(Jojo / Jjba X Reader) A 7TH Stand User Joins The Party

chapter 24

Somehow, the speedwagon foundation was able to give you a car that was even more cramped. You were currently sitting on Jotaros lap, your knees pressing hard into the seat in front of you. 

“You know, you would think they’d let you request a bigger car.” you complained for what felt like the hundredth time, turning to look at Joseph. “You aren't doing this on purpose, right?”

Joseph sighed, “I did put in a request… for their best off-road vehicle. I didn't imagine it would be something so tiny.” he said, shrugging his shoulders. “Besides, if I was doing this on purpose, I think my grandson might kill me.” he said laughing. 

You were on some dirt, cliffside road. It started out as a clear day, but soon a strange mist began to swirl around your vehicle, “wow, it's really getting foggy..” you said, looking out, “I can't even see the bottom of the mountain anymore.” you said. 

 “Polnareff, is it safe to drive right now?” Kakyoin asked, looking over at the man beside him, “(y/n) is right, it appears the fog in this area is getting quite thick.”

“Yeah, It might be a bit dangerous..” Polnareff said, “Since there’s a steep drop to one side and no guard rail.”

You pursed your lips at that. You didn't think about it before, but now that the thought entered your head, it was kind of freaking you out. You gave a little shiver, looking away from the cliff edge now. 

“The fog seems to get thicker up ahead.” observed Joseph, pulling out his pocket-watch, “it's not even 3:00 yet, but I guess we have no choice…” He sighed, “Looks like there's a town down there, we can find a place to stay for the night there.” he said. 

You looked over, looking at the town completely enshrouded in fog. It looked kind of ominous…. What was this bad feeling you were getting?

“I wonder if there’s a nice hotel.” Polnareff mused. 

“A nice hotel?” Kakyoin asked. 

“One that has a decent toilet, of course!” he said, letting out a deep sigh, “I still can't get used to the toilets in India and West Asia where you wash yourself with your hands.”

The conversation naturally died off, and you were looking over at the approaching town, when suddenly, you felt Jotaro tense, inhaling sharply.

You turned to look at him, but he was looking back on the road behind your vehicle with a worried expression. “Hey, are you okay? Did you see something?” you asked.

Joseph also seemed to notice, because he spoke, “What’s the matter, Jotaro?”

Jotaro averted his eyes, “it’s nothing.” he muttered, but he still seemed troubled. 

Polnareff pulled off the main road into the town, driving in towards the center. 

“This is a nice little town.” said Joseph, looking around with a smile.

You… weren't so sure. Something wasn't right about this town… you couldnt put your finger on it though… maybe it was just the way the fog made the whole place look so eerie.  

“I’d say it has a population of a few thousand.” Joseph continued. 

Polnareff stopped the car alongside the road, and kakyoin got out, pointing to a nearby building, “Let's ask about a hotel at that restaurant there.” 

There were various people walking around, but even the people who stood together didn't seem to be talking at all.

“But it sure is a weirdly quiet town,” mused Polnareff, “every other place has been super crowded and noisy.”

“It's probably just because of the fog.” Joseph said, waving his hand, “Listen everyone,” he said, confidently, pointing his thumb at himself, “In Pakistan and further west in the Islamic world, this is how you greet people.” He said, glancing over at you and smirking a little, “First, you smile and say..” he turned to face the man standing in front of the restaurant, “Assalamu alaikum!” he said, drawing out the syllables, his pronunciation was almost comedic. 

The man in front of the restaurant's expression did not change, he looked completely bored out of his mind, or like he was brain-dead…

Joseph's confident grin started to waver, he looked almost nervous now. 
 
The restaurant man reached up, slamming the open sign the opposite way so it now said closed. 

Joseph seemed shocked, “e-er…” he waved his hands, “Uh- You didn't have to close up shop so suddenly..” he said, nervously laughing. “We just wanted to know if there happened to be a hotel nearby..”

Again, the man gave no response, just staring at Joseph. 

It was honestly starting to freak you out. 

“Hello?” Joseph said, pretending to dial a phone in a comical way. 

The man finally responded, “I dont know.” he said, turning on his heel and retreating back into the building.

“Huh?” Joseph called, “Hey, wait a minute. What do you mean, you don't know?” he said, starting to go after the man before suddenly stopping, making a shocked noise. He rubbed his eyes, staring after the man. “What’s with that guy…?”

You didn't see anything strange, but just his reaction had you freaked out.

Polnareff laughed, “I’m sure he just couldn't understand you because your pronunciation was so bad. Let’s ask the guy sitting over there.”

You looked over, seeing there was indeed a man sitting up against a pillar. 

Polnareff went over confidently, smiling, “Hey, guy! Sorry, but we’re looking for a hotel. Preferably a hotel with nice, clean toilets. Do you know any?” There was a moment of silence before Polnareff let out a shocked noise, grabbing the man's shoulder. “Hey! You! What’s wrong?”

At that, you and the other crusaders came closer, seeing that the man sitting there was very much, in fact, dead.