Chapter 57 of 78 · Book 5, The Butcher's Masquerade

Chapter 57 — I Take it All Back

Book: The Butcher's Masquerade · Part: The Butchering · Previous: Chapter 56 — Zerzura · Next: Chapter 58 — The last stall in the women's bathroom · Floor: Floor 6 — The Hunting Grounds · Series: the series

Opening

» 65 Hours until the Butcher’s Masquerade

Summary

In Team Katia's house-like space Bautista sorts hundreds of beanies for rare variants — a Flame-ingo like the one in Agatha's cart, a hundred Slate Butterflies stolen from a sponsor's commercial that fly to a light and drain it. 'So, you and Katia.' 'It just sort of happened.' 'I think it's great.' Bautista is relieved: he thought Carl had a thing for her. 'She's like my sister.' Donut: 'I had no idea Katia was into furries', and marches off to confront her. Prepotente arrives at level 70 with fifteen hunter-killer marks, Bianca outside like a dragon, screams in Elle's face, and puts a black bubbling potion in front of Donut from his own benefactor box: I Take it All Back — removes any effect of Scolopendra's Transmutation spell — tagged 'Give this to Princess Donut. Use when the time is right. Do NOT give to Tina.' He leaves without resting. Elle orders goat curry. Carl: do not tell Signet, who would want it for Grimaldi. Elle and Imani have Apothecary boxes too, both for Donut. 'I'm starting to think that nipple ring bribe was a trick.' Off to the changelings.

Characters

• Daniel Bautista — With Katia; 'You know. You had a thing for her.'
• Katia Grim — Into furries, per Donut.
• Prepotente — Level 70; a potion meant for Donut; no time for anyone.
• Princess Donut — Receives a second sponsor gift routed through someone else.
• Elle McGibbons — Screamed at; orders goat.
• Carl — Keeps the potion from Signet.
• Imani — A third box for Donut.

Locations

• The Royal Palace of Princess Donut — Katia's, arranged like a house; beanies on the table.

Motifs

• The stuffed figures — Rare variants; Slate Butterflies that drink light.
• Scolopendra — A potion that undoes her transmutation — not for Tina.
• Sponsorship — Every box on the floor is for Donut.