A2A's Note: Here we go. This story was particularly inspired by Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. If you haven't played it yet, don't worry too much. There won't be too many spoilers here, if any. If you have played it to this part, then you probably know what I'm talking about. Without further ado, welcome to Ruined.

[Obligatory Disclaimer: I, Apple2Applers, do not own Pokemon]

Chapter 1 - Ruined

A century ago, Alola was the prime tourist destination. Clear oceans and skies, along with the unique cultural island challenge, brought many trainers to its shore. It was around that time that a trainer appeared, taking the island challenge and rising to exceed all expectations. That trainer became a legend within weeks, ascended Mount Lanikila, and became the first ever Alolan League Champion.

Vivian breathed silently, her brown body pressed against the earth. The Eevee shifted her weight, felling the weight of the necklace around her neck. In the distance, she could see flames bursting into the night sky. The dead trees around her swung in the night wind. The bursts of flame approached her with surprising velocity. In the brief flashes of light, she could now see a black feline with red stripes sprinting away from what appeared to be a storm of petals. Vivian took a deep breath and touched her necklace.

Another burst of flame incinerated the petals, creating an orange ball of light. The Torracat, now fully visible in the light, turned and faced the approaching wall of fire. The Torracat looked around, finally meeting Vivian's eyes. Upon Vivian's nod, the feline touched a band wrapped around his front leg. Both Vivian and Torracat began glowing as the flaming petals disappeared.

"Inferno Overdrive!"

"Breakneck Blitz!"

The two charged through the petals into the Pokemon hidden behind the petals. A dust cloud formed, and Vivian quickly darted away behind a tree. Her ears listened for any movement from within the dust.

"Both unconscious," a voice said from the dust. "We're fine."

Vivian relaxed and walked into the dust. The Torracat stood beside the bodies of a very unconscious Lurantis and Comfey. Vivian reached out a paw to nudge the Lurantis. The Lurantis didn't respond.

"We may have overdone it a bit," Vivian said, smirking.

"You kidding?" The Torracat kicked the Comfey, resulting in a tiny groan followed by silence. "These two were about to serve me as old Guzzy's breakfast."

Vivian snorted and sat down. "Well, Hazel. At least you didn't collapse this time."

Hazel immediately turned and glared at her. "That happened once, and only because that stupid Mudbray landed some lucky hits." His ears twitched and he quickly turned to direction her ran from. Vivian stood up and got into battle stance.

A Pikachu and another Lurantis walked up.

"Well?" Hazel asked. "Did we get it?"

The Pikachu held up a green crystal, smiling victoriously. Hazel whooped and jumped around.

"Nice job, Jake. Let's head back. Phoebe?" Hazel turned to the Lurantis and sighed. "They're unconscious, I promise. And neither of them know you're involved."

Pheobe let out a small yelp and looked away from the fainted Pokemon. "I – umm, okay." She gulped. "Let's go before they wake up then."

A few hours later in Brooklet Hill

"Home sweet home," Jake muttered as the four Pokemon entered a hollow tree trunk. In the early sunlight, he could see the stairway leading down. He gestured to the other three. "You three go on ahead. I'm gonna go see if there are any berries around."

Vivian lingered behind as the other two descended the stairs. "You going to need help, Jake?"

"I'll be fine. Besides," Jake held up his arm, showing off an armband with a yellow crystal attached. "I still got this. You, however, need to rest."

Vivian gave a small smile. "I suppose. Hurry back, we're gonna need to decide what to do next."

"Roger that."

Jake watched the Eevee disappear into the tree, and walked away. A few minutes later, he approached a berry tree. Multiple types of berries lay scattered around the base of the tree. Jake's eyes narrowed as he noticed that some of the berries have bite marks. His ears heard footsteps, and he quickly hid inside a nearby bush. He turned around in time to see a Golduck and a Parasect walk into view and towards the berry tree.

"Remember, no sweet berries."

"You don't have to remind me, Goldy. I remember what happened to my brother."

"I'm just saying, I'd hate for you to go out that way."

"I'd hate for me to go out that way too. But then again, this ain't much better."

"It's better than the alternative. We're not eaten, not hunted. We're safe. Sure, we might get a few hungry nights, but it is better than being eaten."

"I guess. As long as we don't end up like those idiots in Lush Forest."

Jake winced and gulped. He shifted his weight to touch his Z-crystal, ready to attack at a moment's notice. He eyed the Golduck, sure that he could at least knock it out. Parasect he was immensely worried about.

"Didn't Lord G find them in the Crushed Plains?" Jake heard the Golduck ask.

"Yeah. He took them back to the forest and discovered that they lost the Crystal. According to eyewitnesses, he crushed them on the spot as an example to weaklings."

Jake gulped, making a mental note to not mention anything to Phoebe. The two Pokemon walked in silence around the tree, picking up berries. A few berries, most of them sweet ones, were left untouched. He watched as they counted the berries they gathered, bundled the berries up, and walk away. The Pikachu trained his ears to listen for any other Pokemon. After minutes of silence pass by, he sneaked out from the bushes.

Brushing a few leaves off him, he gathered up the remaining berries around the tree. It wasn't enough for the whole day, but at least it can provide some nourishment after the last night's debacle. Looking around once more to ensure he is safe, he headed back towards the hollow tree.

He never noticed a pair of eyes watching everything from atop a tree.

Footnotes - Characters introduced this chapter:

Vivian - Eevee

Hazel - Torracat

Jake - Pikachu

Phoebe - Lurantis