Ace groaned in annoyance as he stepped out of the ship. Messenger tasks were not meant for him. But he complied, after complaining, like he usually did.

The territory to Ember Island was different from him, but he had no intention of complaining about it either. He just, somehow, knew he was safe from all the pirates that just looked at him and continued with their task. No son of Whitebeard would ever be harmed by them. Not in there.

His steps took him to the center of the island. The ruins of a catle destroyed by the now dead volcano welcomed him. He eyed them curiously, wondering how on earth a daughter of Whitebeard ended up with such a big fleet, a loyal crew and with an island to claim as hers that was once the center of volcanic activity. But he didn't question it.

"Pops does have a thing for strange strays." Ace muttered to himself as he stepped into the castle ruins.

The crew of his "sister" allowed him in, didn't question him or stopped him. Someone even offered him a glass of water. And as he walked closer to the main hall, he felt something strange in the air. Something different. It was nothing like a Devil Fruit, although he was sure there were many Devil Fruit users around. Then it came... the smell of lavender.

The doors to the hall opened, and a woman in the back of the hall turned to look at him, a warm smile on her lips as she eyed him curiously.

"Are you... my sister?" Ace asked, stopping a cautious distance from her.