Lycoris has shoulder length white hair, with red streaks on the front. His eyes are a lilac purple hue from contacts. Lycoris has several oval black piercings on the sides of his ears and a small stud on his chin. He has a long Ouroboros tattoo on his wrist and a Red Tiger Lily tattoo on his shoulder. His chin bones are sharp and he has a smooth cream skin tone. Lycoris stands at about 5'11 and 170 pounds.

There's a poll on my profile! Every three reapings, there'll be a new poll. Once I finish every reaping, there'll be one bigger poll with every tribute. Thanks for voting on it.

Lycoris Ashford

Lover 1

The two of us hold hands, as we awkwardly shuffle around the stage. I know this is the last time I'll ever speak to her, so I want to prolong the time our love has to die. I keep staring at the couples filtering their way to the exit, wondering when that's going to be us.

I can tell that she doesn't love me by the way she avoids eye contact and lacks enthusiasm in her voice and doesn't really answer my questions. A pit of hopelessness is left in my heart which can't be filled, even if sounds corny and overdramatic.

"I-I love this song." I say, filling in the awkward silence. The stage lights keep following us.

She looks at the giant clock displayed again. "I think it's too slow and boring."

"Oh...I could always ask the DJ for a new song…"

She shakes her head. "It's...one of the final songs. It has to be all lovey dovey, doesn't it? And I'm sure the other couples are enjoying it."

I nod, not knowing what to say. We keep on dancing, where I almost step on her feet multiple times. I'm really not making this any easier, am I? I'm so clumsy and awkward...no wonder why my feelings aren't reciprocated. When the song ends, we break apart.

"Thanks for the...fun evening." I cringe, waving goodbye.

"Yeah." She mumbles, before walking off.

As I walk out the prom hall, I struggle to keep the tears in. Mother always said to be true to yourself. Letting your emotions out will always make you feel better. But it just makes me feel ashamed about how upset I'm getting over a young relationship that would never last.

She taught me to be more confident in myself. Nobody would want to date somebody who struggles to talk to them. Stumbling over my words and doubting myself won't ever help. I have to be sure with myself.

Lover 4

He takes his time when sketching a red tiger lily tattoo on my shoulder. He says he wants to be a tattoo artist when he's older. He definitely has the skills and patience to become one. It's especially impressive seeing how he's doing it in low lighting, in his dark bedroom.

"It looks perfect." I whisper to him, as he lays on my other shoulder. I run my hands through his hair, feeling how soft it is.

"R-really? I messed up a few of the lines...they look too shaky and shoddy." He decides, pointing at every thing he messed up.

I chuckle. "It's not noticeable. Don't beat yourself up over a few mistakes."

We sit in silence for a while, embracing each other's company and warmth. We smile as the cars drive by, momentarily illuminating the room up with a bright yellow light. He looks beautiful no matter what, but his features are heightened in the moonlight. If only I could hold him forever...

"You can't stay for much longer..." He frowns, but I can tell how nervous he is. He's always on edge whenever I'm around. I don't blame him.

I don't respond, not sure what to say. "You could always lie to him and say I'm a friend…"

He shakes his head. "He already suspects that...that I might be gay…"

His father uses the excuse that he wants to continue the bloodline, so his company can have a proper heir. His father is one of the few openly homophobic people in the city. We sit in silence again, as I stroke his back.

"He has no proof though." I try to comfort him. He just shakes his head, not sure now to respond.

That night, his father beat him so hard, he struggled to walk the next morning. "I'm doing it for my own safety." He sullenly decides, as he breaks up with me.

The next day, the first thing I do is go to the tattoo parlour. The red tiger lily helps mask the pain and stops me from moping around. It reminds me of better times, but also how I need to move on.

He taught me that I need to be more consoling. Whenever he told me about his father, I was always too distant...perhaps if I had helped him more we might have been together for longer.

Lover 6

I was a blind man for not seeing how obvious it was that she didn't love me. She'd only spend time with me when I bought her gifts, eventually drifting away until I gave her something more expensive. I was bankrupting myself trying to attain her love. No amount of money could truly buy her affection.

Her other partner, Quartz, clearly wasn't too happy either. He stood up right in my face, breathing heavily. I could see the strain of his veins, which wasn't too uncomfortable. "I didn't know! Don't get mad at me, she's the one who cheated on you!" I try to put my more soft, persuasive voice on, though I don't see it working.

It's not like I care that she cheated anyway. I was about to break up with her. I could easily find another lover without any effort anyway.

Quartz slings a bunch of curses at me, the usual 'bastards' and 'fucker' and what nots, which don't phase me. But I don't respond, knowing he'd smash my head in if I'd aggravate him anymore.

"Why didn't you argue back? Or fight him?" My father asks when I tell him that night, somewhat curious. I didn't tell him about the circumstances though. He has no idea I ever went out with her.

"I decided to be smart because I didn't want to be pummelled. As long as he didn't hurt me, I don't really care what he did. I'm not gonna let some insults phase me." I'd rather have my ego knocked down a notch than some broken bones.

"You did the right thing then." My father nods, showing an unconvincing smile. I shrug, not caring what the right or wrong thing is.

She taught me to use my wealth and wit in an equal manner. I had to be smart with how I flirted and not just automatically resort to money when it wasn't going my way.

Lover 10

"Have you done your eyeliner differently today? It really brings out the blue in your eyes." I give her a confident smile, which she giggles too. Her pale skin turns a bright red, which she tries to cover by looking down at her menu.

"Y-yeah, I didn't think anyone would n-notice-" She gives an awkward laugh. She's a stunning girl, but so insecure. All it took was a couple of compliments for her to become enamoured with me.

I grin. "How could I not?"

She mumbles something under her breath, clearly flustered. I let out a small laugh, before looking down at the menu too. Everything is so expensive, but I'll buy anything for her. It helps that I know the owner of this cafe too, so I can get some easy discounts too.

"This p-place reminds me of a dollhouse." She smiles, looking around with amazed eyes. That is true...the soft pastel colours on the pretty small furniture do remind me of something my sisters would play with.

"It's very charming and cute." I refrain myself from saying 'and you' at the end in fears of overdoing it.

She nods. "I-I hope the cappuccino is as nice as the rest of the cafe…"

"Oh it is! My mouth was in heaven when I last came here...it's so creamy and rich! You deserve to know how good it is." I smile, which she laughs once more too. We wait a minute for it to arrive. I stare at the pretty plastic flowers, wondering if I could take one and give it to her.

The waitress walks over, placing our mugs down, as well as a sheet of paper. "Two caramel cappuccinos as well as a complementary betting form…"

She quickly rushes off, before I can inquire more. I hadn't realised this cafe was one of the betting spots in the city...they're usually in casinos or separate facilities. I hold the sheet, noticing all the tribute name's. I've never gambled on the games before, as I've always been too young...maybe I should try it out.

"Complementary?" Her nose twitches. "I always forget how large the games fever is."

"It's inescapable." I mutter. She takes a large gulp, letting out a satisfied sigh. I pick up a pencil and punch in one of the holes, betting on one of the careers. There's no point in putting much thought into it.

I'm about to drop it into the box of sheets, before she speaks: "Are you seriously betting?" She asks, with a disgusted expression. Perhaps I shouldn't have done it in front of her…

I shake my head, realising my mistake. "No, sorry...I wouldn't think of spending money on a tribute…" She doesn't respond, taking another sip. She obviously sees through my lies, but she doesn't bring it up again.

She messages me that night, saying how she wants to break up with me. I didn't realise she'd get so upset at me for betting. Was it that much of a dealbreaker? If she doesn't like people supporting the games, she's going to struggle to find any partner.

By now, I've gotten used to the breaking ups. Sighing, I block her number, not wanting to think of her again, or my foolish mistakes. She taught me to be more careful with my actions. I have to be more observant of my partner's interests and likes, for the relationship to remain strong.

Lover 13

He was the first one to meet my family. I had managed to keep my habitual flirting a secret from my family. I know they'd disapprove of my inability to stay faithful for long, my sexual ways and the amount of wealth I've been splashing on my partner's. It's much easier to keep it a secret.

Of course my sister Bouvardia had to see the text messages and snitch on me. She can never keep her large mouth shut.

Out of my twelve previous lovers, he's the one I'd probably choose last to show my parents. We're polar opposites. I'm much more well kept, smart dressing and clean looking, while it's obvious...he's a stoner. The overwhelming scent of weed should be clear enough. But he's also beautiful and charming, just like me. We're a perfect fit.

"He has no ambition." Mother pleads, extremely unhappy with my choice. "He's dragging you down."

I roll my eyes, as I poke at the undercooked steak. I really don't want to be at this dinner table. "E-exactly!" Father decides, trying to back her up. "You could have your entire future set out if we just use my connections correctly...but it won't work if you have him leeching off of you."

He constantly goes on about his connections, just because he was once a famous actor. But he's no longer in the limelight and nobody will listen to him, so I haven't put much hope into his promises. I don't think he'll be able to secure me any jobs that are big enough for me.

"He's not a leech." I spit back. "You're acting like he's a homeless bum."

"No, we're not. We know he's a great man...we just want the best for you." My mother tries to say it in a sympathetic tone. Sure, that's it.

It doesn't matter what they think anyway, as he breaks it off the next day. "You're a great guy Lycoris...an amazing, electrifying guy even…" He tries to stroke my ego. "I'm just not emotionally ready for this."

"I...fine. I trust your judgement. If you need time to grow, then I understand." I say, trying to conceal my anger. I hope he can ignore the disappointment in my voice.

He didn't teach me much, except that I need to be more secretive when it comes to my parents. I know they'll rarely ever approve of my partners, so I'll have to keep on the downlow, sadly.

Lover 16

Riding the train so late at night feels strange. There's not a single soul around, apart from me and him, in this cabin all to ourselves. He holds onto the railing as the train rocks shakily. I'm surprised he hasn't fallen over yet. He must have a good sense of balance.

"I didn't know the train was so nice at night." I smile, trying to seem pleased with the fact he's brought me here.

"It's nice until the druggies arrive." He says without much emotion, looking down the carriage.

"It's good we're all alone now then." I tell him. "You'd be able to protect me anyway, won't you? You're fit and strong."

"I'm not going to fight them off."

"Yeah, I know...never mind…" I sigh, not bothering to explain that I wasn't being serious. Realising how dry the situation is, I look out the window to see...the dark tunnel walls. There's nothing that exciting to look at, except for my reflection (which is always a plus). I'd rather stare at myself then continue to carry this awkward conversation for any longer.

The train eventually slows down, making it to the stop I'm getting off. I stand up and walk over to him, leaning up to him. He takes a step back. "Not one goodbye kiss?" I stay, stepping closer to him.

"No, dude. Not here."

"Seriously? Why not?" I ask, my voice getting louder and sterner. What's the problem? "It's just one kiss."

He shrugs. "Look, I just don't want to kiss on some scummy train like this, ok…"

I don't have the time to keep talking or listening to him, as the train will start moving again. Muttering a goodbye, I step off, not sure why he's been acting so weirdly recently.

He claimed I've been too assertive recently, but I don't think that's true. So I broke up with him later that week. The love wasn't there, I was growing bored of him and I didn't want to keep carrying the relationship. There was nothing there that benefited me, so I saw no reason to stay with him.

By this point, there weren't many lessons left for me to be taught.

Lover 22

"I'll drag you to the doctors if I have to! This isn't normal! There is clearly something wrong." Camellia shouts the obvious, looking extremely annoyed.

"I'm fine, really! It's just a seasonal...thing." I settle on, though I know it's a lie. My body feels like it's in hell. Hot to a point beyond comfortable, vomit constantly rising and my head spinning faster than a washing machine. I can hardly stand or walk, my legs are shaking that much.

"Seasonal thing? Like a flu?" Camellia asks, banging on the stall. "You don't vomit blood when you have a flu!"

I groan, not wanting to hear her complaining. She might be my favourite sister out of the six, but god is she a handful, especially in times like this. I flush the toilet, trying to get that horrible smell away. "It's probably...a stomach ulcer…then..."

"Then you need to go to the doctors and stop drinking!" She declares. I know, I know...I will. "Actually, have you had any one night flings recently?"

I regret ever telling her about my previous one night stand. I thought we were going to hook up and go on a date, but it turned out all he wanted was sex. But because of him, every time I go out, she's accusing me of sleeping around with anybody and anyone who breathes and moves.

Heh...I've had two in the past week though. I thought they'd work as a good distraction, but evidently not. I still feel like utter shit...

"That's none of your business."

"It is now, dickhead. Tell me!"

I try to stand up, but I feel my legs give in before I can open the door. Guess I'm not going anywhere...might as well answer her questions. "Yeah...I did. I'm not elaborating."

She groans loudly. "Great, it's probably a STD then. Is it that hard to use protection and test? Clearly it must be."

Please...I wasn't thinking straight at the time. Usually I'm much more...smart about my actions. Logical, you could say. But I wasn't in the right mental state. I don't think I should be held accountable or made fun of because of it.

Before she can speak again, I vomit once more, this time with only a dash of blood. It's enough to freak me out still, but at least there's less this time? My head still feels like it's being stabbed by a thousand knives, as I struggle to control my breathing. I cough, expecting more, but nothing comes out.

My last lover taught me…nothing, really. I guess they taught me to be more...careful when having sex? To use proper protection? Which is still a valid lesson.

Lover 25

"Baby, you look stunning." Livia laughs, glistening in the setting sun. We embrace each other tightly, as we move in a perfect rhythm.

I haven't slow danced with anyone like this in years. Normally my relationships are so fast paced that we never get to slow down and relax for a moment. Or they end before they properly begin. So I really appreciate us doing this.

"No, no." I chuckle, realising how slurred my voice probably sounds. "You're the stunning one. You look so incredible in that dress. Like a million dollars."

Her laugh is so gentle and contemptuous. It's so sweet, like honey for the ears...I could listen to it all day. She swings her arms around my neck, as we dive in for a kiss, the music now fading into the background.

We step back, excitement tingling in my body. I can barely look straight ahead of me, but I can see how beautiful she is, standing on that balcony. Livia walks over to the radio, changing the song to something much faster.

"What was wrong with the romantic music?"

"Oh...the vibes were immaculate but...I don't want to feel so mellow, I want to have a good time with you." She laughs, now dancing along to the more popish music. She's terribly out of time and has the weirdest of moves, but it's so charming. I manage to find the beat and rhythm much easier.

"You should dance on a stage. The crowd would love you." I tell her. I grab her hand, as we sway together again.

She laughs and shakes her head. "No, stop it. I know I have two left feet."

"It makes you look even cuter though." I tell her, as we look into each other's eyes. She has beautiful green eyes, reminding me of a verdant spring. I'm sure many girls would kill to have natural eyes like hers.

We get closer and kiss for a long time, only breaking away for a gasp of air. As we hold each other, I realise I don't want this night to ever end. I want to spend the rest of my life with Livia. She's the one who's taught me that these relationships can be more meaningful than I anticipated.

Here's Lycoris! I think he's a really interesting tribute, so I hope I did him well. Next time it'll be Nefeli's introduction chapter.

Thank you for the reviews too, I'll be messaging responses soon, if I haven't already.