Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any characters in this story.

A/N: I'm so sorry about the lack of updates – I've been all over the place recently – so I never get enough time to write. I'm trying to see if I can write more in a chapter. Anyway, let's begin

They were right, the Master was in his new office. Plain and simple. Just how he wanted it. The first thing he did was sit down at his desk and start his new laptop. Courtesy of the PLU – Pokemon League Union. He sent an email to Lance who was now back to being the Kanto Champion:

Meet me in my office.

The Master.

Lance appeared at his door, apprehensive of this strange character. As he went to knock on the door, it swung open. Then The Master boomed: "Come in Lance, I have a proposition for you". As Lance took a seat, the door closed behind him. The Master began.

"Lance, I have noticed how well you communicate with trainers around you, and how much the general public admire you. So I have a position for you here at the Indigo Offices… I would like you to be my official deputy. Your job is to go around the regions as you please, meeting new trainers and their Pokemon. I will also request you to make speeches and announcements in my absence… Will you take the position?"

Lance was evidently stunned. The person who had defeated him only days earlier was asking him to be his deputy. He only just managed to squeak out a little "Yes…" The Master momentarily smiled with the ends of his mouth, before taking on his neutral demeanour once again. He began to speak:

"Now… You may begin your job tomorrow. Your office is just down the corridor. I look forward to seeing what you can do but remember, do not interfere with my personal tasks."

With that the door once again opened with a faint blue tint and Lance took the hint and left, the door closing behind him.

As the day drew to a close The Master retired to his flat in the Indigo Offices and had a relaxing, warm shower. Then he lay down on his bed and slept almost instantly. Being a Pokemon Master was hard work, even for Ash Ketchum.

Meanwhile, Lance was staring out at the setting sun over the various hills and valleys surrounding Indigo. He was deep in thought about what had transpired between him and the mysterious Master only hours beforehand, until he felt a light tap on his shoulder, it was his friend Cynthia,

"What's up Lance, you're thinking, is the world going to end?"

"Hey, I do think, sometimes…" Lance defended.

"Yeah, Yeah" She replied jokingly. "But seriously, what happened?"

Lance thought for a moment and decided that his boss wouldn't mind that much.

"Well, I accepted a job from the new Master. I'm his sort of deputy slash spokesperson."

"Congratulations! What's wrong with that?" Cynthia replied confused.

"I'm not sure I'm up for the job."

"Don't be silly! You have been Pokemon Master for 10 years! He picked you for a reason! He thinks that you are the right person for the job!"

"Something tells me that this Master will take his job to the extremes. Nevertheless, you're right. It's nothing to worry about." Lance conceded. "I'm going to get some sleep"

"Ok then. Bye!"

"Bye!"

And with that both individuals set off to their places of accommodation.

12pm – Midnight – Un-Named Forest

"Come on Ri, we're nearly there. I hope we get this battle. I've a strange feeling about this "New Master", it would be a shame to come all the way to Indigo and be left in the dark"

"Rai Rai" the creature in question replied.

(A/N – Anything like this: 'Hi' is thoughts.)

'Why did you have to disappear Ash? I was so close to finally seeing you. I just hope that you are who I think you are.'The man thought.

12pm – Midnight – Ash's Flat

Three out of three occupants of the Master's flat had awoken at the same time.

"Pi, Lucario, did you sense that?"

(A/N – Anything like this: "Hi" is Aura or Psychic speech.)

"If the strong Aura presence that just entered Indigo; yes." The black and blue jackal replied.

"It doesn't seem evil but we should be vigilant" An electric mouse added.

"You're right. But for now, let's sleep for a bit longer. If we will be fighting, we want to be on full alert.

7am – The Next Day – The Master's Office

The young Master had awoken and readied himself for the day ahead an hour earlier. He was now strolling through his self-opening door and sitting down at his desk. He booted up his laptop and it read – "1 New Message". Naturally, he opened the message and began to read.

You have been challenged to battle against an unnamed opponent today at noon,

With Luck – though you probably won't need it.

Lance.

So The Master had finally received his first challenge. This was going to be a big battle. No doubt with live news coverage.

12am – The Day of The Battle – Indigo Main Stadium

The news reporters were droning on with introductions along the lines of:

"Today will be a very exciting battle between The Master and another unnamed trainer. What will be the outcome?"

In the corner of the stadium were the group of the former friends of Ash Ketchum. They were still around in Indigo when they heard of this battle. They knew that they just had to come. Hoping that the unnamed trainer would turn out to be Ash Ketchum. Riding out from the darkness against the new strongest trainer in the world. But it was not to be, as little did they know, he had already done that.

In the challenger's locker room only one thing was said.

"This is it Ri."

Outside The commentator began to speak:

"WELCOME TO THE BATTLE BETWEEN…

A/N: Cliff hanger… Thanks for reading! Thanks for all your support-The follows, reviews and favourites really help. The story without this final A/N was 1000 words! My first significant chapter! Let's see if I can get the next one any bigger.