Can You Reach It?

"Mikoto D. Azgard," laughed Apollo taking a step back and opening his arms as if welcoming his crew to the final leg of their journey, "We trust you won't hold back." Mikoto smiled and once more disappeared into a blur, vanishing beneath Apollo's body and then quickly zooming upwards, launching himself with all of his strength to fire one punch aimed for his chin. Mikoto was lucky he had landed that first blow early on, if it wasn't for that Mikoto would have no idea if this man was a Logia type or a Paramecian, however since Mikoto managed to hit him once he knew for a fact that he could hit him again. That is if Apollo allowed it. Apollo shot into the air, using a technique similar to Geppou to create more distance between them. "We guess that answers Our question then." Apollo brought one arm back and created another small sphere of sunshine, readying a downwards shot. There was no way he could dodge this attack!

Mikoto didn't seem to worried it was apparent already that Apollo had been too busy with his own things to watch his fight with Taisho. "Geppou!" shouted Mikoto shooting straight up and past Apollo with only two jumps. The difference in their leg strength had been made clear instantly. With leg strength and speed on his side, Mikoto felt confident in this fight. Besides in the end Mikoto's choice was obvious, the only thing he had to do was smash his face into the ground. "Leg Whip!" Mikoto forced another burst of Geppou out of his legs, it was true that he was only limited to one additional jump, however, Mikoto could still maneuver in the air better Using short bursts of it. And that's what he did Mikoto brought his leg spinning around like a buzz-saw going from below Apollo's head to above it to right into it! Apollo faltered for a second before catching himself and quickly jumping away, avoiding a head-on collision with the ground once more. Apollo landed on the ground and looked up at his opponent. Mikoto fell to the ground next, without additional jumps with Geppou that was about the most he could muster. "You won't be able to stop me!" shouted Mikoto as he threw his arms behind him and charged in again.

"Why not?" asked Apollo as he crushed the small sphere in his hand again, this time infusing his arm with its energy. "We've beaten plenty of rushing bulls before!" Apollo struck out with his sun-infused hand, slicing the air open as Mikoto ducked beneath. As strong as Mikoto felt…he couldn't say he felt 'cool' just being around this man's punches Mikoto could feel the extreme, almost other-worldly heat emanating from his body. However, that wasn't going to stop him! Mikoto looked upwards, noticing the exposed chin just above him. Mikoto immediately swung his arm around, changing its momentum from a straight punch to an uppercut. However, it was Mikoto's chin that wound up getting hit in the end. Apollo had lifted his knee straight up, Using Geppou as a secondary boost to slam his knee up with a new brand of power. Mikoto's head jerked back along with the rest of his body as he tried to balance himself out again. Apollo stretched his arm forward, Mikoto could still feel the heat radiating from it. Apparently the few seconds had done nothing to cool it off, "Sol Sphere!" A small glowing orb appeared in his hand and he let it rip its way forward, Mikoto twisted out of the way pushing himself awkward out of its path, however, no matter how stupid he looked Mikoto was thankful that he did it. The sphere was incredibly hot and incredibly fast it shot its way forward melting straight through the stone walls of the prison as if they weren't even there. "This is the power We possess," brought up Apollo as he opened his hand up and formed another small sphere. "People refer to Paramecia-type fruits as the weakest of the chain of Devil Fruits, We suppose as a Zoan you probably agree with that statement, right? Well, the Gura-Gura no mi is one of the few fruits that break that chain, Our Taiyo-Taiyo no* is another one. Behold the power of the sun god!" Apollo wound up and sent the small sphere he had created burning through the air and at Mikoto like a baseball. He smiled as he watched it power its way through his pathetic little skull. However, he realized all too late that it wasn't quite as good as he had predicted it to be. He soon found himself staring up at Mikoto as the kid coyote wrapped his legs around his shoulder and looked down at his face, readying a punch.

"I don't know about Devil Fruits," Mikoto said with a smile on his face, "but I know that you are weaker than ME! Rapid-Fire x 20!" Mikoto shot his fist forward multiple times, smashing it repeatedly into Apollo's snotty face. Apollo reeled back as Mikoto let go, releasing his shoulders from Mikoto's vice-like leg grip. "Score!" Mikoto cheered, pumping his fist into the air with a juvenile-like happiness to it. When another small solar sphere came bursting through the air, searing it up as it came along Mikoto's happiness disappeared. Apollo wasn't down for the count yet. Mikoto tested out his punch once more…he didn't think it was that weak and on top of that it was a direct hit…he wondered if it had truly fully recovered from pounding Taisho in yet.

"Marvelous," Apollo laughed as he stood up and straightened himself out as he formed another ball of energy in his hands. "We were hoping you would provide Us with a challenge. Of course, in the end We know We will win, but until then We are happy to give you won't just give in! We never believed in a pirate capable of actually fighting on an equal level as Us, We believed your stupid beliefs and dreams would weigh you down, but here you are forcing Us to get serious. We will appreciate your efforts no matter how early you die. Supernova!" Apollo squashed the small sphere in between his hand as he did when he originally burned through the door. Mikoto took a step back immediately recognizing the change in the air…he was planning something big.

"It is the same attack as last time!" shouted Rosa sensing it with her still semi-latent Haki, however, an attack pumped out this much energy and could cause this much fear didn't require an incredible amount of training. "Just like before!" Mikoto didn't seem surprised. His instincts could tell him that much…however, if there was one thing that could truly surprise people it would be the fact that Mikoto didn't look worried. As a matter of fact he looked confident as he stared ahead at one of the most deadly attacks he had ever faced. Mikoto tightened his fist and readied himself, another Rapid-Fire at close range. Two almost back-to-back would make sure any man stayed down. Mikoto readied himself, bouncing back and forth anticipating the blow.

"GO!" shouted Apollo opening his hand a little bit like before shooting out an explosion with a laser-beam-like focus. Mikoto dove straight in, unafraid of the approaching attack. Apollo smiled, tenacity was to be admired…stupidity to be laughed. And that was exactly what this attack was pure and utter stupidity. There was no way he could avoid this attack. However, it soon became apparent that he didn't plan to…or even need to. The attack was warping out of the way almost as if it was being pushed aside by sheer willpower! However, Apollo knew that was impossible! Nothing in the world worked like that! Nothing! There had to be another explanation! However, he would have to wait on finding what it was as he had his hands full with another problem! The charging coyote. Mikoto's fist was already at the ready, turning upwards ready to pounce downwards on Apollo. Apollo immediately brought his guard up, ready to block the punch and try again. He would block it and then shoot Mikoto as close range with another Sol Sphere…wait a second…the hand that was ready to punch…it was the same one as last time! Which meant it was only a feint the real punch was coming from the other side!

Mikoto was impressed that had managed to put that much together and if speed was on his side, Apollo would've been able to block in time, but it wasn't. Speed was Mikoto's forte, Mikoto zoomed it a nearly undetectable speed and blew into Apollo's guard. Suddenly his punch curved upwards and fired repeated back-to-back shots into Apollo's gut. "Rapid Fire X 20!" Mikoto's force had just been proven judging by the look on Apollo's face, but he didn't seem all too worried as he moved back, still managing to hang on. He had to admit the kid's punches were strong, however, in the end Apollo was ready to take four or five blows…since only one of his meant defeat! Apollo readied another sphere and took aim! He let it loose, letting it fly through the air at Mikoto's head. Mikoto bobbed and weaved through it again, closing the distance. He was like a rushing boar! Mikoto relied strictly on his speed to push himself into his opponent's chest and land devastating blows!

It was apparent that his Sol Spheres needed to improve their accuracy and until he found out the reason why his Supernovas had missed he couldn't use them again. So, it looked like he would agree to the kid coyote's condition, and fight him head on. "Sol Flame!" commanded Apollo once more as he absorbed the power of the sun into his fists once more. The power coursed through his body. Akihito smiled from his position on top of the roof, unable to look away from the fight. Apollo wasn't someone who relied on Supernova or Sol Spheres and focused on attacking from a distance, no, the truth was Apollo was just as invincible in close ranged fighting as he was in long-range. Mikoto smiled as he bolted inwards, glad to finally be able to rely on his fists once more. They were still acting up from the Rapid-Fire, but one of them was almost healed…he supposed until than he would have to move onto Plan B. Mikoto lashed out with his legs, aiming low for one Apollo's legs. Apollo pulled his leg out of the way and then twisted around, firing a punch downwards, but before his punch could even get close Mikoto was gone. Suddenly he felt a quick hit appear on the back of his head from a downwards angle. He twisted around, flailing violently, but Mikoto had already driven backwards and out of his range. A Hit and Run Strategy, huh? So, be it! Apollo smashed his hands together to create a burst of sparks all around him.

"Mikoto certainly seems to be doing well without his arms," brought up Enma from the side-lines. His entire body still burned, he was surprised Mikoto managed to take out Taisho. He suppose it was from his experience fighting Abel that he managed to do so. They used a similar kind of binding technique, but still Enma hadn't quite expected the fight to go so smoothly for him this one looked to be a lot more difficult. Mikoto was putting his life on the line every time he dodged one of those Sol Spheres…and even more so with those Supernova shots that Apollo seemed confident in.

"I personally think he's desperate," Ridley said offering up his own two cents, "I mean Mikoto would rather fight with his opponent on equal footing, but until he can do that he needs his arms to heal. This kind of cowardly fighting isn't his style." Ridley sat down, knowing this would be a long fight. He didn't want to get involved and neither did anybody else on the crew, so they just reclined themselves to watching. It was an amazing fight and they knew that if it had been them chances are they might've been on the receiving end to one of Sol Spheres…truth be told Mikoto may be the only person alive who could dodge them…except for maybe Aaron who was too busy fawning over Rosa now that he met her.

"Actually," brought up Zesiro, looking on. "I think this style of fighting is much better for him." Ridley looked up at him and wondered what he meant, the rest of the crew looked anxious as well. "Mikoto isn't exactly a hard puncher. He created that Rapid-Fire technique to overcome that weakness, however, even so that technique isn't good for him. If he could use it in moderation and not rely on it so heavily he would be a much better fighter. This Hit and Run technique capitalizes on his speed while at the same time covering up his weak offense and defense. If he could use something like say Rapid-Fire x5 with this and exchange blows quickly than chances are he would be able to dominate most fights…then again if he did that most fights would last an incredibly long time."

The crew looked on and realized there was some truth to what Zesiro had just said. Mikoto's style of fighting definitely did seem to contrast his own skills. They wondered what possessed Mikoto to charge in to fight each and every single time despite not having incredible defensive prowess…it was like he was trying to push himself to his limits and force himself to break down on purpose. If he did just follow Zesiro's advice he probably would win most fights, but he didn't. Why did Mikoto choose to fight like he does? It was reckless and stupid…sure was Mikoto, but if he just knew better he could avoid it. Of course, they knew they couldn't stay too overwhelmed by Mikoto's strength as he put his foot down. "It's nice to know his recovery time went down," noticed Hiro-Shu as they looked on. It was obvious by the look on Mikoto's face. He was ready, his arms had fully healed! It was time to close the distance! Mikoto bolted inwards, dodging left and right under a quick medley of fast jabs from Apollo. The crew knew though that the instant Mikoto was at close-range the fight would begin…and Mikoto would put his life on the line again!

Mikoto dodged, left and right, weaving and bobbing through the fast punches Apollo sent his way, but the difference in their experience proved to be there. Mikoto's fight against Abel helped prepared him for his fight against Taisho, but his fights with Cain and Trevor made him ready for Apollo. Cain's flaming breath was more than Apollo's fists were, Trevor's killing intent was greater! Mikoto was ready for it! He was ready to take this man down! Mikoto planted his foot and let the power, transfer from his feet and into his arm, preparing to throw out a powerful punch. However, the key word was right there. The main reason Mikoto was not designed to fight as close-range, 'planted his foot'. Mikoto's had to plant his foot to deliver any powerful punches, including Rapid-Fire and if you know what to look for or when it was coming…it was easy to prepare and set up an exchange! And Apollo with his experience and his Haki knew about it immediately. Apollo brought himself around, swinging his fist around at a nearly epic speed. Incredibly determination pouring out from him and right into Mikoto as his fist connected. Mikoto's punch had been a second to slow, it brushed against Apollo's face as Mikoto's body was contorted from Apollo's blow. Mikoto felt the pain sear into him, but Mikoto quickly pushed off of him and took his distance again breathing heavily. His body hurt, but even worse was his ego. He thought that punch was going to connect! Not only having it screw-up, but also in exchange getting hit instead made it worse! He couldn't quite think straight it took Apollo charging in again readying another punch to make Mikoto react.

Mikoto swayed backwards, nearly putting his body at a 90 degree angle to avoid the punch as he watched it fly above him. Apollo shifted his weight, eager not to let Mikoto go and drove his elbow downwards for Mikoto's gut. Mikoto swung away, but his side got burned leaving probably second degree burns on it. Mikoto could consider himself lucky that it wasn't any worse. "Sol Sphere!" Apparently Apollo knew an opportunity when he saw one. Mikoto was hurting bad, his life-saving feet had temporarily been halted. Mikoto swayed backwards, even without his feet he could still dodge using the rest of his body. He watched the sphere blow over him and he immediately went to raise his body upwards, but he was soon met with a series of blows. Apollo hadn't quit. He charged in, eager to exchange blows with his newly weakened opponent. His punches had an incredible sharpness to them, an incredible passion, and a scalding touch. Mikoto didn't stand much of a chance without his feet, he felt his head jerk to the left and right from punch after punch, a steady amount of heat building up in both cheeks. However, despite the punishing blows Mikoto stayed standing. Even if his body wasn't strong enough to weather continuously blow after blow after blow his will certainly made up for it.

Which only annoyed Apollo. Apollo jumped back, separating himself from his target…after all he didn't want to get any blood on his shoes when he finished him off. Apollo lowered his arms and created another Sol Sphere, however, once more it was obvious that it was far from his attention to throw it. He crushed it beneath his hands and smiled…he got it now. He never would've been able to put it together if it weren't for his Haki…he had to thank Miss Bardroy for voicing her thoughts so loudly. And now that he knew how it was done…he knew how to counter it. Rather than releasing it as a small fine beam through a small hole in his hand, Apollo pulled both of his hands away at the same time. The explosion was no longer focused meaning the damage would be less, but it also covered a lot more ground.

The explosion filled the air for a large distance, all the way up to the door. The crew was lucky that they only got hit by an intense force and incredible heat from where they standing. They were blown back into the prison, but that was it for the most part. Some of the ones who landed wrong were hurt, but not too badly. "The ability to manipulate pressure," said Apollo as the smoke from the real explosion clear, revealing that the ground immediately beneath him had been blown away and he was using Geppou to remain where he was. "Amazing. We never would've thought of that. Creating a change in air pressure to create very small bumps that would cause Our laser beam to miss its target, congratulations. You are the only ones who've ever caused Us to use Our attack three times. However, now that that's done and We see how to avoid it. We can't see you lasting much longer." Apollo turned around and faced the crew. "Nice try, though."

Sage swallowed her pride. She didn't think about him using Haki to foretell how she was doing it, much less be able to think of a way to overcome it in less than a split second. He didn't need any time to come up with a counter measure. He just knew instantly. The power was less restrained and less focused, but it was still a deadly technique to anyone around him…and this time there was only one person there, Mikoto. Sage scanned the horizon in search for him, but she couldn't see him. Where did he go? Sage felt her body heave slightly as she couldn't find him. The rest of the crew seemed to be having similar problems. They couldn't see their precious captain. An attack like that, capable of scorching and destroying the ground…could it even possible that Mikoto had survived it? Of course it was…of course, it was because he was going to be King of the Pirates…he had to still be standing. He just had to be.

"Bwa ha ha ha!" laughed Apollo throwing his head back and laughing in his opponents' faces. "King of the Pirates? That bloody old myth! You've got to be kidding me. You can't honestly think that something as stupid as that is real, can you?" The iron cold look on the crew's faces told their story. They did believe in it and they didn't like it that someone was making fun of it. "What would possibly possess a pirate to make him leave his gold behind? Did you really think he liked you that much? Or did you think he did it to spur on a new Era? He was a pirate! He didn't care about anyone, but himself. He caused mayhem and havoc wherever he went! One Piece! If that is what you pirates are hedging your bets on you, are all lost!

"We Marines believe in the universal power of our leader, handed down from generation to generation again and again," continued Apollo, keeping up his biting tongue. "I understand you believe in fairy tales, but still to think that you are willing to go this far, believing in such hogwash. Despicable, dumb, and foolish…or should I say just like a pirate! Your captain died believing in a fairy tale and if you don't go back into the prison and lock yourself up, like good little inmates…you will, too!"

"Go inside," growled Zesiro as he drew one of his swords and stepped forward, ready to fight. The rest of the crew readied themselves to fight as well. "Go inside!" he growled louder, this time with much more force and a welling anger in those words. The crew hesitated for a few moments looking at him.

"We can fight, too," declared Ridley as he swung his guitar out and readied it. "We aren't afraid of him!" The rest of the crew nodded, even Aaron who wasn't even technically part of the crew, but had decided to fight anyways. Rosa had rushed Lily back into the prison to a safe spot, but now she was coming out of it waving her sword around above her head ready to fight as well. They weren't going to back down, this man had insulted their captain's dream. He wasn't about to get off easily.

Zesiro scoffed at their words. They had inherited their captain's stubbornness and spirit…alongside his inability to pick-up little things. It wasn't Apollo he didn't want them to see. Could they not sense it? The overwhelming bloodlust and savageness filling the air. Mikoto had inherited the body, speed, and instincts of a coyote. So it was entirely possible that inherited one more thing due to the power of his Devil Fruit. The insane insatiability of an animal and more importantly of a carnivore. An insane insatiable intensity was filling the air. Zesiro was used to fights like this, fights against incredible monsters…Apollo wasn't the one radiating this disturbing feeling…so the only other possibility was their captain, the half wild animal.

Zesiro recalled something from the beginning of their journey. When Sage had been kidnapped Mikoto had accidentally stumbled into a similar form…a form that completely relied on his bestial nature…Zesiro had written that off as Mikoto was drunk, but now that he was witnessing Mikoto's true savage instincts slowly eek out and into the air, electrifying the space around them. Zesiro was starting to truly accept the fact that Mikoto was a predator.

Mikoto exploded upwards from the island cloud beneath them, apparently he had been blown downwards and into the iron cloud. He had noticeable black burns on his body, but his adrenaline and animal-like focus had replaced the pain with the idea of the hunt. A bestial form of Mikoto's best instincts had overtaken him, complete savageness. Apollo twisted around eager to meet his opponent, however, his energy seeming to disappear a little as Mikoto fired a quick shot straight into Apollo's guard, forcing him back even in midair. Apollo's face grimaced as he was thrown back. "A Rapid-Fire right off the back!" shouted Ridley, growing interested in how the fight would develop if Mikoto would truly let his fangs show! Mikoto dashed inwards, baring his fangs and charged at Apollo his fist already preparing for another shot. Just like before with one arm going upwards from the left and the other downwards and from the right. Apollo chuckled, he wouldn't fall for the same trick twice. The punch going down from the right was the same arm he had just attacked with, he couldn't use it again already. Apollo tightened his lower left guard and created a Sol Sphere, he would take Mikoto's punch and then burn a hole straight through his chest. Apollo's head was forced down and to the left from Mikoto's 'exhausted' arm.

"Another Rapid-Fire!" shouted Rosa, amazed by Mikoto's savage instincts. She was barely capable of catching the separate punches, but she could definitely tell that there were six or more punches to that one. However, she thought it was odd…she had thought Apollo was on the right track. That that arm was the one Mikoto had just used to smash Apollo's head-in…she supposed it must've just been a trick of the mind. Mikoto was moving fast, they must've just gotten confused for a second. However, now both of Mikoto's arms were out of it…he couldn't use either arm. She supposed he must be prepared to go on the run again.

Nope. Mikoto was rushing in again, both of his arms stretched back behind him as if he was about fire a punch. Apollo stepped back, unsure of how to take this attack was he being an idiot? Or was he about to throw another feint in? Apollo grunted and lowered his hand, taking perfect aim with another Sol Sphere. As soon as he got into range Apollo would rip that little punk's head off. Now! The small glowing sphere of intense energy ripped through the air and at Mikoto's head. It hit head-on…with an Afterimage! Mikoto had already swerved out of the way and was on his way in deeper. Mikoto tightened both of his arms and fired them both forward, twin Rapid-Fires tore into Apollo's body causing him to shudder backwards.

"He's being reckless," muttered Enma as he watched on, biting his lower lip out of anxiety. Mikoto was ignoring the pain building up in his shoulder…or did he just not feel it…Mikoto had used Rapid-Fire plenty of times today, the built-up stress could be destroying the nerves or was it just a matter of an adrenaline rush hiding it? Either way the results would be the same…Mikoto's arms would be destroyed. He shouldn't fire it off too many more times. If Enma's calculation was right Mikoto had one more shot, before his arm crosses the line of no repair. And Enma knew it was his job to do the repairs...it was never an easy day's work for him. Regardless of that Mikoto was doing a good job at avoiding Apollo's attack while at the same time landing several of his own.

"Yeah!" shouted Aaron, the only person who had never saw one of Mikoto's fights before. "He's doing great! This is how a real fight should be! Neither side faltering, but one side gradually winning more by more by more! Mikoto is really pounding into Apollo!"

"Idiot," mocked Ridley, he didn't really know who this fool was, but it was already obvious that his brain wasn't working too well. "I have a question for you who is on the top of the food-chain?" Aaron paused for a second looking over at Ridley…he kind of wanted to hit him already. Despite the urge Aaron gave the question some serious thought. The answer was simple. "Humans," said Ridley using a grave tone. "Humans and not animals are the top of the food chain. While most people think that animal-like instincts are good, it is only good if a human intellect is fully behind it. In battle the hunter will always have an edge over a predator." Aaron looked on, he didn't know what Ridley was talking about until he saw the light in Apollo's eyes.

"We have to stop him!" shouted Aaron, trying to attract the crew's attention, but none of them really jumped at the chance to prove themselves to the new guy. "Apollo's plotting something big! Maybe even a bigger explosion than last time!" The crew stayed sitting there. Aaron gritted his teeth and turned back around to face them, why weren't they interfering with this fight? It was obvious something bad was going to happen. Apollo claimed to have the strength of the gods, he had taken several hits from Mikoto and was still standing, something wasn't right…and if it continued at this rate…Mikoto could possibly die. Did they really just believe in their captain this much? Did they truly believe that he could pull it off?

"I know what you're thinking," explained Zesiro, butting his head in on Aaron's little panic attack. "And the answer is 'no'. The real reason why we're not interfering is because…we know Mikoto wouldn't listen to us if we tried." Aaron fell straight to the floor, his two legs sticking straight up into the air…it wasn't trust, they just knew him too well.

"Finally," thought Apollo as he tested his hands again. The continuous attacks made it hard, but he was ready…he had been preparing it throughout this entire fight. His ultimate attack, forget about Supernova that one wasn't all that strong or reliable against this man besides there were too many pirates around him anyways to slowly and methodically take them out would take too long…this was his solution. The Sol Spheres were small enough to fit in the palm of his hands, but he never said that was as big as he could make them…no, this blockbuster that he had been preparing…it would engulf the entire dock in one shot. Mikoto could run wherever he wanted to as fast as he could, but it didn't matter. "GOO! Greater Sol!" Apollo jumped into the air using his Geppou and up to the skies forcing everybody to look upwards and straight at him and the burning sun. Soon another small sun began to grow next to it straight out of Apollo's hands. "A blockbuster of epic proportions! We never thought We would be forced to use this attack against one man, but your speed is greatly annoying Us…so Our answer is this. Die beneath Our great radiance and bask in Our glory!" Apollo wound up, twisting his body around and preparing to throw it down, destroying the docks beneath him.

"Now what?" shouted Aaron looking up at it. Could they really block it? No, they would have to take Apollo down now in order to do stop that attack. Maybe then they would stand a chance. However, for so far Mikoto had only used close-ranged attacks did he even possess an attack to hit from this far away? No, of course, he didn't…what about Geppou? That could work! If Mikoto could use it more than once…even with Geppou it would take Mikoto three or four bursts to get up to that height. And Aaron really didn't want to rely on such a stupid idea that Mikoto would be able to master it so quickly. Could Mikoto do it? He looked over to his friend and noticed he was doing something strange. He was bouncing up and down as if he was pumping his legs. Aaron was about to just say he was screwed and start praying when he re-thought about what Mikoto was doing…pumping his legs? When else did he pump his body?

Rapid-Fire! Mikoto's tempo rapidly increased to the point where he was just a blow. He was ready for it. He wasn't about to use Geppou and make it up there that high in five jumps! He would just do it in one! "You can do it!" shouted Sage and the rest of the crew, catching on as well. Aaron looked back into the prison, realizing that with his speed he could probably dodge into and find someplace safe to rest. He could easily avoid the blow…however, what kind of pirate would he be then? Soon his voice joined the chorus of cheers!

"Hit him and his golden balls*!" shouted Ridley, which immediately earned a righteous smack upside the head from Sage and almost every other member of the crew.

"Go ahead and try!" shouted Apollo, "We said it before, but your foolish dream will just weigh you down! You can't summon up that much strength if you are foolishly chasing after something that doesn't exist! Go ahead and try! Try with all your might! Get as close to Us as you possibly can and We'll be glad to watch you burn from the best seat in the house!" Apollo was noticeably waiting, he could've chucked that orb down moments ago and already began to watch everybody fry, but he was just too cocky. He was already starting to look down on Mikoto, despite just moments ago getting hit heavily.

A look in Mikoto's eyes was all that was necessary to see that he was done. His legs had become nice and limbered up, the blood was rushing through them. He did a short half-jump just enough to lift his legs off of the ground and then he went, "Rabbit Fire*! X 30!" Mikoto shot upwards with all of his leg strength, being applied behind him. Apollo readied his sphere, he would throw it down at the last second when Mikoto got as close as he could to him. The old story of Icarus stated that you should be careful flying too close to the sun…and Apollo would show him exactly why he should. The veins in his hands supporting the giant orb began to tense as he prepared for it. Mikoto sailed closer, but it was already obvious he was losing momentum…he just hoped it would carry him all the way up there. Apollo smiled as he watched his worthy foe, slow down…losing out this time in terms of height…a good few feet beneath him, just where all pirates belonged.

"Hah!" shouted Apollo as his entire body tensed up, preparing for the throw! "What did We say? Pirate King is stupidity at its finest! No Pirate would ever be king, because Marines and the World Government are better! We are always better, our strength, our power, it far outclasses any small levels like yours! It is a shame to see you fail after trying so hard, but it was only natural as you were facing off against Us! Now rest in-"

"Geppou!" Apollo's eyes widened as he saw Mikoto adjust himself slightly in mid-flight twisting himself around and launching himself upwards the remaining few feet. Apollo's hands scrambled around trying to prepare to throw it, but he never got the chance. Mikoto's fist lowered itself and he aimed it upwards! A perfect exchange would go down here and Apollo stood no chance! Mikoto's fist shot upwards, once more pumping itself forward and fueling its own power as the punches steadily began to build on each other, blurring into the finishing blow of this fight and journey! The Great Prison of Zenith Gaol had fallen! "Rapid Fire x 30!"

Give Us A Reason

*Taisyo-Taisyo no mi=Sun-Sun Fruit

*Golden Balls=…if you don't know what this means, then good for you…but it was mentioned in actually One Piece so I feel okay in using such a horrible…horrible joke. Plus it was Ridley who said it.

*Rabbit Fire…oh, yes…another horrible, horrible joke. This time a pun because rabbits jump and Rabbit sounds like Rapid…a horrible, horrible pun…but in my opinion those are the best kind of puns!...hopefully, I'll never have to use this again.

You know, how I said about posting bonus update to shrink my backlog...yeah, it is not working. I JUST FINISHED UP CHAPTER 216! What the heck! I'm still 30 chapters ahead of you! Guess I'll just have to find some time to post more bonus updates (stop laughing Shadow!) Anyways, I hope everybody enjoyed this chapter (which was 6000 words long. Again what the heck). I was told I should compress the fights into just one or two chapters as a fight that stretches four to five chapters isn't good...here is the result. Anyways, ARC OVER!