Author's Note: This story is inspired from some of the other great Raccoon fanfics on this site. I would deeply like to thank Nicky4, Raccoonqueen, and Strangeseraph for allowing me to use some of their characters and ideas. I would also like to thank my friend Erin and Nicky4 for proof reading my story. Without all of your help, this story couldn't be possible!

The Raccoons: Secrets and Heroes

"Everyone has secrets in their past that they would like to forget; even our heroes."

Prologue

This story begins in the fall of 1993. This comes after the "Go for Gold" episode which was the last one of the original Raccoons series. This is the summer after the Mount Vulcan fiasco, which the residents of Evergreen Forest won't, even if they want to, forget. Mount Vulcan erupted, leaving the Forest destroyed and retracted from its' natural beauty. The community has come together to begin the daunting task of rebuilding its proud town.

Things are changing for everyone; some good, some bad. Lisa is finally off to university. The Evergreen Standard is at a clip that it has never reached before. Cyril has stepped aside to let Cedric prosper with the family business. Wait, is that a good thing?

Without further ado, let's find out the latest scoop on our Evergreen Forest residents. You'll be in for quite a ride!

Chapter 1

Fall has come to the Evergreen Forest. The colours of Mother Nature are changing for its swan song; bidding farewell to 1993. But don't tell that to the pillars of the community. Many are hurrying to rebuild as much of the town before the first snow flies.

"Come on Bert, give us a hand here."

Bert has become rather tired lately. He has logged a lot of hours helping out his fellow neighbours of Evergreen; Mr. Willow's store, the power lines, the school. Now that the main staples of the community are up and running, it's time for the train station to be rebuilt. Unfortunately for his friends, Bert thought an afternoon nap was more appealing.

"What did you say?" chimed a sleepy Bert.

"While you decided to have a siesta, Melissa and I had to put the insulation up and that has put us behind," mentioned Ralph. "I was supposed to help Schaeffer on the roof."

"Sorry Ralphie. What is next on the agenda? I'm well rested now."

"So was the lazy grasshopper," kidded Ralph. "You can help us with getting the particle board up."

"Will do!"

Bert was always rather lazy; but he would do anything to help his friends. Feeling guilty, he got right up and started going a million miles an hour to make up for lost time.

"Bert, make sure that board is straight!" cried Melissa. "We don't want to be here next week fixing up your mess."

"Don't worry guys! Bert Raccoon: Ace Renovator is here!"

As Bert was sloppily putting up the particle board, his friends winced.

"Maybe you should go help Schaeffer on the roof, Bert," suggested Melissa. "I think that nail gun would be safer in more organized hands."

Bert chuckled a bit until he noticed the zig-zag of rows from the nails he put in. "Oh no! I'll see you later!" Nothing else needed to be said as he ran outside to avoid another confrontation.

Meanwhile at Sneer Mansion, Cedric was lining up deals to help many of the Evergreen Forest businesses; to get them back on their feet. He felt that having a hand in the community would be great for Sneer Industries; both in his head and heart.

"Hey Pop," as Cedric was showing his father the outline of his business plan. "I thought that short-term loans would be a great idea to help out some of the local businesses to steady their incomes. It has been a tough go lately."

"As long as it improves our bottom line, I could care less," said Cyril. Then he paused for a moment to reflect about the garbage compacter idea that led to Mount Vulcan. "On the other hand, as long as it's low risk and doesn't involve me going to jail."

"Sure thing Pop," said Cedric. "I just thought that giving back to the town was the least we could do."

The pigs decided to keep on the down low for the time being. After Mount Vulcan, any wrong step or words would put the boys in orbit, or maybe to the unemployment line.

"Actually, vacuuming doesn't seem to be so boring anymore," mentioned Boyd.

"At least it is an easy job with no chance of getting fired," added Lloyd.

"Unless you knock over the Boss' painting," chuckled Floyd as he pointed over to the Henri de la Possum masterpiece on the wall.

CRASH!

Just another day at Sneer Mansion.

After another long and gruelling week, the gang decided to get together at the Blue Spruce to have a little fun. Everyone was in a good mood; letting the stresses melt away. Except for Bert.

"Why so glum, chum?" asked Bentley, grabbing a stool beside Bert at the bar.

"I just wish your sister was here," Bert sighed. "I know she has only been at school for a month, but I really miss her. You probably wouldn't understand."

"Is it like missing 'The three guys with a cause'? I love that show," Bentley questioned.

"Sort of. But at least the TV is at home when you get there. Besides, your sister is a bit more..."

Before Bert was about to make an ass out of himself, Annie, a friend of Bentley's, runs by and tugs Bentley by the arm. "Wanna dance?"

"I would, but I hate the 'Cool Kids around Back'," squirmed Bentley. "Can't we wait for a Woodchuck Berry tune?"

"But the 'Cool Kids' are my favourite. I love that Danny!" Annie says, giggling.

"Well I'm not Danny!"

"Fine, suit yourself. When you're tired of being lame, come get me," Annie huffed as she walked away.

"Looks like you two care for each other a bit," Bert said. "Kind of like what I feel for your sister, lil' buddy".

"I don't mind her, but she does get on my nerves every once in awhile," Bentley scoffed, and then he changed gears. "Cheer up Bert, my sister will be back next weekend for Thanksgiving. You can see her then. Wanna grab a soda?"

The two friends grabbed sodas and starting talking about the upcoming hockey season.

Fast forward a week. The train station is pretty much finished; it just needed to be painted. The Evergreen Standard is back to a normal pace; to which the gang felt relieved. Schaeffer is again enjoying his normal fall upswing in business, with the fowl supper to take place on Sunday night. And everyone's favourite raccoon was starting to get on everyone's nerves.

"She's going to be here at 7!" cried Bert.

"We know, Bert, it's like the thousandth time you told us that today," quipped Melissa. "Did you finish your weekly column?"

"What? Whoops," sighed Bert.

"Well, at least you have something else on your mind now for the next few hours," said Ralph.

Bert finished his column, and it didn't take long for Lisa to arrive. The raccoons met at George and Nicole's for supper. After the meal, Bentley was trying to grab Bert's attention, but to no avail.

"Look at this, Bert! This is the science project I have been working on!" exclaimed Bentley, holding up the rows of chemicals in front of him. "You gotta come see the rest of it!"

Bert was distracted by Lisa, who was just watching TV, but Bert was just gawking at her pretty eyes and beautiful paws; not seeming too intent on Bentley's accomplishments.

"C'mon Bert! I have been working on it all week, at least you could come and check it out."

(Crickets)

"Fine! It looks like you want to eye grope my sister anyways".

"Bentley, I'm trying to watch TV here!" yelled Lisa, not really knowing what her brother just said.

"Oh, what was that? I'm sorry Bentley," as Bert came out of his dreamy stupor. By this time, Bentley was already heading upstairs.

"Oh Bert, just go check out his project, I'll still be here," said Lisa. "I'll always wait for you."

As Bert headed upstairs towards Bentley's room, all he could think about was the ways he could woo Lisa into some whoopee. Besides, Ralph and Melissa were not expecting him home, and probably wanted some alone time of their own. George and Nicole were at the movies.

THUD!

"Bert! Are you okay?" cried Lisa, jumping off the couch.

"Oh, I'm fine. I just had one of my falls up the stairs," snickered Bert. "I'll be back in a few."

After Bentley was in bed, Bert and Lisa finally had some time alone.

"You have the most beautiful eyes that I have ever seen," cooed Bert.

"Well, you are...quite the adventurist," said Lisa, trying to be smooth. Lisa was searching her mind to come up with a strong physical trait to comfort Bert without being offensive, but was more attracted to his mental rather than physical brawn.

"Why, thank you honey," Bert said with an honest smile. "Do you want a little adventure?" as he sat right next to Lisa on the sofa.

"How about strip poker, or truth or dare?" asked Lisa, slyly as she was running her fingers up his chest.

"Great, I think either game is a win-win," nodded an excited Bert. "How about strip poker?"

Well, let's just say that the game was on. And the strip poker lost out.

A few nights later, the Blue Spruce cafe was filled to the rafters. The fowl supper was a huge success, and Schaeffer was finally able to sit down, relax and soak up some of the conversations of his friends.

"So Schaeffer, what are you going to do with yourself now?" asked Cedric. "Your Christmas party isn't for a few months now."

"Well, I'll always find a way to keep busy. Besides, Bert keeps me in business most days!"

"How true. You probably can't even keep enough peanut butter to serve the rest of your customers!" joked Cedric.

"Yeah," sighed Schaeffer rather lethargically.

But deep down, Schaeffer was missing something. He knew his days were full and prosperous; but he was lonely inside. Of course he always had his friends to hang with, but he wanted that special someone to stoke that loving fire of his. Besides, even nice guys that don't complain need to get naughty every now and again.

"Cedric, when you first met Sophia, how did you know that she was the one?" asked Schaeffer out of left field.

Cedric thought that they were still talking about cuisine, but then realized what he was talking about. "We just really hit it off," said Cedric. "It helps when you do things together, not to mention literally running into each other! Why do you ask?"

"I dunno. I just remember when you guys first met on the lake. She really took a shine to you."

"She did and so did I!" said a happy but confused Cedric. "What's on your mind, Schaeffer?"

Just then, Ralph and Melissa came by to chat and congratulate Schaeffer on the big night.

"Great supper, Schaeffer! You know, you should be writing the food column for the Standard!" gleamed Ralph.

Cedric thought it would be inappropriate to further his talk about Schaeffer's love life, and decided to take a rain check and share the rest of the night with his darling girl.