[M e w]

The wasteland around her looked dead and wrecked. The smell of rotten meat filled the air and Selena inhaled the scent with a deep breath, letting it fester and build before she exhaled. Those sorts of smells were commonplace and one would have to get used to them or else they would be gagging and hurling at every intake of breath.
The dust-filled air whipped up, ruffling her bright hair and sending the foul smells away for just a moment. It seemed to be a good omen, and Selena sighed softly in response to that thought.
Not a mile in front of her laid one of the largest sanctified areas on this side of the world; the Washington National Cathedral. Here she could rest and regain her strength before continuing on to the hellish land of New York, where the demons ran rampant and survival was almost at zero.

Even from this distance she could see the high fences that guarded the area, could feel the faint crackle of energy that rose off of them from the electricity that charged through the metal links. Many of the sanctified enclosures consisted of a mere church, the only protection from demons being the crumbling walls and a weak force of holy energy.
A place where she could actually take a relaxed breath gave her a shot of anticipation, and she started walking forward again towards the safety of those fences.

When she arrived at the entry station several armed guards swarmed her and, after checking that she was human and not an enemy, let her into the encampment. As she walked through the initial courtyard, which once must have been beautiful and awe-inspiring, she felt the reassuring weight of her sniper rifle against her back and assault rifle against her hip and thigh. In some ways, owning such weapons was a sign of status. They showed that you were a part of the clergy and that you were one of the few brave enough to take on the hideous monsters that had invaded this world and torn it to shreds ten years ago. People would look at you in reverence when you walked past and would sometimes even bow their heads in respect. Selena didn't care about these things however, the only reason she became an exorcist was so that she could eradicate the world of the scum demons that now ruled it.

Even though she did not look at herself as more privileged or worthy, she did enjoy the accommodations that exorcists received. Instead of finding a spot on the ground outside like a typical newcomer would be forced to, she could enjoy a lumpy mattress and flat pillow under a shabby roof.