Pokemon Core examination page 7.

*Question 10: Please explain the Victory Phenomenon Hypothesis and how it affects both the winning and losing Pokemon. (10) *

"The Victory Phenomenon Hypothesis first proposed under the joint submission of Professor Oak and Professor Rowan; Is the prevailing theory as to how Pokemon gain power rapidly after repeatedly competing and battling compared to gradual age. It states that as each Pokemon uses their power to form, summon or use their moves; the power that dissipates both before and after their use is left within a short area around them. Once a victor is decided, the majority of energy built up from the used moves naturally gravitates to the victor; with the defeated party gaining less.

This energy is taken in via breathing or through the skin and is automatically circulated around the body. After a short period, the recipient will naturally refine the energy, slightly improving the characteristics such as physical strength, reaction, and energy reserves.

Energy taken in can cause minor mutations in the form of weaker moves of a different natural type of the Pokemon; however, the Pokémon’s physiology must allow the move to be possible. This means there won't be any Magikarp using metal claw! Gyarados learning Iron Tail has been discovered by recent Kanto Professional Battler Lance Dracean.

It is also posited by Professor's Oak and Rowan that the build-up of this energy is a critical factor relating to a Pokémon’s evolution. This goes against the previously accepted theories of age and talent of the Pokemon. During the Vudas League 4th year doubles semi-finals, A Galarian Farfetch'd was spotted to evolve after scoring multiple critical hits in a 2 v 2 battle after its partner and itself were knocked out. From this, it is clear that the losing party still retains a portion of the energy expended in battle; and that evolution is a possible phenomenon even on defeat."

...

Blake read back through his answer before nodding to himself. Although Blake didn't particularly enjoy studying; he was formidably focused when it came to subjects directly related to Pokemon.

When it came to Pokemon Core, Battling, Training, Nutrition and Orienteering; he had confidence. Studies of people and the planet...Not so much. Thankfully despite the years spent educating the students, the theory tests of the P.L.E.s were all considerably short as all three tests had to be fit in to the same day.

*Good thing too, I need to start my journey and fast! * Blake mused. He thought back to his plan of his journey, the order of the cities in which he would visit, potential team candidates; everything was planned and prepared well ahead of time.

"Time's up, everyone please put down your pencils and turn over your papers. Once your paper's have been collected, please report to the training fields and take a number."

Blake spotted a sweating Sonny and Shona on his walk over through the school corridors.

"So, how was it for you guys?" Blake asked gingerly.

"Good enough I think, thank you for letting us borrow your notes! I couldn't come up with 6 different evolution methods outside of battle though. I sat there for 10 minutes and nothing!" Sonny moaned exasperated. "I got Stones, Time of day, Specific items, locations of power and Happiness, couldn't come up with a last one."

"Well, Locations of Power are normally thrown together with Evolution Stones, so I don't think you'll get 5." Blake pondered. "Your missing move-based evolutions and the orientation method".

"What the hell is the orientation method?! Sonny looked incredulously.

"Inkay and Malamar remember...."

"Shit." Sonny held his head in frustration as they walked. "If I don't pass, my dad’s gonna kill me!"

"You could have had Gender and social interaction-based evolutions as well. Salandit and the Unova twin bugs - Shelmet and Karrablast." Shona piped up with a cheeky smile.

"Awww come on! Do they actually evolve if they interact?! That's crazy!"

"Actually, Salandit Females only evolve if they manage to make multiple males submit to them. She doesn't have to battle them...."

As the Trio walked and compared answers, thoroughly shaking Sonny's hopes on graduating, they arrived at the training area. It was a large portion of grassland with a mid-sized battle arena of 50 meters by 30 meters in width, the outline drawn clearly out in white. Around the circumference stood a team of Mr Mime, Abra and Espurr jointly setting up a barrier under the supervision of the Head Proctor.

Nearby was a standard audience area full of the parents of the examined teenagers. This was arguably one of the most key battles of these teenager's lives, and they wouldn't miss it. Near the audience stood a large Marquis tent with desks, chairs and multiple examiners dashing back and forth with stacks of paper. In the stands, two men sat away from the groups of parents, pretending to not notice the others whispering. Richard's short sleeve t-shirt fully revealed the intricate looped tattoo in a clear red. Almost as if it was branded on to his skin.

"Is that Bruno? From Kanto? What's he doing here?!"

"What's that Ex-com Scum doing here? He shouldn't be here!"

...

The trio stepped forward to the central tent to request a slip with a number on and to write their name on it.

"Awww come on! Number one really?!" Sonny moaned out loud, causing a couple of grateful chuckles among the examinees around him.

"What did you get Blake, you had better be no.2!" Sonny pointed out, hoping his friend would be sharing in his misery.

"No such luck, sorry!" Blake smirked with his paper showing number 20, "How about you Shona?"

"No.5, so I'll be with you in spirit Sonny!" Shona laughed, but she was nearly as nervous as Sonny. She loved playing music with Grookey keeping the beat, battling was not her favourite thing. The trio went off to sit down around the arena, awaiting instructions.

"Just remember the battle plans we came up with," Blake reassured. "Even if it all goes wrong, as long as you don't go mad, you should still pass!"

After a few minutes, a full set of 30 examinees arrived at the pitch, with a couple of exam proctors and rangers on standby. The Head Proctor stood forward with a Loudred by his side on top of a wooden podium and stage next to the setup marquis tent. He held a small microphone with a wire touching his Loudred's ear. The sound reverberated louder and louder as it transmitted across the field.

"Attention! the 2nd part of the P.L.E.s, the Battle exam is about to begin! If you could all sit down around the field out of the barrier, and examinee numbers 1 and 2 step up to the tent. If you have the next number, please come up to pick your Pokemon and prepare. Rangers Ian, Kenneth, Iona, and Laura are here to test you with their test Ditto. You will battle in a 1 Vs 1 battle with a time limit of three minutes! You do not need to defeat your opposing Ditto. You need to prove to us you know how to handle both yourself and your Pokemon in a battle! Not freezing under pressure if something goes wrong! Not endangering your Pokemon with dangerous moves! Having the confidence to think on your feet and face the challenge in front of you. These are the skills we are examining here!

Thankful murmurs arose amongst the crowd on hearing they didn't have to defeat their opponents to win. Afterall these Rangers were very experienced, and they'd have no hope if the Rangers actually made an effort to win. They could simply transmit more energy to their Ditto and overwhelm them.

"It will also be a chance for you all to battle under the eye of an audience. Battling private is one thing, but gyms and other competitive battles will be done in the public eye for the sake of the League. You will have to get used to this, especially if you want to battle professionally or in other regions. That League grant for professional Battlers can't go to everyone! Learning to battle to win for an audience is a key skill for experienced professionals!"

Blake clenched his fist in anticipation, a mad glint in his eye as he looked forward to this rare opportunity. He wasn't going to let a Ranger and a Ditto slow him down! All his preparations had been made, now all that was left was to execute the plan that would net him a victory.

"Now, if examinee number one and two could come up, with number three making themselves known; we can get this started. Each battle will last 3 minutes., then another 3-minute recess. You can collect your scores after your recess and head home to return here at 16:00 with your gear. Let the exam begin!"

"Wish me luck guys! All the luck please? I'm gonna need it!" Sonny smiled to his two friends.

"Good luck Sonny! You got this!" Shona cheered on in support.

"Good luck bro, remember, don't use Sewaddle, they're only good for bug bites!" Blake called out as Sonny walked away, Shona punched him in the arm for that little quip.

"Stop it! You know he's nervous!" Shona admonished.

"He doesn't need to be, he's a great battler and we’ve all worked hard!" Blake looked on in confidence. The trio had spent many days after class, training and practicing with their pre-license Pokemon; and even longer preparing for this exam.

The two continued watching on as Sonny selected his Pokemon from the available list. The Pokemon League strictly imposed a limit on the Poke-balls registered to a trainer to six; however public institutions could hold registered training, working, and utility Pokemon within reason. So, a collection of trainee Poke-balls stood at the ready with a local Nurse joy handling the healing aspect of the test, with Chansey, Clefairy and Audino behind her. The rangers would be assigned three ditto each and would be swapped out after each battle to stay fresh.

Sonny and Shona saw a device brush over Sonny and then over his selected Poke ball before a Proctor gave the thumbs up to start.

"Oh, that's new. They've just released the Mach 2 styler; I didn't know we'd be able to use it for this exam." Blake commented.

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

"What's the difference? It looks the same as the last one we saw in the ranger's hands a couple weeks ago." Shona replied.

"It's a less forceful bonding compared to the previous models, the transmission of energy to the Pokemon from the trainer should be a bit more efficient. However, it's still not even close to Poke-balls."

"Battle No. 1, examinee Sonny Keyne against acting Proctor: Ranger Ian, Battle Begin!" The Head proctor announced to the crowd of examinees and the related audience in the stands. Sonny held his Poke ball to his lips and seemed to be whispering in prayer to it. Anyone would see that he seemed nervous. Blake knew his friend better.

"Umm, come on out Poliwag!" Sonny nervously shouted, throwing his Poke-ball out with a clear wobble in his step.

"Let's go Ditto!" Ranger Ian called.

Poliwag landed its short feet smoothly on the grass of the field, taking in the area and looking around curiously. Ditto on the other hand landed with a quiet squelch and lowered itself in preparation.

"Like we planned, Poliwag! Hypnosis!" Sonny shouted, his voice noticeably a touch higher from nerves.

"Ditto, transform!" Ranger Ian commanded.

Ditto bounced up from the ground so that it could land fully transformed. It needed freedom in order to complete the transformation quickly. The circles of hypnosis from Poliwag had aimed up in the air and landed around Ditto as it transformed, putting it to sleep.

"Impressive, you knew it'd jump." Ranger Ian commented, "Now what?" Ditto's slightly off colour Poliwag form was steadily breathing asleep.

"Use water sport to slide over, then use pound!" Sonny's voice deepened back to normal, his demeanour more confident now.

*This kid's been bluffing ever since standing up. Impressive, he can take these points. *

Poliwag slid across the recently wetted ground, using its tail to push slide itself across, before kicking itself up and beating the sleeping Ditto back 10 feet away with a white glowing tail.

As soon as Ditto landed from the hit, "Wake up Ditto!" he ordered in a commanding voice, the vibrations could be felt in the air, as if Ranger Ian was transmitting power into Ditto through their temporary link.

"Mud Shot, don't let up!"

Ditto nodded awake, a bruise across its stomach could be seen as it flipped itself upright and stood up properly; just in time to see the brown projectiles coming towards it.

"Shoot them with water gun" Ranger Ian commanded.

A small delay came from the channelling of water energy from ditto, allowing a couple small hits from Mudshot hitting Ditto's small feet and encasing them in mud. The remainder were shot down and landed on the field but didn't dissipate or melt into the ground.

"Jump to approach into double slap." Sonny confidently instructed. *With this, that's step one done. I should pass with just this, even if it all goes wrong later, we're safe! *

"Ditto, knock it away with pound". Ranger Ian responded.

Ditto tried to jump and flip around to strike the incoming Poliwag but struggled to move. Poliwag's Doubleslap landed smoothly, its tail going back and forth striking Ditto's head.

*This kid! He planned this far ahead?!* Ranger Ian couldn't believe this.

"Wow, Sonny is rocking this battle..." Shona remarked in wonderment. She had never known this side of Sonny; they hadn't had many battle classes together.

"He's doing good." Blake responded with a pleased smile.

"Doing good?! He's crushing a ranger!" Shona looked over with her eyebrows raised.

"That's a Ranger Shona. Those are league testing Ditto. This is phase one. it'll take a bit more if he wants to actually win." Blake responded confidently.

"Two phases? what are you talking about...."

"Think about it. Sonny likes learning about the weather. How do you think he's going to battle?" Blake smirked as he gave Shona a hint.

"The weather...." Shona looked back between Blake and the stage with a confused expression.

"2 minutes left!" announced the head proctor from the side.

Poliwag jumped back after emptying his tail of normal power with doubleslap on Ditto's head with a satisfied "Poliii!". Ditto looked a bit dazed, but its eyes showed it was still ready to rumble. The Mud bombs at its feet had cracked from the forces at play.

"Our turn, Ditto, body slam!"

"Jump up and use Rain Dance!"

"Follow it up and knock it down!" Ian commanded.

"Poliii" Poliwag jumped up and began to glow intensely with blue light before channelling it into the sky and causing a drizzle of rain. Ditto's still glowing body intercepted it in the sky and pressed Poliwag down to the ground, before jumping back off a few meters away.

"Rain? What do you plan to do with this? It won't last long y'know!" Ranger Ian hollered over at Sonny.

*Doesn't need to* Sonny thought to himself.

"Pound, let's go!"

"Counter with Bubble!"

Ditto shot a beam of water directly towards Poliwag. Poliwag once again slid forward on the sodden ground, using its tail to push itself faster and faster. It's tail glowed white as the rest of it was clad in a blue aura, with a noticeable increase in speed.

*Swift swim, I see, good plan*. "Focus your aim Ditto."

As Poliwag slid closer and closer, water gun eventually slowed down Poliwag as Poliwag tried to counter by using its Pound clad tail as a shield and slid itself forward by spinning. Eventually the sliding came to a halt just as Poliwag looked up at its transformed opponent.

"Water gun it away Ditto".

"Absorb and bubble." Sonny smiled *This is it! *

"Wait, what?!" Ranger Ian exclaimed in shock.

Sonny's Poliwag rolled back, aiming its spiral stomach towards the point-blank stream of water as it continued to glow blue. A full second of water revolving around the spiral on its stomach was replied to with a bubble attack. Small explosions sounded out as Ditto's form was lifted gradually in the air before landing back down with a small crash.

"Use Pound Ditto, before it gets away!" Ian Shouted with urgency. He could feel Ditto's exhaustion. Ditto's sluggish movement allowed Poliwag to dodge as it lost its balance and fell over.

"Body Slam! keep Ditto pinned".

Poliwag landed on top of the exhausted Ditto with a white clad belly flop, Ditto struggled, causing the Poliwag heap to wriggle about.

"30 seconds to go!"

"Use Hypnosis Poliwag! Let's wrap this up!" Sonny said through gritted teeth. He was just as exhausted as Poliwag was, he could feel they were nearing the end and using all these moves was especially draining to him.

From point blank range on top of it, Poliwag's hypnosis circle seemed to grant Ditto sweet relief to sleep once again.

Ranger Ian looked on, knowing that this was his loss, he couldn't believe it. *Sorry Ditto, but I think this kid earned it. What a freak! *

"Now use Wake-up Slap!"

Reddish brown energy clad Poliwag's tail as it smashed Ditto forwards for the final time. Ditto's energy fading before its eyes crossed over. The tell-tale sign for a knockout.

"He did it! Wow he actually beat a Ranger!" Shona was beside herself clapping. Blake was clapping alongside her with a bright smile. He knew how much preparation had gone into the result that just occurred. Poliwag was not a whimsical choice; in fact, it was Sonny's own stubborn choice. He had refused other plans.

Ranger Ian had jogged across the field and shaken hands with Sonny, completely speechless:"...You got me good kid, you'll be a nightmare to battle in the future if you keep this up! Just the knowledge you showed, let alone the strategies would have ensured you passed! Using rain dance and water energy for the swift swim aura, all as a trap! Arceus above!"

"Thank... you Ranger Ian!" Sonny almost blushed from his comments, he thanked him nervously once again for the great battle. He looked out at the crowd - who he had completely forgotten about. Now they were cheering for his victory. He saw his best friends in the crowd waving and clapping for him. He hadn't considered battles to be that much fun. This was nothing like he had experienced with Blake in their training. He could see a familiar face in his trademark lab coat with a massive grin on his face, giving Sonny the thumbs up.

He walked back towards the Marquis tent. He could see examinee number 2, Trent, look at him with shock in his eyes.

"Good luck Trent!" Sonny gave him a thumbs up.

"Are you kidding man, how do I follow that?! That was crazy!". Trent replied wide-eyed.

A few minutes later, with the start of Trent's battle, Sonny walked back towards Blake and Shona to sit down with them, kneeling down and facing them, still a bit stunned.

"You good bro?" Blake asked with a smile.

"Yeah, I'm good, thank you." Sonny reached out to hug the pair of them, Blake could feel the tears on his uniform from his hug.

"Dunno what you mean man, that was all you. You nailed it." Blake patted his best friend's back reassuringly.

As they sat waiting for Shona's turn, Blake looked over towards the Ranger's near the stage. He could see Ian pointing to us three and ask a question; his co-ranger responded with a 5 fingers spread apart, resulting in Ian palming his forehead.

"Hey Shona, I have an idea..." Blake whispered.

...

"You ready for our performance Poppy?" Shona whispered to her Poke-ball. She felt a gentle wiggle in response. She smiled in response "Let's put on our best show!"

"Examinee number five, Shona Demi against acting Proctor Ranger Ian. Battle Begin!"

"Let's start the show Popplio!" Shona called with a flourish of a throw.

"Let's go Ditto."

Popplio landed with a smile and a happy harmonic: "Popplio," Ditto landed in the typical slightly flattened squelch, crouched down once again. Popplio looked at Ditto quizzically before smiling and waving at it as Ditto wobbled silently in focus.

"Ditto use transform" Ranger Ian called out.

"Popplio catch it with Icy Wind" Shona called out with a smile.

*Oh, not again! This is going to be another tough one! *

Popplio chanted with multiple melodic cries of "Popp Poppliooooo" calling forth a cold wind out of her mouth. The frigid wind embraced the newly transformed ditto in the air and followed it as it landed. Ian expected the slight blue aura around Ditto from the speed decrease from icy wind. What he didn’t expect was that Ditto would actually flinch from that attack.

*It can't be* Ian thought internally. *They should have noticed a variant like that beforehand. *

"Now Poppy, use sing!" Shona cracked a smile. *Let's see if he's right*. Popplio began to rock left and right as she channelled white energy around her body.

"I am not letting Ditto sleep again! Use Misty terrain!" Ian sputtered in anger.

Back over in the seating area, Blake smiled "Gotcha. Go get him Shona." *Shona would never put someone to sleep. She loves an audience. *

Ditto's form amassed pink energy slowly, ready to pulse out.

"Popplio, cancel the sing and use Encore." Shona smiled; she knew she had taken the advantage. Ian's face dived further in frustration. *You're kidding! *

Popplio sang out and clapped, releasing a white pulse of energy towards Ditto as it was stuck channelling its fairy type energy. It had temporarily lost the feeling of being able to mould other energy.

"Aqua Jet!" Shona called out.

"Ditto, snap out of it! Please!" Ian said pleadingly.

Popplio dived forward, its form clads in a torrent of water as it struck Ditto square on the chest knocking it back. Ditto's fins still held up fairy type energy as it pulsed out summoning a gentle pink mist. Unfortunately, Ditto still couldn't control itself and once more began channelling Fairy-type energy.

Shona giggled to herself *He won't be able to use fairy-type moves after this, Terrain's and weather take too much energy to use! *

"Follow up with Pound." Popplio's voice once again sang out, this time a blue aura could be seen on popplio's tail, as well as the typical normal type of aura.

*It's using its voice to naturally trigger its ability for extra damage!?*

Ditto was struck back once again by a tail to the face. After landing and struggling back to its feet, its fins finally separated as a second fairy terrain pulse emitted out. Its fins dropped exhausted to its side. It seemed this Popplio was stronger than the previous Poliwag. The exhaustion of its fairy energy didn't help either.

"Ditto use Water gun!" Ranger Ian commanded.

"Dodge and use Baby Doll eyes!" Shona shouted out. *Now the pressure's on! *

Ditto's stream of water flew past Popplio's ducked head as it reared back and gave a pouting wink to Ditto. A gentle light emanated from Popplio and wrapped around Ditto, weakening the power of the water gun.

"Use Aqua Ring Ditto!" Ranger Ian called.

"Use Bubblebeam! Popplio, help them out!" Shona giggled mischievously.

Ian's eyes flitted with Panic, but also excited curiosity. First was that lanky kid with a crazy plan on his Poliwag, now this lass who seemed just as devious.

Ditto clad itself in water type energy and created a rotating ring of water flowing around it, however Popplio's attack wasn't aimed for Ditto, but seemed to join the Aqua ring. The ring restored a small portion of Ditto's health.

"I don't know what you're doing Lass, but I'm not giving you a chance, Ditto use pound."

"Use Icy Wind Popplio, slow it down!" Shona still wore a confident smile. This time, Popplio didn't chant.

Ditto braved forward only to be met with Icy Wind once again, it slowed down once again as it braved the chill; its Aqua ring looked to be frozen solid. The Bubblebeam could be seen as spheres in the Aqua ring. Despite the resistance, Pound hit Popplio square on, but failed to lift and move Popplio to far. Popplio grit its snout and withstood the strike.

"Follow up with Double Slap. We can wear them down!" Ian called out confidently.

"Popplio, its time, Hyper Voice."

Ditto managed to get one hit to with its fin to Popplio's head before Popplio finished chanting and burst out with a sound wave blast. Ditto reeled back from the blast and pain of the loud sound waves. Around Ditto, the frozen Aqua ring cracked as the sound passed through the frozen bubble beam spheres, the small cracks in the spheres magnified the sound inwards; causing Ditto to hold its head in its fins.

Eventually the Frozen Aqua ring broke down and the ice crystals around all fell in towards Ditto, striking it further.

Ranger Ian looked on in complete shock as Ditto collapsed to the floor and transformed back to its original form surrounded by shattered ice crystals.

*This is ridiculous! What is with these kids?!*Ian cursed.