The Demon, that is Selectively Mute

Now, before I state my Opinion, I will preface this by saying my Opinions are subjective Feelings and not a 100% objective Viewing of the Chapter at all.

With that out of the way, here is what I think:

Personally, for me, Chapter 5 is my least favourite Chapter in Deltarune. That doesn't automatically mean that I hate it or dislike it.

In Fact, it is actually the Opposite, as I found it to be a quite fantastic and very well-made Chapter. The Gameplay Sections are lots of Fun, the Spriteworks and Animations are phenomenal, the Music is really well-made and catchy and gets across what it wants to express, the Dialogue is emotional and well-rounded, the Jokes and Gags made me laugh a whole lot of Times, and there are many other Things that could be mentioned.

But when compared to the other Chapters, it personally ranks for me the lowest. Mostly, it is due to own Tastes and Feelings as well as other Factors that don't have to do with the Game itself at all (for Example, due to the current Heatwave in my Country, the Air around is really hot and humid, and I really dislike the Sensation of humid Air around me which in turn could have somewhat affected my emotional State which then in turn I may or may not have projected it a bit onto the Chapter while playing it, if that makes Sense).

Another Factor for ranking it so low could be due to Burnout, as for the entire Year since Chapter 3 & 4 got released, I have been creating tons and tons of Deltarune Fanworks. Once I played Chapter 3, my Mind immediately latched onto it as a Hyperfixation and I love that Chapter with all my Heart considering it made my Mind overflow with Inspiration and Motivation which I then used to create tons of Stuff with (it had been Years since I actually drew and wrote so much in my Life, to put it into Perspective + I was suffering from Burnout from another Fixation prior to that), plus said Hyperfixation helped me dealing with some other Stuff (I am neurodivergent and suffer with intrusive Thoughts from Time-to-Time + 2024 was the second worst Year in my Life, so I was recovering from that Rollercoaster of a Year once Things finally managed to calm down).

So, mostly for 90%, I created those Fanworks out of Love, Fun and Motivation. But admittedly, as for the other 10%, I kept creating and posting Content in order to keep my Hyperfixation running and let Time pass until Chapter 5 appeared instead of taking a small Break from Deltarune, which was obviously not the best Choice in Hindsight. I noticed that small Burnout when I started to struggle with writing the last two Fanfics I recently posted (with me constantly distracting myself and wanting to do anything else but write them when prior to that, I didn't have such Problems some Months ago).

I think some of that Burnout unfortunately carried over when playing Chapter 5 as a Result of that and I did not latch onto it like I did with Chapter 3.

I could list off some other Factors, like subconscious Expectations before having started Chapter 5, but that would just make my Ramblings longer than they already are.

From what I noticed, the Fanbase is especially divided about Chapter 5, one half loving it while the other is really disappointed and hates it. Some Things just lined up in an unfortunate manner for the Chapter which it does not carry any Fault for (Chapter 5 was supposed to be released alongside Chapter 3 & 4. Due to the Time Gap, Fans had lots of Time on their Hand to craft Theories and dissect the Information given within the Game, but that also caused the Fanbase to build up more and more Expectations for Chapter 5 over the Span of Time, resulting in the Chapter tanking for many Fans as those Expectations were not fulfilled. Chapter 5 is a Gameplay and Action-centric Chapter while 3 & 4's Focus laid on the Lore itself, so People were disappointed to not get a lot of new Lore.).

For my Conclusion, I would rank the current Chapters in the following way:

1st Place: Chapter 3 2nd Place: Chapter 2 3rd Place: Chapter 1 4th Place: Chapter 4 5th Place: Chapter 5

And as for the potential Question if I am going to create Fanworks of Chapter 5, the Answer is probably not, though I wouldn't entirely rule it out in case I do get any Ideas. My Focus still remains on Chapter 3 and its Characters, as I am biased like that- .3.

Also, as a tiny Side-Note: I now face the Conundrum of what Names to call the Addisons by if I happen to create more Content of them, considering the official Names of the Characters in Chapter 5- .w.´ (My Idea was perhaps to just slightly alter the Names of the Addisons, so that Peeps don't have to memorise new, made-up Names. For Example, Pinky for the pink Addison, Bluey or Blues for the blue Addison, Yello for the yellow Addison and OJ or Oran for Orange, unless any of you have better Ideas- .w.)

"I DON'T NEED SLEEP, I NEED ANSWERS!"

A certain green Pippins flailed within the Arms of the strong Zapper who was carrying him over their Shoulder, a particular Shadowguy following closely behind.

Apparently, Battat had the "great" Idea to pull one of his infamous all-Nighters just so he had much more Time on his Hands for Theory-crafting in order to figure out who exactly this mysterious Mike Person was.

Welp, that little "genius" Decision of his would definitely not fly with Jongler and Pluey, not at all. Not when Bags visibly formed under the green Eyes of the Darkner and especially not when they spotted multiple empty Cans of Energy Drinks inside the Headquarters of the Mike Room.

Battat needed to rest, whether he wanted to or not.

Reaching their shared Bedroom, the green Pippins was haphazardly tossed onto the giant Mattress. He tried to scramble off of it but was immediately stopped by the much taller Zapper and much quicker Shadowguy who too jumped onto the Mattress, him bouncing on it for a Second before his grand Escape was cut off by the two enveloping him.

"Nuh-uh, Boss! Youse ain't goin' nowhere! Youse needs ta sleep, desperately!"

"♪!"

"NO! I don't! Lemme go! Just gimme 10 more Minutes!"

A small Scuffle erupted between the three Darkners, though it was clearly a losing Battle on behalf of the green Pippins as anytime he got even close as to stretch his Arms out and lift his Body a few Centimeters off of the Mattress, Limbs were already there to firmly yet carefully guide him back down onto it.

"Youse already pulled dat Stunt on us last Times! It ain'ts justs been 10 Minutes back then, toos!"

"♫!"

"Sleep is for the Weak, anyw-AEEHEhe!!"

Immediately, Battat's Arms jolted down upon Jongler and Pluey taking their Chance to dig their Hands into his exposed Armpits, earning them a bewildered Screech from him.

"H-HEHehey! NohoHO-AAHA! Not thaHAHAT!! YahaHA IDIHiohots!!"

It took his Nerves a Moment to register the ticklish Sensations traveling right through them, but when his Brain finally made the Connection, a Bout of loud and erratic Laughter was set loose from the small Darkner, his Legs and Feet frantically kicking against the cushioned Bedding beneath.

"Youse don'ts wanna dos its da easy way, so we's gonna hafta dos its da hard way!"

"♪♪!"

"NAHAOhoho!! NahaHAT FAHAhaihir- ehaHAHEHeaha!!"

Jongler's and Pluey's Voice took on a bit more of a playful Tone now as they now began to focus on tickling other Spots on the squirmy Pippins, such as the former kneading their gloved Hands into his Side and Tummy while the latter scribbled his Fingers into Battat's Neck and Hip. Everytime Battat so much so as attempted to raise his Arms into the Air to get up, Hands swiftly darted back into the vulnerable Armpits like before, causing his Arms to be sent careening straight back down and squeeze against his Sides for Protection, this very Move eliciting high-pitched Squeals from him. And much to his Dismay, he couldn't do much to shield other Areas of his Body from these devious Tickles as well, seeing how Jongler and Pluey pressing against him limited his Range of Movement and thus prevented him from turning onto his Side or Stomach.

"C'mon, Boss. Dont's be stubborn now."

"♫~!"

"IhiHIhi'm nahahat- AIHEheHE!! JohongleHEHER, noHOhoho!!"

Out of the blue, the tall Zapper smooshed Part of their Face against the Face of the green Pippins and planted a Kiss smack-dab on his Cheek, right where one of his green Pips was located, which in turn drew out a very goofy Screech from the latter, especially since the Sensation of said Kiss felt like faint little Zaps.

"How's abouts now? Ya ready ta go ta sleeps yet?"

"NO! NEhehevaHAHAHA!! AhahaHAHAhaha!!"

Hearing that Response, Jongler shot a Look towards Pluey and yet despite having no discernible facial Features, the latter could still tell what was being asked of him given that a really mischievous Grin stretched across his Face right after. The Shadowguy did not hesitate at all to dive his Head into the Crook of the Pippin's Neck nor did he waste any Time with applying fluttery and affectionate little Kisses against the Skin there, following it up with gentle Nibbles just to drive the small Darkner even more insane. By how Battat shrieked with suprised Laughter along with the bright pink Blush on his Face, it seemed to be working really well.

"NAHAHEOHOHO!!! FaHAhahAHACK!!! P-PLUHuhaHAYHY- AHEheHAEhe!!", giddy Laughter and guffawing sounded from Battat, a flustered Expression visibly forming on his Face as he felt loving Kisses from both his Partners being planted on his Cheeks, Temples, Forehead, Jaw and anywhere else the two of them could get to.

At this Rate, the green Pippins was going to turn into a living Traffic Light with how red he was getting due to the Amount of Affection being poured all over him.

"♬♪♫~!"

"JEHE-AhahaHA-JEherks! Bohoth of y-AHAHA, NOHOHAHAHA!!! FAHACKIHING HEHEHELL!!!"

Battat exploded into hysterical cackling and howling as soon as Pluey nuzzled his Head back into the Crook of his Neck, the latter's Lips pressing directly against a few of the six green Pips right underneath the former's Chin just to pester those Spots with an Array of tickly Smooches and Kisses. His Laughter turned silent for a mere Moment due to a tiny Raspberry suddenly being blow against one of his Pips, like as if having discovered a secret Mute Button on him. Though, a few more Squeezes to his Kneecap and Sides did the Trick to restore the Volume in his Voice, the flailing Pippins screeching loudly with renewed guffawing and cackling, even snorting here and there a few Times.

"HIHIHAHAHAEHEHEHEHAHAHA!!"

"Aaand how's abouts now, Boss? Youse ready ta go ta sleep now?"

"OHOhokaHAYHY!! OKAYHY!! UNCLEHeheHE!! I-IHIHI GIHIHIVEHE HEHEHE!!!"

"♫♫♪~?"

"YEHEHES!! I PROhoHOMIhisE!! I'LL GOHo to sleHEHEEP!! PLEheHEAHASEheHE!!"

All at once, the tickly Touches against his Body stopped, instead now being replaced by gentle and affectionate Motions of Hands rubbing the ghostly Tickles on his Skin away.

Tired, Battat's Chest rose and sunk with each hasty and uneven Breath he took along with his Arms resting across it and he closed his Eyes, a few last giggles managing to slip past his Mouth.

"Yahaha both- ya bohoth suck, ya know that?"

"♬~."

"Youse says dat, yet youse are smiling, Boss."

"Shuhush."

Battat adjusted himself so that he laid more comfortably in the Arms of the other two Darkners and allowed himself to be nuzzled by the two as they too hugged him. Although the Blush on his Face has mostly vanished by now, it persisted for a few more Moments as Jongler and Pluey snuck one or two more Kisses in, a Gesture which he did not mind at all given the sleepy yet happy Smile that formed on his Face.

"Ya two Dorks...", Battat mumbled drowsily to himself, yet it was still clear enough that the Zapper and Shadowguy could hear it.

"We's love youse too, Boss~."

"♪~."

"He looks nervous, don't you think?"

"Yeah. I was hoping you noticed it as well."

Hushed Whispers were exchanged between the Weather Duo standing off to the Sidelines of the Stage, their Eyes aimed at a specific Darkner with a long Nose and black Hair who occasionally took a Peek behind the big, red Curtain leading to the main Stage before hurriedly going back to pacing in Circles while fidgeting with his Hands, this Pattern carried out like Clockwork as if having memorized a personal Rhythm.

That very Darkner in Question was none other than Spamton G. Spamton himself, the very Salesman who joined the Crew of TV World not too long ago and was about to experience his very first Gig on the big Stage himself, right in front of all the Cameras.

Yet, it was rather apparent that such an exciting Opportunity did provide one or the other Emotion along with it, one of which was quite obvious: Stage Fright.

Empathetic Glances were shared between Lanino and Elnina as they witnessed the Nervousness of the small Darkner, before both decided to approach him.

"Heya, Mister Spamton!", Lanino was the first to call out as they stopped next to him with a warm Smile on his Face.

"You seem to be quite excited for your first Appearance on the big Screen!", Elnina followed next, making sure to keep a cheery yet calm Tone in her Voice.

In turn, a surprised but still rather tense Smile stretched across the Face of the E-Mail Guy, one Hand slicking back Strands of black Hair out of Habit.

"O-oh, uh-", Spamton stumbled over his Words, though tried not to let it visibly bother him, "Y-yeah! That I sure am! I can already picture the Cheers of Joy and Excitement of the Crowd once I show what amazing Advertisements I got in Stock! Along with the many Eyes on me! Definitely excited for that! Haha!".

... Yeeeah, the Stage Fright is hitting hard. Poor Guy.

"It's okay, Mister Spamton.", the Cloud Darkner removed their Sunglasses from her Face to show a sympathetic Expression, settling said Shades on top of her fluffy white Hair, "We understand how Nerve-wracking this must be to you."

"Yeah, Mister Spamton.", the Moon-shaped Darkner, too, removed his Sunglasses so that their Eyes were visible, "It's understandable that you are nervous, seeing how this is your first Gig in a TV Time Segment."

"Me?! Nervous?!" Now, Spamton attempted to put on a brave Facade by changing the Tone in his Voice into an arrogant one while his Hands gestured towards himself. "Pfft, I-I ain't nervous! This is THE Spamton G. Spamton you're talking to! If anyone got this in the Bag, it's me! Capiche?"

Both Lanino and Elnina exchanged a Glance at each other like before. None of the two were convinced of his frantic Response, that much was clear.

"You know, there's nothing wrong with being nervous.", Lanino tapped the pointed index Finger of their Staff against his Chin, "It's natural. Nothing shameful about it."

"Yep! Lanino's right!", Elnina chimed in, "Believe it or not, when my Ray of a Sunshine and I had our very first Gig together as the Weather Duo on the big Screen, we were really nervous too!"

Some of the Tension within the small Darkner noticeable vanished, even if just a little bit of it, however his Demeanor from before did not change. "L-like I said, I ain't nervous! Heck, if ya looked for the Word "nervous" and my Name inside a Lexicon, they would never appear beside each other! There's no need to worry, really!"

The Weather Duo looked at each other again, especially since Spamton's last Response sounded more like something he said to himself out of Denial instead of towards the two of them.

"... Suuure. Hey, excuse us for just one, small Moment. We will be right back." Lanino gestured for Elnina to take a few Steps off to the Side together with him, away from the Salesman so that he couldn't hear the Conversation between the Duo.

"Elnina, my sweet Cloud o' Nine.", he whispered, "Remember what helped us back then? When we almost got icy cold Feet right before our first, big Performance?"

Similar to Lanino, Elnina tapped against her Chin with her Staff in a pondering Motion, before recalling something within her Mind, her Eyes widening slightly. "Right! To ease up some of our Tension, we decided to make each other laugh by telling each other cheesy Puns!... Yours were much cheesier, though."

A fond Smile crossed over the Face of the Sun Darkner upon remembering those sweet Memories. "Hmhm, yeah~... You think it might work on Mister Spamton? I'd feel bad if we just let him step onto the big Stage in this State without at least trying to help him, y'know?"

"Are you sure cheesy Puns are his Type of Humor, though? What if he doesn't laugh?"

Fidgeting with their Staff, Lanino thought deeply about the Words of his Partner. However, when his Eyes landed on the Item in his Hand, a Lightbulb appeared over his Head, something which the Cloud Darkner caught onto.

"... You think what I'm thinking?"

"If it doesn't work, we can still try the cheesy Puns as Plan B."

"Agreed."

Stepping back towards the short Darkner, the Duo flashed him kind yet slightly sly Smiles.

"Mister Spamton! Thank you for your Patience!", Lanino positioned themself to Spamton's right, not trying to make it obvious that they were up to something, "I think we finally know how to take care of that Problem of yours!"

"Problem? What- what Problem?", Spamton's own wide Grin twitched, as if getting hesitant and unsure of himself due to that very Word being mentioned.

"Your Problem, silly!", Elnina followed suit by discreetly positioning themself to the left of Spamton, "The one that's located riiiight... here!"

"AH-!"

A surprised Squeak left the small Salesman as the index Finger of the gloved Staff suddenly poked into his Side. ... Jackpot.

"Exactly! My pretty Raindew's right!", the gloved Staff of the Moon-shaped Darkner quickly poked against Spamton's other Side, as if pointing something very important out, "You're awfully tense right here! It'd be a Shame to let you step onto the Stage in such Condition!"

"N-nohow hohold on!" With another Poke to the lower Ribs, Spamton jolted into himself, some suppressed giggling slipping past his Throat as his Grin turned twitchy and one Arm wrapped around himself to protect himself. "I-Ihim nahat tense! I'm fine as cahan behe!"

"Hmm, I disagree, Mister Spamton. Look, your Tension and Anxiety is trapped around here, like a chilly Snowstorm building up!", another Poke to his Torso from Elnina drew a high-pitched Yelp out of the smaller Darkner, "So we need to help getting it out of you like this!" The index Finger of the gloved Staff trailed from Spamton's Side all the way up towards his Armpit with one gradual Swoop to which the giggly Darkner weakly swatted at it with one Hand.

"I- eaHAha- I don't neheed no Hehelp! Reahahlly!"

More and more Pokes were added to his Core, slowly coaxing squeaky laughs out of the Salesman, one Hand now smacked over his Mouth to muffle the silly Noises sounding from him so that the other nearby Darkners which were busy running around and setting Things up behind the Stage wouldn't hear him. Though, as he was distracted for just a Moment due to Elnina targeting his Neck which he tried to defend with both Arms...

"Eaheahaehae- AYHE! C'moHOHON! D-DOhohon't- NaHAhat therehe!! You twoho are goHONNA CRIHinkle my SUHUIT- eHAEHAheha!!"

... Lanino seized the Opportunity to swiftly poke and prod at his now exposed Stomach, resulting in Spamton squealing loudly and giddily backing away until his Back pressed against the Wall right behind him.

Of course, that didn't deter the Weather Duo, who instantly sprung back into Action by surrounding the shorter Darkner once more and tracing their Staffs against his Belly and Ribs in circular Patterns, the red Fabric only doing so much to lessen the ticklish Sensation those Motions produced.

If one Hand concentrated on lightly batting one gloved Staff away, the other Staff would not hesitate to swoop in and poke at the exposed Armpit, to which Spamton reacted by jolting and cackling like he seemingly just remembered something really funny. And everytime he attempted to curl into a Ball to defend himself, the playful Duo would just respond by targeting Spamton's Neck, Collarbone and Hips instead, something that caused him to straighten out his Spine without fail. Once he did so, it was promptly taken Advantage of by tickly Pokes and Prods being applied directly against his Stomach and lower Ribs, making him snort funnily a few Times.

"TWOHO TEheamiHING UP A-ehaHEHAHA-AGahainst one i-is cheHEHEATIHING!!"

"But Mister Spamton-", Elnina couldn't help the mischievous Smirk on her Face, "You must certainly know by now..."

"... that the Weather always sticks together!", Lanino finished her Sentence with a Smirk of his own.

"The- thEHE WEAHATHER'S AHawfuhully mehehean- eEHEK!!" The small Darkner retorted with a Hint of Sarcasm in his Tone, to which he earned even more Pokes against his upper Belly, tearing some goofy Squeaks right out of him.

"Now, now. Certainly, you don't actually mean that, Mister Spamton.", Elnina's Response felt kind of warning, as if she was testing him to see if he dared to make any other Remarks like that towards them.

"Or do we have to take your Response as you still being nervous?", Lanino, too, joined in on the warning Gesture, exemplified by how he decided to let the gloved index Pointer specifically linger near the Stomach of the cackling Darkner, close to were a Bellybutton would be located.

Seeing how Spamton's Cheeks tinged themselves ever so slightly in even more of a deeper Shade of Pink, their Threats appeared to be working against him. "No-nonoNOHO! I-ihi didn't- I dihidn't saHAHAY ANYTHIHIhing!! ReheAHALLYHY!! Y-EAHAEHAEHAE-YAha must'vehehe mihisheard meHEhe!!", he threw his Hands up in Surrender, his Eyes squeezed shut as he continued to laugh out loudly.

Honestly, with how adorable and endearing the Salesman looked like right now, it would come as a huge Surprise to the Weather Duo if his first ever Appearance on TV Time turned out to be a huge Flop. And if it did, they would seriously question themselves what kind of Viewers are being invited into the Crowd of TV Time, that's for sure.

For a Minute or two more, they carried on with tickling Spamton everywhere they could reach, from lightly prodding his Neck to playfully poking his Palms when he held up his open Hands to faintly tracing against his Sides and more. They knew they had to stop eventually, lest the giggly E-Mail Guy would end up stepping onto the Stage looking like a blushy Tomato, so Lanino decided to speak up once more.

"I can see it clearly as a sunny Sky on a beautiful Day now!", the Moon-shaped Darkner smiled brightly while guiding the pointed Finger around in 8-Patterns, "I forecast that lots of Smiles and Cheers are on the way, Mister Spamton! And not just only from you, but from the Audience as well!"

"And not only that!", the cloudy Darkner focused on gently running the index Finger of the Staff up and down on Spamton's Ribs like a Xylophone, "The Forecast predicts lots of happy Tears flowing during your grand Debut, Mister Spamton!"

The Salesman, who at this point was in complete Stitches, forced an Eye open to look at the yellow and blue Darkners. "YAHA BOhoth- eHAEHEhae- reahally think sohoho?"

In Response, Expressions of Confidence and Assurance formed on the Faces of the Weather Duo, just so that there was no Room for Doubt. "We don't think so. We know it!", both spoke up in Tandem, their Pokes and Prods slowing down ever so slightly.

A few more Pokes were given just for good Measure, before finally both Elnina and Lanino stopped with the ticklish Antics, their Hands reaching out to pat Spamton's Shoulder each while he was recovering his Breath.

"There. You should feel much better now."

"We believe you will do a good Job out there, Mister Spamton!"

"I-ahehe-ihi swehear if ya crinkled my Suit, I won't forgive you both for thihis.", Spamton aimed a pouty Glare at the two Weather Darkners, though it was clear that there was no actual Malice behind it, rather it was one an annoyed Friend would give upon being teased by someone else.

Before the three could converse any further, they suddenly got interrupted by another Voice.

"Mister Spamton! You and Mister Tenna are on in 5!", a Pippins with a Clipboard called out from nearby as a Heads-up before hurrying away towards somewhere else, leaving the Trio behind once more.

Brushing off his red Jacket and smoothing down his black Hair, Spamton took a few Steps forwards and glanced back towards Lanino and Elnina. "Welp, seems like that's my Cue. Still gotta talk with the big Boss himself for the last few Preparations, ya know?", with his Head, he nodded towards the tall TV Darkner in the Distance who could be seen discussing some Stuff with some Employees.

As the Weather Duo stared at Spamton, they noticed that compared to much earlier, his Demeanor now showed to be much more relaxed with the most noticeable Changes being his calm facial Features and loose Shoulders.

Seems like their Plan worked as intended!

"Of course, Mister Spamton! Don't let us hold you up any longer! We should also go to prepare for our own Appearance in TV Time!", nodding, Elnina retrieved their Pair of Sunglasses from the top of her Head to set them back onto her Face.

"Yeah, we wish you lots of Luck!", Lanino, too, grabbed their Sunglasses from the top of his Head and put them back onto his Face, "Go break a Leg out there!"

"Heh! Thanks! Good Luck to ya both, too!"

With that, the small Salesman hurried off to go meet Tenna, the two of them immediately falling into a Conversation once he got there.

Meanwhile, Elnina and Lanino happily gave a tiny high-Five to each other for their Plan succeeding.

"So- ah!", Lanino yelped and curled into himself when they felt the index Finger of the Cloud Darkner's Staff connect with his Side, afterwards shooting her a playful Glare, "Hey, I'm not nervous!".

"Hmm, you sure- eek!", Elnina reacted the same way when Lanino poked them into her Side with his Staff, her Hand being held up quickly in Defense, "W-wait, hold on, Truce! Truce! Like we said earlier, we gotta get ready, too!"

Lanino thought for a Moment, his Eyes behind his Sunglasses narrowing - before placing a warm Kiss on Elnina's Cheek to which her Expression melted into a heartfelt one.

"Fine, fine. But no Shenanigans while we're on-Air, got it? Tenna wants us to act professional."