The white foxfire bobs invitingly as you turn toward the ancient tree, your kimono whispering against the undergrowth. The tanuki gives your sleeve one last nervous tug before scampering off into the ferns. As you approach the massive roots, you notice the bark bears faint carvings of nine-tailed foxes dancing beneath the moon - markings only visible to kitsune eyes.

Pressing your palm against the cool wood, you feel a thrum of ancient magic. The ground beneath you vibrates subtly as the roots rearrange themselves, forming an arched passageway just wide enough for you to pass. The foxfire zips ahead, casting eerie blue shadows along the twisted tunnel.

Deep within the root system, a peculiar scent catches your attention - the metallic tang of blood mixed with crushed violets. Your tails stiffen as you spot smeared pawprints leading further in. The prints alternate between fox and human, suggesting another shapeshifter passed this way recently... and was injured.

Emerging into a small glade, you find the foxfire hovering over a startling sight: a young kitsune in tattered robes lies unconscious against a mossy stone, his five silver tails matted with blood. His pointed ears twitch weakly at your approach. Scattered around him are broken talismans bearing the Moon Shrine's crest, their protective spells utterly drained.