"--And I have six younger sisters, myself," Teige said, "and I've helped all of them learn to shapeshift as well."

He was standing in front of a massive six-tailed fox who was seemingly taking up most of the room; she was lying down with her head cocked towards him, her tails tucked behind her save for the shortest of them, which was curled forward with its tip alight in a gold flame. Likewise, a livid gold light marked her face and forehead. Each of her paws was easily the size of Teige's entire body. Yoshi was standing beside her, looking incredibly embarrassed.

She lowered her huge head, her teeth flashing as she spoke. "All pooka like yourself, I presume."

Teige couldn't help but also show his teeth in response, although his was more of an apprehensive grimace. "Yes ma'am."

"Hmph," Shinobu rumbled. "I suppose we must begin somewhere."

"I'll do my best, ma'am," Teige said politely. Shinobu stared at him inscrutably for a moment before changing shape in a puff of smoke, from a huge multi-tailed fox to a smaller one standing on her hind legs. She crossed her arms.

"I will be in the back," she said curtly, and left the two of them without another word through the door that had been behind her. As soon as it snapped shut after her, Yoshi finally spoke up.

"Sorry about that," she told Teige ruefully.