Calcutta, India Age 737 Sunday December 10th 1988
The Stardust Crusaders had boarded a ship to continue their journey. "Tokyo, Hong kong, Singapore, so the Indian leg of our journey is finally upon us… but, well i'm a little worried. I've always heard India is the land of curry and rampant disease." Joseph voiced his concerns.
Polnareff chimed in with his own apprehensions. "I'm worried my stomach won't be able to handle the culture gap."
Avdol, a reassuring presence, offered his perspective. "That assessment is rather distorted. You needn't worry. It is a beautiful country with wonderful people. That I assure you."
The ship's gangplank was lowered, and they stepped onto the bustling streets of Calcutta. The city was alive with noise and activity. Locals surrounded them, especially the curious children who approached with outstretched hands. "Give me a tip!" one of them exclaimed.
Another young man offered to help Polnareff with his luggage. The streets were crowded, making it difficult to move through the throngs of people. "Want a tattoo? You're very pretty," an old man suggested to Kakyoin.
Several women marveled at the Saiyans' muscles and asked them to take care of them. It was hard for the group to make any progress in the midst of the bustling crowd. A seller even offered them anti-venom, assuring them it wouldn't harm their stomachs.
Joseph was growing impatient, gritting his teeth as he tried to navigate through the chaos. A local man approached them, offering to show them his hotel.
Meanwhile, Fasha had her own encounter, feeling a hand grabbing her tail and briefly rubbing her backside. She glared around, feeling uncomfortable in this unfamiliar place. "Hey pretty lady, why don't we have some fun," a stranger suggested.
Anne quickly took shelter in the middle of the group, finding protection from that unwelcome voice and any grabby hands.
Calcutta, a city of the 20th century with a population of 11 million, was indeed a bustling metropolis. It buzzed with a vibrant and ceaseless energy that seemed to consume everyone who set foot in it.
Shugesh looked down at his foot and sighed, "I think I stepped on some animal droppings." Sadao, on the other hand, realized that his wallet was missing. The group's discomfort and frustration were growing with each moment.
A group of children tugged at Nappa's shirt, chanting "Tip! Tip! Tip!" "If you don't give me a tip, you won't go to heaven," they chanted, pulling at his clothes.
Nappa, towering over the children, had a mischievous grin on his face. "Listen up, you little punks! I don't think I'm going up there. But, the secret to reaching heaven is to eat as many donuts as you can and shout 'Nappa's the best!' at the top of your lungs! Trust me, I'm practically a god myself!" The children, taken aback, backed away from him.
The group's interactions with the locals, both friendly and awkward, continued. Joseph turned to Avdol, still trying to take in the bustling streets. "Uh, Avdol! So this is India?"
Avdol beamed, pleased to be in his home country. "See? Great country, isn't it? They're what make India great. Don't you think so?"
As the group navigated through the labyrinthine streets of the city, hands reached out to grab Jotaro, but Fasha's menacing aura flared up, prompting the crowd to instinctively back away, creating a clear path for them. Amidst the bustling chaos, the relentless sound of car engines and honking horns filled the air as the group attempted to find their bearings in this vibrant and unfamiliar city.
After some time, they managed to get into a local restaurant, finding a moment of respite. A server approached them, offering a taste of chai, one of India's most popular drinks. Chai was a sweet concoction made from black tea, sugar, and milk. Joseph gladly accepted the cup and took a sip, sighing in contentment. "Ah, a little peace," he remarked.
Avdol, being familiar with India, encouraged the group to be patient with the country. "Once you get used to it, you'll see how wonderful this country is," he assured them.
Jotaro, with Fasha hanging on to his arm, surprised the group with his newfound perspective. "Ya know, I kinda like this place. It's pretty cool." Joseph couldn't believe his ears. "What, Jotaro? You can't be serious?" Polnareff chimed in, acknowledging the initial culture shock they experienced but expressing hope for the future. "Talk about culture shock. Guess I'll like it. Once I get used to it, huh?"
Bardock, seated at the next table, added some humor and perspective to the conversation. "Don't worry, guys. It seems Earth is what you'd call 'culture shock' to us. I hope we get used to it." His comment broke the tension, and laughter filled the air.
Polnareff, feeling the urge, decided to find the restroom. He turned to the waiter. "Where's the john?" The waiter politely pointed across the room, indicating a hallway. Polnareff began to walk away, but Joseph had one more question. "Polnareff," he called out.
Polnareff paused and turned back. "Yeah?"
Joseph inquired, "What do you want to eat?"
With a dramatic flair, Polnareff replied, "Just pick for me. It'd better be something amazing. Something gorgeous and sophisticated. That suits a Frenchman like moi." He playfully made a finger gun gesture and continued on his way.
Kakyoin, meanwhile, skimmed through the menu, contemplating their choices. "Let's see something he'll like..." he muttered. Then, he politely beckoned the waiter for assistance.
Polnareff continued down the hallway, turning right as he heard someone call out, "Pardon me, sir, one moment..." He paused and turned around, finding himself in front of a large mirror. Perplexed, he wondered what was going on. The man who had addressed him held up a wooden pole, offering it to Polnareff. "If you could use this," the man said before walking away without looking back.
Polnareff accepted the pole but was utterly confused. "What do I use this wooden stick for? Hey!" he called out, but the waiter was already gone. Shrugging, Polnareff turned and carefully opened the bathroom door to investigate. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
He commented, "That's a weird-looking toilet. At least it's clean. A gentleman like myself simply cannot tolerate dirty bathrooms."
As Polnareff examined the restroom, the same waiter happened to be passing by. He noticed the bathroom door was open, and Polnareff was on the floor, screaming in terror. "Sir, is something wrong?" the waiter inquired.
"D-D-D-Don't 'is something wrong' me!" Polnareff stuttered, getting up, grabbing the waiter by the collar, and lifting him off the ground while circling around before setting him back down. "Th-Th-the toilet. The toilet. There's a pig in the toilet," he exclaimed, fear evident in his voice. Leading the waiter inside the bathroom, they both saw a live pig peeking out from the toilet and oinking.
The waiter explained the unusual situation, saying, "This kind of toilet is rare, even in India. The builders constructed the pig pen down below higher than they were supposed to. So when the pigs get hungry, they come up for more."
Polnareff was bewildered. "Th-that's not what I'm aski—no, wait, what?! You're telling me this pig's food is..." He pointed at the pig and gasped, "That's what it's there for?!"
The waiter came back with the pole and with ease jabbed the pig softly on the face, causing it to squeal and fall back into the pig pen. "See? Now you can do your business while the pig is knocked down. Our manager gets the pig to lick his buttocks and always sings his praises. He gets it so clean," the waiter said with a wink and a chuckle.
Polnareff managed a strained smile but was inwardly screaming and deeply uncomfortable. The waiter closed the bathroom door, saying, "Take your time," before leaving Polnareff, who was left yelling, "Wait, don't leave me in here alone!" He couldn't help but glance back at the toilet, clearly frightened. "I don't think I could ever get used to this..."
Polnareff was washing his hands by the mirror outside. "I guess I'll hold it until we get to the hotel," he said, glancing at his reflection in the mirror. The eerie lighting and unfamiliar surroundings left him feeling slightly uneasy.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," the server said, approaching the group outside the restroom. Polnareff turned his gaze toward the doorway at the voice, but his attention was soon drawn back to the mirror.
His reflection revealed nothing out of the ordinary. However, as he continued to wash his face, he felt a strange sensation. A hand pressed against the glass from the outside. Polnareff's eyes widened with shock, but when he turned around, there was no one there.
"Where is he? Weird, I could have sworn I saw someone out there. Must've been my imagination," Polnareff muttered to himself, rationalizing the situation. "Guess I shouldn't be surprised. I mean, I just saw a pig in the john. Of course, I'd imagine a monster in the window. So this is what they mean by culture shock here," he added, forcing a laugh to dispel his unease.
As Polnareff returned to the sink, he glanced up at the mirror and was met with a terrifying sight. The mysterious figure was still there, its face obscured. Slowly, it opened the window and crept inside, moving with an unsettling and unnatural grace.
Polnareff's heart raced as he turned around, realizing that this entity could only be seen in the mirror. Fear washed over him, and he muttered, "What the heck?! I can only see this thing in the mirror! This must be a mirror Stand Jotaro was talking about. This is not good."
The Stand continued to advance toward him through the mirror's reflection, and Polnareff was left frozen in fear. The Stand's hand transformed into a blade, poised to strike. The tension in the room was palpable.
Gathering his courage, Polnareff finally shouted, "Silver Chariot!" His Stand, Silver Chariot, materialized beside him and quickly lunged forward, its rapier-like weapon piercing the mirror. The glass shattered into pieces, causing the Stand to recoil.
Gasping for breath, Polnareff frantically scanned the room. "Where'd that Stand go?" he wondered aloud, his voice trembling. The shattered mirror was now spilling water over the sink, a haunting reminder of the strange and dangerous Stand he had just encountered.
Polnareff rushed into the dining area, a sense of urgency in his voice. "Stand. Where's the user? Who is it? The man with two right hands," he exclaimed, examining the customers' hands in anxiety. The rest of the group looked concerned and puzzled.
He suddenly bolted outside, throwing the door open and gazing out at the bustling city of Calcutta. "Too many people," he muttered, his anxiety mounting. His companions, including Joseph and Avdol, quickly followed him outside.
"What's wrong, Polnareff?" Joseph inquired, his voice filled with worry, and the rest of the group gathered around.
"If that… if that was a Stand, then that means… then that means he's here! Jotaro! It's the Stand user you heard about—the one who uses the mirrors! The person who killed my sister!" Polnareff exclaimed, his fists clenched, and the group's tension grew.
"The scum who heartlessly trampled my sister's life, soul, and dignity. Finally, finally, we meet!" Polnareff declared, his voice filled with a mixture of determination and anger. He waved his knapsack in the air, signaling his resolve.
"But we don't even know what he looks like or what his Stand is," Kakyoin pointed out.
"He's got two right hands, that's enough for me! And he knows I'm after him, so he'll be on the defensive. See ya," Polnareff said, waving goodbye, as he prepared to embark on his quest for revenge.
"But we don't know anything about the enemy's abilities or appearance. You're being reckless!" Bardock argued, genuinely concerned for his friend.
"Bardock is right, Polnareff. This is no time to go off on your own," Avdol chimed in, firmly but with concern.
Polnareff didn't take this well. He jammed his finger at Avdol, and the tension between them thickened. "I guess he has the anger of a Saiyan," Paragus remarked.
"Listen, let me make one thing clear: I never once gave a crap about Dio. I told you in Hong Kong I'd tag along so I could get my revenge. Mr. Joestar, Jotaro, Paragus and Fasha already know this," Polnareff declared, his convictions unwavering.
"I've been alone in this from the start. I've always been fighting alone!" he declared, his emotions and determination evident.
"You selfish fool!" Avdol exclaimed, grabbing Polnareff's shirt. "Did you forget that Dio brainwashed you? Did you forget that he's the root of all this?"
Polnareff retorted by jabbing his finger into Avdol's chest, bringing them nose to nose. "You've no idea how it feels to have your sister murdered! I heard the last time you met Dio, you ran like a dog with its tail between his legs!"
Something shattered inside Avdol at this accusation, as though something he valued was lost. "What did you say?" he growled, attempting to grab Polnareff.
But Polnareff wasn't having it. He blocked Avdol's attempts to touch him. "Don't touch me," he warned, his tone stern.
"I lost all respect for him, that's all. My impression of him was completely wrong. I did indeed run from him. But I'm certain that foresight will let us win. Rushing in without thinking will get us all killed," Avdol stated, defending his stance.
Polnareff continued to walk away, his determination to seek revenge burning fiercely. "You know we lost loved ones in war," Paragus added, a tear trickling down his face as he spoke, "I still miss my first mate."
Fasha, overcome with emotion, was crying into Jotaro's jacket, her tail curled tightly around his leg. Bardock, a somber expression on his face, concluded, "You talk about killing as the only way for revenge. Remember Toolo, the last of his kind. He could have killed my Jocha in revenge on his planet or me when he came here, but instead he forgave."
But Polnareff had already made up his mind, and it was too late to convince him otherwise. He was determined to seek his own path, and the group couldn't change his resolve.
Meanwhile, the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow across the plain. An elephant charged gracefully through the landscape, with Hol Horse perched on top and Nena, her true form a slender woman with black hair, resting her hands on his back as she dozed off. A building in the distance.
Hol Horse reined in the elephant, announcing, "Time to get off. I'm here to see a friend of mine." He gently urged the beast to lower itself, allowing Nena to dismount. She had a wistful expression as she looked at Hol Horse.
"You're on your own from here," Hol Horse said, frowning as he observed her. Nena's eyes filled with sadness. She couldn't help herself, her emotions bubbling to the surface. With a longing in her voice, she knelt before him and pleaded, "Please, make me your wife. My life will belong to you. Just say whatever you wish for me, my love. Please, let me stay by your side forever."
Hol Horse sighed and looked at her, his expression conflicted. "Baby, don't be stupid. You're still sixteen."
"I'm old enough to marry. I love you," Nena replied, her gaze locked onto his.
Hol Horse exhaled, his resistance wavering. He jumped off the elephant, taking Nena's hands. As they gazed into each other's eyes, the setting sun cast a warm, golden hue around them.
"Listen. I'm just a no-good drifter, baby. I live each day like it's my last, and one day, it will be my last," Hol Horse said in a soft voice, his tone filled with both affection and regret.
Nena was about to speak, but Hol Horse silenced her with a gentle "shh" and placed a finger on her lips.
"You have royal blood. We can't have a fairy-tale marriage. No matter how much we love each other."
"Really? So you do love me?" Nena inquired, hope and anticipation in her voice.
"Yep. You're my one and only, hun," Hol Horse affirmed, causing Nena to gasp in surprise.
"That's exactly why… It's 'cause I love you that we can't marry. You understand, don't you? This breaks my heart just as much as it breaks yours," Hol Horse explained, a tinge of sadness in his eyes.
Nena covered her face, tears streaming down her cheeks. Hol Horse hugged her tightly, her form melting into his.
"But I'll come back to see you and hold you like this whenever I can. That's enough to make me happy," Hol Horse reassured her.
Nena sniffled and replied, "Yes..." though her voice was soft and filled with sorrow.
With a smirking grin, Hol Horse parted from her. He hopped onto the elephant, tipping his hat and saying, "So long. Love ya, darling," as the massive animal began to move, slowly taking him away from Nena.
As Hol Horse rode into the sunset, his face twisted into a silent laugh, revealing a hidden plan. The building drew nearer, and he spotted something that made him rein in the elephant. He came to a stop by a rundown building where a figure sat, leaning against a pillar and laughing. This was a friend he was approaching.
"You know, it's bad manners to eavesdrop. You think I spend too much time on romance, don't ya? When you've got girls like her all over the world at your beck and call... you've always got a partner, an ally. They'd do anything for me, even throw away their own lives. You are aware of how I work, aren't you, ?" Hol Horse said as the figure named J. Geil uncurled his left hand showing he had two right hands.
"By the way, about this Polnareff of the Silver Chariot. Seems he left the group and is looking for you on his own. What do you wanna do? He totally fell for your plan, hook, line, and sinker. Shall we go and kill him first?" Hol Horse said, swinging his whip around. However, his eyes widened as he noticed a snake slithering around a broken wall, coming closer, its rattling echoing in the air.
Thinking quickly, Hol Horse summoned his Stand, Emperor, a revolver that twirled in his right hand before he aimed it at the snake. He pulled the trigger, and with a deafening boom, the bullet blasted from the barrel, tearing through the snake's head. The severed head continued forward, its trajectory leading it to embed itself in J. Geil's shoulder. It passed by a bottle at his feet, and in a surreal twist, the snake's head appeared within the bottle's reflection. There, J. Geil summoned his Stand, Hanged Man, which sliced the snake into pieces with its blade. The threat was eliminated, and the snake fell lifeless, just inches from its target.
J. Geil rose as Hol Horse dismounted the elephant. They approached each other, Hol Horse protecting his hat. "Let's go. Between your Hanged Man and my Emperor, I have no doubt we can kill 'em all," Hol Horse declared, summoning the Emperor. J. Geil laughed as the sand swirled around their feet. They turned away and walked into the sunset, leaving the elephant behind. Nena, undeterred, climbed onto the elephant's back.
Rain fell outside the hotel, adding a somber backdrop to the group's dinner. Joseph gazed at an empty chair, remarking, "So he really did leave us after all," while Polnareff continued his quest to find the man with two right hands. The patrons of the hotel restaurant mostly denied any knowledge of such a man, until one person finally said, "Yes."
"What? You have? Are you sure you saw a man with two right hands? Where?" Polnareff inquired anxiously. The rain began to subside as the clouds parted, revealing a ray of sunlight. An elderly man pointed towards two figures walking down the street, one of them floating.
Polnareff quickly got up and walked away, determined to confront this mysterious man. However, the old man caught him off guard, saying, "Huh? I don't understand. He was right there."
"What?" Polnareff questioned.
"Here, he was with that man in the street," the old man clarified. The man took another step, landing his foot in a puddle, bringing him just five feet away from Polnareff. The two locked eyes in a tense standoff.
"The gun is mightier than the sword. Not bad, if I do say so myself," the man, known as Hol Horse, stated.
"Who the heck are you?" Polnareff retorted.
Hol Horse lifted the brim of his hat, introducing himself, "Hol Horse. That's what they call me. I'm a Stand user, and my card is the Emperor. I've been paid good money by Dio to rub you guys out."
Polnareff, still focused on his goal, pointed out, "Look here, cowboy, I don't care who you say you are. Where's the man with two right hands?"
"That was rude. You asked who I am, so I answered. Well, whatever. I came here with that guy. He's nearby," Hol Horse replied, casually lighting a cigar.
"What? Where is he?" Polnareff scanned his surroundings, growing more anxious.
"There's really no point in you asking that. I, Hol Horse, will have the pleasure of snuffing you out," Hol Horse declared.
Undaunted, Polnareff stood tall and challenged, "Morons like you always talk trash, and it always ends up the other way around."
Hol Horse chuckled, explaining, "Oh? Was that funny?"
Polnareff inquired, "Lord Dio had you pegged: 'Polnareff has the fatal habit of underestimating his opponents. beating him into a corpse won't be any trouble for you.' He was exactly right, so I couldn't help but laugh."
Defiant, Polnareff invited the confrontation, saying, "If I have to take you out to get to him, then that's exactly what I'll do. Bring it."
Hol Horse chuckled and began explaining his Stand's abilities, "Ever heard of military chess? The tank is stronger than the soldier, and tanks are weak against mines. See, it's pretty much the basics of battle. My Emperor is stronger than you, so I thought I'd be a gentleman. I'll fill you in on my Stand's abilities before we fight. The gun is mightier than the sword. Such a brilliant quote. What are you trying to say, exactly? That I have a Stand that shoots. And a sword simply can't beat that."
Polnareff leaned in, cupping his ear, and replied, "So, what? A pea shooter?"
Their humorous exchange sent both of them into fits of laughter. They laughed heartily, nearly doubling over, while the onlookers from the local crowd observed the bizarre scene with confusion. After several minutes of laughter, they composed themselves, their expressions turning serious as they locked eyes.
"Prepare to die!" Polnareff declared.
"Prepare to die!" Hol Horse echoed, nearly in unison.
"You underestimated me, Polnareff!" Hol Horse exclaimed, summoning his Stand, the Emperor, and tossing away his cigarette. He pointed the gun at Polnareff and fired, swiftly clipping the cigarette.
Polnareff summoned his Stand, Silver Chariot, saying, "If I take off my armor… I can knock down a bullet!" Silver Chariot leaped, shedding its armor as its blade descended upon contact with the bullet. Astonishingly, the bullet deftly moved out of the blade's path and continued its trajectory.
"What? That's impossible! It bypassed my sword! Oh crap!" Polnareff exclaimed, frozen in disbelief.
"The bullet is also my Stand. And that cocky attitude just cost you your life!" Hol Horse declared as the bullet moved closer to Polnareff's face.
"Polnareff!" Avdol rushed forward, knocking him to the ground just as the bullet whizzed past, spiraling into the air.
"Wha... Avdol!" Polnareff gasped, his astonishment evident.
"I came here because I was worried about you, and what do I find? Your ego will be the end of you, Polnareff," Avdol stated, getting up and fixing his gaze on Polnareff.
"You were worried about me? Darn you! You came here to lecture me again?" Polnareff retorted, rising to his feet. Avdol followed, saying, "The enemy already knows everything about you! You said you're a loner, but from now on, you can't win on your own!"
As the spinning cigarette hung in the air, Hol Horse deftly caught it in his mouth, quipping, "What bad timing for an outsider to interfere." The bullet, having curved in its path, was now heading straight for Polnareff and Avdol.
"Out of the way, Polnareff! The bullet's coming back! Magician's Red!" Avdol exclaimed, crossing his arms to summon Magician's Red. The Stand let out a caw as flames enveloped it. "I'll melt it down!" Avdol declared, determination in his eyes, while Hol Horse wore a smirk.
"Dang that Avdol! He went after Polnareff himself," Joseph exclaimed, rushing down an aisle of booths. Jotaro scanned the area and said, "Where are you, Mr. Avdol? Polnareff? I have a terrible feeling…" Kakyoin, too, began searching for Avdol and Polnareff.
"Hey, there's a weird fight going on over there," a local informed the group, catching Kakyoin's attention. He sprinted towards the commotion and turned a corner. What he saw made his eyes widen in shock.
Avdol was sitting beside a puddle, facing away. In the reflection of the puddle, The Hanged Man loomed, ready to strike. Its blade extended from its right wrist, piercing Avdol's lower back. The blade slid in with frightening ease, and blood spurted from the wound.
As the locals began to chatter in confusion, Avdol muttered, "The puddle…" before falling past Polnareff, who exclaimed, "What?"
Kakyoin stood there, his shock palpable, as The Hanged Man disappeared. Polnareff, staring at Avdol's lifeless body, called out, "Mr. Avdol!" The locals started to scatter, but Hol Horse grinned triumphantly.
"Man, today must be my day. My gun and J. Geil's mirror are weak against Avdol's fire. I figured Avdol would be the toughest one to kill. Talk about luck!" Hol Horse quipped as he spun the Emperor and then holstered it. "Looks like no more threats in this game of military chess!"
Kakyoin knelt beside Avdol's body, crying out, "Mr. Avdol!" His hands were bloody, and he fervently believed that Avdol was merely injured. He shook Avdol's unmoving body, saying, "He's just hurt… It's just a minor wound. See? He's going to start speaking…He'll open his eyes in a moment. Right, Mr. Avdol? You're going to wake up, right?"
Meanwhile, Polnareff, still in shock, watched the events unfold in front of him. Avdol's lifeless body was gently laid on the ground, and then it began to smoke. Kakyoin was in distress, crying out to his fallen comrade, while Polnareff, his emotions raw, couldn't help but kick the puddle in frustration saying "That's what he gets for lecturing people. Look at him now. "
"What did you say, Polnareff? Mr. Avdol was worried about you!" Kakyoin shouted, anger simmering beneath the surface.
"Who asked him for help? He likes to meddle in other people's business, but he's slow, so they got him. Guys like him just get in the way… That's why I said I was going it alone," Polnareff retorted, dismissively pushing Kakyoin's concerns aside.
"He saved your life. How dare you…" Kakyoin began, his voice filled with frustration, but he noticed something different. Tears were hitting the ground, and he turned to see Polnareff, his emotions laid bare as he cried.
"I am sick of it! Having people up and die on me…" Polnareff choked out, tears streaming down his face.
Kakyoin's anger melted into empathy, and he said, "Polnareff…" in a somber tone, understanding the depth of his comrade's pain.
"I'm so sick of it, you hear me!" Polnareff yelled, venting his anguish.
Sadao watched this emotional scene unfold while he hid, leaning against the wall. He couldn't help but notice the back of Hol Horse's head and the malevolent grin on his face. Anger swelled within him, and he crept closer to Hol Horse.
Sadao moved with silent determination, stealthily closing in on his target until he was mere inches behind Hol Horse. A wry laugh escaped Hol Horse's lips before he could finish his sentence, his words echoing arrogance. "For such a tough guy, he sure was easy to finish off. Then again, the end is usually a pretty sudden curtain call. Most folks don't get a chance to say 'goodbye,' you know. Think of that as a little parting wis-"
Before he could complete his sentence, a powerful fist collided with the back of Hol Horse's head, sending him sprawling into a nearby puddle. The cigarette flew from his mouth, and his hat danced away with the wind.
"That was for Holly, my wife. I know you've been seeing her. When I came home and wrapped my hands around her, you know what she said. Do you?" Sadao's voice seethed with anger, the weight of betrayal heavy in the air.
Drenched and bewildered, Hol Horse looked up at Sadao with a perplexed expression. A wicked grin crept across his face as something clicked in his mind. "She uttered your wretched name," spat Sadao.
"Ah, you must be talking about that touch-starved lady in Japan. We had so much time together. It was so easy playing with her heart. Don't get me wrong, she was stubborn at first, but as soon as I hugged her, she melted into me. She was mad at you, blaming everything on you. You made her cry, but I was there to wipe away her tears. When your son, Jotaro, went to school, I always came by with flowers. I brought her chocolate and cake on Valentine's Day and her birthday. I always liked the sound of her voice, submitting to me in her bed. Her moans were the best," Hol Horse taunted, his words cutting through the air like a razor.
Sadao's anger ignited, and with a surge of power, he activated his Stand, 'Jazzman.' With a cold command, he called out, "Jazzman, The Square!" Suddenly, an invisible box materialized around Hol Horse, pulling him upright. Frustrated, Hol Horse pounded his fists on the unseen barrier, but not a sound escaped. The tables had turned, and Sadao was ready to make him pay for the pain he had inflicted on his family.
With an ominous smile, Sadao continued, "This is just my second ability. Just wait, my sub-ability can be quite booming to the ears." The air began to distort, and the invisible box started to shake. Hol Horse tensed up, realizing something was amiss. Suddenly, a sonic wave erupted from nowhere, striking Hol Horse with immense force and sending him crashing into the invisible wall. He fell down to the ground. He got up, knees wobbling. As a second wave came from behind knocking him forward as his face planted in the invisible wall. He fell to the ground, his body limp.
"Hey, Polnareff." said the hanged man, chuckling. Polnareff looked in the windows as the hanged man showed up into the reflection. Polnareff froze at the sight.
Polnareff was locked in a fierce standoff with the Hanged Man. Kakyoin urged him, "We need to fall back for now."
"But he mercilessly stabbed Avdol in the back. He killed my defenseless sister," Polnareff growled, his rage palpable.
Sadao carefully picked up Avdol's lifeless body and headed toward the truck, while Polnareff remained fixated on his fallen comrade.
As the Hanged Man continued to taunt Polnareff, he finally asked, "You. Where's the user?" Polnareff was eager to find the one responsible for this chaos. Looking down at hol horse's limp form.
"Calm down, Polnareff!" Kakyoin urged, but Polnareff's emotions were spiraling out of control.
The Hanged Man appeared behind Polnareff, mocking him with sinister words. "No need to be sad. You should be happy… You're about to see your dear friend again."
The Hanged Man raised its blade, threatening Polnareff, and continued its torment, "You'll soon be dead, enjoying the afterlife with those two fools. Your sister was so very sweet, Polnareff…"
As the blade drew near Polnareff's back, he was thrust into painful flashbacks of his sister's tragic death. The memory of her killer's hands around her neck haunted him. Polnareff's eyes widened in terror as the Hanged Man ominously declared, "Once you're reunited with your sister, be sure to ask her: exactly how I murdered her!"
Kakyoin's voice broke through Polnareff's determined but reckless actions, "Polnareff, don't fall for his tricks! He wants you to attack!" But it was too late; Polnareff had summoned 'Silver Chariot,' which slashed at the glass, shattering it into pieces that fell to the ground. In response, the Hanged Man appeared in every reflection, taunting Polnareff, "Your Chariot cannot cut my Hanged Man. I'm in the mirror, where your Stand can't go. That's why!"
The Hanged Man's invisible hand crept closer to Polnareff's neck, both in the real world and in the reflection. "So close, and yet so far away!" it whispered menacingly.
But then Sadao intervened, utilizing 'Jazzman' to trap the Hanged Man in an invisible box. Polnareff, urged by Sadao, made a run for the truck, and Kakyoin reached out to help him swing inside. With Polnareff safe, the invisible box released the Hanged Man, and they sped away, leaving the broken glass behind.
Sadao let out a breath as summoning the box more times a day was exhausting. He jumped in the back with Avdol. They sped turning a corner narrowly missing the limp form of Hol horse and leaving the broken glass in fine dust. Kakyoin was at the wheel. "Sorry, Kakyoin. I… I thought, so long as I could avenge my sister, I wouldn't care if I lived or died. But I understand now… I know Avdol was fighting for me. His sacrifice won't be for naught. I'll fight to keep on living." said Polnareff. "You sure you really mean that?" said kakyoin. "Yes," said Polnareff, breathing out.
Kakyoin socked Polnareff on the face with his elbow. Polnareff, initially taken aback, realized it was a sign of camaraderie.
"You can think of that as a makeup handshake, Polnareff," Kakyoin said, continuing to drive as if nothing had happened.
Polnareff clutching his nose said "Right. Thank you, Kakyoin. "When they come after us again, we'll defeat them together," said kakyoin."You know, I was so sure I stabbed him with my sword. But it didn't connect. It was like he wasn't there." said Polnareff checking the rear view mirror. He grabbed the mirror clenching it. The glass breaking. "Breaking the mirror didn't stop him. The Hanged Man, just attacked from the shards. He attacks your reflection from within the mirror. My Stand can't go inside the mirrors… How can we attack him if he's in some kind of mirror world? " Polnareff threw the rear view mirror outside letting out an angry cry. The rear view mirror glass broke on contact with the rocky ground.
Kakyoin, however, remained level-headed "Polnareff, you keep talking about "inside the mirror" and "the mirror world' but there's no such thing as a world in a mirror. Remember, this is reality, not fantasy." said Kakyoin, glancing at Polnareff. "What are you talking about? You saw it, too, didn't you? You can see him only in a mirror, and when you turn around, he's gone!" said Polnareff. "Yes. But a mirror reflects light. Nothing more. I know how a mirror works!" said kakyoin. "Listen! I mean in this case. Like what's going on right now. If Stands can exist, then so can a mirror world!" said to them, the Stand user Illuso sneezed in Italy, "What's wrong?" said risotto Nero. "I thought I felt someone insulted my stand. I hope they die a watery death." said illuso.
"Wrong," said kakyoin. "Come on, man!" said Polnareff. "The secret of the Hanged Man. has something to do with the way mirrors work. Stands can defeat other Stands, so there still has to be something we don't know about his—" said Kakyoin, looking down at the steering wheel as the sun made it shine, the Hanged Man reappeared in the reflection on the steering wheel, advancing toward Avdol and Sadao.
Kakyoin realized the danger and shouted, "Polnareff! The chrome of the steering wheel! Warn Sadao that nowhere is safe!"
Polnareff, puzzled at first, eventually grasped the situation. "What?" he exclaimed, sticking his head out of the window. "Look out! Sadao, run for your life! The Hanged Man is catching up to us! Jump for it!"
Sadao's eyes snapped open, and he immediately understood the gravity of the situation. Swiftly, he summoned his Stand, 'Jazzman,' to confront the looming threat. His heart pounded as he scanned his surroundings, and with urgency, he gathered Avdol in his arms, shielding him within a protective barrier.
Blood trickled from a fresh wound on Sadao's head, but his focus remained unwavering. He quivered under the strain of maintaining the invisible square for the third time, fending off the Hanged Man's relentless attempts to attack. Invisible punches battered against Sadao's defensive construct, and the truck's cabin glass shattered under the onslaught, scattering shards into the cab.
As the truck swerved uncontrollably, Kakyoin grappled with the wheel, trying to regain control. With a sense of impending doom, the vehicle tipped and hurtled through the air. Sadao, seeing no other option, leaped, dispelling the invisible square in a desperate move to save himself and Avdol.
The truck ultimately crashed upside down, headfirst, with a cacophony of bending metal and shattering glass. Smoke billowed from the wreckage. Amidst the chaos, Sadao managed to regain consciousness, cradling Avdol, who had suffered a gash on his head. Blood oozed from the wound, and Sadao realized that he had a broken arm. The cut got bigger as blood ran down his face, possibly from the stress of maintaining the square or from his hasty jump.
He surveyed his surroundings, ensuring that reflective objects were out of reach, and sighed in relief before collapsing from exhaustion.
Polnareff emerged from the wreckage, bruised but alive. "You all right, Kakyoin?" he called out, concerned.
Kakyoin, who had slammed his chest during the tumultuous crash, replied, "I slammed my chest, but I'll be fine."
Polnareff turned his attention to the shattered truck's mirror, his brow furrowing in confusion. Suddenly, a presence jumped to the bumper rim, catching his eye. "What?" he exclaimed, peering at the mirror's shattered remnants then to the rim. To his shock, the Hanged Man reappeared in the reflection, and the danger was far from over.
Polnareff acted swiftly, summoning his Stand, Silver Chariot, with a determined cry of "Chariot!" The Stand's blade sliced through the bumper of the crashed truck, reducing it into several pieces. Polnareff wasted no time, springing to his feet and urgently shouting, "Kakyoin! Get away from anything reflective!"
Kakyoin followed his comrade, running in tandem. They dashed behind a large rock, seeking shelter from the looming threat. Both of them were gasping for breath, their hearts pounding in their chests. They gazed up at the ridge, their faces etched with concern.
In the distance, they could see Sadao and Avdol, further highlighting the peril they were in.
"Damn it... I got it. I just saw him do it," Polnareff panted, struggling to catch his breath. His voice trembled with a mixture of fear and determination as he continued, "From mirror to mirror! From reflection to reflection! He's jumping from one object to another! He traveled all this way by reflecting over and over!"
Kakyoin contemplated Polnareff's words and asked, "Reflecting? So he's actually light! A light-based Stand?"
Polnareff's anxiety was palpable, and he wasted no time shedding any reflective items. "Kakyoin! I just saw him in the car's bumper! He'll reflect off it and into something else. Stay clear of reflective stuff! And take off anything that's shiny! Your buttons!" Polnareff swiftly removed his earrings, and Kakyoin followed suit, discarding his jacket.
Amid their frantic preparations, a curious boy approached them, concern etched across his face. He inquired, "Hey, Mister, are you guys okay? Want me to bring some medicine?" The boy placed his hands on his neck, oblivious to the imminent danger.
Polnareff's voice quivered as he urgently warned, "Hey! Kid! It's dangerous. Get out of here!" Fear was evident in his words as he attempted to protect the child from harm.
However, the boy, still unaware of the peril, looked at them with sincere concern and said, "Whoa, you guys really messed up your car… Hey, you're bleeding, mister."
Polnareff and Kakyoin, their eyes widening in realization, spotted a presence leaping into the boy's eyes. Alarmed, Polnareff exclaimed, "What?" It was then they both saw the reflection of the Hanged Man within the boy's eyes.
The boy, unaffected by their mounting fear, continued to express his worry. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked, entirely unaware of the sinister Stand lurking in his reflection.
Frustration and concern welled up in Polnareff as he realized the dire situation. "That asshole! He reflected into the kid's eye!" he exclaimed, regretting that the innocent child had become an unwitting host for their relentless foe. The hanged man chucked.
"Listen, kid. Don't look at us," Kakyoin urgently advised as they jumped away from the innocent boy. The youngster, baffled by the sudden commotion, responded with a puzzled "Huh?"
Kakyoin's voice grew more forceful as he repeated, "I told you, don't look at us! Stop looking at me! Shit!" Polnareff, now equally alarmed, ran off and added, "Huh? But you're hurt," said the boy with concern.
"I'm fine! See? Perfectly fine! So, go look over there!" Polnareff proclaimed as he flexed his muscles in an attempt to distract the child from their dangerous situation. "You're bleeding…" the boy pointed out, his worry growing.
Anxiously, Polnareff insisted, "Look over there, you brat! Damn you, J. Geil!" The hanged man continued to laugh, reveling in their torment.
Polnareff quickly summoned his Stand, Silver Chariot, as he contemplated their next move. The hanged man taunted them, asking, "What to do? You wouldn't poke out this cute little boy's eye with that sword of yours, would you, Polnareff?" The hanged man's invisible hands gripped Polnareff's neck, causing panic to set in.
Kakyoin's voice resounded with concern, "Polnareff!" as he urged his comrade to resist the temptation to harm the innocent child.
"I finally got you. You won't escape this time. Unless, of course, you gouge the kid's eye out." said the hanged man taunting as the blade extended from his wrist. Polnareff's anger and frustration boiled over as he clenched his teeth. "You dirty little… You'll pay for this!" Kakyoin shared Polnareff's anger and disgust.
But Polnareff, even in this dire situation, remained calm and focused, stating with determination, "Hey, Kakyoin. That's not what you say at a time like this. Listen! In times such as these, exacting revenge requires an altogether different battle cry."
He introduced himself with a sense of honor and purpose, proclaiming, "My name is Jean Pierre Polnareff. For the honor of my sister's soul, so that my friend Avdol may rest in peace, into the pits of despair," he declared, his Stand Silver Chariot brandishing its sword in preparation.
"I shall strike you down, J. Geil. Sorry about this, kid! I'll buy you any candy you want!" Polnareff offered, temporarily distracting the child by kicking sand into his eyes. "You got sand in my eye!" exclaimed the boy. It was at this moment that Silver Chariot's sword swung down, ready to confront the malevolent Stand.
Silver Chariot's blade came down simultaneously with the presence's leap. "Polnareff, he's in your eye…" Kakyoin uttered in disbelief.
"I don't understand how, but he moves at almost the speed of light. A normally indiscernible speed, yes, but I knew that if the kid closed his eyes, his next move would be to my eye," Polnareff explained.
"I see…" Kakyoin nodded in understanding. "The Hanged Man can exist only in the world of reflections. When one world is about to be destroyed, he must migrate to another reflective object."
Polnareff realized the implications of this and grinned, saying, "So… Knowing his path makes slicing through him… a piece of cake!" He swiftly made a slash that ran down the Hanged Man.
A yell echoed from nearby buildings, indicating the location of the Stand user. Polnareff and Kakyoin hurriedly approached the building, sprinting up the stairs.
Inside, they found a man sprawled out on a fruit stand, blood soaking through his clothes. Polnareff and Kakyoin stared down at him, and Polnareff finally had the opportunity to confront J. Geil.
"At last, we meet, J. Geil," Polnareff declared. "My name is Jean Pierre Polnareff, and I've seen through your Stand's clever little trick. It's a Stand of light that moves at an extraordinary speed, too fast to target with my eyes. But if I know where you're going, and I slash its trajectory in that moment, I can cut you!" Polnareff explained confidently, his blade ready for action.
Polnareff then pointed back at Kakyoin and continued, "If Kakyoin and Avdol hadn't shown up, I probably wouldn't have figured that out, and you would have killed me."
However, Kakyoin suddenly realized a grave mistake and exclaimed, "Polnareff! He's not the man with two right hands! That's not J. Geil!" He watched in shock as a knife lodged in Polnareff's left shoulder blade, causing the injured man to crouch.
"Polnareff!" Kakyoin called out, rushing to check on his comrade, both of them now facing an unknown enemy.
Kakyoin swiftly pulled out the knife from Polnareff's shoulder, and they heard chilling laughter from their assailant, who revealed himself to be J. Geil.
"Over here. Insignificant fools! I'm J. Geil," he sneered, crouching down to gloat.
Polnareff and Kakyoin both rose to their feet, their anger and frustration palpable.
"That's just some beggar from the village. All I did was carve him up a bit, just like you did to me. And you fell for it! Getting close to him without knowing what I look like was a grave mistake!" J. Geil taunted.
The beggar, who had been posing as J. Geil, began to cry.
"You bastard!" Kakyoin exclaimed, summoning Hierophant Green and preparing for an attack.
However, J. Geil raised his hand, and Polnareff and Kakyoin were shocked to see a crowd of locals surrounding them.
"Take this! Emerald..." Kakyoin yelled, ready to unleash his Stand, but J. Geil interrupted with a cunning move.
"Whoa. Wait now. Take a good look around you," J. Geil said, gathering the locals' attention with his misleading words.
"These two gentlemen are handing out money!" He pointed at Kakyoin and Polnareff, falsely claiming that they were giving away money.
"What?" Polnareff and Kakyoin both reacted with shock. "They'll give us money for nothing!" one of the locals said. The crowd swarmed the two travelers with gratitude, thanking them and asking for money.
"Thank you! Thank you!" "Thank you!" "Please give us money!" The locals' voices blended together in their requests, overwhelming Polnareff and Kakyoin.
"You have such big hearts!" another local added, with an innocent smile.
While the chaos of the crowd ensued, J. Geil, safely out of sight, took advantage of the distraction. He let the Hanged Man appear in one of the locals' eyes, poised to strike.
"You say you've figured out my Stand? Fool! You think I don't know my own weakness?" J. Geil boasted.
With incredible speed, the Hanged Man attacked, slashing its blade down, and a gaping wound appeared on Polnareff's stomach, blood gushing from it.
"With myriad reflective surfaces, you'll never know my next move. I have no weakness!" J. Geil declared as Kakyoin, too, suffered a similar fate, with wounds opening on his chest, blood oozing out.
"Don't look! Don't stare at us! Just look away!" Polnareff shouted desperately as the Hanged Man leaped from eye to eye, wreaking havoc on the locals.
"There's no escape. Just going to blow everyone up?" the Hanged Man taunted while slashing Polnareff's arms.
"You wasted your youth chasing me… And now, to come so far only to fail! How pathetic and sad," J. Geil mocked, his laughter echoing through the chaos.
"I, J. Geil, will live on surrounded by beauties like your sister," said the Hanged Man, jumping from eye to eye and mercilessly cutting Polnareff's back.
"Oh, the pleasures that await!" The Hanged Man continued its cruel dance, slicing the back of Polnareff's head.
"Oh yeah, that sweet sister of yours was really good at sobbing…" J. Geil laughed sadistically.
Polnareff's expression was a mix of shock, anger, and grief. J. Geil waved goodbye, his cruel words hanging in the air. "Why, you…" Polnareff started, but Kakyoin intervened.
"Polnareff, you can do better than that. When taking revenge, words like 'Why, you…' won't do. Here's what you say: My name is Noriaki Kakyoin. To avenge my dear friend, Avdol, and so that the soul of my friend Polnareff's sister may rest in peace," Kakyoin said calmly as he pulled out a gold coin and held it up, capturing the attention of the locals.
"I will have you pay with your life. I'll give this gold coin to whoever picks it up. Behold, a coin so perfect, it shines like a mirror!" Kakyoin declared, and the locals oohed and aahed.
"Now I get it, Kakyoin," Polnareff realized, and Kakyoin flipped the coin into the air. The locals excitedly followed its trajectory.
"Seems everyone's eyes are now focused on a single point," Kakyoin noted.
"Yeah," Polnareff agreed.
"We know the trajectory the Hanged Man will have to take!" Kakyoin explained.
"Merci, Kakyoin!" Polnareff expressed his gratitude as he kicked dust into the locals' eyes. J. Geil frowned, realizing their strategy.
They blinked as the presence headed toward the coin in the air. Silver Chariot appeared.
"Now!" Polnareff yelled as Silver Chariot slashed down, cutting the Hanged Man's face in half. The locals bent down, searching for the coin, while J. Geil made his escape, his face bleeding.
"Hold it!" Kakyoin shouted, and they chased after J. Geil.
J. Geil ran around a corner, but the gate he encountered wouldn't open. Desperation set in. "It won't open!" J. Geil cried out.
"Sounds like you're the one who's really good at sobbing, J. Geil! And you're about to plummet into Hfil, crying the whole way down. But there's one thing I can't rely on the guardians to turn your body into a pincushion!" Polnareff declared as he summoned his Stand, Silver Chariot, which diced J. Geil, his scream echoing through the air.
"I've been waiting years for this moment! I'll leave the rest to the devil," Polnareff added as Silver Chariot impaled J. Geil's tongue and flung him into the air. J. Geils lifeless body was gruesomely skewered on the gate, ending his reign of terror.
"So this is the true Hanged Man… He was rotten to the core," Kakyoin muttered as they gazed at the aftermath of their battle. Polnareff, with a solemn expression, said, "I got my revenge."
With their mission accomplished, they turned their attention to their fallen comrade. Sadao and Avdol were gone, "maybe the others buried them already." said Polnareff. As they made their way, they spotted the stumbling figure of Hol Horse. He seemed disoriented, and his wobbly grin didn't mask his unease. Summoning his Stand, The Emperor, he appeared ready for a final confrontation. "If you're gonna run, run like your lives depend on it. Right, J. Geil?" Hol Horse urged.
He fired a shot, causing a nearby glass window to shatter. Polnareff and Kakyoin glanced back.
"Better say your prayers. This is where your lives come to an end! Come at us with everything you've got! Show us your guts, boys! Right, J. Geil?" Hol Horse's confidence exuded as he awaited their response.
But J. Geil was absent, and Hol Horse grew increasingly agitated. "Hey, are you listening, J. Geil?" he called out, his bravado faltering.
"I don't think he's listening anymore, cowboy. He's a little busy right now… Carrying out his sentence in hell!" Polnareff announced, summoning his Stand, Silver Chariot.
Hol Horse's disbelief was evident as he shook his head and waved his hand dismissively. "Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! Don't try to pull that nonsense! Bluffing won't work on me! There's no way you could have beat him! Even I wouldn't try my luck against that mother! Polnareff, your sense of humor really stinks," Hol Horse retorted, his bravado revived.
"'Two, three hundred meters that way, is that bastard's corpse… 'case you wanna look," Polnareff pointed in a specific direction.
Hol Horse didn't hesitate for a moment. "Don't mind if I do!" he exclaimed, running away abruptly.
Polnareff stood there in disbelief. "Hey! You're running away?" he called after Hol Horse.
As Hol Horse sprinted down the alleyways, his thoughts raced. "I don't stand a chance! I'm outnumbered! Time to hightail it out of here and wait for a better chance! Or better yet, wait 'til I find myself another partner in crime. It's all about being Number Two! That's the motto I like to live by! Got a problem with that?"
But his escape was short-lived as he ran straight into a solid fist. Hol Horse was knocked to the ground, dazed.
Kakyoin and Polnareff, stood over Hol Horse.
"Mr. Joestar! Jotaro!" Polnareff greeted, relieved to see their companions.
Joseph Joestar addressed the situation, "We know about Avdol and Sadao. We didn't have time for much, but we gave him a proper burial."
They circled around Hol Horse, who was trembling with fear. "The one who stabbed Mr. Avdol in the back was that coward with two right hands. But the cause of death was Hol Horse's bullet. Sadao broke his hand running from that coward with two right hands also. What should we do with him?" Kakyoin inquired.
Polnareff stepped forward, summoning Silver Chariot, and declared, "I'll give him his sentence. Death!"
There was the sound of running, and suddenly, Nena pushed Polnareff out of the way. They both fell to the ground, and Polnareff looked puzzled. Nena, on the other hand, appeared anxious as she turned her attention to Hol Horse.
"Please run, Sir Hol Horse! Sir Hol Horse!" Nena pleaded desperately.
Polnareff, still bewildered, tried to push her off, muttering, "What's with this woman? I don't know what's going on..."
Nena clung tightly to Polnareff, her eyes filled with fear and affection. "I do know I'll always protect you! You are my everything, darling! Please run! Hurry!"
Polnareff continued to struggle and exclaimed, "Let go of me, stupid! Come on, what are you doing?"
Polnareff called for Jotaro and Kakyoin's help, shouting, "Jotaro! Kakyoin! Don't let Hol Horse get away!"
But Jotaro replied calmly, "It's too late."
Polnareff realized Hol Horse was already making his escape, and he looked up just in time to see Hol Horse riding away on a horse.
"Well said, my little sweetheart!" Hol Horse yelled back to Nena. "I'll gladly accept your feelings and keep on living! I'm only running away because I love you, baby! Forever and ever!"
This made Polnareff furious as he exclaimed, "Why, you… Get back here!" Nena fell to the ground, holding onto his leg, and Polnareff, still angry, dragged her away.
Joseph approached Nena, crouched down, and gently bandaged her elbow. "Agh…" Nena whimpered in pain.
Polnareff, frustrated, said, "Oh, don't you dare 'Agh' at me!"
Joseph spoke with a solemn tone, "Polnareff, the girl is just another one of his victims, and he no longer had any intention of fighting with us. We have no time to deal with him."
He continued, "Sadao and Avdol are gone now. But we have to forge ahead. It's already been fifteen days since we left Japan."
Joseph tied the knot to the bandage on Nena's elbow, then something splattered against his right arm.
"Damn it... Fine then. All right!" Polnareff agreed as he took the lead. "We continue onward to Egypt. Listen up! To defeat Dio, we have to fight as one. We can't go off on our own! Or we'll play right into the enemy's hands. Got it? Let's get moving on!"
Kakyoin whispered to Jotaro "So where is everyone else?"
Jotaro looked exasperated as he held Fasha on his arm and whispered back, "They are back at the hotel."
They walked away together as a small mouth formed on Joseph's right arm.