PETSHOP OF HORRORS

FRIEND

Final Chapter: Ouroboros


Location: California State Prison, Los Angeles County (Lancaster, California)

Timeline: 12:00 A.M (Eight months after Miles Horryce survived and was discharged from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center)

A couple of hours had already passed since the prison declared lights out for the evening.

Former LAPD Captain Gene Burton laid on his cot as he looked at the ceiling of his cell, his mind not allowing him to rest and sleep for the past six months and counting.

Due to the severity of the charges and the weight of the evidence against the three of them, Gene Burton, Ty Curtis, and Mike Bartles all made plea bargains in hopes of lightening the sentences against them.

The ones who did not get much out of the plea bargain were Gene Burton and Ty Curtis, for the outcome only allowed for the possibility of parole yet the sentence did not change. Gene Burton was charged for the rape and murder of Shana Burchfield. The same applied to Ty Curtis, who was charged for the rape, drugging, and murder of Abigail Horryce. Additionally, the two men had to face multiple charges for abuse of office, bribery, and corruption.

Meanwhile, Mike Bartles' prison sentence was slightly reduced due to his signed confession and testimony against Gene Burton and Ty Curtis…the greatest loss for him was that his law license was revoked and his reputation had been ruined, which destroyed his chances of ever becoming gainfully employed in the legal profession or any legal capacity.

As Gene Burton mulled over the events that led to his fall from grace, he became more livid as he recalled how his wife of 25 years divorced him and his grown-up children chose to distance themselves from him and the scandal. His mind continuously blamed Shana, Miles, and most especially Abigail for his incarceration…his obsessive hatred for Miles and most especially Abigail rising to even greater heights than ever before.

"You still haven't changed, have you? You're still the same hateful, vile human being you've always been. A wolf in sheep's clothing…"

"Shut up," whispered Gene Burton, turning his back to face the wall so that he could escape the voice that he was hearing.

"I can hear your thoughts. I can feel what goes on inside that black heart of yours, if you would call that thing beating inside you a heart. You think that you can fool prison officials with your model prisoner / I found God act? How pathetic..."

Shut up, shut up, shut up!"

One of the nearby patrolling guards who heard the previous ruckus struck his baton across the bars of Gene Burton's cell, yelling, "Burton, one more outburst and solitary confinement for you again – you want that?"

Gene Burton shook his head, doing his best to not give the prison guard such a defiant look even though deep down he thought significantly less of the prison guard.

The prison guard eventually left, confirming that Gene Burton would not make a fuss.

The voice inside Gene Burton's head now took on a form before his eyes – a white mist that took the form of Miles Horryce…with the usual kindly smile that the young attorney would generously give anyone now replaced with a sinister smirk.

With glowing red eyes and nine long tails of pristine white flicking behind him, Miles calmly said with his tone laced with a threat and a hatred rivaling Gene Burton's own, "You'll pay for all that you've done. Why don't we continue our nightly ritual – starting with you suffering everything that Shana, Abigail, and I have gone through in your hands…?"

"What do you want? I lost everything already. What more do you want?" asked Gene Burton, his body shaking just as it always did night after night upon seeing Miles.

"A hundred…a thousand…a million… No matter how many nights or years we go through this, that will never be enough for what you did to my love. You, Ty, and Mike… All three of you will pay starting with your mind…then your lives, and then your souls. Forever and a day will never be enough payment for those who have no regrets over the sins committed. You three tried to destroy our union and our family. When you didn't succeed, you destroyed my Abigail. So this will never be enough to pay for everything," spat Miles, his right hand rising and now showing Gene Burton the act of squeezing and crushing an invisible object.

At the same time, Gene Burton felt as if his heart was being crushed inside his chest. He could feel his breath stopping. His eyes went wider as Miles' smirk became more sinister and malicious, for now he saw the latter holding what looked like a still-beating human heart and the blood that generously dripped from it with every heartbeat.

"I started with your minds already, Gene... Guess what comes next...?"

Eventually, Miles' mocking laughter echoed at the farthest corner of Gene Burton's mind…with the latter clutching his chest even harder as his heart and chest agonizingly hurt and he could not breathe.


Location: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)

Timeline: 10:00 A.M (the following day)

"What?!"

"Burton, Curtis, and Bartles. They're all dead," said Chief Brian Spicer to Leon and Jill while Chief James Victor was present inside the police chief's office.

In response to Leon's outburst, Chief Victor added, "Gene Burton died from what seems to be a heart attack last night. The guards found him dead in his cell. Toxicology report's being finished as well as an autopsy."

"Foul play?" asked Jill, frowning a bit before she pushed her glasses closer to the bridge of his nose.

"Highly unlikely," Chief Victor told the three who was with him behind closed doors. "Gene was the only occupant inside the cell. Preliminary autopsy is not showing any bruises, wounds, or injuries."

Chief Spicer then continued, "The guards found Ty Curtis dead in his cell two days ago. Doctors said that it was an aneurysm."

"And Mike Bartles?" piped in Leon, finding the news rather disturbing since the three collaborators were all dead in just a few days apart from each other.

"Vehicular accident… They were transporting him to a new facility. The driver was changing lanes. Eventually, the van transporting Bartles hit the freeway divider. He was pronounced dead on arrival. Everyone else, including the driver, got out unscathed." Chief Spicer let out a sigh, having his fingers laced together as he rested his chin on them. "At least the truth came out and sentences were given for what they did before they died. At least they were behind bars paying for what they did before they died.

The three stirred as Chief Spicer waved back at someone from outside his office, signaling for that new arrival to come inside his office. He also gestured for the three people in his office to stay.

"Sorry to interrupt. I was just around the neighborhood, and so I'm just passing by to say hi," said Miles Horryce with a kind smile…the grin becoming warmer still as he asked, "Ah, Gayle and I wanted to confirm on whether the four of you are attending."

"Well, Brian and I are definitely coming," said Chief Victor, the tone that he had been using since knowing Miles Horryce's real character friendly and respectful. He then turned to the two detectives, asking, "You two are coming, too, right?"

"I am, and so is Leon…."

"That's great! You four have just made Gayle's and my day with that news," Miles told everyone with his eyes reflecting the authentic joy behind his words. "I know it's four more months away from today, but you know how time flies…"

"Speaking of news, Miles…."

Miles Horryce's eyes went wide as Chief Spicer and Chief Victor told him regarding the deaths of the three men he used to consider as his closest friends and confidantes.


Location: Greystone Mansion and Gardens – The Doheny Estate (Beverly Hills, California)

Timeline: 1:00 P.M (one year after Miles Horryce survived and was discharged from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center)

The entire Doheny Estate had been secured for the day for a private event….

The formal garden had 200 pristine silver chiavari chairs which were meticulously arranged into theater-style rows and columns – 100 chairs to the right, and the remaining 100 chairs to the left. Chiffon fabrics of cream and soft peach which were loosely yet tastefully braided together to form a long elegant rope was placed along with pew flowers of bright red calla lilies.

The mansion's inner courtyard, with the regal mansion as well as the enthralling fountain and vibrant slate flooring providing a breathtaking backdrop to what was about to happen soon, was already mainly prepared to accommodate 200 guests that would originally come from the formal garden. Once again, there were 200 elegant silver chiavari with the exact design as the ones found in the formal garden. However, the chairs were dressed in chiffon sashes of cream and soft peach…the back of the chair adored by a small wreath of bright red calla lilies. An area had been cleared for dancing, and an elegantly-dressed table with its missing center of attraction stood at a corner for all to see later on.

The west courtyard which was connected to the inner courtyard where the main reception would take place was also prepared to accommodate those who wish to stretch their legs, walk around, socialize, and have more private conversations over cocktail during the affair. The chairs and other fixtures bore the touches of cream and soft peach chiffon along with bright red calla lilies.

The similarly-color-and-flower-themed terrace and reflection pond area was also secured for seated dining later on to accommodate guests who would be able to attend the reception portion of the event at a later time…the couple celebrated on this occasion choosing to host another party since the two were looking forward in witnessing the sun set before them, and for that glow to be slowly but surely replaced by the twinkling of city lights below the location.

Mansion staff, location photographers, DJ and sound crew, security, musicians, and catering continued with their respective final touches for the occasion throughout the estate.

Soon, the guests slowly have surely gathered at the formal garden as they waited for the designated time…the seats eventually being all occupied.

Miles Horryce patiently waited at one end of the garden while engaged in animated conversation with the officiant, the handsome and charming young man impeccably dressed in a black wool tuxedo and matching burgundy silk bowtie and cummerbund along with a near-burgundy calla lily boutonnière secured on the left lapel of his tuxedo jacket.

The small orchestra's members took their place at the far left-hand side of the garden, the conductor observing as to when the event would start. The conductor then took his cue from the event coordinator, giving his musicians the signal.

Soon, touching music filled the formal garden area…the wedding party only consisting of the bride, the groom, the bride's escort, and the officiant.

Taking cues from the event coordinator, the attendees all stood up and focus their sights on the one marching down the aisle – the ethereally beautiful Gayle Lee dressed in a custom-made sleeveless v-neck sheer pink tulle wedding dress with tastefully contrasting white floral embroidery, her elegant hands holding a bouquet of near-burgundy calla lilies.

Gayle's long silky black hair had been placed up in a bun and adorned with an intricately-designed silver circlet crown gemmed with cream-colored freshwater pearls and blood-red rubies, her thin veil covering her beautiful face and the long train of her dress providing an even more picture-perfect moment as she was escorted down the aisle by Count D…the tall, gorgeous, and elegant figures definitely stealing the focus of everyone's attention.

As if the entrance which was accompanied by touching classical music was not dramatic enough, the handsome groom with the heartwarming smile walked halfway down the aisle to meet with Count D and the bride.

When the three have met at the aisle, with Count D gently transferring Gayle's hand and having it rest on Miles' hand, the crowd was mesmerized. The sight of the three together in a touching part of a sacred ceremony was breathtaking…the scene looking as if the three seemingly-ageless and enigmatic figures have stepped out from a fairy tale book or from mythology, coming to life so that everyone could bear witness .

The young queen of otherworldly beauty, possessing the intelligence and allure that would bring anyone to his or her knees…kind and empathetic to those who deserve her piety and mercy, her expressive hazel brown eyes a mirror giving everyone a glimpse of how much love and loyalty she was capable of bestowing ….

The handsome young king with the mystifying aura, owning the courage and wisdom to rule over the worlds above, below, and in-between… He was now humbling himself before the breathtakingly beautiful queen and her escort as a sign of his eternal love and devotion to her, and his promise to her heavenly escort that he would protect her with all of his strength and being…

The beautiful androgynous being who would now bring the king and queen together as one, sharing with the two the gift of knowledge and discernment that he had carried himself for eons…his teary-eyed and gentle disposition on such an auspicious day showing his happiness that he would now have this couple to share his secrets with…

The three exchanged knowing smiles, with Miles Horryce thanking Count D from the bottom of his heart.

Count D had then taken leave while holding the bride's bouquet of calla lilies. He sat down beside Leon and Jill at the front row with Chief Spicer and Chief Victor sitting nearby them.

Miles looked at Gayle with such love and warmth, his eyes reflecting the sheer joy and the depth of his gratitude for whatever forces that made this day and the days to come possible for the two of them. He mouthed the words "I love you" to her, and then offered his arm to her…with him resting his right hand on her hand as they walked down to the end of the aisle and stood before the officiant.

Jill, being comfortable around Count D, laid her head every now and then on his shoulder since she was so teary-eyed and touched with the ceremony. She watched as the couple allowed their feelings of love and vulnerability for each other to show as they took their vows before everyone. She felt so moved for Miles and Gayle seemed as if they – before the officiant – were the only two people in the world…that the world itself could disappear this very instant and it would still not matter since they would be together.

Count D, equally comforted with Jill's light aura, was more than happy to relent with her harmless and affectionate display of trust and friendship. He recalled the first wedding – the one where Miles and Abigail had married. To him, the wedding unfolding before him was a continuation of a union meant to last for an eternity after surpassing so many trials and tribulations.

Count D then glanced every now and then towards Leon, taking in the latter's serious yet softened look throughout the ceremony…with the Count still being able to tell that things related to the Horryce matter lingered in Leon's mind.

The two chiefs smiled as they saw the two young people before them marry; with the two agreeing that it was time for karma to allow Miles Horryce to be happy once more.

The officiant then happily said to Miles, "By the power vested in me, and as witnessed by your friends and family, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride…."

Miles gave the officiant a grateful nod, his gaze then moving to Gayle. He reverently lifted her veil to reveal the beautiful woman that was now his wife. He then drew her close, the two exchanging a long yet chaste kiss as the attendees stood up and applauded.

With an even warmer grin, the officiant declared to the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome Mister and Mrs. Miles Horryce!"

Gayle, teary eyed and happy, beamed at Miles as the attendees clapped even louder. She stole a kiss from him, one that he reciprocated with such fervor and warmth.

Afterwards, Gayle accepted her bouquet from an approaching Count D after the two hugged. Miles and Count D hugged briefly and then shook hands…with Miles offering his arm to escort Gayle as they marched down the aisle to the cheers, applause, and well-wishes of the attendees.

Jill, Leon, Chief Spicer, and Chief Victor were still clapping as they watched the two newlyweds…each person respectively wishing for bright days ahead from here on out as Miles and Gayle Horryce now begin a new chapter in their lives together as man and wife.


Location: Greystone Mansion and Gardens – The Doheny Estate (Beverly Hills, California)

Timeline: 6:02 P.M (Wedding Day)

The late afternoon reception for the second set of wedding guests would be wrapping up in an hour or two….

The terrace and reflection pond area was decked out in the same motif as the formal garden and the courtyard areas, the guests enjoying their share of the wedding cake as well as the champagne from the celebratory toast.

As the second party was in full swing with every guest already had his or her one-on-one opportunity to wish the newlyweds on this special day, Miles and Gayle stood by the railing as they watched the sun set for the evening…with him lovingly and protectively embracing her from behind. They took their time to behold the sunset be replaced by the array of city lights below from where they stood.

Gayle reached out and touched Miles' cheek with her left hand, telling him in a near whisper, "We are reunited once more, my love."

"That we are," Miles whispered back to Gayle, affectionately tightening his hold on her as he planted a kiss on the crown of her head. "I'll never let you go, my love. Thank you for choosing to be with me."

"You've chosen well for us. The best of both worlds – live the human life while being what we truly are. That way, we could honor our hope for humanity without forsaking who we really are. You and I have more reasons now to protect this world and the way we exist…even more so in the handful of months to come…"

Miles stopped for a minute, pondering over Gayle's words and looking at her. There was a small smile that escaped from his lips, the look of surprise evident in his face. "Honey…?"

Gayle's smile became more radiant as she nodded her head, giggling as Miles let out a happy yell while lifting and spinning her…the two acting as if they were alone at the mansion's terrace area.

"Honey, thank you so much… I love you…."A happy and teary-eyed Miles then placed Gayle down, his eyes focused on her as he held both her hands. This time, he could not hold back his tears due to the overflow of joy that resided in his heart and entire being. "A baby… A family… God, I can't wait… I waited for a long time…."

"Eight months more…. Not a long wait considering everything between us."

"We'll make the most of it," Miles declared, bringing Gayle's right hand to his lips and reverently kissing it. He then looked into her eyes and added, "We'll cherish every moment as we wait for his…her…arrival."

"What would you do if it turned out to be 'they?'" asked Gayle teasingly.

Miles chuckled, wiping some of his tears with the back of his finger and then holding Gayle's hand again.. "I'd say, bring it on! The more, the merrier. We'll build a happy home together…and you're my home and everything in life and the next. No matter what happens, no matter the price, I'll protect our home with my two hands."

"I know that, my love… That, I know. You made the three of them pay, and that pleased me so much," whispered Gayle with love, trust, and contentment laced in her words. "And I, the same… I'll protect our home with my two hands as well – no matter what fate brings us…no matter the price…."

Gayle…Lady Jiuweihu…Abigail Horryce nee Lee…the Chinese Fox… Four personas in one beautiful being…. She shared Miles' happy tears as she planted a kiss on Miles' cheek, and reciprocated when he kissed her passionately on the lips. She let her husband draw her close to him in a loving embrace as the kisses between them continued, their hearts full of hope and happiness for the future.

At a nearby table, Count D and Leon watched the couple's sweet moment together as the sunset offered a beautiful glow across the twilight sky…with Leon murmuring, "I'm glad…"

"About what, Detective...?" asked Count D, glancing sideways to look at Leon and taking a read of the latter's emotions due to the contemplative tone that Leon's words carried.

Leon let out a soft sigh, his mind thinking back on the events of the past year that led everyone to this very moment. "In my line of work, I've given up on each case…story…having a happy ending. I think the happiest ending that I've seen all these years is criminals behind bars and victims picking up the pieces of themselves after the law deals with the crime and the criminal. That only happens if they could pick up the pieces of themselves – depending on how strong that person is in spite of what he or she had gone through, or whether or not he or she is still alive to be able to move on. For dead victims, it's their loved ones that carry on the burden of letting go and moving on for the victims' sakes."

The two had fallen quiet for a moment, continuing to watch the newlyweds enjoy the romantic view, and then Leon added, "Watching the two of them… It makes me glad that I've been proven wrong. This is the happiest ending I've seen. I wouldn't be surprised if it'll remain true for a long while. Maybe it'll stay that way until I retire."

Count D gave Leon a meaningful look and a kind smile. "You and the others made this happy ending possible. All of you placed your doubts aside and helped a man give the love of his life a voice from beyond the grave, in spite of whatever you might think of him. You all didn't just find out the truth about two deaths. You also found out about how this man has chosen to live his life as well as the values he embraces to be true. The two before us were born into wealth, but they did not allow the privileged life to erode their kindness."

There was another pocket of silence between the two, and moments later, Count D told his companion, "And retirement…? You still have a long life to live, Detective…."

"You think so…? My work's dangerous. I can go anytime, just like that," said Leon, snapping his right finger as he settled more comfortably in his seat.

"Let us just say that I know so," replied Count D with a soft grin, knowing that he would always keep an eye on Leon and keep the latter safe while he remained in the shadows.

Leon then let out a sigh, allowing this moment and the reassurances it brought within him warm inside his heart. As the quiet reception went on, he let himself relax with the company of the strange and enigmatic Count D – their complicated relationship as mysterious as the person who now sat next to him.

Suspect versus detective. Empathetic listener and confidante…. Adviser who had been the only one in such a long time who had manage to break down the walls that he put up long ago…

No matter how complicated that relationship between him and Count D might be, Leon knew that moments such as the Horryce case would not be the last time where his feet would lead him to the mysterious pet shop and its equally-puzzling owner.

"After this event, Detective, would you like to have some tea with me? You are also more than welcome to stay over for the night. There is always a room there at my home waiting for you."

Falling quiet for a few moments, Leon then nodded. "Yeah… That'd be nice…"

And as Leon and Count D whiled the hours away watching the lovely terrace view during sunset, Leon allowed the warmth that had always been offered to him and within his reach to finally soak and fill him. He knew deep down in the marrow of his bones, as vehemently as he wished to deny it, his feet would always steer him to the pet shop and Count D. He knew that whenever he would feel lost and downhearted, the place where his feet lead him would give him truth and reassurance…for the pet shop and Count D were admittedly tangible, living reminders of the humanity inside him. The two were the living constants in his murky, dark life as a detective. As long as he was ready to listen, accept that what he readily saw before him might not be the truth, and receive the life lessons that he needed to learn, they would always be a place that he could consider as home.

End of Final Chapter / End of Story


Disclaimer

I do not own Petshop of Horrors or its awesome characters. I do own this fanfic and its original characters.

Author's Notes

Jiuweihu is the Chinese term for the mythical nine-tailed fox. I found it appropriate to use the name for Miles Horryce's beloved Chinese Fox.

Why the title Ouroboros?

Ouroboros is a mystical symbol – at times in a circle or an infinity sign – where the dragon is biting its own tail to close the loop. It is often interpreted as a symbol for eternal cyclic renewal or a cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

To me, this title fully represents what this fic was all about, and the plight between the almost-star-crossed lovers Miles Horryce and Abigail Horryce / Gayle Lee / Lady Jiuweihu / the Chinese Fox.

We have reached the end of this story. I do hope that you have enjoyed this fic. Let me know what you think through reviews or Private Message via fanfiction dot net as to (a) your feedback regarding the story, and (b) do you wish to see more Petshop of Horror fanfics from me?

I've been monitoring the traffic for this story, and it has been consistently great since the first update after many years has posted. The previous chapter, Lemniscate, made the stats even higher. In spite of the lack of reviews, I'm thankful for knowing that more people are reading this fics as well as my other stories as well as reaching out to me via PM.

To the readers and for those who have PM'ed me with warm words of support and constructive feedback, many thanks for your support!

Best regards,

PJ Zatken