Daniel Bautista 2, generally called Bautista, is an Earth crawler first encountered during the Iron Tangle and later transformed into an orange tiger-like humanoid. He becomes a reliable member of the allied crawler network, joins Katia Grim's party, and develops a romantic relationship with her. Bautista survives the Hunting Grounds, the Eighth Floor, Faction Wars, and the Tenth Floor before joining the cleaner-bot transition gambit rather than accepting an exit contract. Carl first finds evidence of Bautista through the slain Divider and later meets the level 18 crawler while groups coordinate train routes. Bautista provides information without demanding command, helping establish the crowdsourced approach that becomes essential to surviving the Iron Tangle. His early conduct marks him as a cooperative survivor rather than a leaderboard rival. By the Sixth Floor Bautista has a tiger-like body that Donut compares to an off-brand cereal mascot. His altered form combines strength, mobility, and a recognizable orange appearance. He carries practical gear, including collectible items that appeal to Donut, while maintaining a combat role suited to protecting teammates rather than operating as a solitary specialist. Bautista joins Katia's team after her separation from Carl and Donut. Their partnership becomes romantic, and he supports her through addiction, the Crown of the Sepsis Whore, faction responsibilities, and the collapse of her former sense of self. His affection does not remove disagreement, but it gives Katia a relationship not controlled by Bea, Hekla, or the Princess Posse. Bautista participates in the Hunting Grounds coalition, Eighth Floor survival network, and Faction Wars. He helps injured allies, including Tran after the loss of his legs and Gwen, and accepts operational roles that receive less broadcast attention than Carl's plans. His consistency makes him part of the final trusted network even when party memberships change. Bautista races with Britney and other allies on the Tenth Floor. When exit deals divide the survivors, he refuses the conventional contract and enters the cleaner-bot gambit designed to remove crawlers from the active playing field. Quasar's associate Kiki remains his attorney. The attempt succeeds at the transition, leaving Bautista alive but outside ordinary public observation.
Bautista
Character
Daniel Bautista 2, generally called Bautista, is an Earth crawler first encountered during the Iron Tangle and later transformed into an orange tiger-like humanoid. He becomes a reliable member of the allied crawler network, joins Katia Grim's party, and...