394 Smoking Ban

Brine had been a hot topic a few months back. He hailed from the Unova region and came from a middle-class family, similar to Axel. However, Brine's astonishing rate of progress surprised even Axel.

While Axel was earning his 6th and 7th badges, Brine had already secured all 8 badges and applied for the Unova League battle. Axel was known as a swift-progressing trainer, surpassing even Lance and Lorelai. His achievement was a result of his tireless effort and the support of the system.

Brine, though, had managed to outpace Axel. This left Axel pondering – how was this possible? What was Brine's secret? Unfortunately, Axel had been so immersed in his own work and training that he hadn't kept up with the news.

###

"Well, I have heard that he was the fastest trainer in history to get all 8 gym badges since he started his journey. He also beat Oak and you," Lance revealed.

"Seriously? Who was quicker, me or Oak?" Axel inquired.

"It was Prof. Oak, Axel. I am surprised that you don't know about this," Lorelai remarked.

"I don't keep scores."

"Most people do," Lorelai countered.

"Alright, have you heard anything else about him?" Axel pressed on. If Brine had managed to surpass Oak's record, he must possess extraordinary skills.

"People are saying that Oak made a significant mistake by choosing you as his successor instead of Brine," Lorelai revealed.

"WHAT? How dare they? I worked my ass off to reach this stage!" Axel erupted in anger. He despised individuals who complained without understanding the effort he had put in.

"People tend to voice all sorts of strange opinions, Axel. Don't let it bother you," Lance reassured.

"So, any other information?" Axel inquired once more.

If Brine had outshone Oak's achievement, he must indeed be exceptional.

"Well, he disappeared after registering for the league battle. There is no news of him. I believe he's focusing on training," Lance replied.

"Okay, I have a question," Axel interjected.

"Shoot."

"I know you both have met a lot of genius trainers of our age. Who do you think is stronger right now? Me, Steven or Cynthia or are there any others who are stronger?" Axel wondered.

"You know, it stings a bit that you didn't include my name in that list," Lance teased with a long sigh. 

"I did mention 'others who are stronger,' didn't I?" Axel defended.

"Alright. I am just messing with you.

I don't meet them in weekly meetings. Our families do meet other powerful families once every 1 or 2 years and so I don't know much about them.

Also, they are very secret about their training progress. I am too. But if I had to make a guess, I feel that you are stronger than Steven. The progress you had in these past months is very huge. I have not seen all of your Pokemons but I did hear that you beat Mr. Kent for your 8th gym badge. That speaks volumes.

Between you and Cynthia, it is difficult to tell. I have not met her in these 2 years but I have heard some of the things about her. It is said that her Garchomp is very deadly. But if I had to pick one, I would choose Cynthia over you," Lance concluded.

"She's that powerful, huh?"

"You have not met her Axel. I don't know if she has 8 pseudo-king rank Pokemon like you or if her Pokemons are more powerful than you cause I don't know much about both of you but…."

"But what?"

"But it is just her presence man. She gives an aura of authority. Like she owns the world and everything is beneath her. Whatever challenges that she had faced, she had come out victorious. She gives you the feeling that nothing can even scratch her, like a mountain and if the mountain decides to move, then everything would be over."

"You've thought quite deeply about her. Do you not sense the same from me?" Axel queried.

"I don't know man, I think of you as a friend so I don't feel like that. I may feel the same about you if we were enemies.", said Lance.

"So, Cynthia isn't your friend? I assumed you interacted at those family gatherings.", teased Axel.

"Oh, nobody dares to be friends with Cynthia. She's so imposing that everyone keeps their distance."

Their conversation flowed through various topics. Axel finally gleaned crucial insights about his rivals. Even in anime, Cynthia was portrayed as a formidable trainer. While Steven held his own power, Cynthia stood on an even higher plane.

"Hey, Lance, have you heard of this kid named Leon?" Lorelai interjected.

"No, who's he?" Lance questioned.

"I've heard he comes from the Galar region. Despite being young, he's believed to be a prodigy. Word has it that he might even surpass Cynthia someday."

"Seriously? People come up with all sorts of nonsense these days. Don't pay attention to such rubbish," Lance dismissed.

Nevertheless, Axel was familiar with whom Lorelai referred to. Leon, the future champion of the Galar region, was destined to become a formidable trainer.

###

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Axel. I'll see you at the league battle," Lance bid farewell, shaking Axel's hand.

"I thought you weren't going to participate," Axel recalled.

"True, but after our conversation, I've had a change of heart. I may not be able win the league battle but I would get a load of experience.," Lance explained.

With their goodbyes exchanged, they parted ways. Lance had arranged a plane for Axel's transportation. Taking it, Axel made his way to the Venu family. Angela likely had completed her mission by now. The time had come for Nidorino's evolution.

###

After a span of 39 hours – yes, the flight took that long to reach the Venu family, Axel felt the weariness from the journey through Kanto. Despite Lance's comfortable private plane, fatigue had taken its toll. Night had already fallen by the time he arrived at the Venu family.

Seeking the solace of his home, Axel went to bed.

###

The following day, Axel was roused from his slumber by a knock at his door. Upon opening it, he was greeted by A and B.

"Hey, dude, heard you came yesterday," A greeted, giving Axel a warm hug. B followed suit with a hug of his own.

The Venu family had transformed into something akin to a real family for Axel. He had formed close bonds with individuals like A, B, and K.

"Have you received any news about the leader?" Axel inquired.

"Yes, it's a major talking point now. Let's discuss it over a drink," A suggested.

Axel invited them inside his house, a residence provided by Angela. The Venu family possessed a vast expanse of land and vacant homes, one of which Axel had been allocated upon his initial arrival.

After preparing some tea and retrieving cigarettes – Axel had shared the process of making them with his companions – they settled down to chat.

"So, what's happening?" Axel prompted.

"Dark times, Axel. These are dark times," A solemnly declared.

Instantly, Axel's demeanor grew serious. "What's transpired?"

"In the wake of the exposed fraud, the leader has initiated a thorough investigation. Everything is now subjected to rigorous scrutiny and monitoring. Severe penalties have been levied on those who misappropriated the family's resources. Even those who engaged in minor acts of corruption are now seeking forgiveness," A explained.

"Isn't that a positive development?" Axel questioned.

"It's not that simple. Angela has taken it a step further. She examined our cigarettes and declared them detrimental to our health. As a result, cigarettes are now prohibited within the Venu family," A disclosed.

"When did this come about? And why wasn't I informed earlier? I just lit one," Axel expressed in disbelief.

"Well, since you're our elder, we thought you'd be unaffected. Plus, we wanted to smoke," B admitted.

"B, as an elder, it's my responsibility to follow to the rules. Let's finish these and be done with it. So, how have you both been coping? I can imagine it's not easy," Axel empathized.

He was all too familiar with the struggle of overcoming such habits. He had battled the same urge in his previous life. Though he had managed to become more disciplined, A and B had not shown the same restraint.

"We haven't quit entirely. Consumption has decreased significantly, but we now go beyond the family grounds to smoke occasionally," A confessed.

"You have still not told if all this fraud thing is over? And where is Angela right now?"