Kyris shook her head, "I don't really know for sure. All I know is... I couldn't do it. And I ended up sick for it. I think it's because even though I know it's my job to obey M'lady, I couldn't stand the thought of hurting you. Maybe it's because we're similar. Maybe it's because I knew what would happen to you if I succeeded. I don't think that matters so much in the long run."<br/><br/>She listened to him explain what would probably happen to her, and sighed, "I know what my future holds, Toshi. I knew before I even committed to this decision. All actions have consequences, and I'm not foolish enough to think I can run from them. I will... Return to the facility. I will accept the consequences of my actions. If I die... Well, that's probably for the best, anyway."<br/><br/>Kyris paused a moment, thinking, "You know, I should really thank you. Not just for looking after me just now but... For allowing me to make this choice. I would never have disobeyed orders before, but when I met you, something just shifted, and I realized I could decide. In this one choice, I was free. I owe that to you, I think... They say that the flower is but a tethered butterfly. The only way a flower can be free and fly is if it is plucked from the ground. If that happens, then it has only a little while left to live, but in that little while, at least it's free."<br/><br/>She was under no illusions that her punishment would be a harsh one. Kyris had learned from a very young age that failure ended with the crack of a whip and a sting on the back that wouldn't fade for days, even with her accelerated healing. She had only a few scars to show for her disobedience-- a testament to her training, perhaps. There was also the chamber, where a chemical would burn and sensitize her skin before she met the whip. Kyris would not have the luxury of a quick, easy death. Her's would be drawn out and excruciating. But she would stand by her decision regardless.