Author's Note: Finally, here it is. The "mini sequel" to 'Secrets and Heroes'. This story was supposed to be in it, as it was during that timeline. But the original story just took root, and didn't make much sense to add it in. So, here is a deeper look at that time of trials and tribulations. Let the head games begin!

Disclaimer: Great, now Ralph Jr. has forced me to start posting this! (hehe) I don't own the Raccoons and the original series characters. The characters created are the property of their owners or me.

THE TRIAL

Chapter 1

Today has been a long and sad day in the Evergreen Forest. Maybe about a month ago for the raccoon gang, this would have been a day to celebrate. With a group of about twenty people surrounding the casket, Cedric Sneer draws up enough courage to come to the head of it to say good-bye to his protective father. With Sophia giving him a warming smile, Cedric clears his throat and starts to speak…

"I love you, Pop. You have always been there for me. Starting my first bank account. Teaching me how to throw a football. Showing me how to be a shrewder businessman. With you always putting up a concrete barrier to the outside world, I was the only being in this world that really saw the softer side of you. The loving, kinder, gentler side. But in the end, that came shining through, and I think it is pretty safe to say for all of us here is that you are a caring and passionate man who has drawn us closer together." Then Cedric's voice started to crack and his eyes became wet and heavy. Everyone in his presence was starting to feel his pain and suffering at that moment. The somber faces in the crowd like the pigs, Lisa, and Bert said it all. Sophia came to Cedric's side for the last few words, and held his hand. It warmed him and gave him enough power to continue. "You don't have to put up that tough exterior anymore, Pop. I love you. I'm really going to miss you!" The last part was more dramatic than shouted. As Cedric started to shed a tear, he held on to Sophia tightly as they lowered Cyril Sneer into the ground.

The reception is being held at Lady Baden Baden and Mr. Knox's estate. About half of the crowd only stayed for a short while because they were mostly business people that Cyril knew over the years. Being the graceful hostess, Lady Baden Baden said a few words before the start of the reception.

"Excuse me, everyone. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for coming this afternoon. This shindig for Mr. Sneer is for us to reminisce about our stories through our lives with him. Please, everyone enjoy the lunch provided and feel free to stay as long as you like."

After the applause, the gang was milling about telling stories of Cyril through the years.

"Wow, I can't believe he was the same guy who tried to cut down all of the trees in the Forest," said George. "He must have really mellowed out over the years."

"He really did, George," said Ralph, nodding his head. "Cyril still had an edge, but he became a little more understandable with each passing year."

"Like when he and Mr. Knox busted Milton Midas for polluting the lake," said Melissa.

"But really, stopping my evil uncle tops the list," chimed in Bert. "It just felt so weird; being at odds with him all these years, and then being on the same team. It's kinda like when a player you hate from the rival team gets traded to your team; you really grow to appreciate him when he's on your side."

"Here, here, to Mr. Sneer," said Lisa, raising her glass in toast. Everyone respectfully obliged.

After a few minutes, Zoey came by, along with Schaeffer. "Hi everyone. I know this may not be the best time or place, but I have some new news on an old case that I thought you all should know."

"Know what?" asked Bert, somewhat taken aback.

"As you know, the trial for Lisa's kidnapping is going to be starting next week," said Zoey. "I am just giving everyone the heads up that they may get asked to testify. The trial will be in Edmonton, as there might be a conflict of interest if it was held in this town."

"Both of those scum bags can go to hell in my opinion," said George, speaking of both Delilah and David. The group thought the timing wasn't very appropriate for that comment, but it spoke what was on everyone's mind.

"I know this isn't the best place to discuss this, so I'll check in with each of you at the beginning of next week," said Zoey. "The trial starts on Thursday with the opening statements, so if anyone has any questions, we can get things cleared up before then."

"Thanks Zoey for the info," said Lisa. "But this is a day to celebrate the life of Mr. Sneer."

"Thank you Lisa," replied Cedric. "My father really respected you; especially after you decided to give up smoking."

"To Cyril Sneer," said Zoey in another toast.


On the following Monday morning, Zoey came over to Bert and Lisa's to go over the outline of the upcoming trial. Zoey was caught a little off guard when Cynthia answered the door.

"Hello Miss Bella," said Cynthia smiling up at the constable. "Are you here to see my parents?"

"Yes I am," said Zoey. "Is it alright if I come in?"

"Mom, Dad, Miss Bella the police officer is here," yelled Cynthia to the kitchen.

"Come on in," said Bert, coming from the living room. "We have been expecting you."

"Thanks Bert." The three of them sat down at the kitchen table with a pot of tea. Zoey waited until little Cynthia was out of earshot in her bedroom. "I think it's best if Cynthia isn't here when we talk about this."

"I agree," replied Lisa. "I'll just drop her off at my parent's place for an hour or two so we can talk."

"I would really appreciate it," said Zoey. "No child should have to hear about their mother possibly going to prison."

Lisa went into the bedroom to grab her purse and left with Cynthia after a few minutes. This gave Bert and Zoey some time to chat about some things that might upset Lisa.

"You probably don't need to hear this," started Zoey, "but now is the time to stand by Lisa more than ever. I know she is a strong young woman, but bringing up horrible events of the past can get to people. In my experiences, you could possibly encounter depression or other behaviours that aren't normally like Lisa at all."

Bert could not agree more. "After the happenings of my past came to the forefront, I needed Lisa more than ever. I would never leave my sunshine's side for anything."

"Even if that meant severing ties with Cynthia's biological mother?" asked Zoey.

"Don't get me wrong, I used to have very fond feelings for Delilah," said Bert. "But after seeing who she has now become, I would never go back to her. She is totally different from the Delilah I used to know."

"For now, you have custody of your daughter," continued Zoey. "But her future really depends on how this trial goes down. If Delilah is found guilty, it's pretty much a slam dunk that you will get full custody of Cynthia until she's eighteen. If she's found not guilty, you could have a pretty big custody battle on your hands, with little Cynthia caught in the crossfire. The important thing here is that in this upcoming case, you need to be as honest as possible. If you make personal bias attacks towards Delilah, it will really complicate matters for yourself and Cynthia's well being."

"I always tell the truth," said Bert proudly. "But it's hard to speak the truth when you can't remember certain parts of it."

"What do you mean?" asked Zoey.

"I remember most of it, except for the night that Delilah drugged me," said Bert with a hint of guilt. "I can only recall getting to bed after singing Cynthia a lullaby, but I can't really remember what happened after. I know Delilah came into the bedroom, but she could twist the story to make me look like the bad guy. To top it off, there is no evidence of that night."

"Unfortunately, that's true," replied Zoey. "I can recall talking to you after Lisa went to the hospital; you said you went back home and the drinking glasses from the night before were gone. In this situation, you just hope that your word carries more weight than Delilah's."

As Zoey finished, Lisa walked in. Her parent's place was only a short walk away from Bert and Lisa's. "Are we ready to get started?" asked Lisa, coming to the table.

"We already have, darling," said Bert, placing a hand on Lisa's thigh as she sat down beside him at the table.

"Now Lisa," started Zoey, "will you be okay to testify as a witness? More importantly, you will be cross-examined. Do you think you're ready for that?"

"It's never going to be a good time to talk about it," said Lisa, as she became increasingly distraught. "But the truth needs to be said. Those two have to pay for what they've done."

"Like I was telling Bert earlier, you have to be as truthful with the facts as possible," said Zoey. "Not only for your sake, but for Cynthia as well. If Delilah is proven not guilty..."

"She won't!" said Lisa, angrily slamming her fist on the table. Bert surprisingly looked towards Zoey, but Lisa's outburst didn't seem to faze her much.

"I'm playing devil's advocate here Lisa," said Zoey. "I'm just giving you the options of what could happen. As David did most of the dirty work, along with Bert having no physical evidence of being drugged, there could be a possibility that Delilah could get off scot-free. The charges against her aren't as serious as David's. All I'm saying is that if Delilah gets off, you and Bert could be in for a huge custody battle over Cynthia. So in this case, just keep the mudslinging to a minimum."

Bert grabbed Lisa's hands and looked into her eyes. "I know what those two did is too horrible to even imagine, but Zoey is right. If we crack, it just gives them more ammo."

Lisa looked down, took a deep breath, and sighed. Then she locked eyes again with Bert. "You're right, Bert. It's just that I have to re-live those events every day now for the rest of my life. Just the thought of one of them getting off..."

"With the evidence against them, they shouldn't," said Zoey. "I'll see myself out. If you two have any more questions, you know where to find me."

"Thanks a lot, Zoey," said Bert. "For preparing us for whatever happens."

"I'm just doing my job," said Zoey with a smile. "I care for my friends in this community."

After Zoey left, Bert noticed that Lisa was a little shaken. "Are you okay?"

"I think I just need a little time to collect my thoughts," said Lisa. "I'll be in the bedroom if that's alright."

"Take all the time you need my dear," said Bert. "I'm supposed to see Cedric this afternoon anyways. He wanted to talk to me about something. I'll be back in a few hours with Cynthia, okay?"

"Sounds good honey." Lisa and Bert exchanged a kiss before Bert headed out the door.

After a few minutes, Lisa walked into the bedroom and lied on the queen-sized bed. As she was staring at the ceiling watching the fan go round and round, she noticed that the closet was open. On the top shelf, there was a jewellery box with a lock that Bert couldn't get into. With her curiosity getting the best of her, she lifted herself up off the bed and grabbed that box. She opened it, sending her back to the times before she came to the Forest. There were a few necklaces and bracelets, and a couple of pictures from high school. One was of her close friends from school. Another was a picture of Bert, from about six years ago. But as she scrolled through them, one picture made her stop in her tracks. It was the picture of her and David dancing at the prom. The more she looked at the picture, the more thoughts of a care-free time flooded her mind. Her face began to feel warm and numb, with tears starting to well up in her eyes. "Whatever happened to you?" asked Lisa to the picture. "You were so sweet, so caring. How could you have changed so much?" Instead of ripping up the picture, she put it back in the box and placed it back on the shelf. A feeling came over her that even Bert couldn't help her with. All she could do was cry into her pillow, hoping that the pain would go away.