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DELTARUNE THEORY/ANALYSIS: CHAPTER 5 SPOILERS BELOW

This is honestly a bit of a mess. Enjoy!

NOTE: I abbreviate a bunch of words for simplicity's sake. Here's a guide incase you're unsure.

CHAPTER 1/2/3/4/5/6/7- C1/2/3/5/5/6/7

ROARING KNIGHT- RK

UNDERTALE- UT

DELTARUNE- DR

YOUTUBE- YT

ANOTHER NOTE: this would have hit the max image amount no matter what I did, so I have opted for inserting the dialogue as text or describing the image itself. If you want to know where a source is from, ask, and I should hopefully be able to provide a visual source!

ANOTHER ANOTHER NOTE: for quotes/description, as some include longer conversations, you'll know it's the end of an individual point when you see a citation. Here's an example:

[Person 1] "Blah blah pancakes"- Pancake Game, Chapter 1, Pancake World. This is the end of point 1.

[Person 2] "Blah blah waffles"

[Person 1] "But...pancakes?"- Waffle Game, Chapter 1, Waffle World. This is the end point 2.

THE FLOWERS (or, as I like to call them, the Bouquet Bunch) ARE REFLECTIVE OF KRIS

One thing that had been bugging me when playing C5 was why certain flowers were paired together. Funny character interactions, yes, but I think there's a more narratively important reason for the groupings. My first guess is that the UT soul traits they're aligned with often feed into one another (integrity requires a strong idea of justice/morality, perseverance requires patience, kindness requires bravery). But certain characters don't align or even contrast with their soul trait, and DR isn't UT. So, is there characterisation entirely based on cute references to UT?

[Susie] "Flowers that wanna be human...must feel weird, huh, Kris?" -DR, C5, Cliffs (Long Slideable Cliff)

[Flowery] "So...how are we "humans" feeling about helping Asgore?" -DR, Pre Top Of Castle, C5

I think the characterisation of the Bouquet Bunch are impacted by how the UT traits are when applied to Kris. Not only did Kris make their Dark World, meaning that, while they are their own people, they must reflect Kris to some capacity. They already have several obvious things in common. Namely, their species dysphoria, complicated connections to humanity, and fractured relationship with Asgore.

[Text] "Bravery. Justice. Integrity. Kindness. Perseverance. Patience. Using these, you were able to win at "Ball Game."" -UT, Snowdin.

If we refer back to UT, I do believe this has some grounding. If we refer back to Ball Game, which literally tells us which soul corresponds with each trait through flag colours, the red flag requires all six other traits to "win at Ball Game". So, in DR, it wouldn't be unlikely that this translates as the Bouquet Bunch being reflective of Kris. This post is predominantly an analysis of each of the Bouquet Bunch, their similarities with Kris, and, by extension, what we can infer about Kris themself. Enjoy!

REPEATING THIS DISCLAIMER: I am not saying the Bouquet Bunch are just "parts of Kris". They are their own people and aren't Literally Them. However, their characterisation is impacted by Kris, as the maker of their Dark World. It's like how Queen isn't Carol, both literally and personality wise, but is obviously indicative of her.

AQUA

Probably the most obvious case, due to their visual similarities: humanoid, blue skin, short dark hair covering their red eyes, and a red bow that looks similar to devil horns. They both also have an affinity for and wield knives, and copy each others ACT sprites during the fight. Cute!

[Kris is engaged in battle against Aqua. Kris performs the full prisiadka. Aqua stands, kicking with her arms folded, badly trying to copy Kris.] -DR, C5, Near End Of Garden

Many people have pointed out that Aqua is somewhat like Kris' younger self (playful, prone to danger, innocent, a little eccentric) and I agree. The biggest piece of evidence, for me, is that we first fight Aqua alone, not with our full party, and Kris' only individual hangout is with Aqua (aside from one exception who we'll get to), implying an individual connection between Aqua and Kris. However, a part I haven't seen anyone mention is how Aqua is treated by the older (teenage) figures around her.

[Ralsei] "How about if we play with you..."

[Susie] "You give us that cool feather?" -DR, C5, Near End Of Garden (Before Aqua Fight)

[Susie] "Yeah. The loser's always gotta give something to the winner." -DR, C5, Near End Of Garden (After Aqua Fight)

[Susie] "Hey, if all three of us get out, you win!" -DR, C5, Flower Castle Jail

[Seth] "Not good! They noticed us because you kept talking! -DR, C5, Cliffs (Before Seth's First Bullet Pattern)

[Seth] "Aqua!! Help me!! Come back!! Please!!" -DR, C5, Below Castle (Aqua and Seth Fight)

Seth uses her for their attacks and blames her for their mistake, and the Fun Gang repeatedly manipulate her to get things they want. This sounds much harsher than how it's actually depicted, but knowing that Kris was canonically tricked by a group of "big kids" when they were younger is too much of a coincidence for me to not go unnoted.

[Bratty] "Remember when you wanted to hang out with us big kids? I was like, "yeah, of course! Just get us some burgers!" Then, like, amazingly...you ACTUALLY got them...so I told you to go back and get some french fries, too...then a dozen miniature cakes...." -DR, C1, In Front of Bratty's House (Memories Option)

(If you think this is a stretch, I promise that other more "serious" traits are also depicted comedically that we'll get to, probably because C5 acts as the final fun adventure before the inevitable nightmares of C6-7.)

But why isn't Aqua patient? Because Kris isn't a very patient person!

[Text] "Despite your weakness, will you really make your first priority (your very first priority) looking through your brother's letters (which you have already read) as if you haven't read them before?" -DR, C5, Kris and Asriel's Bedroom (Checking Ariel's Drawer)

[Text] "Listening to this, your eyes began to close automatically..." -DR, C2, Classroom (After Berdley Starts Reading)

[Text] "From search query: summer vacation college when."- DR, C2, Guest Hall (Checking Calendar in Kris' Room)

You may argue the final point is only out of homesickness, but consider this:

[Alphys] Staying up late talking to Asriel online again? -DR, C2, Classroom (After Class)

[Berdley] "You missed my Smashing Fighters moss-percent speedrun. What? You're still above me on the leaderboards? Please...Kris. Soon everyone will know your secret. I've been working on a forty-minute documentary...proving that you spliced your run." -DR, C1, Library (Fangamer 6th Anniversary Stream)

Kris talks to Asriel regularly enough for their teacher to recognise the reason why they sleep through class and still cannot wait for him to get back. I don't think that's a sign of a very patient person. I'd say the only aspects of them being patient are through a less traditional sense: they're a speedrunner.

(YES, the Fangamer streams aren't technically canon, but considering Kris' clear interest in gaming, I still think this applies. Who doesn't want to min-max or be a completionist sometimes?)

You'd think that them being a speedrunner is less proof of their patience, especially given that they didn't have the patience to properly beat Berdley's run and cheated, but I'd argue that it still shows their patience manifested through a different form: speedrunning is hard. It requires alot of time, study and energy. Though I do think Aqua's excitable personality is just her being a little kid, this could potentially be why the girl linked to patience is so impatient- her focus just happens to be applied to having fun. Ultimately, though, I think their gamer side manifests in Aqua's partner instead. We're not done with Aqua, but for the sake of the flow of this post, we'll come back to her later.

SETH

Superficially, the only thing connecting Kris and Seth is their exploration of gender. Afterall, Seth idolises Berdley, who Kris shows a surprisingly emotional (negative) response to when we select him to be our festival companion. But I think the two share more similarities than expected.

[Seth] I told you, I'm not "Purple!" My NAME...is "Seth"! -DR, C5, Cliffs (Meeting Seth)

[Aqua] Seth, are you a "girl", too? Or "boy"?

[Seth] "What!? I...uh...heh, a real tactician never reveals any unnecessary information!"

[Aqua] "Uuu...you mean you don't know?"

[Seth] "Sh...shut up! Of course I know!"

...

[Blue] "Seth, whether you have an answer or not...is it not all a beauty of the kaleidoscope of life?"

[Seth] "Huh? Th...thanks everyone! I..." -DR, C5, Flower Castle Cafe (Aqua and Seth Break)

With an alien entity controlling their body, midnight activities that lower their HP, god knows how many alliances they have to keep track of AND having to keep all this secret, I think it's fair to assume that Kris is a pretty perseverant person. Most people would have cracked by now. I think this is why Seth is one of the (somewhat) more competent flowers of the Bouquet Bunch. More specifically, Seth is the "brains". They plan battle attacks and give their teammates feedback and commands, just like Kris does (remember how ACTing used to just be their thing?). Interestingly, this manifests as them being "cringe". They spam the most powerful attacks and analyse battle data for efficiency's sake, just like a speedrunner would. And of course the gamer side of Kris would idolise Berdley, the ULTIMATE gamer!

[Seth] "Aqua, get back here! It's time for our TEAM PATTERN!" -DR, C5, Cliffs (Before Seth's First Bullet Pattern)

[Seth] "W-wait, wait! I know this tactic! You're trying to make us drop our guard!! But I, the master tactician, have analyzed your battle data! THIS...is your weakness, isn't it!? What Aqua hit you with the most.." -DR, C5, Below Castle (Aqua and Seth Fight)

[Seth] "I know this is your weakness! We just...we just have to keep using it over and over!" -DR, C5, Below Castle (Aqua and Seth Fight)

[Seth] "Just...use the wind to your advantage!" -DR, C5, Cliffs (Fan To Get Below Castle)

[Seth] "I realize last time we lost because you could ACT! So this time...it's time for my counter-tactic! Infinite Invincible ACT-less Eternal SEEING DOUBLE!" -DR, C5, East Wing (Before Seth's Second Bullet Pattern)

Of course this could be due to the player's determination than their perseverance, but consider that it's implied that they can rebel or struggle against our control. This leads me onto my next point: I think perseverance can also act as stubbornness, which both Kris and Seth possess. Seth is adamant about being correct all the time and for things to be (done) a certain way.

[Seth] "Haha, obviously, it means...um..."

[Aqua] "Uuuu, does Seth not know?"

[Seth] "Of course I know! You just wouldn't get it!" -DR, C5, Cliffs (Before Seth's First Bullet Pattern)

[Seth] "You...you can't be friends with both THEM and ME!! Pick ONE!!!" -DR, C5, Flower Castle Jail

[Seth] "I really have to do everything myself, don't I...?" -DR, C5, East Wing (Before Seth's Second Bullet Pattern)

[Ralsei] "One thing that really bugs me about Flowery..."

[Seth] "It's that he doesn't explain everything correctly!!"

...

[Seth] "We should...WE should be the leaders!!" -DR, C5, Flower Cafe (Seth and Ralsei Break)

Likewise, there are several times where Kris fights against our control. Meaning that, otherwise, they (somewhat) CHOOSE to go along with all of our antics. That's pretty perseverant to me.

[Text] "You turned the doorknob. ...You didn't do anything else." -DR, C4, Church Main Hall (Selecting "Turn The Doorknob")

[The player tries to move the HERO character towards the Shelter, but is met with a force trying to move it upward. This is implied to be Kris moving the controller themself to prevent us from entering.] -DR, C3, Backstage Room (SWORD route, Third Stage)

[Susie] "KRIS!!! N... NOW'S YOUR CHANCE!!! ATTACK THEM!!! ... KRIS...!!!" -DR, C4, First Sanctuary (Encountering RK Upstairs)

They also match in terms of physical perseverance, as they're both rely on their party members to do the heavy lifting. Kris has more of an excuse than Seth, given that they're the "well-rounded" one, with Susie being a tank and Ralsei being a mage. Of course, with Susie learning healing magic, Ralsei not being afraid to use offensive spells, and both learning how to ACT, Kris may no longer seem as special as they once were. Note how frequently Aqua uses magic/attacks in contrast to Seth, whose battle plans, their "function", goes away. Additionally, Seth's insecurity about Aqua picking Susie is not only reflective of Susie getting close with people other than Kris, but also Seth/Kris' own insecurities about not being "good enough".

[Blue] "I'm sorry, I misspoke, Seth. Your analysis is much-needed."

[Seth] "THANK you!! Finally SOMEONE tells it like it IS!" -DR, C5, Flower Cafe (Seth and Blue Break)

[Aqua] "Magic, magic, omega, magic! ...what? You can't do it!? Uuu, how boring...no more battle!" -DR, C5, Near End Of Garden (Kris VS Aqua Fight)

Also, if the name debacle implies that Kris is a name they chose for themself, then their deadname could actually be Togore. No wonder they changed it.

ORANGE

Like Aqua, I believe Orange is representative of a younger Kris, purely with how childish she is and the "younger sibling" role she adopts.

[Text] "Flowery's little sister Orange, and kitchen partner Green appeared!" -DR, C5, Flowery Boss Fight (Orange and Green)

She constantly wants to prove herself and hates being treated as inferior, which, while we haven't seen from Kris, knowing that they're the younger child, isn't out of the question. Afterall, they both throw themselves into dangerous situations with the odds against them, albeit for different reasons.

[Orange hits the Fun Gang with a barrage of punches, all dealing 0HP of damage.] -DR, C5, East Wing (After Seth's Second Bullet Pattern)

[Kris shields Susie from an attack of spade-shaped projectiles from King.] -DR, C1, Card Castle (Rooftop)

[Flowery] "Orange! Be brave, it's your turn!"

[Orange] "Flowery! Big bro! They won't beat OUR combo!" -DR, C5, Flowery Boss Fight (Orange and Green)

(Not everyone can cope with a world-breaking being possessing your body, let alone treating it like a naughty pet.)

However, this doesn't mean Orange's characterisation is not relevant to current Kris. In fact, I'd argue their biggest connection is the simple fact that they both dish out what they can't take, and hence aren't very "brave". Orange wants to be the biggest and the baddest, manifested through her calling the Fun Gang names, but is extremely sensitive, namely with her fighting.

[Orange] "All THREE of you are PATHETIC excuses for HUMANS!"

...

[Orange] "What do you mean NOTHING, you hat-less CHIBI BOY!?" -DR, C5, East Wing (Before Orange's Firs Battle Pattern)

[Orange] "IT...IT WASN'T EASY!!! You just...DID IT WRONG!!!" -DR, C5, East Wing (After Orange's First Bullet Pattern)

[Orange] "STOP TREATING ME LIKE A LITTLE CHIBI!!! YOU BULLIES!!!" -DR, C5, East Wing (After Seth's Second Bullet Pattern)

[Orange] "THEY WERE PICKING ON ME!!!"

...

[Orange] "Green!! Don't listen to them!!! They're MEAN!!!" DR, C5, East Wing (Before Orange and Green Fight)

If Kris "made a Dark Fountain to distract Susie from Noelle, even when Noelle's dad is at best injured, Noelle TOLD them to tell Susie, and Susie's presence would greatly help with the situation by supporting Noelle, solely because of their jealousy over an unrequited crush and/or being relegated to 'The Couples' Weird Dog'" Dreemurr isn't demonstrating baby behaviour, I don't know what is.

[Kris is being walked into school by Toriel with their hand in hers, despite the school being a few steps away.] -DR, C1, Hometown (Before Class)

[Kris and Susie stand before the closet, emanating darkness. Kris backs away from the closet.]

[Susie] "Fine! If you're gonna be a WIMP, then I'll..."-DR, C1, Hometown School (Post Class)

[Kris and Susie stand facing eachother. Kris dramatically brandishes their knife, pointing the blade at Susie. It is obvious that Kris is trying to be cool.]

[Susie] "Heh...[Susie grabs the blade end. Kris turns their head, blushing.] Hey, Kris, you NORMALLY carry this around?" -DR, C4, Church Entrance (Pre Second Sanctuary)

[Susie] "Dude, y'know Kris flirts with EVERY enemy, right?" -DR, C5, Flower Cafe (Pink and Kris Break)

[Susie] "I should get flirting lessons from them."

[Kris blushes.]

...

[Noelle] "Umm, Susie? I don't think Kris. Would teach me. That." -DR, C4, Dess' Bedroom (Soul Minigame)

(Why wouldn't Noelle think that? Unless Kris flirting isn't what they'd normally do, but only in the presence of a particular person...)

[Ralsei] "Kris, um, how would YOU show if you liked someone?

[Text] "...The ACT changed to Susie's Idea..." -DR, C5, Fields (Before Retrieving First Watering Can)

(So they can handle flirting with strangers around their special someone, but not actually telling said someone they like her. I'd say that's baby behaviour.)

Orange bring determined to be the one to "protect" Asgore could explain Kris' reasonings for their secretive behaviour. Like Orange, they want to "protect" their loved ones, but unfortunately with promises they can't keep. For Orange, it's fixing Asgore's problems and stopping the Fun Gang from sealing their fountain when Asgore is the primary cause of his problems and the Fun Gang are destined to defeat the Bouquet Bunch. For Kris, it's by withholding the truth, whether that be Dark Worlds or whatever Holiday shenanigans they've been roped into, which will inevitably be found out. I mean, C2 and C3 both focus on preventing family/friends on finding out that the Dark Worlds are real. We'll get to why they feel like they have to face this ordeal alone later.

[Orange] "I'm Orange! This world's strongest and bestest human. A human tough enough to protect Asgore from his tears. A human that will always be by his side!" -DR, C5, East Wing (Before Orange's First Bullet Pattern)

[Noelle] "You said, sorry for being weird yesterday, Noelle. You said, it was all a stupid prank. You said, Berdley was going to get better." -DR, C4, Noelle's Bedroom (Snowgrave Route)

(Side tangent- I believe the voice on the phone is Carol, it just sounds Like That because she's near a Dark World, (presumably the Shelter, as she was down there investigating in C5) which, as we've seen when we try to call inside a Dark World, messes with the reception.)

In my first run of C5, I was lucky enough to do the Green-centric route for the Orange and Green fight. Incase you didn't know, by focusing on raising Green's mercy bar, ACTing results in Green cooking several meals for everyone which, at worst, has Ralsei giggling at Orange for liking cheesecake. So, when I saw the Orange-centric route for this fight, I was a little shocked. If you don't know, the breaking point of the fight results in this:

[Ralsei] "And...I have an idea of how we can understand each other better! [The Fun Gang don mouse ears. Kris holds up a piece of cheese. Susie holds her head in her hand in disapproving embarrassment. Orange's eyes widen in shock.] First, we'll wear these cute costumes! That way, you don't have to be a mouse all by yourself! Come on, everyone! Let's chu and make up!" -DR, C5, East Wing (Green and Orange Fight)

Additionally, even before the fight, Ralsei makes fun of Orange for being a mouse and calling herself a human.

[Ralsei] "Hehahah! Why, she's just a cute little mouse! Humans don't HAVE tails, right, Susie?" -DR, C5, East Wing (After Seth's Second Bullet Pattern)

Note that Ralsei (who looks like a monster) turns to Susie, a monster, instead of Kris, a human, for validation on their teasing. Yes, you could argue it's because of Susie growing up in human-centric areas, but, to me, this is clearly connected to Kris' identity issues and species dysphoria.

[Orange] "They... don't? You're LYING! Just like SETH!!! You're just jealous you don't have a HAT to hide your STUPID FACE!!!"

[Ralsei] "Hey..."

[Orange] "I AM human! I'm brave, hairy, and YOUR DAD LOVES ME!" -DR, C5, East Wing (After Seth's Second Bullet Pattern)

[Toriel] "Remember when you were little...you asked when your horns were going to grow in? So we bought that headband with the little red horns on it. Oh, you wore it for months! Whatever happened to it?" -DR, C1, Toriel's House (When Selecting "Me")

I doubt they were bullied like Susie was, but looking at the red horns, it's not a stretch to say they were given good-intentioned but insulting treatment by their peers.

[Innkeeper's Child] "Ooo, are you the human that lives at the top of town? Wow, my mommy told me about you...does it hurt to be made of blood???" -DR, C1, Hometown (Tenement)

[Text] "There are photos of unfamiliar humans inside. You shut the book quickly." -DR, C2, Library Second Floor (Looking Inside Human-Care Book)

Remember how only Flowery and Orange in the Bouquet Bunch are described as siblings? It's also interesting that Flowery is the college-aged, extremely human-looking older brother who acts as a perfect leader, and Orange is the younger, obviously-not-human-looking sibling who nobody respects. I wonder who this could parallel...

(Side tangent, I've seen people use Susie's discomfort over Ralsei's behaviour as proof of half-human Susie. While I can't deny it could be used as evidence, I think it's more likely that it's reflective of her own experience being bullied by humans when she lived in human-dominant places. I mean, she puts up a scary "monster" front to drive people away because she assumes that's what they think she is. She's Shrek.)

GREEN

Green is obviously harder to analyse, considering that they don't talk, but muteness is probably the biggest unique superficial connection between the pair. Most characters comment about how they talk through actions, just like how we understand Kris (through their responses to our commands).

[Green turns around. The lighting darkens and harshens, highlighting Green. Orange, Susie and Ralsei back away from them.]

[Susie] "..."

[Ralsei] "We... disappointed Green by fighting..."

[Orange] "Yeah...let's just go..." -DR, C5, East Wing (Before Orange and Green Fight)

[Susie] "...If you say it all strained like that, ...I'm not gonna think you're okay. ...Hey, Ralsei, you think Kris is OK?"

[Ralsei] "Hmm...well, they seem a bit shocked, but...Kris doesn't want us to worry, so...let's not push them for now..." -DR, C2, Queen's Basement (Post SPAMTON NEO Fight, Answering "Yes")

[Susie] "Her face looked so...happy. Just sitting there...smiling, watching me. ...Kind of like you're doing right now. ...Jeez. Kris, anyone tell you your family is goddamn weird?" -DR, C4, Hometown Diner

Kris' "kindness" is difficult to measure, considering their mysteriousness and their actions being decided by us. Personally, I do think Green's strong connection with their UT trait is evidence for Kris being kind. Green supports everyone, even their enemies, and only occasionally engages in combat.

[The Fun Gang are engaged in battle, but no enemies are on screen. Suddenly, Green walks on. They spawn in a green-spotted egg that when struck heals the party to max health. Green shugs with their arms old and slides off screen.] -DR, C5, Flower Castle Rooftop (End Of Final Bouquet Bunch Attack Pattern)

(Unrelated, but did you know that Green's egg is a reference to the Not-Yoshi eggs Asgore painted for Asriel's Super Smashing Fighters party, mentioned by Toriel in C1? Cute!)

Similarly, though it is the player that is encouraged to be pacifistic by helping the enemies to stop them from fighting, Kris never shows any hesitance towards this. I mean, their hangout with Aqua involves them dressing up in their costumes for specific ACTs, while I can't recall them participating in non-essential fight-related activities apart from the Party Dojo (which doesn't meaningfully hurt anyone).

[Aqua and Kris sit at a table. Kris dons on many outfits to Aqua's delight.] -DR, C5, Flower Cafe (Aqua and Kris Hangout)

Of course, the SWORD route disagrees. The Mantle Holder teases Kris for supposedly enjoying hurting others, and it's built around the premise of doing what Kris really wants to do ("going back to the original game" can be read as "doing what the original (Kris) wants to do".

AQUA (AGAIN)

Additionally, if Aqua IS supposed to be reminiscent of a younger Kris, then the fact that she is the only flower to have a break with you during a violent run could be indicative of Kris being "evil".

[Yellow] "Oh, howdy, y'all! Look what Aqua helped me do!

[Aqua] "I helped, I helped!"

[Yellow] "I'm tied down to this big ol' trambampoline...and I'm gonna used my hidden technique....Hyper Punishment Gun, to blow myself up!" -DR, C5, West Wing (Before Hyper Punishment Gun Destruction)

[Aqua] "I think it's good that you're "cringe"."

[Seth] "Y...you do?"

[Aqua] "It makes me want to throw rocks at you, which is fun!" -DR, C5, Flower Cafe (Seth and Blue Break)

(Additionally, though this could just be the Deltarot affecting my brain, I found Aqua to be reminiscent of the Mantle Holder, particularly with the shape of her head. I have no idea what this means, though.)

However, even if we had all the evidence in the world of Aqua being bad, there's one thing standing in the way of it being canon to me: she's a naive kid.

[Aqua] "Uuu, what is this!? "Pain"? How funny!! Did you know? You should try some too!" -DR, C5, Near End Of Garden (Kris VS Aqua, attacking her)

It's pretty clear that she doesn't fully understand certain concepts like pain or hurt, because she was born Today. And even if she never understood said concepts, I don't think she's acting out of malicious intent like the Mantle Holder suggests. I just see a curious kid with a slightly morbid sense of humour, and I believe Kris' strong relationship with Aqua suggests that they think so too. Of course, Kris still can't give the sympathy they give to Aqua to themself.

OKAY BACK TO GREEN NOW

If it wasn't clear, I don't think Kris is evil or whatever. They show a great amount of kindness despite their nonchalant appearance and edgier interests.

[Kris turns their head when the HERO, who looks like Kris, kills their party members, who look exactly like Susie and Ralsei.] -DR, C3, Backstage (SWORD Route Board 3)

[Ralsei] "Umm, d-did you say "of course"? You covered up your mouth yawning, there... ah, you're nodding! That means, um, yes, doesn't it?" -DR, C4, Ralsei's Room (Selecting "Of course not")

What I find interesting in Green's case is that their kindness often gets taken advantage of:

[Blue] "That's right...I can taste the murmurs of your heart. It says..."cheese"."

[Green shakes their head and changes the shape of the cheese into the words "YOU OWE ME $2."]

[Blue] "It still says "cheese"."

[Green frowns and changes the shape of the cheese into "$2".]

[Blue] "My, we're talkative today. Yellow, should you take over?" -DR, C5, Flower Cafe (Green and Blue Break)

[Green holds up a sign saying "YOU OWE ME $5."] -DR, C5, Flower Cafe (Aqua and Seth Break)

Of course, this is presented as comedic and light hearted, but considering that Aqua also is manipulated by others, this aspect of both flowers seems pretty relevant to Kris' character. Additionally, Green's muteness makes it so the others have a "credible" response for ignoring their wishes/desires. Consider that this is what Flowery says to get Green to attack:

[Flowery] "Green! How about a $999 tip!?" -DR, C5, Flowery Boss Fight (Orange and Green)

Green wants they're owed for their efforts (and maybe a little more), and I don't think it's a stretch to say Kris would want the same. Both characters want someone to finally listen and respond to them, literally and metaphorically. Also, do I need to mention this?

[Seth] "I told you not to put so much power into it! Suffering sap...how can you two work together like THIS!?"

[Orange emerges from Green's hat.]

[Orange] "Umm, maybe if I could do something other than pulling their hair...?"

[Seth] "...Huh. I suppose I didn't think of that." -DR, C5, Flower Cafe (Seth and Green Break)

(This is mostly a joke. I just thought it was funny, given the comparisons the soul gets to a rat.)

YELLOW

I'm surprised to see people associating Yellow with Asgore when, during my first playthrough, I thought he was explicitly connected to Kris. In fact, he's the reason why I chose to write this analysis.

There are already theories on Kris potentially having OCD, which I won't bother to summarise. Freezie has a video on YT if you're interested, but I'm sure you'll find some posts on here discussing it by people much more informed than me.

I believe the Mantle Holder is indicative of Kris' intrusive thoughts and guilt, saying that they secretly enjoy the SWORD route despite the clear evidence to the contrary and that they are a bad person. If this wasn't enough evidence for Kris having OCD, then this little guy nearly confirms it.

[Yellow] "Oh, Blue, forgive me...I was the criminell all along...and for that I deserve, a criminell's JUSTICE."

...

[Yellow] "I was SO tricky, SO evil, I even trickified myself...into thinkin' I was ever a JUSTICE. Oh, IT'S WORSE! I gotta be punished eternal-style now..."-DR, C5, West Wing (Yellow Encounter)

[Yellow] "Maybe...maybe I don't even deserve goin' in here." -DR, C5, West Wing (Blue and Yellow Doors)

[Yellow] "No hurtin' myself no longer. Ain't no good. What's most important, is that I don't hurt no others. A menace like me...belongs behind bars..." -DR, C5, West Wing (After Destroying Hyper Punishment Gun)

Yellow's suicidal ideation, stemmed from his worries about him being a bad person, is so reminiscent of Kris to me, especially given the SWORD route and their potential OCD.

[Mantle Holder] "...no, part of you is just...enjoying this, isn't it?" -DR, C3, Backstage (After Mantle Holder Fight)

[Text] "Between your fingers, a faint grey crease glittered stubbornly. ...You can never wash it all away." -DR, C4, Egg Room (Interacting With Sink After Egg)

(I don't think I need to explain the "blood (graphite) on my hands" metaphor, combined with the fact that they have "hand-washing marathons".)

[Zapper] "You's a cheater, ain't ya."

[The player selects "Cheater."]

[Zapper] "Now, honesty, that'll take you somewhere. Where you headed?"

[The player selects "Nowhere."]

[Zapper] "You's was already heading that way, weren't ya, Kris?"- DR, C3, End Of Boardwalks

[Susie] "...the hell did you say that so enthusiastically!?" -DR, C2, Arcade Machine in Cyber Fields (Selecting "Perish")

This makes sense, given that Yellow's UT trait is justice. Kris and Yellow both want to do what's right, it's just impacted by their tendency towards negative thinking and guilt. More notably, however, it's influenced by other people, both positively and negatively .

[Yellow] "Ahh, Blue, what're ya doin!? You're helping a criminell!! They're gonna arrest you too!"

[Blue] "Who? Who put you in there?"

[Yellow] "...me."

[Blue] "Would you arrest me, Yellow?"

[Yellow] "Never." -DR, C5, Flower Castle Jail (Before Yellow and Blue Fight)

[Yellow] "If Blue's a criminelll stealer...then I..."

[Yellow summons a gun. The barrel faces Yellow.]

[Blue] "Yellow, dear. You're holding the gun the wrong way."

[Yellow] "No, I ain't! I don't wanna be a JUSTICE if I gotta punish Blue!" -DR, C5, Flower Castle Jail (After Yellow and Blue Fight)

Yellow's love for Blue, even willing to give up his harsh rules of justice so Blue doesn't get hurt, is more evidence of Kris being a kind person. In this case, it also shows Kris being a bit of a sap that has special exceptions. I believe this might be why they work for figures like Carol and RK despite being their enemy. Aside from whatever manipulative tactics they're using, or debts Kris is in, it's clear that whoever RK is was someone that Kris was once close to (obviously not romantically), like how Carol was a family friend.

[Blue] "Yellow? Oh dear, did you get tricked again?" -DR, C5, Flower Castle Jail (Before Yellow and Blue Fight)

[Definitely Not Carol On The Phone] "...don't forget, Kris...you promised." -DR, C4, Kris and Asriel's Bedroom (Ending)

Of course, Kris having OCD would explain the guilty conscience alone, but I do believe it also shows Kris' guilt over being aligned with villainous forces. I mean, they had to overhear their dad wanting to parade their dead body around town, Susie constantly address RK and Carol, who they work for, as villains, and Ralsei accidentally implying they're a bad person when Flowery questions Ralsei's logic. Combined with the allusions to them being tricked/manipulated through other members of the Bouquet Bunch, you can't help but pair the two together. The prevalence of manipulation and coercion in the Bouquet Bunch combined with Yellow's negative self image are indicative of Kris viewing themself as a bad person, even though they were tricked by others (and are literally 16).

Though they're bound by whatever promises they made, their feelings tend to get in the way. If you don't believe me, it's technically already happened: the damage increase Kris deals to RK when Susie and Ralsei are down should be proof that Kris, even when serving the Knight, can be stumped when their loved ones get thrown in the mix.

But why would Kris continue to do villainous or questionable things when they clearly are uncomfortable with doing so?

BLUE

Like Seth and Green, I do think that Blue's strong attachment to his UT trait is indicative of Kris having a strong sense of integrity. Considering Kris' dishonest nature, this may seem a little skeptical, but I promise there's a reason for it.

The pairing of integrity with Yellow is definitely deliberate to me, considering how Blue has a (relatively) sensible head on his shoulders, but is affected by matters concerning Yellow. I like to interpret this as Kris' integrity being skewed because of their concerns with justice. Namely, they can't be honest about their villainous allies, because they're presumably due to "just" causes.

[Blue] "Kris, you and Flowey both care for your father fair. That means, I must be ally to you both."

Of, course this probably doesn't come easily to them. As established with Orange's childishness, Seth's insecurity, Yellow's sappiness for Blue and now Blue's love for Yellow, I think we can infer that Kris is a bit of a sentimental person.

[Blue] "Where's Yellow." -DR, C5, West Wing (Blue's Stage)

[Blue] "Listen, you three. Integrity...is a virtue. Now, is there anything you'd like to tell Mr. Butterfly?

[Susie/Ralsei] "..."

[Blue] "If you don't, Mr. Butterfly's going to be very angry..." -DR, C5, West Wing (Yellow's Burial Spot)

To sum it up, they do have a strong sense of integrity, they're just currently going through an ethical dilemma where nobody wins. Speaking of unsolvable scenarios, I think the premise of the "gag" in Blue's section actually could be foreshadowing.

[Blue] "That's strange...I can't find Yellow anywhere.... Only...pieces of a giant gun...and signs...of a struggle." -DR, C5, West Wing (After Encountering Blue)

Blue searching for a lost loved one, implied to be deceased, with the "killers" following suit. It's definitely reminiscent of the themes of "finding Dess", which I believe to be Kris' intent (atleast on Carol's layer of the truce cake (we'll discuss this in another post)). However, as we saw ingame, it isn't a simple case of "whodunnit", but a complicated mess of a situation that couldn't be easily explained to Blue. This, to me, is probably indicative of whatever nightmare Kris is currently going through- something they cannot easily explain to others (when they ALREADY have limited speech).

[Yellow] "I'll NEVER FORGIVE who did this!! NEVER!!" -DR, C5, Flower Castle Jail (Yellow and Blue Fight)

This is supported by Blue's tendency to do "bad things" for the greater good. All is fixed with an explanation of why he commited the crimes he did! Sometimes. To me, it reads like subconscious wish fulfilment.

[Blue] "Let this bouquet's fragrance speak for itself."

[Yellow] "What the!! Who the!!! Ya made a special SURPRISED gift out o' our petals!? Blue!!! It's wonderful!!! It's beautyful!!! I been a criminell to ever doubt ya!!!"

[Blue] "Misunderstanding is bitter. But realization, is sweet..." -DR, C5, Flower Castle Jail (After Yellow and Blue Fight)

[Blue] "I admit it, Orange. I...I took them. But it was only...to craft you a most resplendent, and unforgettable gift."

[Orange] "Aww, B-Blue...! ...Can, um...can you change them back?"

[Silence. Blue frantically pirouettes away.]

[Blue] "Hm. Maybe Yellow would like these better..."

If we link this back to Kris, it gives their actions more coherent motivations: they believe is an ultimate "good cause", whether that be due to the outcome of their mission, or by sticking to their promise. That could explain why Blue's so concerned with roles and genre.

[Blue] "We are mere messengers. Messengers of love." -DR, C5, West Wing (Blue's Stage)

[Blue] "This is a comedy, not a tragedy." -DR, C5, Near Dark Fountain (After Flowery Fight)

Blue's emphasis on not obeying Flowery's orders and emphasis theatrical roles/genres could refer to Kris' awareness of the prophecy, and then infer that they, too, dislike and want to act against what the prophecy says (fair enough, given that it refers to them as a cage). Blue defines himself by the role he's currently playing- we even meet him on a stage, moving based on his spikes. But all this gets interrupted with Yellow's absence and Blue's care for Yellow. I don't know how to put this eloquently other than this is so "soul-controlling-body" + "prophecy-given-role" + "manipulated-by-peers" + "oh no I'm bonding with my layer one allies and it's getting in the way of my mission fuuuuuck" coded. The biggest difference between them is that Blue WANTED his role, and Kris, obviously, doesn't, whether that be initially or a recent development. Blue is a performer, Kris is a puppet.

[Blue] "I wanted to move...to feel...to know love in my limbs. But even if it ends, love...will always continue. Thank you for watching our dream." -DR, C5, Near Dark Fountain (Final Goodbyes)

However, what I find most interesting is that Blue wants things to be a "comedy". This felt reminiscent of Tenna's desire for escapist happiness, something which is so vital to Kris as a character that they turned Asgore's TV face down to prevent another Tenna from manifesting.

[Tenna] "Smiling. Laughing. Eating butterscotch pie. Wasn't that just so much...fun? To watch me. I...was so happy."

...

[Tenna] "And I was told they it I keep you three busy, I can have ALL the people watch me that I want. And, I have been having SO much fun playing with you all, I...just don't want it to end!" -DR, C3, Cold Space (Before Tenna Fight)

[Asgore's TV has been moved so the face is on the floor.] -DR, C5, Flower King (After Sealing Fountain)

Superficially, this makes sense. Kris is a prankster. But, like all things so far, I think this has a deeper meaning: Kris wants to protect their loved ones by hiding the truth and keeping things "fun/happy". They don't confess their feelings to Susie because they don't want to complicate things (and are just shy). They don't want to explore the scarier parts of the Dark Worlds because it's a little too close to home and may reveal more than they're comfortable sharing. They don't want to tell anyone the full truth in case it ruins everything. Very Ralsei-like, if you ask me.

As for Blue's dramatic, romantic and poetic personality, I can't really see how that matches up to Kris, considering that they're so deadpan and introverted. Perhaps it's indicative of their charismatic abilities and their strong sense of artistic expression (though not with ballet, but with music).

PINK

Yes, she's technically not a flower, but I still feel like she follows the pattern enough to be included! Namely, with the premise of her boss fight: the soul and the body becoming two different entities, requiring the soul to accept the body as it's own individual and learn to love both of them equally. This is most notably shown through a romantic filter, with the body wanting to do mundane things like date and go to school, and the soul wanting to escape their original body for a more "ideal" existence.

Do I even need to explain this one. Do I. I trust that you can understand this, why, after average player probably neglected Kris at the festival (this is absolutely NOT a criticism on play styles of individual players, in fact I believe that's the intended outcome), the secret boss has dating SIM mechanics. To me, it's why she's the only other character that Kris can hang out with- her boss fight is literally Just Them.

FLOWERY

It's hard because he doesn't have a UT soul trait he aligns with, but an entire character from UT (who's already quite complex). So, I am going to analyse him in relation to his UT counterpart, and then how that corresponds with Kris.

Flowey in UT is the rival of the player. He's a friendly looking face in contrast to our human character who is attacked by nearly everyone on sight. He encourages a traditional RPG approach to the game, killing all and sparing none, in a subversive RPG that encourages players to find peaceful ways out of their problems. He sees the people around him as toys and numbers when we grow familiar and bond with the monsters we face. On a meta level, he represents love for a story that becomes obsessive, in an attempt to extract any new content possible, before it fizzles out, faced with a newcomer that has no idea about the game's depth.

Sure, there's similarities between the two. They're both beings who exist outside the established dual species of the story (flowers VS human/monster, Lightner/Darkner) and manipulate the RPG-world they inhabit to their advantage. They know more than they seem, trick others, and act as antagonists. But when comparing Flowey with Flowery personality wise? It's like night and day.

Flowery initially seems like an arch rival in a shounen anime: he's annoyingly perfect, overpowered, smug, intrusive and suspicious. He's the charmer, the top dog, the one that's better than you, no matter what you do. He's older than Kris, but in a cool way. He appears with anime sparkles and his kisses make flowers with his face on it. He wins Kris' dad over instantly and doesn't even kill you during his boss fight. He gets his power from the allies YOU made.

So how are these two connected? An example I like to use is their Omega Forms.

Omega Flowey, to be frank, looks scary and is mean. He mockingly reacts to your efforts to beat him, bombards you with disorientating attacks, and sources his power from/forcefully makes six other children fight for him. He even cheats his way out of defeat, and THEN upsets you by humiliating you!However, when all hope seems lost, you end up ganging up with the same kids he used, power of friendship style, and get to decide his fate. It's a fitting final boss for a kid, and I don't mean that in a bad way at all. Consider the E10 rating, the child player characters, the younger fan demographic on release and the fact that this is the ending most players will get for the first time- this is the ultimate bad guy for a child, and an amazing ending to the route.

Now, let's look at Flowery. Instead of a big scary monster, Flowery is in a SICK rainbow form that can fly, supported by all of his friends. Meanwhile, we fight alone. We end the fight by (probably) attacking him, something that we were advised against doing except for the Titans. We're not being portrayed as the heroes, but as the villains, and that's WITHOUT the context of Flowery's motivations.

Not only is Flowery annoying (remember Kris' reaction to the anime reviews and Berdley's use of anime terminology) but he's MAYBE RIGHT and BETTER THAN YOU. And that is the worst thing imaginable, especially for a teenager. Essentially, he's Like That because he's Kris' rival, or everything Kris isn't (or what they think they aren't). I don't like saying that some Darkners are literally individual people, but I do agree that he's reminiscent of figures like Asriel and Rudy- figures who have some sense of stability and confidence Kris lacks.

[Flowery] "Star sign: the Flower. Golden eyes. Blood type: SSS." -DR, C5, Beginning of Dark World (Flowery Introduction)

He's got a fake star sign to show how unique he is, golden eyes in contrast to Kris' red ones (keep in mind both of them hide their eyes) and an unreal blood type that exaggerates his inherent OP-ness (remember that blood types can also function as pseudoscientific personality signifiers in Japan). He even LOOKS like a human, something which jump scared me during my first run. If Kris is insecure about their morality and their competence, especially in relation to how they matter to other people, then Flowery's character makes perfect sense.

So what does Flowery being defeated mean? Though it seems like Kris would love to see Flowery be defeated, the scene is obviously portrayed so we feel upset to see him go, especially at RK's hand. I think this is much more sinister than people might suspect. If Flowery is Kris' perfect guy (though made with gritted teeth) and Kris knows who RK is, then the fact that Kris can't even imagine what could defeat RK is alarming. If even the most stereotypical overpowered heroic figure succumbs to the ROARING Knight, then what could possibly stop it, the prophecy, and all of the tragedy to come?

I've got alot more thoughts, but to be frank, I'm exhausted and I want to get this out as soon as possible LMAO. I've also got some other theories I might post, but that depends if I've got motivation. If you read this far, thank you! I hope you enjoyed it.

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hm. needs more angst