Just to let you guys know, I decided to write in Steven's PoV. It will be in a separate story called "Blinded By Sight". The first chapter for that story is up. Please check it out.

Thanks to my beta, M.H.T. of R for fixing up my mistakes.

Ch. 11: Unwanted Babysitter

I am extremely impressed, Brawly can cook. I have never had hamburgers before and I wished I had a bigger stomach so I could eat more. I never had a meal that good before, not that I have much to compare it with (just my mom's and Wally's mom's cooking). His eating habits, on the other hand, leave something to desire. He talks with his mouth full, makes a lot of unnecessary noises, and gulps loudly, but it fits him.

Steven on the other hand was a perfect gentleman (when it came to eating at least), and it irked me a little. He was quiet and talked only once when his mouth was thoroughly clean of food. He made no sudden strange gestures and his movements were limited to his space. He also didn't insult me at all, which was perfect because I just wanted to enjoy my meal.

Now that dinner is over I should be going to the Pokémon Center since I'm not allowed to help with cleaning up (which might be for best). I don't hate them as much as did when I first met them but that doesn't mean I want to be with them any longer than necessary. The minute I get up Torch grabs my hand and starts to lead me to the door. Now that he has arms he has been very helpful but I fear that his actions might make it obvious that I'm blind.

"Where do you think you're going?" Steven asks in a tone that just asking, "If I'm stupid". I don't hate him, but that doesn't me I can stand him.

"To the Pokémon Center," I answer back with the same tone and I add a smirk for the heck of it.

"Did you forget what we discussed earlier?" This time he had an exasperated tone. I glare at him but it's pointless. I have no idea what he's talking about. I don't remember making any promises with him (because I wouldn't). Did he just sigh? It is I who is tired of you!

"You're spending the night here, remember?" Brawly asks for Steven, because it's just too much for him.

"What? No way!" Like hell I'm going to sleep here.

"Are you really going to put all those people in danger?" Steven asks with his voice devoid of emotion. What is he talking about? "What if Team Magma attacks you again? Will you be able to protect all those innocent people?"

I can't say anything to that. I doubt Team Magma would really attack me so soon after two failed attempts. If it was just me I would take my chances but I don't want anyone to get hurt because of me. I guess I don't have a choice; I'll have to stay here for the night.

"Good," he responds to my silence. His voice held no cockiness or triumph, it was just empty. He wasn't joking and that makes me feel worse.

"Now that that is settled, I'll go and get your guys' rooms ready." Brawly buts in. "You two play nice while I'm gone." Way to escape the heavy atmosphere. Wish he took me with him.

Silence…Silence…And more silence. This silence is deafening. The one that had the power to break the mood left. Steven you caused this so you fix it! Please…You know what never mind. You'll probably just make it worse.

Steven doesn't say anything or even make any unnecessary noises as he leaves the table to head for somewhere. That means I'm left alone, Torch squeezes my hand and leads me away. Where is he taking me?

He takes me to where the other Pokémon are. Grace immediately tries to comfort me while Brawly's Pokémon try to cheer me up. They are such good Pokémon. Steven's are too big for the house so they have to stay in their balls, I would like to touch them and get a feel for what they look like. With him as their trainer I doubt they would bother with me.

Brawly's Pokémon are starting to do something silly I guess from all the weird noises I keep hearing. Torch and Grace are trying to stop them, I think. They are probably trying to explain that I can't see it; they are thoughtful. I laugh anyway to make Brawly's Pokémon feel better and I think they do because they start to cheer.

"You have a way with Pokémon, don't you?" Brawly says from behind and I jump a little. I pat makuhita's head to confirm his question.

We sit in silence playing with our Pokémon. Grace is still trying to comfort me, even though I'm petting her head trying to convince her that I'm fine; nothing can get pass her. Torch, on the other hand, is convinced that I'm fine and is trying to challenge Brawly's Pokémon to a battle or something. They get along great.

"Is Steven still mad at me?" I finally ask, thanks to Grace's persistence. I feel like an idiot for asking. Of course he is, but I apologized, darn it! He's not saying anything…so is it true? What more does Steven want?

"He's not mad at you. He's mad that he got you involved with both Team Magma and Team Aqua."

What's he talking about? "He didn't do anything."

"I'm not the one you should be saying that too."

Is that really the reason for Steven's sour mood? And he calls me an idiot. I need to go yell at him. Torch and Grace each grab one of my hands and lead me to him. Brawly yells out a good luck as we walk down the hall.

My little guides do their job as I make it safely to Steven. He says nothing as I sit next to him. The clock ticks by and no one is saying anything. I can't stand the silence but I just can't bring myself to speak. He hands me a book to give me something to do but it's useless.

Tick Tock. Tick tock. God, I hate those clocks! Does Brawly have a T.V.? He seems to be the type to watch it. Grace touches my arms so I guess he does. I would love to turn it on but Steven seems to be reading…Silence is so boring.

Mustering up my courage and taking a deep breath for added measures I finally say it, "I got myself involved. You didn't do anything." I flip the book over and over waiting for him to say something. Did he hear me? He had to; I was quite loud compared to the dreaded quiet. Maybe he's staring at me, waiting for an explanation? "I got involved with Team Aqua for this." I pull out my Pokenav for support but it doesn't seem to be enough. "As for Team Magma, they were threating the safety of this island so I intervened. It has nothing to do with you."

Finally some noise for him, him closing his book. His scent overwhelms me and his aura is all around. His warm breath crashes over my face. He's so close and yet I want him closer? Why? What sort of spell has he placed on me?

Squeaks come from the couch as he gets closer. My breath catches in my throat and I'm frozen, and drunk off of his enchanting scent. "Sapphire," he whispers my fake name and I nearly jump out of my skin. "Do you have any idea what you have gotten yourself into?"

My mind is empty. There are no thoughts forming to combat his question. He keeps getting closer and I'm pressed into the couch, I can't escape. Grace and Torch don't seem to be alarmed but I have no idea what is going on. "Do you?" he whispers into my ear and I gasp out.

He's trembling. Laughter? Is he laughing at me? That stupid jerk! I push him away and this only adds to his laughter! I really want to hit him! How dare he make a fool of me!

"You've never been close to a man before, have you?" he asks between laughs and my cheeks burn.

"O-of course I have!" My voice betrays me by squeaking. This is so humiliating!

"No, you haven't." His voice takes a serious turn. "What if I had been a Team Magma or Team Aqua grunt?"

"It would be very different!" He's not saying anything. I bet he's giving me a look, him and his damn looks. "Torch and Grace wouldn't have allowed it!"

"If I recall they were no match for Team Magma's Pokémon."

"We'll get stronger!" I don't give him a chance to retaliate as I get up and storm out. Torch and Grace are at my side in an instant. I get to my room and slam the door shut.

Brawly's voice flutters through the door quietly, "What happened?".

I was wrong. I don't like him, not one bit!

Breakfast is quiet. Brawly tries to engage us in conversation but I'm in absolutely no mood for it. As for Steven I don't know nor do I give a damn for why he's silent. Brawly's incessant need for talk is getting on my last nerve. I don't give a crap how I look as I inhale my food, eager to get as far away from here as I possibly can.

I don't care what they say; I'm not staying here any longer. I won't stay at the Center; I'll find a nice place to camp; somewhere where that jerk can't find me. I'll spend the day training, challenge the gym, and then I'll be done with this place once and for all.

My fork clangs loudly against my plate as I quickly arise from my seat. I give a quick compliment to Brawly about the food and he revels in it. In a flash Torch is at my side leading me to the door. I can always count on him to be quick.

"Where are you going?" Steven asks. His voice isn't mocking like the last time, just empty.

"Training." My reply holds a touch of my anger and I don't stop.

There's the sound of his fork being gently placed on his plate; needless to say he makes a lot less noise than I did as he gets up. He's going to follow me so I pick up the pace. "Wait." Of course I don't listen. "Wait." This time his voice is much more forceful. I stop and get an approval grunt. "Just give me a second to get my Pokémon."

I wait for his footsteps to become distant before I bolt for the door. I hear Brawly shout my fake name and then for Steven's but I just keep running. They know I plan to go to Granite Cave so I need to avoid that place for a while (damnit I don't want to waste time). I need to go somewhere where they won't find me and I can only think of one place.

I tell Grace to use Teleport (something I really don't want to do) and take me to that place. Naturally she's hesitant, but I need to leave quickly, I can hear them behind us. After some pushing she finally gives in and I'm welcomed with the feeling of my stomach being turned inside out.

The place, where I was ambushed by Team Magma, is probably not the safest place, seeing as how I'm away from people and there's a good chance that those Magma people are hiding nearby. But I don't care! I doubt they will come looking for me here and I'm fine with that. I'm by myself and I don't have to worry about the others so it's all good.

I leave Torch and Grace out on guard as I rest. I didn't get much sleep last night thanks to a no good jerk. After a while of nothing happening Torch begins to play and tries to get Grace to join him. I'm jealous at how easy he can move on; then again he wasn't that mad to begin with. I leave them to their devices as I let the waves relax me.

"How many damn times am I going to have to say it before you get it through that damn head of yours and learn!" a familiar and angry but breathless voice interrupts my nice nap. "You are a god damn idiot!"

"Just leave me alone!" I yell back.

He doesn't take kindly to that by the way he grabs my arm and pulls me up. I scream out in pain but he just brushes it off. "Look, you got sunburn because of your stupidity!"

"Let go!" I struggle even though it really hurts.

He doesn't even bother to respond as he tosses out a Poke Ball and his claydol is released. I know where this is going…Despite all my effort he just won't let go and we are enveloped by the warm light from his Pokémon. Damn it all!

Once we get to his destination he lets go. I fall to the ground and the hot sand burns my already damaged skin. His gentleman act is gone as he forces me up again and ignores my shouts of pain. He covers my mouth as he calls Brawly to let him know that he has found (more like kidnapped) me. After that is taken care of he starts to shove me forward and not long after am I welcomed by a must, damp smell and shade. We are in Granite Cave?

"What's going on here?" I accuse right off the bat.

"You need to train so train." He pushes me forward again. I turn to retaliate but he beats me to it. "We are in a dark cave there's no need for those glasses. Take them off." I get the feeling that he's reaching for them so I lean back. It's Torch's shouting that gets him to stop. "Hurry up and get this training over with."

What? I ran away and he's taking me to train? He's up to something. Ah! We will be all alone in a dark cave. Not again!

"Don't. You. Dare. Run." He says through gritted teeth and has a firm grip on my collar. I slap at his arm but he refuses to let go.

"Fine! I won't." He lets go and I try to take a few steps away but his hand quickly returns. So, I just stop moving until he gets the point. I take just a step away so he doesn't grab me again. "You must maintain a small distance at all time, got it?"

Silence. Is that a yes? I shift back and forth waiting for confirmation. I think he's rubbing the back of his head and sighs. Why did he sigh? I think I have the right to keep my distance!

"Sapphire, I'm really sorry. I just wanted to teach you a lesson…," he sighs, "…I didn't mean to take it so far…"

"Distance!" He says nothing so we continue on our way.

Once we enter the part of the cave that is dark, he orders his claydol to use Flash and lights up the cave. It's pointless for me but a necessity for him. We don't say anything as we wait for some wild Pokémon to attack. None have appeared and I suspect they are in hiding because of the Team Magma incident. They're a headache even when they are not around.

That cry! Can it be? It is! The aron that came to my aid twice has yet again appeared before me. I rub his head and Torch and Grace surround him. Even Steven joins in the petting after getting permission.

"I've think he's taken a shine to you." Aron hollers in agreement.

"Do you want to travel with me?" He again hollers. I take out a Poke ball and touch him with it. The ball shakes a bit and stops- he is caught. Quickly, I release him and he roars. "What should I call you?" He doesn't say anything as he waits for me. What would be a good name for my little hero? Oh, I know. "How about Knight?" He seems to like the name.

"Knight?"

"Yeah, short for knight in shining armor."

"So, you're a romantic? That's cute." For some reason my cheeks burn from that line. Why? And why does being a romantic make me cute? Lots of girls wish for a knight in shining armor or a prince (though I rather be the one saving them than the other way around), does that make them cute also? Why does it matter?

"Time to train!" I shout for a desperate change of subject which confuses everyone.

Training is going terribly. Now that Knight has joined my party some of the Pokémon are coming out after realizing that we are not a threat. But they don't really provide much of a challenge. At this rate it will take forever for us to get ready for the gym leader.

A suggestion for Steven gets my hopes up. He knows an area in the cave that is filled with tough Pokémon; I don't hesitate to take him up on his offer. His area is even more secluded than the rest of the cave and to be honest I'm not worried at all. I'm still really pissed off for what he did last night but I know he won't harm me.

Steven wasn't kidding, these Pokémon are strong. I got what I wanted but a new headache has arisen in the form of my unwanted "mentor". He critics me on everything I do! How am I supposed to know everything about Hoenn Pokémon? My Pokedex doesn't tell me all I need to know!

"What did I tell you about attacking a mawile from behind?" He chastises me for the umpteenth time. I just want to punch him. I don't know what is the front or what is the back, you stupid jerk! "How long have you been a trainer?"

"About three weeks," I snap and he gasps. "What?"

"Never mind." I don't move or say anything, I want an answer.

He sighs but explains, "From the level of your Pokémon and your knowledge, I had assumed you've been a trainer for a few months now." Is that a compliment? A grin spreads across my face as I continue on my way.

His criticism is no longer so severe and harsh and now he's full of helpful suggestions. I can't help but wonder why he was so severe before though. Knowing our relationship it was probably just his way of getting back at me for making him run all over. But I don't care because I got praised!

Today has been very helpful. We worked a lot on our problems and even some I didn't even know about. Tomorrow when we challenge the gym we will have no problems. I can't wait for tomorrow!

The ground is shaking? What's going on? I can't stand anymore. I rather have fallen to the ground then been caught by Steven. He seems to be having the same issue as he presses me against the wall for support. His voice reverberates as he questions what's going on. He better not be expecting an answer from me.

A roar? That roar sounds very familiar to Steven's…Oh crap…The shaking finally ends but I'm still pressed against the wall. Steven isn't saying anything but is extremely tense. Right now I'm grateful for the wall because if it wasn't here I would be clinging to Steven for support. This potential threat is far more terrifying than the time I faced Team Magma by myself.

Silently he moves away and I nearly reach out to grab him and pull him back. He unclips a Poke ball but makes no other moves. Knight stands protectively at my feet but he's no match for what I think it is. Using the wall I help myself stand up better as if it will do anything.

The shaking returns and I regret standing straight. The roar is so much louder now and it's taking everything I have just to stay upright. Steven hasn't said anything or even released his Pokémon, which is just adding to my fears.

The roar reverberates throughout our cavern and its footsteps are heavy and threatening. It's now in our area and finally Steven releases his own aggron. Knight wants to join in but I manage to hiss a command to stop him. I don't know what to do, not that I think I can do anything right now.

Steven orders me to go to him but I can't. It's not because my legs are too unstable to walk right now, it's just that I can't locate him. Between my fear and the chaos I can't seem to sense anything; I can barely sense Knight at my feet. He orders me again but it doesn't help me in the least, it just makes me feel weaker. Knight? He's nudging me towards Steven. Is he aware of my situation? He really is my knight in shining armor.

Steven is incredible, or I should say his aggron is. His Pokémon was able to defeat the aggressive, wild one as if it was nothing. Once his aggron let out his own roar all my fear vanished. Steven's annoying, but powerful. Before I challenge the Pokémon League I'll make sure I defeat Steven and that way I'll know I'm ready.

After the aggron incident, it was agreed that I was done training for the day. Using his claydol we are teleported to Brawly's place; I'm still don't know why I don't feel weird when his Pokémon uses Teleport. Without knocking we walk in and are immediately bombarded by the mouth-watering smell of dinner.

"We're back," I cheer happily and Brawly greets back.

"I'm done babysitting," Steven says.

"Babysitting!" Of course, I'm ignored.

"Your turn." And with that he leaves. Stupid jerk.

This chapter took a completely different turn from what I originally planned...I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

Again to remind you about Steven's PoV is in "Blinded by Sight".

Please tell me what you think by giving me a review please!