Motif · Book 8, A Parade of Horribles

The nickel sock

Dong Quixote's sapient sock weapon from Quan Ch, which heals him by proximity, fills with nickels though he feeds it gold, tears in the brawl, attacks Bucket Boy, teleports away and leaves him dying of a curse called Negative ROI — Separation Anxiety — with ninety minutes to live. 'They use their owners until they can’t anymore.'

Segment appearances

• Chapter 24 — Akuma's note; half a prayer, half a song; the sock
• Chapter 57 — The brawl; Sing for your supper
• Chapter 59 — Negative ROI; the GTO leaves early

Progression

A crust sock dropped at a garage door (ch. 23); it is what sustains Dong (ch. 24); over his shoulder like Santa's bag; torn, all nickels (ch. 56, ch. 57); Negative ROI; gone (ch. 59).