Although Xinhai had checked the weather forecast before setting out, forecasts at sea had never been particularly reliable.
Especially in this season, the chances of encountering a storm while crossing these waters were indeed not low.
He just had not expected to run into one today.
"Gardevoir." Gardevoir floated up from the boat, her red eyes fixed on the approaching bank of dark clouds. Her expression turned serious as well. "Gardevoir." (A storm is coming.)
"Eevee!" Eevee stood up in Xinhai's arms, her large brown eyes warily fixed on the dark clouds. Her fluffy tail was stretched straight. "Eevee!" (Xinhai, what do we do?)
Xinhai did not answer immediately. Instead, he quickly surveyed the surrounding sea conditions.
Unusual waves had already begun appearing ahead. Their crests were far higher than before, while the intervals between them had shortened and their frequency increased.
The air was filled with a damp, slightly choking, peculiar smell.
He turned toward Gardevoir in the boat, his voice decisive and clear. "Gardevoir, protect the inflatable boat. Cover the entire hull with your Inner Focus and don't let the waves overturn it."
"Milotic, Quagsire, tow the boat forward. Keep it as stable as possible, and don't let the wind and waves blow you off course."
"Eevee, watch the waves around us with me. If an especially huge wave comes at us, use Shadow Ball to blow it apart."
"Gardevoir!" "Eevee!" "Milo!" "Quag!" The four Pokémon answered at once.
A deep blue glow lit up in Gardevoir's red eyes. Vast Inner Focus surged from her body, forming a translucent pale-blue bowl that tightly covered the entire inflatable boat.
Eevee leaped onto Xinhai's shoulder, her large brown eyes locked onto the sea ahead. Her fluffy tail stood straight, and she lowered her body slightly, ready to act at any