A/N: And we are moving right along! Jason has his sights set on Jubilife. Let's see how he handles things with his new companion.

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The trekk to Sandgem didn't take too long at the pace Jason was going. He was ecstatic about his adventure. He was finally going to fulfill his dream. Well, he would attempt to anyway. He slowed his pace to a walk as he reached the outskirts of Sandgem Town. Soon, he was walking right into town, past the lab and up to the Pokémon Center.

The nurse that had seen him the other day smiled as he entered.

"Look who's back. Let me guess, you are here to see your friend?" The nurse asked with a bright smile.

"Something like that. How is she?" Jason inquired, his violet eyes searching the nurses' for an answer.

"I'm doing quite well Jason," came Hiromi's voice from beside him.

His attention shifted to his left, spotting Hiromi seated in one of the booths, eating what appeared to be a very large sandwich. It had to be a quadruple decker at the very least, filled with turkey, lettuce, tomatoes and about anything else that went on any good sandwich. He sweat-dropped at this.

"That's good to see..." Jason smiled nervously.

Hiromi took another bite of her sandwich and then set it down. It appeared she had an appetite. Then again, anyone would after going through what she had gone through. Hiromi nodded and wiped her face with a napkin, turning to face him after putting it down.

"Well, are you going to stand there all day, or are you going to have a seat?" Hiromi giggled.

Jason raised a brow. For someone who was blind, she certainly could figure out where people were with relative ease. There was something unnatural about her. Those faded icy eyes were haunting yet mysterious and beautiful at the same time. Catching himself staring, he cleared his throat and walked over to the booth.

"I suppose I can sit for a bit. I mainly came to see if you were well enough to travel. I can see that is most certainly the case..." Jason chuckled, raising a brow as Hiromi took another giant bite of her sandwich.

Hiromi nodded, setting her lunch down so she could converse with Jason.

"So, how's Turtwig?"

"He's doing well. We got to know each other a little before we got some rest. Where's Luxray?"

"She's in her ball. I had to put her in there because sometimes, she tries to steal my sandwich. Just because I am blind doesn't mean I can't hear or sense movement. Especially when someone is trying to take something from me, like food."

"I see...I had my suspicions when I met you. Seems like you don't seem to mind not being able to see," Jason chuckled.

"Nope! Being blind isn't all bad. My other senses get a boost which means my taste buds are extra sensitive, so things that are really, really good, taste ten times better to me."

"You really like food don't you?"

"Like it? I love it," she emphasized.

That explains the sandwich, Jason thought with a smirk.

"So. When do we get started? I'm eager to travel with you!" Hiromi giggled excitedly as she took another bite of her sandwich.

"How about after you finish eating? I'm not in any particular hurry or anything..."

Hiromi nodded and took another bite, swallowing before speaking. "Okay! I'm almost done....I think. I may have made this bigger than I thought," she grumbled cutely.

Despite that, she managed to finish the rest of it, wiping her mouth clean before letting out a satisfied sigh. "That hit the spot!" She chirped happily.

Jason chuckled lightly. She seems so carefree. It's a little strange. But I think I might like traveling with her, Jason thought as he stood up.

"Well, shall we go?"

"Yes!" Hiromi exclaimed, standing up quickly so they could get going.

Jason didn't really notice at first, but she looked rather...cute today. She had on a black, white rose patterned light sweater, unbuttoned to reveal a white sleeveless shirt that tapered off at her tummy, showing a little of her flat and toned stomach. She also wore a pair of form fitting jean shorts that stopped a few inches above the knee. She wore knee high black socks and her same combat boots from before. On her head, she had a beanie that was black with Umbreon ears, only they had the blue rings instead of the yellow.

"Something got your attention?" Hiromi asked with a devious smirk. "I can feel you staring at me..."

Putting his hands up defensively, Jason waved them, shaking his head as well. "No, I'm not...I was just wondering where you got the outfit...I think it looks good on you," Jason replied.

"Ah, Lux helped me. They had a small shopping center here, so I asked Lux to help me pick out an outfit. I hope she did a good job. I don't want to look like a fashion disaster. She has been known to get me to dress funny at times..." Hiromi mumbled.

"Sounds like she's a handful. Well, don't worry. You look great. Now, let's get going shall we?" Jason inquired.

"Right! One sec though," she stated, turning her attention to the nurse.

"Thank you for taking care of me. I highly appreciate it," Hiromi smiled.

"Think nothing of it sweetheart. It's my duty to help those in need. Regardless of that, you are welcome."

Hiromi nodded and turned away, using her heightened senses to navigate her way to the door. Jason looked back at the nurse who simply smiled back. She then winked at him, nodding her head in Hiromi's direction as if to say; "she's a real catch you know?" Jason blinked at this motion and simply returned the smile and waved before exiting.

The bright sunlight greeted them both as they stepped out. Hiromi could feel the warmth of its golden rays as they caressed her face gently. It was such a nice feeling. A happy sigh escaped her lips as she felt the wind rush past her face.

"So. Where to?" She inquired.

"Jubilife is the first stop. I told my mom I'd call her as soon as I arrived there," Jason replied.

"What are we waiting for then? Let's go!" Hiromi beamed.

Jason nodded and began to head out when he was stopped by Hiromi's hand upon his shoulder.

"Um...Jason? This may be a strange request...but could you take my hand while we walk. I want to give Lux a rest from being my eyes..." Hiromi asked sheepishly.

"Sure...I have no problem with that. I was beginning to wonder how this was going to work," Jason laughed, taking her hand in his as he faced the town's exit.

A faint blush crept onto his features. Her hand was soft and warm to the touch. A pleasant feeling of exhileration rushed through his body. He blinked at this feeling, wondering why he felt so strange. He shook it off, and looked forward again. What was that just now? Jason thought to himself as he began to walk with her.

"Everything okay?"

"Y-yeah, I'm fine. No worries," Jason replied, continuing to walk with her.

"If you're certain. Just be sure not to run me into any trees or anything like that," Hiromi joked, knowing he wouldn't.

"Wouldn't dream of it..." Jason mumbled.

A soft giggle slipped out of Hiromi's lips at this comment. She could feel that he was an honest individual, simply by making contact with him. This was a subtle method she used to get a feel for who someone was. She could feel the beat of his heart, near his steady breaths. He seemed calm, and yet, slightly nervous. She gathered that was due to holding her hand.

X-X-X

The two were soon on Route 202 and taking it at a rather leisurely pace.

"It's so peaceful out here," Hiromi smiled, keeping a grip on Jason's hand as they walked.

"Yeah, it is, isn't it?" Jason agreed.

The two had been walking for an hour at best.

"Mind if we stop and rest for a minute?" Hiromi inquired.

"Not at all. I was about to suggest that very thing," Jason stated as he plopped himself on the ground after letting go of her hand.

A smile broke out over Hiromi's face as she lowered herself to sit as well. Jason glanced over at her and then down at his hand. That strange feeling he felt while holding her hand was still lingering. It wasn't as strong, but it still felt odd.

"So. Jason. What is your reason for becoming a trainer?"

Jason smiled sheepishly at her inquiry. "Well, I always dreamed that I would be able to meet as many Pokémon as possible. Competing in the Sinnoh League is also a goal, but not the main one."

"I see. What about your friend? Barry was it?"

"Oh him? He's got dreams bigger than his ego. He wants to be the champion. But in order to do that, he has to unseat Cynthia...which, I might add, nobody has been able to do."

"So I've heard..." Hiromi mused.

"What about you? Not to sound rude or anything but...I have never met a blind trainer before," Jason stated carefully.

"Well...uh...my story is a little complicated. Perhaps another time huh?" Hiromi said nervously.

Jason quirked a brow at this. What could be so complicated that she didn't want to share it right away? Deciding to respect her wishes, he set it aside.

"Okay, we'll take a rain check on that."

Hiromi sighed inwardly, relieved for the time being. It wasn't like she didn't want to bring it up. Right now just wasn't the time for it. A rustling sound soon caught both their attention. Hiromi heard it first and smiled. A familiar, yet different scent, wafted to her nostrils. Jason heard movement and turned towards it.

Soon, a quadruped feline stepped out of the underbrush. It resembled a lion cub in some ways. Short tufts of blue fur could be seen on its head and cheeks. It had large yellow eyes, and big oval-shaped ears with yellow star-shaped markings in them. The front half of the body was light blue while the back half was jet black. The tip of its black tail had a yellow star on it.

"Shinx?" The Pokémon called, looking between the two trainers.
Jason reached into his pocket for Rhea and held her up to gather the data. Rhea materialized as Jason slid the top forward. Soon, a hologram of Shinx appeared and Rhea began to speak.

"Shinx. The Flash Pokémon. The extension and contraction of its muscles generates electricity. It glows when it's in trouble. All of its fur dazzles if danger is sensed and it uses that opportunity to flee once the for has been blinded."

"A Shinx huh?" Jason stated as he readied Turtwig for battle.

Shinx locked eyes with him, watching him reach down and snap a ball off his belt. Jason released Turtwig onto the grass. The turtle stood before the Shinx with a confident presence about him. Shinx's body began to spark with electricity as he noted that he was being challenged. His attention went straight to Turtwig who simply grinned at his opponent.

Hiromi held the smile she had on her face. She could feel the determination emanating from both sides. Especially the little Shinx. This is going to be interesting, Hiromi thought, hearing the breathing of the three involved. She could tell that both sides were feeling each other out. About a minute more passed before Jason's command split the silence.

"Turtwig, use Tackle!"

Turtwig kicked off his back leg and darted forward, leaping the moment he got in range. No fool, Shinx avoided the assault, causing Turtwig to skid to a halt after he landed. Sparks began to fly from Shinx which signified he was about to make a move. A globe of blue lightning crackled around him and soon he was off like a shot, charging fiercely at Turtwig.

"Withdraw, now!"

Turtwig stood his ground, lowering his head as he gathered in energy. His entire body was soon encased in a crimson globe of light, bolstering his defenses as Shinx came near. The electrical feline collided with the field and remained there, trying to push through the defensive measures that were set up.

"Absorb!" Jason's voice rang out.

Turtwig harkened to his trainer's call. An eery green glow surrounded his body while he held his defenses against the crackling electrical field before him. Suddenly, the energy was released, causing Shinx to falter. He gritted his teeth as he felt energy leaving his body. Knowing that this was dangerous, he leapt back, breathing heavily. Turtwig didn't look the least bit tired at this point.

"Tackle!"

Turtwig bolted forward, and this time made a solid connection. The energy that had been drained from Shinx looked as though it was sufficient enough. The reflexes of Shinx had slowed due to the energy he had expended using Spark and from Turtwig's attack. Shinx hit the ground hard after Turtwig hammered into him. Shinx was a bit shaken up and could barely stand. The next thing he knew, was that a red and white sphere bounced off his head. The light engulfed him and into the ball he went. The ball twitched once, twice, and then a third time before it pinged.

Jason walked over and picked up the ball and smiled. He'd done it. His first capture! Excitement rushed through him like a hurricane. Hiromi smiled as she had heard and felt each movement in the battle. She even heard the familiar click of the ball when it stopped twitching.

"Well done!" Hiromi smiled brightly.

"Thanks! Shinx put up quite a fight, but we managed to get him. Great work Turtwig!" Jason praised.

"Tur. Turtwig," Turtwig replied grinning.

"Well, we should probably get going. I want to reach Jubilife and heal these two," Jason smiled as he looked down at his new companion's ball with pride.

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A/N: Yay! Shinx has been caught! I thought it would be fitting to add one of my favorite electric types to the team. I know Hiromi has a Luxray, but I care not. Anyway, a battle will be on the way soon!