero. He used "Photo Frame" to copy "Contract with the Eternal Darkness" and "Pure Ray" to destroy both "Contracts" and lower Reiji's monsters ATK for one on the field. He then brought out "CC One-Eyed Past Eye and used "Montage Fusion" to Fusion Summon "CCC Sonic Halberd the Embodiment of Fused Arms".  Reira declared attack on "Alexander" and "Temujin" due to "Sonic Halberd" being able to attack twice per turn. He also gain a third attack due to Reiji controlling a wind monster and attacked "Darius"undefined. He cried when he thought he has defeated Reiji, but was surprised when Reiji used "Miracle" to survive the attack, never thinking that Reiji would use an Action Card despite knowing that it was Lancers' way to fight. No longer able to do anything, Reira ended his turn. Reiji started his counterattack, increasing his monster's ATK until it exceeded "Sonic Halberd's" ATK, defeating Reira.undefined Immediately afterwards, Yūri and Yūshō arrived at the chambers, the former has absorbed Yūgo and intended to absorb Yūya next.

Yūri vs. Yūshō
As he watched the Duel between Yūri and Yūshō, Reira was told by Ray that Zarc's revival is inevitable now, which he told to Reiji. Reina got worried for Yūshō who seemed to got cornered by Yūri, but at the same time noticed that Yūya returned to his original self thanks to Yūshō's Duelling. Noticing Yūya seemingly talking to himself, Reira wondered who Yūya was talking to and learned from Reiji that it was Yūto in his mind. He was surprised when "Sky Magician" escaped from "Ivy Bind Castle" and at how Yūshō destroyed Yūri's monsters, which also relieved him. However, this relief didn't last long as Yūri activated his trump card "Transcendental Fusion" to Fusion Summon "Starve Venom Fusion Dragon" and Synchro Summon "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon". When Yūri used the effect of "Clear Wing Synchro Dragon" to negate the effects of "Starve Venom", destroy it, and increase "Clear Wing's" ATK, Reira was surprised he destroyed his own ace monster and at how its ATK got increased. When Yūshō began to take damage from the effects of "Starve Venom", "Clear Wing", "Flower of Destruction", and "Fruit of Destruction", Reira halted Reiji from joining the Duel out of worry until Yūshō himself told Reiji not to interfere. He could only watch as Yūshō got defeated and carded by Yūri and Yūya breaking free from "Binding Swords of Impact".undefined

Yūri vs. Yūya
Reira rushed to Reiji when he was sent flying by Yūya's shockwave and helped him stand as the Duel between Yūya and Yūri started. He was worried about Yūya when he was writhing in pain from fighting Zarc's control. Reira then told Reiji that Ray said Zarc's revival can no longer be avoided now, but Reiji believed that Yūya can fight it. When Yūri brought out "Clear Wing", Reira deduced that Yūri was going to use the vicious combo he did before and was worried that Yūya might lose like his father. His worry was put at ease when Yūya negated the two dragons' effects, preventing Yūri from using the same combo. When the Four Heavenly Dragons were summoned and resonating, Yūya started to seemingly lose control of himself, worrying Reira who thought that Yūya wasn't himself anymore, but Reiji told him otherwise, assuring that Yūya was still fighting for them and the world.undefined When Yūya began to walk closer to Yūri, Reira and Reiji thought for a moment that Yūya has finally give in, but they were glad when Yūya then set a card and ended his turn, which showed that Yūya was still himself. While watching their Duel, Reira was surprised that they were trapped in the Isolation Dome and separated from ARC-V. Together with Reiji, they rushed towards Yūya who got knocked out from Yūri's attack before realizing that he couldn't hear Ray's voice anymore. Reira then prepared to Duel Yūri with Reiji, Sora, and Edo to protect Yūya but were sent flying by Yūri, forcing them to watch until the Duel is finished. When Yūya used "Farewell" at the cost of discarding "Smile World" to avoid the finishing attack and began to lose his will to fight as he felt he has betrayed his father, Reira, together with the others, revived his broken spirit by telling how much faith they placed on him, believing he can save the world and urged him to Duel his own way. Reira then continued to cheer for Yūya as he slowly gained the advantage thanks to Yūto and Yūgo's help after taking control of their dragons from Yūri. Reira and the others then rejoiced once Yūya finally defeated Yūri.

Revival of Supreme King Dragon
Unfortunately, this didn't last long as Zarc turned out to have completely possessed Yūya due to Yūya's mind focusing only to win during the earlier Duel after following Reiji's advice and their cheers for him overlapped with the cheers that Zarc used to receive from his fans who demanded for a violent Duel. Reira and the others then witnessed as Zarc summoned "Astrograph Magician" to fuse him and his dragons, becoming Supreme King Dragon Zarc.undefined After Zarc fired an attack on the academy, Reira once again felt Ray's presence and heard her voice, so he told Reiji that Leo was still inside. He also told Reiji that Ray's voice was calling Leo to hurry and revive her since only she could defeat Zarc. He then ran back into Academia to meet Leo with Reiji following him.undefined Space continued to warp through Academia, and the Akaba brothers found themselves walking in circles. Reira was scared by apparent ghosts walking through him and Reiji, but to his surprise, Reiji noted that they were the citizens of Heartland and City.undefined

Abilities
Reira's experience as a war victim has gave him an ability to feel and read other people's emotions.undefined This also seems to apply to Duel Monsters like the Four Heavenly Dragons as Reira was able to sense their anger even from different locations.undefined This ability also allows Reira to hear Ray's voice when fragments of her spirit left her reincarnations' body to communicate with Reira.

Deck
Reira runs a "CC" Deck, which utilizes the "Persona Shutter" Magic and Trap Cards focused on copying the opponent monsters to use them as Materials. While his "CC" and "Persona Shutter" cards seem unrelated, they both share a camera motif.

Thematically, Reira's deck is similar to his brother Reiji's, in that he is able to perform multiple types of Extra Deck Summons. The names of his cards, "CC" and "CCC," are based on Reiji's "DD" and "DDD" archetypes in naming structure.