Project: Karma

06 | Scientists

<Nagisa>
And from there, the concept that everyone hates to hear but knows how true it is comes to play. Time flies.

Each day consisted of self-study for college and time spent being a scientist in training. But the best part was the hands-on studies. While science comes naturally to me, the best way to enjoy it is doing the work yourself. Proving you can do it.

Moreover, since I've meet Koro-sensei his presence had become somewhat low-key. Gradually, our schedules just made it difficult to see each other even during breaks.

However, that didn't change a thing really because I tried to distance myself more away from him all this time. My conscience was always telling me to stand alert. Or maybe it was because when we do have a chance to talk, he just rambles and it never ends.

Despite myself lacking trust or his usual company, it was Koro-sensei's bizarre love for octopuses that made him more appealing. In a weird way.

"He's always had a dying passion for them. We just don't question his key chains and collections." Shizuka rolled her eyes and laid back in her reclining chair.

"Shi, let's get back to work." I pried her off the chair and she didn't resist at all.

During the days I've been an advisor, Shi had been doing her share of trainee days in Project Ritsu for her certification. Now, she stands as a scientist apart of the Project: Karma. Of course she is my superior.

"Hmm?" Shi had a troubled look on her face and opened up a black folder while she was on the computer.

"What is it?" I asked.

"New alterations apparently." Shi glided across the lab floor with her wheeled chair and rode over to the glass.

"What kind?"

"Some wiring." She sighed. "I'm going to go in, can you put on the safety switch?" Shi got off the chair and shoved it and it rolled back to the desk.

"Sure." I went to the box of buttons and switched the safety on and then the doors glowed red, the windows locked and even the doors.

"Just tell me what it saids and I'll do the rest." Shi gave me a thumbs up while hooking up her speaker. Then she entered the glass dome.

With all these alterations that have been certified by the board and given to us, most of them succeeded with flying colors, others not so much. You could say that Karma is stubborn to change.

"Wire 7F, take the 6D cut them both and attach them to each other with a metal coil and melt it down." I spoke out to the microphone so that she could hear me.

Whenever Shi went and did her thing, as I was just a trainee assistant, I yearned for her job each and every time.
Luckily for me, I had a test that will determine whether I'll stay as an advisor and scientist in training, or get certified. Following in a week, I'll be placed a room with explosive bomb. If I can disarm the death machine, I pass.

A real bomb. And the consequences are real as well. Once I'm in, I have to disarm it.
•••••
<Kaede>
It was random days like this where I found myself walking by the high school. Coming from my modeling job, I always managed to take the long route home whenever I got out early.

Ever since graduation, the friendship between Nagisa and I had been thrown to the gutters. I don't blame her and I never will. However, the fact that she's not around anymore, feels lonely. I miss her, it was like Nagisa's own time had stopped entirely.

She was always a head-strong kind of girl. She thinks it and does it right away. Everyone at school would be jealous of her work ethic.
Every time I remember high school, I can't help but to think about her and everyone else.

Time does not stop at all and it's frightening.

"Kaede?"

I turned my head away from school and saw Sugino walking towards me. Sometimes, I would see friends every now and then but rarely. It was Sugino who filled the spot where Nagisa was when she left.

"You're always coming this route." Sugino tipped his cap and walked passed me. "At least visit with a different reason other than trying to bring back the past."

I saw his empty broad back that I was used to seeing all the time. That was whenever he would talk to Nagisa and I would just wait by myself.

"You know that's not true." I disagreed. "But am I the only one who can't have closure? Just coming here when I have the chance makes me happy."

Sugino looked back and shook his head, "she left you behind didn't she? Us all? We've moved on."

Moved on? I guess it really is only me who still wants to go back. It's because I'm selfish Sugino. Nagisa wanted to become a scientist. I wanted to stay with Nagisa and you. The three of us. You wanted Nagisa to look at you. We all wanted things we couldn't have.

I looked back at the school that was in session. The little silhouettes of students sitting, walking around, learning. Like our ghosts haven't left those seats and we're still waiting for Nagisa to come to class.
•••••••
<Koro-sensei>
"She would of been better as an advisor. Nagisa spent all these years trying and now it looks like she'll never become a scientist under my wing. So unfortunate."

The isolated exam tested her abilities and clearly showed the results. I was shocked, that's all.
To think that all her hard work wouldn't be continued. I really wanted her to work along side Irina and me.
Such a pity.

"You're just being annoying, tsk." Irina rolled her eyes and brushed her hair back.

"But she refused to work with me!" I lost my grip and cries burst out of my eyes. "It should be an honor to work along side us and study Project: Death. Why did she choose Karma?"

"Oh shut up, she decided to stay in her department. So what?" Her heels tapped the ground.

"What's so great about Project: Karma?! It'll take years for him to be considered testable! Why couldn't she leave it to the others?!" I exclaimed.

"I'm leaving! Damn, you don't know when to stop." Irina grabbed her things and stormed out of the laboratory.

"W-wait!" I called her back but she wouldn't come my way again, "wait!"
•••••••
<Nagisa>
It's been 5 minutes and Shi has been glaring at me for awhile now and I don't know what's happening. Shi then squinted her eyes and placed her hand on my shoulder, nodding her head.

"It's been 3 weeks already, you're ready." Shi gleamed and nodded her head, "make me proud Nagisa."

"Y-yes! Thank you." I embraced her, I felt so caught up in the moment. I've waited for this day and it had finally come.

"Well? Go on ahead. I'll give this one to you." Shi presented me a request from the board and after I read it, Shi helped me gear up. She sat at her desk and I entered Karma's world.

With all the changes made to him, he has become more aware of himself and us.

"Hey, Karma." I waved.

Karma looked over and with the wiring Shi had done way back, he can speak now.

"Which part?" He asked turning back around.

"Can I see your hands?" I asked.

Karma nodded his head and slowly his hands came out and towards me and I held them.

This was the first time that I will be able to touched him. The thrill excited me to the bone and I gratefully loved every second of the four years that honed me into what I am today.

We finally get to meet like this. The glass wall is no longer separating us.