@Sugar @122 Generation (The last required event on Melemele is a walking tour to Verdant Cavern, then we move on to Akala--unless you want to just jump to Akala)
@Sugar @122 Generation After a walking tour to the Verdant Cavern and checking out of their hotel, the group found themselves in Heahea City, on Akala Island. A new island meant a new hotel to stay in. (Required events on Akala Island: --Exploring Pikachu Valley --Jam session at Paniola Ranch --Guided tour of Brooklet Hill --Attend the Wela Festival --Learn to make some Alolan food with Mallow --Gekijou play in Konikoni City)
@Sugar @122 Generation For today, the group was just resting. But the next day was a planned excursion into the island's famous Pikachu Valley--where hundreds of wild Pichus and Pikachus lived. Every one of the Pikachus had a name, and the trial guides that looked after the valley were happy to tell the guests about each one.
Alyssa flopped onto her bed, more than excited to see the Pikachu's. She couldn't think of anything she'd rather do.
@Sugar @122 Generation The next day arrived, and before long, the group was following some of the guides that looked after the Pikachus into the Valley. "The Pikachus and the Pichus are used to visitors, so many of them are quite tame." one of them explained "But they and the valley are protected, so catching one is kapu--forbidden."
Alyssa dared not disturb the Pikachu, she just watched them go about their business. But she had her eye on one particular one. It had a different color scheme than the others. Was this a rare form or something else?
@Sugar @122 Generation The guide noticed that Alyssa had her eye on a Shiny Pikachu. "I see you found Konane, one of our shiny ones. Shiny Pikachus are considered important--the Pikachu see them as the leaders and teachers of the tribe."
"Is it safe to say that this particular one is more protected than the others? Also is it safe to assume that it was the first one here as well?"
@Sugar "The Shiny Pikachus and the normal Pikachus get the same protection." the guide explained. "With so many Pikachu here, it's hard to know exactly which Pikachu came first."
"That is a lot of Pikachu," Martine remarked. "Makes you wonder if these Pikachu somehow migrated here. I wouldn't think they were native to Alola."
@Sugar @122 Generation "There are many different theories on how the Pikachu found this valley." a guide explained. "Some say they found the islands themselves, some say the Tapu guided them here. But there are some who believe the Pikachus--they've always been here."
"If the Tapu did guide them here, the tale must have been spectacular, but somewhat unbelievable. Fun to see how they all get along."
@Sugar @122 Generation "They know they can come to us if there's a problem they can't solve." a guide replied. "But it's only rarely we have to step in."
@Sugar @122 Generation "They do well foraging for themselves, but we do supplement what they eat naturally in case nature fails." a guide explained. "So no Pikachu or Pichu ever goes hungry." "They also have access to the best medical care--we can take them to the Heahea Pokémon Center or the Pokémon Center in Paniola Town if needed." a second guide agreed. "But most of the Pichus are born here in the valley--would you like to see the Makuahine House?" "The Makuahine House--'mother's house' in Native Alolan--is where we bring our expecting Pikachus so they can have their Pichus in a warm and safe environment." one of the vets explains.