Wolf and Fox: Debt to a Wolf

The story begins where the anime episode: The Wolf and the Fox ended. Fox had hoodwinked Wolf by leading him into a trap. The two animals went into a cellar where there were barrels of salted meat. When Wolf overate, Fox got the attention of the Farmhand and Wolf became too big to leave and got stuck in the hole where they entered originally. Fox then ran into the forest to announce his freedom from Wolf to the other animals.


"Debt to a Wolf"


Farmhand: You greedy thief! Now I have you!

The man was beyond angry now. He bashed Wolf with a large stick he used to herd his cattle. Wolf cringed and whimpered with every strike. He struggled and struggled but was wedged good and tight in the burrow.

Wolf: (Thinking) I can't take this anymore! But I'm a sitting duck here! I gotta do something! I need some luck for once!

The wolf couldn't take the pain anymore. Just when the Farmhand was going to club him again, he bit the end of the stick. Wolf grasped on tight and would not let go.

Farmhand: Cursed beast! Let go! Let go now!

But Wolf had a good grip. Frustrated, the Farmhand pulled to get the wolf to release. But all his frustration made him over look the fact that by trying to get the wolf to take his mouth off his stick; he unknowingly freed the wolf from the hole. Finally Wolf got lucky.

Wolf got up, stumbled off and didn't look back at the man holding the broken stick, shaking his fist.

He didn't stop running until he was in the forest. After the wolf caught his breath, he went off in search of Fox.

Wolf: (Growling) Wait till I find that little sneak..! Leaving me like that. I'll teach him!

As sore as he was, Wolf went to pursue Fox.

When the wolf finally found his former follower, Fox was sitting on a rock surrounded by some of the residents of the forest. Wolf hid himself among some weeds and listened to the fox's boasting on how he tricked Wolf..

Fox: (Laughing) And then, Wolf ate so darn much, the big bully's belly got stuck in the hole!

(Animals laughing)

Fox: (Imitating and mocking Wolf) 'Fox! I'm going to getch ya for this! I promise you that!' His yelling made the human run over faster!

(Animals continue to laugh)

Mama Duck: I can't believe my ducklings and I were afraid of him!

Rabbits: Serves him right for being SO greedy!

Bear: I'm glad he's gone. Wolf was a fool to think I would ever join him!

Deer: What a dummy!

(Animals continue to laugh)

The wolf lowered his head. There was no way he was going to show himself to the animals now. His pride hurt more then his bumps and bruises. He slunk off muttering.

Wolf: So... Fox tricked me. I never should've trusted him!

He took off his tattered vest. Wolf was still feeling too humiliated and rather try not to alert his presence to the animals.

For days, the wolf staggered along the edge of the forest where not too many animals traveled.

Wolf: Fox... Humph! I don't need him. I don't need anybody!

The wolf pawed his stomach.

Wolf: But I do need to eat. I'm hungry!

As try as he might, Wolf could not locate any thing to eat. Most of his hunting was done deeper in the forest and Wolf dared not to show his face, especially to Fox.

Hungry, sore and full of self pity, the wolf lurked in bushes and sniffed the ground for any signs of prey.

Wolf: This is ridiculous! I'm gonna starve if I don't find a meal!

Suddenly, Wolf picked up a new smell. He followed the scent a little way a way.

Wolf: Finally! Something to change my luck.. Whoa!

Quickly, Wolf hid in some tall grass. He found what his nose led him to; but it wasn't something he wanted at all...

Wolf: (Thinking) A human? What's a human doing in the forest?

The human was a young child, sitting on a broken log. She was sobbing. The wolf looked around. He didn't see any other people nor smelled any more of them either. It was only this child.

Wolf: (Thinking) It's just a little girl. I rather not make a child my next meal. I can't take any more beatings... But... I gotta eat something. And she is all alone...

Cautiously, the wolf approached the girl from behind. Still contemplating on what to do. Unfortunately, Wolf was not so quiet as he wanted to be and his paws snapped some twigs.

Little Girl: (Startled) Oh! Hello? Is someone there?

The child turned around and faced the wolf. Wolf blinked and froze. Wondering what would happen next. But again, the child called out.

Little Girl: Who is that? Can anyone help me?

Wolf crept up to the crying child. He was close enough to see the tears filling her eyes, but she could not see him in the least.

Wolf: (Thinking) She... can't see.

As Wolf was staring at the little girl, she reached her hand out. The wolf backed away and gave a light whimper in surprise.

Little Girl: (Sniffling) Hello, doggy. Can you help me get home? I was picking berries for Mama and I broke my cane.

Wolf: (Thinking to himself) Good riddance. I hate sticks.

Little Girl: I fell and hurt my foot. I tried finding my way home, but without my cane, I can't see where I am going.

Wolf: (Confused and thinking) I thought she was blind?

The child pointed in a direction.

Little Girl: I can find where I live cause I hear my Papa's sheep. If you walk with me, I can direct you. Can you help me, doggy?

The wolf's ears perked up with the word 'sheep'.

Wolf: (Thinking) Mm... Sheep are easy to catch! All I gotta do is take this little girl home and I'll have a belly full of lamb and mutton. (Licking his muzzle)

The wolf slowly went next to the child and allowed her to touch him. The little girl's hands felt his face and then his back. If he wasn't so sore from the beatings, this might have been pleasant.

Little Girl: Wow! You're a BIG doggy!

Wolf: (Thinking) How can she mistake me for a dog!

The wolf paused and noted the child's blank stare.

Wolf: (Thinking) Oh..,. right.

The wolf scraped the dirt with his paw to tell her to begin to walk and the little girl put her hand behind his head as Wolf walked with her.

Little Girl: Thank you so much doggy! This way!

The child pointed and the wolf went in that direction.

The two traveled side by side. Wolf looked where they were going and the little girl stopped and listened to see where to turn next. It was hard for Wolf to walk besides her as the child was walking awkward and rather slowly; because of her swollen ankle. Wolf was becoming quite irritable.

Wolf: (Thinking) Oh, this is taking forever! I'll be a skeleton by the time we get there!

Wolf then went in front of the little girl.

Little Girl: What is it, doggy?

The wolf lowered himself, hoping that she understood what he was asking. The child growing up with animals, picked up quickly on what he wanted and understood. She sat on Wolf's back. He slowly raised himself up and the child told him to keep going forward.

Wolf kept complaining to himself, he was relieved that no other animals were around to see him.

Wolf: (Muttering) If Fox saw this he would have a great time at me... Look everyone! Wolf likes to give pony rides to people! Argh! These sheep better be worth this!

Carrying the child was making Wolf tired and even more hungry. His legs and head were still aching from the Farmhand's beatings. He felt like just stopping right then and there and eat the little girl, but he kept telling himself...

Wolf: (Panting) Mutton and lamb chops.. Mutton and lamb chops.

After an hour of traveling and climbing over a hill, the two reached the little girl's farm.

Coming out of the house were the little girl's parents. They saw their beloved missing Daughter coming home safe and sound. But…

Mother: What in the world is our Daughter riding?!

Father: It looks like a... wolf!

The child's sensitive ears recognized the baaing sheep.

Little Girl: I hear my Papa's sheep! We're home! Please stop here, doggy!

Wolf: (Panting) Gla- Gladly...

The little girl got off the wolf's back and called to her parents.

Wolf collapsed right then and there. He was too exhausted to even bother to smell a sheep.

The child's parents came rushing over, calling back to their daughter.

The family embraced each other tightly.

Mother: Oh, thank heavens you're safe!

Father: We have been searching all over for you! We were worried sick!

Daughter: I'm sorry Mama! Sorry Papa! I wanted to get berries but I broke my cane and I got lost and hurt my foot. But the doggy helped me!

The parents' eyes were then on the fainted wolf.

Quickly, the Father took his child's hand.

Father: Come with me, don't go near him!

Daughter: Why, Papa?

Father: Sweetheart, that's a WOLF.

The child went quiet for a moment. This took her by surprise. But then, she let go of her Father's hand and crawled till she felt the wolf's fur.

Father: Sweetheart? What are you doing? That's a WOLF.

Daughter: I know and I don't care! He carried me when my foot hurt and without him, I would not of gotten home.

Father: But sweetheart, that's a...

The farmer's wife placed her hand over her husband's mouth.

Mother: ...WOLF. We know, dear.

The woman knelt down next to her Daughter and placed her hand over the wolf's head. She noticed the Wolf's bruises and lumps from the Farmhand's beatings, and the wolf's half tail that was torn from the iced pond last winter.

Mother: Regardless what this creature is, he is a noble animal. Despite his poor state, he returned our child to us!

Father (Sighs) Well, yes he did. (Gazes at his Daughter) We should be forever in his debt.

*

Later, Wolf opened his eyes. He saw a lamp on and in it's glow was the little girl along with her parents, standing over him. Frightened, Wolf put his paws over his closed eyes, shaking. He was too tired to escape.

Wolf: (Whining) Ah! People! Please don't HIT me! I didn't eat any sheep... at least not today anyway. Ah! Don't KICK me!

The Daughter heard the wolf's whimpering and carefully sat next to him. She put her arms over him.

Daughter: Don't be afraid, Wolfy. We won't let anything bad happen to you!

Wolf peeked through his paws and looked around. He was lying on a rug with a pillow and had bandages on his legs and head. He was inside their cottage. The farmer and his wife smiled at the wolf.

Father: You were pretty banged up. I had to use all our bandages on you.

Mother: Dear Wolf, your devotion will not go unnoticed. It's our turn to be devoted to you.

The woman walked into the kitchen.

Wolf: (Thinking) Am I dreaming or are these people happy that I wanna turn their sheep into breakfast, lunch and dinner?

Then, the woman came back into the room with a large pot roast.

Mother: You deserve this more then my husband today...

Her husband just nodded yes and turned his head from the food's aroma.

Wolf's eyes and mouth gaped wide, while wagging his stubbed tail as the Mother placed the roast down before him.

Wolf: Oh, YEAH!!

Mother: We are forever in your debt. Please enjoy!

The hungry wolf shrugged.

Wolf: (Thinking) I don't know what's got them so happy, but who am I to take away their happiness?! (Rubbing his paws together) Chow time!

Wolf loudly munched and gulped the warm pot roast. Completely oblivious of his good deed; which allowed a farmer and his wife to openly invite a large, greedy predator into their home.

*

For many months, Wolf thrived with his new easy, sheltered life style. He didn't have to hunt at all and he still received good meals everyday. With all the lavished attention and food, Wolf seemed to forget all about his grudge with Fox.

One autumn morning, Wolf was heading up to the hen house.

Wolf: Let's see how many more eggs I'll get the chickens to lay today.(Snickering and paw wiping his muzzle)

Yes, fried eggs were still his favorite entrée.

When the wolf reached the coop, he heard the chickens cackling and fluttering.

Wolf: Hmm. That's funny. I'm not that close enough for them to hear me yet.

But it wasn't Wolf that was making the hens distressed. Wolf spotted a pair of raccoons inside the hen house.

Angry and annoyed, the wolf barged in and bellowed.

Wolf: Hey! You little bandits! Get away from those chickens now! Those eggs are MINE!!

Brother Raccoon: It's Wolf! Run Sister!
Sister Raccoon: You kidding! I'm already in front of you, Brother!

The raccoons took to their heals with the wolf behind them.

Meanwhile, the little girl and her parents had heard the commotion. The wife and husband watched in awe as the wolf chased the raccoons.

When the sibling pair was far enough away, Wolf stood up, yelling.

Wolf: (Calling out to the raccoons) You're lucky that I don't find raccoons tasty or I'd have caught ya by now! But you better keep running anyway, if you know what's good for ya!

Wolf turned around and walked back to the hen house. He paused to see the human family, standing there.

Father: Good job, Wolf, with keeping those thieves away! We truly are forever in your debt!

The little girl came out of the hen house with a basketful of eggs.

Daughter: Mama, can you make Wolfy some omelets so the hens can repay him?

Mother: Of course, sweetie! I'd be delighted to make him breakfast!

The man scratched his forehead and reminded his wife.

Father: Honey, Wolf already had eggs for breakfast.

The woman looked at her husband and smiled sternly.

Mother: Well, he's getting them for brunch then!

The eager wolf began to follow the family to the house when the hens walked in front of him.

Wolf: Um, chickens..? Move aside... or do you want me to eat myself a clear path?

The chickens bowed their heads in front of the big wolf, clucking happily.

Chickens: We hope you enjoy our eggs.

The birds then made a path for the wolf to continue on.

Wolf blinked blankly at them and walked by the bowing birds.

Chickens: We are forever in your debt!

Wolf: (Thinking) Why does everybody keep saying that?!

The little girl called for him.

Daughter: Wolfy! Come in. The omelets are ready!

Wolf: (Looking back at the hens and shrugged) Ah, who cares. Time to eat!

*

Back at the forest, Fox was enjoying some cheese that he snuck off of a cart when the man was watering his mule. The fox was still in a good mood, thinking that he would never have to worry about Wolf ordering him around, ever again.

Fox then heard hooting, it was an old owl.

Owl: Fox, do you have a moment?

Fox: Of course, Owl! What can I do you for?

Owl: I was looking for mice but I found this instead. I thought YOU might need to see it.

The bird dropped an object to the ground. Fox nearly choked on a piece of cheese when he recognized what it was... Wolf's vest.

Fox: (Coughing) What? How can that be!? He was done in by the Farmhand on the other side of the forest! Did you see Wolf nearby?

The owl thought for a moment.

Owl: Well, last spring, near the edge of the woods, I did see a large animal that looked liked Wolf. My eyes aren't what they use to be, but I remember the animal was accompanied by a human child.

Fox: Wait a minute! I know this vest belongs to Wolf but he NEVER would be with any human, especially not after what happened to him.

Owl: Then perhaps my old eyes must have mistaken a dog for a wolf?

Fox: Yes, because there aren't any other wolves around. But Wolf's vest is here? Does this mean HE is here too?

Owl: What are you going to do?

Fox: I have to think, but first I need a drink of water. I swallowed the cheese too quickly.

The raccoon siblings were still scared and trying to calm each other down. They decided to wash their paws by the stream to help settle their nerves. But it so happened that Fox was by the stream for his drink.

Fox: So what has you guys so frazzled?

Sister Raccoon: It was Wolf! He chased us!
Brother Raccoon: No good bully! He wanted all the eggs for himself!

The fox almost coughed on some water now, on hearing that Wolf was truly back and back to being himself.

Fox: (Stutters) Are-are you certain it-it was Wolf?! Where did you see him?

Sister Raccoon: It sure was him, wasn't it Brother? He was by a new farm we just found.
Brother Raccoon: Yes, it was definitely Wolf, Sister. We were only going to take a few eggs...

Fox: Please, tell me where this farm is! I got to see this for myself!

*

Soon after the raccoons told Fox the location, he was on his way to the new farm. Once he got to the farmland, he moved stealthily to avoid being seen.

That evening, at the farm's cottage, Wolf was staring at a baked ham on the table, cooling.
The little girl's Father noticed this right away.

Father: Wolf... Remember that this ham is for the FAMILY. You will get your share within the hour, so for once, please wait.

The wolf sulked out of the house and grunted to himself.

Wolf: An hour? That'll take forever. I'm starving now!

His eyes spotted someone far too familiar... It was Fox. The cunning little fellow was creeping around corners and fences.

Wolf flash-backed to when he was trapped in the hole and when Fox was mocking him to the animals of the forest.

Wolf: (Growling) What is HE doing her?!

Wolf looked back at the ham and at the fox again. The wolf then quickly changed his mood. He smiled and chuckled.

Fox was near a trough when Wolf approached him...

Wolf: How are ya, Foxy boy?

The fox took a step back and gasped.

Fox: Oh! Hi, Wolf! I was told that you were here. You look well.

Wolf: I get by. So.. you were worried about me?

Fox: Well.. I uh, just wanted to see if the Raccoons really did see you and...

Wolf: (Finishes) You wanted to see if I was okay. Kind of a turn around after you left me back at that hole...

Fox: (Nervous and thinking) I got to convince him that I didn't mean to set him in a trap. But this should be easy. Wolf is big but not too bright...

Fox: Oh Wolf, about that... I'm sorry you were caught, but you know how life is for us forest animals. If I'd have turned around to try and help ya, I would've gotten caught too. Survival of the fittest. You can understand that, can you?

Wolf was sitting up with his front paws crossed. Then oddly surprisingly, he smiled.

Wolf: Yeah, you probably couldn't have done anything anyway. At least I got out of there in time.

Fox (Sighing and thinking) Good, the big brute fell for it!

Wolf: Life was hard, but I found this new farm that doesn't have any dogs. The humans are hardly around so I often steal food from here. It's great!

Fox: So you don't need me to team up with ya, anymore?

Wolf: (Paused) Yeah, you're off the hook. You can go where you please. But one more time I want ya to follow me. Come on!

Curious, Fox followed the wolf till they were peeking at the corner of the house.

Wolf: Do you smell that?

Fox: (Sniffing) I do. It smells wonderful!

Wolf: There's a ham cooling on a table. I'd snatch it myself, but I just ate a coop-full of eggs and chickens.

Fox: So you want me to take it?

Wolf: Yes, for yourself! Just my way of showing... no hard feelings.

Fox: (Thinking) This doesn't sound like Wolf... (Says out-loud) I... don't... know...

Wolf noticed Fox was being hesitant.

Wolf: (Growls) Go on! Before I get hungry and change my mind!

Fox: (Thinking) Now that's sounds more like him.

Fox: Alright, Wolf, I'll take your offer. Thank you.

Wolf: You're welcome, my friend! Enjoy!

Fox was ready to go inside the cottage but he had second thoughts... Being a fox.

Fox: (Thinking) Wait a second! Since WHEN does Wolf EVER turn down a meal?! He probably wants me to do all the work and he'll take the food. Nothing has changed!

The fox pondered some more.

Fox: (Thinking) Nah, I shouldn't worry. I'm always ten steps ahead of him. I'll watch where Wolf goes and take the ham in the opposite direction.

Fox watched Wolf go off a little way and down a hill. The fox stayed put until his former boss became out of view.

So Fox slyly crept into the open door and went right to the kitchen table where the baked ham lay cooling.

Fox gracefully climbed a cabinet to reach the table. Once there, he looked around again for signs of the humans. Still quiet, so he proceeded to take the ham. It was heavy to carry, so Fox used a chair to make his jump to the floor easier and softer.

But while this was taking place, the wolf had returned, hiding on the other side of the house. Unknown to Fox, Wolf knew the farmland pretty well and was able to take quicker methods getting back; without being noticed by the wise fox. So unfortunately for Fox, he was none of the wiser. Because this time, it was Wolf that had the plan.

The wolf watched through the window and saw the fox with the dinner ham, heading for the door.

Wolf: (Thinking) Heh, it's now or never. Hmm, I might be a little rusty at this, but this should get their attention...

Wolf cleared his throat and threw back his head and gave out a long, dramatic howl. It was so loud, that it was overheard by all the animals in the forest. The animals stopped their daily activities and shook from the sound. They knew who that was.

Fox jumped as soon as he heard Wolf's howl too. He rushed to the entrance as the man came into the kitchen. He saw the fox with the ham.

Father: (Confused) Huh? A fox is eating here, now?

In the meantime, Wolf was listening to the commotion. He had his paws over his mouth, muffling his laughter.

Father: A fox has our dinner!

Wolf: (Chuckling) you mean, MY dinner....

When Fox got outside, he was ambushed by Wolf. Instantly, Fox dropped the ham and began to run in hopes that Wolf would go for the food instead. But Wolf was still after him.

Fox: (Panting) I don't get it! Why is Wolf still chasing me? I left him the ham!

Once they reached the hill, the wolf pounced on the fox's bushy tail.

Fox: Ouch! Please, Wolf! Why do this?!

Wolf: Cause I find being a traitor has more advantages then bullying.

Fox: (Thinking) So the animal that the old owl saw with the human child... It WAS Wolf!

Wolf: Listen up, Fox! I'm granting you your freedom with one condition!

Fox: (Scared) And what would that be, Wolf?

Wolf stood up with his paws on his hips. His back foot still on Fox's tail.

Wolf: You're gonna be my messenger. You tell all the other animals that this is MY territory! So I won't be coming back to the forest.

Fox: (Gives a weak smile) Okay, that's good news for everyone, I... suppose.

The wolf leaned over and showed his teeth and growled.

Wolf: But if I catch you or anybody else trying to snack on any of my meals, you'll regret placing a paw here! You got me?!

Fox nodded eagerly.

Fox: Sure thing! No one will bother you. Ah, Wolf? Can I have my tail back?

Wolf gave a loud snarl which made Fox yelp and try to run. Wolf then quickly released the fox's tail, causing him to trip and roll all the way down the hill.

The wolf laughed and called out to the frightened dizzy fox.

Wolf: I never forget a promise, Foxy boy... That's for double-crossing me back at the meat cellar!

When Wolf returned back to the cottage, the man was telling his family what happened.

Father: Wolf chased off the fox and he didn't even go after the fallen ham!

The little girl hugged the wolf.

Daughter: Good, Wolfy!

The Mother picked up the ham and gave it to the wolf. Her husband pointed as Wolf was chewing.

Father: Honey, that's our dinner.

Mother: It WAS our dinner. Now it's his.

Wolf was listening while still munching happily.

Wolf: (Thinking) I told him so...

The man looked puzzled. He was going to protest, but again his wife placed her hand over his mouth.

Mother: Please, dear. Don't complain. The meat was on the ground, outside; we can't eat it now. I'll roast us up some extra yams to make up for the ham.

Her husband nodded and she removed her hand from him and kissed his cheek.

Mother: Besides, after what he has done for us we are forever in his debt.

The Father watched with envy as the wolf chewed and gulped the sweet ham.

Father: (Sighing) I know. I know.

*

Later that evening, Wolf was lying on the rug, while the little girl rubbed his full belly. Wolf was enjoying this, tremendously.

Wolf: Ah, now I know why dogs stay still for this! This is GREAT!!

The Daughter is called to bed by her Mother.

Daughter: Good night, Papa! (Blowing a kiss for him)

Father: I caught it! Good night, sweetheart.

The child kissed the wolf's head goodnight and her Mother helps her get into bed.

Wolf was disappointed that the child stopped stroking him.

Wolf: Hey, come back. I'm not done being petted yet!

The wolf looks to the Father who was reading a town's newspaper, sitting in a corner of the room. The man heard light whining. He lowered his paper to find Wolf beside the chair, staring at him.

Father: Sorry, Wolf, but I won't be of any interest to you. (Raising the newspaper back up) I'm not eating anything...

Wolf was determined. He nosed the man's hand until the man placed a palm over his head. Wolf wagged his tail and whined some more.

The man put the paper down.

Father: Oh, so that's what you want? That I can do.

So the man pet the wolf. And petted. And petted... And petted him.

Within time, the man grew weary and placed his hand down to take a res,t but Wolf put half his weight on the man's lap, persisting him to continue.

Father: Oh, my word, you're heavy! Alright, alright! I'll pet you! Just please get down!

The man's wife came into the room after reading to her Daughter. The husband turned to his wife.

Father: I've been petting Wolf for over an hour. (Pointing to the grandfather clock) When can I stop? I wish to go to sleep.

Mother: When Wolf wants to stop and go to sleep. Please remember dear...

Father: (Yawning) Yes, we're forever in his debt.

The man had his eyes closed as he rubbed the wolf's face.

Wolf: (Thinking) I don't know what debt is, but I sure like it... Behind the ears again!

*

Winter came quickly. The animals of the forest were hibernating in hopes that spring would come quickly just as winter arrived. In his little den, Fox woke up off and on in the beginning; just making sure he didn't get caught off guard with the words 'Foxy boy'. But as time past, it became clear that Wolf kept his word; for he hasn't been seen by anyone in the forest. So all the animals, even Fox, eventually slept easier since then.

One wintry evening, back at the cottage, the wife was knitting a sweater, made with some left over wool from their sheep last summer. Her husband admired it.

Father: Wow, honey, that is a nice sweater!

His Daughter felt the wool with her fingers and rubbed her cheek against it.

Daughter: It's so soft, Mama! Is it done? Can I help put it on him?

Mother: Thank you, sweetie. Yes, you may!

The man looked at the size of the sweater, peculiarly.  

Father: Are you sure it's finished, honey? I don't think it will fit me.

He paused. His wife smiled and looked over his shoulder.

Father: The sweater.. is not for me, is it?

The child goes over to the wolf who had just finished eating some stew. The little girl begins to place the sweater over him.

Mother: I found Wolf napping on the wool sheerings in the barn and figured he would like a woolly coat of his own.

Father: (Rubbing his face) But, honey... he's already covered in fur. So why?

The husband's wife pointed to their sweet Daughter. The Father watched their child giggle as she helped the confused wolf put his legs through the short sleeves.

Mother: (Smiling) She's why, dear.

The woman got off her chair to take a pie out of the oven.

The Father tilted his head while watching the wolf fidget as his Daughter straightens the sweater. She continues to giggle as she asks Wolf to hold still.

Daughter: If you stay put for just a little longer... I'll give you some of Mama's pie.

Instantly, Wolf becomes still. Except for his tail as the thought of pie was fresh in his mind.

Daughter: How does Wolfy look, Papa?

Her Father couldn't resist and grinned.

Father: He looks quite dignified. You put it on for him nice and straight, sweetheart.

The child proudly embraced the wolf. In return he licked her cheeks.

Daughter: (Giggling) Wolfy kisses!

Wolf surprised himself. He never expressed affection before.

Wolf: (Thinking) Huh..? I wonder what made me do that?

The Father smiling, watched the pair walk. Wolf letting the little girl's hand to cling onto his new sweater as he guided her into the kitchen.

Father: (Thinking) Forever in debt to a wolf.. And glad of it.

So that's how it was from then on. Wolf got practically anything he wanted. The family remained grateful to the wolf for bringing their beloved Daughter home.

The child was very fond of Wolf. They often played follow the leader. Of course Wolf enjoyed being the leader all the time as the little girl liked to cling to his shortened tail. She was never afraid of him. This took to getting use to for the wolf, but surprisingly, it felt nice to have someone that wanted to be with him voluntary.

Every night after dinner, Wolf would rest; being cuddled by the little girl. Because the wolf was blinded by his insatiably appetite, he was unaware with doing any selfless acts. But since Wolf is no longer alone, within time, his little friend will show him the light.

Daughter: Goodnight, Wolfy.

Wolf stretched his paw over the child and licked her nose.

Wolf: (Thinking) Why do I keep doing that?!

Don't worry.. He'll catch on.

THE END (for now!)

Click on the link to the Wolf and the Fox: Invited Enemy in the artist's comment section to read the sequel to this story!