The Alola Region—
the main setting of Generation VII's Pokemon Sun and Moon.
In terms of design, it was modeled after the famous tropical paradise of Hawaii from Peter's previous life, which meant the entire region possessed a warm island climate overflowing with sunshine and ocean breezes.
The region itself was divided into five islands.
Four natural islands:
Melemele Island
Akala Island
Ula'ula Island
Poni Island
And one artificial island:
Aether Paradise.
The four major islands formed a semicircle around Aether Paradise, protecting it at the center.
Because the islands were so close together, standing on one often allowed you to see the neighboring islands clearly in the distance.
"According to legend," Peter said while holding Whitney in his arms on the ship's deck, "Alola was once a land without sunlight. It wasn't until the Radiant One arrived alongside the emissaries of the sun and moon that light finally reached these islands."
"The four guardian deities protecting the islands also obtained their special Z-Power from them."
At the horizon, the blazing red sun slowly rose from the sea.
A radiant golden path stretched across the ocean surface, swaying gently alongside the waves.
The clouds overhead reflected brilliant colors, while sea breezes carrying the cries of Wingull brushed past them.
Every now and then, a playful Luvdisc would leap from the water as though reflecting the feelings in the hearts of the young couple.
"Honey…" Whitney murmured softly while leaning against Peter's chest, tilting her chin upward.
Peter lowered his head and captured her soft lips in a gentle kiss.
"…Um, I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
A smiling voice suddenly drifted over.
Whitney instantly broke away from Peter and buried her face into his chest like a startled ostrich.
Peter looked toward Lusamine with visible exasperation.
"…What do you think?"
Their perfect romantic atmosphere had just been shattered.
"You two really have a relationship worth envying…" Lusamine sighed emotionally, a trace of longing flashing through her eyes.
Peter paused briefly.
Looks like she's thinking about her husband again…
"What's up?" he asked, smoothly changing the subject.
"Oh, right. I just came to remind you that we'll be arriving soon. You should probably start preparing your luggage."
"Got it."
Peter nodded.
After a full day and night of sailing, they had finally reached Alola!
He lightly smacked Whitney's shapely backside.
"Come on, babe. Time to get ready to disembark~"
"Mmm… I still wanna stay like this a little longer…" Whitney mumbled, still too embarrassed to raise her head.
Peter could only sigh helplessly before sending Mary to their room to gather their things.
After experiencing seasickness last time, Whitney had handled this voyage much better.
Originally, Peter had wanted to fly to Alola directly.
But Whitney insisted on watching the sunrise together at sea.
Which was why the earlier scene had happened.
"Honey…"
"Hmm?"
"For the next while… we'll be able to watch the sunrise together every day."
"Hehe~ Then I want to…" Whitney smiled sweetly, "…work at sunset and rest at sunrise!"
Peter lowered his head and met her infatuated gaze.
Maybe it was the glow of the morning sun—
but her cheeks looked especially pink and delicate.
"You really have gotten naughty lately…" Peter said while pinching her nose.
"That's because my husband corrupted me~ So you have to take responsibility."
"Fine," Peter replied with a grin. "I'll take responsibility to the very end."
"…"
…
Ten minutes later, the luxury ferry entered the underground docking area of the artificial island.
Peter and Whitney finally got their first look at the futuristic marvel that was Aether Paradise.
As a gigantic floating marine structure, the entire facility resembled a massive aircraft from afar.
Two wing-shaped landing platforms extended from both sides, large enough to accommodate dozens of airplanes simultaneously.
Structurally, Aether Paradise was divided into front and rear sections.
The front half consisted of the main research buildings and ecological conservation zones.
The rear half connected via a long elevated pathway to Lusamine's enormous private mansion.
At the same time, the island itself was also split into upper and lower levels.
The surface level was primarily used for wild Pokémon conservation and standard research.
The underground sectors, however, were devoted to Ultra Beast research and housed the organization's primary technological infrastructure.
The location where Peter and Whitney currently stood was the underground harbor on B2, where all ships arriving at Aether Paradise docked.
"President Lusamine, welcome back. There are several urgent matters requiring your approval…"
The moment they disembarked, Lusamine was intercepted by waiting staff members.
Judging from the piles of documents in their hands, a considerable amount of work had accumulated during her absence.
After greeting Wicke and Faba and instructing them to properly host Peter and Whitney, Lusamine hurried off toward the administrative wing in her high heels.
"Come with me~"
Wicke swayed her ample hips as she led the two toward the guest quarters.
Since they would need access to research zones, their room was conveniently located near the ecological conservation area on the first level of Aether Paradise.
After putting away their belongings, Faba informed Peter that "unsealing the experimental subjects" would require two days of preparation.
He promised to notify Peter afterward and escort him personally into the underground laboratory for inspection.
Watching Faba maintain such a serious expression, Peter chose not to expose him.
Better to give him some time to prepare… otherwise a cornered dog might jump the wall.
After all, a man obsessed with promotions like Faba would never openly disobey Lusamine's orders.
So Peter wasn't particularly worried about him pulling anything too outrageous.
Of course…
Peter still intended to keep a very close eye on him over the next two days.
"Honey, wanna explore the four islands of Alola together?"
"Absolutely! It sounds super fun~"
The two instantly hit it off.
After obtaining a high-level access card from Wicke, they mounted Braviary and flew northwest toward the second island—
Melemele Island.
According to Peter's memories of the original story, this island was home to Professor Kukui and the Pokémon School attended by Ash in the anime.
And if Peter wanted to obtain a Z-Ring…
He would first have to participate in Alola's Island Challenge.
The Island Challenge was a sacred traditional trial unique to the Alola region.
The people of Alola worshipped four guardian deities:
Tapu Koko
Tapu Lele
Tapu Fini
Tapu Bulu
Each guardian selected a representative trainer from their island, known as an Island Kahuna.
Nominally, these leaders governed the islands, protected local safety, guided young trainers, and oversaw the ceremonies of the Island Challenge.
The ritual itself also functioned as a method of worship toward the guardian deities.
Through the challenge, people received the blessings of the guardians and earned the right to use Z-Moves.
In a sense…
It was simply Alola's version of Gym Challenges.
The only difference was that there were only four islands.
Each island's trial was determined by the local Kahuna.
Usually, the tests involved battling wild Pokémon, resolving island crises, or searching for special crafting materials.
After completing an island's initial trial, challengers would then face the Island Kahuna in the Grand Trial—
an official Pokémon battle.
Victory meant clearing the Grand Trial, earning a Z-Crystal, and obtaining recognition from the island's guardian deity.
Clearing all four Grand Trials across Alola officially completed the Island Challenge.
Most importantly—
The Z-Ring itself was awarded after clearing the very first Grand Trial.
Only then could trainers properly use Z-Moves.
Otherwise, if someone attempted to force a Z-Move without the guardians' approval, the Z-Crystal would shatter permanently after a single use.
Because of this—
Peter planned to clear all four Grand Trials within the shortest time possible during this trip to Alola.
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T/N:
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