Chapter Text
It had been about three days or so since Candy’s murder. The group hadn’t found any more clues, even after their questioning of Frollo and Grimhilde. But they haven’t given up yet, even if it seemed like nothing would come out of it.
Gus reentered the manor and let out a defeated sigh. He had searched alone for clues but found nothing. The scent of Candy’s murder scene was almost stale at this point. He laid on the carpet in the living room, resting for a little bit. He exhaled through his nose. There has to be something I’m missing…
A shadow covered him and he glanced up. “Frollo? What are you doing?” he asked, staring up at the older man.
“Checking in. I can tell something is bothering you,” Frollo explained, glancing down at Gus. “What’s wrong?”
“N-Nothing. Just still upset over Candy’s death.” It wasn’t a complete lie.
“Yes, his death was unexpected. While strange, he was unique. Even if his other self was a bit much.”
“Turbo?” Gus raised his head a little. “He was pretty funny. Both of them were. But, Turbo had a bit more energy to him. He was nice.”
Frollo shrugged a little. “Guess opinions will differ on them. Are you entirely sure that is all that’s bothering you?”
Gus nodded. Frollo’s gaze then softened, almost filled with guilt. He sighed and gently patted his head. “You are a good soul, Gus. A really good one. You deserve better than to be among those like us.”
Gus watched him get up and leave. He sighed, getting up and going outside for some air. He leaned against the patio railing and ran a paw over his face. He was tired, but determined to find out who killed King Candy. He flicked his ear in some annoyance. Another sigh was heard next to him, and he turned his head.
Prince John was also leaning against the railing, fiddling with the strings on the hoodie he wore. His fur was a bit messy along with his whiskers. He’s been like this since Candy died, he thought. He had assumed he was still grieving, but now he wasn’t so sure. He cleared his throat, the lion slightly jumping and looking over at Gus.
“John? You okay?”
“A-Apolgies, Gus. I didn’t see you there. I’m fine,” he said, his voice slightly shaky. Gus flicked his ear and went to him.
“John, your fur is bristling and your tail is twitching. I can tell something’s wrong,” he said in a soft, gentle voice. “Is this…because of Candy?”
Prince John sighed shakily, his own ear flicking nervously. “S-Something like that…Gus, I need to tell you something,” he said. His eyes showed genuine fear, as if he saw a ghost. Gus nodded at him.
“Go on…”
Prince John hugged himself. He tucked his tail in between his legs. “The night Candy died…I saw it happen. He was murdered.”
“Wait, you saw him get killed?” Gus asked in disbelief. Prince John nodded solemnly.
“I was out for a late-night walk, and…I guess he was, too. I saw him get attacked and…I just stood there and did nothing…” he said softly, his ears lowering as his eyes welled up. Gus lowered his own ears and placed a paw on his friend’s back.
“Hey…you were afraid, there wasn’t much you could do…” he soothed gently. He pressed his nose against John’s cheek; something he did to comfort someone. “I’m glad you told me. Must feel good to get that off your chest.”
“It does,” Prince John muttered. He sighed, the fur on his neck lying flat just a little. “There…is something else too.” Gus looked at him. “I saw who did it.”
“Who? Who did it?”
Prince John looked at him in the eyes, the same frightful look returning. “Ratcliffe killed him.”
Gus let out a small gasp as his ears lowered as much as they could against his head. “Ratcliffe killed him?” The frightful lion nodded.
“He did it. I saw him do it.”
Gus processed the information, still in shock. He shook himself and snapped out of it, looking back at Prince John. “Thank you for telling me this, John,” he spoke as the two bumped foreheads. “Get rest, you look like you need it.”
“I could use a nap,” Prince John said with a heavy sigh, going back inside the manor. Gus watched him leave, then he stepped off the patio and walked into the forest.