How will the whole evolution-by-trading work out? Is it caused simply by physically swapping Pokemon, or are more intricate trading machines required?

Also, are the tops of Pokeballs slightly translucent like in the manga?

In general, which is closer to how this RP will work out, the manga ([i]Pokemon Adventures[/i], since there have been multiple mangas) or the anime?

EDIT: I no longer actually need an answer to my first question to choose a starter (Horsea wouldn't be in character for Mariana, as she doesn't yet know that Horsea becomes Kingdra), but I'm still curious.