Filler Arc: Falling Snow

[Fect]

Colorado, USA

The snow falls gently. Groups have fun, messing around, just enjoying themselves. The first lift takes people up the mountain, so that they can ski down. But on occasion, people go missing. The trees are blamed for it. And everyone just keeps having a good time.

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"Let's send a few people out for some fun," Komui says.

"Eh?" Asks Lenalee.

"They need a break. I hear there's a new resort in the United States. They can go skiing or whatever they like."

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- Filler Arc.
- You can either just have fun with the arc, or investigate.
- No Canon.
- Only non-gem members can participate.

[kensei]

Falling asleep by the foggy windows, Jean couldn't keep his eyes open for a whole second. The last few days have been a blur, and drained him a lot.

Woken up by a sudden interruption by the smooth ride, Jean slowly opened his eyes to witness a large, snow-covered mountain. Its presence felt so...pristine, as snowflakes slowly fell down to the ground. The giggles of little children throwing snowballs and making snow angels by the ground echoed across the grounds.

A snowball would have hit Jean right in the face if he hadn't turn his head slightly to the left. It would seem a bit strange for an exorcist who fought daily battles to fall from a stray snowball. A little nine-year-old boy put his hands towards his mouth as he shouted sorry, quite relieved as Jean only smiled back gesturing it was nothing.

A little girl tugged Jean's trousers as she pointed towards the kids' snow man. Her crystal eyes stared blankly as she continued pulling until Jean would follow her.

"You want me to help you?"

[Askand]

Angie looked at the scene before her. A big white mountain covered in snow. From the distance she saw Jean being pulled out by a little girl. Perhaps she wanted help and decided he was the perfect person for the job. She got sad by the fact that she didnt had a memory of her childhood. Still she managed to smile at the scenery. A hand on her shoulder make her look back to see Jacques smiling softly at her.

"Ready to go and register? I still cant believe we get on a vacation. I guess we are so lucky after all."

Angie giggles at the commentary. Perhaps her caution was excessive. When back at the Order Komui's insistence about taking a vacation were ill founded. Maybe he noticed they really needed time to rest and recharge batteries.

"Yeah we are really lucky. Lets go inside I will like to have some hot chocolate and cookies." said Angie while the two went walking hand in hand to the hotel.

[kensei]

Sitting in the cold, snow-covered earth, the little girl smiled as she successfully threw a snowball to Jean's face, causing him to fall back on the snow.

"Bang!" the little girl giggled, as she prepared to throw another ball of snow.

"No, stop!," Jean laughed, as he shielded his face from the next attack, but failed to defend from the double attack from the boys behind him. Taking the chance, the little girl tackled Jean and threw him back to the ground once more.

Reminds me of old times, no? Well...without the snow and all...

That was the single best year of my life Joan...

Jean shook his head as his face shivered from the snow. The little girl took out her scarf and straightened her arms out, holding the folded, checkered scarf towards Jean.

Oh, I think I'm going to be jealous now..

"No thanks, little girl. You can have it, the snow's falling faster," Jean smiled as he patted her bonnet-covered head.

Please..I don't know if I should feel sorry for you for envying a little girl..

[Fect]

"You're going to have to say it sometime~"

'Oh, Quiet you.'

"It's been a while since you've been in the snow or in the mountains..."

'Yeah...'

"Do you two want separate rooms, or share a suite?" the clerk asked.

Jacques, blushing a little, said, "We'll take the double suite."

Grabbing a pair of keys, he gave one to Angie. It was a bit of a dusty room. Off to the right of the entrance hall was a small bathroom and bed. A little bit further down, on the right was what seemed to be a small kitchen, with a new stove and oven combination, and a tin sink next to it. Connected to the kitchen was a small living area with some stools, an old couch, and a well-used table with lots of local papers - which went back to 1870.

Angie walked through the door adjacent to the living area, to a large bed. She sat down, and Jacques sat next to her. There was a small window which one could see flakes of snow falling. It seemed very tranquil. Sitting there for a minute, Jacques then realized, "Right, Let me go get you some hot chocolate."

He walked out the door, wandering down the hall to the front desk. They pointed him outside towards a small shack, where he gave them a few dollars, got two cups of hot cocoa and a small bag of assorted pastries and cookies, then ran back towards the room.

[Askand]

When Jacques arrived to the room Angie already was unpacking their suitcases. The room looked a bit clean which means that Angie managed to clean it also. How she did it in such a short time was still a mystery to him. She smiled when he entered with the chocolate cups and the pastries. They went to the little living room and sit on the table. The hot chocolate was a welcomed drink and for a couple of minutes they sit and enjoyed the silence. Angie from time to time took looks at Jacques who seemed to be lost in thought. Shyly, she took his hand and squeezed it a bit in a reassurance gesture.

“Hey is something wrong? Since we came back from the mission you seem a bit down. I know you don’t like to rant but I can hear you. If not I hope you are talking with Lamia your friend. I know she must be worried about you also if you are not talking with her.” Said Angie with concern on her voice.

Jacques couldn’t hide his surprise with her statement. It was the first time she mentioned Lamia since he confessed her about Lamia's existence. Taking a look at Angie she didn’t showed signs of jealously or anger toward her.

“You don’t mind that I talk with Lamia?” was his only question.
“Why should I? She chooses you because you are worthy right? I cant interfere with destiny and stuff.” Said Angie a bit nervous by now.
“So you are not a jealous type?” asked Jacques now intrigued at her nervousness.
“Honestly I don’t know…I… I had never been...in...lo...ve...be...before.” She said while her cheeks started to shine red.

The silence turned heavy. Angie lower her head and looked a bit embarrassed. For Jacques it was a huge surprise. Not knowing what to do he tried to think of something to lift up the tension. He went to search for radio and put an instrumental music program. The sound of the piano was soothing and happy. Walking straight to Angie he bowed and with a reverence and said

“May have this piece Mademoiselle?” he finished with a huge smile and his face a bit red.
“I…I don’t know how to dance…I” said Angie a bit accidentally and all blushed.
“Then this is a good time to learn right? We are on vacation which means this?” He took his exorcist jacket off and leaving it on the table. “This is not necessary and we can relax finally. Come I will show you.” He said taking her hand.

At the beginning Angie seemed not able to catch the steps for the vals. From time to time she will step on Jacques feet and he will make exaggerated painful noises just to make Angie laugh and get concern about her hurting him. Eventually she managed to do it without stepping on Jacques feet anymore. The two were having a lot of fun by themselves. Soon the radio played a romantic song and both fell silent while dancing in each others arms. From time to time Angie will look up to see Jacques looking down at her and both will smile. Also she will rest her head on his chest and he will rest his cheek on her head. She could hear his heart beating at the same pace as hers. That made her smile and cuddles a bit more closely to him. When the song finished they still stayed in each others arms. Jacques slowly lift her head and seemed to be finally going to kiss her. Angie was all red but she slowly closed her eyes to receive the kiss. She could almost feel his lips when a loud thud on the door was heard. They tried to ignore it but the second time sounded with more force than the first time. With a sigh of frustration Jacques rest his head on Angie’s head. Angie’ just managed to hide a smile by biting her lips.

“I guess I should get the door before it comes down.” He said with another frustrated sigh.

Angie nodded but before he broke the embrace she gave him a soft kiss on the lips. And put her index finger on his then when he tried to talk.

“Shh is ok. We can continue this conversation later. Just go ahead before they destroy that door.” She said on a soft tone almost a whisper.

Jacques only nodded and went for the door. Meanwhile Angie began to clean the table and wash the empty cups of chocolate. Suddenly a thud on the floor was heard and an angry Jacques were heard.

“Hey what the hell what’s that for?”

Angie literally flew to find Jacques on the floor and a man cleaning his hands with a satisfied smile on his face.

“Yeah I’m glad to see you too Jacques I guess we are even now. Oh my you must be the famous Angelique right? My apologies for the rudeness my name is Hei Ashur at your service.” He said while giving a reverence to Angie and a smile.

[Nightvision]

Mizaki went into his room silently with the same smile on his face. He absolutely loved the snow in that area. He still remembered what United States building look like from when he was a kid. White has always been his color, his taste in everything was always so plain and old. After unpacking everything he made his way down. Coming across Angielica's room. He saw Hei punching someone on the ground as the door opened.

Mizaki quietly approached Hei and stood behind him.

"Theres plenty more fun outside then inside a building between cramped up walls."

He smiled at the Exorcists that stood in front of them. The friendly feeling he gave away just now felt good and warm, but at the same time a bit embrassing. It was his first time actually talking freely in front of others.

"How bout a snowball fight? we have just enough people."

[aI]

Gabriel sat discontented in the top of a tree overlooking the ski slope as people whizzed down excitedly shouting and yelling in joyous laughter..

Pulling his hand abruptly towards him away from the direction of a lone skier who was near the trees caused the man to suddenly disappear in a puff of snow as something leaped up out and swallowed him whole.

"I could have sworn It was left once I stepped into the darkness...Anyhow..."

Ripping his hand towards him again another skier dissapeared in a puff of snow as his Akuma swallowed him up.

I can sense those exorcists again..I wonder if they want to talk to me still..

He thought remembering the way they had ignored him last time he had offered to help them in china..

[Askand]

The resort looked like an antique Victorian house. Mostly Swiss construction although being on American land. The windows and the chimney distilling a dark smoke remind Lorraine of really old times.

Flashback

The prairie was covered in snows a small dark haired girl runs around giggling and laughing. From time to time she will land on the snow but she wouldn’t mind standing up and running. From the distance a bigger kid will run behind her until he would catch her. Both fell on the snow with the little girl giggling and shinning with happiness while the little boy scolded her.

“Lorrie are you out of your mind? It’s almost freezing like the Antarctic. How could you smile and play on this snow. Are you crazy? Do you want to die of cold?” said the boy standing up while helping her to do the same.
“But Michael its fun to play on the snow, besides Fatima will guide me and won’t let me die here.” Said the little girl trying to catch her breath after laughing for long time.
“Fatima? Who is she? I never heard of her. Are you talking with strangers?” asked the guy.
“She is my guardian Angel silly she will visit me on my dreams and will tell me what to do.” Said Lorrie starting to go back.

Michael didn’t got her meaning but he began to followed her and took her hand. Both were a bit further than the usual but Lorraine managed to find the road back. Once they arrived their respective mothers scold them and made sure they changed their wet clothes. The village they lived was near the mountains so the winter was longer than the usual. By that time Lorraine was 7 years old one year before her life changed forever.

End of flashback

She approached the resort and noticed the environment. Something was lurking around. Akuma or Noah? Not sure but eventually she will find out. The insistence of Komui for them to take this “paid vacations” hides something else. Yeah Komui always had a motive. For the moment her mission was to be with Angelique. So far her state was normal and even truly happier than before. Recovering part of her past might had help still not all had been revealed. In due time she will have to face the truth as well as she did. With a strong resolve she enter the place and register. Her room was on the Second floor of the place. A single suite with the basic commodities to take care of her own. Upon reading the facilities advantages she decided to give a walk around the place. Using her long trench coat to conceal her pistols she began to venture thru the hotel. After half and hour of inspection things seemed to be normal. Returning back to her room she heard some noise on the first floor but decided to stay out it. Taking a lotus position on the floor she began her meditation. She will eventually meet the others once dinner was served.

[Fect]

"Well, I just wanted to pay my respects. Thanks Jacques," Hei said as he walked out the door.

Jacques said, "Oww, I think you broke my nose."

Hei just waved, "It's an improvement."

With that, Hei walked off. Jacques pulled a small key off the key rack, and then took it outside. It fit into a small hole. There stood two pairs of long wooden skis, thin wooden poles, and what looked like leather boots.

'You know, he saw you.'

"I know. I was trying to show myself."

'He thinks you're my innocence, but you're not. It's funny... Well, hopefully he understands.'

"He won't. But he might know my name."

Jacques closed up the closet, then walked back inside. Outside was peaceful. Sitting down on a double-seater, Jacques sat down, then spread his arms out. Angie came over, and Jacques moved his arm around to her shoulder, and brought her in close. They enjoyed the lukewarm cacao, and what was left of the small cloth of food.

[aI]

Gabriel had left his Akuma playing in the snow with the skiers as he wandered down into the little village resort which all the skiers used to place their bases at before they went up the slopes for the day.

wandering through the town he noticed an ice creamery which was plainly doing bad business...

"Just what I wanted.." He said to no one in particular as he made a bee line for the empty looking shop and entered.

[Askand]

After finishing another cup of hot cocoa Angie and Jacques stayed sitting looking at the mountain. The landscape was peaceful almost sub real. Jacques pulled Angie next to him and she cuddled happily resting her head on his shoulder. He squeezes her arm a bit softly and she felt him smiling. Still she felt him bit unease apparently something must had been bothering him still he refused to tell her about it. Angelique felt a bit lost on what to do since she didn’t know how deep or grave was the situation. She wanted to cheer him up and an idea took form in her mind.
Standing up she said.

“Let’s take a walk shall we?” she also managed to give him a huge smile.

Jacques smiled and joined her. Shyly he took her hand and both began to stroll around the place. They saw the kids on the distance still playing with Jean who seemed to have fun. From time to time they will looked at each other and smile while blushing. They keep walking until they reach a tree near the resort. From there they could see most of the mountain and some skiers coming down. At some point they stood there for a couple of minutes until some kids started to throw snowballs to them commanded by Jean. Joining the fun the couple went to return fire and they spent at least a couple of more minutes having fun on the snow.
The kids began to head back to the resort as well as the exorcist trio. They felt more relaxed and happy now. Agreeing to meet on dinner they return to the resort and went to take a hot shower and change their wet clothes. On her way they meet with Sister Lorraine who was on her way out. With a nod she saluted them and keeps walking. They mostly didn’t comment on her and began to talk about what they could do for fun on the place. From time to time they would exchange cheek kisses or Jacques will kiss her forehead. But then the occasion to kiss her arrives either he got all shy or someone managed to interrupt them. Jacques could have sworn that someone was watching them to prevent them from kissing properly. Angie on the other hand smiled at him understanding and will hug him to cheer him up. After refreshing themselves they met with Jean and will comment on stories from different missions until the time for dinner.


Lorraine

She felt a bit restless after her meditation. For some reason something was not fitting with this whole “vacation for free”. Deciding to take a walk around the place she changed her exorcist uniform with a long skirt and a warmth sweater. She complimented her outfit with a long dark brown trench coat and her hair tied on a French braid. To make her look a bit older than she already was a pair of old fashion glasses and her shoes was an old model of soft heels. It was a bit difficult to move on the snow but she will manage on case of emergency. Walking to the town prove to be a calming experience she enjoyed the landscape and the clean air. Upon arriving to town she showed like a clumsy tourist. Asking for directions and managed even to sound like an old woman. So far the information she managed to get was vague and not much of a help. Apparently if something was going one no one will tell since it will be bad for the business. Walking down the streets she found an ice cream parlor. Surprised for finding such a place she stood for a few seconds until a man came out eating ice cream. Trying not to be suspicious she kept walking and decided to return to the resort. Dinner time was getting near and she wanted to talk with the rest of the exorcist to see if they had found something suspicious about the place itself.

[Nightvision]

Mizaki

After greeting everyone to have fun outside Mizaki spent most of his time hiking up in the mountains. On his way he saw a few animals running away from a direction. Knowing that direction is danger , he too headed out another direction. He obseved the plants and made some water from the ice. Until the sun started setting, Mizaki started to make his way back towards where the exorcists were. On his way, the night sky started snowing and the wind blew more violently every 10 minutes. By the time he reached the door to where all the other exorcist were, and he opened the door a burst of wind came into the room. He quickly closed it and shook the snow off his white hair. After brushing the snow off his shoulders as well, he walked into the dining room and sat at in empty chair. He took his scarf off and started to warm up next to the fireplace behind him. It was clearly shown that his nose was red. His eyes feels dry from the wind blowing into his eyes. He sat there warming up, waitiing for some of the people from the Order to show up and hear them talk about their first day in the mountains.

[aI]

Finishing off his ice cream Gabriel followed the exorcist that he had felt watching him back to a resort building...Standing outside he placed his palm on the wall of the building and felt the presence of the exorcists in side..

Well this is too good to resist

He thought yawning slightly..Signaling his akuma he waited..

A few moments later a large black shadow covered the Resort and the ground around it, Glancing up he looked at his akuma which had spread itself out over the large area of the resort..On top of its back was a large mountain of snow..

At a hand signal from him the akuma suddenly shrank to one corner and took off at high speed back towards the snow fields..

Looking up at the mountain of snow which hung motionless in mid air for a moment before starting it's fall towards the resort below Gabriel looked down where he was standing then back up.

Taking exactly one step back he waited and a moment later.

*Thump*

The resort was suddenly covered in snow blocking all it's entrances and exits..

Waiting for the exorcists to dig their way out Gabriel chuckled slightly and sat on the ground.

(( The snow fight begins..:p))

[Fect]

Jacques had just finished his shower, his hair wet and dripping, as he grabbed a towel to dry himself off. He heard a shout, "I'm ready to go have dinner when you are."

Then, the ground shook. Jacques quickly dressed himself, then walked outside, saying, "Man, they need to get heating."

Angie, meanwhile was less interested in the comment than the earthquake. They opened the blinds to snow. An avalanche had covered the rooms' entrances and windows. "We'd better help dig ourselves out."

With the circular motion of his fingers, a cylindrical piece of snow, about two meters in diameter, was cut in the snow. Clenching his fist, Jacques hit it, sending it outward in a compact package. It collided with the snow across the slope, collapsing as it hit. Walking through the tunnel, all that was seen was a white paradise.

The manager of the lodge seemed a bit disturbed by Jacques, nervously asking through the tunnel, "Who are you...?"

"Just a friend of God. The church is no place for me though. Now, let's go dig a few others out..."

'I swear, this vacation has been nothing but work. And I just wanted to spend some time with Angie.'

"Your time... draws near."

((Just work on digging yourselves out. We'll end this in another post or two.))

[Askand]

Angie was waiting for Jacques to finish his shower when the loud rumble was heard outside followed by an earthquake. Jacques emerged from the bathroom as soon as the earthquake passed. When she was going to check the blinds Jacques came out of the shower.

"Man, they need to get heating." Was he said but she didn’t paid too much attention to it when upon opening the blinds they found themselves with a wall of snow covering all the place.
“Looks like we are buried.” Said Angie.
“Not for long” said Jacques.

He sighed a bit frustrated while making a mark on the snow and cleared a path for them to exit the place. On their way out they managed to rescue the Resort manager and some other people. Once they were out and safe Angie turned into feral mode and started digging using her nose to track people. The second person to emerge from the snow was sister Lorraine who was wearing a new version of her exorcist uniform. A short jacket reached her below her chest with a white long sleeve shirt underneath, her inseparable long tight boots with a black cargo pant on. A scar will finished the attire with a black beanie on her head and her inseparable colt pistols on her side. Walking toward them she noticed the survivors and began to check for anyone injured.

“I suggest you get the others out although General Hei must be on his way out at any moment.” Said Lorraine while a loud explosion was heard a bit further on the other side of the resort.
“I think he already is out.” Said Jacques. “And I thought this was going to be a peaceful vacation.” He sighs and keeps attending the people Angie managed to get out.
“Exorcist Hook?”said Lorraine.
“Uh? Yeah? You…” said Jacques but he had to dodge a bullet Lorraine shoot at him.
“ARE YOU CRAZY? WHY…?” Jacques heard the moan and the explosion that followed.

Behind him an akuma level one exploded turning into dust. Lorraine was already place between a large group of akuma and Jacques. Taking her guns out she began to activate her innocence.

“In the name of the father, son and Holy ghost, Fatima! Reveal your mysteries to us. God bless the souls of the victims and forgive the souls of the fallen.” Said with a firm voice that had more impact than any battle cry given.

In the moment Lorraine’s body began to glow with an ethereal green light that little by little will turn white. Judgment and Advocate will grow in size and will stay glowing softly after the transformation. Standing up on her place Lorraine had a lost look into the space soon the akumas surround her and for a split of a second everything seemed to stop. Then the akumas started shooting while Lorraine evades the shoot with grace and speed. In return sometimes she would even shoot back and block with her own shinning bullets the ones shoot by the akumas. Soon the dust provoked by the gun fire began to spread making Jacques difficult to see. At least 15 akumas level one were there attacking her. Feeling she might be on trouble Jacques was ready to step in when Angelique stopped him.

“No don’t interfere. You will get in the middle.” She kept holding his arm and Jacques had to desist.
“But she might need help…”he counter.
“Sister Lorraine it’s an expert on this situation. Is not the first time she faces this odds against her. We need to finish the work that’s why she is there. She is giving up some time to finish the rescue. I don’t think this akumas are here on vacation also. A Noah must be around.” Said Angie squeezing his hand.

Against his will Jacques decided to help Angie with the rescue. Some of the survivors went running scared to the town while Hei, Jacques and Angelique get them out. From time to time Jacques looked into Lorraine’s direction only to see smoke. The sounds of shoots ceased and emerging from the smoke then came Lorraine looking ok and in one piece. She gave some steps and gave a salute when a big figure also emerge from the shadows. A large mouth was going to swallow Lorraine when Angie almost flying managed to snatch Lorraine from her place before she being swallowed by the monster.
The group managed to unite while the monster approaches .little by little.

“My my my look what we got here. A group of the Black Order. Ah my dearest friends from Asia. I guess we found each other again, why don’t we bond each other this time. Perhaps it will remind you of never reject my help again.” Said Gabriel while taking out his floret.

Jacques was going to answer when a loud sound of a cannon exploded and hit the Akuma making him roar in pain and retreat a few meters.

Everyone turned back to see a big cannon near Lorraine with a soft reverence she saluted the Noah and said.

“Then let the games begin, shall we?”

[Nightvision]

Mizaki nearly fell asleep when the ground shook beneath him, making him fall on his back.

What the hell was that?

He jumped up and turned his head towards the window. It was completely covered in pure white snow. He ran to the entrance to find that all the openings have been sealed. He broke a window and activated his level one innocence, where he struck into the snow. After the snow melted, he went to a few room to make sure that the other Exorcists have already rescued all the people in the resort building. Just to double check the rooms, he was able to find a little girl with her mother. Mizaki led them out through the window. As he stepped out, he could hear the sounds of a battle nearby. Telling the two people he just rescued to hide somewhere hard to notice. He made his way to the battlefield.

On his way there he encountered a few level one Akumas. With speed, he penatrated them without difficulty. His last training did make him stronger and more smooth on his movements. Without delay he arrived behind Hei, Jacques and Angelique. Still with his leel one innocence activated, looked at the monster in front of him.

Gray skinned....Another Noah..Just what we need in a vacation.

Mizaki said to the 4 Exorcists. "I've double checked all the room for you, theres nobody left in the building."


((Once again.. i have to RP my self back with you guys =.=))

[Fect]

"Seems you exorcists have nothing better to do than just sit and watch until something happens. You'll never win a war on the defense like that," Gabriel said, as he began walking away. "And I was looking forward to a snow fight with you all. Such a shame."

He walked backwards into a portal... and vanished.

Komui's voice came over the golem. "We took care of the problem. Also, sorry to interrupt, but vacation's over. We have issues back here in Europe. Something's moving, we just don't know what."

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Exp Awarded:

Jacques - 2
Angie - 2
Mizaki - 2
Lorraine - 3
Gabriel - 2
Jean - 2