Naturally, the appearance of a massive castle in the middle of the park brought a lot of spectators. Within a few minutes, there were over ten TV crews gathered around the perimeter of the park, and Milo shoved his arms through his jacket sleeves and pulled his hood up as people he recognized from his mother's work ran past. He also saw Jennifer, an assistant powdering her face and another handing her a microphone.

Milo stepped away from the crowd, joining a throng of students who had left from the nearest school and were watching curiously.

"Milo?" Malcolm's voice hissed beside him, and Milo grinned sheepishly.

"I didn't do it." He said immediately. "And how did you know it was me?"

"It's my coat," He said. "What is it?"

"Hell if I know. The only castle I know of is the one on Fishman Island." Milo answered, watching as the main doors opened, revealing a thick man with white hair and a military coat draped over his shoulders. "And he doesn't look like a fishman. The Marines wouldn't be there either. It's Strawhat territory."

The blond reporter that had replaced Nami ran up to him and shoved a microphone in his face, earning a disgusted look. The Marine shoved the offending hand away and marched down the steps, approaching one of the officers.

"Well do you have any idea what's going to happen?" Malcolm asked.

Milo shrugged, "Whoever is in there is royalty, right? That Marine is probably just going to demand where they are and such. See the back of his coat? He's a Vice Admiral. He's pretty high ranking, so he's not going to do anything rash. Those guys… Most of those guys think things through."

Malcolm frowned, but nodded. "You should get out of here," He warned. "There are a lot of students from our school here."

"I'll be fine," Milo waved him off. "It's not the end of the world if I'm seen. I'm not wanted here. Besides, I'm curious about what's going to happen. I know the coast guard sends ships back, but what are they going to do with a castle?"

Malcolm shook his head in annoyance, "Suit yourself. I'll see you later."

Milo nodded, tugging his hood lower as a police officer came by and ordered the lingering students back to their respective schools. "You can watch it on the news! Get back to school!"

Milo slipped away and took the long way to the other side of the park. There were crowds and more students here, but not as many police. There were also people standing around another large set of doors, obviously belonging to the castle. Both of them were standing on either side of the door, their arms crossed.

"Guards?" Milo muttered to himself. He wondered why there were only two. "Do they have Devil Fruit abilities?" He questioned. That seemed to be the most likely answer. One of the guards made eye contact with him, and Milo waved before turning away and walking down the street.

Thinking back, he tried to recall his parent's stories. He knew one involved a castle. Several of them did, but it was the first one he heard that caught his attention. Ala-something. That was the name of the kingdom they were in. The land of sand.

He stopped and looked over his shoulder. The guard he made eye contact with was following him with his eyes. He was wearing what looked like a toga. Definitely clothing that went with sand.

He looked away and kept walking, but he could feel the gaze of the guard until he turned a corner. This road led to his house, so he kept walking past it. Once he felt he was far enough away he lowered his hood.

"Milo?" A surprised voice asked, making Milo freeze. Geese, how many more familiar people was he going to run into?

"Amy?" He asked, recognizing the voice. Milo turned around, seeing a dark haired girl standing a few meters behind him. With her was a small blue haired girl, dressed in a fashion similar to the guards at the castle. Although her clothing looked more regal. "That you?"

"You idiot!" She shouted, taking a few steps forward and slamming her fist against his head. Or tried to. Milo's hand came up and blocked the punch.

Amy looked mildly surprised, stepping back. The small girl with her cowered behind Amy. Milo looked down at her, smiling kindly. "I'll explain later, Amy. Who's this?"

"I found her wandering the streets over there," Amy said, pointing behind her. "She hasn't said anything yet."

Milo knelt down, "Hi there. My name is Milo. Can you tell me yours?"

The girl bit her lip, but slowly shook her head.

"Why not?" Milo asked, keeping his voice quiet. "How about this one. Are you from the castle there?" This time she nodded, and Milo smiled. "What are you doing out here?"

"… Got lost," She whispered.

Milo nodded, taking her hand and standing. He could see her blue hair out of the corner of his eye. Suddenly, it clicked. Blue hair. The princess his parents helped. Milo looked down, "Are... Are you the princess?"

Amy snorted, but the little girl nodded. "How did you know?"

"I think my father knows your mother. You're from… Ala…"

"Alabasta," The girl finished.

"That's right. Alabasta."

Amy stared at Milo, "You go missing for months, one of the students in the vanishing school incident, and now you turn up knowing all about the other side. What happened over there? What's going on?"

"A lot," Milo answered. "People have been coming through. It's not like any of the people from the school can't come back either."

"So why aren't the others back?"

"Because I was on my own," Milo said, as they retraced their steps back to the castle. "So can you tell me your name now?" He asked the princess.

"Vidia. I'm Nefretari Vidia."

"That's a good name," Milo said. The trio turn onto the road containing the back entrance, and Vidia hid behind Amy's legs again. The police paid them no mind as they pushed their way to the front of the crowd. It had thinned in the ten minutes he had been away. "How did you get so far from the castle, anyway?"

"I was playin' outside." She said, "And then, there was bright light. And then, I saw her." She nodded at Amy.

As soon as they emerged at the front of the crowd, both guards sprinted forward as they spotted the princess. The one with the painted face knelt down and took Vidia's hand, "Princess! What are you doing out here?!"

Vidia started to tear up, which made the guard stop yelling and pick her up. "Whatever reason, your parents are going to be glad you're safe." He looked at Milo and Amy. "Thank you for bringing her back. Please, come with me."

Amy took a step back, shaking her head, "I can't. I have to get back to school."

"Please, I insist. Queen Vivi would be honoured to have you." He turned to Milo. "You too."

"I'll come," Milo said.

"What?" Amy exclaimed, "You should be going to the police. You went missing, and are now safe. Come on, we don't have time for this."

"I told you I'd explain later." He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "If you see Malcolm, tell him where I am."

The man bowed deeply as Milo turned back, "Thank you so much for keeping the Princess safe. I am Pell, a guard for the Royal Family. This is Chaka. Please, follow me."

Milo followed the man into the castle, feeling awkward as the little princess begged to be let down and then grabbed his hand, smiling brightly up at him. Pell laughed, "I see she's taken a liking to you. That will put in a good position with the King and Queen."

"It was Amy that helped her," Milo said, "I just showed them where to go."

"You still came," Pell said. "Why did your friend leave? It's a great honour to be invited in."

"You do know where you are, right?"

"Oh yes," Pell said. "Vice Admiral Smoker and Captain Tashigi were here to warn us about this strange energy. What none of us expected was to cross over this soon. What is this place called?"

"Long Island," Milo said. "Princess Vidia said you were from Alabasta?"

"That's right." Pell said, nodding.

Vidia let go of Milo's hand and ran ahead as they came across a large set of doors. Pell pushed them open and led Milo through. The room they were in was large, decorated with drapes and brightly coloured rugs. A blue haired woman, looking almost identical to the princess, was shouting at a sandy haired man. The princess ran ahead and shouted "MOMMY!"

The woman turned and knelt down, opening her arms so the girl could run into them. "Oh, Vidia. Are you alright?"

Vidia giggled, "Yeah. I'm fine. He helped me," She twisted and pointed.

Kohza walked over and held out a hand to Milo, who shook it. "I am Kohza. Thank you for helping my daughter."

"Milo. And, um, no problem."

Kohza bowed, much to Milo's embarrassment. Pell clapped Milo on his shoulder, glancing up as another set of doors on the other side of the room opened and the Vice Admiral walked in, followed by a smaller, dark haired woman.

He scowled as he approached the Queen. "Vivi. No one is taking this seriously. They've got a bunch of people asking questions and none of their military have anything useful to say." He pulled a couple cigars from a band on his arm and lit them, his scowl never fading. "I see you found Vidia."

"It's thanks to this young man here," Vivi said, as she stood to her full height. Vidia ran over and grabbed Milo's hands, tugging him forward.

"So you're local?" Smoker growled.

"Yeah," Milo nodded.

"Maybe you can be more useful than those fools out there." He said. "Where are we?"

"Another world," Milo said, bluntly, "But I'm assuming you already know that. Actually, from what I know, I think this place holds the most of that weird energy stuff, and lots of people have come through. A bunch of Marine ships, and a lot of pirate ships. A passenger ship came through one too I think."

"Which ones?" Tashigi asked.

"Um, I know a dude named Gaddy, his ship, and Vegapunk's ship. And the pirates, I don't know which ones. The Whitebeards, and a few others I don't know."

"How do we get back?" Tashigi asked.

"Well, for the ships they stay at the docks for a few days, and then they sail back and the energy has re-gathered." He shrugged. "They end up back in their own world." He examined Tashigi. The Marine Captain looked just like Kuina. "We've had people from this side vanish too. A few months ago a school building vanished, and reappeared a few weeks back. I'm assuming if you just stay put you'll get back."

Smoker nodded at the explanation. "Monkey D. Luffy. Nami." Smoker said suddenly, startling Milo. "Have you heard those names before?"

"Why?" Milo asked, forcing the stutter away.

"They're famous pirates. They vanished years back, and from the testimonies of their crew people have heard say that they vanished in a flash of light." Smoker explained. "There's a lot of talk going on at headquarters that they're not dead, but on this side." He looked up, meeting Milo's eyes with his own.

"I've heard the name Nami," Milo said. "Nami Monkey." He felt a bit guilty ratting out his mother, but he could have gotten the information from anyone else, and the Vice Admiral would know that Milo had lied.

He saw Vivi move out of the corner of his eye and turned to look at her, glad for the excuse to stop staring at Smoker. That man seemed like he knew more than he let on. "Nami's alive?" Vivi said. "That's great!"

"You knew her?" Milo asked. He struggled to remember what his parents told him.

"They helped me," Vivi said. "Took out a Warlord that was taking over my country."

Crocodile. That's right. The Marines on the first ship after him and the basketball team crossed over. Strawhat took him out.

"Where is she now?" Smoker demanded.

"Don't know," Milo said honestly. "She was a weather reporter on the morning news channel. She, her husband, and kids vanished with the school a few months ago. The blond woman outside replaced her."

"So they're back?!" Smoker all but shouted. He crossed his arms. "There were rumors that he was back. Gadding said he ran into Strawhat. Said he had a daughter." He looked up at Milo. "You know the names of their kids?"

"I… No."

Smoker eyed him for a second, and Milo was worried that he was going to accuse him of lying. To his relief, Smoker shook his head. "Shame. Thanks for the info."

"Uh, sure. Anyone could tell you, really."

"Wait," Tashigi said. "You said that the people outside know Cat Burglar Nami? That means they would have more information!"

Smoker perked up at the suggestion, "I'll go talk to them now."

Shit. Milo knew several of the people outside. And they knew him. If that wasn't setting him up for arrest, he didn't know what was. As soon as Smoker left the room, Milo turned to Vivi and Kohza. "I have to go."

"You can't stay for a meal?"

"No. I really have to go," Milo insisted.

Vivi nodded, "I understand. Pell? Can you show him the way out?" She turned back to Milo with a smile, "You can visit whenever you want. Vidia seems to like you."

"Thanks," Milo smiled gratefully as Pell began leading him back the way he came. As soon as he was out the door, he pulled his hood up again and started running. It was just his luck that he heard the bell of a nearby school ring as he paused around the corner of the main street. If he looked around the building he could see a large crowd of people, and Smoker's coat. Maybe if he waited around for a bit he could join the students walking down the road.

He peered around the building again, this time seeing Smoker's face change from irritated to surprised, and then angry. Milo grimaced. Had he just found out?

Across the street a group of students interrupted his thoughts with their loud laughter. He crossed the street and fell into step behind them, his hood pulled as low as he could get it with still being able to see. He watched the feet of the girl in front of him stiffening as he heard Smoker's loud voice demand to hear the names again.

"Milo Monkey, sir." Jennifer Fitzpatrick's voice said, and Milo cursed inwardly. He had to get out of the area as soon as he could. He risked looking over, just as the girl he was following turned around and demanded why he was following this close.

"Shit," Milo swore, as he made eye contact with Smoker just as he crashed into the girl who had stopped in front of him. The girl tried to slap him, but he ducked and took off, sprinting around the group he was following.

He heard Smoker yell "STOP HIM!" and ran faster. A strange sound followed next, a few shouts of surprise, and then something crashed into his back, sending him sprawling to the ground. He rolled once and scrambled to his feet. Smoker… was smoking. Thick plumes were covering his arms as he crouched. "Strawhat."

"I'm not Strawhat," Milo shot back.

"You're his son." Smoker stated. He was standing a few meters away, but began the motion to punch. He brought his fist forward, and it seemed to detach from the rest of his arm flying forward.

Milo rolled to the side, and the fist continued forward, causing several cars to swerve. Milo spared a second to glance back, watching the limb vanish. "You're a Devil Fruit user?" Milo said, as the limb reformed back on Smoker's body.

"I'm sure you already know," Smoker said.

"Why do all of you assume I know all this?" Milo demanded. "I don't. I haven't even met the entire crew yet. I wasn't lying when I said I was from here. Nothing you guys can do is possible here. It's considered impossible." Milo paused. "It's because of who my father is that I'm immediately under suspicion, isn't it?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Me. I knew nothing about your world until I actually lived there. What do you people want from me?"

Smoker seemed taken aback as Milo glared at him. "You're the son of a dangerous pirate," He said finally.

"Screw that," Milo shouted. "Until a few months ago I was a student at a local high school. The only fight I had gotten into was punching a guy. Now, I'm all for trying new things, so I figured I would follow my parents as pirates. What else did I know? The first thing I hear the Marines do when I'm in Sabaody? Harass my little sister under suspicion of working with a pirate. Captain Hook. A cartoon character. That's my first impression. My second? An old guy, Garp, telling me that if the Emperors are taken down chaos will ensue. And that even so the Marines are trying to take them down to keep their pride. Sure. My third big encounter? They tried to kill me. That doesn't leave the best impression on a person, as I'm sure anyone would agree."

Milo took a deep breath, ignoring the cameras pointed at him and Smoker. "You want to know what else? I haven't seen my parents in months. I've been traveling with Marco. I find out that the Marines killed my Uncle just because of who his father was. I also find out that the Marines stationed on my mother's home island were bribed, and helped make her life a living hell. What else do you want me to say?"

"What are you getting at?" Smoker demanded.

"I don't want to be recognized by who my father is." Milo almost growled.

Smoker shook his head, "So you're not denying being a pirate? No. You're admitting to being a Whitebeard." He stalked forward, and Milo backed up, reaching for his pole before realizing he had dropped it before being picked up by Vegapunk. He dropped his hand, clenching his fists.

On either side of the street students lined the sidewalk. He recognized many of them. The camera crews were braver, standing even closer. Smoker narrowed his eyes and sent another strike in Milo's direction. Instead of dodging this time, he crossed his arms in front of him defensively and let the heat inside him flare outwards. Fire exploded from his clenched fists, meeting the smoke head on and causing an explosion. He felt the heat wave wash over him as he ducked through the steam and aimed a blast at Smoker's chest. His body vanished in a swirl of smoke, reappearing behind him. Milo closed his eyes and let his instincts take over.

He jabbed an elbow backwards, feeling it hit something. Smoker grunted, and Milo ran past him. Smoker cursed behind him, and smoke began billowing on both sides of him. Milo held out his hands on either side of him, jets of flame forcing the smoke back. He sped up, leaping over a police cruiser that got in his way, surprising those watching and himself at the same time. He stumbled as he landed, and looked around frantically.

He had no idea what to do now. He was screwed. What the hell could he do? He couldn't go back to Malcolm's. He had all but admitted he was a pirate on live television, and in front of a Vice Admiral. And not just any Vice Admiral. An old enemy of his father's.

Wait… Those pirate ships in the harbour. They hadn't left yet. Maybe he could jump aboard while they were leaving and beg for his life. He was made of fire, so they couldn't kill him on the spot. He kept running, past Malcolm's house.

His friend was sitting out front of his house, waving his arms. "MILO!"

He stopped, diving behind the large bush out front his house as he heard sirens. They sped past the house, and Malcolm told him the coast was clear.

"What the hell?" Malcolm demanded.

"I told you already."

"No! That fire!"

"I ate a Devil Fruit,"

"But… I saw it on TV! You… SHOOM!" He threw his hands out dramatically. Milo raised an eyebrow, but looked over his shoulder when he heard more sirens. "Come inside," Malcolm said. "You'll be safe for a while."

Milo allowed himself to be led inside and into the living room. Malcolm pulled the curtains, darkening the room. When he sat down on the couch and made no effort to turn on the lights, Milo lit a thumb.

"That is so cool," Malcolm whispered, fawning over Milo's hand.

"I thought you were mad," Milo said.

"Yeah, sure. For not telling me. But… Is your father really the Pirate King? I've met your Dad, and he seems… Kinda…"

"Where'd you hear that?" Malcolm pointed at the TV, and Milo sighed. "Yeah. He is. I have to get back."

"What are you going to do?"

"Sneak aboard one of the pirate ships in the harbour. Vegapunk's gone, so I don't have to avoid them. But now I have to avoid Smoker. And he's got a pretty useful Devil Fruit too, so I don't know what I'm supposed to do."

"Well, keep an eye on the news," Malcolm suggested. "They're leaving soon, right? Just time it so you can jump on seconds before they cast off."

"That's what I was thinking," Milo admitted. "But… I'm concerned. Smoker doesn't seem like the kind of man who takes orders easily. He called the police force stupid. I'm worried about what will happen if higher officials come through."

"What do you mean?"

"From what I've heard, the people are governed by something called the World Government. They think they're better than the rest of the world, and don't take kindly to being bossed around. I know for sure now that they know about whatever's causing these shifts."

"So? You're sixteen. Why are you concerned?"

"Because… You remember Dad's stories? The one where a member of the crew shot down the World Government's flag?"

"No."

"Well, that happened. My Dad and his crew declared war on the World Government. That means I'm in trouble, and so is Bellemere. All of the kids are. But that's not important right now. They hate not being in control. That's why they hate pirates. They can't control us. So this opens up more territory. A whole other world that doesn't listen to them. What do you think they're going to do?"

"I don't know."

"GAH!" Milo extinguished his thumb and fisted his hair. "They're going to try and take over this one."

"You think so?"

Milo sighed, releasing his hair and letting his hands fall to his lap. "I have to assume the worst. I don't want anything to happen to this place." He picked up the remote and turned on the TV. "For now, I'm going to take your advice and keep an eye on the news."

"Why are you going back?"

"I don't know," Milo said, turning his attention to the news. Dock Watch was in fifteen minutes, but there was a report considering the events that had just happened in front of the castle, and Smoker talking about his parents as pirates.

He realized that his family wasn't ever going to be able to be normal again. Not here, now that it was public knowledge that he had supernatural powers and his parents were from the other side. Not on the other side, his father being the bloody Pirate King, being labeled as a Whitebeard Pirate, and having a bounty.

Malcolm was right. He was only sixteen, seventeen in a couple of days. He shouldn't be worrying about it. But… He had gotten himself involved when he accepted his life over there. He almost liked it better than his old one. He shook his head violently. He was going to have to choose a world, but he didn't think he was ready for that.