The Wolf Pack
Wulfric / Kesuk
Wulfric / Kesuk
It's only been 3 days.
Three days since the funeral for his beloved wife, Glacine, was held. Three days since he took her place as the new chief of their village. Three days since he last spent time with his daughter.....
And Wulfric wants nothing more than to lock himself in his office and never come out.
Once the ceremony to celebrate Wulfric being the new chief ended, his job started as quickly as it began. Inspecting the town, greeting everyone, answering questions and helping anyone who needs his assistance. He had to fake his smile throughout it all under Frosts' careful eye. No one understood how much he was hurting right now. His whole world is crumbling like an unforeseen avalanche, but none of it mattered. Especially to his father in-law, Frost.
He just has to keep smiling.
Forget the fact he just returned from Heaven’s Spine, the deadliest mountain in all of the 4 Novas, several days back, or the fact he was informed his wife passed away right when he returned, OR the fact he can't get a minute to himself to properly mourn her loss!!! Or the fact he cant'-! ! !
"Daddyyyy!!!"
Wulfric's sleep only lasted 5 minutes as quickly woke in a daze with several parchments of paper stuck to his face. He took a moment to clutch his head from the massive headache he has from all that's happened, but nonetheless this was one of the few cases where he didn't mind the interruption. A genuine smile formed on his face, and he walked over to the door where his precious little Ice Cube stood. Tired eyes softened at the sight; 3 days is much too long for him to be apart from his bundle of joy. He bent down to pick her up and showered her with kisses.
"How's my precious little Ice Cube doing? I didn't hear the front door open, did you have fun with Grandpa Frost?"
"Hm!" She smiled, and nuzzled his side. "It was okay, but he doesn't like playing in the snow or go ice fishing like we do. He only wants to train, but it's boring doing that all the time...."
"He just wants you to become big and strong just like me, is all!" He smiled, giving her a small toss in the air before cradling her back in his arms. Her laughter was like music to his ears. She always knows how to cheer up him up, even if she doesn't know it herself.
"Yeah, I know, but...." She clutched onto him tight at the thought of being separated again. "I miss you..."
She and Wulfric were as tight as can be. The best father and daughter duo this side of South Nova! Always together, no matter what. Though....that hasn't been the case lately. She hasn't seen much of him once he left for Heaven’s Spine last month. Kes is young, but she is well aware what's been happening around her. Her mother, the powerful, but adored chief of their village brutally ambushed by outsiders while tending to several trades. An unfamiliar poison that couldn't be cured in time, Kesuk not only lost her mother that month, but in a way, her father as well.
Wulfric is now the Chief, and the Chief is always busy tending to what needs to be done. Kes has been taken in by Frost, her Grandfather. Before Wulfric and Glacine ruled, Frost was the chief. Strict, professional and NEVER playful and carefree like Wulfric. Kes misses the days where they would go out and play in the snow. They would have snowball fights, build snow forts, and ice fish. Kesuk saw her mom occasionally, but those were few and far as she was always busy.
Was it going to be like this from now on? Was she never going to see her dad anymore? Stuck with her grandfather who only cares about training and nothing more? Just the very thought couldn't help but bring tears in her eyes.
"I wish Momma was still here, I don't want you to be Chief, dad. "
Wulfric quietly hushed and comforted the sobbing child. He regrets not being there for her during the stressful transition. Frost greatly lacks compassion and only cares about the future of their home. It angered Wulfric, but he was in no position to argue back. Frost knew he could easily take Kesuk away if needed, so Wulfric does his best to behave and oblige to Frosts’ wishes, even if he's deeply hurting.
He then glances down at the trembling figure, and places a comforting hand on her back. Yes, Wulfric is hurting from the loss of his wife, but Kesuk is hurting just the same without her mother. He needs to be there for her despite what Frosts says. If that means he'll go without sleep for days on end, then so be it.
The Leo gently lifted her head to he could properly see her, and gave the other a small smile. "Hey, wanna see something cool? A….uh...super special secret ice technique I personally created!"
"A...super special secret ice technique?" Kes spoke in-between sniffles as curiosity soon started to replace her sadness.
"Yup! I was a bit older than you when I created it, so if you're up for it I can show you!"
"Yeah!!" She eagerly nodded as her past troubles seem to melt away at the thought of spending time with him. "I'm up for it, show me, show me- hurry Daddy!!!"
"Alright, alright." He laughed as he headed out of his office, and out house. Wulfric did his best to avoid crowded areas as he didn't want to draw any attention to him....which is hard since he sticks out like a sore thumb. Compared to the average Ice Leo, Wulfric is massive. Big, towering, and hair just as huge with sharp icicles hanging on each tip. It was late in the afternoon, so many Leos already turned in for the day which made it a bit easier to navigate the village. It was still troublesome nonetheless, but the both managed to leave the walls of the village and into the outskirts where they would always play.
Wulfric gently set Kes on the ice below, and she happily ran off a bit further before she stopped to wait for him to catch up. She was anxiously bouncing on the tips of her toes waiting for him to show her, and Wulfric softly chuckled to himself and asked her to close her eyes. She did so without a word and continued to wait until he gave the okay.
It was an old but powerful technique the village uses, and only a small handful can completely wield and master this move. Wulfric, of course, isn't the type to copy and repeat what everyone else does; it's just not his style. So naturally he added a few special touches to it to call it is own. It truly was the only one of its kind, and Wulfric was super excited to use it again to show Kesuk.
Lifting his hand, a piece of the floor in which they stood started to move and crack. Eventually the large chunk of ice rose from below and began morphing and transforming into a different shape. Ridged and jagged edges became sleek and smooth, a tail soon appear followed by ears and a set of paws. Slowly but surely the creature took form, and it was only when it was complete did he tell Kes to open her eyes.
Once she did, she gasped out in awe. Standing right before her was a canine like creature completely made out of ice! Tail wagging, tongue hanging out, the creature took a few steps before crouching down to nuzzle her side.
"W-what is it? Is...it real?"
"It's as real as the one who's controlling it." Wulfric smiled as he flicked one of his claws to get the creature to move into a sitting position. "Before I met your mother, this 'lil guy would always keep me company. I'd always ride on his back, and he would help carry all of the fish I caught."
Wulfric flicked his claw again, and it moved forward before kneeling down so Kes could get on its back. Kes eagerly climbed on as laughter and giggles could be heard once it took off. She held on tight as the wolf like creature skated and glided seamlessly throughout the vast terrain. It jumped over small piles of snow, and around Wulfric as the pair laughed the evening away.
When the stars started to shine, and a faint aurora painted the sky above several hours later, Kesuk rested on top of her dad’s head as they quietly watched together. It felt like it’s been forever since she last spent time with him. Even if it was for only a few hours, today has been the greatest day since the incident. She rolled forward and fell into her father’s lap before nuzzling him. “Today was the best day in forever! Can we play again tomorrow?”
“It all depends on my schedule, little Ice Cube. But anytime I’m free, it’ll always go towards you.” He smiled.”I may not be around much like before, but anytime you need me, I promise I’ll be there."
Kes gave a silent nod and looked back up into the sky. What he said reminded her of a conversation she heard a few days back, and it’s something that’s been troubling here since she heard it. Tightly gripping his arms, she looked up from her spot in his lap with sad eyes.
“Dad. You….won’t ever leave the village, will you?”
“Maybe for an occasional ice fishing break, but don’t tell your grandfather that.“ He joked. When he looked down and noticed the seriousness in her eyes, Wulfric realized her question wasn’t meant to be taken as a joke.
“O-oh, Kesuk.” His voice had a protective, parental air to it. "Of course I won’t leave. The village is our home, you know that.”
“I know, but…I heard you and Grandpa Frost fighting. And how you said you didn’t need the village…”
Wulfric slightly froze up. He didn’t expect her to overhear their argument. He assumed Frost took her elsewhere when they had their conversation. Part of him believed Frost let her eavesdrop. If Kesuk knew what he said about leaving, it’ll give Frost more leeway to manipulate and control him. Just thinking about it couldn’t help but infuriate him.
“U-uhhh, D-dad….??” Kes called out when she noticed the ice canine next to them started to hiss with anger. Its back started to spike up like the fur of an enraged animal, and it looked much too terrifying to the point where Kes hugged his dad in fear.
Wulfric shook his thoughts when she called out to him, and took notice of the dog as well. He took a breath to calm himself, and the dog stopped hissing. Maybe having it around at this time wasn’t’ a good idea- especially if it’ll showcase his emotions out in the open. Wulfric lifted his hand as the dog slowly started to melt away. Several seconds passed, and the dog was nothing more; turned back into the ice below in which it was created from. Kes eventually peeked her head up, and then back at her dad.
“Kesuk, what I said back then to your Grandfather....” He hesitated. “I was angry. Losing your mother, becoming Chief, not being able to spend time with you. Everything just built up, and I snapped. Anything I said that day isn’t to be taken to heart. Kesuk, you know I would never leave you.”
“Even if it means being Chief?” She added, knowing he hated the job.
“Being Chief will never stop me from leaving my little Ice Cube.” He reassured, hugging her a bit tighter. “I love you Kesuk. More than anything in the world, don’t ever forget that.”
“I won’t, daddy.” She returned the hug as a small smile formed on her face. “I love you too.”
The pair nuzzled and hugged for a few more moments before Wulfric set her down as he began to stand up. “I think a few more shops may still be open. How about we have a late 'all you can eat' bbq dinner followed by some winter melon shaved ice?” He said, naming off her favorite meals of all time.
“W-wha? Really?!!!” She gasped with anticipation. “With snowflake sprinkles and sweet jam too?"
“You know it, little Ice Cube~! Only the best for my daughter.” He stated as he headed back to town with Kes toddling by his side.
It's been 3 days since he lost his wife, 3 days since he became chief -- Things are going to be different from now on. He knows, it, and Kesuk knows it as well. Some days will be filled with hardships, and some will be filled with joy. Carefree days like before are limited to but a few. Wulfirc isn’t sure he’ll be able to handle being the well-respected chief of the village, and the father she idolizes so much, but….
“This is gonna be the greatest dinner ever!! You’re the best, dad!” Kesuk calls out, gripping his hand and dragging him to the plaza before it closes.
One step at a time, he thinks. Maybe it’ll work out one day….
“W-whoa, hold up, Kesuk.” He calls out, trying to find his footing as he tries to keep up.
Maybe it will.
Three days since the funeral for his beloved wife, Glacine, was held. Three days since he took her place as the new chief of their village. Three days since he last spent time with his daughter.....
And Wulfric wants nothing more than to lock himself in his office and never come out.
Once the ceremony to celebrate Wulfric being the new chief ended, his job started as quickly as it began. Inspecting the town, greeting everyone, answering questions and helping anyone who needs his assistance. He had to fake his smile throughout it all under Frosts' careful eye. No one understood how much he was hurting right now. His whole world is crumbling like an unforeseen avalanche, but none of it mattered. Especially to his father in-law, Frost.
He just has to keep smiling.
Forget the fact he just returned from Heaven’s Spine, the deadliest mountain in all of the 4 Novas, several days back, or the fact he was informed his wife passed away right when he returned, OR the fact he can't get a minute to himself to properly mourn her loss!!! Or the fact he cant'-! ! !
"Daddyyyy!!!"
Wulfric's sleep only lasted 5 minutes as quickly woke in a daze with several parchments of paper stuck to his face. He took a moment to clutch his head from the massive headache he has from all that's happened, but nonetheless this was one of the few cases where he didn't mind the interruption. A genuine smile formed on his face, and he walked over to the door where his precious little Ice Cube stood. Tired eyes softened at the sight; 3 days is much too long for him to be apart from his bundle of joy. He bent down to pick her up and showered her with kisses.
"How's my precious little Ice Cube doing? I didn't hear the front door open, did you have fun with Grandpa Frost?"
"Hm!" She smiled, and nuzzled his side. "It was okay, but he doesn't like playing in the snow or go ice fishing like we do. He only wants to train, but it's boring doing that all the time...."
"He just wants you to become big and strong just like me, is all!" He smiled, giving her a small toss in the air before cradling her back in his arms. Her laughter was like music to his ears. She always knows how to cheer up him up, even if she doesn't know it herself.
"Yeah, I know, but...." She clutched onto him tight at the thought of being separated again. "I miss you..."
She and Wulfric were as tight as can be. The best father and daughter duo this side of South Nova! Always together, no matter what. Though....that hasn't been the case lately. She hasn't seen much of him once he left for Heaven’s Spine last month. Kes is young, but she is well aware what's been happening around her. Her mother, the powerful, but adored chief of their village brutally ambushed by outsiders while tending to several trades. An unfamiliar poison that couldn't be cured in time, Kesuk not only lost her mother that month, but in a way, her father as well.
Wulfric is now the Chief, and the Chief is always busy tending to what needs to be done. Kes has been taken in by Frost, her Grandfather. Before Wulfric and Glacine ruled, Frost was the chief. Strict, professional and NEVER playful and carefree like Wulfric. Kes misses the days where they would go out and play in the snow. They would have snowball fights, build snow forts, and ice fish. Kesuk saw her mom occasionally, but those were few and far as she was always busy.
Was it going to be like this from now on? Was she never going to see her dad anymore? Stuck with her grandfather who only cares about training and nothing more? Just the very thought couldn't help but bring tears in her eyes.
"I wish Momma was still here, I don't want you to be Chief, dad. "
Wulfric quietly hushed and comforted the sobbing child. He regrets not being there for her during the stressful transition. Frost greatly lacks compassion and only cares about the future of their home. It angered Wulfric, but he was in no position to argue back. Frost knew he could easily take Kesuk away if needed, so Wulfric does his best to behave and oblige to Frosts’ wishes, even if he's deeply hurting.
He then glances down at the trembling figure, and places a comforting hand on her back. Yes, Wulfric is hurting from the loss of his wife, but Kesuk is hurting just the same without her mother. He needs to be there for her despite what Frosts says. If that means he'll go without sleep for days on end, then so be it.
The Leo gently lifted her head to he could properly see her, and gave the other a small smile. "Hey, wanna see something cool? A….uh...super special secret ice technique I personally created!"
"A...super special secret ice technique?" Kes spoke in-between sniffles as curiosity soon started to replace her sadness.
"Yup! I was a bit older than you when I created it, so if you're up for it I can show you!"
"Yeah!!" She eagerly nodded as her past troubles seem to melt away at the thought of spending time with him. "I'm up for it, show me, show me- hurry Daddy!!!"
"Alright, alright." He laughed as he headed out of his office, and out house. Wulfric did his best to avoid crowded areas as he didn't want to draw any attention to him....which is hard since he sticks out like a sore thumb. Compared to the average Ice Leo, Wulfric is massive. Big, towering, and hair just as huge with sharp icicles hanging on each tip. It was late in the afternoon, so many Leos already turned in for the day which made it a bit easier to navigate the village. It was still troublesome nonetheless, but the both managed to leave the walls of the village and into the outskirts where they would always play.
Wulfric gently set Kes on the ice below, and she happily ran off a bit further before she stopped to wait for him to catch up. She was anxiously bouncing on the tips of her toes waiting for him to show her, and Wulfric softly chuckled to himself and asked her to close her eyes. She did so without a word and continued to wait until he gave the okay.
It was an old but powerful technique the village uses, and only a small handful can completely wield and master this move. Wulfric, of course, isn't the type to copy and repeat what everyone else does; it's just not his style. So naturally he added a few special touches to it to call it is own. It truly was the only one of its kind, and Wulfric was super excited to use it again to show Kesuk.
Lifting his hand, a piece of the floor in which they stood started to move and crack. Eventually the large chunk of ice rose from below and began morphing and transforming into a different shape. Ridged and jagged edges became sleek and smooth, a tail soon appear followed by ears and a set of paws. Slowly but surely the creature took form, and it was only when it was complete did he tell Kes to open her eyes.
Once she did, she gasped out in awe. Standing right before her was a canine like creature completely made out of ice! Tail wagging, tongue hanging out, the creature took a few steps before crouching down to nuzzle her side.
"W-what is it? Is...it real?"
"It's as real as the one who's controlling it." Wulfric smiled as he flicked one of his claws to get the creature to move into a sitting position. "Before I met your mother, this 'lil guy would always keep me company. I'd always ride on his back, and he would help carry all of the fish I caught."
Wulfric flicked his claw again, and it moved forward before kneeling down so Kes could get on its back. Kes eagerly climbed on as laughter and giggles could be heard once it took off. She held on tight as the wolf like creature skated and glided seamlessly throughout the vast terrain. It jumped over small piles of snow, and around Wulfric as the pair laughed the evening away.
When the stars started to shine, and a faint aurora painted the sky above several hours later, Kesuk rested on top of her dad’s head as they quietly watched together. It felt like it’s been forever since she last spent time with him. Even if it was for only a few hours, today has been the greatest day since the incident. She rolled forward and fell into her father’s lap before nuzzling him. “Today was the best day in forever! Can we play again tomorrow?”
“It all depends on my schedule, little Ice Cube. But anytime I’m free, it’ll always go towards you.” He smiled.”I may not be around much like before, but anytime you need me, I promise I’ll be there."
Kes gave a silent nod and looked back up into the sky. What he said reminded her of a conversation she heard a few days back, and it’s something that’s been troubling here since she heard it. Tightly gripping his arms, she looked up from her spot in his lap with sad eyes.
“Dad. You….won’t ever leave the village, will you?”
“Maybe for an occasional ice fishing break, but don’t tell your grandfather that.“ He joked. When he looked down and noticed the seriousness in her eyes, Wulfric realized her question wasn’t meant to be taken as a joke.
“O-oh, Kesuk.” His voice had a protective, parental air to it. "Of course I won’t leave. The village is our home, you know that.”
“I know, but…I heard you and Grandpa Frost fighting. And how you said you didn’t need the village…”
Wulfric slightly froze up. He didn’t expect her to overhear their argument. He assumed Frost took her elsewhere when they had their conversation. Part of him believed Frost let her eavesdrop. If Kesuk knew what he said about leaving, it’ll give Frost more leeway to manipulate and control him. Just thinking about it couldn’t help but infuriate him.
“U-uhhh, D-dad….??” Kes called out when she noticed the ice canine next to them started to hiss with anger. Its back started to spike up like the fur of an enraged animal, and it looked much too terrifying to the point where Kes hugged his dad in fear.
Wulfric shook his thoughts when she called out to him, and took notice of the dog as well. He took a breath to calm himself, and the dog stopped hissing. Maybe having it around at this time wasn’t’ a good idea- especially if it’ll showcase his emotions out in the open. Wulfric lifted his hand as the dog slowly started to melt away. Several seconds passed, and the dog was nothing more; turned back into the ice below in which it was created from. Kes eventually peeked her head up, and then back at her dad.
“Kesuk, what I said back then to your Grandfather....” He hesitated. “I was angry. Losing your mother, becoming Chief, not being able to spend time with you. Everything just built up, and I snapped. Anything I said that day isn’t to be taken to heart. Kesuk, you know I would never leave you.”
“Even if it means being Chief?” She added, knowing he hated the job.
“Being Chief will never stop me from leaving my little Ice Cube.” He reassured, hugging her a bit tighter. “I love you Kesuk. More than anything in the world, don’t ever forget that.”
“I won’t, daddy.” She returned the hug as a small smile formed on her face. “I love you too.”
The pair nuzzled and hugged for a few more moments before Wulfric set her down as he began to stand up. “I think a few more shops may still be open. How about we have a late 'all you can eat' bbq dinner followed by some winter melon shaved ice?” He said, naming off her favorite meals of all time.
“W-wha? Really?!!!” She gasped with anticipation. “With snowflake sprinkles and sweet jam too?"
“You know it, little Ice Cube~! Only the best for my daughter.” He stated as he headed back to town with Kes toddling by his side.
It's been 3 days since he lost his wife, 3 days since he became chief -- Things are going to be different from now on. He knows, it, and Kesuk knows it as well. Some days will be filled with hardships, and some will be filled with joy. Carefree days like before are limited to but a few. Wulfirc isn’t sure he’ll be able to handle being the well-respected chief of the village, and the father she idolizes so much, but….
“This is gonna be the greatest dinner ever!! You’re the best, dad!” Kesuk calls out, gripping his hand and dragging him to the plaza before it closes.
One step at a time, he thinks. Maybe it’ll work out one day….
“W-whoa, hold up, Kesuk.” He calls out, trying to find his footing as he tries to keep up.
Maybe it will.
Artist Comment:
January 24, 2022
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SOME FATHER DAUGHTER FLUFF!!! 8D This takes place several days after Wulfric becomes chief. Him and his daughter are as tight as can be, but once his role as Chief began, the pair couldn't spend as much time together like they once did. Frost now watches over Kesuk when Wulfric is busy, but she doesn't prefer him because he only cares about training. =C
Also, this illustration below is the conversations Kesuk overheard. Wulfric believes Frost allowed her to hear their conversation to manipulate them even further. If Kesuk knew his father threatened to leave the village, Frost would be able to use that against them. If Wulfric dares steps out of line, then Frost has no problem taking Kesuk away from him. Frost is playing a VERY dangerous game, but he knows Wulfric would never harm him as long as Kesuk's happiness is on the line.
Things are going to be different now that Wulfric is Chief, but he's trying to make it work. If he has to go days without proper rest, then he will. He will do anything for his precious little ice cube, Kesuk. <3
January 24, 2022
-----------------
SOME FATHER DAUGHTER FLUFF!!! 8D This takes place several days after Wulfric becomes chief. Him and his daughter are as tight as can be, but once his role as Chief began, the pair couldn't spend as much time together like they once did. Frost now watches over Kesuk when Wulfric is busy, but she doesn't prefer him because he only cares about training. =C
Also, this illustration below is the conversations Kesuk overheard. Wulfric believes Frost allowed her to hear their conversation to manipulate them even further. If Kesuk knew his father threatened to leave the village, Frost would be able to use that against them. If Wulfric dares steps out of line, then Frost has no problem taking Kesuk away from him. Frost is playing a VERY dangerous game, but he knows Wulfric would never harm him as long as Kesuk's happiness is on the line.
Things are going to be different now that Wulfric is Chief, but he's trying to make it work. If he has to go days without proper rest, then he will. He will do anything for his precious little ice cube, Kesuk. <3
Species © Nintendo/ HAL Laboratory
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem
Interpreted characters created from said species © Rhylem
