Tailored suits, croquembouche towers, and single ready to mingle vibes. Did I mention Hakuba's hair?

He could feel the sweat drip down his temple as he walked through the gold plated doors. There was obviously nothing to be nervous about, he'd done this tons of times. With eyes meeting the large crowds, crystal chandeliers, champagne fountains... It was almost nothing compared to the grandiose events hosted in America and London alike.

Except this one was in his home country of Japan. With people he actually knew. And people he didn't want to know. Like his mom.

It was really taking a lot not to flinch at the amount of eyes falling on him as he made his way through the second set of doors (was it too late to faint confusion by the amount of doors and just leave?). Also, he was pretty sure the smile he just gave the waiter was in perfect timing with her ungraceful fall to the ground. He reminded himself not to do that again while strongly resisting the urge to face palm.

Of course, he knew the reason. These people hadn't seen him in years, in person at least, and now he'd shown up to a masquerade ball dressed like this? He blamed his mother.

Instead he averted his eyes to the polished gold detailings on the walls surrounding him and the live orchestra playing something akin to Paganini in the corner. The first floor was huge, and it was filled with many dancers and guests mingling along with a well assortment of buffet tables–holding everything from chicken tenders to caviar, which was without mentioning the giant croquembouche tower Shinichi guessed was at least half his height.

With the ballroom immediately present, as well as many decorative pillars and water fountains among the sides, it surely carried the ambience of a grand party (if not a little much). A long row of three steps led up to the second part of the floor, that had a slightly smaller, second ballroom area and another section which displayed the multiple jewels and pieces of art.

What's more–behind the multiple jewel displays–there were two grandiose flights of stairs centering together to form a balcony with a view of everything the hall had to offer. The most interesting thing it had to offer, however, was its large glass dome that acted as a roof for the two sections, and stood high above the dancing crowd members. Managing to drown everything in moonlight, the night sky clearly visible along with each sparkling star.

And so here he stood. With his deep, cool toned black tux and white diamond buttoned dress shirt, accompanied by a vest and bow tie that had far too many gold vine and sigil designs patterning the black for his liking. Along with a pair of pants he definitely had not tried on and thought he'd purchased at the store because these were approximately 3 sizes too small, but he already knew arguing was a futile attempt.

He also knew his mom had switched out his proper size dress pants for something like 3 sizes too small, but once again, arguing was a futile attempt. And without doubt, his mother had also prepared the vest and bow tie prior to their shopping journey, along with his mask.

And boy was his mask something. Uncomfortable, check. Embarrassing, also check. Stupid, without a second doubt.

Currently sporting the black mask of classic shape (which only covered his eyes but was enough to see who he was), it carried a certain familiar vibe to it. Almost like his mother had detailed it after his 'spade' costume persona, along with the vest and bow tie. It had two gold lines running down the rim underneath his eyes, with a textured pattern of spades below that faded out as it drew nearer towards his eyes. Finished with three small, solid white feathers to the right of the mask–diamond flecks clearly visible on each stem.

Boy, had his mother had put up a good fight for this. Eventually resulting in Shinichi's surrender to the flashy and most definitely expensive outfit. His mother had assured him of his fears of standing out and being too much for his official reappearance, saying nothing of the sort would occur. Yet, there she was, squealing in the corner at how much attention Shinichi's–her–outfit was getting. God, he was already dreading the phantom thiefs' reaction.

He regained his composure, trying to ignore the constant stares and giggles he'd been getting from crowd members. His eyes searched for familiar faces, away from his mother's, and met Ran's. She was talking to Sonoko, with Eisuke and Sera present as well, all grouped by one of the water fountains within the hall.

He made his way towards them, maneuvering the crowd, frowning and removing his mask as Ran began to laugh at him. "I look ridiculous, don't I?" He sighed, which only allowed for more laughter coming from his friends.

Eisuke had been wearing a regular black tux, while Sera had a black suit and tie along with matching fedora. Sonoko and Ran, however, were decked out in full ball gowns, probably at Sonoko's request, and were both stunning. Sonoko's dress was a light green with lace detailing around it, while Ran's was red and backless, with the front tied around her neck. All wearing masks that matched their colored attire. Shinichi couldn't help but envy their looks.

When they wouldn't stop laughing, he turned towards Eisuke, the reasonable looking one in this situation, who gave him a pitying smile. "It's not that you look ridiculous Kudo," Shinichi's eyebrow rose steadily. "It's that they know you feel ridiculous."

He turned towards the girls and glared, who only laughed harder at his look, making him second guess the true identity of the one who'd crafted the outfit idea. Deep in thought by the looks of it, and most likely close to unraveling the truth, Sonoko met the detectives eyes as she caught her breath.

"Are those spades on your mask I see?" She chuckled. "I should praise your mother on her good taste, because," she let out another laugh, "I have to say, that play was one of my finer works." She looked towards Ran and they both basked in the baffled expression slowly morphing onto the detective's face, only grinning.

"You did this!" He pointed towards Sonoko, eyes furious with embarrassed rage.

"Huh, for once looks like the detective geek's got the wrong culprit..." Ran snickered at the remark, and went to avert her eyes from Shinichi's.

He could only face palm. "Ran..."

"It wasn't my fault!" She attempted to counter. "She stumbled on the photo," Shinichi glared, "When I sent it to her." She grinned evilly and Shinichi was once again reminded that the innocent Ran he once knew was now corrupted by sexual innuendos, and his mom, and Sonoko, and they both started laughing again.

Sera sloshed her glace of champagne, bemused confusion spread across her smirk. "What exactly does this have to do with a play? And Shinichi, at that..." she asked, taking a sip from her champagne glass, eyebrows raised at the thought. Ran met her eyes with a smirk of cherry red lipstick.

"It was during one of the times that Shinichi had taken the anti–" she stopped herself, eyeing Sonoko. "T–Taken time off his big case, that he starred in Sonoko's play that she wrote. Unfortunately resulting in a case at the end..." Her face turned slightly nostalgic, but as quick as it'd come she regained the mischievous excitement and humor from before. "But what's best is that he got to play the role as the wonderous, mysterious, black knight Spade." She finished comically.

Sera grinned. "Well, I gotta say Shinichi, your mother must have good taste since you surely captured everyone's eyes upon arrival." She turned the grin over on the girls. "I wonder who's going to meet their knight in shining armor tonight then?" They all began to laugh once more, Eisuke along with them (the traitor).

All Shinichi could do was roll his eyes. "Tonight, I only bring the justice side of things. At least I hope my mom doesn't–"

"Ah, Kudo-san!" He was cut off by a shout from a familiar voice, much to his displeasure... (at least the laughter stopped in favor of curiosity).

A man came barging through the crowd at a fast speed with a few police figures trailing him. He was wearing a classic tuxedo (minus the mask) and a very memorable mustache, stopping in front of them with a smile. He must have been very pumped about the heist.

"Nakamori-keibu, it's been awhile," he said, as Nakamori flashed him with a warm smile one would old aquaintences.

"Yes, I'm happy to hear you're back in Japan Kudo-san," he met him with serious eyes, but flashed back towards righteousness. "However, with your appearance we also see another familiar face back in Japan, namely Japan's unwanted trickster thief Kaitou Kid." He managed to say the name exactly how one would tax collector, and Shinichi struggled to hold back a laugh.

"Unfortunately, however, I came over to advise you to allow the police force to handle his matter. Of course, it's not that you are incapable of such feats..." He coughed awkwardly and Shinichi saw him shift his feet. "It's just that–"

"I understand Nakamori-keibu," he quickly darted in, offering a polite smile in sensing the tension to his words. "And I can assure you I won't act against the thief sorely unless provoked. You have my word." The man nodded at him, reassured by his steady professionalism.

Underneath the statement however, Shinichi knew he wasn't going to just walk away. He never left a challenge unmatched after all. (He could almost hear the thief's laughter in the back of his mind).

"That's good to hear Kudo-san. As you know he's been on the run for far too long, and you'll be glad to hear that no-good jewel thief'll be in handcuffs by the end of tonight!"

He felt the justice imminating from the man, and almost flinched. The inspector must have been really happy to hear KID was back in Japan. Always trying his hardest to catch the phantom thief, and most likely succeeding in becoming a neusance for him occasionally... but Shinichi knew he'd never be caught willingly.

That thief was even sometimes too much to handle for himself.

He was dragged from his thoughts however, by the sound of a loud and girlish voice coming from behind the inspector. In fact, everyone's attention had been drawn to the two distinguishable voices.

"BaKaito!"

From behind inspector Nakamori's shoulder, a girl had been furiously storming their way, most likely away from the man trailing her.

In fact, as she came closer within view, she looked surprisingly a lot like Ran. "Just because he's blond doesn't mean you can change the colour of his hair everywhere you go! And at such an event..." she turned towards them and stopped in front of the group, eyes fixing on Shinichi, "Ka-Kaito?"

Bewildered at the surprising resemblance between her and Ran, Shinichi nearly missed what she'd called him. He realized it wasn't just himself who stood amazed, even Ran herself noticed. Inspector Nakamori was quick to clear his throat.

"No he's actually–"

"Kudo Shinichi," the man appeared from behind the inspector to cut off his words. He swiftly removed his dark purple mask, revealing bright indigo eyes and grin on display, "It's a pleasure to make your aquaintance once again, Kudo-san."

Everyone's eyes were now fixated on the new, yet familiar face in front of them. He looked exactly like the detective they all knew, yet with deep indigo eyes and styled, messy brown hair. His suit was a dark shade of purple, quite like Shinichi's own actually, which made the similarities even more interesting. The difference was much more visible, especially with the magician's energetic and confident aura that seemed to engulf him, yet they could still pass as twins to the unknown. (The same went for the girls).

Except Shinichi didn't know how to smile like that, or make his eyes twinkle and somehow have perfect skin in like any lighting he's met him in–although tonight he was fairly glowing. His hair was styled back in an attempt at neat, but with the flyaways it probably made it more of a mix, but it was definitely a good mix. The suit, on the other hand, made him look just between slender and muscular, with everything tight in all the right places. Definitely tailored, maybe even hand stitched by the looks of it.

And was it just him or did his eyelashes look much longer than before?

The detective himself matched the magicians grin, recalling their earlier encounter with the trick he still hadn't uncovered. "And you as well Kuroba-san," he said, looking towards his friends very confused expressions and mentally noted it wasn't just him and the magician conversing. "Ah yes, uh, this is Kuroba Kaito, a magician I met a while back. Kuroba-san these are my friends Mouri Ran, Suzuki Sonoko, Masumi Sera, and Hondou Eisuke." He bowed elegantly towards the group, crossing his legs and extending an arm, which ushered a blush from the girls. Soon enough three roses of different colours appeared in his hand, and both girls squealed, while Hondou and Sera just scoffed (she still accepted it).

"And to you, detective and friends, I present miss Nakamori Aoko." He ushered a hand towards her which she at first hesitated, but then used to curtsy with, blushing at the group.

Her mask was also in her hand, and her dress was a magenta colour that drapped just below her knees, most likely going for a cuter look.

Kuroba grinned. "And I'm sure you've all guessed, but she is also the daughter of the respectable and well known Inspector Nakamori, behind me." Nakamori only rolled his eyes at the magicians animated tone, and scurried away at the call of his voice.

Upon the inspectors leave, the magician donned a sour looking expression. Shinichi coincidently watched the arrival of one Hakuba Saguru.

Resuming his previous introductions, the magician continued as if nothing had happened. "However, everyone must have their faults, and for Aoko it's her untimely choice in cosplaying brits as dating material. Thus she is unfortunately girlfriend to this time-obsessed blond," he eyed the blonds hair, which was a little damp and slightly tinted green with sparkles here and there. "Who, I must say, is currently lacking in the glitter department."

The blond flinched at the statement, only earning a mischievous grin from the prankster. Water was visible on the shoulders of his beige suit jacket, and Shinichi could guess it had been in attempt to remove whatever was previously in his hair.

"What Kuroba failed to mention would be my name, Hakuba Saguru," his eyes met Shinichi's, "Much like yourself, I too, am a detective."

"More like a cosplaying blond to me."

"Kaito..." Aoko said warningly, and Shinichi watched as everyone around them visibly flinched. Kaito only replying with a shrug of his shoulders.

Shinichi smiled.

"Ah yes, my cousin had previously mentioned much about you during his travels here." He continued, hoping to ease some of the tension the two had created. Ignoring the few giggles from the group behind him at the mention of his 'cousin'.

"That boy, Edogawa Conan, he really was quite brilliant," he eyed the detective, subtlely up and down, "you'll have to give him my thanks for his contributions on cases during our few meetings. Especially in his efforts to catch the infamous Kaitou KID." He looked in Kuroba's direction, who was now distracted in showing the girls a magic trick.

Shinichi laughed, "Yah, he wasn't a bad opponent for that guy either."

"He'd never catch him though, as smart as the little guy was," Kaito added, suddenly standing beside the two detectives, the girls and Hondou seemingly immersed in a new conversation with Aoko.

The detective raised his eyebrow. Hakuba only rolled his eyes. "Kuroba is an avid KID fan, or at least that's what he tells me, even though he is clearly–"

"Well it's true," Kuroba interrupted successfully cutting him off, and throwing his hands dramatically in the air. Hakuba rolled his eyes. "Your task force even requested the aid of a seven year old to merely come close~!" he said, and grinned at Shinichi with a knowing sort of expression, allowing the detective to smirk in return. This Kuroba Kaito was getting more interesting with each word.

"Interesting, seeing as he's a fellow magician," Shinichi mused. "Would you not consider yourselves rivals, if that were the case?"

Kuroba only smiled.

"Quite impossible in my case, seeing as surely nobody's magic could rival mine. Not even the great Kaitou KID!" At that, the man lifted his hand in the direction of Hakuba whose eyes were fast to change towards fear, at the small flash of pink smoke.

The smoke evaporated in seconds to reveal a brand new, pink glitter-haired detective. Sighing the detective glared and walked off, most likely towards the bathroom for the second time that night. The magician was quick to grin at Shinichi, who's expression was still filled with shock at the occurance, yet he was even quicker to make a running exit once Aoko had noticed the prank.

Shinichi's expression lifted to something more thoughtful, as he watched the magician dance around the ballroom floor, away from the mop-wielding girl. "A prankster too..." he thought out loud. "Huh."

Shinichi moved to walking around the hall to further investigate its details, while compiling his info on KID. He put his mask back on.

Kaitou KID. An experienced magician just as he is thief, who's never ceased to entertain and entrance his audience, as well as annoy and elude his own task force, who've been set out on capturing him for about a decade. All attempts failing, of course, and his identity still remains a mystery.

To Shinichi, however, he's identifiable as a male, most likely similar age to himself, as well as carrying similar facial features to the detective (how else could he have disguised himself as Shinichi?). There were two Kaitou KID's, one before his 8 year disappearance and one after–the one he now chases.

He's a cocky, arrogant thief who'll stop at nothing to prank and embarrass all who stand against him, as well as challenge those who come close to standing beside him. Shinichi being the closest to that title, and currently holding claim to it. The title of rival, that is.

But what more is there to such a self righteous thief who only steals for the amusement, always returning his thefts without anyone getting hurt? Even so after Pandora was destroyed? Why did he even help Shinichi with the black organization in the first place? Why'd he leave Japan. Why was he back now...

Just who is he?

Lost in his thoughts, Shinichi had made his way across the ballroom looking for possible escape routes for KID. Multiple came up, no thanks to the idiocy of the task force, which earned a rightful sigh from the great detective.

Mid way through the sigh, he felt a firm but light hand on his shoulder. Startled by his own let down guard, Shinichi turned towards the figure to be greeted by the warm smile and calm, intelligent eyes seen through a large pair glasses.

His father.

"Something on your mind, Shinichi?" Yuusaku pondered, gently removing his hand when his son went to meet his eyes.

"Dad, you– you knew Kaitou KID," his eyes fluttered around the room in search for words, until resuming gaze on his father, "What was he like? Back then, I mean."

His dad's smile only shifted to something closer to a grin, as his eyes showed a calm sparkle at the words. "The KID I knew, as I'm sure you already know," (mentioning the fact that their KID's are both two separate people), "Was a rival like no other. He could be far more intelligent than myself at times, though I'd never tell him that, and he carried his own sense of justice. Never giving into the actual act of theft, or to the allure of easier methods such as violence."

His father paused to stir at the champagne glass in his hand, eyeing it nostalgically.

"All of this I'm sure you've already seen in the younger KID, but it never ceases to surprise me how similar he's become to the man I used to solve riddles with..."

His fathers eyes held a sense of reminiscence to them, as well as the aching sadness that one would see at the loss of another, or the loss of a friend. Fearing his own sense to pry, Shinichi forced himself to stay silent. He wasn't used to seeing his dad hesitate with information.

"Did you know?" Shinichi asked, he never could keep his mouth shut, his curiosity had a mind of its own after all. "After so long, you must've–"

"I knew what I needed to know." His father's grin reappeared, as if wanting to reveal more information, yet knowing he wouldn't. "He, much like the KID now, was a man of mystery. However, all things considered, his identity never really was a secret. Not to me anyways.

"Although, what I did know was that we were rivals. Equals. And most of all, friends. Even your mom found him quite entertaining, and that was enough to settle my mind. Not that he'd ever give me a break anyways." He finished, rolling his eyes and the two laughed.

Both him and his father had experienced battling the thief, whether new or old, his being was still the same. He wondered just how close the two would've had to have been to become so similar. By the looks of it, they would both be equally annoying to deal with as well. But it was a rush, a challenge, and Shinichi loved it. He loved every moment he spent hunting him down, uncovering his riddles, catching him on roofs, talking... he loved–

Suddenly his father placed both his hands on his shoulders. Looking him directly in the eyes, a small smirk pulling across his lips. "That doesn't mean you can go easy on him though, you understand?" His dad's grin was something of a surprise. Shinichi hadn't seen such a mischievous look on his dad in a long time. He matched it anyways.

"Never."

"Then I leave you to it. Be sure to give him hell for me. Like father, like son." He lifted his hands, and Shinichi's eyes found a certain gleam in his father's, like there was more than one meaning to his words...

He abandoned the thought and smiled back with a nod, watching as his father left him to meet his mom. That was his cue to walk out of there as well, cuz god knows she was looking to hunt him down and smother him.

Losing himself in the crowd, he found himself looking at his watch again (a Rolex his mother had insisted he wear, but was seemingly coming in handy) and decided to make his way towards the jewel he hadn't had the chance to observe yet.

With only fifteen more minutes until the announced time, he figured he'd at least be near it when the thief came raining down.

Shinichi wandered past the large crowd, and the many dancers in the centre of the large ballroom towards the steps entering the second section that held the jewels. He made his way over towards the jewel, catching the attention of a few passerby's who hesitated to approach the world renouned detective. There were multiple police figures around the area as well, but none were uncertain as to allow him access to the one display case in particular.

Past the red and gold decorative fence the owners had put up, was the case that held the sparkling gem. It especially continued to shine as the moonlight from the glass dome above it fell upon its many carats. The Purple Deity–also tonight's target–was a shining, purple amethyst that was about the size of an apple.

He could see now why it caught the thief's attention, since he was always drawn to the bigger, shinier gems, and Shinichi had no doubt he'd get away with it too. With the lack of proper security, Nakamori being all over him, and the perfect atmosphere for the cocky thief, it was no doubt he'd make a grand getaway. It was how Shinichi hindered his getaway that would be important. He'd never let the thief know that though.

Further approaching the case, it seems the force never really did learn their lesson about attempting to put locks on the cases. If anything, there would probably be a five second difference, but it wasn't something they'd needed to waste money and resources on just to be unlocked.

He also realized the amount of space the thief would have to move around. The second ball room really did make for a wonderful display area, but it's like the owners were begging it to be stolen. Front and center, just what the thief strived for... It's as if they already knew he'd be bringing it back. No surprise there. He could just imagine the fight Nakamori-keibu had put up with the owner.

Satisfied with his thorough inspection, the detective smirked in anticipation, earning a few interested gazes. One of which, would be a certain magician's.

"I see you've located tonight's target, Kudo-san," he said, a perky smile ushering his lips as their eyes met. "In fact you almost look like your ready to steal it yourself, what with that KID like grin you're giving."

"Who knows," his eyes dwindled on the magicians ruffled hair. "He does enjoy disguising as me so it wouldn't be anything new, as far as I'm aware."

The magician merely nodded his head in consideration, his gaze turning towards the jewel. "Are you suggesting that I could very well be talking to the Kaitou KID himself?" He turned around to look at Shinichi and cocked his head, ponderingly.

"Not suggesting, just warning you not to be surprised if he does. He also tends to like to fiddle with my... uh, reputation when doing so." Shinichi replied, scratching his head as his mind dwindled on previous similar events.

Kuroba laughed, clearly showing interest in the subject of his reputation's demise. "I sure would love to see that. Especially at a chance to meet KID." He leaned in closer to Shinichi, grinning. "If you don't already know, I'm his biggest fan."

The detective rolled his eyes playfully, while the magician snickered. "What brought you into magic anyways, Kuroba?" Shinichi quickly realized his lack of prefix and briefly tensed, hoping the magician wouldn't notice. Kaito only smiled.

"My dad was the original magician of the household," his eyes gleamed with delight, like a kid talking about his idol. "The famous Kuroba Toichi, marvelous magician and the best in all of Japan and the world! He taught me almost everything I know." His expression shifted for merely a second before a practiced poker face was set in place. The eastern detective couldn't quite explain what it was, however.

"Even Kaitou KID would be nothing compared to him," Kuroba added, and Shinichi opened his mouth to reply, but was shut down by Kuroba's energy, "Speaking of, how much time until we see the thief in action? I see you've got a pretty watch at your disposal~"

Grinning once again, the detective flashed him an unimpressed look, brushing off the last topic even if he didn't want to. "Five minutes," he glanced at the gem and back to Kaito, "And by the way, this wasn't by choice."

"You mean the getup?" Shinichi frowned at him once more, earning a chuckle. "I was about to say it didn't quite fit your serious detectivey style. But Is there something special about the spade suit that I don't know about?"

"Just the obsession of a few women in my life, not that I personally share any likeness to a knight in shining armor."

"So it's a character then. A sort of costume like the Night Baron, or Kaitou KID's suit?"

"I mean, I didn't really think of it like that, but now that you say it I guess it makes sense." He glanced down at the mask now in his hands, "I'm sure that's probably what my mom was going for anyways, since she's both Night Baron and Kaitou KID obsessed, and she makes a hobby out of my embarrassment."

"I'm starting to think I should meet this lady." Kaito added, eyes now searching the crowd, looking to point out the famous actress.

"And I'm sure you'd get along just fine." His attention turned back to Shinichi. "Actually she'd probably end up really liking you."

The magician smirked. "Glad to hear I'd be welcomed."

Their was a sudden silence. Shinichi hadn't noticed how close the two now stood, almost like they'd been drawn in by the conversation. Fearful for a near awkward environment Shinichi took a step back, eyes averting towards the beautiful jewel.

"One minute inspector!" An officer yelled, and the pair acknowledged their remaining time.

However, both chose to ignore it in favour of continuing their conversation.

"How'd they let you in here anyway, isn't this area kind of off limits?" He scanned the guards who didn't seem to mind the magician's presence.

"Actually, in the past, I've helped deduce his tricks and make traps and stuff for the task force. You know, since I'm a magician and all."

"Really?" Shinichi's eyebrows raised in interest. "I wouldn't expect Inspector Nakamori to make such a decision. He must really trust your skills."

"As I said before, not even the great Kaitou KID's skills are above mine. No matter what tricks he may pull." He hesitated for a second. "Maybe I'll show you what I mean someday."

Shinichi nodded, smiling. "For now, it'll probably be best to get out of the blast zone," he eyed his surroundings, as if double checking for traps. "You never know what that thief's going to do, or what the task force will be covered in this time."

Kaito began laughing, taking the first step away. "Well this time it surely won't be directed to the task force, now will it?" He chuckled as he walked away from the detective, disappearing into the crowd.

Shinichi hummed in confirmation and was soon left to his thoughts. It was strange though, the way he phrased some things. Certainly he couldn't know, but if he didn't then what did he mean?

"Three."

Honestly it was baffling. Was it the humour that had the allure, or maybe his intelligence despite being a prankster, and an arrogant, gentleman like magician.

"Two."

It did make him wonder though. Why this Kuroba Kaito was so... perplexing.

"One."

The lights went out.