Project: Karma

89 | Crawling Dreams

<Nagisa>
It was like I was staring back into the past. This moment was very emotional to me because, I've seen this sight before.
This is where I stand. Here on this side of the glass dome. And inside that cage, was not Karma, but Koro-Sensei this time.

Everyone took on different jobs today. I told Karma to go back home and spend time with the kids. I don't know what happened to Naki a few months ago, but he became more happier. And I'm glad that he isn't stressed out anymore. I couldn't bring it upon myself to say something then, but I'm grateful for the other kids for steering him right.

Shi is working on new updates in the next room over with Karasuma. Irina is creating replicas of organs that needed to be inserted. As of now, she only needs the stomach which is great.

His chip had been installed a year ago and through gradual downloads and updates, he was fairly progressing towards coming back to life. Just like Karma, it would take some time until he would be prepared to enter the world again.
The heart was the final step.

I sat at the desk and dazed off into the sight of Koro-sensei's heart that was in a sealed-tight glass jar, floating in clear fluid.
This felt like I was young again, especially when I was taking daily notes and lab reports for Koro-sensei. However, this time I am running it myself and I find it ironic that my sensei that has watched over me, is being watched over by the student.

Koro-sensei sat motionless on the bed. He kept his head slightly down and didn't make eye contact. Tubes and wires were connected to his back and some electrodes on his forehead, and chest.

"I know you can't hear me. Or maybe you can." I got up from my seat and slowly walked towards the glass dome. "I hope you won't get mad at us Koro-sensei. But your family wants to see you again. Your boy- no I'm mistaken. Your son Ichiro has grown into a fine young man. He's handsome and he takes after you."

BA-BUMP, BA-BUMP

Was that my heart I heard? This echoing dream that knitted my heart.
I wanted to say everything on my mind at the moment. I felt protected even though anymore could come in at anytime. But between Koro-sensei and I, I felt like this is the only way.
He can hear me. Because, wasn't it the same with Karma?

"When you wake up, please see your wife Aguri. I feel like she's losing face. She's strong, but I know it's very hard for her. I want you to smile again." I said aloud and I waited for a reply.

Koro-sensei didn't move an inch.

"When you wake up, tell your son that he's been doing great. That you're proud of his successes and his life ahead. He misses you dearly too and I know he would like to share the responsibilities of the family. He may be the man of the house, but he's still growing. He needs guidance."

I could only watch nothing.
My words choked one after another because I felt so melancholy. I shouldn't be the one to impose, but it's the truth. As a mother now, I understand the sacrifices. But there can always be another way.

My emotions were unreliable. I started to weep from my own words. Like a flood drowning me, with something dragging me down deeper.

"When you wake up, please visit Ritsu and Naoko. Ritsu. Ritsu has done so much and without her, this wouldn't be happening. Naoko would be proud, wouldn't he?" I asked. "But if you want my honest opinion Koro-sensei, my heart cannot rest. It aches because I couldn't keep the promise to him. He wanted her to live. And I let that promise slip right through my fingers."

I sat down and leaned the side of my arm on it. I laid my head on the glass and gazed at the laboratory entry doors. Part of my cheek touched the coolness of the glass and I sighed.

"When you wake up, I want to thank you. I can't express how much love you've given everyone. It's just too much."

I closed my eyes and sat there for awhile. The lab was crashingly silent for awhile. Though every now and the you could hear the sounds from the computer.

My thoughts carelessly replayed memories, like a torch lighting a dark tunnel. But I wasn't scared, it was rather relieving. Because these memories exist and I happened to be swept away.

<Nagisa's Memories: 17 years old>
"If I can ask, why did you decide to create artificial humans. Aside from the goals of the MD, why are you here particularly?"

Koro-sensei raised a questionable brow and laughed, as he sat on the desk in front of me.

"For the paycheck of course." He joked, but he fixed himself up right away. "I cannot go into detail, but I will tell you that it strikes close to home." He explained. "I believe that if life can whither away so easily, can we not create life that can grow passionately?"

At first I thought he was all kinds of crazy. But his ideas made sense, though not practical. It's like necromancy and conjuring the deadly, but instead you juggle with an artificial life.

"You're still a newbie. You won't understand half of the things I say. Don't worry about it. Once you work here long enough, you'll understand by then." He assured confidently.

I pouted my lips.
"And if that day never comes?"

He stared at me like I was the crazy one now. He scratched his head.

"Unless you quit or die before anything happens, that is acceptable. But listen Nagisa, this place is quite special. I promise you that you'll go through your share of troubles. Whether you like it or not, you've stepped into a new life. Change comes with consequences." Koro-sensei patted my head to comfort me.

"I don't mean to scare you or be harsh, but think of this journey as a long life lesson." He added.
"Will I become a better person if I continue to work here? What will I gain exactly?" I asked while I leaned on my arm.

Koro-sensei hopped off the desk and stretched out his slender arms. The black hair that flopped softly and his grin.

"You'll gain everything you don't have now." Koro-sensei pointed at Karma in the dome. "And he'll one day get to see the same sun as you do. Eat the same foods that you do. Run and laugh the same way you do. And he'll be able to love, the same way you do."

Koro-sensei grabbed my arm and tugged me out of my chair. A glowing blur that blinded me for a moment.

"It is fate that you came here. I have a good feeling about you Nagisa Shiota. You're going to make a difference on Karma's life. He is not just an artificial robot that is created to kill, he is an example of chance, a second living."

<Back to present time>
I opened my eyes and got up from the ground. I patted my lab coat down from dust that may have been caught on it.
I went to my desk and packed up my bag.
Before I was about to leave, I waved at Koro-sensei.

"I'll see you tomorrow-."
I dropped my bag on the ground and everything cluttered out.
My hands shaking.

Koro-sensei was standing close to the glass wall. No expressions, but I saw that he face was wet. He's crying. His arm gently raised as his palms touched the glass.

I couldn't keep my emotions content. Like a spurring knot in my throat that couldn't come out. With a crowd of spiders on my skin as I was overwhelmed with this tickling sensation.

The reality of it all, was crawling so near.