A/N: The softer side of Doom. Well, kinda.
36: Manipulation
Doctor Doom stepped outside of the cave. Doom was already missing the fresh smell of Clefairy blood that had been in the air.
"So..." Meowth started, "Not to complain or anything but why exactly did you want me? I'm just a Meowth. I ain't nothing special." Before the words had finished leaving his mouth Meowth was knocked to the ground by a backhanded slap from Doom.
"Do not question the wisdom of Doom again, little Pokemon. Doom does not know what your foolish master told you prior, nor does Doom particularly care, but I am capable of perceiving the very core of every living creature. I have gone beyond the curtain of creation and have been allowed to see secrets you could not imagine. When Doom takes interest , it is no passing matter. Luck and Chance are completely eliminated from the equation. Doom looks upon you and sees potential. I see cunning. I have use for these things in this world. One day, if you prove yourself to be able to live up to my expectation, you may in fact be someone I can…rely on." Doom turned his back to Meowth and continued his walk to the next city.
Meowth's eyes teared up slightly as he walked behind his new master. Never before had anyone been so nice to him!
Doom, for his part, could barely keep from rolling his eyes as he had finished his speech to Meowth. The Pokemon did not know that he had no need to rely on anyone else, much less him, and he would never have such a need. It would keep him in line, however. Keep him loyal. It was so easy to abuse the trust of a fragile mind that was already used to being abused. Just show an ounce of kindness, even if it isn't genuine, and they are hooked.
Doom stopped his nefarious thoughts as a city came into view. Cerulean City, home of the Gym Leader Misty who specialized in Water types. Doom was confident that before he was done that water would be her Pokemon's grave.