#reaper!lizzie

[lady-lilly-gray]

Kuroshitsuji “Suicide Theory” aka “Everything in this series is intentional”

Ever since I read the Emerald Witch arc (re: Chapter 105) I have wondered:

“Why bring up that Grim Reapers are humans who have committed suicide?”

From a fan perspective, it’s an interesting bit of world building, it provides a new lens through which to build on these characters I already know and love; but Yana Toboso is known for being very particular about what she writes, down to the exact words she uses. So, I don’t think she would drop such a heavy bomb on the fandom just because she knows the fandoms like the reapers—especially when she was presumably already working on (or at least in the planning stages of) the Akuma 6 chapter, which would be a more “appropriate” place to add in extraneous fanservice.

So, why add that particular piece of lore? Well, there are two reasons I can think of:

We will learn more about one (or more) of the Reaper’s suicides

Someone will commit suicide, and she wants us to understand the repercussions of that in this universe.

To start, let’s break down those two points:

For the first, which reaper would we get that kind of information about?

Of the named-in-universe reapers, I don’t think Sascha or Ludgar are “relevant enough” for this information to be revealed about them; plus, with the framing of the panel when this is revealed, we at least know how Sascha did it

It is a safe assumption that Grelle’s suicide would have been linked to her gender identity, and I can’t see Yana going into that

Will and Ron have already been at the focus of arcs (Circus and Sanitorium) during which this information could have been shared or foreshadowed

Whilst I do think that Will is indeed more important than we’ve yet to see (re: I think he was the one who was tasked with collecting the souls of Claudia and/or Vincent, as it feels somewhat intentional that he is the only “main” reaper we’ve yet to see go up against Undertaker, but I don’t think that would warrant a pre-suicide backstory.)

I don’t think we’ll get info about Othello either, but more on that below

The most likely reaper we would get this information about is Undertaker, but I don’t think we will; and here’s why:

A lot of mention of his past is focused on the 19th century (e.g. the mourning lockets, his desertion/destruction of the dispatch (which I do think we’ll get more info on later, the recent Phantomhives like Vincent and Claudia)

If the theory that his reaper number is a reference to when he died (re: 1366) the 19th century is MUCH later than his death

From what I’ve heard, the Japanese fandom is more invested in future events rather than past ones and Yana will probably be the same

I don’t think we will ever learn Undertaker’s “real” name if he isn’t Cedric K.

And if he is Cedric (i.e. Grandpa UT Theory) he was already a reaper when he fathered Vincent and Frances (correct feminine spelling) which would mean that what we do learn of his past would almost certainly remain within the last 100 years in-universe

Additionally, it is implied (if not outright confirmed? I have to reread the manga) that Othello died at the same time as Undertaker; and I feel like, though he will be imperative in taking down UT (or trying to) he will not be “valuable” enough to warrant learning about his suicide in addition to Undertakers’s

But that’s just point One. As for point Two: Who is most likely to commit suicide?

O!Ciel; besides the fact that Sebastian literally can’t let that happen, I don’t think it would be a satisfying resolution to the story at all; and considering the shorter chapters (which was either done to prevent burn out and/or extend the series beyond when Yana projected it to end) and now the hiatus, I think Yana is very determined to round out the story the way she wants to.

Soma; I think it unlikely for Yana to kill him off after already killing off Agni. Also, since he is (at least currently) distanced from O!Ciel and the rest of the main cast, his death wouldn’t really have an impact on the narrative. Thus far, Yana-san has been very intentional about killing off focal characters (Bizarre Doll!Angelina Theory Pending)

As for the Phantomhive Servants

Tanaka would never abandon O!Ciel like that, and is definitely too important given his current situation with R!Ciel

Side note; If Grandpa UT Theory is true, I bet Tanaka knows

RIP Snake I’m so sus that we didn’t actually see that reaper leave with your Cinematic Record intact… please don’t get turned into a BD

Finny cares way too much about O!Ciel—he would never

Bard already had a death fake out; it would be stupid to kill him at this point, even if he was “resurrected” as a reaper

Mey-Rin has some unresolved stuff with Lau and the Chinese Mafia, right—please tell me this will be addressed ???

Edward cares too much about Lizzie to “abandon” her; I also think he would have had more interaction with the supernatural characters if this was going to be the case

Lizzie on the other hand has had numerous brushes with such; so, let’s chat about her:

What has her role in the story so far been?

At first, she is introduced as more comic relief, the annoying girl in the background that gets between the yaoi-bait* -- however, we know this overly sweet and borderline irritating girl to have been a façade (one she created for R!Ciel): she was playing a role which eventually got stripped away, much like O!Ciel’s impersonation of his brother.

*Obligatory “black butler was never meant to be shotacon but there is undeniably fanservice towards BL/Shota fans, especially in the earlier chapters” spiel

But back to Lizzie.

When does her first major narrative shift occur? The Campania Arc, right?

Wrong.

Her first major narrative shift is in the circus arc.

“But Lilly! She’s barely even in that arc!” Yup! But she is in it—and not just in the “filler” chapter at the end. So why would our ever-intentional mangaka give her such a small role in the first arc to really kickstart the overarching plot?

Well, what is her role in this arc? She is at the Phantomhive manor when it is attacked.

When O!Ciel is informed that the circus troupe was sent to his manor, his first instinct is to be concerned for Lizzie’s safety, before ultimately entrusting the servants to protect her along with the rest of the house.

What does this mean? This means that, despite him being dismissive of her when she is first introduced, Ciel genuinely does care about her. Yes we obviously see him caring for her in the butler arcs, but this is mainly shown in ways that could be seen as having other motives: dancing with her is an appeasement, possibly even a “what would Ciel do in this situation?” moment; he has to protect his identity.

The second time is when he protects her from the bear on his birthday. Whilst we, the audience, trust this to be an instinctual action, the fact that he was in front of his Aunt at the time cannot be ignored when it comes to the “role” of his brother which he has assumed. There is no way to be completely sure that this action was not “doing as Ciel would” as well.

But in the circus arc, we simply get this reminder in O!Ciel’s mind. Joker doesn’t know she’s there, Sebastian doesn’t say anything. When Joker mentioned manor, O!Ciel himself recalls that Lizzie is there. He knows everyone in that room is going to end up dead—hell, he’s actively working through a ptsd trigger in that scene. By bringing Lizzie to the forefront of his mind at the mere mention of his manor, he is acting solely on his own subconscious; he is not trying to prove anything to anyone—these are his own genuine thoughts and concerns.

Ok, ok, ok, so NOW the Campania arc, right?

For the sake of this Theory*, yes. Let’s talk about what the Luxury Liner arc does for Lizzie’s character, as well as for her relationship with the twins.

* “I know you’re my betrothed, but I’d prefer you didn’t watch me undress”

Firstly, to get the point out of the way: it’s her first brush with reapers—specifically, she challenges Grelle. Is it just me, or is this establishing Lizzie as already being strong enough (or, at least, headstrong enough) to take on a reaper, like Undertaker? Also, if I’m remembering right, she is also the only human character (aside from O!Ciel) to be shown directly interacting with an “on-duty” reaper and live. (Will, Grelle, and Ron were all “undercover” whenever they were shown interacting with Humans whilst “on the job” + Undertaker is not an active reaper anymore.)

As for her character development in this arc, there are three scenes I’d like to look at:

The Battle in the Hold

“No matter what, I will protect you”

There is no one around (except Snake, rip best boy, but he didn’t know R!Ciel) to witness this, so it’s fair to say that this is O!Ciel’s own desire to protect her.

Also the way he holds onto her is so dang cute; my shipper heart melts!

There was, however, literally no reason to write them in such a cute way, especially just a few chapters before the juxtaposing views the twins share towards Lizzie’s strength.

The Watertight Doors

He stays behind so as to not leave her alone. He recognises that he can’t pull her out without risking her safety, so he risks his own* to stay with her. (*I genuinely do not believe he was thinking in this moment that Sebastian would not let him die.) Another cute and heroic scene, setting up for her to return the favour.

Also, him ripping her dress off is so unnecessary, and totally something a CSA victim would probably NOT do; but she gets to wear his jacket as a physical embodiment of his desire to protect her—and he does immediately comfort her. And, he is also right that the less layers she’s wearing the better chance of survival she has… dammit Yana.)

“Wife of the Queen’s Watchdog”

Right out of the gate, this phrasing is interesting in retrospect: R!Ciel has never officially held the position of Watchdog. Whilst, yes, she would have been his wife once he assumed the role, it is an interesting word choice for drawing a distinction between R!Ciel and O!Ciel—the latter of whom the title of “watchdog” applies to. Additionally, so far as I can recall, Lizzie is not aware of O!Ciel being on the ship for Watchdog Reasons™—so why bring it up in the first place?

Next, we are given the perspective of O!Ciel in this scene. He is shocked, he is safe. He is admiring her strength and resolution. Of course we can say now that this was done to distinguish his perspective of her strength from what his brother told her in the past; but that’s exactly the point I’m getting at: Lizzie made herself into someone else in order to stay in favour with her love (R!Ciel); but it’s her authentic self that is admirable to O!Ciel—I’m not very knowledgeable on relationships, but I think you would want to be able to be your true self around your life partner, no?

Another interesting interaction in this scene is after the fight.

Lizzie is sad that “Ciel won’t love [her] anymore” (I’m paraphrasing), which O!Ciel vehemently declares is untrue “How could I hate you for saving my life?!”

And then Lizzie hits him with the iconic: “So you’ll still marry me?” and our poor wet cat becomes a blushing, stammering mess. (And the fact that I don’t relate to this is how I realised I’m Aromantic—so what does that mean for our boy’s own feelings? Let’s consult our Mangaka on that!)

Yana-san once said (don’t ask me for the source idk where it is—I’ve been in this fandom too long) that she doesn’t intend to have a romantic arc in the story because she doesn’t trust herself to write a good romance story… so, why draw attention to the romantic aspect of their relationship? I would say because O!Ciel’s feelings for Lizzie—and maybe even Lizzie’s feelings for both twins—will be tested. Last we saw of her, she was on the verge of a breakdown for not being able to tell them apart; I’d be curious to know how much of that was related to considering her feelings for O!Ciel: How much of her love was due to him acting like his brother—and how much of her love was due to him acting like himself, like when she protected him on the Campania?

“Lilly, this is interesting and all, but the main focus of the story is O!Ciel and Sebastian’s contact! What does it matter which twin Lizzie is in love with?” That first comment would be correct; but what do most fans agree the ending will involve? Sebastian claiming his prize; re: O!Ciel’s death.

To that point, is there anything holding him to life at present, aside from his need for revenge—who would mourn him when he’s gone, now that his brother, that “favourite child” in his eyes, has returned from the grave?

I think we’ve already gotten all the information of the cult that we will, so that leaves us with the attack on the Phantomhive Manor keeping him here, something most likely linked to Vincent’s role as the Watchdog. Thus, in my humble opinion, in order to truly round out that aspect of the plot, the position of Watchdog must die with O!Ciel.

So, let’s look at what needs to happen in order for that position to die.

The heir and the spare: R!Ciel would more than likely not accept the position. I can’t see him wanting it, especially acting under the influence of Undertaker. Who would it pass to next? Vincent’s spare: Frances Midford.

Side note: she more than likely was at the very least consulted regarding this position when it was believed there were no survivors of the attack on the Manor. Remember, this was the same time when Lizzie fell into a depressive spiral.

Which brings us to the point of Frances’s heir: Marquess outranks Earl, so Edward would not be demoted; and he doesn’t have the disposition for the job anyway. Thus, her true heir, as both the Watchdog and the Countess Phantomhive, would be Lizzie. (Hence why she was probably chosen as Ciel’s betrothed in the first place.)

Now, if Lizzie were to die, Frances would not have an heir; and with no prospect of having any more children (not biologically impossible, but still unlikely at her age) would Victoria even bother bequeathing the role to her? My guess is no—especially if it does turn out that the Crown was behind the attack on the Phantomhive Manor.

But let’s forget that for a moment and look at how other characters would be/will be affected by the death of our Earl:

Tanaka: has already seen the death of his master (Vincent…possibly Claudia?) and went a period of thinking both twins had died; he would be distraught, but wouldn’t show it; and he would recover.

Mey Rin: We still have the unresolved mafia stuff that I refuse to shut up about!! But also, the Maids arc shows that she could find another position if she had to. (Keeping it would be a different conversation though…)

Bard: He would probably be sad (“another fallen comrade”), but he lost his family, and many friends in the war. He is the most desensitised to death of all the servants.

Finny: I think he would be the most upset behind Tanaka—definitely the most outward about his grief—but the scene in Bard’s memory where he views Mey-Rin and Finny as Johanna and Junior comes across as foreshadowing the three of them sticking together, turning into some kind of platonic family unit.

Edward: I would say he has the most support: his parents, his school friends; and I don’t think he’s one to shy away from expressing his emotions. Also, I don’t think he has the resolve to turn suicidal over O!Ciel’s death, especially with his feelings towards him at present.

And Lizzie?

Of course she loves her brother and her family; but the twin reveal already has her separated from them (re: running away when she was faced with r!Ciel) and is testing her mental stability. The prospect of O!Ciel’s death (should she learn the truth about Sebastian and the contract, which I can totally see Undertaker via R!Ciel informing her about it in order to keep her on their side) could be the final drop in the bucket, pushing her over the edge. After all, she is his Queen*. *see Chess Game theory here

That brings us to the final point of foreshadowing (in my opinion): Lizzie v. Sebastian

The first time they fight, it is with regards to R!Ciel. Could this be a set up for another fight between the two over O!Ciel? Oh, but if it is, Sebastian would not go easy on her. If she’s to stand a chance against his full demon capabilities, she’d need supernatural strength of her own…like a reaper.

“Admirable strength…for a human” he says. Whilst this could easily just be Sebastian being all inhuman and weird, I think it may also be a nod to Lizzie losing her humanity.

There is also a slim possibility of her killing Sebastian (an act of true love cliche yada yada yada) and effectively freeing Ciel from his contract; with the help of Undertaker (especially if he’s Grandpa Phantomhive), but I wouldn’t hold my breath over that. If anything, killing Sebastian may not free Ciel at all, since he already sold his soul; it may just allow his soul/cinematic record to pass peacefully into the hands of the reapers in lieu of being consumed.

And it could be her redemption for being so quick to turn on him in the first place.

Um, yeah; I don’t really have a conclusion for this theory because it will probably evolve once Lizzie comes back into the story. Until then: like, comment, subscribe!

[anewp0tat0]

lil doodle to end the week

[remus2prompts]

A new duo has emerged for Reaper Life! Z-TEAM!!!

doodles under the cut

one fight scene later bc im not gonna draw allat

[rockstarprincessangel]

literally me 🎀

[abybweisse]

It's funny when people still say undertaker doesn't give a fuck about midfords,I mean their house didn't burn in the fire and their children didn't get abducted and they don't have a contract with the devil,so it makes sense that se we undertaker less concerned in them, also about campania I agree that he was a dick but maybe he knew that Sebastian won't let anything harm ciels fiance and family, in the end she is still Claudia's daughter and he called her a phantomhive for a certain reason

All the Phantomhives

He doesn't want to lose any more Phantomhives. Period. And he makes it very clear that he considers Francis to still be one, even though she got married. Her children are automatically included, I should think... but probably not Alexis. (Sorry, Alexis.)

Not only were the Midfords not targeted in that attack, but I think he considers Francis to be more like Cedric, more like himself, than Claudia. It's sad, in a way, because he might not fuss over her as much, but it also likely means he believes she's strong enough to pretty much fend for herself. And Edward, Lizzie and Alexis are no slouches -- especially Lizzie! I mean he let Lizzie go toe to toe with Sebastian, knowing full well what he is. And she was really holding her own until Sebastian caught her off guard. And we all know that Sebastian was surprised that Francis was able to catch up to him and even lay a hand on him at Weston. Not easy to do! These are formidable individuals.

[aliferous-ly]

hey guys thinking about graveyard shift au again. tango and jimmy prebond r something so fascinating. each one is like "wow I'm surrounded by weirdos I'm the only normal person here." joel doesn't help because he's just as obsessed with catching etho, and jimmy with his chronic little sibling nature teases him constantly "I caught MY guy!!" while Lizzie's watching them like woaw.... gay people .....

[sassyfever]

Now that the new mini arc is finally starting Imma make a couple predictions. Angelina is now a bizarre doll and ✨coincidentally✨at the hotel. Grelle is also there. For drama's sake you know how it goes.

[hoomandoescosplay]

Long Lost Sister

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

[so-bitya]

if i got to handle writing a short special chapter about Rachel, i would make it from the perspective of a reaper who fell in love with her. because one its instantly relatable, two it hints at the perspective of Vincent, Madam Red, and anyone else who loved her revealing what innate qualities she had that made her so cherished. three, love a good tragedy of a grim reaper falling in love with a mortal woman, knowing her intimate flaws and fragility, and how nothing can be done to stop her inevitable death. Almost hating her for it, only to take her soul in the end, looking down as she's cradled in her husband's arms, acknowledging nothing could have been done because she would have never changed from her beautiful self.

[adoringsentiment]

someone please tell me not to start a baby challenge PLEASE

[lady-lilly-gray]

also who's going to commit suicide? because you don't just drop a bomb like 105 and expect me to NOT think it's some kind of foreshadowing

[thephantomhivefuckboi]

Idk about you guys, but I definitely think that if Lizzy were to be a reaper, she'd probably wear these.

[dead-as-i-tread]

don't fear the reaper

[pompaumee]

Here is an idea I've had for lizzy since forever but never sketched (even if it kinda has really sad implications).

Here is grim reaper Lizzy :>

[abybweisse]

Hello! I know you wrote that your askbox is open for chap204 question, so feel free to answer this whenever. I scrolled so far down you reapers tag the app glitched and would only show me the same posts on loop so I didn't see if you answered something about that before: in GW arc, Sasha said that Ciel could see reapers either due to his being close to death or because of his lineage. But people had no problems seeing butler!Grell, or passenger!Ronald, or circus membre!William, or Grell and Othello at the manor and there's other exemples like Undertaker? So is it a mistake by Yana or did I misunderstood?

There are some older posts about this, but they might be hard to pin down, especially if Tumblr starts glitching. 😆

When can you see reapers?

When trying to hide, only certain people can see them, and only under certain circumstances. Reapers can be seen by anyone when they are not trying to hide.

However, there's some reasonable debate on whether Grelle is supposed to be seen by everyone when Lizzie is in fight mode and automatically points her sword at Grelle. I think Grelle was not trying to be invisible at that moment. The main reason I say that is because Sebastian stops Lizzie from fighting Grelle, and Sebastian clearly cannot see reapers who are trying to remain invisible.

Regardless of whether Grelle was trying to be invisible right then, though, the question remains why Lizzie would automatically point a sword at a reaper when she was fighting bizarre dolls.

Even though reapers are supposed to have souls, they are definitely different from regular human beings... and Lizzie might have sensed something off about Grelle (in general), before Sebastian can say anything about Grelle (specifically).

Automatically registering that reapers are not human might be a nod to her lineage anyway, just as seeing reapers when they are in hiding is a nod to our earl's lineage. Keep in mind that our earl only takes note of Sascha and Ludger when he hears one of them say "Phantomhive"; he turns around at the word and finds them in the trees. Similarly, Lizzie only tries to attack a reaper when she's caught up in her sword fighting "zone". In such states, they are probably more open to their own burgeoning powers/abilities.