Iris obtained her Kibago, known as Axew, as a newly hatched Pokémon entrusted by her village elder, marking the start of her journey to become a Dragon Master. Axew steadfastly refused to remain in its Poké Ball, preferring to ride on Iris's shoulder or nestle within her hair, emerging mainly for meals or critical moments.

Early training saw Axew struggle with Dragon Rage; its initial attempts created disruptive craters and collateral damage. It first successfully executed the move during a clash with Team Rocket. After being captured alongside a Crimgan, Axew unleashed a controlled Dragon Rage potent enough to disable their flying transport mecha, though Team Rocket evaded the follow-up attack.

Axew competed in the Don Battle tournament, facing Luke's Golett in the semi-finals. Initially overpowered, it learned Outrage mid-battle, a decisive move that defeated Golett and advanced Iris.

Seeking to further Axew's development as a Dragon-type, Iris arranged a battle against Champion Cynthia's Garchomp. Though outmatched, Axew learned Giga Impact during the encounter and landed a hit before Cynthia intervened to halt the battle, preventing Garchomp's finishing blow.

Axew long aspired to evolve into Haxorus. This goal was achieved off-screen prior to Iris's World Coronation Series battle against Ash, where it fought as a fully evolved Haxorus.

Within "Pikachu to Eevee Friends," Axew accompanied Iris to the Eevee House. It joined Pikachu, Oshawott, and Pansage, actively playing with Eevee and Jolteon, exploring various Eeveelution-themed rooms, and participating in the group feast and talent show.