The next morning at breakfast, Ariana asked excitingly, "The holidays start soon! What do you all want for Christmas?"

"A waterproof wrist watch.", said Giovanni without thinking. He remembered the drama from the years he had no answer. Better avoid that for their first Christmas with Ash. Or at all. Better answer something.

"Why another watch? You have like hundreds!", said his mother.

"None of them are water proof.", her son replied.

"I would like a new PC, AMD based, this time.", replied Silver. "No Threadrippers, though, dad." He needs a gaming PC, not a work station.

"I want to move back with my mom.", muttered Ash. The Sakaki's didn't answer. None wanted to argue so early in the morning. After that, Giovanni drove them to their school, this time with Pikachu.

After chemistry, his first subject of the day – no way to start the day better than when the teacher blows something up and wakes the class up for real – he spend another recess in the library. He searched for something to get rid of Hanahaki without requiting love or surgery. Surgery would requite he tells anyone about it and the whole requiting thing, not only does he know which variant he has, he has no idea who could have caused it. Well, maybe this is caused by his yearning for his mom. Either way, he only found books about weakening the flowers. Not what he was looking for, but it was a start and better than nothing. One method he read of were sour foods and beverages.

After that he had English. His teacher was just testing his language skill. The woman reeked of classism. Apparently the schools offers scholarships to less fortunate students and she assumed Ash was one of those. After that lesson that was more of an interrogation, he checked some vending machines. There he found a soda advertising itself to be super sour.

After getting his soda, he made his way to his next class, which was in a different building. The same one he had cooking in. Of course, his next subject is Cooking, but for Pokemon. On his way, he walked into Silver and Silver's friends, well, some of them. Silver didn't let the chance run to introduce Ash. He was sure he recognized one of Silver's friends from somewhere.

"Guys! This is my brother I told you about! This is Satoshi, but he prefers to be called Ash.", said Silver, having an arm over Ash's shoulders. "Ash, these are my best friends Alain Satrane, he's from Kalos, Paul Shinji from Sinnoh – he is a hall monitor - and Light Yagami. He's from Kanto like you."

Silver gestured to each guy. Alain was the tallest but also the palest, paler than Silver. Black hair and ice blue eyes. He wore a fluffy blue scarf. Paul had purple eyes and hair, he was build like a brick shit house, but not as tall as Alain. He was the most tan from the group. Light was nearly as tall as Alain and as pale as Silver, but also the thinnest from the group. He had light brown hair and eyes. All three, based on physique and simply the fact that they were a few grades higher intimidated the heck out of Ash. "Uh, hi..."

"Bonjour, Satoshi.", greeted Alain back. "Silver told us a lot about you. Right, Argent?"

"Yes! I may annoyed them a lot after our parents announced that you'll finally move in to us.", explained Silver.

"Understatement of the century.", chimed Paul in. "He won't shut up for days. Hey, you're the kid I saw in the library the other day."

"True.", said Light. "I need to go, I promised to meet my girlfriend Misa before class." With that, Light left.

After Light left, Ash asked them, "Silver, did you tell them we're just half siblings?"

"Does it matter?", countered Silver with his own question.

"It does to me.", replied Ash. "It also bothers me that you referred to them as our parents. Only Giovanni is our parent, but Ariana is only your parent."

Paul and Alain realized Ash and Silver's relationship isn't the, well, most friendly. They probably bring 'siblings always argue' to a new level. Better keep out of that drama. On the other hand, that explains why Ash doesn't go by the Sakaki surname. Silver was quite saddened by that.

Ash then excused himself, "Uh, I need to go. I still haven't the layout of the school down and my next class is in a different building." With that, he split from the group.

Pokemon cooking itself was, eh, something. They learned a recipe edible for humans as well. While chopping some vegetables, he heard some of his class mates gossip. About him, the new student, of course.

"Isn't that the guy who got interrogated by Mrs. Ford?", asked a girl her friend.

"Yes, another leech. He should have stayed in his school and not take up a spot at ours.", their friend replied.

"And that Pikachu.", chimed a third student in. "Literal vermin! How does he plan to pass the trainer track with that?"

Not much different about his old school. Or when Riko brought over her clique. Just ignore then and suffocate them with friendliness. That's how his mom deals with her female colleagues. And Alex lady colleagues every time his firm had a company event.

Lunch, he wasn't much hungry, as he had eaten in Cooking. And packed the rest to bring home. An excuse Silver accepted. Then it was is last lesson for the day, English Literature. After that he discovered Maria was picking him up. Well, a driver did – only Giovanni drives himself – but Maria was there. Again, Silver would be picked up later, as he had training and clubs to attend. On the way to the estate, Ash didn't talk to Maria. He had no reason to talk to her. Force of habit. His maternal grandparents didn't talk to him either.

Arriving there, Giovanni's Persian and Ariana's Houndoom ran up to him and sniffed him. Then they were looking at him demanding. Then he realized it, they were smelling the vegetable stuff he made in class. He gave it to them, which in turn annoyed his starters as they wanted it for themselves. After that, he made his homework and studied Hanahaki and the flowers. Then he sneezed Orchids. These felt very weird pulling them out of the nose and throat. Their petals aren't small and thin. They are rather big and meaty. And they smelled like heavy perfumes.

After that, he slept though dinner to Ariana's and Maria's annoyance. The later woman was especially bothered by this, even venting at dinner.

"The coldness he radiates! I have no idea how to break the ice, he only ignores me!", she complained, "And now he sleeps though dinner!"

"Mother, we even hadn't have him for a full week.", said Giovanni, "Give him time."

"Maybe the thaws when he realizes that Delia is bad.", chimed Silver in. "I mean, he somewhat agrees she isn't a good parent, he acknowledges the shed and basement weren't optimal, or that she didn't stand up against her husband for Ash. Give him time."


The next day seemed to be not very eventful. Ash accepted money from Giovanni without much of a hitch. After the boys were off to school, that social worker that brought them Ash was in front of their door. Both parents were confused.

"Mr. Sakaki, maybe Satoshi's words had some truth to them. We got informed from his school that you forcefully changed his surname and that your other son forced his starter choice. While not reasons to take him from you, we keep a closer eye on you. You're on thin ice, Sakaki.", explained the social worker. "This is just a warning. I think a visit made it more clear than just a letter. Have a nice day." He left again. He didn't even step into their house.

Ariana couldn't believe what she heard. Not even a week and they may loose Ash. She told her husband, "This is your fault."

Giovanni didn't bother argue that. It was his idea to change the name. Maybe they should punish Silver for the starter thing. "It is, it is. Looks like we need to slow down with our expectations. Like that you adopt him."

"Mm, looks like it.", she said disappointed. Since Ash joined their family, she only had been disappointed. That or annoyed.

Then the door rang. Ariana walked to the door and there she saw her younger clone. Her sister Lorelei! Ariana's little sister came visiting her. Lorelei was one of the Kantonian Elite Four trainers and Kanto's strongest Ice specialist. Despite that, she was hot and had a warm personality to match that. And she instantly noted her sister was bothered by something. "Ari, something the matter?"

"I first make you a coffee, there actually is something.", replied Ariana, "Come in."

Giovanni saw his sister-in-law walking in. "Oh, hello, Lorelei. Why are you here? I thought you wanted to come a bit later?"

"Home was boring, so I left earlier.", replied Lorelei as she was taking seat on the couch. "Now, what is bothering you two? Shouldn't you be happy, now that you have Satoshi?"

"About that... Giovanni, make her a coffee. I'll explain to her.", demanded Ariana. "You see, Giovanni had the idea to forcefully change Satoshi's surname to ours. This and an incident regarding Satoshi's shiny prompted the school to inform the Child Protective Services. We just got a warning from a social worker that we may loose Ash if we continue like this."

"Oh, Ari! That sounds terrible!", said Lorelei. "Wait, starter incident?"

As Giovanni was giving her a cup, "Satoshi wanted to choose a Trubbish, Silver used his ball to catch a Sprigatito, choosing for Satoshi."

"Oh... how did you punish Silver for that?"

"We didn't.", admitted Giovanni. His sister-in-law just sighed and rubbed her nose bridge. "But only because of why he wanted the Trubbish! His mother made him wait a year to pick his starter as well as to choose something lesser, so that he doesn't outshine his half sister. He assumed he would have to do that for Silver as well."

"Still. You just don't take a kid's starter choice!", scolded them Lorelei. "You aren't exactly better than that Delia."

"I... you're right.", agreed Giovanni. "I have an idea, I'll give him a Pokemon of his choice."

"Giovanni, don't use that to skip giving Ash a Christmas present.", said his wife.

"I didn't plan that!"

"Ash?", asked Lorelei.

"He wants to be called that. He doesn't like his name.", explained her sister. "Like you see, his name is a sore subject."

"Hey, Ari. Who of us is gonna pick up Ash and who is picking up Silver?", asked Giovanni.

"Aren't the boys on the same school?", wondered Lorelei.

"Yes, but Silver is part of multiple clubs and he has more elective subjects than Ash.", said Ariana. "Not to mention he is in a higher grade. His school days last longer most of the time."

"I have an idea! Why don't I pick up Ash? We could spend time together until Silver is done.", proposed Lorelei. "That way I get to know my estranged nephew and both of you can relax at home, especially now about the CPS threat."

"I don't know, Lorelei.", chimed Maria in. "Ash is very cold to us, so I am not sure how he would react to you. You are a stranger to him and, well, I am not sure how he'll react to Ariana's family in general. I told you how Nanu was when he met mine."

"Fair, but I really wanna.", she replied.

"Mm, fine. But call us when Ash is troubling you too much.", agreed Ariana. "But I'll tell you what we've learned of Ash so far. First of all, call him Ash."

After Ariana told her all about Ash, and after they talked about this year's Christmas – Lorelei mocked Giovanni's wish of a waterproof watch – Lorelei jumped into her car and drove to her nephew's school.


Ash stepped out from his last class of that day. He saw he got a message from Giovanni. He won't pick him up – Ariana is no question considering his 'he is not her duty' stand point' – but her sister will. Not only does he not recognize her, she's his step aunt. If Alex' relatives treat him like trash, then Ariana's do worse. After all, he ruined Ariana's marriage. He could wait until one of them picks up Silver, but Silver has a long day today. If he waits and drives an hour with Silver or walks makes no difference time-wise. Just that he'll freeze – after all it is winter and it is snowing – an he'll be tired when he arrives, but still, no difference for all he cares.

He wrote Giovanni, 'The whole 'I am not the step's responsibility' also counts for Ariana's relatives.' Then he started his walk.

The school itself was at the north-eastern outskirts of Goldenrod City. This was because the school could freely expand, build more facilities. If they would be in the city, they could not. The closer he walked to the city, the more developed became the houses and streets he saw. Sporadic houses became suburbia and soon he even saw the sky scrapers of Goldenrod. Including the name sake tower the city is famous for. And all that sprinkled with fluffy white snow.

Unlike Ash, his Pikachu was so bothered by the snow, so he demanded to be in the Pokeball until they arrive. A rarity, Pikachu is willingly in his ball. The walk was peaceful. But that peace didn't hold long as Giovanni called him after half an hour.

"Uh, hello?"

"Ash! Where the heck are you? Lorelei is waiting at the school but you aren't showing up!", yelled Giovanni.

"I walk.", said Ash.

"But you're supposed to spend time with her until Silver is finished for today!", explained Giovanni, "Then you three come home!"

"No. This Lorelei isn't family to me, it would be weird to spend time with her.", said Ash annoyed.

"Satoshi, where are you.", Giovanni asked angrily.

Ash froze hearing his name. Looks like he overstepped this time. He looked around to find a spot he could name. "I am at a cafe called 'Derek's'. I think I'll stay here for a while."

"Good.", said Giovanni and then ended the call.

He didn't have to wait long for anyone to show up, as Lorelei arrived within minutes. Ash needed to take a double take. "Shit, is that the Elite Four Lorelei?", he thought, seeing her.

"So, you're Satoshi?", she asked, sitting down on his table at the cafe.

"Yeah.", he replied. "So, what now?"

"You come with me, of course.", she replied.

"No.", he said nonchalantly.

"But-"

"I don't care. You're a stranger to me. I see no reason to come with you.", he said.

"Ash, your parents told me to pick you up.", she said.

"Ah, you said plural. Does that mean Delia agreed to that? If her opinion is suddenly important again, if so, then why can't she pick me up?", he asked. "Or did you seriously mean Ariana?"

"I...", she said. Lorelei saw Ash stood up. "Where are you going?"

"To Giovanni's place.", he replied annoyed. "Where would I go elsewhere?"

"You come with me!", she said loudly.

Lorelei tried to take hold of Ash, but he just yelled, "Let go of me, woman!"

His yell attracted two police men. One of them asking, "What is going on here?"

"That woman tries to take me with her!", said Ash loudly. "She claims to be my aunt but she isn't. Just look at us!"

"Yeah, you ain't looking like the boy's anything.", agreed the second cop. "Cuffs."

"But-"

"Sorry, Miss. But this looks very suspicious. A kid gets dragged off by a stranger... We have to take you in at least to make sure.", said the first one as he cuffed her.

After the police car drove off, Ash continued his way. He knew framing her as an abductor wasn't nice, but he didn't care. For all he cares, she's a stranger who tried to abduct him and potentially harm him after a successful abduction. She's famous. It would be a shit storm if the media discovers her sister had been cheated on, which resulted in an affair child. Lorelei has all the reasons to want to harm him in one way or another.


Silver was so tired out for today. But now he is worried as he doesn't see Lorelei and Ash anywhere. He decided to call his aunt and ask where she is. At least that was the plan, she didn't take any of his calls. Silver then tried his luck with Ash.

"Ash! Where are you and Lorelei?", he asked.

"Your aunt got in trouble with the cops.", explained Ash, "I am walking. Nearly there, too. Just one street away."

"Good. Looks like I'll take the bus.", said Silver.


As Ash was approaching the villa, he saw a CPS-branded car leaving. Arriving at the front door, Giovanni stormed out. His face red, veins bulging on his head and a dark mimic, Ash never saw him that angry.

"Satoshi! Where have you been?! I told you to wait and go with Lorelei!", he yelled, pulling Ash into the villa. "Not only that but you framed her as some kidnapper!"

Ash tried to get free of Giovanni's grasp. "It is not like I lied! She is a stranger who tried to take me against my will!", he explained his stand point, "The last time I checked that is kidnapping."

Giovanni took a deep breath and asked as calmly as he could, "Satoshi, did Alex demand of you to avoid his family in public?"

"Yes.", confirmed Ash. "Figured I do the same with Ariana's clan. After all, I did ruin her marriage. Even if you aren't divorced, which is weird."

"Well, we aren't Delia's household. Just because she and her husband...", said Giovanni. He sighed again. "You're grounded until I say so."

"It is not like I leave my room much.", replied Ash before walking upstairs.

Giovanni sighed again. Satoshi will give him so many gray hairs before he is even fifty. Could he retroactively sue Delia for parental alienation? He looked to the stairs. Satoshi isn't even bothered by the punishment. He can't ban Ash from accessing stuff he doesn't use, he can't take things away as there is none that would even just inconvenience Ash. And the few punishments he can think of will break the thin ice of the CPS his family is on. He is screwed and he got a feeling Satoshi knows it.


Ariana, Lorelei and Silver arrived at home. Ariana picked up her sister from the police. Lorelei knew Ash wasn't going to greet her with a hug, that he will be skeptical of her. But he didn't expect he'll call the cops on her! And frame her like some pedophile on the hunt for their next victim. Ariana apologized to her, she didn't expect that to happen either.

"You don't need to apologize, Ariana.", she said. "But maybe you don't bring him along this Christmas."

"But we can't exactly leave him alone.", chimed her nephew in. "If anything, singling him out like that may make things worse."

"If Giovanni stays... no. I don't think you can ask any relatives to take him?", asked Lorelei.

"The only one I can think of is Nanu... but he would poison Ash against us even more.", said Ariana. "He probably would praise Ash for what he did to you."

"And maternal relatives?" Lorelei's question was answered by a very angry glare of her sister as they walked into the house. "I take that as a no, then. That much about bonding with my nephew. Mm, maybe it is good I haven't shown him pictures of the first three years, he probably would have taken that as a sign that I am some stalker."

"Oh, he would.", agreed Silver. "Wait, you have pictures?"

"Yes, I also have baby pictures of you, Silver."


The Hanahaki was kicking in.

"Lilies? Eh, better than another orchid.", he said, seeing the lily in his toilet. "I wonder who that lily represents? In general, I need to figure the other ones out."


"Are you, are you seriously letting him ditch dinner?", asked Lorelei. "From what you told me, he doesn't eat much."

"He's already asleep, we won't wake him.", answered Giovanni.

"If you say so."


Started: 14th August 2023

Edited: 27th August 2023\

Finished: 15th August 2023

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