Cursed from the beginning, Lucian and Lychinus weren't chosen for a purpose or to rule, but rather, to punish a cat who displeased Nox and Solis. Their mother, the leader of The Equinox, the superior herself. Lilitu, who began to fear death after loosing her mate with no sign he was safe within The Haven, turned to the shadows for help. Forming an alliance with a spirit from the Muddied Marshes, Lilitu was promised eternal life, until she was ready to retire. Manipulated by the spirit, who took advantage of the grief she felt, Lilitu was met with outrage by the gods. They chose her, Nox gifted the mark of the moon, and that was her thanks? Betrayal?
The outrage felt by Solis and Nox was immeasureable. The stars were silent for a moon, medicaes became worried something had happended or angered them, Lilitu only shrugging in guilty dismissal. Though, when she had her kits, she realized not even a spirit could sheild her from the wrath of the gods. At first, it was seen as a blessing that she had two kids, both with their own marking, albeit even if one had Solis's gift. Though as confusion dawned on the clan, Lilitu realized she'd be loosing the last thing she had resembling her lost mate. Her kits, their kits. Lilitu didn't need a prophecy to know what'd have to happen. Her kits were going to be pinned against each other, a cruel punishment to mock and chastise her. It worked.
May the gods strike me down if I forsake you.
Lucian had a quiet kithood. Her mother shielded her and her brother from The Equinox for as long as she could, though Lilitu wasn't exactly the best mother. She'd often disappear for hours at a time, speaking with the same spirit who offered her power, begging to take it all away, to spare her kits. Really, Lilitu didn't have much of an attachment to them, she didn't even really want kits, but chose to take care of them in order to have something left of her mate. Lucian never trusted her mother much, neither did Lychinus, so the two took care of and supported one another.
Within their kithood, Lucian and Lychinus were cared for by a cat named Ramiel, who was also equally ostracised from The Equinox, albeit for different reasonings. The tom told them stories and provided encouragment while Lilitu was occupied, which was most days and nights. Ramiel had a void in his heart which was filled once he was given the opportunity to care for the kits, even if cats of The Equinox disapproved of him being allowed to get near the kits.
Frater meus, you're beautifully made, and to you, I'm forever grateful.
As Ramiel (the medicae of The Equinox) was given the prophecy, it was known that Lucian and Lychinus would be apprenticed early to prepare them for the hardships ahead. On the fateful day they were informed of what was to be, Lucian was horrifed, Lychinus equally appalled. Lychinus began a cycle of denial, refusing this could be true. If he was given the mark of Nox, why would the stars declare their future bleak? Lucian and Lychinus made a promise to one another after hearing this. When they both became twenty five moons, the day they're supposed to battle for their leadership, they would leave in the night, together.
Though, as the pair began their training, Lucian was fed promises of greatness. Her mentor would never fail how she has the traits someone in a leadership position wished to have, beginning to chip away at the dedication to the promise she's made Lychinus.
Then, as she grew older, it began. Lucian was eyed with disapproving, judging glances frequently. The mark of Solis wasn't a noble one, that was made obvious to her. Lychinus was respected, turned to often to help sort out issues among clanmates, immediately praised afterwards. It didn't help that he was more enthusiastic, sociable too. Lucian was the sister that was merely cast away, the less honorable, less deserving one. Without observing the two, cats of The Equinox determined she'd be the one made to die.
I love you, and if you want, I'll call you king, but why do I lie awake each night thinking, instead of you, it should be me?
The attention Lucian lacked began to fester over time. Soon, jealousy was all she could feel while looking at Lychinus. While she loved him, more than anything, Lucian envied him. She was angered by him, by his foolishness and childish attitude. This wasn't a cat made to lead, how could he be? Lychinus would be a poor excuse for a leader if given the chance. Yet, cats have decided he was it, Lychinus was the future superior. Lucian couldn't believe it, especially when realizing they were hoping she'd be the one who's fate was sealed. Lucian had always been strong, stoic and prevented her emotions from overwhelming her thinking, but now, nothing could stop her anger. It wasn't fair, that's what she told herself. If being the one to pull Solis out of his dormant state, somehow being worthy of the sun's marking, why was she born simply to die? Was there no purpose to her training, to her living, when she'd just be an accessory to Lychinus's future ruling?
This she could not stand for. While it heavied and crushed her heart, Lucian decided internally the sworn promise she made to her brother would be broken on the moon's twenty fifth cycle. She would be the ruler, she would prevail and prove Lucian was worthy of life, of The Equinox's admiration.
Lucian confessed this all to her mentor once she had decided what was to be done. Her training grew more vigerous then. It was no longer pity training, done to let her think she had a chance, no. Now, her mentor recongized the fueled ambition and determination Lucian felt. He'd turn her into a cat made to show no mercy, he'd teach her to crush her opponents swiftly. And eventually, he'd be the one to stand by her, as Lychinus is slain.
..What motivates me, hatred? Is it love? What's more wrong, that I too wish to be great, or my mother wished she'd had a son?
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