three-little-lights

[three-little-lights]

There was more to it than just revenge on the cabal, more than hatred. Sure he hated the cable with all his might, but that wasn't what made him so angry. He felt a weight on him that he hadn't had since before he became a guardian; Joel didn't know where his family was, or his friends. He felt just as broken as when he lost his dearest friend of whom he inherited his name from.

Ceres' words, though appreciated, didn't move him. He stood there, listening to how she could just flip a switch and be so gentle and calm with the boys. He struggled to do that, he would have to look away, take a moment before he could talk to Artty. That is, if he was in a mood like he is now. Which is almost everyday since the city was attacked.

It had been only a week since then. He just wanted peace of mind.

Feeling a hand on his, he blinked, snapping out of his thoughts and turned to look at Ceres.

"Time..." he repeated softly, looking at the boys, seeing them so carefree and happy. Joel sighed and crossed his arms, expressing a small, meek smile to Ceres. "That's what a close friend keeps telling me.."

Away from Home

[three-little-lights]

Joel chuckled softly, crossing his arms, he watched Artorias eat.

He still had no peas on his plate... Nothing he could do about it now.

Looking back at Ceres, he couldn't help to snicker at her comment about food. "I feel ya there... But I guess before I was a guardian I did take on two girls, so I know how it feels." he leaned towards her, "I still don't know how to cook properly, heh." He whispered to her.

However, once pulled aside he looked confused at first, then concerned when her expression changed. If they were moving from the kids, the topic must of been important. It was... And he didn't want to answer, not at first. He crossed his own arms, looking away from her and at the ground.

His body started to tremble, recalling the events, his optics half closed as he thought more on it and his answer to her. What would he tell her? It was a massacre, the tower staff, their vanguard, the speaker.... all gone....

"..... It was hell on earth. Chaotic... So many, I saw many fall, some are still there." He finally managed to get out. He looked back up, his optics flaring, anger he was holding back the whole time rising.

Away from Home

[three-little-lights]

Joel was about to decline, he had Artorias most of the day, he had to return the boy back home. But of course, the little ones were already inside her home.

“S-sure… Thank you, again, for the hospitality.” He replied with a apologetic tone. “And I have to admit, the quiet is.. Very peaceful.” He looked at Artorias when he noticed the boy serving himself food and narrowed his optics when he saw him skip the peas.

“Artorias at least eat some of the peas… or else I won’t-…….” he stopped mid sentence, staring at Ceres blankly.

'So Joel, your son...'

That echoed in his head for a few moments before he looked taken back, he waved his hands in front of himself while quickly responding back.

“N-nO no no no no! I’m just his, uhm, I have no blood relation to the boy… well of course I don’t but, I mean, ” Joel had been trying to collect his thoughts, rubbing the back of his neck now. “I’m watching over him when I can, kinda bestowed the uncle title to me for him.”

He looked back at Artorias and let out a small sigh. “I’m not really cut for the dad title…” At least, after everything he’d done in his past, he felt like he shouldn’t be.

Away from Home

[three-little-lights]

Joel watch Yamir rush to his mothers side, it was a pleasant surprise to see her be an exo. He hadn't seen in his time on earth other exos take in a child, so it was nice to have someone he could relate to.

Waving to the other exo, he almost tripped when he heard what Artty whispered.

"Artorias... She didn't, it's... that's not how <i>that</I> works...." he sighed, rubbing his faceplate. "That's something you can ask again when your older"

He looked back to Ceres and his optics again squinted like he's smiling. "There was no issue... and I understand, most of us from the city, we're not used to this life. Not that it's an excuse, but thank you." He patted Artty's head and chuckled.

"This little one is Artorias, and I'm Joel-1 by the way."

Away from Home

[three-little-lights]

"I'm so taking note of this.." Dune spoke up, scanning the two boys before retreating back into Joel's pack.

Joel's optics dimmed, then squinting a bit like he was smiling at the two children. He patted both their heads, and then stood back up. "Yeah, the more teachers, the better."

He ushered the boys to follow, it was getting late, and he knew he would have to explain to the others on the farm, those little bullies would have told them already.

"Besides, I could teach ya a few things too... Arc abilities were and now my specialty." He had placed his hands on his hips proudly, then he looked up at the traveler. His demeanor changed for a moment , the kids would be able to pick up on it, he looked almost disheartened.

He lost his void abilities durning the attack, he had to regain and train again, just to manage his arc. Even then it wasn't the same. He kept staring up, his optics flickering.

"Joel... the kids.."

Shaking his head, Joel sighed, and put back on a cool and positive attitude. "So Yamir, do you know what class your mom is?"

Away from Home

[three-little-lights]

Joel was quiet amazed with Artty's answer, he wasn't wrong, but he missed one point. He stood up as the boy did, and was about to continue his lecture when Artty cut in.

This intrigued the hunter, specially when he noticed the focus in the little ones eyes.

"O-oh.. alright then...?" He finished, questioning slightly, only from the sudden change of Artorias' personality.

He followed the boy's gaze, and when he saw the bullies, he immediately wanted to intervene but his ghost stopped him.

"No one stopped you, when you went back and fought those fallen then..." his ghost remarked. "Lets just, go make sure he's gonna be okay?"

Joel nodded, and kept his distance, making sure Artorias was in sight. What he witnessed next, sure as hell shocked the hell out of him. He didn't know that a child of a guardian could even posses the power from the light, have some light yes, but to wield it...

"...... That.. was, amazing!" Joel cheered after, rushing up to the kid. "Holy crap! Sorry, but wow.. kid..." he patted his head, then snapped back to what was really important.

"Whoa, wait," he kneeled down and checked the boys hand. "Are you okay??"

That should of been his first question but, Joel couldn't help to be happy for the boy.

Away from Home

[three-little-lights]

things to remember while drawing:

anatomy is great but dont stop because you cant get it perfect

not every picture has to be a masterpiece

try new things but remember its ok to draw things you like to draw

just because someone younger than you is “better” than you are does not mean you are untalented 

everyone sees things differently

be proud of what you can do because nobody can do things the same way you can

[three-little-lights]

Joel’s ghost began to then display the recoding from when Joel was reborn as a guardian. Joel wanted to show. He wanted to help Artorias understand what true strength was.

He just hoped it wasn’t too hard on him…

The recording ended quickly after, Dune taking notice on little Artty’s reaction to it.

‘Maybe not the best idea Joel…’

‘It’s okay…’

“Artty, I want you to know I didn’t want to scare you. But, secret moves, strength, it doesn’t always save you…” Joel sighed, that recording always made himself feel like it was just recently it happened…

“… Why do you think I showed this?”

Away from Home

[three-little-lights]

Joel and his ghost exchanged looks, then he looked down at Artorias. He then placed a hand on his hip, the other rubbed his head.

This was going to be a bit harder than he thought…

“Why not play-”

“Yeah we can, but hold on.” Joel and his ghost discussed for a moment before he walked over to the boy and looked at him.

“Artorias…” he called the him, and saw how he was giving only partially his attention. Which Joel didnt take too keenly. Crossing his arms, he sighed again.

“…!!” An idea crossed his mind. He shifted and smirked.

“Alright fine… guess you don’t wanna learn how-” he turn his back as he spoke, making seem like he was leaving, “ Cool uncle Joel was, when he first became a guardian…” he looked back at Artorias for a second, almost looking smug.

“I was gonna show ya that instead, but I guess you don’t wanna learn soooo, fiiiiine by me..” This trick he remembered from his friend, hopefully it would work cause he never seemed to get it right when the girls were kids.

Away from Home

[three-little-lights]

Joel saw Artty’s eyes shift, he followed his line of sight and saw the boys. He sighed, frowning, kids are cruel these days. But, he didn’t like the excuse Artorias gave him.

“Artty, You’ve seen Eve, right? See how small she is compared to other titans like her? Well she can take on at least a dozen others before she gets tired." He

He carefully picked up the boy again, carrying him away from the crowd and into a open field.

"Hell, look at me kiddo.. I'm way smaller compared to some guardians here. Even those that are hunters like me..."

Joel looked around and felt the field was clear and nice enough for training.

"Look, I'm going to show you ways to take on more than three people okay?" He carefully put him back down and walked away from him. Giving him space.

"Hey dune, you have it in you to make some fighting simulations for us." He asked as he summoned his ghost.

"Hmmm I suppose I can, its for a good cause." His ghost replied.

Away from Home

[three-little-lights]

Joel looked at Artty as if reasing a brow at him, he was not having it. It was clear to him that the boy was lying, and bless his little light, he was trying.

After Artty had took hold of his hand, Joel stopped walking with him right away. Not that it was difficult, but he didn’t want to hurt the boy with the sudden stop. He pulled his hand away, and crossed his arms, looking down at Artty with a look of pout.

"Artty..." Joel sighed again, "You know you don't have to lie to me, and I don't like to be lied to." He kneeled down to him, now inspecting Artty's bruised eye. "This kid did quiet a number on you. Haven't your par-... uhm.. has anyone tough you to fight??" He had the girls knowing to defend themselves once they were able to, he wondered if it be okay to teach Artty.

Away from Home

It had been days since Artorias had been away from his home. Away from his mother since they were rescued. Since that day Artorias was always roaming around with other children in a big camp that everyone else was staying at. From time to time he was allowed to go and check on his mother to see if she was awake.

It had been the same result. She was asleep in a bed with tubes in her arms.

The young boy would spend a few minutes with her, holding on to her left hand and tell her about his day.  How so kids try to take away his Cabal toy and push him around to giving it up. Of course he always refused and held on to it for dear life. This was all he had of his Mama before she can wake up again.

But Artorias wasn’t entirely alone.

There was Uncle Joel who came and kept him company for when he came back to where ever he went to. Plus his girlfriend was with him all the time too and Artorias really liked her as well.

“Uncle Joel!!” he screamed in delight running up to the Exo with a grin on his face. The boy had gotten into another fight, this time with a bigger kid. Right eye black and with dirt on his face and clothes. But the kid didn’t really seem to care at all now that Uncle Joel was back.

“Did you bring me back anything cool?!”

@three-little-lights

[three-little-lights]

playing with ocs is either

or 

[three-little-lights]

The vanguard was missing, the city gone, overtaken by the Red Legion, and on top of all that his family was practically no where to be found. Joel spent what little time he could trying to find them, but also do his part as a guardian and find the vanguard leaders. Juggling both was putting a strain on him.

Hence why he was back on the “farm” as most of its settlers call it. It was here that he spent time with Eve, she was doing her part in helping rebuild and reinforce their defenses, and when off the clock she was forcing Joel to take it easy.

“Go visit him… He needs a friendly face..”

Joel sighed. That was the most recent transmission sent to him by Eve. He was keeping an eye out for little Artty too, visiting time to time, even his mother. It was too much for him sometimes to see a guardian in her condition. But Eve was right, he needed to see the boy.

Upon returning to the farm, he chuckled hearing the boy call out to him.

“Artty! Hey kiddo… uhm.. sorry not this tim- Ha! Just kidding I have here a-…..” Joel responded, lifting the child in his arms, only cutting himself off after noticing the bruises and dirt all over the kid.

“Uhm… Artty… aaanything you’d like to tell me?” Joel asked as he put Artty back down on the ground.

Away from Home

It had been days since Artorias had been away from his home. Away from his mother since they were rescued. Since that day Artorias was always roaming around with other children in a big camp that everyone else was staying at. From time to time he was allowed to go and check on his mother to see if she was awake.

It had been the same result. She was asleep in a bed with tubes in her arms.

The young boy would spend a few minutes with her, holding on to her left hand and tell her about his day.  How so kids try to take away his Cabal toy and push him around to giving it up. Of course he always refused and held on to it for dear life. This was all he had of his Mama before she can wake up again.

But Artorias wasn’t entirely alone.

There was Uncle Joel who came and kept him company for when he came back to where ever he went to. Plus his girlfriend was with him all the time too and Artorias really liked her as well.

“Uncle Joel!!” he screamed in delight running up to the Exo with a grin on his face. The boy had gotten into another fight, this time with a bigger kid. Right eye black and with dirt on his face and clothes. But the kid didn’t really seem to care at all now that Uncle Joel was back.

“Did you bring me back anything cool?!”

@three-little-lights

[three-little-lights]

Eve looked at diablo with disbelief, "she won't make it without her ghost though..." She knew she was probably speaking out of line, being a new guardian and all, but she didn't feel it was right.

Joel weakly reached out for her, grabbing her arm. "If you... aren't on the ship with me... I'll kill you myself..."

She looked at Joel with a soft smile, moving her arm so she held his hand. "..... You trained me well enough, I can make it on my own or at least until the next drop ship.

"<b>Eve.<b> Please don't... I can't afford to loose you..." Joel said softly, holding her hand tighter.

Sighing she let go of his hand and rushed to diablo's side. "As soon as we can, we're coming back." She stated to him, not asking.

Joel watched her, and then looked to Artty, "hey kid... no worries.. we're gonna all be fine, just... take deep breaths, we'll all be safe soon.."

<a href=“https://three-little-lights.tumblr.com/post/159709677625/littlepinkneko-draw-from-the-void-light-the”>link</a>

^Response to that.

Everything was happening way too fast for the child to comprehend. Uncle Joel was doing something to Mama and he was beginning to panic and start to cry, he just didn’t know what was going on. In a desperate attempt he walked to his mother’s right side and try to shake her.

Why wasn’t she talking?

Mama’s eyes were open so she’s not sleeping right?!

“M-Mama you have to get up! S-Stop playing around!!” Artty cried digging his fingers into her arm, wanting a response.

There was none.

He was too focused on his mother that he didn’t realize that some Guardian’s had rushed past them and followed after Big D.-Diablo- Two people he didn’t recognize made a mad grab at Joel and pull the Hunter away from his mother. They were screaming in pure panic at the Hunter that it made Artorias even more frantic and he began to scream hysterically, clinging on to his sleeping mother’s arm.

Soon as he did someone pulled him away and the child lost his hold.

“MAMA!!! GET UP PLEASE!! MAMA!!!” he screamed

[three-little-lights]

turn sound on

[three-little-lights]

Everything is amazing right now.

At last a reason to use the stickers on iMessage!

[three-little-lights]

Dune: I know Joel… I know.

Dune:……… Joel, I’m not going to lie, but a lot was damaged.

Joel-2: …………..

Dune: I managed to get everything though, it’s just…. -sighs- Some will be missing audio, or some will be missing visual. But I got it.

Joel-2: T-thank you dune. Really, thank you, for everything.

Dune: No problem. I’m here for ya.