A Different Ending

Chapter 3

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.

               As the remaining commanders gathered in the galley Ace entered. He had a nervous smile on his face. Once everyone was seated he began his idea. "Okay so I know you all are wondering why I called this meeting. I-I wanted to continue a tradition that we always did." Ace took a deep breath and at everyone's confused expression he couldn't help but blurt it out. "We should have a party!" Everyone, except Namur and Selma, was shocked before they burst into outrage. "Calm down dammit and let the boy talk!" Selma shouted.

              Ace nodded gratefully at the head nurse. "If you would let me continue it was my understanding that after a battle we would have a party to honor those that have fallen and celebrate the fact that we are alive. At least thats what a wise flaming turkey once told me." At his choice of words the gathered pirates laughed with sadness evident in their eyes while Ace's eyes watered at the memory. "Now that sounds like a wonderful idea Acey. Its better then sitting around and moping," added Izo. Ace smiled while it wasn't a bright as it used to be it was still blinding. At least Izo thought so when Ace flashed him his smile.

              "Well then we should get started!" Haruta exclaimed as happy as can be on the day of the funeral. Ace nodded and together with the help of the others they were able to get ideas going. While it delayed the process of the actual funeral it helped ease some of the immense pain. After a few hours with the whole crew pitching in they were ready.

              As they marched as a family up the hill were there father and the two fallen commanders lay the crew spread around the hill so everyone was able to fit. The pirates near the bottom were holding the confetti canons to represent their prank loving brother while others held blue roses to represent their responsible brother with his beautiful blue flames. Lastly the group near the front held sake bottles to represent their alcoholic father. Th commanders directly in the front made way for Ace, being the 2nd division commander, held their flag which he stuck in the ground behind Whitebeard's grave marker. The flag was just tall enough to be seen from behind. Courtesy of Izo of course.

              Once that was set the ones holding the blue roses lit the flowers and watched as they burned before releasing them into the air each of them being careful not to burn anything. The slight breeze carried the burning flowers over the grave markers of those that died in the war. It was a beautiful display that caused some of the pirates to start crying including Ace.

             Those with the sake bottles moved to drop sake on each of a fallen member's grave to allow them to taste it one last time while Selma stepped up and poured it on Whitebeard's grave. Ace and Izo did it for their lovers before stepping back. Finally those with the cannons stepped up and fired them over the hill while others over the lesser members graves. With that display it left those that weren't crying yet to release their own tears. With that the commanders called out to everyone in unison. "Okay you all have one hour to share your sadness and release your tears before the party begins!" Everyone cheered halfheartedly before moving to go to their fallen family.

              The commanders each bid there words to Whitebeard, Marco, and Thatch before leaving Ace and Izo alone. The two stood in silence before Izo broke it. "It isn't always a shock when a loved one leaves. Well Thatch you were the type of guy that everyone thought would stay for a while. I guess we never realized that we had even less time then we thought. Its funny how I always hated you stealing my make up and pulling pranks on me but now that you are gone I would much rather go back to those days. It was easier then and I had you to make me laugh on gloomy days. Who is going to do that now? Haruta, Ace, and I will do are best to spread joy with the crew but we aren't you. Things won't be the same Thatch but I'm sure we'll meet again. I love you and until that day comes I say good bye Thatch." With those words Izo left running with tears streaming down his face.

             That left Ace alone in front of the three graves. He took a deep breath before sharing his thoughts. "Hey Oyaji, Marco, Thatch. I hope you all enjoyed the display we put on. All of us worked really hard to get all of it together. Its certainly been tough without you guys but we'll pull through. We'll find a way as a family so don't worry Oyaji. The crew won't separate. Not on my watch. Thatch, buddy what happened? One moment we were sharing laughs and then all of sudden everyone was missing your dumb pranks. It all happened so fast no one was able to fully comprehend it. I certainly miss it. It was fun and I loved every minute. All good things had to come to an end though I-I just hoped it didn't have to end like that. Revenge was the only thing on my mind and I'm sorry. To all three of you especially Marco. You tried to stop me but I was stupid and didn't listen. Its all my fault. I would give up a lot of things to have you by my side again. It hurts knowing that you aren't here to make me feel better. It feels as though you are there or about to come and make me see this as one big nightmare. Unfortunately this is reality and no matter what I do this is not a twisted dream. Its real and it hurts. To know that I was once so happy with you guys so close. Yet now you are all so far." Ace was cut off by a few sobs that were able to get pass his defenses, "I'm going to do everything I can to make sure I keep this crew together. I'm sure I'll see you all again one day. Until then Marco I love you. I'll miss you pineapple. I'll miss Thatch and Oyaji too. See you later." Ace then turned and began to walk away with tears falling from his eyes like a waterfall and sobs escaping lips.
Author's Note:
Hey~ I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter. I ended up crying while writing it. My account is starting to act weird which was why I was cautious to actually update anything but I decided to take the risk. Please vote and tell me what you think. Don't be shy! Until next time Luckies! *waves fiercely*