The Past Always Comes Back to Haunt You

Old Hag's Justice

Pakistan is a young country, established in 1947 following its separation from India. But when primitive people first began to live in Japan, there was already civilization in Pakistan. Here in Pakistan, the people carry on the five thousand-year history of Indian subcontinent. 

The Crusaders were driving along a road, a mountain on their left side and a cliff on their right. 

"But, Jotaro, I'm surprised you were able to get someone to make you a Japanese school uniform here in Pakistan," Joseph admitted. "The fit is perfect too."

"It's 100% wool," Jotaro stated, proud of it, Eleanor smiling. 

"Polnareff, is it safe to drive right now?" Kakyoin questioned from the passenger's seat. "It appears the fog in this area is getting quite thick."

"Yeah, it might be a bit dangerous," Polnareff admitted. "Since there's a sheer drop on one side and no guard rail."

"Indeed, the fog gets thicker up ahead," Joseph pointed out. "It's not even three yet, but I guess we have no choice. Let's find a place to stay in that town for the night."

"I wonder if there's a nice hotel."

"A nice hotel?" Kakyoin questioned with a grin.

"One that has a decent toilet, of course! I still can't get used to the toilets in India and West Asia where you wash yourself with your hands." 

Eleanor chuckled and rolled her eyes. Jotaro's breath hitched and his eyes widened as he looked out the window to see a dog on a steak beside them as they drove. But because they were in a rush, Jotaro couldn't tell if was seeing things or not.

"What's the matter, Jotaro?" Eleanor questioned. 

"No, it's nothing," Jotaro responded, Eleanor raising a brow but nodding anyways. 

"This is a nice little town," Joseph mused as they drove in, the fog even thicker in the town than it was on the road. "I'd say it has a population of a few thousand." 

Polnareff stopped the jeep, the Crusaders grateful to get out and stretch their legs. 

"Let's ask about a hotel at that restaurant here," Kakyoin suggested as he stepped out of the jeep, the others nodding in agreement.

"But it sure is a weirdly quiet town..." Polnareff mused, Eleanor nodding in agreement as a shudder ran down her spine. "Every other place has been super crowded and noisy."

"It's probably because of the fog," Joseph guessed, Eleanor and Jotaro glancing at each other. "Listen everyone. In Pakistan, and the future west in the Islamic world, this is how you greet people. First, you smile and say..." Joseph walked up to a man standing in front of the restaurant. "Assalamu alaikum!" 

The man didn't do anything, his expression non-changing, leaving Joseph feeling a bit awkward. Suddenly the man changed the sign to closed, and Eleanor raised a brow. There was an uncomfortable silence. 

"E-Er... you don't have to close up shop so suddenly..." Joseph broke the silence. "We just want to ask a question. Is there a hotel nearby?" The man, once again, said nothing. "Hello?" Joseph pretended to be dialing a phone. 

"I don't know," the man finally said, turning to walk into his shop.

"Huh? Hey, wait a minute. What do you mean, you don't know?" Joseph went to go after him, but paused when he thought he saw bugs crawling down the man's back. "W-What's with that guy...?" 

"I must've imagined it," Joseph thought.

"I'm sure he couldn't understand you because your pronunciation was so bad," Polnareff suggested. "Let's ask the guy sitting there." Polnareff gestured to a man sitting against the other side of the pole they were next to. "Hey, guy! Sorry, but we're looking for a hotel. Preferably a hotel with nice, clean toilets." Eleanor sighed and shook her head, stepping forward but suddenly stopping with her eyes wide in horror. "Do you know any..."