A/N: I wonder if any of you saw this coming?

52: Needs


Doctor Doom was about halfway across the bridge when he stopped suddenly and whipped his head to the left. On the other side of the small river was an entrance to a cave. Doom's eyes narrowed. He could sense a great and ancient power in the cave. It was not as great as Doom, nor as ancient as Doom, but it was enough to catch Doom's attention. A pity for whatever was in the cave.

"Meowth," Doom said suddenly, "We are going into that cave. I sense something of great power in there. I desire it."

Meowth visibly paled. "M-master. I have heard terrible rumors about that cave. Every member of Team Rocket was told to stay very far away from that cave. Something about radiation I think. It's really dangerous, with only the strongest Pokemon being able to survive such an environment."

Doom turned to Meowth with a sneer on his face. "Are you saying the Pokemon Doom himself raised are not the strongest? That untamed, untrained Pokemon could hold a candle to Doom's care? Do you think so little of your master Meowth? Is that it? Do you regret walking the path of Doom? Perhaps Doom can deliver you back to your former masters. Is that what you wish?" Doom asked silkily.

Meowth had never been more afraid of his master. Meowth was a smart Pokemon.

"N-no master. I let my fear get the best of me. I know you can face any challenge."

Doom glared at Meowth for a moment before nodding. He was more intrigued with this mysterious power than punishing his weak-willed Pokemon.

Doom levitated himself and Meowth above the water and soon they found themselves at the mouth of the cave.

Doom closed his eyes and let his magical senses unravel themselves. Doom was curious about the presence he had felt before. Knowledge was power, and Doom while never afraid or worried was also a prudent man. He would arm himself properly. After a moment Doom once again found the source of power and then felt the creature push back against him. Hard.

Doom fell to his knees, unprepared for such an attack. Doom staggered to his feet and fought off the wave of dizziness that had overwhelmed him.

High class psychic powers… Excellent. That suits my needs.