**If you're being harassed by these ******** google ads, turn on Reader View. Activating it and results vary by device.

I am so sorry that I cannot offer any help beyond saying that**

Seishin: Hello readers! It's 'every scene change includes a portion of a song related to what the title is referencing' time again.

Nuevo: *deadpanned* You couldn't have come up with a better name?

Ohirume: *smiles* The song in question will be 'Question'. Amalee English lyrics.

Gem: *blank stare* Wait, the song is called what?

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

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Qualification Classroom

.

"You met the Phantom Pokémon?!" Todd blurted out.

Ash and Soot flinched before groaning. Everyone else looked at the pair worriedly.

Ash cleared his throat before looking at Todd with a nervous smile, "So you found out about that."

Todd quickly took a seat before looking at Ash excitedly, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

Soot sighed, "Honestly, this is why."

Todd perked up and looked at her in confusion, "Huh?"

Soot frowned, "It's pretty much the same whenever we meet someone who knows about all the Phantom Child crag. They get starstruck, start treating dad like he's a prodigy, and sometimes ask for an autograph."

Misty cleared her throat, "Ahem."

Soot chuckled softly, "Okay, most of the time."

Brock sweat dropped, "But she's not exaggerating. We've run into people like that a few times."

Todd frowned and looked at Ash, "But you are a prodigy, aren't you? You met the Phantom Pokémon and founded Inheritance."

Ash frowned, "By pure chance. I found the Phantom when they were hurt, decided to help them, and they gave me Soot's egg as they left. That's it. I'm not a prodigy."

The photographer frowned, "But … that battle earlier. All that stuff about Pressure and those tactics. Not to mention those claw gloves. It's an unbelievable invention."

"All of that was the result of studying like Yvel from a young age, hands-on training, and experimenting with tactics." Ash said before gesturing to his team, "We put in the work to be able to battle like that." He held up his right hand and sprouted the remaining four claws, "And it took me about a year to finish these."

Todd sweat dropped, "Didn't you carry your aerodactyl earlier?"

Ash deadpanned, "I work out a lot, too." He sighed, "How did you find out about us, anyway?"

Todd perked up and blinked in surprise, "I found an article online."

"And what did the article say about any of what you just said?" Ash asked somberly.

Todd's eyes widened in realization before he glanced away apprehensively, "Well…"

"See?" Ash asked, "The people who wrote that and most of the people who call me a prodigy only care about something that I came across by chance. Something that literally could've happened to anyone."

Brock patted the trainer on the back and Pikachu jumped up to his shoulder to nuzzle him. Ash glanced at either of them and smiled softly.

Ash sighed and looked at Todd, "Okay, don't get me wrong. I don't regret what happened that day." He glanced at his hatchling and gave a small smile, "Because I could never regret my daughter."

Soot smiled and rolled her eyes, "Little corny, ya think?"

Ash grinned at her, "What? It's true." He smiled at Todd, "And there are other good things that came from that encounter." He put a hand on the watch; hidden under the table, "After what happened, I became inspired to learn more and become stronger to protect Soot. The experience helped me get to where I am now."

His smile saddened, "It's just the undeserved praise that we have a problem with. It just … doesn't feel right. Yvel, I'm not even sure I wanted something like that to begin with."

Todd blinked in surprise before looking down thoughtfully, "I … think I kinda get what you mean." He looked back at the house, "Whenever someone compliments one of my photos or I get one of them published, I definitely feel a sense of accomplishment." He frowned, "But if someone else took a picture and let me take the credit, it just wouldn't feel right." He looked down thoughtfully with a hand to his chin; eyes closed, "Hm."

Squirtle blinked in confusion, "Who is this guy, again?"

Pidgeotto raised a brow, "Yeah … he looks kinda familiar."

Aerodactyl looked at the Water-type, "New human called Todd. Is photo … something. He take photos during my and Soot battle earlier."

Primeape glanced away sourly, 'Lucky.'

Bulbasaur sweat dropped while smiling, "You mean a photographer."

Aerodactyl smiled and pointed at the Seed Pokémon, "Right. Photo-grabber."

Muk chuckled, "Close enough."

Starmie perked up, "Oh, that's what he is?"

Staryu tilted while looking at the new human curiously, "Huh. He seems a lot different from those paparazzi that follow Misty's sisters around."

Seadra looked at the siblings in confusion, "Para-what, now?"

Electra looked back at the Star Shape and Mysterious Pokémon curiously.

Todd's eyes shot open as he jumped to his feet, "That's it!"

Everyone else jumped and looked at him in alarm.

Soot blinked, "What?"

Todd looked at Ash and smiled excitedly, "I can use my photos to help fix your image! To show people the real reasons to call you a prodigy!"

Ash tensed up, waved his hands, and smiled nervously, "Todd, that's really not-"

"I insist. You helped me out earlier today, so let me return the favor." Todd put a hand to his chest; still smiling, "Besides, I really think I can make it work. I already have a good track record with the Pokémon Times, so publishing should be a breeze."

Clefairy blinked in confusion, "Is one picture really a track record?"

Soot snorted.

Clefairy perked up and looked at her in confusion, "What is it?"

Ash sweat dropped; nervous smile remaining, "U- uh, thanks…" He looked around at his friends, "I guess we could stick around for one more day and put together a training session later."

"Oh, don't worry about that." Todd said before smiling and pointing a thumb to himself, "I'll just tag along with you all and take the pictures along the way."

Everyone else flinched, "Huh?"

.

*Two days later; midday

'Well,' Soot thought while sweat dropping, 'this'll take some getting used to.'

After leaving Todd's hometown, Ash and friends continued towards Cinnabar Island … with Todd now joining them. Everyone was currently sitting around a picnic blanket for lunch.

Though the group was still adjusting to the new party member.

Zubat and -much more noticeably- Primeape were annoyed that Ash couldn't continue helping them with Shadow Ball and Thunder Punch … at least, to the extent that they're used to. They also couldn't slip away to do their training in the woods since Todd would want to photograph the session. They found that out yesterday.

Soot was able to help with Zubat but Primeape kept shooting harsh glares at Todd. Thankfully this went unnoticed by the photographer.

Togepi was only a little upset that 'blue meema', 'yellow meema', or 'orange meema' couldn't play with him … despite the fact that Misty was still playing with him like usual. Weird situation, there.

And, on a related note, Misty and Brock were readjusting to not having access to the Change Lenses.

Brock sweat dropped while chewing, 'I wonder if this is how Ash felt before we found out about the watch.'

Misty was just looking down at her sandwich; mind elsewhere. Togepi was looking up at her curiously.

Ash noticed and looked at her, "You okay, Misty?"

Misty snapped out of it, looked at him, and smiled sheepishly, "Yeah. Sorry. It's just," She frowned again, "aren't you kind of worried?"

Soot raised a brow, "What about? The fact that we haven't seen Team Rocket in about a week?"

Todd perked up and looked at her in confusion.

Misty glanced at Soot; deadpanned, "I'm being serious." She looked at Ash worriedly, "I mean your next Gym Badge. We've been heading to Cinnabar for a long time now and keep getting sidetracked. And that'd still only be your seven badge."

Brock frowned and looked at the watch user as well, "She does have a point, Ash. The Indigo League isn't too far off."

Ash smiled softly, "Well, thanks for the concern, but I really don't think it'll be an issue."

Soot grinned, "Yeah, we still have the backup plan, right?"

"What backup plan?" Todd asked.

Ash and Soot tensed up and looked at him before sharing a look.

Soot looked at the Pewter and Cerulean trainers, "Okay, you may have a point."

Ash crossed his arms and looked down thoughtfully, "Yeah. But I still, at least, wanna try to get my last two main eight badges. That's been my goal from day one." He looked up thoughtfully, "Though, battling two of the lesser gyms as contingency might be a good move. Worst case, I still have six out of the main eight's badges. Best case, I end up with a total of ten." He sweat dropped, "I just hope it doesn't come to the former."

Pikachu raised a brow, "Are the other gyms really that bad?"

Soot translated before looking at him, "Well, not 'bad' per se."

Ash nodded, "The main eight Gyms are just seen as a bigger accomplishment. To most people, a single main eight badge is worth three lesser badges."

Electra flinched and her eyes widened, "Wait, what?! So, you need-" She paused and started counting on her paw, "Uh, eight. Nine. Ten."

"Twenty-four." Soot jumped in.

Electra stared at Ash in shock again, "Twenty-four of those other ones to get into the league?!"

Pikachu, Clefairy, and Togepi looked at Ash in shock as well. Soot translated for Electra.

Ash propped his head up with a fist, "Nah, it's just a reputation thing. You only need eight regional badges to enter a league."

Pikachu and Clefairy sighed in relief.

Brock put a hand to his chin, "Well, a backup would be smart." He frowned, "But I'm not even sure there's a Gym anywhere near here. Much less between here and Cinnabar."

Misty sighed, "Perfect…"

Todd smiled and raised a finger, "What about the Pokémon League admission exam?"

Ash and Soot perked up and their eyes widened. Pikachu and Clefairy noticed, and each looked up at one of them in confusion. Electra perked up and looked at Todd curiously.

Misty blinked in surprise, "The what?"

Todd smiled at her, "The Pokémon League admission exam. There's an admission center just down the road."

Misty deadpanned, "That doesn't answer my question."

Ash perked up, shook it off, and smiled at Misty, "It's essentially a multi-part exam that, if you pass, immediately qualifies you for the Indigo League. There's even a special badge you earn that counts for all eight."

Brock frowned, "Wait, doesn't that kind of sound like Pokétech?"

Todd and Electra looked at the breeder in surprise, 'Pokétech?'

Soot smiled, "It's a little different. Mostly because there are no classes to take beforehand. They just test what you already know."

Ash smiled and raised a finger, "That and it's meant to help trainers who are unable to travel. Like if they're too busy with a job or have some sort of health problem."

The Gym Leaders perked up, "Oh."

Misty nodded, "Okay, that actually makes a lot of sense." She smirked, "This thing already sounds a Yvel of a lot better than Pokétech."

Todd blinked in surprise, "What do you all have against Pokétech? Isn't that like a really prestigious school?"

Electra raised a paw, "Uh-"

Brock looked at her, "Prestigious is another word for fancy."

Electra put her paw down and smiled, "Oh. Cool."

Ash looked at Todd, "They tried to get me to go to their school." He sweat dropped, "Shamelessly, I might add."

"Add the shotty curriculum into the mix and it was easy to deny." Soot said before deadpanning, "I just wish they got the message the first time … or the following three."

Todd looked at Soot in pure shock before looking at Ash, "And you deny you're a prodigy, why?"

Ash deadpanned, "They wanted me before I started studying. It was just more of the Inheritance and Phantom nonsense." He shook it off before smiling, "But yeah, the exam might be worth a shot." He looked at the others, "I'm still gonna try for the last two main eight badges, but this might be the quickest Plan B we have available."

Misty smiled and clenched a fist, "Alright, let's check it out."

Faux: Within my mind, there are only thoughts of you

I'm at a loss, I can't figure out what to do

Laura: Aim at your heart, I'll lock on

Yeah, I'm gonna win it!

Faux and Laura: I swear it!

.

*Admission Center

One of the examiners behind the counter perked up as he heard the front entrance open and looked ahead. He had brown hair and eyes and wore a dark blue tracksuit with red interior.

Four trainers accompanied by five Pokémon walked through the entrance. All of them except the hat-wearing trainer and mightyena were looking around curiously. Though the pikachu wearing the pink shirt, blue belt, and rock necklace was looking around the entire area in awe.

The man blinked in surprise, 'Huh. Do not see that every day.'

The hat wearing one said something to the others and most nodded in response.

The boy with the camera looked around before smiling and walking over to a girl with an oddish. The trainer with the clothed pikachu perked up upon seeing Nurse Joy who applied earlier, smiled while blushing, and rushed over to her. The female pikachu held onto his head as he rushed over.

The other trainers and their Pokémon sweat dropped. The clefairy jumped down from its trainer onto the mightyena before it and the orange haired girl with the togepi still in her arms walked over to a sofa.

Finally, the boy with the hat walked over to the counter with the male pikachu still on his shoulder.

The examiner smiled at the boy, "Welcome. Here at-"

Pike: The days I wished I was cool are in the past

Luke: I gave my all, just to make sure that it would last

But it would seem there's one battle left here that I missed

Pike: Take a hint!

Luke: (I won't quit!)

Pike: I got this!

Team ALPN: Don't count me out 'cause I'm all warmed up now!

.

*Misty, Soot, Togepi, and Clefairy

Misty stretched while Togepi sat in her lap, "Freaking Yvel, my legs are tired."

Togepi stretched as well, "Yeah, tired."

Misty noticed and chuckled before petting him, "Yeah, right. I've been carrying you all day."

Clefairy looked around curiously, "Wow. Their sure are a lot of trainers here."

Soot smiled and translated before saying, "Yeah, it's like dad said. This kind of thing's meant to help out people who can't travel."

Misty glanced back at a person with spiked hair and shades before looking back at Soot and whispering, "But most of these people don't look very busy or sickly."

Soot sweat dropped, "Well, there're always some people trying to use this as a short cut to the league." She sighed, "Like us…"

Misty snickered, "Yeah, but you guys are still trying the normal way. This is just a backup."

Clefairy nodded happily, "Yeah. The new plan B, remember?"

Soot shrugged while smirking, "Eh, shortcut's a shortcut. Most people would just see that as an excuse."

"CHUUU!" "GAH!"

Everyone in the lobby flinched and looked over to find Brock lying on the ground; slightly charred. Electra was standing next to him and pouting sourly with her forepaws crossed. Nurse Joy was looking down at Brock in surprise.

Todd walked over to the downed breeder and stared in shock, "Woah." He then brought up his camera and took a picture of the electrocuted trainer.

Misty deadpanned, "Should I-"

"Nah, I'm on it." Soot said before shifting her eyes and turning invisible.

Brock tensed up before literally jumping back to his feet; now with a slightly noticeable red tint in his eyes. Everyone perked up in response to the action.

'Brock' glared at Todd before whispering harshly in a feminine voice, "Did you really have to take a picture of that?"

Todd flinched and stared in slack jawed shock. Electra's eyes widened in shock.

About a second later, Brock's eyes returned to normal before he started shivering and spasmed a bit, "Oh, dear Arc, that felt even weirder than being intangible."

About a minute later, Soot reappeared next to Misty.

The Water-type trainer looked at the Dark-type in confusion, "Wait, I thought you couldn't do that without getting sick."

Soot swallowed forcefully and frowned uncomfortably, "I can't… I just got back from the bushes by the entrance."

Misty frowned, "Oh…"

Clefairy patted Soot sympathetically.

Brock, Todd, and Electra walked over to the girls and Togepi.

"And that's what happened." Brock said to Todd.

Todd stared at Soot in awe, "Woah." He smiled excitedly and brought up his camera, "Do you think you could do that possession thing again?"

Soot looked at him; deadpanned, "Did Brock happen to mention that I become horribly nauseous after doing that?"

Brock nodded; sweat dropping, "I did."

Soot glared at Todd, "And you still asked me to do it again, why?"

Todd tensed up and sweat dropped, "W- well, I uh…"

Clefairy looked over at the front desk and smiled, "Oh, Ash is back."

The rest of the Pokémon perked up and looked over as well. Brock, Misty, and Todd noticed and followed their gazes to find Ash walking back over; Pikachu still on his shoulder. Clefairy jumped up to Ash's other shoulder.

Brock smiled, "How'd it go? Did you get signed in?"

Ash frowned, "Well…" He glanced at Todd before glancing away, perking up, and blinking in shock. He pointed at something, "Hey, Todd? Am I seeing things, or does that trainer have a green weedle?"

Todd flinched before looking where he was pointing. Everyone else looked in surprise as well. Their eyes widened when they saw a girl standing next to a weedle that was green like a caterpie.

"HOLY ARC!" Todd blurted out before running over to the trainer.

The girl flinched and looked at Todd as he ran up and started asking to take pictures of her Bug/Poison-type; way too enthusiastically. A handful of other people looked at the photographer in alarm. Weedle hid behind their trainer's leg frightenedly.

"Guys." Ash said before motioning them to come closer.

They stared in confusion before doing so.

Misty frowned, "Is something wrong, Ash?"

"Yup." Ash said matter-of-factly, "I can't take this test."

Everyone else flinched and looked at him in shock.

Misty's eyes widened, "Wha-" She tensed up, looked around, and started whispering harshly, "What do you mean you can't?! Something like this should be a breeze for you, right?!"

Ash frowned and whispered, "That's not the issue. The entire non-battle portion of the test is digital."

Brock raised a brow, "What?" After a second, he perked up in realization, "Oh … right. Your clairvoyance."

Ash nodded; still frowning, "Yup. I just saw it in their computers. If I take this exam, I'll know all the answers regardless of whether I've memorized the subject. In other words, I'd be cheating. And you know how I feel about that." He reached into his pocket, pulled out his sunglasses, and tapped them, "Not to mention, these won't help while I'm sitting right in front of the computer. I'm not even sure they'd let me wear them during the exam."

Misty sighed, "Great. There goes that plan."

Soot looked down thoughtfully before perking up and looking at Ash, "Wait. What if someone subbed for you?"

Ash shook his head, "'Fraid not. The rules don't allow a substitute."

"But what exactly did it say?" Soot asked, "Like, what if the substitute wasn't a trainer?" She smirked slyly, "Or human?"

Ash perked up and his eyes widened. Everyone else looked at her in confusion before their eyes widened in realization. Except Togepi who was looking around at everyone in confusion.

Faux: "If you're knocked down, turn it around"

Why does it always seem to end up this way?

Pike: I hear your voice, one I avoid

'Cause it tears me in two

Faux and Pike: Every time I'm near you

.

*Front counter

The man at the counter stared in shock, "I- I'm sorry sir, but I don't believe I heard you correctly. It sounded as though you said you want your Pokémon to take the test for you."

Ash smiled; Pikachu and Clefairy still on his shoulder, "No, that's right. I found a set of guidelines online, and it said that a 'person' can't substitute for an applicant. Legally speaking, Soot's a trained Pokémon. So, there's no conflict with that rule."

Todd sweat dropped as he stood beside Brock and Misty; all a few feet behind Ash and Soot, "That just sounds like a technicality."

Misty smirked while sweat dropping too, "I think that's exactly what it is."

The man sweat dropped, "I suppose you are right, but … why?"

Soot propped herself up against the counter and smirked, "We thought it'd be fun."

The guy flinched and looked at her in shock.

Ash shrugged while smiling, "Yeah. Besides, what would be the harm if she took it? The fact that she can speak fluently should be proof that she's civilized and that she'll behave."

The man behind the counter sighed in defeat, "Very well. But do not come and complain if it fails the exam for you."

Pikachu and Clefairy glared at the man.

Soot's eyes narrowed as she continued smiling, 'Oh, I'm going to enjoy this.'

Ash's eye twitched as he smirked, "I'll accept whatever happens."

The examiner nodded, "Very well." He looked to the side and called out, "New girl! Come help this applicant sign in!"

"Coming sir!" The 'new girl' called out.

Ash, Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy perked up in surprise and looked over at her. Their eyes all widened. Brock and Misty perked up and stared in shock.

A girl with dark brown hair and the same jumpsuit as the examiner hurried over. She put on a bright smile with her eyes closed and handed a clipboard to Ash, "Here you are, sir. Please fill out this form and we'll-"

"Giselle?" Ash asked in shock.

The girl perked up and blinked in surprise. Her eyes widened, "Ash?!" She smiled, "Oh my Arc! I haven't seen you since-" Her smile saddened and she shrugged, "y'know…"

Soot smiled and waved a paw, "Hey, that's in the past. We're not holding any grudges."

Ash raised a brow while smiling, "Although, why are you working here?"

"Oh, I'm here on an internship." Giselle said happily, "After this, I'll move up to the eight-badge class."

Ash smiled, "Good for you. Speaking of, how are things going at Pokétech?"

"Well-"

One of the other workers cleared their throat.

Giselle tensed up before smiling nervously, "U- um, actually, could you please fill in the application form while we talk? We don't wanna hog any of the registration areas."

Ash smiled sheepishly, "Right, sorry." He pulled the clipboard closer, grabbed a pen, and started writing.

Soot looked at the student, "So Pokétech?"

Giselle smiled normally again, "Things have actually gotten a lot better since you came by. Me and some of the upperclassmen set up more in-depth studying sessions using up-to-date books from local libraries alongside the textbooks, and we organized some time to train with the Pokémon the school gives us."

"Good to hear." Soot said with a smile, "And what about Joe? Do you know how he's doing?"

"Yeah." Giselle said, "We've been keeping in touch. I was able to talk the school into letting him keep Weepinbell as his starter and we planned out an efficient route for his Gym challenges. He recently got his fourth badge in Neon City and is heading to Terracotta Town for his fifth."

Clefairy blinked in surprise, "Neon City had a Gym?"

Pikachu sweat dropped while smiling, "I guess Joe's not trying for the main eight, then."

"But enough about me," Giselle said, "what have you been up to?"

Soot snickered, "So much that you'd think we were making it up."

Ash smiled as he continued writing, "We're on route to Cinnabar for my seventh badge, but we keep getting sidetracked by stuff. So, we decided to do this as a backup plan in case we run out of time before the League."

Soot grinned, "And one thing led to another and we decided I'll be the one actually taking the test. Dad and I studied side-by-side, after all."

Giselle blinked in surprise, "Huh…" She shrugged and smiled, "Well, alright then. I wish you luck."

Soot continued grinning, "Thanks."

Ash put the pen down and pushed the clipboard over to the girl, "Here you go."

"Thank you." Giselle said before taking the clipboard and looking over it, "Alright, looks like everything's in order." She reached under the counter, pulled out a light green oval badge with a bolded number on it, and handed it to Ash, "And here's your testing number."

Ash looked at the badge, snorted, and looked at Giselle with a raised brow, "You didn't happen to give us lucky seven on purpose, did you?"

Giselle blinked in surprise before looking down at the pin, "Oh wow."

"Crag. I wanted number seven." A familiar voice muttered.

Ash, Soot, and Pikachu tensed up upon recognizing the voice and looked over. Clefairy followed their gazes and blinked in confusion.

They all found Jessie wearing a dark green suit, black skirt, and red glasses. She also had her hair tied in a double braid.

Jessie flinched before she started writing on her application frantically, "Uh, age, seventeen. Profession, diva."

Soot sweat dropped and muttered, "That woman has no shame."

Pikachu sweat dropped as well, "Ah. So that really is Jessie."

Clefairy tensed up, "O- oh…"

Giselle looked over at the disguised Rocket agent, blinked in surprise, and looked back at Ash, "Do you know her?"

Ash sweat dropped, "Depending on how today goes, we'll see." He shook it off and smiled at the student, "Anyway, thank you for the help Giselle." He smiled nervously and put a hand by his mouth to whisper, "Though, if Soot's name shows up on any boards, would it be alright if you only put our initial for her last name? We don't wanna make a fuss with the whole Inheritance thing."

Giselle smiled and gave a thumbs up, "Oh, no trouble at all. According to the others, we get requests like that pretty often."

She smiled sheepishly and scratched her cheek, "Now, normally, I'd ask you to hand over your Pokémon, but I guess that won't be necessary in your case." She perked up upon realizing something and looked at Soot, "Wait a second. How are you planning to participate in the practical skills test? You'd need to be able to throw the Pokéballs."

Soot smirked, "Oh, don't worry. We already have that covered."

Luke: One thousand times, ten thousand times

I have tried but these feelings are not for words

Laura: Crushing them down, forcing them out

But what else can I say

Luke and Laura: So you won't run away

.

*Exam part 1

The exam room consisted of a tiered seating area with five levels. The bottom-most tier had eight seats and the top-most had four. Every seat had a computer set up and a giant screen was on the wall opposite to the test takers.

Soot had her number badge pinned to a red collar around her right foreleg -covering her zipper- and was located on the second -five seat- row next to Nurse Joy; who had badge number 3. Turned out she was from Fuchsia. Though, more than a few of the surrounding trainers were giving the canine weird or confused looks.

Jessie (badge 634) was located behind Soot with -very obviously- James (546) sitting next to Jessie. The male agent was wearing a dark blue suit and glasses that hid his eyes.

Soot glanced back at James and sweat dropped, 'Of course, they're both here.' She glanced around apprehensively, 'If I see Growlie and Meowth stacked up in a trench coat, I freaking swear-'

"Welcome trainers" The examiner said as he stood in front of the screen and smiled. He glanced at Soot, "and others,"

The Bite Pokémon deadpanned.

"to the Pokémon League admissions exam." The man continued, "This first test will measure your overall knowledge of Pokémon. On your monitors, an image of a Pokémon will be displayed, and a corresponding question will be asked. This portion will be entirely true or false questions and you will have one hour to complete the test. No talking will be permitted. Now begin."

Most of the testers flinched and started.

Soot sweat dropped, 'Little sudden, ya think?' She shook it off and looked at her screen as an image of a lickitung appeared.

Lickitung's tongue is twice the length of its body.

'Huh.' Soot thought, 'I guess it is important to know the range.' She clicked true.

Vulpix evolves into ninetales only by use of a Fire Stone.

Soot clicked true, 'Well, the Kantonian variant.'

Hitmonlee is also known as the 'punching demon'.

Soot deadpanned, 'How the Yvel is that a question?! No one can get it wrong! …' She sweat dropped, 'Okay, not while there's a visual aid, at least.' She clicked false.

The only attack magikarp originally knows is Splash.

Soot raised a brow, 'Wait, like hatched knowing it or caught wild? They can know Tackle before evolving …' She deadpanned, 'Yvel with it.' She hit false.

Caterpie is the world's smallest Pokémon.

Soot hit false, 'Not even close.'

Koffing was originally discovered in a public bathhouse.

Soot hit false, 'Weapons factory.'

Porygon is capable of changing its type through Conversion or Conversion 2.

Soot blinked in surprise, 'Huh… I guess Franz went public.' She hit true.

Joy hit true on the porygon question while sweat dropping, 'I owe my cousin in Matcha a thank you…'

One of the other test takers stared in shock, 'What the Yvel is a porygon?!'

Psyduck is purely a Water-type Pokémon.

Soot smirked, 'With those kinds of abilities, most wouldn't think so.' She hit true.

Arcanine is known as the Legendary Pokémon.

Soot hit true.

James looked at his screen in pure shock, 'L- Legendary?! Growlie?!'

"True. True." Jessie said lazily, "That's true too."

James looked at her in surprise to find her looking at the screen with a bored expression and hitting the true button repeatedly.

A ghastly appeared on her screen, Ghost-type attacks are Super Effective against Normal-type Pokémon.

Jessie hit the button again, "Yeah, that's true too."

The male Rocket Agent stared in awe, "Look at her. She's so good."

Machoke is capable of lifting an entire truck with one hand.

Jessie clicked true once again and muttered, "All I need to do is guess, and I'll get half of them right."

Soot's ear twitched before she sweat dropped, 'Didn't the examiner say no talking?' She shook it off and continued with the quiz.

Faux: Question! Question! Tell me why

Luke: Question! Question! How did I

Pike: Question! Question! Know you were

Laura: Somewhere out there in this endless world

.

*Exam part 2

"Now we will measure your ability to recognize Pokémon." The examiner called out before gesturing to the screen, "Please name the Pokémon by identifying it's silhouette or any part of its body as it's displayed here. You will use the keyboards in front of you to type in the name of your guess. You have twenty seconds to answer or else you will receive a zero for the question."

Soot smiled, 'Well, this could be fun.'

"Here's the first question." The man continued before pointing at the screen, "Identify this Pokémon."

A black circle appeared on the board.

Soot stared at the silhouette intently, 'Perfectly rounded. No appendages. Signs point toward either member of the voltorb line.' She frowned, 'The only problem is that there isn't enough of a difference in their silhouettes without something to compare the size. It's basically a coin flip.'

The Dark-type shook her head before looking at the keypad, 'No, don't over think it. The odds are that either answer is acceptable. And, if not, they'd probably give partial credit for at least getting the right evo-line.' She typed in 'voltorb' and pressed enter.

Behind her, Jessie smiled and typed in her answer, "Obviously, it's an electrode."

And James … *sigh*

"Ah, how simple. It's a pokéball, without a doubt." The Rocket said confidently.

Soot tensed up and glanced back at him blankly.

Team ALPN: Question! Question!

Laura: Tell me how

Team ALPN: Question! Question!

Pike: You feel now

Team ALPN: Question! Question!

Luke: That you are

Faux: Oh so close

Team ALPN: but you feel so far away

.

*Ash, Brock, Misty, Todd, Pikachu, Clefairy, Togepi, Electra

Todd sweat dropped while frowning, "It, uh … it just looks like a ball to me."

Brock smiled and crossed his arms, "I'm gonna guess it's either voltorb or electrode. Both of them are perfectly rounded like that."

Misty raised a brow, "Yeah, but how are they supposed to know which one it is?"

Electra scratched the side of her head, "Good question."

Pikachu smirked, "I'm voting electrode. Most humans prefer higher evolutions."

Clefairy smiled determinedly, "Well, I think it's voltorb."

"Um…" Ash muttered while staring at the silhouette in shock; clairvoyance only slightly hindered by the non-tinted window, "It's … neither."

Everyone looked at Ash in surprise before looking back through the glass. Their eyes all widened in shock as the answer appeared on the screen.

Mizuro: There's only one who can see me for who I am

Yeah, it is you and I feel I can breathe again

Illavera: I'll hone my skills 'till they're strong enough to break steel (appeal!)

.

*Classroom

"And the answer is," The examiner said casually while gesturing to the screen. The silhouette quickly filled in pink and panned downward to reveal, "jigglypuff seen from above."

Jessie and James grimaced before slumping forward. A lot of the other test takers frowned and some flinched.

The examiner turned to face the monitor, "Now, on to the-"

"Excuse me, sir."

The examiner and a handful of examinees looked back to find Soot raising her paw into the air.

The man raised a brow, "Yes, the talking mightyena. What seems to be the problem?"

The Dark-type sweat dropped and put her paw down, "Well, first, my name is Soot; applicant seven." She raised a brow, "Second, I'm not sure I understood the question."

The man smirked and crossed his arms, "Well, that is to be expected. A Pokémon would be sure to have trouble-"

"No, you misunderstand." Soot interrupted, "I don't understand how that question was supposed to make any sense."

The examiner's eye twitched again as he continued smiling, "Would you care to elaborate?"

Soot smiled happily, "Oh, gladly." She took on a stoic expression, "The silhouette depicted for the question was that of a rounded being with no signs of oblong curvatures or appendages of any sort. All signs immediately point towards either member of the voltorb evolutionary line."

The man smiled cockily, "Well, you must think outside the box-"

"A jigglypuff does not fit that description in any logical or practical, real-world scenario." Soot interrupted as she continued; making the examiner's eyes widen in surprise, "For the situation that you have described to occur, a trainer must be directly above or below a jigglypuff in such a precise way that any signs of their ears, arms, feet, or hair curl are not visible. And if this situation were to occur, the trainer would see their mistake approximately five to fifteen second after they tell whatever flying Pokémon they're riding on to land." The Bite Pokémon's eyes narrowed, "This test is the only scenario where a jigglypuff could be viewed in such a way and, even then, it doesn't make sense."

She smirked slyly, "Should I move on to the coloration issue, or have you heard enough?"

The test takers all stared at Soot in shock. After about a second, a handful looked back at the examiner. Though, applicant 10 continued staring at the Pokémon in shock.

The examiner perked up in realization before smirking. He shrugged and looked to the side with a sly smile, "Well I suppose we could just exempt the question so nobody would lose points for it. However, anyone who got it correct would not receive any points either." He looked back at the applicants, "If anyone objects, feel free to say so now."

A handful of test takers flinched and looked away to avoid eye contact. Some started whistling inconspicuously. Others just remained silent. In other words, no one objected.

The examiner just stared in shock. He perked up and looked at the nurse, "Nurse Joy! Surely a Pokémon expert such as yourself sees the value in this question! You must have gotten it correct!"

Nurse Joy chuckled nervously and scratched her cheek, "I actually have to agree with Ms. Soot. I've never been in or heard of a situation where a jigglypuff could be unintentionally viewed like that. Also, I chose electrode."

Soot smirked slyly, "So that question becomes void now. Right?"

The man shot her a harsh glance before sighing in frustration, "Alright, fine. We'll exempt that question. No one loses points for it."

Most of the testers sighed in relief. Others smiled. The rest remained stoic but some cracked a small smile.

"Man, talk about a stroke of luck." Applicant 59 said to the trainer next to him.

"Yeah, no kidding." Applicant 64 responded, "That talking mightyena must be really smar-"

"No talking amongst each other during the test!" The examiner called out; making the pair flinch and look back to the front.

The man cleared his throat and looked at the board, "Next question." A large spiral appeared on the board, "What Pokémon displays this pattern?"

Soot's eyes narrowed, 'Given the direction…' She entered poliwag.

"It must be an omanyte's shell." James said.

"It's an ekans when it's all coiled up." Jessie followed.

Soot's eyes widened, 'Freaking Yvel, one of them might actually be right.'

"The correct answer," The examiner said as a picture of a poliwag appeared, "poliwag."

Jessie and James crashed to their desks. Soot sighed in relief.

The examiner looked at Soot harshly, "Anything to say about this question?"

"Nope." Soot said with a smile, "The swirl directionality was kind of a dead giveaway. Afterall, when a poliwag evolves into poliwhirl, their chest swirl reverses and remains that way as they evolve into poliwrath. Well, if they evolve into poliwrath instead of politoed."

The man smirked and crossed his arms, "Correct." A picture of the full poliwag evolutionary line appeared on screen, "So, you admit that the question was, in fact, flawless."

Soot continued smiling, "Oh, not even a little. The question was 'What Pokémon displays this pattern'. Depending on a person's idea of 'displaying a pattern', it could be argued whether that was a design on their body, a part of their body, or a serpentine Pokémon coiled up."

Jessie grinned and clenched a fist, "Yeah! What the mutt said!"

Soot sweat dropped before shaking it off and smirking again, "Or, given the logic on the last question, wouldn't a poliwhirl or poliwrath standing in front of a mirror and rotated a certain way be a possible choice?"

The examiner jerked, "What?! Why on earth would that be an option?! That's completely ridiculous!"

Soot raised a brow; still smirking slyly, "And the jigglypuff one wasn't?"

The examiner grumbled before glaring at the board again, "Next question!"

Omega: Seems as of late, there's more enemies at my back

Nuevo: Not gonna wait for a sniper's surprise attack

'Cause at this rate someone's gonna snatch far right away!

Omega: (and I'll break) It's in vain (this heartache!)

Omni Force: It picked me up just to knock me back down –

.

**Time Skip**

"Question fifteen." The examiner said as a moving flame appeared on the screen, "What Pokémon does this tail belong to?"

Soot stared at the screen in boredom, 'Full split between yellow and orange, small, no signs of bulbed base, the fact that every question has only involved Kantonian Pokémon…' She yawned, typed 'ponyta', and pressed enter.

"The answer is" The examiner said as the image changed, "ponyta."

"Argh!" Jessie blurted out as she stood up and slammed her desk, "Can't you ask one question that I know the answer to?!"

Most of the other examinees looked at her in alarm.

Soot sweat dropped, 'Saw this comin'.'

"Please take your seat!" The man at the front demanded.

Jessie glared at him, "This test is a joke! These stupid questions won't make you a Pokémon Master!"

'One, not the point of this exam.' Soot thought, 'Two …' She groaned internally, 'she's not completely wrong…'

The examiner glared back, "For your information young lady, a Pokémon Master must understand all aspects of their Pokémon's life in order to achieve oneness with their Pokémon!"

"You're not making any sense at all!" She hit her keyboard, "I'm through with this!"

The examiner pointed at her, "Get out! You are disqualified!"

Jessie tore off her badge and threw it to the floor, "Fine by me!" She charged out a nearby door and slammed it shut.

Nurse Joy looked at the door sadly, "Dear. What a shame."

"Don't worry." Soot said casually, "That was gonna happen no matter what."

Mizuro: You took my hand, helping me stand

Asking me with a smile if I was alright

Illavera: And that was it, I was love sick

The way that you looked at me

I could die happily

.

**Short Skip**

After the second part of the exam finished, all of the applicants gathered back in the lobby where the results were being displayed. A screen descended from the ceiling with everyone's placement organized highest to lowest; starting from the left.

The exam center also apparently saw the need to put the lowest test scores on a smaller screen far off to the side from the main scores. Among the thirty applicants, only Jessie and James were on this screen. And Jessie had a large, red 'EXPELLED' next to her picture.

Every one of the examinees and/or their friends/relatives who accompanied them were looking around the screen to find their placement. Some smiled excitedly, some glared angrily, some were being congratulated, and some were being comforted.

Though, most of the attention was on the image depicting a mightyena.

"Freaking Yvel." Applicant 9 muttered, "It actually got into the top bracket."

The woman next to him stared in surprise, "Yeah. Right next to Nurse Joy, of all people."

Applicant 10 had a hand to their chin with a shine over their glasses, "Very interesting. It's comments regarding the exam were impressive, but this is still quite surreal."

Someone else gulped, "More like unbelievable. I can only imagine how it'll do in the-"

"Will you please stop calling my daughter an it?!" Someone blurted out.

Everyone flinched and looked back to find a trainer glaring at the small handful of people making the comments. Three other trainers, the mightyena, one of the exam center's interns, and a handful of other Pokémon stood around him.

Applicant 27 leaned closer to her friend and whispered, "Did he just say 'daughter'?"

Soot looked at Ash; deadpanned, "Dad, you're making a scene."

Todd was taking a picture of the scoreboard, "Now that's something to remember."

Brock was blushing and smiling goofily at the image of Nurse Joy on the board.

Electra glanced at her trainer, "Pika-Chu…"

Brock tensed up and looked at her nervously, "S- sorry."

Misty glanced down at Soot while smirking slyly, "So, I'm guessing the test wasn't that hard for you."

Soot shrugged and smirked, "Eh. It was mostly random trivia. Thank Arc we found that almanac."

Giselle perked up and looked down at her in surprise, "Almanac?"

Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy frowned uncomfortably upon remembering that conversation.

Soot looked back at her, "Ancient Pokémon almanac recreation. Dad and I found it in a library when we were young."

Ash shook it off and looked at her, "Almost all of the 'neat tips' are now illegal," Todd and Giselle's eyes widened in shock as he continued, "but most of the info like characteristics, biology, and warnings still hold up pretty decently."

Todd stared in shock, "Wh- what do you mean illegal?"

Soot sweat dropped, "You ever heard of a time when farfetch'd was described as a delicacy?"

Electra and Togepi perked up and looked at Soot in shock.

Giselle frowned uncomfortably, "Y- yeah?"

"Well, think that but not just food and a ton of other Pokémon." Soot stated, "There might still be some antique tools out there made of soul steel."

Giselle and Electra flinched and stared at the Dark-type in pure shock. Togepi frowned frightenedly and nuzzled closer to Misty.

Todd gulped and frowned uncomfortably, "Geez. Could have gone the rest of my life without knowing that."

Ash sighed, "Yeah. Pokémon protection laws were lifesavers. Literally, in most cases."

Misty deadpanned as she petted the Spike Ball Pokémon, "We get it. Now please stop before you traumatize Togepi."

Ash smiled at her nervously, "Sorry."

Giselle snapped out of it and shook it off, "W- well, despite … that," She looked at Ash, "I think adding that into the study group's material could be beneficial. Do you remember the name of it?"

Ash smiled, "Yeah. I'll write it down for you."

Omega: One thousand times, ten thousand times

I will endure the pain of a breaking heart

Nuevo: But when I'm sad, I'll always have

This memory so I know there's hope in tomorrow

.

*Exam part 3

"The final portion of the exam," The same examiner from before called out, "will consist of a series of battles against us examiners!" He gestured to the table covered in pokéball belts behind him, "Each of you will be supplied with three random Pokémon! All of which have been trained to follow the orders of any trainer! Please form three single file lines and select a belt! You will also be supplied with information sheets detailing the moves and abilities of your Pokémon!"

Everyone did so. After a few minutes, all twenty-nine applicants had their substitute teams.

The examiner gestured to the side, "Now, everyone move to the field so we may begin!"

James flinched, "Wait, what?! We don't even get a second to prepare?!"

The examiner nodded while smiling at him, "That's what makes it a test." He raised a finger, "This test determines whether a trainer can adapt to a situation."

Soot deadpanned with her belt slung across her neck, "But isn't adapting more about dealing with an opponent? I can understand you wanting trainers to get used to trying new Pokémon, but a crucial part of training is getting to know your team and knowing how they battle."

The examiner glanced at her, "Again with the intrusions?"

Soot raised a paw, "Look, I'm just saying that Pokémon battle more efficiently if they know their trainer and vice-versa. And that's coming from a trained Pokémon." She put her paw down and raised a brow, "And weren't you the one who said 'a Pokémon Master must understand all aspects of their Pokémon's life in order to achieve oneness'?"

The man tensed up before glancing away. He groaned and looked around, "Fine. Everyone will be permitted up to a half-hour to learn about the Pokémon they have received."

Applicant 59 frowned, "Wait, that's it? That's hardly any time at all."

Applicant 27 looked down at the sheet in her hands worriedly, "Well, it's better than nothing, I guess."

Soot smirked.

Omega: Question! Question! I wonder

Mizuro: Question! Question! If you were

Nuevo: Question! Question! Looking at

Illavera: Me by chance, but I really doubt that

.

*Soot and Co.

With the half hour they were given, the group moved over to a section of the woods near the testing center. Right now, everyone except Soot was looking over the information sheet. Soot had already memorized it.

"Uhhhhh…" Misty said while staring at the list of Pokémon in shock, "you're all seeing this too, right?"

Brock nodded as he stared at the sheet blankly, "Yeah… still processing, though."

Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra nodded in a daze, "Same…" Togepi was frowning worriedly and nuzzling Misty.

Ash sweat dropped as he held the pokéballs, "This can't just be a coincidence, right?"

Todd sweat dropped, 'I don't get what the big deal is…'

Soot deadpanned, "Yes, it's weird, but we're on a tight schedule. Dad, please let them out already."

Ash snapped out of it and looked at her, "Right, sorry." He removed the pokéballs from the belt and tossed them into the air.

All three burst open and the team materialized in front of Soot. The Pokémon perked up and started looking around curiously.

Ash's eyes widened slightly upon noticing something.

Pikachu noticed as well and blinked in surprise, "Wait, what the Yvel?"

Togepi flinched and started trembling.

Misty noticed and petted the hatchling, "It's okay, sweetie. Everything's just fine."

Togepi looked up at Misty worriedly, "Promise?"

Misty smiled softly and hugged him, "Promise."

Togepi smiled and nuzzled up to Misty again. They both flinched when they heard a click and looked at Todd as he was pointing his camera at them.

Misty gave him a deadpanned glare, "Really?"

Todd flinched and chuckled nervously, "It seemed like a good shot…"

One of the borrowed Pokémon's ear twitched, and he looked over towards the humans. He noticed one of them holding the pokéball belt and walked over to him. The other two noticed and followed. All three stopped in front of Ash and looked at him.

Ash chuckled and waved a hand, "Sorry, I'm not your acting trainer."

All three perked up and blinked in surprise. The one in the middle looked at the breeder.

Brock shook his head and smiled, "Not me either."

One of them looked at Misty; making Togepi tense up a bit.

Misty grinned, "Still, no."

The third looked at Todd.

The photographer noticed and shook his head, "Nope."

The trio shared a confused look.

"Yo!" Soot called out; catching their attention. She sat down, moved her right leg around to reveal the badge on the collar, and tapped it with a left claw, "Over here."

The Pokémons' eyes widened in shock.

"Y- you're joking. Right?" One of the team members asked.

Soot snickered, "I can see why you'd think that." She smiled at them, "But it's true. Name's Soot Ketchum. I'll be your acting trainer throughout this portion of the exam."

"But…" One of the others said while she stared blankly, "you're a Pokémon too."

Soot nodded; still smiling, "Yup."

The third one burst out into laughter, "Okay, okay. Funny joke." He pointed his tail back at the humans, "Seriously, which one is it?"

Soot deadpanned, "It's not a joke. I'm really your acting trainer."

He looked at Soot, "Look, you got us. You don't have to keep up the act."

"She's really not joking." Ash said.

The Pokémon sighed, "How long do you plan to-" He stopped, perked up upon realizing who said that, and looked back at the humans in surprise. The other two did the same.

Ash chuckled, "Yes, she's speaking human." He held up a hand, "Ash Ketchum. I raised her from an egg." He crossed his arms, "And we really are serious. Soot's been taking the exam in my place and has passed with flying colors."

He reached into his pocket, "And, in case you still don't believe me," He pulled out a folded sheet of paper, unfolded it, and held it out to them, "here's a copy of her exam report with her picture on it."

Todd looked at him in surprise, "Huh? How'd you get that?"

Ash glanced at him with a smirk, "I asked Giselle to print it out in case of this."

One of the Pokémon walked up to Ash, stood up on their hind paws to take the sheet, and looked over it. The other two moved over to look as well.

The girl's eyes widened, "Freaking Yvel, it's true."

The one holding the sheet stared in shock and looked back at the Dark-type, "So you're actually going to be our trainer in the battle?"

Soot grinned, "Yup."

The trio looked at her before frowning and sharing a look. Everyone else -except Todd and Soot- frowned.

Soot smiled sadly, "You still have some doubt, huh?"

The guy without the paper looked at her worriedly, "Can you really blame us?"

The girl nodded, "Yeah. I mean … you have to admit this is weird. Who the Yvel's ever heard of a Pokémon trainer?" She perked up and blinked, "Uh, I mean a Pokémon who is a trainer." She glanced away thoughtfully, "Or maybe you'd call it a trainer Poké-" She shook her head rapidly and looked at Soot, "Whatever. You know what I mean."

The other guy nodded while frowning, "It's not easy to digest."

Soot chuckled softly, "Yeah, I understand. A Pokémon being another Pokémon's trainer is kind of crazy." She smile softly, "So then don't think of me as your trainer."

The trio perked up in surprise.

"What?" One of the guys asked.

Soot smiled, "Don't think of me as your trainer, but as your teammate. An equal. Because that's how I'll see all of you. Even while I'm barking out orders in the battle." She looked at Ash, "Just like how dad sees everyone on his team."

Ash chuckled softly. Todd glanced at Ash in surprise.

Soot smiled at the team, "So, all I ask is that you give me a chance. It is only until the end of the exam, anyway."

The trio looked at her curiously before sharing a look.

"I mean," One of the guys said before looking down at the report, "I guess you're just as qualified as a human."

The girl looked up thoughtfully, "And not every Pokémon can say they've had a trainer who can understand them."

Pikachu snorted and Clefairy covered her mouth to hold back a giggle.

The other guy sighed, "Ah, Yvel with it. What have we got to lose?"

Soot smiled, "Good. Now on to the real reason I brought you guys out."

The female sweat dropped, "I'm a girl."

The guy still holding the report blinked in surprise, "What do you mean 'real reason'?"

Soot glanced at her, "First, I didn't mean the 'guys' part literally. It's a figure of speech." She looked at the second one, "Second, information. If I'm gonna be working with you all, I need to know what you can do."

The third stared in confusion and pointed a digit at her, "But they gave you the info form, right? Our moves and abilities should all be on there."

Soot grinned, "And you actually think that's enough?"

Her team's eyes widened in surprise.

Soot smiled determinedly, "A move set and ability can't tell you everything about a Pokémon. I need real info. The styles of your attacks. What you're best at. What you're worst at. Your preferred style of battle. Speed, attack, defense, et cetera. Stuff I can only normally get by training you for months on end."

The trio's eyes widened in awe as she said this. Ash couldn't help but smile proudly.

"I may only be your trainer for a day." Soot grinned wickedly and shifted her eyes, "But I'm gonna make every second count. We're gonna show that examiner what being a trainer's really about!"

The trio perked up and stared in shock.

"What the Yvel just happened to your eyes?!" One of the guys blurted out while pointing his tail.

Soot sweat dropped, "Right…" She glanced back at Todd before grumbling and looking at her team, "You ever heard of the Phantom Pokémon?"

Omni Force: Question! Question!

Illavera: With a smirk

Omni Force: Question! Question!

Nuevo: But no words

Omni Force: Question! Question!

Mizuro: It seemed you were

Omega: Nodding yes

Omni Force: but my whole world is a blur

Mizuro: *guitar instrumental*

.

*Team Rocket

Jessie, James, Meowth, and Growlie stared at James's temporary team in pure shock.

James smiled excitedly and clenched a fist, "This exam's in the bag!"

Seishins: So please tell me

.

*Battlefield; later

"Alright Squirtle!" Nurse Joy called out, "Water Gun!"

The Tiny Turtle Pokémon inhaled and fired the stream water at the opposing charmander.

"Char!" The Fire-type cried out as the attack struck.

Joy held out a hand, "Now, Skull Bash!"

Before Charmander could react, Squirtle charged forward and rammed into them. Charmander tumbled back before laying on their side with their eyes swirling.

The ref held up a hand, "Charmander is unable to battle!" He gestured to Joy, "Squirtle wins, and the victory goes to Nurse Joy!"

Joy smiled and held up a fist, "Yes!"

The crowd started applauding.

Brock clapped enthusiastically and called out, "Alright, Nurse Joy! Way to go!"

Togepi was clapping happily. Everyone else sweat dropped and smiled nervously as Brock continued cheering.

The main examiner smiled and clapped as well, "Very impressive." He walked over to the field, "Applicant five-four-six! To the field!"

James ran up to his side of the field immediately

The Gym Leaders and Pokémon -minus Soot- tensed up at the sight of him; all having been told that it was him by Ash earlier.

Todd blinked in surprise, 'Why does he seem familiar?'

Soot smirked, "This ought to be good."

Ash crossed his arms, "Well see…"

"Come on, James!" Jessie called out, "Beat that ignoramus!"

"You've got this!" Growlie barked.

Meowth smiled determinedly, "Show 'em whose boss!"

James pulled a pokéball off his belt and held it out, "Absolutely! With this Pokémon, I can't lose!" He reeled back, "Go, P-"

"Wait until we start!" A referee shouted at him; making James flinch. She cleared her throat and announced, "This match will be a series of single battles with no time limit. Both sides may use up to three Pokémon and substitutes will be permitted on either side. The match will be decided when one side's Pokémon are unable to continue. Are the rules clear?"

Both sides nodded.

The ref held up a hand, "Then," She brought it down forcefully, "Begin!"

James grinned, reeled back again, and threw the ball forward, "Now go!"

The examiner threw a pokéball as well, "Go!"

The balls burst open as the energy took shape on either side of the field. A graveler appeared on the examiners side as a familiar looking Electric-type appeared on James's side.

"Pikachu!" James's Pokémon cried out.

The group's eyes widened in shock. Growlie's eyes widened at the sight of the opponent.

"Uh … wow." Pikachu asked.

Todd smiled, "Hey, he got a pikachu too. Cool."

Ash blinked, "That's one word for it."

James smiled determinedly and clenched a fist, "This battle's as good as mine!" He held out a hand, "Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" He smiled blissfully, "Oh, that feels good to say."

Everyone in the group snapped out of it and deadpanned while sweat dropping.

Growlie frowned, "Uh oh."

Meowth looked at the Fire-type in confusion.

"Pika! Chuuuuu!"

Meowth looked back at the field as the Electric-type unleashed a large bolt of lightning at the Rock Pokémon. Jessie and James smiled excitedly as the attack struck. The attack subsided a second later and Graveler smirked.

Jessie, James, and Meowth's eyes widened in shock, "Huh?"

The examiner smirked, "You should have known that electricity has no effect against Ground-type Pokémon."

Meowth frowned and looked at Growlie, "Oh, that's what you meant."

Jessie glared and clenched a fist, "So what?! He just can't use Electric attacks, right?! We've seen the twerp's pikachu use other attacks!"

Growlie sweat dropped, "About that… what did the sheet say that pikachu's moves were, again?"

Meowth blinked in surprise, "Uh, I think it was Thundabolt, Thunda, Quick Attack, and Tail Whip."

Growlie sighed, "I was afraid of that."

James gritted his teeth, "Well then." He pulled the remaining two pokéballs off his belt and threw them, "How about this?!"

The balls burst open as a charizard and ivysaur appeared on either side of the pikachu.

Ash, Soot, Brock, Misty, Pikachu, Clefairy, Electra, and Togepi stared blankly at the Mouse, Seed, and Flame Pokémon on the field.

"… are we being pranked, right now?" Misty asked.

James smiled cockily, "With these I can win! Now what do you say?!"

A whistle sounded from the side of the field. James perked up and looked over to find the ref glaring at him.

The ref pointed at him accusingly, "This is strictly a single battle! No more than one Pokémon is allowed on either side of the field! Return two of those Pokémon this instant or be disquali- Gah!"

"Oh, shut it already!" Jessie shouted as she shoved the ref over.

She, Meowth, and Growlie ran up to stand alongside James. A large handful of the other examiners, Todd, and the crowd stared in shock.

Ash, the Gym Leaders, and their Pokémon all deadpanned, 'Here we go…'

The examiner glared at Jessie and pointed, "What do you think you're doing here?! I expelled you!"

Jessie smirked with her hands on her hips, "Prepare for trouble! It's time for payback!"

James crossed his arms, "And make it double! But before we attack-"

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

The female agent removed her glasses, "Jessie!"

The male agent followed suit, "And James!"

Both grabbed their shirts and tossed them off to reveal their usual outfits.

"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

The Normal-type pointed while smirking, "Meowth! Dat's right!"

Most of the crowd -Todd included- and some of the other examiners flinched and stared frightenedly.

Giselle blinked in surprise, "Oh… I guess that's what he meant." She glanced away sourly, 'How the Yvel did I not see through that disguise?!'

Clefairy blinked in confusion, "Wait a second. How was Jessie wearing her long sock things with that disguise on?"

Electra raised a brow, "And when did they put their gloves on?"

"Well …" Soot said before sighing in annoyance, "adding it to the list." She looked up at her father, "Should we go ahead and jump in? They have a lot more firepower, this time."

Ash shrugged, "Eh, let's give it a minute and see how it goes."

Todd jerked and looked around at the others in shock, 'How are they so calm about this?!' He perked up and blinked, 'Wait, this time?'

The examiner sweat dropped while looking at Meowth, 'Great, another disruptive, talking Pokémon.' He shook it off and glared at the Rockets, "What is the meaning of this?!"

Jessie smirked, "Payback! I'm gonna make you pay for failing me just because I didn't know the answers!"

James smiled determinedly and gestured to the trio of Pokémon in front of them, "And with these Pokémon, it'll be a cinch!"

Meowth grinned and glanced at Ash, "And while we're at it, we might as well gather up some otha Pokémon ta go!"

Most of the crowd in the Scratch Cat Pokémon's line of sight flinched and stared worriedly. Ash rolled his eyes.

The examiner deadpanned and took a deep breath ending in a sigh. He glared and held out a hand, "Ivysaur, Charizard, Pikachu! About face!"

Without a second thought, the trio of borrowed Pokémon turned to face Team Rocket. The four of them flinched and stared in shock.

Ash and Soot perked up and their eyes widened slightly, 'A code phrase?'

Growlie frowned worriedly, "Oh … that actually makes a lot of sense."

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt the meowth!" The examiner called out, "Graveler, Rock Blast the growlithe! Ivysaur, retrieve the pokéballs with Vine Whip!"

The Electric, Rock/Ground, and Grass/Poison-type fired their attacks immediately.

"AHHHHH!" Meowth shrieked as the attack struck. He fell back with his eyes swirling.

"Growl!" Growlie cried out as the attack shot him back. He landed in a heap in front of the humans.

James just stared in shock as Ivysaur's vines tore the pokéball belt off his waist and reeled back in. He glanced at Jessie, "Run?"

"Run." Jessie said immediately.

James pulled out a pokéball and returned his Puppy Pokémon as Jessie ran up and picked up Meowth. The humans made a break for the front entrance.

"Team Rocket's running off again!" The pair cried out as they ran out of sight.

Brock watched as they left and smiled, "Huh. That went well."

The examiner pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered, "One year without an attempted poaching… Is that too much to ask?" He looked to the crowd and called out, "Apologies, everyone! Due to this interruption, we will take a short, ten-minute break before continuing with the battle portion of the exam!"

Gem: "If you're knocked down, turn it around"

Why does it always seem to end up this way?

Amber Mewtwo: I hear your voice, one I avoid

'Cause it tears me in two

Gem and Amber Mewtwo: Every time I'm near you

.

*One intermission later

"Applicant seven! To the field!" The examiner called out before he sighed and mumbled, "Great. We're going to have to get it's pokéballs de-slobbered after thi-"

"Soot! Marionetter!" Ash called out.

The examiner perked up in surprise and looked over towards the source. Most of the crowd looked over as well.

Everyone found Soot walking over to her side of the battlefield on her hind legs with her eyes in their inherent design and the pokéball belt strapped across her chest diagonally. Ash walked alongside her with his arms crossed and the strings attached to his fingers; twitching his fingers slightly to make the Dark-type walk.

Most of the crowd's eyes widened in shock.

"Woah." Todd said in awe. He smiled excitedly and started snapping pictures of the bipedal mightyena immediately, 'It's even cooler than the article said.' He looked at one of the pictures and perked up in surprise.

"Wha- what the Yvel is this?!" The examiner cried out, "How are you moving like that?!"

Soot smirked, "We call it Marionetter." Ash twitched two of his fingers as Soot put a paw to her chest, "Simply put, I'm not currently in control of anything except my eyes and mouth." She glanced at Ash, "He is. I'm essentially a puppet, right now. "

Applicant 10 glanced away thoughtfully, "Marrio-" He perked up and looked at Ash and Soot in shock, "No way."

Ash smiled, "Feel free to look it up online later." He clenched his left hand and pointed a thumb towards the stands; causing Soot to raise her left arm into the air, hold her right arm out to the side, and press her tail against her back, "But don't worry, I'll be at the stands. We already set up a signaling system for throwing pokéballs."

The examiner blinked in surprise, "I see…"

Ash glanced at Soot and moved his fingers for her to put her arms and tail back down. He then walked over to the stands and jumped over the barrier to stand next to his friends.

"Hey, Ash?" Todd asked.

Ash looked at him, "Yeah?"

Todd showed him the picture on his camera. It depicted him and Soot in the midst of walking towards the field. But with a noticeable lack of translucent purple strings … anywhere.

Ash smiled, "Oh, that. Soot's strings are phantasmal. They won't show up on a standard camera."

Todd nodded, "Oh." He looked down at the camera and sweat dropped, "Welp, I know what I'm getting when we reach a town."

A referee walked up to the side of the field and announced, "This match will be a series of single battles with no time limit. Both sides may use up to three Pokémon and substitutes will be permitted on either side. The match will be decided when one side's Pokémon are unable to continue. Are the rules clear?"

"What's more," The examiner said, "interfering with your own attacks will be a violation punishable by expulsion. Is that clear?"

Soot deadpanned, "Yes. And I wasn't planning to do any of that to begin with." She glanced at the ref, "I understand the rules." She whistled. Her right arm shot up, snatched the topmost pokéball from her belt, and enlarged it.

The examiner perked up in surprise before his eyes narrowed, 'Must be one of the signals its trainer mentioned.' He reached back, pulled out a pokéball as well, and enlarged it.

"Start!" The ref called out.

The examiner tossed his pokéball into the field, "Go!"

Soot tossed hers as well, "Meowth, take the field!"

A meowth appeared on Soot's side and took up his fighting stance. A flareon appeared on the examiner's side. Both stared the other down.

Misty sweat dropped while smiling nervously, 'Still weird to see.'

Soot's eyes narrowed, 'Flareon, huh?' She placed the pokéball back on the open space.

The examiner held out a hand, "Flareon! Flamethrower!"

Soot perked up, 'Starting immediately, I see.' She smirked, "Dodge it! Then Fury Swipes!"

Flareon inhaled and unleashed a jet of flame towards Meowth. The Normal-type jumped to the side and ran towards the Fire-type. Meowth jumped above Flareon as glowing, foot-long claws burst out of his forepaws.

The examiner smirked, "Now, stop it with Flamethrower!"

Flareon inhaled.

"Feint Attack!" Soot shouted.

The man's eyes widened as Meowth vanished right before Flareon unleashed the attack. Meowth reappeared behind Flareon and kicked them to the side.

"Flare!" The Flame Pokémon cried out as they shot to the side and crashed to the ground.

"Hidden Power!" Soot shouted.

A ball of green energy appeared on Meowth's charm and shot towards Flareon.

The examiner grimaced, "Dodge with Quick Attack!"

Flareon got back to their feet and zipped out of the way of oncoming attack.

"Now Tail Whip!" The man shouted.

Flareon skidded to a halt, pivoted, and swung their tail around. Meowth just watch curiously before cocking his head.

Soot gritted her teeth, 'Defense drop.' She stared intently, 'Still, that's three.' "Hidden Power!"

"Counter with Flamethrower!"

The Fire-type and Normal-type formed and unleashed their attacks simultaneously. They connected in the center of the field, detonated, and kicked up a large cloud of dust.

"Flare Blitz!"

Soot and Meowth's eyes widened as Flareon burst through the dust; shrouded in blue flames.

'That was number four?!' Soot thought before calling out, "Brace yourself!"

Meowth stood up on his hind paws and crossed his forelegs as Flareon rammed into the Scratch Cat Pokémon and shot him back.

"Nya!" Meowth cried out as he tumbled back.

The flames faded as Flareon skidded to a halt. They immediately tensed and grimaced as a crackle of blue 'electricity' traveled across their body.

Soot glanced at them and smirked. She looked at her Normal-type, "Meowth, you okay?"

Meowth slowly got back to his feet, "Y- yeah. I can still battle."

Soot smiled, 'He wasn't burned.' "Good to hear."

The examiner gritted his teeth and held out a pokéball, "Flareon, return!"

The red beam shot out and the Flame Pokémon disappeared into it. The man put the ball away, brought out another, and threw it, "Now, Vaporeon! Go!"

The Bubble Jet Pokémon appeared in a flash, "Por!"

"Vaporeon, huh?" Soot muttered before smirking, 'Lucky us.'

The examiner held out a hand, "Water Pulse!"

"Feint Attack!" Soot shouted.

Vaporeon formed a ball of water on their forehead and shot it at Meowth. In response, Meowth vanished on the spot, reappeared behind them, and kicked Vaporeon to the side.

The examiner gritted his teeth, "Crag."

Soot grinned, "Hidden Power!"

Meowth formed another sphere on his charm and fired. Vaporeon couldn't react in time and the sphere exploded against them.

"Vaaay!" Vaporeon cried out as electricity began traveling across their body.

The examiner grimaced and stared in shock, 'Electric-type?!' He glared, "Ice Beam!"

Vaporeon inhaled before firing a stream of freezing water from their mouth.

"Dodge it!" Soot called out.

Meowth jumped to the side only a second too late. Ice Beam managed to hit him in the foot and froze it solid.

"Nya!" Meowth cried out as the ice block forced him back to the ground.

The examiner grinned, "Now! Muddy Water!"

"Vaaaaaaaay!" Vaporeon called out as a wave of brown water, littered with leaves appeared from behind them and began flowing forward at an alarming rate.

Meowth stared in shock as the wave crashed down onto him.

"Meowth!" Soot cried out.

The water drained away after a moment to reveal Meowth lying on his back with his eyes swirling.

The ref held up an arm, "Meowth is unable to battle!" He gestured to the examiner, "Vaporeon wins this round!"

Todd frowned, "Aw man."

Brock frowned as well, "Not good. Soot just lost the advantage."

Misty glared and held up a fist, "Don't give up, Soot! You're still in this."

"Cle-fai-ry!" "Toge toge!" Clefairy and Togepi cheered.

Ash and Soot smiled at them before Ash started moving his fingers.

Soot grabbed and held out the Normal-type's pokéball to him, "Nice work, Meowth. Get some rest." Meowth disappeared into the beam.

Soot took a deep breath ending in a clenched teeth hiss. She grabbed the bottommost pokéball from the belt.

"Weezing, your move!" Soot called out as she threw the ball.

The Poison Gas Pokémon appeared in a flash.

"Vaporeon is staying in." The man said.

"Alright." Soot said before calling out, "Smog!"

"Weezing!" The Poison-type called out as they shot towards Vaporeon and spewed dark green gas from their pores.

The Poison-type attack shrouded the Water-type in a matter of seconds. They could be heard coughing in the cloud.

"Now, Tackle!"

Weezing disappeared into the cloud. They shot back out with Vaporeon on their larger head and shot them back. Vaporeon crashed to the ground in front of their trainer.

"Vaporeon!" The examiner called out in alarm.

Soot smiled, "Woo! You go, girl!"

Todd sweat dropped, "I still can't believe that weezing's actually female."

Misty looked at him; deadpanned, "Little rude, ya think?"

Todd looked at the Cerulean trainer in confusion, "Huh?"

The examiner gritted his teeth and held out a hand, "Vaporeon! Water Pulse on yourself!"

Vaporeon's eyes narrowed as they formed another water ball and fired it straight up.

Electra flinched and stared in shock, "Wait, what?! Why would you attack yourself?!"

Misty tensed up and grimaced, "Crag! Water Absorb! Vaporeon's about to heal!"

Ash smirked, "About that."

Soot smirked as the water ball fell back down and exploded on Vaporeon.

"VAY!" The Water-type cried out as they flew back and crashed to the ground.

"What?!" The examiner blurted out in shock.

Soot smirked, "Oh, I'm sorry. I guess I should've mentioned Weezing's Neutralizing Gas." She glared, "Tackle!"

Weezing shot towards Vaporeon.

"Not so fast!" The examiner shouted, "Ice Beam!"

Vaporeon managed to inhale and fire Ice Beam at the approaching Poison Gas Pokémon.

"Weez!" Weezing cried out as the attack struck. She crashed down next to Vaporeon; frozen in a block of ice.

The examiner grinned and clenched a fist, "Hah! Weezing is frozen solid! You have lost this round!"

Soot frowned and sighed, "Yeah. At this point, she's defenseless." She glared, "Explosion!"

The examiner's eyes widened in shock, "Vaporeon! Get out of-"

Weezing's eyes widened as she lit up white for a split second and exploded violently. The pair became engulfed in a massive cloud of dust.

The ref raised a hand, "Self-knockout attack! Weezing is unable to battle!"

Todd frowned worriedly, "But what about Vaporeon?"

"We'll see." Brock said while frowning.

The dust slowly started fading. Weezing was on the ground with all of her eyes swirling. Vaporeon was on their feet but panting heavily and trembling.

The Bubble Jet Pokémon yelped before falling to the side; eyes swirling.

The ref held up a hand, "Vaporeon is unable to battle! This round is a draw!"

The group sighed in relief.

"Way to go, Soot!" Pikachu called out.

"You've got this!" Electra followed.

The examiner stared in surprise before cracking a smirk, "Not bad." He held out a pokéball, "Vaporeon. Return."

Soot smiled and held out a pokéball, "Get some rest, Weezing. You've earned it."

Both Pokémon disappeared into the beams.

Soot put the ball back on her belt, "Y'know, I've gotta hand it to you. You're one Yvel of a battler. Even with a fully randomized team, you're handling them as if they were your own." Her smirk turned sly, "But there's something I've come to realize about you."

The examiner's eyes narrowed, "And that would be?"

"Well," Soot said, "you obviously have a good memory if you memorized all the moves of the Pokémon here, but you seem much more tuned to heat-of-the-moment thinking. You don't seem to be an expert in move styles or biology like I expected. It seems like this test would go a lot smoother if your contribution was only in the battle portion."

The man's eyes widened slightly.

She smirked, "And that got me thinking. You said earlier that poaching attempts happen almost yearly. So much so that you set up code phrases to stop your Pokémon from listening to the assailants. In other words, you're not new here. But I doubt a seasoned examiner would act quite like you did during the question portion. I can't have been the first applicant to comment on what might have actually been trick questions meant to incite argument. My point." She brought up and pointed a claw at her opponent, "What I said about the battle portion is your real position here, isn't it?"

The examiner just stared in shock. After a moment, he started chuckling softly before bursting out into hearty laughter. The crowd and exam center workers looked at him in surprise.

"S- sir?" Giselle asked in confusion.

The examiner calmed down after a moment and smirked at Soot, "Very impressive. You are correct. I'm not the man normally in charge of the non-practical exams. That would be my twin brother."

"Wait, what?!" One of the other examiners blurted out.

The main examiner continued smirking, "My brother and I have been working this exam in tandem for quite some time and have done our best to conceal this fact from our help. He is the brain during tests, and I am the brawn during these battles."

Misty stared in shock before looking at Ash and pointing at the examiner, "Did you know that?!"

Ash shrugged, "Well, I had a hunch. But Soot got the idea first."

Soot smiled, "So questions like the jigglypuff one-"

"Written by my brother." The examiner jumped in, "He has always been secretive about which were meant to be trick questions. My brother would likely have appreciated your input."

The man put a hand to his chin, "But still, very few applicants have ever seen through our routine." His eyes narrowed as he continued smirking, "And you are the first to see through it while he is on a business trip."

Soot smirked, "Huh. Cool. Does that mean extra credit?"

The man grinned, "We will see. But I will admit that I have been greatly underestimating you, talking might-" He paused and cleared his throat, "apologies. Miss Soot."

Soot snickered before smiling kindly, "Alright, apology accepted. But you can just call me miss Ketchum. It's mine and my trainer's last name."

Some people in the crowd and some of the center workers' eyes widened; only just realizing the significance.

"Very well. Now then," The examiner pulled out a pokéball and enlarged it, "I believe we have a battle to finish, miss Ketchum!"

Soot's eyes narrowed, "Sounds good!" She clicked her tongue and snatched the middle pokéball from her belt.

Both sides tossed their pokéballs into the field, "Flareon, return to the field!" "Arbok, enter the fray!"

The Flame and Cobra Pokémon emerged in a flash. Some of the crowd perked up in surprise upon seeing the Poison-type.

Arbok's eyes narrowed as Intimidate triggered. Flareon tensed up slightly.

The examiner's eyes widened, 'That arbok again.' He frowned, 'How unfortunate. I was hoping for a good battle, at this point.'

Soot noticed his expression and smirked slyly, 'He really doesn't know, does he?' Her eyes narrowed, "Use Glare!"

Arbok's eyes narrowed and lit up light blue. Flareon flinched and stared fearfully. A small bolt of electricity traveled across the Fire-type's body.

The man gritted his teeth, 'Crag.'

"Now, Poison Sting! Rapid Fire!"

Arbok opened his mouth as a barrage of purple needles shot out. Flareon just gritted their teeth as the attack barraged them.

The examiner held out a hand, "Counter with Flamethrower!"

Flareon inhaled and fired at the Poison-type attack. The flames burned up the needles in an instant and continued towards Arbok.

"Dodge it!" Soot called out.

Arbok shot out of the way as the flames passed by. Flareon tensed up slightly. Soot noticed.

"More Flamethrower! Don't stop until you hit it!"

"Keep dodging!"

Flareon continued shooting fire all around the field. Arbok continued dodging and weaving through the repeated attack without taking a single hit.

The examiner glared, "This isn't going anywhere." He held out a hand, "Enough Flamethrower! Use Quick Attack!"

Flareon stopped attacking and took one step forward … and then fell over and fainted.

"What the Yvel?!" The examiner blurted out.

The ref continued staring at the examiner in shock. After another second, he perked up, shook it off, and brought up a hand, "Flareon is unable to battle!" He gestured to Soot, "This round goes to Arbok!"

The examiner stared in shock, "H- how did-" He tensed up before facepalming, "Poison affliction!"

Soot smirked, "Yup. All Arbok had to do was avoid Flamethrower."

The examiner chuckled before smiling, "Clever." He held out a pokéball, "Return!"

Flareon disappeared as the man pulled out his third pokéball and threw it, "But that strategy will not work twice!"

The pokéball burst open as a jolteon appeared on the field and stared down Arbok.

The examiner smirked and crossed his arms, "Arbok's Glare will not be able to Paralyze an Electric-type. Jolteon will be running circles around it."

Soot smirked, "Are you sure about that?"

The examiner raised a brow, "What do you mean? That arbok does not know any speed enhancing moves."

"True." The Dark-type said before she looked at her Poison-type, "But notice anything special about him?"

The man perked up and looked at the Cobra Pokémon. Namely his hood.

Unlike the average hood, this one had rounded yellow eyes with black and horizontal slit pupils, red eyebrows, and thick black shading around the eyes. The mouth resembled incisors with three curved black markings positioned around it.

The examiner blinked, "I admit its markings are different than normal," He looked at Soot, "but I thought that was irrelevant. It's just a decorative appearance like a vivillon, is it not?"

Soot snorted, "Oh, not even close." She smirked, "The pattern isn't irrelevant in the slightest. It tells you an arbok's stat ratio."

The examiner's eyes widened, "St- stat ratio?"

Soot smiled, "The regenerative pattern may be the most common and well known, but the other patterns still appear often enough. Each pattern has its advantages and disadvantages."

Giselle stared in shock, 'Wait, patterns?! As in plural?!'

Clefairy blinked in surprise, "Oh. That's why his chest is different."

Pikachu frowned before jumping up to Ash's shoulder and whispering, "Hey, which pattern is Jessie's arbok?"

"Regenerative." Ash whispered back, "The common one."

The examiner's eyes narrowed, "And what would this pattern be?"

"The speed pattern." Soot responded, "A small drop in special attack, a larger drop in defense and special defense, but a fair increase in attack" Soot smirked wickedly, "and a massive increase in speed. Show 'em, Arbok!"

Arbok smirked before vanishing in a blur and reappearing in front of Jolteon. The Lightning Pokémon and their trainer could only stare in shock.

"Ice Fang!" Soot shouted.

The Cobra Pokémon opened his mouth as four light blue bolts extended from his fangs. The energy fangs clamped down on Jolteon less than a second after forming.

"Jol!" Jolteon shot back from the hit and tumbled along the ground. They slowly got back to their paws but were shivering terribly.

The examiner grimaced, "Discharge!"

Soot smirked, 'Not a bad choice.' "Dodge!"

Jolteon's spiked fur began crackling wildly before they unleashed a massive grid of electricity all around the battlefield. Arbok smirked and shot around to dodge the frantic electricity. On occasion, he'd disappear from view in a blur. Only Ash, Soot, and Pikachu were able to keep up with his movements. Didn't stop the male Mouse Pokémon from staring in jaw dropped shock, though.

The examiner's eyes widened in shock, 'All this time … this is what this arbok was capable of?' His eyes widened, 'Wait, lower defense?! That is why-' He smiled excitedly, 'Not even brother realized that!'

He smirked determinedly, 'However, that will still not be enough.' He held out a hand, "Now! Charge Beam!"

Jolteon's fur began crackling again as a yellow sphere appeared in front of their mouth. Less than a second later, a beam of electricity shot out of the ball and towards Arbok.

Arbok's eyes widened fearfully.

"Counter with Poison Sting!"

Arbok perked up and his eyes widened.

'If an attack is unavoidable or too fast to dodge, counter it.'

He glared determinedly and began firing off the barrage of purple needles from his mouth. The attacks collided at the center of the field and detonated violently; kicking up a cloud of dust.

"Quick Attack!"

Jolteon burst through the cloud while glowing white and charged Arbok. Arbok tensed up and lurched to the side. Jolteon shot by and managed to just graze the Cobra Pokémon. Arbok grimaced as he skidded to a halt.

'If you don't have time to counter and you can't avoid an attack completely, try to limit contact to a graze.'

The Poison-type smirked and looked at Jolteon determinedly.

Soot smiled, 'Nice.' "Poison Sting again!"

The examiner glared and held out a hand, "Charge Beam!"

Arbok fired off the Poison-type attack again as Jolteon formed and fired the beam again. The attacks collided and exploded midfield; kicking up another cloud of dust.

Jolteon perked up as another Poison Sting shot towards them and jumped to the side to avoid. They immediately shot a Charge Beam in the direction the attack came from. The Electric-type attack tore through the cloud. But the attack missed.

Arbok reappeared behind Jolteon from a blur. The Lightning Pokémon glanced back in shock.

'Cloud cover is going to be a ton of help. So, when it comes up, use it for fake outs … granted, it'd be better if you knew Haze.'

"Now!" Soot called out, "Finish it with Ice Fang!"

Arbok opened his mouth as the blue energy fangs appeared again. He lunged down toward Jolteon, when-

"Discharge!"

Jolteon's eyes narrowed as they unleashed another surge of electricity all throughout the field.

"CHAAAA!" Arbok screeched as the attack washed over him.

"Arbok!" Soot cried out fearfully.

Arbok grimaced and writhed around as the attack continued. His eyes shot open as he glared down at his opponent, 'Not again!' The Poison-type opened his mouth again and lunged.

Jolteon's eyes widened in shock as the Ice Fang clamped down on them. A massive explosion erupted from the pair as the Ice-type and Electric-type moves clashed. Jolteon shot back from the blast and tumbled along the ground. The Electric-type landed on their side with their eyes swirling.

Arbok remained upright but was slumped over, panting heavily, and covered in scorch marks.

The ref raised a hand, "Jolteon is unable to battle!" He gestured to Soot, "Arbok wins this round and victory goes to Soot Ketchum!"

The crowd started cheering and applauding.

Giselle turned away, clenched a fist excitedly, and whispered, "Yes!"

One of the examiners perked up and looked at her. Giselle jerked and started applauding normally.

Arbok smiled tiredly and started falling forward.

"Gotcha." Ash said as he caught the Poison-type.

"Thanks." Arbok said before perking up and looking at him in surprise, "Wait, weren't you just at the stands?"

"Next to me, actually." Soot said with a smile as she walked over on all fours; eyes back to normal, "He had to undo Marionetter."

Arbok blinked in surprise, looked at the trainer area, and then looked at the stands. He sweat dropped, "Uh … sure."

The rest of the group walked over to the three of them. Pikachu and Clefairy ran up to stand on either side of Ash.

Brock smiled at the Bite Pokémon, "Way to go, Soot." He smiled at the Poison-type, "And nice job out there. That was impressive."

Electra grinned and gave a thumbs up, "Yeah. So insane."

"Yeah!" Togepi cheered.

"Way to go … Arbok." Misty said before sighing and scratching the back of her head, "Sorry, that still just feels weird to say."

Todd looked at her in confusion.

Arbok looked at her with a raised brow, "I still don't get what you mean by that."

Pikachu snickered, "Eh, don't worry about it."

Arbok smiled and moved back up, "Still, thank-" He tensed up and grimaced.

Ash jerked and put a hand on his back, "Woah, careful. That battle took a lot out of you."

Todd raised a brow, "Wait, really? Didn't it only get hit with one Discharge?"

Everyone shot him a deadpanned glance. Todd perked up and looked around at them in confusion.

Arbok chuckled sheepishly, "Thanks. But yeah. Everything's aching."

Soot translated what he said for the humans before smiling at him, "Hey, don't worry. You've definitely earned a break."

Ash nodded, "Agreed."

The examiner watched the trainers and Pokémon from across the field. He smiled softly, "Huh…"

Team ALPN: One thousand times, ten thousand times

I have tried but these feelings are not for words

Omni Force: Crushing them down, forcing them out

But what else can I say

Gem and Amber Mewtwo: So you won't run away

.

**Short Skip**

After the final battle of the exam, the results were tallied up and everyone moved to the lobby for the 'award ceremony'. Not much actually happened aside from the workers handing out badges to five applicants with high enough scores. This included Soot and Nurse Joy.

Applicant 8 had his arms crossed and grumbled, "I still can't believe I lost to a mutt."

His friend elbowed him and whispered harshly, "Dude careful! You remember how upset it's- her trainer got from people calling her an 'it', right?"

The applicant tensed up, "R- right…"

Ash smirked as he faced away from the pair.

"Woaaaah." Clefairy said in awe as she stood on Ash's shoulder and held up the red heptagonal faceted gemstone shaped badge with a golden 'P' on a plate in the center, "It's so pretty!"

Pikachu blinked in shock, "Yeah. And it's a lot bigger than any of the other badges we've gotten."

Soot snickered, "Well, it is supposed to count for eight badges on its own."

Brock smiled down at her, "Congratulations again on passing."

Misty grinned and gave a thumbs up, "Yeah. Way to go."

"Toge toge!" Togepi chirped happily from Misty's arms.

Ash pulled the Dark-type into a hug, "You were great out there, sweetie."

Soot grumbled and pulled back, "Dad, embarrassing." She shifted to a soft smile, "Still, thanks." She gestured towards the door, "Now, let's hurry before any Phantom fanatics-"

"Excuse me." The main examiner said; catching the group's attention. He smiled at Ash and Soot with a pokéball belt slung over his shoulder, "Before you go, there is something I would like to talk to you about."

Soot deadpanned, 'So close…' She perked up and blinked in surprise, "Wait, is that my belt?"

The man smiled, "That, it is."

Brock stared in surprise, "Wait, so is this not about … uh," He glanced away and muttered, "how do I word this?"

Ash pointed down at his hatchling, "This doesn't have to do with Soot's abilities, then?"

The examiner blinked in surprise, "Pardon? What do you mean by that?"

Soot and Ash stared in surprise, shared a look, and looked back at him happily, "Nothing."

Giselle looked over at them curiously.

ALL 10: Question! Question!

Omega, Faux, and Gem: Tell me why

ALL 10: Question! Question!

Mizuro and Luke: How did I

ALL 10: Question! Question!

Nuevo, Pike, and Amber Mewtwo: Know you were

Illavera and Laura: Somewhere out there in this endless world

.

*Private room

"I- I'm sorry … what?" Ash asked in shock.

Everyone else -including Meowth, Weezing, Arbok, and Giselle- were looking at the man in shock. Arbok more so than anyone.

The examiner smiled, "I believe you heard me correctly. I asked if you would like to have Arbok join your team."

Soot blinked, "Uh … I know I asked about extra credit before, but this seems … well, like a bit much."

The examiner waved a hand, "That is not the reason." He smiled sadly, "The thing is, Arbok has gained a very unfortunate track record ever since evolving. It would always be defeated after taking far too few hits. Even in sparring."

Soot frowned and glanced away, "Yeah. He mentioned something like that."

.

**Flashback**

"So, that's more or less the game plan." Soot said with a smile, "Any thoughts?"

Ash leaned back against a tree as he watched the quartet. Everyone else moved inside due to Soot wanting the battle later to be a surprise.

Meowth and Weezing frowned and shared a worried look.

Arbok deadpanned before raising the tip of his tail, "Yeah. Are you out of your mind?"

Soot blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

Arbok sighed before looking at her, "Okay, sorry. We only met today so I shouldn't hold it against you, but you need to know this." He frowned, "I can't win a battle. The only thing I might be able to do is poison the opponent before going down."

Soot blinked in surprise again, "But, you don't seem under trained."

"That's-" Arbok nearly shouted before taking a deep breath, "That's not the point. I have been training my tail off, and I have hardly gotten any better." He looked down in frustration, "It's at the point that I can't even spar with anyone because I keep getting knocked out by accident."

Soot raised a brow, 'Wait, what?'

The Cobra Pokémon looked at the Bite Pokémon sadly, "Do you get it now? I can't handle getting hit. I'm not tough enough." He glanced away and sniffled, "No matter how much I train, I can't get around it."

Meowth and Weezing glanced at him sympathetically.

"Well … duh." Soot said.

Arbok tensed up.

Meowth stared in shock before glaring at Soot furiously, "Hey! Have a heart! Can't you see he's upset about this!"

Weezing glared as well, "What kind of trainer puts down their Pokémon like that?!"

Soot deadpanned, "That's not what I meant. I was agreeing with the 'can't handle a hit' thing. I mean, look at his chest."

Arbok perked up and looked back at Soot in surprise, "What?"

Soot smirked and raised a brow, "Isn't it obvious?" She pointed at the face-like pattern on his chest, "Those markings are a dead giveaway."

Meowth and Weezing perked up and blinked in surprise before sharing a look. Arbok stared in confusion before looking down at his hood.

Soot's eyes widened, "Wait, do you seriously not know?"

The trio looked at her in confusion.

Soot sighed, "Okay, look." She pointed at Arbok, "That is an arbok speed pattern. When you evolved, most of your defense and special defense and some of your special attack got traded for a little more attack and a freakish amount of speed."

Arbok's eyes widened.

Weezing blinked in surprise before glancing away thoughtfully, "Now that you mention it, he has always been pretty fast."

Meowth scratched the side of his head, "Yeah … I don't think I've ever actually seen someone beat him in a race."

Arbok jerked and looked back and forth between them in shock, "W- wait … what? So, everyone wasn't just slowing down out of sympathy?"

Weezing jerked and looked at him in shock, "That's what you thought was happening?!"

Arbok blinked in surprise.

Soot smirked, "See? Your speed is way above average."

The Poison-type looked at the Dark-type in surprise as she walked up and put a claw to his chest, "Your only problems are that you've trained to battle up close and that Wrap is in your move set. You're not built to withstand hits. You're built for hit and runs."

Meowth raised a brow, "Uh, built?"

Soot glanced at him; deadpanned, "It's an expression."

Arbok just stared at her in surprise before looking down at his markings. He looked at the canine worriedly, "So, what do I do? I don't know any other ways to battle."

Soot smirked at him, "Well, you're trained to follow your trainer's orders to a T, right? Just do that and trust me." She raised a claw, "Though, how about I give you a few guidelines in case you have to make a decision on your own."

Miki Seishin: Question! Question! Tell me how

Seiichi Seishin: Question! Question! You feel now

Juri Seishin: Question! Question! That you are

Yukiro Seishin: Oh so close but you feel so far away!

.

**End Flashback**

The examiner stared in surprise before looking at the Poison-type in question. He let out a small chuckle and put a hand on his head, "Even Arbok, itself, did not realize…"

Everyone in the group -except Todd- sweat dropped, 'Still with the "it" thing?'

The man smiled at Soot, "Still, you were the first and only applicant we've had who realized this and thought of a way to lead Arbok through battle." He looked at the Cobra Pokémon, "I have never seen it perform so well."

Arbok smiled.

Soot perked up and blinked in surprise, "Wait seriously? No one realized why his hood was different?"

The examiner frowned and cleared his throat, "W- well, we've had people ask before and … you remember what I said, right?"

Soot perked up in realization, "Ohhh, right. You thought it was just decoration."

He chuckled sheepishly, "Yes. Neither brother nor I realized our mistake. Much less how severely it affected Arbok." He smiled normally, "But that is why I feel it would be best for it to join you." He looked at Ash, "Or you, technically. I believe Arbok would be much better off in your hands."

Ash smiled, "Well, thank you." He looked at the Cobra Pokémon, "But it's not only my choice."

The examiner, Todd, and Giselle looked at him in surprise.

Arbok perked up and blinked in surprise, "Wait, are you asking me if I want to join you?"

Clefairy smiled, "That's how it usually goes with Ash."

Pikachu nodded; smiling as well, "We don't have a single teammate who didn't wanna get caught." He perked up and glanced away, "Er, well … technically Muk and the tauros were caught without agreeing, but we asked if they wanted to stay soon after."

Soot shrugged while smiling, "Yeah. So, what do you say?"

Arbok blinked in surprise before looking down anxiously, "Um…"

Meowth nudged him while smiling; catching the Poison-types attention, "Hey, come on. Go for it. This could be a huge opportunity for you."

Arbok frowned, "Are you sure?"

Weezing nodded excitedly, "You've wanted to be in the League since you were an ekans, right? This is your chance."

Arbok moved up front to face them; still frowning, "But, what about you two?"

Weezing smiled softly, "We'll be fine. Our place is here." She grinned, "Besides, we'll cheer you on when we see you on TV."

Meowth pointed while smiling slyly, "But don't go slacking off with this trainer. We don't wanna see you getting thrashed in your first League battle."

Arbok stared in mild surprise and chuckled for a moment before smiling softly, "I'll give it all I've got. Promise." He leaned down and nudged up against Meowth, "But I'm still gonna miss both of you."

Meowth smiled softly and hugged him back, "Same."

Weezing smiled and nudged into them as well, "Take care, Arbok."

The rest of the Pokémon in the room, the Gym Leaders, and Ash smiled softly at the scene. The examiner and Giselle stared in confusion.

Everyone jerked a bit when they heard a camera shutter. The group deadpanned and looked at Todd. The photographer noticed, flinched, and chuckled nervously.

Soot sighed before smiling at the examiner, "Sounds like he's on board."

Ash smiled and nodded at him, "We'd be happy to have him join us."

The examiner smiled, "Good to hear." His smile turned sheepish, "Now onto something I probably should have mentioned first. Our policy dictates that I cannot simply give away a trained Pokémon. I have to ask if you'd be willing to make a trade of some sort."

Ash and his Pokémon jerked and shared an anxious look. Brock, Misty, and their Pokémon looked at them worriedly. Arbok noticed and frowned.

The examiner noticed, smiled, and waved a hand, "Do not worry, I intend to be lenient. Even a newly caught Pokémon would be acceptable. We aim to train it for our exams, after all."

Ash smiled sadly, "Well, thank you." He looked down thoughtfully and scratched the back of his head, "But I'm really not sure I'm comfortable trading anyone of my-" He perked up and looked at the examiner, "Wait, would an untrained tauros be okay?"

Everyone in the group except Togepi and Todd perked up in realization.

The examiner blinked in surprise, "Uh … yes. That would definitely be okay. But tauros are not exactly common Pokémon. Are you sure you're okay with that?"

Ash smiled, "Oh, definitely." He looked down thoughtfully with a hand to his chin, "Still, we'll have to see if one of them would be okay with that."

Todd perked up and looked at him in surprise, "Wait, 'one of them'?"

Soot looked up at Ash, "Well, Krabby did say he talked to them. Maybe he can ask around to see who'd be okay with getting traded."

"That could work." Brock said before looking at Ash, "But, there is still the matter of your team. You don't have any empty slots."

Ash sighed, "Right." He shook it off and smiled, "Okay, so first step should be seeing if anyone will volunteer like when Aerodactyl joined."

Giselle looked at Ash in shock, 'Aerodactyl?!'

Pikachu raised a digit on his paw, "Then we should probably introduce everyone to Arbok while we're at it. It could end up like how Krabby volunteered for the balance thing." He sweat dropped, "Plus, we won't want anyone attacking him due to a misunderstanding."

Arbok's eyes widened, "Wait what?"

Soot translated before smiling, "Yeah, good call. And while you're doing that, I'll call Oak and tell him what's going on." She perked up upon realizing something and looked at the examiner, "Wait, does this place have a phone with a transfer device?"

The examiner snapped out of it and looked at her, "U- um, yes. I'll take you there in a moment." He looked at Ash with a raised brow, "A question, though. How many tauros do you have?"

Ash looked at him, "Oh, a herd of thirty." The examiner's jaw dropped as he continued, "We visited the Safari Zone and kept catching them by accident." He stared off into space blankly, "Some in way's I'm still trying to figure out."

Soot grumbled, "I still think it was a psychic being a jerk." She looked at the others in frustration, "I mean, how else do you explain ten tauros appearing out of midair and getting caught all in the span of a second?"

Brock scratched the back of his head, "Yeah, fair."

Misty shrugged, "Still, not as weird as that haunter in Saffron."

The others -except Togepi and Electra- nodded, "True."

The Spike Ball and female Mouse Pokémon shared a confused look and shrugged. The examiner, Giselle, Todd, and exam center's three -soon to be two- Pokémon all stared at the group in shock.

.

.

Mizuro: *sniffles* Rest in peace Korosensei. Greatest teacher of a lifetime.

Nuevo: *looking at a picture of Korosensei -that was given to him by Yukiro- in shock* What the **** am I looking at?

Illavera: *glares at Nuevo; tear eyed* A saint!

Omega: *glances away* Well…

Illavera: An honorable man!

Seishin: *smiles and points* That's more like it.

…

Gem: *looks at Shadow Pearl and Shadow Peridot* Are you guys sure you didn't wanna join in?

Shadow Pearl: I believe it is rather late to ask that again.

Shadow Peridot: Regardless, as we said before, we are not adept at singing.

Illavera: *sweat drops while smiling nervously* Oh, the irony.

Pike: *raises brow* When did they say that?

…

The new comment response will be posted on "Random-ish stuff on the side" on 4/14/2021 at approximately 11:00 p.m. Central Standard Time.