RIBBON!!!

Category 1: Fairytales

These are 12 short stories about characters committing morally corrupt actions. However, based on contextual clues, it can be deduced that they are actually symbolic, thinly veiled recounts of each prisoner's crime. They're possibly a homage to the MVs in MILGRAM.

The fairytales of the characters who's crimes have already been revealed both omit some information about their crimes and shed light on information not clarified by Mononeko during their "Of Course They Did It, They're An Ultimate!" segments. Therefore, the same can probably be said about the other fairytales.

The Maid:

A story about a maid who was bossed around all day. The maid grew sick of it and took on a deal with the devil. Signing away her soul and morality for an easy and secure life. In return she would do the devil's bidding. However, she soon grew sick of it and started running away from him. The Devil failed to see why she deserved a normal life, especially after all the poisonings the selfish maid did for the Devil in exchange for her riches. And so he would chase her, something the Maid was aware of. Eager to save herself, the selfish maid would frequently leave whoever protected her. And leave their souls and bodies to placate/entertain the devil in her stead. Despite her words, she never truly obtained a moral godly life. This was the way she'd always known, it was the way things would continue. So the Maid appeared to actually be a scorpion. And the devil feasted on her frogs.

Most likely match: Lyra

The Princess:

A story about a little Princess… This Little Princess was surrounded by guests constantly. Some guests frustrated or annoyed the Princess- One day, in her frustration, she called one of the guests a witch. And they were promptly burnt at the stake. The Little Princess took joy in this. And from that day, the Princess seemed to discover Witches frequently in her court.

Most likely match: Takiko

The Leapfrog:

A story about a little leapfrog who could bounce and play with their tadpole friends all day. This little leapfrog supported all the creatures of the pond. But they held a dark and terrible secret… The little leapfrog was actually a moth in disguise. They used their illusions to create a light they'd coveted their whole life. And made the tadpoles swim in spirals to create their own illusions to brighten this light. Folks came from far and wide to see this light the leapfrog and the tadpoles had made… Unaware it was all an illusion, a lie. They praised the little leapfrog and showered them in gifts to feed the light. The leapfrog, breaking illusion, would devour these gifts. And would slowly one by one, grant each tadpole moth wings.

Most likely match: Asuga

The Witch:

It's a fairytale about a young witch! She set out to find immortality to save a dear friend. However, the path to immortality came at a cost… The witch tested various magical cues on her animal friends! Most didn't end very well… Many of the animals becoming very different! But the witch didn't stop, she just kept going! She'd sunk so much time in already, so she might as well continue- Besides, if she found immortality. That would not just help her dear friend but everyone else too!

Most likely match: Alora

The Fox:

A story about a fox who's constantly trying to please everyone. He holds a teaparty where he attempts to appeal to everyone's tastes. He tries to make birds and bugs get along. The bugs have always loved chocolate, while the birds despise it. Whereas the birds like seeds while the bugs can't easily bite them. He made a dish combining seeds and chocolates, wanting everyone to be happy. …However, birds are allergic to chocolate and they all fell ill. Many died. …And the bugs couldn't easily digest the seeds. The fox would have done better to just have tried to appeal to one!

Most likely match: Shinku

The Lemming:

A tale of a little lemming. Who believed all those unwilling to jump off cliffs with them were cowards. And frequently would jump off higher and higher cliffs to prove it. While he was happy walking alone, many followed him. Many chased the little lemming. And many little lemmings were found dead at the bottom of cliffs. Yet our little lemming marched onwards, despite all.

Most likely match: Zeke

The Priest:

A story about a Priest performing a sacrifice. They'd set out to simply sacrifice one offering, for the sake of the community. But to the Gods' glee, there were two sacrifices that day. One of the prey, squirming and wriggling. The other of innocence. For the Priest handed a ram the knife. And their little sacrificial sheep found their wool stained red.

Most likely match: Ismene

The Jester:

A story of a court jester. Frequently this Jester would go to great lengths to entertain the court. They were favoured by the court. So much so, the king granted the Jester servants, pages and assistants. This power got to the Jester's head and they started to believe they were king. King's don't have consequences, so the Jester acted accordingly. Testing various spells and hexes on their servants… It's a wonder they didn't rebel against the little Jester.

Most likely match: Taka

The Dog:

A story about a loyal dog. Who fell in love with a doe, believing them to be their master. They would do anything for this doe. But the doe held little power. For you see, they had no antlers. The Loyal Dog wished to bring their master power. So they hunted, deer by deer, knocking them out and taking pieces of their antlers. The Dog stitched the antlers together and put them on the Doe's head. When the doe awoke they were overjoyed, believing it was a miracle. They achieved everything they had sought. But when the loyal dog informed the Doe it was their doing… The Doe was horrified and ran away, vowing to never see the Dog again. Now the loyal dog patrols the woods, stalking and following their darling Doe. Ensuring nothing ever harms them.

Most likely match: Maiko

The Bridge Goat:

A tale of a bridge goat who housed a flock of sheep across their sacred bridge. This Bridge goat was tasked with protecting these sheep with their life. But the Goat wished they were more than just a simple village bridge goat. They started parading their horns, making a spectacle of themselves. Some marvelled, some were annoyed by how the goat showed off. A wolf taunted the goat, saying their horns were fragile and unimpressive. The goat insisted their horns could damage even the hardest of enemies. And invited the wolf to try beating them in a ramming match. The goat, eager to prove themselves, brought the wolf to their bridge for the match. The wolf, however, promptly ran past the goat and started devouring the sheep. And the Goat could not defend them. Merely standing there shocked. By the end of the day, they were freed of the burden of their bridge. As there was nothing left in the field to defend.

Most likely match: Dracul

Death:

A story of a grieving set of parents… They'd lost their darling son far too young and were scared he would be lonely in the afterlife. They went to Death and begged and pleaded for their son to have company. Death obliged and reaped a soul to be his bride. The two of them had a gorgeous wedding. United in Death. The parents were overjoyed and showered Death in gold.

Most likely match: Fu

The Crow:

A story about a crow who would fly to a sick man's window every morning. This sick man desired to reunite with his wife, he was too sick for her to see him. And so the crow would provide him with a cure each day. A berry. But no matter how many times the man took the cure, he remained sick. Little did the man know, his wife was a Witch. Sending this crow to him to keep poisoning him with the berries. And the crow obeyed, determined to keep the lovers apart.

Most likely match: Mint

Category 2: 12 Olympians

Technically this only applies to 1 book, but it's still different enough to the others to warrant its own category. The book contains a list of the 12 Olympians, the most significant deities in Greek Mythology, arranged in order of whichever prisoner matches their personality the best. Their names are accompanied by summaries that foreshadow their similarities to each prisoner, especially in reference to their crime. The summaries are generally less abstract than the fairytales and can be used as a guide to decipher them.

Interestingly, the only Olympians absent from this lineup are Hades and Hestia. The former is the God of the dead and the latter is the Goddess of the hearth and the home. From what I've seen of their reputation within the Greek Mythology fandom, they tend to be seen as some of the more relatively virtuous Olympians (especially Hestia; Hades is more debatable in that regard), so their exclusion from the game's main cast is justified.

(A book that seems to be about the Olympian Gods… But it's written in a strange order…) ('01- Apollo: A brother God, his poetry had profound influence on mortals. Often to dangerous extents. All his lovers, both male and female, face terrible fates.') ('02- Hermes: A diety of both Chthonic and Olympian status, one winged sandle in each world. He happily played both sides and was quick to trick his fellow Gods for his own benefit.') ('03- Ares: Endless, impulsive violence without thought. Unconcerned with his own thoughts, unconcerned with consequences. Simply looking for a rush.') ('04- Artemis: Huntress Goddess, when she starts a hunt her prey's fate is already decided. A twin diety and punisher of men.') ('05- Poseidon: The original king of the Gods, replaced by time. Strong leader, willing to punish those who harm his family without mercy.') ('06- Hephaestus: Isolated God, focused solely on creation. Despite his solitude, he holds on to his connections as if they are his property. Focusing on how he can retain them physically with little concern for their emotions.') ('07- Dionysus: Endless self indulgence and spectacle, often with great harmful consequences for others. This harm fails to mean anything if it allows the God to reaffirm his position.') ('08- Athena: A Goddess of the mind, focused on planning and forethought. However, when provoked she will stand on the front line and combat with ruthless violence.') ('09- Zeus: King of the Gods, can avoid justice on account of being emblematic of justice in itself. Acts upon this indiscriminately and indulgently.') ('10- Hera: Keeper of Oaths and promises. Protector of the family and the sactity of unions and households. Will punish those who violates or harms these units accordingly and will do anything to uphold these unions.') ('11- Demeter: Goddess of the Harvest. Cares deeply for the earth, but even more so for her family. Will bring great destructive harm to anyone who dares to tear her family apart.') ('12- Aphrodite: Bringer of overwhelming, overpowering love. Love so all consuming it becomes dangerous and corruptive, driving one to the point of mania…')

Category 3: History Books

These books are the most transparent in terms of meaning. Basically, they contain worldbuilding lore, mostly about the Ultimate system and its negative reception over the course of history. This is also the category in which Shinku's unreliability as a narrator is the most obvious.

(A book detailing the conception of the Ultimate System…) (It seems to explain that in a time of dire need the government conceived the concept of Ultimates to provide the public with figures of guidance and prosperity. They were responsible for paving the way for a better future.) (They decided to scout a majority of Ulitmates from a young age as younger minds are more easily influenced.) (The book seems to paint Ultimates in a positive light.)

(A book explaining that due to political outcry from anti-ultimate groups in recent years Hopes Peak has attempted to scout more 'rags to riches' stories in order to combat claims of them being biased and just making the 'rich get richer.')

(A book explaining the conception of the Anti-Ultimate movement-) (It explains the discontent growing within the general public as more and more tax money was spent on funding Hopes Peak and Ultimates in general.) (An issue that was compounded by already rich and influential people consistently getting scouted over those who could use the benefits that Hopes Peak provided.)

(A book about the founding of this Prison..?) (A lot of the information here is redacted but it appears to explain how this prison was founded initially by the government.) (…Apparently it was used as an 'ethical' human testing facility. As the public ruled that prisoners convicted with certain charges could ethically be tested on as punishment.) (…It seems abandoned now though, I wonder what happened.)

The above history book is an outlier amongst the rest of them as it reveals the history of the prison rather than Hope's Peak. It also seems to hint at what's to come for those who are voted as corrupt.

(A scandalous book which tears into Hopes Peak and its history of cover-ups and sweeping controversies with their Ultimates under the rug whenever it benefited them.) (The Book seems a little biased to me…)

(A book detailing various successful Ultimates who've graduated from Hopes' Peak.) (Although someone has gone through and crossed out all the misinformation and just generally been mean in their notations…)

Category 4: Joke Books

These books mean nothing from a lore perspective, they just exist to entertain players.

(A book about the ark foundation, some sort of charity organisation…)

An obvious reference to another fangan called Siren's Ark.

(Wait- these are all 'Midnight' books! These are mine!) (Oh… Wait, someone has gone through them and annotated them-) (Yikes… Why are they so harsh about them???)

Another joke about Shinku writing the in-universe equivalent of Twilight, in case the prologue didn't contain enough of them.

(A book detailing the founding of 'Rising Hopes Academy'.) (One of the many sister schools to Hopes Peak…) ('Rising Hopes Academy' focused on immersing students solely in their studies. So once enrolled you couldn't leave the town the school was in until graduation, nor access websites or contact people outside of the town.) (However, scouts visit there frequently, so it was an easy fast track to get scouted.) (I remember kids from that school were… Weird. There was similarly a general feeling amongst those of us who were properly scouted that the Rising Hopes kids got it easy and didn't fully deserve their titles.)

A reference to a fangan roleplay series ran by the dev a few years ago called Rising Hopes Academy.

(Who left this book on the floor… Poor thing!)

This appears multiple times.

Outro

Bdubs nods. “Oh, sure, for sure,” he says. Then, “Should we invite Joel over? His house got blown up too.”

“Ah, yeah, probably. Good idea, Bdubs.” She fumbles in her pocket for her communicator, eventually fishing it out. The screen is cracked. Her fingers shake as they tap against the glass. 

“Are you okay there, Pearl? You look a little…” Bdubs forces his hands to tremble. 

She glances up at him, face scrunching in confusion, before she lets out a small laugh. “Just the adrenaline, y’know.” She grins. “I’m red. It’s great.” 

“If it was anyone else, I’d think they were being sarcastic. But with you! With you, I’m pretty sure you’re being serious!”

She giggles, hitting send on the message and shoving her communicator away. Bdubs doesn’t feel his own buzz; it must have been a whisper. “You know,” she says after a moment, “I’m a little surprised.”

Bdubs blinks. “Surprised about what?”

“That there’s still three of us.” 

He laughs. “Yeah, I’m a little surprised, too! I thought for sure Joel would die today. For sure.”

“Don’t let him hear you say that.”

“Oh, no, never. But between you and me… that guy’s kind of a loose canon!” 

She snorts. “Throwing stones from glass houses, there, Bdubs?”

“Surely I don’t know what you mean.”

“Mhm.” She pauses, eyes glancing down to where her fingers pick at a stray thread on her hoodie sleeve. “That’s kinda what I mean, though. Joel doesn’t live here, and you’re making friends with half the server, I’m surprised I’m not spending tonight alone.”

“Pearl…”

“What?” She snorts. “I know how these games go, Bdubs. People don’t stay loyal. Not for long, anyway.” She glances up at him, eyes half obscured by her hair. “People like Joel, people like you? I know how this ends.”

And Bdubs—

Well, he can’t pretend he doesn’t know what she means. Can’t pretend he doesn’t remember Impulse yelling as Bdubs’ arrow had found home in his throat. Can’t pretend he doesn’t remember Etho backing away when Bdubs had tried to get just a little too close. Can’t pretend he didn’t fight when he promised he’d run. Can’t pretend he hadn’t taken advantage of his broken home. 

…He can’t pretend he doesn’t remember telling Martyn about their plans, or planning to do harm to Etho. Can’t pretend he doesn’t cross his fingers behind his back every time he makes a promise, just in case.

But at the same time, he remembers—searching for Cleo in a castle she’d been too dead to return to, pushing Lizzie to her death for a life he’d never received, taking two hands in his own and vowing to face the end as four instead of two, for once, for once in his life, choosing three and being pulled apart because of it—

Bdubs lets out a breath. “Pearl, hey, no,” he says. “I told you, didn’t I? I’m your weapon.” He gets down to his knees, lowers his head before her, feels her gaze burn into the top of his head.

“Bit late for that,” she says. “I’m my own weapon now, mate. Don’t need you to attack for me anymore.”

“Well, no—but—” He looks up at her. “Pearl. I’m yours. I promise.”

“Right. And you’re Martyn and Etho’s too, huh? We can share.”

“I’m using Martyn!” he protests. “That’s—that’s all it is—I’m usin’ him because he’s the first red and he knows his stuff! And Etho—”

“I don’t mind about Etho,” Pearl interrupts. “Like I said, I know you guys have your little thing going on. I don’t care about that.”

“I set a trap in his base,” Bdubs blurts.

Pearl blinks at him. “Excuse me?”

“I set a trap in his base. Tripwire hook.” He grins. “Right outside the bedroom. I—I think I got Grian, in the end? But—could have been Etho. I coulda—could’ve been Etho.” He swallows.

“And you’d have been okay with that?” Pearl asks, smile gone from her face, expression suddenly very serious.

“I—after I set it, I went up to them. Had a chat. Lied the whole time. I coulda—coulda told him. I didn’t.” 

“And you’re okay with that?” she stresses.

She sounds dubious. Bdubs can’t blame her. He feels sick, swallowing back the bile that’s building in his throat.

“I—Pearl.”

“Bdubs?”

“I learned my lesson, Pearl. I learned—don’t put all your eggs in one basket! Because—because either they die, and then you get left alone, or—or it gets you killed, and you die. You gotta—I have two hands. I can be loyal to multiple people. But then I learned—when you do that? People aren’t loyal back. They don’t trust you anymore. Nobody else…” He laughs. “I feel like I’m the only one who can trust people like that anymore!”

“So…” She frowns. “So you’re making friends with everyone so you don’t get betrayed or left alone?”

“Exactly.” 

“And you know none of us are gonna trust you for doing that.”

He swallows again. “Yeah, I know.”

“And you’re doing it anyway?”

“Well, what else—what else am I supposed to do? I can’t… I can’t go back, Pearl. That’s… I can’t go back. You know how it is.”

“…Yeah,” she says quietly. “I’m—I want you to win, Bdubs,” she says. “Out of everyone—I want it to be you.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. So… You better not make me regret this.”

He blinks at her. “Regret what?”

She bows her head to him. “I’m your weapon,” she says, an echo of his earlier words. “And a bit more of a dangerous one at that.” Her smirk leaks back into her words as she glances up and winks at him. “So use me well, alright, Bdubs? I want you to win this.”

Bdubs’ heart is in his throat. He swallows it back down. It burns.

“I’ll do my best,” he promises. 

The door slams open, startling them both out of their skin.

“Hey guys—uh. What are you doing?”

“Oh, for—Judas Priest, Joel, learn to knock!”

“You invited me over! Or, Pearl did—hey Pearl.”

“Hey,” Pearl says. “Come on in! Sleepover at Bdubs’ time.”

“I can’t believe this is the last of our bases left standing. It’s, like, the worst one.”

“Hey!” 

“There’s no space in here!” To punctuate his statement, Joel slumps down against one wall, kicking Bdubs in the ribs as he does so. Bdubs grunts. “See?”

“It’s definitely not the most spacious…” Pearl acquiesces.

“Anyway. What were you guys doing before I came in?”

“Swearing loyalty,” Bdubs says. 

“Oh.” Joel blinks. “Do you need me to do that? Because I’m a Mounder for life. Loyal to the end.”

Bdubs and Pearl glance at each other.

“Somehow I actually believe him,” Bdubs stage-whispers, and Joel squawks in offence as Pearl barks out a laugh.

“No, I think you’re good,” she says. Leaning her head back against the wall, she says, “This is probably our final night.”

The three of them are quiet for a moment.

“Well,” says Joel. “We gotta make it to the end then, don’t we?”

He’s looking at Bdubs. They’re both looking at Bdubs. 

Bdubs nods.

“May the best Mounder win,” he says solemnly.