32. Ash's Reborn Story

Chapter 40 Family Reveal

Serena is now sitting at a cafe with two people by her side, the first one is her mentor, Palermo, and the second one is the current Kalos Queen: Aria.

Palermo: So Serena, welcome back to Kalos. How are the contests in Hoenn?

Serena: It is fun, I mean, they have battles, but to combine performances with battles are interesting. Even though I had a rough start, I'm glad that everything goes smoothly.

Aria: Sounds like you have a wonderful time there. I'm a little jealous of you.

Serena smiles at Aria a little, and then Palermo takes a sip of coffee before asking for the business.

Palermo: Contests actually originated from Showcases, I was the one who build the concept of Showcases, however, my eldest daughter decides to expand the whole Showcase into Contests by adding battling to it. In the first year, there are a lot of complaints, since it is hard to judge how to reduce the points and how much they should reduce. However, time after time, they have become very popular.

Aria: I have never heard about your family before, Ms. Palermo. Why didn't you tell us about it?

Palermo: (Frowns) I have never heard of them ever since my two granddaughters went to the Reborn Region. I heard that both of them find their true love and have children there...but with the news of Team Meteor and other things, I was really worried about them.

Serena: Reborn Region...that is the same place where Ash is right now...

Aria: Ash, you mean Ash Ketchum? The same one who traveled with you and inspired you to attend Performances? So he is also there in the Reborn Region?

Serena: Yeah, he wants to challenge the League, so he went there with his mother.

Palermo: (Hearing the conversation and is in deep thoughts) Did you say that Ash's last name is Ketchum?

Aria: (Confused) Yes, what's the matter with that?

Palermo: Ketchum is actually the last name of my husband...may I ask what is the name of Ash's mother?

Serena: I think her name is called Delia or something...since I haven't met her in person before and I only heard about it from Ash or from the phone. Why do you want to ask about this?

Palermo: (Widens her eyes at the name) Zina Delia Ketchum... That was the name I gave to her...she is also the one who has the concept of contests and having others form the whole circuit... how was she? Is she fine?

Serena: But you said that your daughter lives in Reborn, but Ms. Ketchum has been living in Kanto all the time...are you sure they are the same person?

Palermo decides to show them a picture of younger Delia, and Serena widens her eyes to see that the person is actually Ash's mother without a doubt.

Aria: But if that's the case, why didn't she tell you that she moved to Kanto along with Ash? I don't think that makes any sense...

Serena: Yeah. Ms. Palermo, do you think you can call her with her number?

Palermo: I don't know, maybe I should try it out. (Dials the number)

In the Grand Hall, Delia is working with some papers until she gets the call, when she notices the caller, she widens her eyes in shock as the caller is no other than her mother. It has been years since she talked to her mother, and she is getting nervous. But regardless, she answers the phone call.