You glanced around at everybody, wondering if there was any way for you to root out the rat that Khonshu had told you about. But before you could dwell on it for much longer, Janine popped up in front of you again, nearly causing you to flinch back in surprise.

“I managed to sneak some explosive potions, too!” she whispered, while trying very hard not to look over at Shaggy.

You nodded gratefully, and carefully started piling everything into a cloth bag that Mercy had made with various compartments meant for holding the smaller items you had collected from the shop.

>You have gained 5 explosive potions
>You have gained 12 Polymorph Potions
>You have gained a pair of Sap Gloves
>You have gained a pair of Nonlethal Latex Gloves
>You have gained a Staff of Mercurial Form
>You have gained 2 Gems of Propulsion

You still didn't know how to use the staff, so that was going to have to go on your back for now.

The pitter patter of Shaggy's paws warned you of his approach, and you were grateful to have avoided his attention while Janine was sneaking potions your way.

“Hold on. Let me see what's in that bag.” the dog demanded.

Or at least you thought you did…

“I don't have any drugs in here if that's what you're thinking." you said, clutching your bag protectively.

“I wasn't before, but now you've got me wondering.” he said, sniffing at it. “There are dangerous things in this shop, Cindy. Something in there might be capable of peeling your face off, or turning you into a chicken.”

You planted your hands on your hips and flexed your pair of fox tails on either side of your waist.

“I'm already turning into a demon fox. A demon chicken might be a refreshing change of pace.” you said with a teasing grin.

Janine chuckled, and Deadhead looked at Harpy like he wanted to say something. He didn't say what he was thinking, but the smug aura that he gave off was enough to get her agitated.

Shaggy was similarly unamused, and he was about to express that sentiment, when he paused to listen for something. Your sensitive vulpine ears were picking up on it as well.

It almost sounded like…

“Someone's screaming…!” you said, bolting for the door.

You burst through, and a moment later, Harpy came smashing through the door frame, tearing an extremely noticeable chunk out of the storefront in the process.

“Damn!” Deadhead exclaimed, stopping to admire her handiwork. “Maybe you should've been a linebacker instead of a bandit queen.”

“You're paying for that, Bandit Queen!” Shaggy shouted after her.

You ignored all of them and raced towards the main streets, where the screams were coming from. The closer you got, the more you were able to pick the sounds apart. There were multiple people screaming. An entire crowd. Maybe this whole part of the city!

What was happening!? Was this another Kaiju attack? Was this the tragedy that Khonshu spoke of?

(Cont.)