A Different Ending

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.

               When Ace left the room he found Izo waiting for him. "You didn't have to wait you know." Izo turned his tear filled gaze at Ace. "I know but I wanted to." Ace nodded before helping him up. "Let's go before we are late." When they got on deck everyone was bustling around. "Okay! Its time! Lets go!" Ace called out with some members repeating it so that everyone heard.

             They were going with the remaining commanders leading the way. Ace would go first since he was the second division commander while holding on to a stick with their flag on the top flapping in the breeze. The others would walk next to him in order each of them holding a flaming torch. The rest of the crew would follow with some of them holding blue roses while others were carrying bottles of sake and another group holding small confetti canons. Ace was surprised when Selma, the head nurse, put something on his head. "Wha? Selma what did you put on my head?" Selma didn't say anything just brought out a hand held mirror. When he looked in it he noticed on his head was a flower crown with blue roses. What really surprised him was the little crest of the crew on one of the blue roses in the middle.

             Ace smiled widely, "Thanks Selma." Selma returned the smile, "Don't thank me. Thank Izo for the idea and for making it." Selma then left to get in her place while Ace turned his gaze to Izo. He noticed that Izo had on a small crown as well but instead of roses it was small kitchen knifes. Ace smiled and went up to him. "Thanks Izo. This is amazing." Izo smiled sadly, "Its nothing to thank me for Ace. Its just a small thing really." Ace sighed before pulling the male in for a hug. "What do you mean its nothing? This is awesome and makes me feel happier on this gloomy day." Izo smiled against Ace's skin as he returned the hug, "Well when you put it like that how could I ever refuse such gratitude? Your welcome fire crotch." Ace chuckled at the nickname with a small blush covering his cheeks and highlighting his freckles. "Still haven't forgotten that?" Izo pulled away with a small smirk gracing his face, "Never in a million years Acey." Ace rolled his eyes but they were interrupted by Haruta.

             "Hey sorry to interrupt but here's the flag." Haruta said with his usual smile missing. Ace accepted the flag, "Don't worry about it Haruta. How are you doing?" Haruta stared at Ace before bursting into tears. Izo was quick to wrap his arm around his shoulders. Nothing was said as Izo led Haruta away to find something to wipe his eyes with. Namur noticed Ace just standing there. "Today's not easy for anyone. Ain't that right?" Ace nodded, "I just wish I could do something to make today better even if just a little." Namur put his arm on the younger commander's shoulder. "Just think about what Marco or Oyaji or even Thatch would do today. I have to go now but don't let today get to you to badly."

              As Ace went to help pass out the sake bottles, blue roses and small confetti canons. Namur's words kept repeating in his head. He thought about when he first was in a battle.

              A canon was heard as someone on watch came running in. "We're under attack!" With those words divisions 1-4 got up to go battle. The commanders of those divisions and Whitebeard were ahead of everyone. Ace, who wasn't yet commander but a part of the second division, was in the middle of the battle lighting things and people on fire when Marco joined him. "How does it feel fighting in this battle as Oyaji's son, yoi?" Ace smiled brightly as he set another enemy on fire. "It feels amazing!"
              As the battle ended with Whitebeard sitting proudly on his throne. He called out, "My children the battle is over. I say this calls for a party!" As the pirates cheered they helped the wounded to the infirmary while others told the remaining divisions of the upcoming celebration. Ace was confused. A celebration? For what? He went up to Oyaji and asked. Whitebeard let out a booming laugh and told Ace to ask Marco. Ace nodded excitedly before running off to find the 1st division commander.
            "Marco!" Said commander looked up to see the young pirate. "Yes, yoi?" "Why are we having a party?" Marco smiled at him, "Ah! I totally forgot that we never explained to you." Ace pouted while Marco laughed a little. "After every battle we have a party to celebrate that we are alive and to honor our fallen comrades, yoi." "Really!? Thats so cool~"
              Ace's eyes widened before he ran off to find Namur. When he found him he hugged the fish man. "Namur you're a genius!" Namur chuckled, "I didn't do anything." Ace laughed for what felt like the first time in forever. "Namur do you think you could gather all the commanders and tell them to meet in the galley immediately?" At Namur's nod Ace ran off to find Selma. He found her and quickly went up to her. "Selma! There is going to be a meeting in the galley." Selma raised an eyebrow. "What's this about Ace? I haven't seen you excited since well you know." Ace nodded, "Yea but well I'll explain at the meeting but please go there as soon as possible." Selma nodded, "It better be good." "You can count on it," Ace said over his shoulder as he began to walk away.

Author's Note:
I'm back! I didn't expect to get ten views so quickly. Thank you everyone. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I spent two hours trying to write this. Okay if you want the next chapter to come out as soon as possible then I need at least one vote or ten more views. Until next time Luckies! *waves fiercely*