Nigkala Tales Pt. Coda: My Life Ends

Nigkala Tales Pt. Coda: My life ends

But my new life begins

Thanks to my editor kenjisato. Also, to LanguageTool. Combined, they put me right. Any problems left all belong to me.

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Years ago, Filipe retired from action films. His body just wasn't up to the demands of such films. Instead, he did voice acting and dramas. He needed a cane, as well. Yet neither of us minded, as it was just simple age. I, too, was thinking about what age would do to me in a decade when I became his age. My hair had already faded from black and white to gray and white. My strength was also down to merely strong, rather than world-champion strong.

But a year ago, it started to unravel. Filipe was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. He decided that chemo and or radiation would reduce his quality of life beyond what he was willing to endure, and so he opted for pain-management care. As he was eighty-one, we both felt it was the right choice. Our finances were more than enough for whatever care he needed, so that was not a concern. I decided to limit my own work to work I could do from home, or work done locally for a half day or less, so that I could spend time with Filipe. Our children spent far more time with us. To encourage this, I hired a full-time babysitter. She would watch whatever children were about the place, and help the maid when no kids were about. She even lived on site, in one of the bedrooms.

I also hired a personnel manager, to handle all the requests for visits and interviews. Many came to visit and comfort Filipe, but a number also came to support me. While a number of people wanted to interview Filipe, I, and his doctor, insisted such interviews be short, and subject to his desire. I only did one interview a week, at most, unless it was about my own work. Those interviews, I insisted, be only about the work, and not about my family life.

When he died, I felt many emotions. Because my family was with me so much at this time, I did not feel lonely. And since Filipe went happy and in peace, I was at peace, even though I missed him greatly. Knowing he would not want me to pine away, I chose to get back in the game, and did three films, although two were animated. Many noticed that my attire became less risqué, even though I still often flashed others. Likewise, my sex life slowed down, to only having sex once or twice a week.

I found my enthusiasm for acting waning, so I transitioned into mostly voice acting. Likewise, I attended fewer conventions, but did more chatting online. I also spent more time visiting family. I found I liked the quieter life. Two years went by, and suddenly the Nigkala stories became popular. One of my four-breasted granddaughters, from my donated ovaries, played the role. While not as tall as me, she was tall enough. While I briefly thought about getting back into the role myself, I quickly realized it would never work. But that got me thinking about what happened early in my career. My hand had been amputated and I used my mental skills to regrow it. What if I could regrow myself? Not as a new body, but rather, renewing all my parts by regeneration of the cells. Could I regenerate into a young new body?

Over the next two months, I spent a lot of time thinking about it. I even spoke to Inanna about the possibility and desirability. She was skeptical about achievement, but felt that if I desired it, I should try. Eventually, I decided to try. I then spent several months planning what needed to happen. I noticed my birthday was two months away, so I decided to start on that day. Well, the day after, since family would be visiting. It took some time to track down the doctor that had monitored the regeneration of my hand.

Doctor Holiday answered, "Hello?"

"Hi, Doc, this is Becky Sue."

"Do I know you?"

"I know it has been quite some time. You should remember me. You spent over a year monitoring and documenting the regeneration of my amputated hand."

"Oh! That Becky Sue. It has been a long time. What has been happening since we last saw each other?"

"I have made many films, donated my ovaries to an egg bank, met some of those children, and had a lot of fun. But there is a sad part, as well. My husband Filipe passed away a few years ago."

"My condolences. If I had known, I would have sent a card, as traveling is near impossible for me these days."

"It is?"

"Yes. My eyesight has been failing for many years now, and a few years ago I was declared legally blind. Now, I can tell if it is day or night, but that is about it."

"I am so sorry. That breaks my plans."

"How so?"

"I had planned to hire you again for a similar regeneration project."

"Another? Did something happen to you again?"

"Just age."

"Then what would you be doing?"

"I wanted to see if I could regenerate everything, resulting in a new, younger body."

There was silence for nearly a minute. "You want to reverse the aging process?"

"Essentially yes. You know how much my mind is able to control my body. I want to see if I can push it farther."

"I so want to do it, but there is no way I can. Hmm... but there might be a way I could help."

"Oh? Do tell."

"My youngest son followed in my footsteps. I have told him a little about your regeneration, but never with any evidence, and nothing recorded. Only an anecdotal account, and I only described your mental power, and what I saw happen with your hand. Even so, he knows that I don't lie about medical stuff. I think he would jump at the chance, and I know he is qualified to monitor as I did."

"Can you give me his contact info?"

"Sure."

I wrote down the info, and then said, "I will call again soon, after I speak with him."

"I look forward to that." We said our goodbyes, and rather than call immediately, I looked up this son.

I was surprised. This Doctor William Holiday was a research scientist, in the area of virology. He lived not far from his father. His research was into enabling the body's own defenses to fight the ills affecting it. This included fighting cancer. While I thought immediately of Filipe, I soon realized their progress was nowhere near application. Still, it had a lot of potential. I read what I could find about his work ethic, and other aspects of his personality. Finally satisfied, I gave him a call.

"Hello, Bill Holiday here, how can I help you?"

"Such a nice greeting for a young man. Your father gave me your number. He said I might be able to hire you."

"Ma'am, I have a full-time job."

"I know, I looked you up. Your father said he mentioned me to you many years ago. You should know me as the woman who regrew her hand."

"Yeah, right. You're just pranking me."

"What if I can prove it? Would you let me hire you?"

"Unlikely. I make a pretty penny."

"I could easily match it. But if you are okay with it, you could continue with your job and only work a few hours on the weekends, and effectively double your pay."

"I still think you are pulling my leg, but I do admit, double pay sounds quite interesting."

"How about we meet?"

"No. I don't want to waste my time."

"I see. I guess I'll have to find another way to convince you. Goodbye."

I called his father and told him how the call went.

"I really thought he would go for it."

"I think he wants to, but disbelief and a healthy dose of skepticism prevent him. But I have an idea."

"Oh?"

"Yes. I could come visit you, on the same day he comes to visit you, and I can play our film for him. You would be there to confirm it really happened, and I can pull out a big check to show I can pay."

"That should work, but I don't know when he will come. With his schedule, he never knows when he will get enough time off to have a visit."

"He works for a big lab that always wants funding and equipment. I think I can get him time off. Give me a few days, and I think I will be able to swing something. I'll call you then about your schedule."

"No need to bother. I don't go anywhere, and listen to music and television a lot. This assisted-living facility is quite good about seeing to my needs, and I find it peaceful."

"Are you mobile? That is, can you go offsite?"

"Yes, but if I need to use the restroom, it could be difficult."

"I would be more than willing to help. I suspect your son would be, as well. Tell you what. I'll set something up in a nearby place where I can do the presentation in private."

"Sounds good to me. See you soon, then."

"Yes, I look forward to meeting you again."

After hanging up, I located and called the head of the program his son worked under. It took getting past several layers of assistants, but I succeeded. I opened by saying, "Mr. Jones. I need to borrow one of your employees for a day. I understand you have certain desires regarding funds for your program. I am willing to donate fifty thousand for a no-questions-asked day of this employee's time. Interested?"

"I'm not sure how legal that is. What will he be doing for you?"

"That is not your concern. I would normally do it on one of his free days, but it seems he is so needed, he cannot determine when he will have a free day, and I need to schedule this soon. I want his services, and intend to spend the day talking with him. I do not propose anything illegal or unethical. Interested?"

"I'll have to pass it by legal, before I could sign off on that."

"One hundred thousand and I want him Saturday, a week from now, all day."

"I'll have to - "

"Yes or no, going once."

"I'll -"

"Going twice."

"Okay. Who is it? And the deal is off if the check bounces."

"I will have a courier deliver it tomorrow, with the name. Goodbye." Ah, greed. It can be so useful. I better get a flight now.

I called the travel agency, and got a red-eye, first class. I packed for two weeks, and brought a copy of the evidence and boarded. The hotel dropped me off at the project's bank, and I had them make me a certified check for the amount, payable to the project. Back at the hotel, I wrote a short letter naming the individual, the day I wanted, and the statement that I expect no questions. I placed the letter and check in an envelope, and hired a courier to deliver it. I whammied him to forget who gave him the envelope, or where. Next, I scouted the area by the assisted-living facility.

One of the nearby businesses was a daycare facility. I went in and asked if they would be using the building on that Saturday. When asked, I said I wanted to rent it for a day, as I had a sales presentation I wanted privacy for, and one of the participants would likely need assistance if they needed to go. Their restroom was already set up to assist little ones, so that was good. They said they were usually closed on the weekend, and they weren't sure about letting me use it for the day. I then offered one thousand dollars cash. They said to come by Friday and pick up the key.

Plans made, I went to see the old doctor, and told him the schedule. I also stayed to visit and catch up. I suggested he start pestering his son to come visit Saturday, starting at ten, as that would be a good time. The next day, I began to search for a suitable place to set up shop. I was looking for someplace with a lot of empty space nearby, and plenty of room inside for the needed exam, exercise, and other rooms. I also made a short visit to the doctor to visit and be sure he pestered his son. I found three suitable places that week, but held off doing anything until after the meeting.

I arrived at the assisted-living place at nine, visited the doctor, and told him I had a van for us to get to the daycare and back whenever his son showed. I then went to reception to wait for his son to show. He turned up at nine-fifty-three. I exited, and got in the van. I had the driver pull up, and sure enough, father and son came out a few minutes later. I opened the big door and invited them in. The son was suspicious, but the father just said I was a friend. A few minutes later, we were in the daycare facility, and I led the way to my setup.

"Doctor Bill, my name is Becky Sue Tate, and your father once monitored me as I proceeded to make history. I am the woman who lost a hand."

"You? You're quite persistent. This is sure costing you a pretty penny."

"Shut up, Bill, what she says is true."

"Dad, really?"

"Doctor Bill, if you knew what this cost, then you'd realize money is not an issue. I have brought proof, and I will show you. Are you ready to see with your own eyes?"

"Well, you did get me a day off, so, yeah, I'll watch your dog-and-pony show."

"Then, gentlemen, please sit. I can pause the show if needed. Okay, here goes." I started the film, and we all watched and listened to the half-hour presentation. When it was over, I asked, "Doctor Bill. This laptop has a copy of all the data. Would you like to examine it?"

"Dad, is this true? You really saw this with your own eyes?"

"Yes, Billy, I did. I, too, was skeptical at first, but she told me belief was not required, only scientific accuracy. In time, belief came when I saw what she accomplished. I still don't understand how it could truly be, but you see the result before you."

"Becky Sue, I still have doubts this could really happen, but your presentation was quite informative, and my dad's role helps convince me. Still, I would like to look at the data."

"Please, take my seat and look where you will. Your father and I will just visit. If you have questions, please ask."

For the next two hours, he dived into the data, asking questions of both of us from time to time. Finally, he said, "I still think it is impossible, even with the evidence before me. Dad tells me you want my doubt, so what do you have in mind?"

"Complete body regeneration. I want to renew my body to a youthful body. I don't know if it can be done, but I want to try. You know the value to medicine this could be if I succeed. I want you to measure me in all possible ways that might be of use, throughout my attempt. I want accurate records, with exacting detail. As before with your dad, you will take a baseline measurement for a month before I start. This will likely take several years, so I want to start with a minimum two-year agreement. I believe something will show by then. Likewise, as your dad did, you will live in the same place as me. I have checked out some nearby places, so you can still maintain your regular job. I will have a maid and cook, so you won't have to spend time on that. As for pay, we can hash that out, counting room and board as part of the pay. If you want guests over, just let me know, and I'll stay out of the way. I am also willing to hire a part-time assistant to live there in a room next to your father's if you two want him there. This would allow you to visit more often. Are you interested?"

"Yes. Where are these places?"

"I bookmarked them under '$.25', which is a quarter, for quarters, or a place to live. Click on it."

"You have three places listed. Hmm, let's see...." He spent a few minutes browsing, and found all three to be close to his work, and all had a lot of room. "I like the second one the best."

"Very well, if it is still available, I will get it. And start setting up. Any other questions?"

He had plenty, but we were able to assure him, and he agreed to move in as soon as we were ready. I left him with the laptop, telling him to study what we did last time, so that he could improve upon it with better technology and methods. It would also give him an idea what he was in for.

The sale closed, and I moved in within a week. I then began ordering medical equipment, and other things, like having an Olympic-sized pool out back. Using the Everest talisman, I created the hole to fill, to save time. I converted one of the ground-floor rooms to a bedroom for the elder Holiday, complete with all the monitoring equipment needed. And an adjacent room was converted into a bedroom for the live-in attendant. I set the third floor as the medical floor, where I put out all the devices, and hooked them all up. The service reps assured me everything worked as required. I replaced the dumbwaiter with a real elevator. It was small, but could handle a wheelchair and all the equipment I bought.

Once the pool was in, and all the renovation completed, including full-house air-conditioning for the climate, I hired a cook and maid. I chose a married couple. The place was essentially as ready as the last place had been, so I called Doctor Bill and asked him to come out and see the setup, and to let me know what else he wanted. He asked to come about ten at night, and I said, okay. After the nickel tour, he expressed satisfaction with what I had, but had some additions. I declined the blood work equipment, as that would best be done by sending it to a lab. It would be less work for him, and quality results from the lab. Likewise, I declined the big computer, and said I would negotiate time on someone else's system, as it would be far too much for one person to make full use of. The thermal imager, however, I agreed to and asked him to show me what he wanted. It arrived two weeks later.

Then came moving day. I hired some folks to handle everything, and all Bill had to do was to label everything. The maid and cook went shopping to fill the cupboard, and the live-in aide picked up John. After the first big meal, I called everyone to the living room, including all the help. I explained to all what I planned, and whammied them all to keep it secret from others. I then told them that since I was going to be examined every day that I would not bother to dress, unless I went out. Likewise, that I was a horny bitch and enjoyed sex, so if anyone wanted to have sex with me, they just had to ask. Lastly, if this project went well, it would likely take several years, so if they did their job well, they would have a steady income.

I asked if everyone understood and accepted this. They did, so I said I would start now, and I took off my dress, revealing that was all I wore. To Doctor Bill, I said he would begin the exams tomorrow. I then dismissed everyone.

While I had no issue with being naked all the time, it took the others a bit to get used to it. I chose to spend Friday and Saturday evenings out in the big city at a different local bar or club each time. There, I would allow and encourage others to have sex with me. I changed bars every time, so I would not leave a lasting impression, and after sex with someone, I whammied them to forget my appearance. Tuesday afternoons, I was always out swimming, then getting a suntan, so the pool boy would find me naked by the pool. I encouraged him to have sex as his tip, and I also whammied him to forget the exact details of what I looked like, but to remember all the fun sex we had. Old Doc Holiday said that he couldn't see very well, but the rest of him worked just fine, so we routinely had sex. After he fell asleep, the aide would come, and I would do him, as he was assured the old guy wouldn't have any problems for a while.

That first month was tedious, waiting, but I often spoke to family on the phone, and chatted on the internet with my fans. To those who wanted to interview me, I declined face-to-face meetings, but accepted phone and text interviews. When I wasn't doing that, I was studying those books of magic I had acquired, and thought about how I would use magic in my new life. I also looked up the local institutions of higher learning to see which ones had unusual artifacts that might prove interesting. The young doctor noted some odd readings, and I assured them they were normal for me.

Finally, it was over. I could begin. I made my mental image youthful, using old pictures from various films I did early on. I focused on my body getting younger. I also focused Inanna's healing energy into my body, but in an unspecified way. Doing this felt like it was helping, but I soon realized it was draining. Not long after, I noticed that I had the most energy on the weekend, and I realized it was from all the sex. So I started staying out later, and instead of returning after one or two, I would stay out until four or five. I also decided to apply some of Inanna's healing energy to the elder Doc Holiday.