Author Note: Welcome back once again to the continuation of the Adventure of Shuala Cooper: Search for the Master Thief. We've came a long way and now at Chapter 9. In the last chapter, an owl by the name of Elian has joined the Cooper Gang to help Shuala at all cost to help her with heists that'll lead to knowing Sly's where-abouts.

Chapter 9: Practice

As the next rolled around, Shuala partially agitated, she was outside in the cold lightly shivering balancing and such on a few of the nearby houses as well the cable that connected the houses. Trying hard to balance on the thin wire.

"Seriously gotta figure all this out better..." Shuala huffed to herself, ears perking hearing Konani.

"You ok, Shuala?" she asked.

"Yeah..." Shuala replied, and unhooked the cane and dropped down to Konani. "Good thing I have the cane to catch my fall. But I guess I still need some practice though..."

"Could of asked sooner. We have a training room that my dad built." Konani smiled.

Shuala stared eyes widen. "Whoa! Really? Can we check it out?"

"I don't see why not." Konani said and showed her the way.

Shuala followed and looked around a bit concerned. "Any ideas where Elian went? I havent seen her since last night.

Konani simply shook her head and Shuala instantly shrugged it off.

Elsewhere to Bentley work are, after some intense typing he stopped and thought out loud. "I wonder if the girls would like a vacation."

Later in the day, Shuala went crazy on the practice trying to get everything she did knew somewhat perfect. With a flick of her tail she jumped to spire jump only to slip and fall to the ground. Sitting up she rubbed her head in light pain.

Konani watched watched amazed and flinched as Shuala fell. " So close... You almost had it."

Shuala stood and dusted herself off. "Yeah ALMOST... but its not quite."

Their ears perked and turned to the door as Bentley rolled in. "There you girls are, training for future heists?"

Shuala pouted lightly unsure. "I guess you can say that... Spire Jump is a pain though."

"The spire jump technique best techniques in the Thevius Raccoonnus. Made by your ancestor Rioichi Cooper." Bentley said. "you want to read it to figure it out."

Shuala shook her head. "I would but... I really rather wait for the day my father gives it to me. I only know these techniques cause I watched him."

"Well extra reason bringing it up, is your next heist is in Japan." Bentley finished.

Shuala simple smile turned to excitement. "W-we're going to Japan? HOME OF RIOICHI COOPER!"

Konani smiled giving a small sweatdrop unsure of Shuala's excitement.

"But theres a plus side, you can take advantage of this as a vacation and sightsee for awhile. I dont think you'll have to worry on disguises just yet. Until maybe after this heist. so theres plenty of time to plan out some in case while getting ready." Bentley finished and left.

"And by then I should really try getting the spire jump perfect. I cant let Rioichi down on this." Shuala said.

"MMHM!" Konani said in boost of confidence and watched Shuala go practice more just then Elian walked in.

"Did I miss anything?" Elian wondered.

"Not really just Shuala practicing." Konani replied.

"Really working up those famous cooper skills huh? Never saw anyone so determined. Well I have seen her father determined to save her years ago." Elian mentioned, Konani turned to her a bit confused, and Elian began to tell: "Mr. Cooper was on a heist and I'm guessing Shuala: followed but ended up captured. I was captured too. Once Mr. Cooper finished them off he saved us... I didn't stay long I figured a grudge take place. My family also had thieves in it and more. But its a dark past, and I have no intention to follow the footsteps... on my life I want to help the Coopers."

Konani shook her head trying to take the explanation in just then Shuala had went through the whole course, even managed to stand on the spire jump and jumped down to them.

"I finally did it!" Shuala cheered. "Now all ready for Japan."

Elian jumped a bit confused. " Japan? We're going to Japan?"

"Dont worry I'll fill you in later about it." Konani replied and instantly both her and Elian were pulled into a hug by Shuala.

"Heheh~ We're going to have such a blast together." Shuala laughed.

Konani eye wondered away to a nearby calender and gave a light chuckle. "Yeah..."

Elian stared intently to Konani as Shuala finally let them go. "Is something bother you, Konani? Can we help in anyway?"

"You have been acting a little strange. We're your friends, we'll help out."

"Well..." Konani said unsure and looked out the door to see if Bentley was around and closed the door. "I'm making something special for my dad... And... Its not finished and his birthday is soon."

"Like I said we're here to help." Shuala smiled.

"I'm sure if we work together you might be able to get it finished." Elian added.

"Maybe." Konani shrugged lightly."

"Just tell us what to do and we'll do it." Shuala smiled confidently.

'We worked long on hard helping Konani with her special gift for her dad. I was impressed with her dedication on this gift. She really cares about her father no matter what, nearly as much I'm dedicated to find where mine is. One thing for sure, is we both want to make our father's proud. I feel bad for Elian though, we never asked her about her family. Someday I would like to know, she seems very interesting to learn about. But no matter what I learn, I'm sure we'll always be friends.'