Blanco

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Blanco's name comes not from her icy eyes, nor from her complexion like porcelain. Blanco was no one, had no one, and would've been no one.

"A clean slate, no name, past, but this is the start of your future."

Those were the words that gave rise to the dragon Blanco. Epione was like the mother she never knew, she cared for her, fed her, and trained her. Blanco was no longer just a common pick pocket, she had become a skilled fighter and had impeccable aim with any throwing or shooting weapon.

As she grew she would often catch Epione whispering to a small hooded figure that would disappear upon being noticed. She never asked about them, she had trust in Epione. And eventually, the time came when she finally caught him. By now she was already a young adult, and judging from their similar heights, she figured this person had to be the same age as her or close.

While she was cleaning up their den a soft knock came from the stone door. Epione never knocked, but Blanco didn't feel any malicious intent from the person on the other side, so she opened it. The hooded dragon! Only his eyes were left uncovered by his cloak, and his right eye was framed by a white half-mask. He pulled down his cloak and smiled, "Nice to finally meet you!"

---

This meeting was the beginning of their relationship. Both having been partly raised by Epione to some extent, they were like siblings to each other. The feeling of family was something neither of them had as children.
Neither of the two had an easy life, and quickly they came to see each other as true siblings. Blanco was only a few days older than Titus, but she immediately assumed her role as big sister. She wasn't much of a talker, but she was a fighter. Originally, she was not allowed to leave home or cause trouble in town. But every time Titus returned to visit he was more often than not injured or his clothes tattered. He was strong but still young and thus prone to scraps. Blanco was silent at first, but a night came when she could stand by no longer. In the darkest hours of the night, a knocking came on the door of their home. Blanco rushed forward and barely caught him as he fell forwards. Titus was a mess, covered in bruises, and his mask was broken. Behind him, a smaller figure gasped and tried to help Blanco support him. Her bright cyan eyes peered through her black hair. In her hands was the other half of his mask, her fingers glowing where they came in contact.
"Can you help him?" the dragon whispered, "he told me to come here and was barely able to guide me here"
"I will try."

Come morning Titus was barely moving, but awake enough to explain. The other dragon, Roma, had been rescued by him. Unfortunately, neither escaped unharmed, Roma's wings had been tattered, injured beyond repair, and thus, she had discarded them. Titus himself was beaten up all over, and his mask was still being repaired by Roma. Dark markings crept across his face, occasionally Roma would sit the half-mended mask on him, and they would retreat some. As soon as Titus could walk, he was ready to leave.
"You may not" Blanco was not ready to watch her brother get hurt again.
"We must." Tension grew between the two, not another word shared as they stared each other down.
In the quiet of the moment, Roma gasped. They both turned to see Epione leaning by the door. No one had noticed her enter, only when Roma turned to look around was she discovered.
"Family shouldn't fight, all we have is each other after all," she murmured. Titus and Epione glanced at each other, something was different. Epione was dressed in a manner neither had seen before. While before she had the image of a calm mother, her current aura was authoritative, hat tipped down low, eyes distant, and clothes practical. A small blade danced within her fingers as she effortlessly spun it around.
"Epione?"
A smile spread across her face as she let the blade settle. "You've grown kid, both of y'all." She stood up and walked towards them, in her hand she carried a large satchel. She approached Blanco first and pulled out a hat, much like hers, but black as the moonless sky. Gently she tipped up Blanco's chin and gave her forehead a kiss before setting the hat down on her head. Blanco reached up to touch it, a gaze of confusion on her face. With a satisfied smile, Epione turned to Titus and gently took his hand, "You're a pain in the tail you know that?"
"It's my specialty."
She turned his hand so that the palm faced upwards and left it while she pulled something from the bag. A shimmering cutlass, wrapped in white cloth for protection was placed in that expectant palm. His fingers curled around its cool golden hilt, tilting it to marvel at its sheen.
With a pat on their shoulders, Epione pulled him in close. "This home will always stand for you." Her strong arms wrapped them in a warm embrace, and the two bickering sibling's anger withered away as their arms came together. They stood like this for a moment, until finally, those strong arms fell away. A familiar smirk spread across Epione's face. "This old lady will join you in time, but promise you won't forget to visit until that time comes?"
Titus's familiar smirk spread across his face, "I'll wait as long as it takes, and we will always return for you."

---

Blanco has spent every day since then fighting at Titus's side. She watches his back, and he tries, but she doesn't usually need him to watch hers. In the early years, she would often stay to protect Roma, but as new people joined their little gang, she was able to stay in the heat of things instead of staying behind.

Her keen predatory eyes are always on the lookout, after all, she's got a little brother to protect.