Four Days Later.
Brockton Bay General Library.
Library Computer Room.
"Urgh, I've spent nearly two hours on the library's computer researching past Merchant criminal activity, and I'm still no closer to finding where Skidmark and Squealer are hiding." Taylor groaned while relaxing into the worn-out chair, which seemed mere weeks away from falling apart. The sole computer room within the entire library was utterly devoid of humans meaning the Sun deity could quietly conduct her investigation into the Merchants current activities without worrying too much about the library staff or random people walking into the room. Especially when she had Akari stationed at the only way into the room, the Poncle would give Taylor an early warning if he noticed someone heading towards the computer room.
Akari curiously glanced at his peoples' creator from his location by the doorway. "I still don't understand why you're even bothering to use these metallic contraptions," the Poncle gazed at the computers within the room with barely hidden displeasure as he really didn't like the metallic boxes which seemed to him were powered by some strange unknown sorcery. "You've got the divine ability to gaze into a person's memories, so it should be rather easy for you to find this Skidmark guy." Akari found it strange that Her Celestial Highness hadn't already found out where Skidmark was located since she's been kicking the Merchants collective asses for the past four days.
Taylor's golden eyes shifted towards the Poncle while logging onto a local website that contained reliable information on where and which day Brockton Bay's gangs' committed their criminal activities. The Sun Goddess used the website's search engine to bring up all of the Merchants' crimes for the past several weeks. Golden eyes scanned through old police reports and news broadcasts related to the Merchants activities and, more importantly, the multiple thefts of valuable items and resources conducted by the homeless gang.
"I'm afraid it's not so simple, Akari," Taylor replied to the Poncle as she researched what exactly the Merchants had stolen and where the thefts had taken place. "I can only view someone's memories once after that they become immune to my power much like Parahumans, and even Poncles are unaffected by my memory gazing ability." The wolf deity explained whilst frowning at the computer screen. According to old police reports and random civilians posting their own point of view on the thefts, the Merchants have been hitting locations throughout the entire city that held valuable objects or large amounts of cash.
It was surprising how the Merchants were getting away with stealing from so many different locations without gaining the attention of the other gangs or the local Protectorate. The website's information on the thefts showed that the Merchants have already raided over forty-eight independent shops and other local businesses containing enough valuables inside to net the Merchants a healthy amount of cash and raw resources. Although Taylor knew the Merchant gangsters have actually raided twice as many places than what was posted on the website, thanks to the memories she saw from the Merchant members she's defeated during these last four days of hunting for Skidmark's secret base.
"Frustratingly, the Merchant members I've encountered have absolutely no clue where Skidmark's little pet project is being constructed." The gathered memories from the Merchants showed that Skidmark had gone underground without warning. His current lieutenants only communicated with him via the phone. "Mush is the sole person that knows where Skidmark and Squealer are hiding, and he's also the only Merchant member allowed to deliver the resources their project needs to their location via a savaged minivan." The Merchant changer was the only one that Skidmark apparently trusted with his current whereabouts.
Skidmark's strategy to keep his project's location hidden from the rest of the city's gangs and the Protectorate was quite clever. The Merchants lower-ranked members would bring the stolen items to a drop-off point, which changed location after every delivery. Mush would then arrive and load the valuables into the scavenged minivan. Once everything was loaded into the Merchant vehicle, Mush would drive away to the project's hidden construction site. It was an effective system that maximised Skidmark's ability to gain accessible resources while minimising the chances of losing the project to an enraged gang leader or the local heroes.
Akari hummed as he kept watch for anyone that might want to come into the computer room. "Sounds like the only way you're going to find Skidmark's base is by locating and tailing Mush back to their hideout." The Poncle was correct since the Merchant Changer was the only person that knew where his leader was hiding and thus made finding and tracking him a top priority for the Sun deity.
"That does appear to be my sole option at the moment." Taylor agreed with Akari, although to locate Mush, she'll need to find out where the Merchants next planned to drop off their stolen items. The wolfish goddess logged off the website and pulled up a general map of Brockton Bay.
"From the memories of the Merchants I've defeated these past four days, plus the information I've collected from their hideouts and the internet," Taylor used the mouse to shrink the map until only the section of the Docks remained. "The most likely target for the next raid will be here near the edge of the Docks where a warehouse containing mostly old car and outdated computer parts is located." Skidmark wouldn't avoid such an easy mark, especially when he wants as many materials as possible for his gang's secret project.
"After the Merchants are finished raiding the warehouse for its contents, I'll discreetly follow them back to the drop off point." The idea of allowing the Merchants to get away with stealing from the innocent made Taylor want to growl with displeasure. Yet, for the sake of finding the Merchant leader and putting a stop to his scheme, she'll have to contain the impulse to stop the Merchant gangsters while they stole from the warehouse. After she finds the drop off point, she'll follow Mush back to his leader and arrest all three Parahumans and hopefully end the Merchants once and for all.
"Hum sounds like a good plan to me." Akari voiced his approval whilst watching a random librarian walking across the bookshelves and heading towards some section of the library that the Poncle couldn't see. "Although, you'll need some pack up if you're going to be taking on the top members of those Merchant morons." The Merchant grunts and lieutenants were obviously weak and drugged up to their eyeballs. However, Skidmark, Squealer and Mush will prove to be far more challenging enemies to take down as their powers allowed them to survive in Brockton Bay for years without getting killed by the other gang leaders or their Parahuman subordinates.
Taylor smiled in amusement whilst logging off the computer. "Are you volunteering to come with me to fight the Merchants?" The idea wasn't a bad one since, with his small size, Akari could play the role of scout and sneak into Skidmark's hidden base and warn the Sun deity of any hidden traps Squealer might've set up to prevent uninvited guests from getting too close to the secret project.
"Of course, I'm volunteering to help," Akari's white aura turned a bright red as he hopped up and down in annoyance. "Those Merchants are threatening my home, and I refuse to allow such a threat go unchallenged." The tiny Poncle pulled out his sword Howaitorotasu, which meant White Lotus, from its sheath. The small blade shined brightly since it was polished and maintained with great care by its owner, and Akari vowed that Howaitorotasu would taste the blood of Skidmark and the rest of his vile subordinates.
"Having an extra set of eyes would be useful," Taylor mused while heading towards the exit while carrying a backpack. "Plus, I doubt Skdmark will be expecting a Poncle of all things to be sneaking about within his base." The only ones that knew about the Poncles were her father and herself, and neither of them would ever willingly interact with Skidmark and his collection of scumbags.
Akari grinned as he jumped onto the backpack. "Don't worry, M'lady, I can be pretty sneaky when the situation calls for it." Akari boosted while sheathing Howaitorotasu. "Skidmark and his dumbass friends won't know I'm there until it's far too late to stop us from kicking their assess back into the hole they've crawled out of." The Poncle hopped into the backpack so that he'd not be seen by the people visiting the library nor the staff working there; the Sun goddess huffed with amusement to the Poncle's boosting and made her way towards the library's front door.
"Until we've caught Skidmark and the other Merchant Parahumans, I'd advise you and the other Poncles not to celebrate just yet." One of Onigiri sensei's teachings was that you do not count yourself victorious until the battle was decided; it was a valuable lesson to remember when fighting against any foe. One that Taylor planned to keep in mind when she finally confronted the Merchants three Parahumans.
"Humph, you're a Kami, so I doubt that anything that Skidmark bastard has anything that can stop you," Akari whispered confidently before disappearing into the depths of the backpack, probably wanting to get back to finishing some drawings he'd done during the trip to the library. Taylor would be the first to admit that Akari had a natural talent when it came to painting.
Taylor smiled and waved towards the librarian operating the front desk before walking through the front entrance; the smell of smoke, oil, humans scents and other unidentifiable things hit her sensitive nose as the reincarnation of Amaterasu headed towards home on foot. It was relatively early in the morning since Taylor wanted to get some research done before having to get to Onigiri sensei's dojo in a few hours for her next set of training sessions. Her father was already at work setting up some needed jobs for the Union workers meaning that only the Poncles would greet her return from the library.
Time Skip, The Hebert's residents.
"I'm home!" Taylor announced while entering through the front door. The hallway leading to the living room and kitchen was crowded by hundreds of Poncles, each one shining so brightly that someone entering the Hebert household for the first time could easily mistake them for small Christmas lights. Upon seeing their creator, the Poncles greeted her with a massive cheer and overwhelming joy.
"Welcome back Okami-sama!" The Poncles auras glowed brighter as they bowed to their deity. The tiny beings have truly made the Hebert household their home as they've built tiny houses at the edges of the hallway, and a little town has even been constructed outside the wolfish teenager's bedroom. Heck, the Poncles even cleaned the house every day, removing all dust and removed spiders that weren't welcome in the Hebert household. Taylor had tried to convince them that they didn't need to do the cleaning, yet her words fell on deaf ears as the Poncles were determined to be helpful to their creator.
Taylor smiled softly at the bowing Poncles whilst making her way towards the kitchen. Once there, she was greeted with the sight and tasty smell of a plate full of roasted chicken, skinned and perfectly cooked potatoes and some other minor food items that helped give the plate a nice and healthy balanced.
"Ah, Lady Taylor, it's good to see that you've returned home safe and sound." Kenjin, the elder of the Poncles and Akari's grandfather, kindly welcomed the Sun deity from his location next to the oven. The elderly Poncle was overseeing the food preparations and had even helped cook the food, which would be soon served to the young goddess.
"I'm glad to see you to Mr Kenjin." Happily replied Taylor as she took a seat at the table. Akari joined the Sun goddess a moment later when he hopped out of the backpack and proceeded to jump onto the table.
"Yo, grandpa, how's everyone been doing since we've been gone?" Akari inquired whilst lazily resting against a teacup. The elderly Kenjin huffed in slight annoyance at his grandson's laid back attitude, especially since he acted so carefree in front of a Kami of all things. Honestly, Kenjin sometimes wondered where he went wrong in the boy's education and lessons in manners.
Kenjin, despite his advanced age, hopped over to the table with graceful ease. "The villagers are doing fine since Lady Taylor left for the library this morning," Kenjin informed while walking over to his grandson. Kenjin bowed respectfully to Taylor before proceeding to smacked Akari over the head with his walking cane. "AND YOU SHOULD BE STANDING STRAIGHTER! SHOW SOME MANNERS! FOR THE GODS SAKE, BOY, I TAUGHT YOU TO ACT BETTER THAN THIS!" For such a tiny person, elder Kenjin's voice could easily be heard by the entire city when he was mad at someone, and unfortunately for Akari, he was the current target for his grandfather's wrath.
"Oi, that was completely unnecessary, ya old bastard!" Akari exclaimed as he covered the spot his grandpa had hit him with the cane. Taylor watched the two arguing Poncles from her seat while her two tails swished back and forth in amusement. The Sun goddess has seen the Poncle duo usually argued like this for days now and knew there was no actual malice in their arguments which meant that she could watch the argument like she was watching an exciting TV comedy show.
"No excuses, boy!" Kenjin snapped back while waving his cane threateningly at his grandson. "You're in the presence of a goddess and should conduct yourself with the utmost respect and politeness while in her presence!" Taylor's golden eyes danced back and forth between the two arguing Poncles whilst she happily took a bite of the chicken on her plate.
"Well, at least I'm not an old fossil like you!" Akari growled as his aura burned a bright red.
"My age has nothing to do with this, and you know it!" Kenjin told his grandson while his aura also turned a bright crimson hue. "I can only imagine how appalled Lady Taylor is current as she sees us arguing like fools!" The elderly Poncle gestured to the aforementioned deity, who was hungrily devouring the flesh and bone of a chicken leg.
"Hum could use a bit more salt." Taylor thought as she devoured the chicken leg, completely forgetting about Akari and Kenjin's little argument. The Poncle duo, unaware their creator had lost interest in their argument, continued to trade insults for the next few minutes. After Taylor was done eating, she took the plate to the sink leaving behind the Poncle family, who had finally calmed down and were now discussing some of the paintings that Akari had finished during the walk home.
When the Wolf deity was done washing her plate, she placed it into the drying rack. "Huh, the birds seem to be more active today." Gazing out the open window, Taylor saw multiple birds flying across the sky, and a few were even resting in her backyard. A group of robins flapped their tiny wings and soared over to the window, landing next to the divine entity.
Taylor smiled warmly at the small birds. "Hungry?" She asked them while holding out some birdseed that had been stored in a nearby container. The robins hopped onto her hand and gently began to eat the birdseed offered by the Sun goddess. Once they've had their fill, the robins jumped into the bottom of the window, and shockingly enough, they respectfully bowed to Taylor.
"Thank you for the food Okami-Sama!" The lead robin thanked whilst energy, simply known as praise, left the birds and entered Taylor's form filling her up with a new type of energy. Yomigami had explained what the power was and how it worked to improve her physical and divine abilities after she'd revisited him. Damn, was Taylor surprised when she learned that she could talk to animals like Doctor Dolittle.
"Your welcome little ones," Taylor softly replied as she brushed a hand over a robin's head. "Although you should be going back to your nests and the littler ones waiting for your return." The robins chirped their understanding and soared into the sky so that they could return home to their children. Once the robins were out of sight, Taylor closed the window and started to head towards her bedroom so that she could get ready to go to Onigiri sensei's dojo in a few hours.
Taylor knew that she wouldn't be back home until later tonight, which was perfect because everyone except for the heroes and gangs would be out on the streets by then. The targeted warehouse will be empty of employees by the time night has fallen, meaning that no one innocent shall get hurt by the Merchants when they make their move on the warehouse. The drugged up Merchants will raid their target without any problems and unknowingly lead the Sun deity straight to Mush, and she'd follow him back to Skidmark.
Tonight Okami hunts the Merchants.
Meanwhile, At Coil's Secret Lair.
Coil's Office.
"The pain, make it stop." Weakly demanded Coil whilst he sat behind his desk. The mysterious supervillain was wearing his usual villain disguise. At the same time, a nervous doctor, Jeffrey, tried to help relieve Coil of the pain coursing through his veins, not that the doctor had much choice in the matter since Coil threatened to murder the man's entire family if he didn't cooperate.
Doctor Jeffrey nervously glanced at the mercenaries guarding the only known exit to the office. "Mr Coil, I've already tried multiple treatments to relieve the pain, yet none of them has worked." The doctor whimpered when Coil lifted his masked head, and the masked villain seemed to be glaring murderously at the kidnapped man, yet Jeffrey continued to try and appease Coil despite the justified fear. "I'm afraid there's nothing I can do to help with whatever is causing you pain." The guards tensed at the doctor's admittance to being unable to assist their employer, who stared coldly at the doctor.
Coil pulled out a pistol from his desk and pointed it at Jeffrey. "In that case, you're no longer any use to me." Jeffrey tried to plead for the lives of his family only to be silenced forever when Coil emotionless shot the kidnapped doctor's head; the corpse hit the ground within seconds, allowing for a pool of blood to start forming right in the middle of the office.
"Take that useless piece of garbage and throw it into the bay," Coil ordered the mercenaries whilst fighting to contain the white-hot agony that was filling his veins. "And sent a kill team to terminate its family while you're at it." Jeffrey failed to keep his end of the deal, and now Coil would make sure that the dead man's family suffers for it.
The mercenaries saluted their employer and were quick to carry the corpse out of the office. Two new mercenaries tried to take the place of the ones that just left with the corpse but were instead ordered to leave and inform everyone that Coil wanted to be alone and wasn't to be disturbed for anything unless it was a threat that couldn't wait until tomorrow.
When Coil was sure that he was alone in the office and that no one would try entering, he released a scream of agony, which wasn't heard by those outside thanks to the office being soundproofed. The Thinker supervillain grasped his arms tightly, his fingernails threatening to dig through his bodysuit and pierce into his flesh. Coil's blood also felt like it was boiling, and the villain slightly feared that he'd burst into flames if his blood burned any hotter.
"Damn it, damn it, damn t! This pain, this agony, it's all that bitch Okami's fault!" Coil screamed with fury as his nails tried to pierce the suit so that he could draw blood in a desperate attempt to relieve some of the pain. "If only I hadn't tried to use my powers on her, then maybe this accursed agony could've been avoided!" He can still remember the attempt to use his Thinker ability on Okami Coil been so sure that nothing could go wrong only to have a blast of golden light cause the destruction of the two separate timelines he'd been running.
The Golden Light, oh how Coil hated it, the wolf bitch had somehow burned him on a level beyond the physical. It was like the light had burned away a piece of his tainted soul. Coil has already gone through five doctors these past four days, and none of them can cure him of the effects of accidentally gazing upon Okami's divinity. The aforementioned doctors had also gotten the same bullet treatment from Coil when they foolishly told the supervillain that they couldn't heal him.
"I've got to kill her!" Coil was breathing harshly now as blood dripped from his fingers. "Until Okami is dead and forgotten, I'll never know peace again!" The latest heroine of the city was undoubtedly a threat to everything Coil has built over the years. If Okami wasn't taken out of the picture soon, Coil genuinely feared what she'd do to his criminal empire and the secret plans to ruler Brockton Bay from the shadows.
"I'll send kill teams out into the city to hunt her down," Coil managed to fight through the pain and grab onto the nearby phone. "But first, I need to arrange a few things so that my men can kidnap the sole person that has a decent chance of healing me." Coil phoned Tattletale and gave her some new orders; the foolish girl might try to use his current weakened state against him, but by the time that becomes a problem, he'll already have his target captured and sent here to heal the danged caused by Okami' divinity.
By the time he's healed, Coil will make sure that Okami pays for this humiliation!