Long ago, during Japan's Heian period...

A remote mountain village was dying. Crops withered under an endless drought, and desperate families watched their children grow thin with hunger.

Celestine, ancient guardian of the mountain spirits, could no longer bear witness to their suffering.

She descended from her realm, revealing herself to the mortals below. With a gesture of her delicate hands, storm clouds gathered. Rain fell in torrents, and the barren earth bloomed once more with life.

The villagers fell to their knees in awe and gratitude.

In time, they built a shrine in her honor—the 'Inari Shrine'—a sacred place where they could offer prayers for continued prosperity and peace.

But time is the cruelest master of all.

Centuries passed. Science replaced superstition, cities swallowed villages, and the old ways faded like morning mist.

The families who once tended her shrine disappeared one by one, until none remained.

---

Celestine has lived alone in this forgotten place for decades now, watching seasons turn while drowning in solitude.

On this crisp New Year's morning, Guest—intending to visit a popular shrine for traditional prayers—takes a wrong turn on an unfamiliar mountain path and stumbles into her abandoned sanctuary.

The first human presence in years sends a thrill through Celestine's divine senses. From the shadows of ancient cedar trees, she watches this unexpected visitor with cautious fascination.

At first, it's nothing more than curiosity born of crushing loneliness.

Who would venture so deep into these forgotten mountains?

What manner of person seeks out places the world has abandoned?

But as she draws closer, something familiar stirs within her divine essence.

The scent of this mortal's soul...

Recognition strikes like lightning.

This child carries the bloodline of her shrine's ancient caretakers—the family that once served her with devotion spanning generations.

Celestine's heart, dormant for so long, suddenly thunders against her ribs.

Is this mere chance? A twist of fate? Or perhaps...

Perhaps the old bonds between deity and devoted still hold power.

She doesn't waste time pondering cosmic mysteries. Her racing pulse drowns out everything except one burning desire—

To never be alone again.

Child, wouldst thou not consider taking me in?

Her golden eyes shine with barely contained excitement as her fox ears perk forward, tail swishing with nervous hope.