A few weeks later…

After some tough training in the Hazard Room, Wyoming felt he was truly wiped out. But Sly was proud. He'd done everything right, even if they had to work at it a bit. They started with cane swings, where Sly let the kitten use his cane, and then moved on to climbing pipes, walking on wires, and wall hooks. They'd worked on recon photos, and pick pocketing. Wyoming had taken out foes, escaped from fights by running, and learned many other things. All in all, both Wyoming and Sly were tired of training for the time being, and decided to take a break.

Now the pair sat at the table in the safe house, munching on burritos. Wyoming picked all the lettuce off of his own before downing them, then they shared a 2 liter bottle of diet coke.

Sly let out a satisfied sigh once the food was finished. "Okay, Wy, I think you're ready."

Wyoming looked at the raccoon with startled eyes. "What? Ready for what?"

"For a real mission," Sly said, smirking.

"A real mission? Really?" Wyoming exclaimed excitedly.

"Yes," Sly chuckled, "A really real mission. But first…" Sly got up and walked into the bedroom. Wyoming waited. After two minutes, the ringtail returned. He was holding a wrapped box. "Um, for being a good apprentice. You'll need it for the mission." He handed the tabby the box, and Wyoming stared at it for a moment in awe.

He then slowly pulled the wrapping off, as if he were almost afraid of what was inside. When he finally got all the wrapping off, he found a box. He opened the box slowly, then stared at the treasure inside. "You're giving this to me?"

Sly smiled. "Yeah…"

"But, your dad gave it to you…"

Sly shook his head quickly. "No, Wyoming, seriously, I'm not generous enough to give you the real deal. This is a copy Bentley and I stayed up late making. The metal is the same as mine, and it's styled the same way. It's smaller though, so you can use it easier, but when you need it, we'll give you an extension."

Wyoming held his prize triumphantly. The Cooper Cane… "Thanks so much Sly. This is an honor."

Sly waved his hands. "Oh, come on, don't get all mushy." Sly paused. "Speaking of mushy… How would you like to be an honorary Cooper?"

Wyoming's eyes were wide with shock.

"I mean, you're an orphan and all, and there's only one woman for me," here Wyoming laughed with amusement, "so I figure this is the only way to make the partnership really work. I officially adopt you, Wyoming Joe Travers, as my little brother, Wyoming Joe Travers Cooper. Or just Wylie Cooper for short."

"Wylie?" Wyoming tilted his head.

"Yeah, you know, Wylie. It's pronounced the same way as wily, spelled W-I-L-Y instead of your nickname, W-Y-L-I-E, and wily according to the Encarta Dictionary: English (North America) means crafty and skilled at using clever tricks to deceive people. So it's perfect! Sly Cooper and Wylie Cooper. Brothers and master thieves."

Wylie smiled. "Okay, I'll be Wylie Cooper."

The two brothers shook and hands and left for their mission.