343 A new Exploration

The last time he went to an unknown island, he received many benefits: 2 billion Poké dollars, a vast land, and made many important friends. However, this time he would be going as an explorer. He didn't know if it would benefit him since it was an unknown island.

It was a risky move, but he started to see the bigger picture. Even though Koga's training plans would be valuable, he could create his own new moves and strategies. He had been doing so since the beginning.

However, he had one thing to ask before that. "How much time would the exploration take?" asked Axel.

"It's a small island, so it will take around 3 weeks to a month."

"A month? Really? I was planning to challenge Mr. Kent in 2 weeks," said Axel.

"Axel, you have around 9 months before the start of the league preliminaries. So, you have 8 months to obtain the last badge. You won't lose anything. And do you really think you can win against Kent as you are now?" spat Koga.

"Is he really that powerful?" asked Axel.

"Yes, he is. He is not called the strongest gym leader of the Kanto region for nothing. There's a reason other trainers don't challenge him as the final badge except for you. They're not stupid. However, I do like your attitude," said Morgan.

"It's not that you cannot win against Kent, but I must say I am not 100% sure that you can. Your Pokémon are powerful and well-trained, but Kent is a battle maniac. He uses creative battle strategies to defeat his opponents. Even though he cannot use a Pokémon higher than pseudo-king rank, they will still be the best pseudo-king rank you'll ever find," said Koga.

"So, going to this island might actually help you. You can also train your Pokémon during that time and make them stronger. So, what do you say?" asked Morgan.

"Hmmm. Alright. I will go to this damn island. What do I have to do?" asked Axel.

"Nothing. Just wait for a week, then hop on a plane and meet your new friends for the exploration," said Morgan.

"You can train in my gym this week if you want," proposed Koga.

"Thanks, I'll take that offer," said Axel.

"Alright, since you agreed, I'll have to make some phone calls after I go home," said Morgan.

Axel was in his hotel room, looking at the 7 gym badges he had won. Only 1 was left, and it was the toughest. He was going to this unknown island and needed to prepare. A lot had happened in such a short time. Nidorino had ranked up, Shedinja had learned new moves, Mamoswine had evolved and ranked up, and Charizard had ranked up.

Venusaur had fully evolved. He needed to review his Pokémon and create a new training plan for them. He didn't want them to slack off, but that was for tomorrow. Tonight, he was going to sleep.

Axel woke up and found that he had 3 missed calls from Mark. He called him back.

"Hey Mark. An early bird, are you?"

"Hehe, yes Axel. I just couldn't sleep. This forest mystery is driving me crazy. Anyway, I sent you the parcel. It should have reached your place."

"Oh, thanks for that. You've helped me a lot. I have to go now. I have a lot of work to do," said Axel and hung up the phone.

Before coming here, he had asked for weight training equipment for Pidgeotto and Charizard. The equipment would perfectly fit and cover their wings with the same color. The weight could be increased from 5 kg to 100 kg. He went to the reception area and received the parcel. It was small but heavy. He brought it into his room and called out Pidgeotto.

"PRIIIII," it shouted happily.

Axel had not let it out for an entire day, so it was glad to be outside.

"Flappy, extend your wings and let me put this on you."

It did as instructed. Axel carefully read the instructions and put the equipment on its wings. There was also a small remote. He pressed the button, and instantly similarly colored feathers covered both of its wings.

"Perfect. Let's go to Koga's gym now. It's time to train."

Knock... Knock... Knock... Knock... Knock... Knock... "Coming... Coming..." shouted Koga.

"Oh hey Axel, quite an early bird, are you? Come in," said Koga, inviting him.

"Good morning, Mr. Koga. Sorry to disturb you so early in the morning, but I start my training at this time."

"It's okay. I also train from the morning. Come on, I'll show you the training ground," said Koga, and Axel started to follow him.

The training ground was an exact replica of the battle stadium from yesterday.

"I won't disturb you during your training. I'll come in the afternoon to talk. I have a lot of things to sort out," said Koga, leaving him alone.

Axel called out Pidgeotto again and increased the weight to 5 kg each.

"Pidgeotto, try to fly. I want to see your limits."

Pidgeotto started to fly around. There was some difficulty, and its speed had decreased, but it managed. Then, Axel increased the weight to 10 kg. It was still able to fly, but it was struggling. Its speed was almost nonexistent now.

"Alright. Train with this weight. Take breaks every 30 minutes. After you can fly normally with this weight, I'll teach you a new move," Axel said.

Pidgeotto's eyes lit up at the mention of a new move.