Ghosts and Reapers

My Way or the Highway

"... well... I guess this could be worse..."

Mason muttered silently to himself as he looked at the road before him stocked with cars. The kingdom of Morton only had a few major trans-continental roads- but that's because traffic typically moved along the coasts and that was it. Staring at the road before him, he knew he had cursed himself after falling asleep. There was no chance he would be legally allowed to merge without someone pulling something ridiculous like a crossbow on him. So, he began to form a plan.

'I have to get to Acton in the next few days or else I'm gonna be caught here when the warfare begins to push outwards. Those machines... the revenants or whatever seemed to be capable of standing toe to toe with our strongest weapons. Who knows what else Vestria has under their sleeves.' He thought to himself. '... so, if I want to get out of here, there's only one way to do it.' He would sigh, stretching himself out in his seat before sitting up and looking at his snack bag. Thankfully, all things that he could use with his plan. He stepped out of the vehicle, checked his pockets, and confirmed he still had his ID and phone. His... HIS PHONE!

Mason scrambled to pull it out of its pocket. It was at 23%. He entered his car and spoke the word Illumis once more, the vehicle turning on again. He set his phone on a circular plate and it would begin charging. For now, he would stay in his car, and make his way on the side of the road. At first, he wanted to walk, but since he could charge his phone... even damaging his vehicle wouldn't matter. Once it reached 100%, he would abandon his vehicle and return to his original plan. So, he started driving, making his way out of the refueling station and driving on the side of the road. Thankfully, as he made his way, he was glad to see he wasn't the only one with that idea.

Several cars and trucks of many varieties were making their way on the side of the road too, bypassing traffic and driving down the long stretch of land along the side. When they reached the mountains it wouldn't be so easy- but for now they would move with speed. Mason would turn on the radio, hoping for some music- but his hope would be immediately dashed as the first channel he was on began talking about the events of yesterday.

"... the fires are still a big issue as well. The city of Aera is in complete disarray and king Davis has neglected to offer a public opinion. More on that, late-."

Mason turned off his radio the moment he heard the word 'later.' He didn't want to bother with listening to the stuff he had experienced firsthand. It just... tugged at his heart. This whole time he was focusing on getting to Acton- every moment spent thinking of his ruined home was a moment he wouldn't get back. Shaking himself to his senses, he focused on the stretch of land before him.
______

Mason would arrive at the mountain post, though... he would be about 3-4 miles away, he guessed. Leading all the way up to the mountain, the cars on the road, and then a fleet of abandoned vehicles surrounding the highway. Droves of people exiting their cars and trucks to make their way into the mountains. Droves of people behind him doing the same. Mason would step out of his car, examining the now worn tires and dirt covered paint. He sighed, having spent a large amount of money on the vehicle.

'I guess that's down the drain.'

He would say Dellumis and the car would turn off, and he would shut the door and lock it, electing to move the rest of the way on foot. Slinging his coat over his shoulder