"Thanks Hydreigon, we're nearly home!" I called out. I was on my way back to Nuvema town, after a busy start to my Champion's job.

It was truly upsetting how I had crushed Jason's dream today. His heartbroken eyes were ingrained into my mind. But this was now my duty. I had to defend my title. I just had to.

But....

I smiled.

I recalled Jason's determined expression during our battle. His eyes had been full of passion. And I knew he was not going to just give up. Neither would other trainers who wanted to pursue their dreams.

********

"I'm back!" I entered my home, closing the door behind me. "Mum?" No reply. I guess she had gone out then.

I took off my shoes and entered the living room. I put my bag down and sat down on the sofa. An envelope on the table caught my eye. I leaned in and saw that it had my name on it. I took it and opened it:

My dear Touko,

Let me begin by saying sorry that I have to express my condolences at a time like this. After all, this is a very exciting time for you. You are the World's youngest Pokémon League Champion! This letter should be filled with admiration, but due to some unfortunate events I find myself unavailable to say much apart form this: I am so sorry about the tragedy that has befallen one of your treasured loved ones. I know this will be a hard time for you.

Until we meet again,

Your acquaintance.

I began to tremble, as my heart pounded furiously in my chest. "Tragedy?" "Treasured loved ones?" I looked over at the clock, which showed that the time was 8.30 pm. It sure was getting late...

I looked back at the letter in my hands.
"Tragedy?" "Treasured loved one?" I knew that this had to be a threat.

I once again turned my gaze onto the clock.

It really was late...

So where was my mother?

Gripping the letter furiously, I ran to the door and messily put my shoes on. I then stormed out of the house.

Where could she be?

I saw Cheren's mum talking to another person, and quickly ran over to her.

"Touko, hello! How are you?" she asked me.

"I'm alright, but I desperately need to know if you have seen my mother today."

"Your mother? No, I haven't seen her today at all."

"Ok, thanks!" I said, running away form her towards route 1. I didn't know what to do! My mother could be in danger!

I was preparing to take out Hydreigon's pokeball so that I could fly over the area to get a better view, when I crashed into someone at the start of route 1.

"Sorry," I said, preparing to run around the person.

"Touko, hi, are you okay darling?" I looked at the person properly. It was mum!

"Mu-mum," I hugged her with tears in my eyes, "you're ok."

My mum hugged me back. "Of course I am. Though I have to say, I'm quite tired. I mean, who on Earth sent me a note saying that there was a pokemon in danger in route 1's river? I bet you it was a prank! For Arceus' sake, I spent most day searching for it-"

"Let's head home first, " I said, panicking.

As me and mum walked back home, I couldn't settle the uneasy feeling in my stomach. Who would send a letter like that?

"Mum, do you still have the note that person sent you?"

"Yes, right here." She took out a crumbled piece of paper from her pocket, and gave it to me.

I opened it, and immediately knew that the person who had sent me the letter had also set this note. It was the same curving handwriting. I could feel the blood being drained from my cheeks.

"Touko?" My mum called.

"Let's go home, mum," I said, leading her back towards our house.

I had to call around for help, and to check if anyone else I knew were ok.

As mum and I entered our house, the uneasy feeling only kept growing. Then it struck me. I couldn't remember where, when, who...

But I had seen this handwriting before.

Author's note

Hi everyone!

So, who could be the one sending these mysterious notes? Be sure to comment who you think it is.

Again I have to thank you all for all the views on this book. So thank you!

Thanks for reading!

Katherine
xxxxxxxxx