Project: Karma

44 | Inner Peace

<Nagisa>
Since that day Kaede came back, nothing was ever truly the same. She helped me back up on my feet and Sugino tried his best to keep me busy. There was that one time they planned a 1-week road trip with me around Japan, visiting the coast and everything that was on our high school bucketlist.

I guess leaving work did help keep my mind off things, at least for now. I felt calmer and more energetic however, there was still that lonely soul that lingered around. I did not forget Karma, not at all.

When I took a month break, Koro-sensei invited me back. Not to go back to Project:Karma but instead for Project Death. At first, I automatically couldn't just zip line my way into the most hazardous department of all. I told myself I couldn't because I'm a scientist of Project: Karma and I will always be.

My heart said one thing, my brain said another. I took that offer anyways. Maybe it will make me less suspicious when I do eventually transfer back. I don't intend to stay long in that department.

Guilt followed me around while I was working there. I was just using them, the information. The most secretive backbones of it all. Whatever I learn from this, I can apply it to Karma. By then, I'll be able to bring him back. Bring back the Karma I once knew and love.
••••••
"Nagisa, can you exchange the purified air with this?" Koro-sensei handed me a baby-length tank, full of a gas unknown to me.

"What's this?" I asked.

Irina walked over and took it from my grasp.
"This is the substance that numbs Death for the time being, while we set up the new alterations." She explained. "As you've seen him before he's not one to want to be experimented on."

"Sure." I nodded my head.

Then she randomly stared at my stomach, then proceeded with asking, "how have you been?"

"I'm fine?" I inched back away from her.
What's her deal? Do I look fat? Maybe I gained extra pounds.

Walking over to the black tinted dome, I unbuckled the current tank and placed the other in. The light switch turned green and I could hear the gas fusing out. I raised the temperature of the dome for 10 seconds so that the numbing gas could diffuse quicker. Then, I dialed the temperature back to normal.

Nagisa

I suddenly jerked forwards and felt something crawling up my skin. I turned around as I heard someone call my name. No one.

"Nagisa, hurry up!" Irina shouted, "the buttons aren't going to work themselves."

"Sorry!" I quickly glanced behind me and saw a shadow thickening against the dome. Was it just me or was that Death?

"Nagisa, read the screen while I help Irina with her suit." Koro-sensei patted my back and I placed my hands next to the desk of buttons.

I took a breath and calmed my nerves. You got this Nagisa. Just like any other day working here, you're fine.

"Pressure levels are constant. Diffusion 100%, heat sensors in the dome shows that he hasn't moved from his location for 30 seconds." I explained.

Irina zipped up and with other scientist, got ready at the door. Waiting for the cue to enter.

"Death hasn't moved for 2 minutes. Heat sensors detect his body temperature has dropped 50%. Access granted to enter." I spoke.

"Off you go." Koro-sensei placed his card on the scanner and the lights blinked green. The 4 scientists including Irina entered.

I pressed the buttons D-14 to brighten the black tint of the dome, making it slightly visible to see in. V-10 to turn on the ventilations.

"M-3, were turning it off." Koro-sensei said through the microphone.

I saw Irina gesture a thumbs up. Koro-sensei nodded his head at me and I pressed the M-3, to turn off the use of the microphone. That meant what is said inside the dome, couldn't be heard out hear. Which also meant that whatever is said out here, can't be heard from in there.

"Who knew you'd meet my expectations after two consecutive months." Koro-sensei gave a friendly tease. "Quite proud, I didn't suspect that you would ever come back, Nagisa."

"Well, I'm just wondering why you're asking now. As you just said, it's been 2 months." I pointed out.

"You see, I couldn't just blurt it out however, I can see that you found it out didn't you? Your own way to understand."

"I guess..." I shrugged.

I didn't know what he was referring to but, I knew that in my heart, he wanted the best for me. Teaching me and showing me how difficult my road is, it won't be easy, I know it. I'll have to see how far I will go, Koro-sensei wants to see it too.

In the corner of my eye. I witness Irina waving her arm. I tapped on the gray M-3 button again and the speakers turned on.

"What is it?" Koro-sensei asked through the mic.

"Did something happen?"

"Darken the dome. Darken it." She looked at me with a grave expression. "Hurry!"

"What's the problem?" Koro-sensei walked around the desk and towards the dome.

My eyes happened to lock onto Death's. He was staring into the windows of my soul. Completely putting me under, in fright.

I pressed D-14 and in no time, we couldn't see through the dome anymore, not even the scientists nor even Death. Koro-sensei turned around and raised a suspicious expression.

"Sorry, she told me to."

"S'alright. I'll talk to her later." He sighed.

I couldn't get it out of my head. Why was Death staring at me? Was it a coincidence?
••••••
While the shift ended, I locked up the lab as Koro-sensei instructed me to do so. I walked down the hall and passing offices and out of the department.

"Nagisa's not safe."

I halted in my tracks and slid over behind the wall, the corner that I was about to turn into.

"How can you be so sure?"

I came to realize that it was Irina and Koro-sensei talking. I peered around and saw them, at least covered by a tall green leafy plant.

"Death kept asking about her." She said.

"He calls for me too. He's just excited that there's a new scientist."

"No, you don't get it. He was metaphorically speaking about her. It wasn't right. I never felt so sick before!" Irina exclaimed.

So something did happen in there and because of me? Why did Death want to see me? Why was he so fixated on me? I peeked around again and saw that those two vanished.

I slowly continued to walk out, back into the open. It really felt like something clinging to my back. Someone or something was following me.

I did not feel assured, that I was alone.