The High Priestess submerged herself in prayer, submitting herself to Cynthia while the Oracle began removing Leena's clothes. Two more Oracles entered the prayer hall and stood in front of Xander, blocking his path with two cherry blossom branches.
"The vessel is being cleaned and prepared to receive our Mother's grace."
"Pray to Cynthia so she may free you from your sins and grant you her loving deliverance."
Xander had never been a believer, and even though he was standing inside Cynthia's shrine, he didn't feel particularly religious. But just for Leena's sake, he dropped to his knees and lowered his head in submission.
"How long is this gonna take?" he asked the Oracles.
"As long as it takes to cleanse the flesh of sin," one of them answered.
"As long as it takes to wash away the stench of death," another added.
