While it wasn't as effective as a gas mask, the racer's helmet and visor shielded the Champion from much of the toxic air left in the wake of the chained Frosmoth's BLIZZARD. In a desperate effort to protect him from the attack, Alphamax lurched backward and bucked his rider off. The localized wintry blast froze the Garchomp in a purple ice cube. "So much for this being uneventful," he sighed, grabbing a Poké Ball from his belt.

The mounted specialist tossed the capsule directly beneath him, knowing where the on-fours Typhlosion would appear so that she could lift him onto his seat merely by her appearance. "FLAME WHEEL, Flint!" the rider ordered, the fire-type picking up great speed as the duo barreled toward the toxic-chained insect in a dramatic leap.

LIQUIDATION was a potent water-type move and could easily drown Flint if she got too close. Being a Champion, he had experience fighting against almost any Pokémon, including Toxapex. He knew the weaknesses of the species and the limitations of the short-range torrent. As soon as the water raced toward him, Josh yanked hard on Flit's reins with his right arm. His mount's explosive fur breathed the vents on her neck, making the rider sweat as they skidded out of the way of a direct hit. Even a glancing blow still stung, what with the raw strength of the attack. The soaked Typhlosion shook her fur dry, startling Josh before he got his ride under control, facing the Rocket and Toxapex.

"Pokémon combat isn't just paint by numbers," Josh taunted Absinthe. "It's knowing what your team can and can't do, and knowing every angle of attack they're capable of. That may have worked on others, but not me. Flint, ZEN HEADBUTT." Typhlosion was not a species known for being dangerous at range, but Josh's was, the fire-type telekinetically projecting an image of itself in front of her foe and ramming into it!