victory_road | [Video]

_{[When on video, Wrath is typically seen running loose and wild on the streets of Goldenrod, but today he's in a house. A house that seems empty except for him and various Pokemon that occasionally wander past in the background. He's sitting on the couch in the living room, surrounded by general clutter (empty Swirlix-Pop bags, loose papers, assorted clothing that may or may not belong to him) that shouldn't really surprise anybody who has known him longer than a day. There's some noisy slurping noises from off-screen where his Granbull is licking a hamburger wrapper.]

[And also there's a huge hole in the wall. It's jagged and bits of drywall are sticking out. You can see the yard (and more Pokemon) through it.]

[Wrath does not acknowledge this.]

[Instead, he pulls a Swirlix-pop from his mouth with an audible smack and taps it on his chin thoughtfully, leaving ominous red splotches.]}

Sometimes in life, you have to make choices.

But other times, you don't.

Those are just some of the times that happen in life.

Thoughts.

_{[Who left him alone in their house.]}

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Were you trying to make a new door?

[Because boy that sure is one way to do it!]

No, I was eating candy and drawing pictures.

_{[He holds up one of the loose papers laying on the couch next to him, proudly.]

[There's a (very) crude drawing of a Kangaskhan.]

[He doesn't even glance at the hole.]}

[Mabel stares at the picture for a second then glances at Wrath. Then to the gaping hole in the wall.

Then back to the picture.]

That looks really good!!!

[Cue a big smile as she switches gears because if he's not worried about the big hole in the wall then neither is she!]

That's a-- [Squint.] --Kangaskhan right?

_{[MABEL KNOWS WHAT'S UP!]

[He beams.]}

Yes!

That's Mama.

Baby is also there, but I messed up on her so you can't see her too well.

_{[Indeed, there's a lot of just... smudging where the Kangaskhan's pouch should be.]}

Mama thinks mess-ups are just nature's way of teaching us, so I'm going to put it on the fridge anyway.

Mama's pretty smart! Mess-ups are how you learn to get better at what you're trying to do! I use to mess-up drawings and sweaters all the time but practice makes perfect!

[It's said in a matter-of-factly way but with a huge smile, Mabel winking at Wrath.]

Next time you draw them I bet you'll be able to draw Baby no problem!!

_{[He likes Mabel.]

[In fact, he's encouraged! He grabs his papers back around him and starts rooting around in the couch cushions for lost crayons.]}

I think so too!

I want to try and draw all my Pokemon.

Do you draw Pokemon too?

You should! Draw all of them and keep drawing them because then you'll get better and better!!

[She will always encourage a fellow artist!]

I haven't tried yet but I should, shouldn't I? I've only made Pokemon sweaters--see!

[Excuse her while she lifts up Tabby Puss the Meowth who is sporting a very lovely purple sweater with a mouse on the front of it.]

I made this one for Tabby the other day!

_{[Wrath looks... LEGITIMATELY IMPRESSED!]}

You made that?

_{[Outside of TRANSMUTING IT (something he very much misses being able to do), Wrath has never seen a person make clothing before. He never really thought about it much-- it was just kind of. There. In stores.]}

It looks so soft!

_{[HE WANTS TO TOUCH IT. BUT CAN'T. Life is full of unfairness. :(]}

Yep!

[She shifts Tabby so she can look around the Meowth, beaming at Wrath.]

It's my favorite thing to do! I could make you one if you want!

Really?

_{[JUST FOR HIM?]

[Lust buys him clothing. But neither he nor any of the other Homunculi can actually make anything to save their lives.]

['Making' things is an exclusively human talent, alchemy or not.]

[:T just look at what happens when it's Envy or Lust's turn to do dinner.]}

Really really!!

[This is the part she really likes! When people get surprised and then excited about it because it makes her feel all warm and fuzzy inside!]

What's your favorite color? I can get yarn in whatever color it is and make the sweater out of it! Oh oh, and what do you want on the front of it??

[Give her ideas or she'll make something up!]

_{[You bet he's excited!]}

I like all colors!

Except brown.

_{[He taps his chin.]}

We wear a lot of black in this house.

_{[You wouldn't know it from just the decor but this family is made up of people who would absolutely shop exclusively at Hot Topic if they had been born in a modern era.]}

[ALL COLORS YOU SAY.]

That gives me the best idea ever!!

[Mabel grins, covering her mouth with her hands in excitement.]

Oh man oh man I have to get started on it right away but it's going to be the best sweater ever I promise!!

Wow!

Thank you!

_{[A year or so ago he wouldn't have even said thank you-- Homunculus socialization is a slow process, but it IS possible!]}

Will it be done in time for when winter comes?

[Mabel grins and winks.]

It'll be done even sooner than that!