I was literally sleeping all day yesterday, so I didn't even look at my computer until mid-afternoon. I must not be feeling well, because I forgot to write my "thank you's" and what not in the last chapter :/

-Toa Solaric

-Knoctis00

-rubius

-Guest 362

-PrettyRecklessLaura

You guys are amazing! Thank you for keeping up with me, I appreciate you all!

I worked really hard on this chapter, not that I don't work hard on any of the other ones :) Originally I had written this as a one shot. However when this story as a whole came into my head, I decided to incorporate it ^-^ If parts of it don't make sense that's probably why.

Here's your warning: It's longer...that's my only warning :)

DISCLAIMER: I don't own or work for Toei, I just wrote the story

MASQUERADE

Global Special Police Organization Masquerade Ball

7pm-12am

Wear a mask to keep your identity a secret

A masquerade is entertaining with more people

Bring a guest if you wish

That was all the invitation said. How in the world did they think that a Gangler wasn't going to attack at this time? More importantly, whose idea was it to hold a masquerade ball?

Tsukasa looked herself over in the mirror one more time before finally being content with how she looked. Her gown was a sleeveless pink one, with small pleats around the bodice. The hem was lined with silver, while sequins of the same color were placed among the top half, as well as her left side to resemble flowers. The back of the dress was similar to Umika's, where the backing was a lace up. To tie the outfit together, she wore her clear silver pumps. At first she was planning on leaving her hair the way it was, but Umika would hear none of it. Earlier that afternoon she stopped by her apartment to do her hair. Her tresses were curled softly at the bottom, and on each side, right above her ears, she wore small barrettes adorned with pearls of different sizes. On her bed was a box containing a pink mask along with another note:

This mask was handpicked just for you.

Wear it with your gown. It'll match, I promise

See you tonight.

Of course, like all the other notes the Kaitous leave, no fingerprints, and nothing handwritten.

Grabbing her invitation, along with the box, she headed downstairs to her car and drove to the hotel.

After parking her car, she turned off the ignition and sat there a few moments collecting herself. She really should have said something to someone, Noel especially. But something about this note seemed different from the other one.

Tsukasa reached for the box, and pulled out the mask. She traced the outline of it with her finger. She had to admit they weren't wrong about the mask and dress pairing quite nicely. At least they had some fashion sense. Of course she didn't consider the mask to be an ugly one, it was actually quite beautiful; although made of a material similar to plastic, silver glitter lined the edges along with decorative pink swirls going in every direction. Funny, this mask looked so familiar. Carefully she turned it over and tied it in the back of her head. Taking one last glance in her mirror she picked up her invitation and headed inside.

Two doormen, who were also wearing masks, opened the doors for her. It made her feel rich and fancy, not that that was necessarily a bad thing. As soon as she stepped inside she took in the scenery; people were dressed from head to toe in their masquerade attire. Everyone was wearing masks of all different shapes and sizes. Sure she knew that whoever was here worked for the GSPO, the only problem was figuring out who was who. The entire organization did such a good job disguising their identities using costumes and accessories such as gloves and hats.

As soon as she got to the top of the grand staircase, she noticed the main ballroom to her left. Above the doors hung a banner that read, "GSPO Masquerade." Well, at least she was in the right place.

"Good evening Tsukasa."

She jumped a little at the sound of her own name. She turned around and saw the sign-in table decorated in gold and pearly white garlands. Handling the table was Commander Hilltop and Jim.

"Sorry for scaring you." Jim apologized. "But I thought I should dress for the occasion as well." In the middle of his chest was a humorously large bow tie that covered his blue metal one. On his face was a plain black clothed mask that was tied in the back. It reminded her of that famous vigilante that rode on a steed named Tornado. What was his name? Zorro?

"Of course, by process of elimination, you probably figured out that it was me, Hilltop." He said lifting his mask. Her boss chose a simple black tuxedo with a silver Pantalone style mask.

"We're glad you could make it tonight." Jim told her.

"It's not like I had a choice..." She said under her breath.

"Tsukasa-san?"

"Ah iie, nandemonai." She said waving it off.

"The others should be inside by now. We should be ready to start soon." Hilltop validated her parking. "And uh, quick question before you go?"

"Hmm?"

"Be honest, could you tell it was us just by looking?" They stood back to back posing for her.

Absolutely-

"Had no idea sir." She said forcing a smile. "I was completely fooled."

That seemed to appease them. She waved goodbye and entered the ballroom.

It was like walking into a dream; golden chandeliers that hung from the ceiling gave the room a warm glow. Pillars of white were taped with masks of black and silver, or white and gold. The center of the room was made into a makeshift ballroom dance floor, while the outer edges were lined with round tables that had white and gold table cloths.

"Tsukasa-san!"

Tsukasa scanned the ballroom until she spotted Umika waving her over. Standing next to her happily was Sakuya, along with Keiichiro and Mana, who held onto his arm. Keiichiro and Sakuya wore black tuxes as well, but with red and green ties respectively. Keiichiro's mask was a gradient one that went from red to black, and Sakuya's was nearly identical to Umika's. Naturally Umika wasn't about to reveal her identity by wearing her Kaitou mask. Instead she asked Kogure to make another one similar to her yellow one, but silver instead. He did of course, much to his annoyance.

"You look so beautiful!" She beamed as she came up to the group. "I knew those barrettes would look much better on you than me."

"Thank you." She said blushing. "Where's Noel?"

"He's around here somewhere." Sakuya told her. "I think he's trying to make a good impression on the higher ups." They all nodded in understanding.

"Excuse us ladies. Sakuya, let's go get some drinks." Keiichiro told him. "Tsukasa, do you want anything?"

She shook her head at him. "No thank you."

As soon as their dates left, Mana and Umika huddled around her.

"Oh I wish you had told me that you didn't have a date." Umika said sadly. "If I had known that, I would've made Kairi or Touma come with you. Maybe Touma, I don't think Kairi would've taken this seriously." She pondered.

"If you would like to, you can share my date with me. I don't mind, and I'm sure Keiichiro-san wouldn't either."

"Ah, no no. It's fine really. Please don't worry about it. I'd rather not be a third wheel." She said forming a smile.

Mana nodded at her answer. "By the way where did you get your mask from? It's really phenomenal!"

"Oh, um, eeto..." How was she supposed to answer that?

'A phantom thief gave it to me.' She said in her head. 'You know that special person you've been asking me about in my life.'

"It...was...a gift." She managed to spit out. "I got it awhile ago."

The sound of a microphone being turned on silenced the rest of their conversation. A woman whom Tsukasa recognized from the lab department (even with her mask on) called for everyone's attention. "Shall we begin?"

Later on that night...

The masquerade, in her opinion, was not as bad as she expected it to be. For the most part it was entertaining, minus the corny jokes that Shinta Yanagami tried to tell; everyone laughed awkwardly because they didn't want to get written up. The best part: no Gangler attacks, yet. That was probably the one thing that bothered her tonight. That and the mysterious stranger who she wanted to put in a choke hold for breaking into her apartment.

It was beginning to wind down. And like most parties you go to, you know it's almost done when all that's left is the dancing. How people in this company learned how to waltz, she will never know.

Tsukasa stood on the side watching the others. It was amusing seeing her friends dance with their respective partners; Keiichiro didn't know how to dance so Mana was leading them, but he was having a hard time following her lead. Sakuya profoundly apologized for leading Umika ever so slowly, but she found that she didn't mind it one bit. It was a nice sight to see; the peace that she had been working towards for so long.

"Bonjour." Said a voice beside her. She turned to see Noel, dressed in his phantom thief attire.

"Noel." She said softly acknowledging his presence.

"Tell me Tsukasa-san, why would a beautiful woman such as yourself stay on the side while everyone is enjoying themselves. Why, even Umika is enjoying herself with Sakuya."

"I dunno. It's just...not really my thing." She said awkwardly. She took notice of his neck. "No bandage?"

"Hmm?"

"Your neck."

"What about it?" He asked rubbing it back and forth.

"Never mind." She shook her head. "Where have you been all night?"

"Mingling. I believe that's why they're called mixers, oui?" He noticed her uncomfortable expression. "Is something wrong?"

She didn't answer him, but he could kind of guess from her posture.

"You got another note?"

"Something like that. It was...different."

"In what way?"

"It wasn't a warning this time. It was..." What was it actually? A reminder? A notice? Advice?

While she contemplated her answer, he moved in front of her. "Dance with me." He said holding out his hand to her.

She looked at him in surprise. Did he seriously think she wanted to dance right now? When he made no attempt to change his mind, she took his hand as he led them to the dance floor. Turning to face her, he gently took hold of her waist and led them in a waltz.

"If you're worried about the Ganglers, and your phantom thief, don't be. I've asked the Lupinrangers to take care of any disturbances and to contact me if anything were to come up. Not only that, but we have GSPO all around us." He said twirling her.

"Almost all around us." She corrected. "I do have one phantom in front of me."

"Hmm, touché." He said giving her his trademark smirk.

"Noel, be honest. Was it you who sent me that note about my treasure?"

"You have my word that that was not me. I would never be so naive as to send it out to anyone other than a Gangler." He said spinning her so her back was to him.

"I believe you on that, but what about my mask?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"The note along with this mask. Did you send this to me?" Tsukasa asked returning to their original position.

Noel gave her a confused look. "I didn't send you a mask."

"May I cut in?"

Both GSPO detectives turned to see another man holding out his hand to Tsukasa. He was dressed in a black tuxedo, and underneath he wore a ruby red vest. Although he wore his top hat as well, his mask was the most recognizable thing about him.

"Kaitou..." She whispered.

Silently Noel eyed him, unsure of what he was planning.

"Well?" Kairi said staring into her eyes.

Hesitantly, she reached for his gloved hand. He gave her palm a small squeeze and led her a little further away from Noel. When they were far enough, he wrapped his arm around her and led her in the next movement.

"Do I have good taste or what?" He asked about her mask, even though he really wasn't the one who picked it out.

"What are you doing here?" She asked not really caring for small talk.

"It's like I said, 'See you tonight'."

"That's not what I meant." She replied cutting him off. "You're completely surrounded by GSPO workers, what makes you think I won't have you arrested?"

"Because I know you better." He said simply. "You're not one to spoil anything, especially when it comes to you."

She remained silent for a moment. "So, it was you who broke into my room and left this on my dresser." She stated rather than asked.

"Bingo."

"And that note about 'my treasure,' that was-"

"As I have said before, that wasn't me." Kairi said spinning her.

"Stop playing around. It has to be one of you. How could it be anyone else?"

"I'm not sure, but I would like to find out myself, and blast them for trying to impersonate one of us." He replied.

Literally, she was going around in a circle. "So then, what's your goal tonight?"

"To do some investigative work, among other things." He implied impishly.

Tsukasa was becoming irritated. "So what was the point of-?"

Kairi jerked her forward. "Man, are you seriously going to interrogate me at a time like this?" He asked frustrated. "Can you just stop asking questions for once and enjoy yourself?"

She raised her eyebrow at him.

"Please?" He tried again.

Tsukasa sighed in response and let him lead her in a dance. She hated to admit it, but she was starting to enjoy herself. She turned her head to the side, checking to see if anyone was staring at them. So far, her friends were still in their own little world, and Noel was once again nowhere to be found.

"You're daydreaming..." He whispered to her.

She returned her attention to him. "Sorry."

Kairi tried to lighten the mood. "Forgive me if I bore you tonight." He joked.

"No, that's not it at all." She tried to get her thoughts together. "I um...didn't think I would see you so soon."

He grinned. "Did I or my note not make that clear enough?"

"Well I didn't know that was you." She defended.

"Is that a bad thing, seeing me so soon?"

"What? No of course not." Her hand moved of its own will to the nape of his neck, sending electric shocks through his body.

"I actually wanted to strangle you for entering my room." She admitted.

Kairi laughed. "Just for entering your room?"

"Well yeah. That's my personal space. You couldn't have left it by the door or something?"

"I wasn't sure if you would actually see it there."

She rolled her eyes. "It's a box, there's no way I'd miss it."

"Heh, well now I know where to leave things for you next time."

"Who says there's going to be a next time?"

"Why wouldn't there be?" He teased.

"I change my mind; I might just have to arrest you now."

"You know if it weren't for the fact that I know how strong you are, I would actually let you."

She smiled back. "Well, you deserve it."

Their conversation began to dwindle, not that it mattered to either one. They were content with how things were. Tsukasa was happy to see him again, ecstatic even. But, she couldn't help but feel that this was all part of a bigger plot. As if...he was just using her to take the collection piece from whoever was messing with her.

"What is it?" Kairi asked, noticing her face was growing sadder.

"It's...it's nothing." She lied. The more she kept saying that, the more it came out naturally.

He pulled her closer. "Tell me."

"It's just..." She wanted to stay in this dream a little longer with him. But eventually, she would have to wake up and face reality. "Why are you really here?"

Because I wanted to see you... Said the voice in his heart. "Because, I needed to know something..."

"Which is...?" She asked softly.

Time seemed to move slowly. They stopped dancing. Luckily for them they were off to the side where no one could bump into them.

Tsukasa gazed at him with uncertainty; so many questions were running through her mind, but not one of them she could get out; Who are you? Why are you after the Lupin Collection? What will you do when you've obtained all of it? What is your goal? What are you hiding? How do you really feel about me...?

Kairi looked deeply into her eyes, trying to guest what she was thinking. While his mind was telling him one thing, his heart told him something completely different. He moved his face closer to hers.

She bit her lower lip. "What do you want from me...?" She spoke softly, finally able to get at least one question out.

His fingers moved to tilt her chin upwards. He leaned forward, closing his eyes with every intention of kissing her...

It's not fair...to you or to her... Something said in the back if his mind. If you lead her on like this, she'll be even more hurt...especially when the truth comes out...

That snapped him out of his trance. Kairi opened his eyes to see that she too had willingly closed hers, waiting for him. He sighed. Unfair indeed.

"I have to go..." He removed his fingers from under her chin and began to walk away.

"Wait!" She grabbed his hand in between hers. Tsukasa didn't know what came over her. She didn't know what to say, what she wanted to say. All she knew is that she wanted more time with him.

In his mind, he wanted the exact same thing. Her hair fell forward when she looked down. A lock of hair, that same lock of hair actually from a few days ago, fell into her eyes once more. Without hesitation, he successfully tucked it behind her ear this time. "Adieu." He whispered. Gently he pulled his hand from her grasp and made his escape.

Tsukasa stood there ashamed. Had she said or did something wrong? She wanted to run after him, tell him to stay, follow him into the night, anything...but watch him walk away from her...

While she was distracted by her thoughts, Kairi quickly made his way to the door. He ran down the grand staircase and was just about to make his exit.

"Matte."

He stopped in his tracks. Noel was standing on the side of the staircase waiting for him. He should have known he would have wanted some answers from him.

"Sup."

"May I ask why you've taken a sudden interest in Tsukasa-san?"

He wasn't really in the mood for answering questions at the moment. "Well, you asked us to help you. Did you not?"

"True, but I am here," He sauntered behind him. "Along with Umika-chan. Was there really a need for an extra body?"

"Well, you know what they say; the more the merrier." He said simply. "I like to be thorough with my findings."

"Understandable. But, is that really all?"

Kairi hated getting the third degree. He stood there unable to answer the question.

"What exactly are you planning?"

How many times was he going to get asked that? By now he should have a clearer understanding of what he was after...right?

"Tch, I don't know what you're talking about." He turned away from him.

"Hmm." Noel had his hand under his chin. "I know we're at a masquerade and all, but," He placed a hand on his shoulder. "Your pretense is falling through." He patted his shoulder and walked away. "Have a good night."

Kairi stood there in the middle of the lobby. He felt like he got the wind knocked out of him. Was this all really just a pretense? He kept saying it was to help Tsukasa-san but...what if there was more to it than that?

'Be honest with yourself.'

Author's Note:

-Yes I gave Tsukasa a car in this chapter because there was no way I was going to make her walk to the hotel or catch a taxi. This world is scary nowadays.

-And I honestly don't know what their masks are made out of. If you remember from episode 13 where Umika got hit in the face, and then she stuffed her mask in Tsukasa's costume so she wouldn't get hurt as much when she took that hit...their masks are pretty solid!

Oh, and in case you were wondering, I've laid out the rest of the story, and it looks like there's at LEAST 2 chapters left. So "Yay" or "Nay", depending on how you feel about this story. For me it's a bittersweet feeling. Anyway, let me know what you guys think and I'll do my best to get the next part up soon!