Because of the typhoon, their flight had been delayed for a while. It was already evening when they landed.
As they boarded the airport shuttle, the familiar muggy heat washed over them again. Even though they had come a little earlier this time, the south's high temperatures were still impossible to avoid entirely.
Yet judging by the scene outside, the place showed no signs of having been affected by a typhoon.
"Wasn't there supposed to be a typhoon?"
"Oh, the typhoon codenamed 'Lugia' suddenly changed course halfway here because of some mysterious force. Otherwise, our flight couldn't have taken off yet."
Li Han had been following the situation. On the satellite weather images, the gathering typhoon had looked as though it had run into a dead end, suddenly making a sharp ninety-degree turn and heading off in another direction.
"It wouldn't have affected us much anyway. We came several days early this time, so even a two-day delay wouldn't matter. Besides, if that really happened, they'd probably have to postpone the tournament."
No matter how strong Pokémon were, nobody would insist on holding a tournament during a typhoon. That would be treating lives as expendable.
"According to the Meteorological Bureau, there won't be any typhoons over the next month, so we should be pretty safe. We can spend these next few days exploring on our own."
"What, we don't have to hole up in the hotel first like last year?"
"Uh... we'll still have to do that the day before the tournament starts, but we have plenty of time right now. Just make sure you let us know when you go out."
After arriving at their hotel and putting away his things, Xin Mu let Old Liu and the others know, then headed out with Meownei.
Although it was already