Note: Six chapters are left after this one, so this will be over sooner than any of you realize. I want to thank mjames577, Joel-Robert-Dayton, Yamagata, and Ron Broadfoot for their reviews on this story, even if mjames577 hates stories featuring rape. Keep in mind that this is my first official fanfic for The Raccoons, but I will write another when I feel like it. Okay, it's time for chapter ten.
Chapter 10: The Manhunt Begins
Bert walked through the Evergreen Forest while holding the ring he was planning to give to Lisa. He never thought that he would propose so early, but it was his way of saying that he wants to take care of Lisa. After all, she was pregnant. There was only one problem with that: When the baby was born, what were they going to tell the child? Bert felt like it wasn't right to tell the baby that it was the spawn of a rapist. He was hoping that him and Lisa could lie to the child about his/her father.
While he was walking, Bert saw Cyril, Cedric, George, Mr. Knox, and Captain Pepper talking to each other near Cyril's car.
"Hey Bert!" George called out.
"What's going on, guys?" Bert asked.
"We're going on a manhunt, Raccoon!" Cyril said.
"Why are George, Mr. Knox, and Captain Pepper here?" Bert asked.
"I decided to catch this crazy buckaroo before he got his perverted paws on my Sweet Pea." Mr. Knox answered.
"And I'd like to foot him the bill that he needs for getting Lisa pregnant!" George cracked his knuckles.
"A manhunt needs all the help it can get," Captain Pepper said, "so I joined in order to help you guys!"
"Where are Nicole and Lady Baden-Baden?" Bert asked.
"They're watching over Lisa." Cedric answered.
"It's our way of protecting them from the creep who has been prowling through the Evergreen Forest!" Cyril stated.
"How do we know that this guy isn't also prone to attacking little girls and babies?" Bert asked.
"Each of the victims were teenage girls and grown women." Captain Pepper stated.
"Not even a guy like him would hurt a child." Cedric said.
"But he's still a crook who needs to be caught!" Cyril said.
"Will you be willing to join us, Bert?" George asked.
"I'm actually on my way to see Lisa," Bert answered, "but I'll see you guys later."
"You better," Cyril said, "because we'll bring you an execution like no other! It will even make headlines in the Evergreen Forest! Come on, men!"
Cyril, Cedric, George, Mr. Knox, and Captain Pepper ran off, allowing Bert to continue walking. The raccoon was in a dilemma: join the manhunt after proposing to Lisa or join the manhunt before proposing. While he was more than happy to catch the monster who worked his will onto Lisa, Bert just wanted to take care of the young woman for the time being. After all, he didn't have a weapon to use. The others didn't really need his help, considering how an officer was with them. Besides, Cyril Sneer and Mr. Knox seemed like men who would use firearms.
Bert stopped by a pay phone, inserting some quarters into it. Dialing the number to the Raccoondominium, he waited until someone picked up the phone.
"Hello?" Melissa's voice came out.
"Hi Melissa." Bert spoke.
"We saw Mr. Sneer running by with Mr. Knox, Cedric, George, and Captain Pepper," the female raccoon's voice spoke, "what's going on?"
"If you couldn't tell, Cyril started a manhunt." Bert said.
"Did he want you to join in?" Melissa asked.
"Yeah." The male raccoon said.
"Are you going to join them?" The female asked.
"I'll join them after I propose to Lisa." Bert stated.
"Why?" Ralph's voice came out of the line, the raccoon having taken the phone from his wife.
"Because," Bert said, "we can't let this bastard get away with his crimes for much longer! For all we know, Melissa, Nicole, and Sophia could be next! Would you feel good if your wife got raped, Ralph?!"
Bert got no answer.
"Hello?" He asked.
"We'll join the mob," Melissa's voice came out of the line, "go and propose to Lisa."
"Okay, see you guys later!" Bert said before hanging up.
After hanging up, Bert continued on his walk to Lisa. No matter what happened, he was going to propose to her and be the best husband he could be for a rape victim. Even if they didn't decide on what to do with the baby for now, the couple could decide after the honeymoon. Bert was just hoping that everyone would be okay with it, especially Bentley.
After a few minutes, Cyril, Cedric, George, Mr. Knox, and Captain Pepper found themselves at a loss.
"Dammit, that rapist could be anywhere!" Cyril shouted.
"He could have even skipped town!" George surmised.
"It's not possible for him to escape," Captain Pepper said, "I had the rest of the force set up barricades all throughout the Evergreen Forest!"
"Barricades or not, we still need to find him!" Cedric said.
"I would be pleased as punch if we found him now!" Mr. Knox stated.
"Let's keep looking!" Cyril said.
The five continued to look through the forest, intent on catching their target. All of a sudden, Cedric heard a noise that sounded like footsteps. Curious, the aardvark moved towards the noise. When he was near the sound, Cedric saw someone in denim clothing. This person even had gray fabric covering his entire face. It immediately dawned on Cedric who this person was: the rapist who was on the loose.
"Cedric Sneer," the rapist sneered, "how lovely to see you."
"You won't be saying that when I get the others!" Cedric shouted, hoping that someone would hear him.
"You aren't going anywhere, rich boy!" The masked criminal lunged at the aardvark, grabbing his throat.
Luckily, Cyril had heard Cedric's voice and was immediately in the area with his rifle.
"Hands off my son!" The millionaire shouted.
"We'll talk when he's dead!" The assailant spat at him.
Cyril fired his rifle at the masked man, only succeeding in wounding his shoulder. Cedric then punched the thug, causing him to fall down. Before he could lay another punch, the criminal sweep kicked the aardvark and ran off.
"Pop, shoot him again!" Cedric yelled.
"We'll deal with him later!" Cyril said as he helped his son up.
"What happened?" George asked as he ran towards them.
"The rapist tried to strangle me to death, but Pop shot him in the shoulder." Cedric answered.
"Where's he at?" George asked.
"He's gone," Cyril answered, "but I have a feeling we'll encounter him later!"
"Let's get back with the group," George said, "we might need to get supplies from ammo to camouflage."
"Agreed." Cedric said as he started to walk back to the group.
"Then we'll continue to chase the perverted monster!" Cyril said as he walked back to the group, "The next time he sees us will be his last!"
The three met up with Mr. Knox and Captain Pepper. After that, they went back into town, intent on grabbing the right supplies they needed for their manhunt.
Note: Well, this story is going to have a violent ending, so get ready. I know, I shouldn't spoil it, but I feel the urge to give a warning like that.
Leon: I've got an idea for the ending!
Me: What is it?
Leon: Make it so bloody that everyone will be in shock! Heh, you can even have almost every character get hurt!
Me: The ending won't feature as much gore as you might think.
Falco: Yeah, don't get your hopes up, lizard boy!
Leon: Ugh, I'm heading home!
Falco: That guy.
Me: Tell me about it.
I have to say, there will be bloody moments all throughout the ending, so be warned. What did you guys think about this chapter? Let me know when you leave a review or give a constructive criticism. Until next time guys, peace!