EDIT: I've rewritten the first five chapters, if you'd like to see them all polished up!

Fern: This is it. The last chapter. I feel accomplished!

Cara: Wait a minute! I never found out why Mew came to visit me all those times! Why'd she pick me?

Fern: Be patient! That's coming in the next story! You don't even have to wait that long. I promised I'd start uploading it once I finished this one. But I'll have to split the time between this story and my new Zelda fanfic.

Cara: You're going to work on two stories? You're never done two fanfics at the same time. Think you can handle it?

Fern: We'll find out. Besides, you should see how many OTHER stories I have on my computer that don't go on fanfic. I'm used to working on multiple things.

Cara: OK. Don't overwork yourself.

Fern: Summer break's coming up in just a couple weeks.

Cara: Which means you'll probably write even less than you do during school!

Fern: Oh, hush. I won't forget about you.

Cara: You'd better not! Cause you're supposed to mention what sort of things I wear (someone asked), and we're gonna meet your favorite legendary Pokémon in the next story!

The King of the Island

Meanwhile, back at the house, Jed was sitting in a room with Ben. Most of the wall was taken up by large computer screens that were displaying the images from the floating cameras. Ben was looking over the complex computer equipment with wide eyes. Jed was watching the pictures with fascination. Two trainers had encountered each other and were battling. One girl was riding up the slope of the mountain on a Dodrio. There was a boy sitting by a pond with his fishing rod. He'd been there for a while, occasionally catching a Goldeen or Magikarp and releasing it. Jed had no idea what he was searching for, but at that moment, the kid got a bite. He jumped to his feet and began reeling it in.

It was a Seaking.

The kid threw a Pokéball and caught it. Jed stared. That was the kid's only Pokéball. Why did he use it on a Seaking?

Ben watched as well as the kid turned and waved at his camera.

"Look!" he shouted, waving the Pokéball. "A SeaKING! It's a KING! I caught the KING of the island!"

Ben turned and blinked at Jed. "It can't be that, can it?"

Jed sighed and shook his head, "Not at all. Though that kid is pretty sharp to think of such a thing. I should give him a prize for ingenuity." In spite of himself, he started to laugh. "That's definitely one I've never heard before!"

Ben smiled and turned to look at Cara's screen. The camera was facing a cave with a large crystal spearing out of the cliff next to it, but Cara was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is she?" Ben asked, alarmed.

"She went into the cave," Jed sighed. "The camera's can't follow her in there. They're not maneuverable enough to go through such a narrow passage. We'll have to work on that… But either way, we'll have to wait until she comes out."

"Oh." Ben's eyes scanned the series of videos that were playing. Nia and her Fearow were on the opposite side of the mountain, coasting just above the treetops. Then Ben saw something else. There was another camera that was palying an image of a boy on a Charizard. Ben tried to remember which of the trainers besides Cara had a Charizard. The image showed the boy and his Pokémon flying up towards a cliff full of caves. One of the caves had a crystal next to it.

I didn't make it a few steps before I had to stop. It was too dark to see.

Ooh, it's dark! Said Addie. She began to spark, and her electricity lit up the tunnel.

"Oh, thanks, Addie. Now we can see where we're going."

The cave walls shimmered. When I examined them closer, I noticed that small crystals covered the walls. Some of the larger ones jutted out. I had to be careful not to crack my head on the low-hanging ones.

The path continued on beyond the range of Addie's flash. It didn't go in a straight line, but curved up and down and to either side. We proceeded with caution, trying to avoid the sharp points of the crystals.

It didn't take long before the tunnel opened up into a vast cavern. Crystals shimmered on the walls and ceilings. Not far from the tunnel's mouth, there was an underground lake. Its smooth, dark surface stretched away until it was hidden behind a bend in the crystal walls. It was impossible to tell how big the cavern was.

The cave seemed brighter in here somehow. Something besides Addie was casting light. It was hard to tell the source though. There were no real shadows. It almost seemed like the crystals themselves were glowing faintly.

Addie let her Flash attack fade.

I hesitated, then stepped up to the edge of the lake. I didn't have a Pokémon with me that knew Surf. I suppose I could swim, if I had to. But I'd rather not risk that if I could help it. Especially with the risk of sharp crystals beneath the surface. Maybe my Scyther…

The surface of the water began to stir. Several heads peeked out from the water and examined me. I stared back at them. They were Dratini and Dragonair! There were at least 20 of them!

"Oh, hi," I said uncertainly. "I need to talk with the King of the Island. Is he here?"

The Dratini and Dragonair turned to look at eath other. They exchanged a few words and turned back to me. A Dragonair lifter herself out of the water and gave a high, keening cry that echoed back into the depths of the cavern.

She slipped back into the water, and for a while there was silence. Then we heard a rushing sound. The cave made the noise echo and bounce back and forth, making the thing sound much louder than it was. As it was, it sounding like it was made by something HUMUNGOUS. I involuntarily took a step backwards. Addie clung to my ankle, trembling.

A large, dark shape hurtled into view and rocketed directly at me. I gave a cry and practically fell backwards. But then the thing snapped out its wings and came to a direct halt barely inches in front of me.

My heart pounding, I finally looked up at the King of the Island.

Dragonite.

He lowered his head and sniffed me. I flinched a bit, quite aware that he could easily crush me.

He drew back a bit to look at me, cocking his head from side to side..

"Ah, can I ask you something?" I said once I was relatively sure that I could keep my voice steady. I wasn't usually afraid around Pokémon…

So, can you understand me? He asked. Most humans can't.

I nodded. "Yeah. I hear you."

Then, what did you have to ask?

Oh, well, I was wondering if you'd follow me somewhere. I just want to… introduce you to someone and then you can come back here.

Introduce me to someone? Why can't he come here?

Well, it's hard for humans to get up here.

Dragonite laughed. Well, I suppose that's true. Now, were you going to try to catch me?

I quickly shook my head. No, like I said, you can leave after you've met him.

So, why does this person want to meet me?

Oh, I guess because he really likes Pokémon. I thought that it would be really disrespectful to say that he was the goal of a scavenger hunt.

He smirked a bit. Oh, very well. Why not? Are we leaving now?

Sure, if you're okay with that. My heart leapt. He said he'd come with us! I was sure Jed hadn't expected anyone to locate the King so easily and persuade him to come back.

Dragonite's gaze turned upwards to something behind me.

I turned around to see what he was looking at.

Someone was standing in the tunnel entrance. Two someone's actually. A boy and a Pokémon. A Victreebel, and… Kevin!

Before I could react to their presence, something floated over my head, towards Dragonite and the Dratini in the pond.

I whirled to watch it. It was a Venomoth. And as it drew over Dragonite, a sparkling blue powerd drifted off of its wings.

Dragonite hadn't reacted to the new trainer's presence because he assumed that the boy and I were allies. So the Sleep Powder took him by surprise. The moment he realized he was under attack, he bared his teeth and tensed, ready to spring at the Venomoth. But he didn't get a chance to. His eyes drooped and he tottered blearily. Then with a mighty crash, he toppled sideways onto the ground. The Dratini and Dragonair had already floated to the surface of the water, snoozing deeply.

I whirled around furiously, but before I could take a step, vines wrapped themselves around me and pinned my arms to my side. Another vine wrapped around Addie.

Kevin smirked.

"What are you doing?" I shouted. "What's wrong with you! Let us go!"

Kevin turned to look at Addie.

"Oh, look," he said lightly. "This Pokémon is from the island. The rules were that you couldn't catch any of the wild Pokémon here except the King."

"I didn't catch her! She's help…"

I couldn't say anything further because one of Victreebel's vines closed over my mouth.

"You shut up!" he shouted. "You don't deserve to win! I NEED this money!"

I couldn't respond except for a fiery glare. I wriggled desperately, but Victreebel's hold was too tight.

"Plaa, plaaaa!" Addie cried, trying and failing to squirm free.

Kevin couldn't get away with this! He was the one who was cheating, and Jed wouldn't give him a prize at all! My thoughts flashed back to what Nia had told me: that his Grandmother was in the hospital and that his family couldn't afford to treat everything that she had. Would he really resort to this sort of thing? We didn't even know what the prize was!

Kevin was silent for a moment. He was probably trying to figure out a way to keep me from talking. My camera was still waiting outside, so he couldn't trap me here without people finding out what had happened. Though I wondered if he'd even think of sinking that low. I really had no idea what he was like. I could only assume that it was desperation that drove him.

Kevin hesitated for a moment. Then he set his face in a determined expression. "Venomoth," he said, raising a hand. He was going to have Venomoth use Sleep Powder.

Addie, use Thunder!

But if I do that, you'll get zapped too! I knew that. The attack would travel through Victreeel's vines and hit me as well. But that didn't matter now.

Just do it!

OK!

"Pla, pulaaaa!" Addie began to spark. Kevin turned to her, startled. He hadn't known that she was an electric Pokémon. But before he could react, Addie released an explosion of electric power. I shut my eyes and grit my teeth, preparing myself for the blast.

The force hit me like a ton of bricks, or worse. My muscles tensed up and my body spasmed uncontrollably. As Victreebel's vines loosened from my mouth, I let out a scream.

Victreebel dropped to the ground, toasted. I collapsed onto hands and knees. My clothes were smoking slightly and I was gasping for breath. I hadn't expected her attack to be half that strong.

There was another zapping sound and Venomoth fell to the ground.

Kevin cursed loudly and reached to his belt for another Pokémon.

Trembling, I forced my hand to my belt. If I could get my Alakazam to use Hypnosis, or something... My fingers were numb from the force of the electric attack, and I fumbled.

By then, Kevin had reached his next Pokémon and released it. Charizard.

Charizard lunged forward and shoved me over. My Pokéballs were knocked loose and they went rolling in every direction. Addie made a jump for one of then, but Charizard's tail swept her into the lake.

Charizard placed a huge foot directly beside me, where I was half sprawled on the rough cave floor. I'd skinned my elbow, but I hardly noticed.

"Do you think your Grandma will want money that you gain in this way!" I shouted. I hadn't meant to say it. It had just come out. But Kevin froze, a shocked impression on his face. His hands fell limp to his sides and he stared blankly at me.

Venomoth regained its composure and forced himself airborne once more. Though Kevin didn't order anything, the moth Pokémon came forwards to complete the attack it had failed when Addie knocked him out of the sky.

Addie tried to scramble to shore to help me. Kevin hadn't moved. As I tried to drag myself out of the way, I slipped and landed flat on my face.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a stream black shapes streak in through the tunnel entrance. The Unown!

The Unown filled the cavern, buzzing in circles around Charizard and Venomoth. Within moments, the two Pokémon and their trainer drooped sleepily and sank to the floor, fast asleep. The Unown all gathered together in the ceter of the chamber, emitted a series of squeaks in my general direction, and swept from the room as suddenly as they'd appeared.

I sat up and stared after them. Addie had scrambled ashore, and the cave was once again completely silent. Kevin and his Pokémon had been put to sleep by the Unown?

I breathed deeply until I felt in control of my body once more. I slowly stood and went to gather my Pokéballs. Then I went to Kevin and returned his three Pokémon. I didn't want them waking up yet.

Are you okay? Addie asked, concerned. She'd noticed that I was still involuntarily trembling from the force of her attack.

I nodded. "Yeah. I'll be fine. Thank you."

You have a cut on your elbow.

I glanced at my arm and saw she was right. But I ignored it for the moment.

Now that Kevin's Pokémon were returned, I pulled my Pokéflute from my bag and began to play. I could produce nothing more than a shaky sound in my state, but it was enough. Dragonite and the Dratini slowly awakened and blinked around blearily.

What happened? Dragonite demanded, sitting up and preparing for a battle that had already ended.

I'm sorry about that, I groaned. He… well, I don't know what to say about him. But you're okay, right?

Dragonite nodded. He shot a glare down at the boy who was sprawled on the floor, asleep.

What happened?

The Unown put him to sleep.

The Unown? Here? Dragonite glanced around in surprise.

They left already. They came to help us, I guess.

I'm amazed. They can be so unpredictable. You definitely don't want them on your bad side.

I nodded. Yeah, but the game's over. I… would really like to get out of here now, if you don't mind.

Dragonite eyed me a bit warily. I couldn't blame him after he'd been attacked without provocation.

Very well. Let's go.

Dragonite stomped towards the tunnel and bent to lift Kevin. Addie and I followed as Dragonite began to make his way through the tunnel that was barely large enough to admit him. He brought Kevin with him, which was helpful considering it would have been really hard for me to get him out of here on my own.

When we reached the opening in the cliff, we found that it was almost completely dark. A slpash of color lit the sky where the sun had vanished. There wreally was an amazing view from here.

Dragonite spread his wings and glided downwards a bit before he hovered to wait for me. I released Charren and Addie and I got on her back once more.

At last, we headed back to the house.

By the time we arrived, it was truly dark. But the lights of the house stood out like a beacon.

Ben sprinted out to greet us as we landed. Jed was right behind him.

"Ah, we have a winner! We'll have to call back the other trainers." Jed looked very excited and he leaned this way and that to examine Dragonite.

"CARA!" Ben shouted exuberantly. He turned his head as Dragonite deposited Kevin on the ground. "What happened to him?"

I hesitated. I could tell them what happened. I could… Dragonite watched me, head cocked. He barely spared Jed a second glance though he was still looking Dragonite over.

"Some wild Pokémon attacked him in the cave," I said. Up on my shoulder, Addie was nodding vigorously. Dragonite hesitated, then he nodded as well. " Did you see all those funny black Pokémon fly into the tunnel? On your camera?"

Jed nodded. "Yes. What on Earth were those?"

I turned away to look at the shadow that the Avalon mountain made in front of the stars.

"They're Unknown," I said at last. "They put him to sleep. They didn't hurt him. But listen… Uh, Mr. Anders" I figured it would sound too informal to call him Jed when I'd only known him for a day, "If the prize is money… I want you to give it to him. I don't really care too much about money. I mean… it can make people act in really horrible ways. And Nia told me that his Grandma's in the hospital so… I think he needs money more than I do."

Jed was silent for a minute, then he beamed. "I like that! Have you ever heard that song? The line goes 'I don't' care too much for money, because money can't buy me love.' That's what you reminded me of just now. But do you want to know about the prize?"

I nodded.

"Actually, there was no specific prize. I wanted to see who won first." He turned to Dragonite and gave a nod, which Dragonite returned politely. "See, there was one prize that I only wanted to give to someone if they'd truly appreciate it. The prize was never money. Money is too simple. However, I'd be glad to make a donation to his grandmother. What good is money unless you use it for something useful? Though much of my family would disagree. But the real prize, I think you're someone who'd appreciate it. Tell me, what do you think of Avalon?"

I wasn't sure how this subject had come up so suddenly. I took a deep breath, wondering where to start. "It's absolutely beautiful! It's like paradise, or something!"

Jed nodded. "Yes. Do you know where the name Avalon comes from?"

"The King Arthur legends, right? A paradise island… or something. I think."

"Pretty much. Cara, I'd like you to stay here."

"What?"

Jed laughed at the blank expression on my face. "That's what I said. The prize is that you are welcome to stay here for as long as you like. You and your friends," he nodded to Ben. "I don't come here often enough. I'm almost always tied up on the mainland. And I though that some trainers would love to stay here and keep an eye on things. Besides, thiss much more interesting than hiring a handful of maids." He winked at us. "I'd of course pay for the normal house-keeping bills. Keeping a house running can cost quite a lot," he said thoughtfully.

I stared at him in disbelief.

"And Ben," he continued, "your knowledge of electronics is truly fascinating for someone your age. I enjoyed talking with you today. I have connections – people who you might be interested to meet. You might want to work for some of them. Like my cousin who worked on the Pokédex."

Ben lit up. "Thank you, sir!"

Jed glanced thoughtfully out towards the mountain. "And of course with you still on your Pokémon journey, Cara, you'll want to get back to the mainland when you're not staying here. So we'll have to figure out transportation… You know, I haven't even asked you yet. Do you want to stay here?"

"O-of course!" I exclaimed. "I love it here! And you're right, I'd want to go back to the mainland sometimes, but I could keep all my Pokémon here and, and maybe I could even get a warp panel thing from Sabrina, or something. Or Alakazam could teleport me back and forth, I guess…"

"Warp panels," Jed repeated. "How interesting. I don't know much about those. Oh, I was wondering, how did you know where Dragonite was? How did you know what you were searching for? You came back so fast! You weren't even gone a full day!"

I froze. Could I tell him? Would it sound like cheating if I told him?

I opened my mouth, and then slowly said, "I can talk to Pokémon."

Jed's eyes widened. "Really? Fascinating. Indeed, truly fascinating."

As Jed continued talking, I turned my gaze inland. The emerging moon cast a silvery glow to the island and stars twinkled I the sky.

Avalon. This paradise. My home.