With the exception of the plot and the original characters that are depicted in the story, the author makes absolutely no profit off of this work of fan fiction, and no copyright infringement is intended on the franchise of Detective Conan that rightfully belong to its owner Aoyama Gosho.

Hello and happy holidays, my dear readers! I can't believe Christmas is around the corner at the same time I'm finishing up my class at university. I'd like to thank OnyxKatana for helping me create this chapter in midst of a hectic schedule. And so without further ado, let the twenty-fourth act of Paper Faces commence for an eager audience! :)

Stationed to the sidelines of a grandiose ballroom, Inspector Nakamori surveyed the sea of masked individuals with a keen eye. For the past thirteen years he had pursued Kaitou KID in numerous heists that were constantly changing its rankings to the most extravagant, hair-pulling crime in his police career. However, this evening at the Glass Swan Hotel would have much more at stake; not because that the guest list had wealthy and political individuals, but the reputation of the entire Tokyo law enforcement. Why? Because this time, the Phantom Thief had stolen a priceless artifact from Inspector Megure's prized consultant; the Detective of the East herself, Kudo Shinichi.

It had happened over two weeks ago, on a Sunday evening at ten o'clock in Beika. Shinichi had decided to take a trip back to her old providence and pay a visit to her next-door neighbor Professor Agasa and his relative Haibara Ai. They had dinner at seven-thirty, in which afterwards the sleuth showed them an antique she recently had appraised but could not open for some reason. Then on a whimsical guess from the child, the spherical box opened to reveal a priceless gem! That occurred around eight o'clock, according to the police report.

An hour later Shinichi returned to her old residence next door, an old but still functioning mansion, for the evening. Later at nine-fifteen she called the appraiser and was on the phone with him for nearly a half an hour, explaining the discovery she had made before the young woman was suddenly attacked from behind. Records and audio playback confirmed that the phone was still on during the struggle with the attacker, confirming the identity of KID before he ran off with the priceless gem. Inspector Megure received the emergency call, and his team interrogated the neighbors. They confirmed around the time of the robbery that they saw a figure in white leaping from an open window via a hang-glider. And Shinichi never left any door or windows open when she visited Beika, to the knowledge of Professor Agasa. Once statements were taken, the investigation was handed over to Nakamori's precinct.

For the next few days, the trail started to grow cold without anything else except the case's flimsy folder, which consisted only the crime scene photos and the interrogation reports. While the police were having no luck, social media took things by the storm. 'KAITOU KID STEALS PRICELESS GEM FROM THE DETECTIVE OF THE EAST!' was the most popular headline in Internet search engines.

Just when the moustached officer was more than willing to close it, Shinichi suddenly came to his office with a sealed envelope. It was from KID. The bastard had written a heist note to his victim and dearest police force; the forensics team confirmed that every little detail, from the calligraphy to the mocking caricature on the bottom right-hand corner, that this note was not a duplication.

The Phantom Thief had declared that while his theft was a success, the gem he stole was not the one he wanted. KID plans on returning it to Shinichi, but on his vague terms. The only thing that Nakamori can confirm is the location: an exhibition of Greek Mythology at a well-known hotel in Ekoda within two weeks. Those days had passed, leading Nakamori to his current predicament. His task force were stationed at every possible exit and entry location, ready to move on their superior's signal.

But KID was an unpredictable prick. What was he planning on doing tonight?

xPFx

All around him were the sparkle of jewels and a flurry of skirts. Being a black-tie event, the exhibition was full of people dressed to the nines. Kaito himself was decked out in an attractive dark blue suit jacket and matching trousers, tailored to fit his lean frame. To make his formal outfit seem more like him, he was wearing the Rainbow Maiden pin he bought for Shin-chan. A good luck from her to him. Said girl, who was also his date for the event, was currently sitting across from him, dressed in a midnight blue dress that brushed until just below her knees. Her hair was loose and framing her face, and she wore strappy sandals, with no heel. Thank goodness for that. While she was extremely skilled, Kaito had no problems with admitting that the girl was ridiculously clumsy when it came to formal events. As much as he loved Shin-chan from the bottom of his heart, high heels and Shinichi spelled out a recipe for disaster.

The pair was at one of the tables, and were accompanied by the detective's "relatives"- Haibara Ai and Professor Agasa. A few metres from them, there was an open space where couples were moving in time to the live classical music that played. On a whim, Kaito stood up, surprising the other three occupants.

"Kaito, what hap- "

Shinichi was cut off as Kaito stood in front of her, and bowed deeply. He held his hand out in front of him, and his signature rose bloomed from between his fingers. Offering it to Shinichi, he smiled.

"May I have this dance?"

Shinichi felt the tip of her ears turn a light, pink shade. It was clear that no matter how much time would pass between them, the detective knew it'd never be enough to gain an immunity over Kaito's random bursts of affection or romantic gestures. Releasing a low sigh, the young woman stood up from the cherry-wood chair, her lithe form dipped into a small curtsy before the magician. Kaito's grin widened and returned the gesture with a low bow of his own, having the offer to dance being accepted as he tucked her elbow into his arm and led them to the dance floor. Yeah, it's a bit outdated to apply such customs from the late eighteenth century in today's modern lingo, but chivalry was never dead in the presence of Kuroba Kaito. Especially if he was going to dance with a very special dame.

Yet despite being somewhat happy that she'd be doing the waltz with the Phantom Thief (Shinichi would never say out loud that this was going to be the highlight of her evening, heaven forbid Kaito's ego gets any bigger), the sleuth of the East couldn't help wondering what made him decide to be here when Aoko and Hakuba were still on the dance floor. Was Kaito finally growing out of his fear "of being contaminated by the other detective's boring-ness?"

When she looked up and saw the momentary look of disgust on Kaito's face, that thought was immediately flung out of the window.

So then, what was it, Shinichi wondered, that prompted the magician to put his toes in such grave danger by dancing with her? Was there a contingency plan that he hadn't told her about? Or...did the Organization make the first move in this very room?

Just when her little grey cells went into overdrive, the sleuth almost jumped at feeling Kaito's warm breath against her ear. "It's all right, Shin-chan. Just relax. I'll lead us. Everything will be fine. Kaitou's honour."

That was all the warning Shinichi received before Kaito took one of her hands in his own while coiling his other hand on her waist and pulled her close to him. Following his example Shinichi raised her free hand to rest on his shoulder. Kaito gave her an encouraging smile as he then gently tugged the detective's stiff frame along to the music. To the teen's great astonishment, they were dancing; properly dancing like everyone else here, and in time to the music nonetheless. Kaito's steps sure as his grip on her shoulder and waist remained firm yet gentle, indigo orbs never wavering from her own dark blue ones.

For the next few songs, the detective and Phantom Thief allowed themselves to be completely lost in their own world until the music shifted to a faster tempo. Realizing what just happened and glancing around at the other couples, Kaito gave his partner a sly smirk.

"What do you say to a little more adventurous dancing, Shin-chan~?" Kaito whispered softly to Shinichi, and in a lower tone he added, "It'll give us the chance to do a little recon while being discreet about it, neh?"

Dark blue orbs widened. What was Kaito thinking? Her expertise lied in solving cases and capturing criminals, not dancing, regardless if it was qualified as chaste like the waltz or adventurous like the other couples were right now. If she were to guess the current sequence was...the tango. Yikes.

She opened her mouth to politely decline when she saw the mischief sparkling in his eyes, and a painfully familiar shark-like grin. "Kuroba Kaito, don't you even think-"

The coffee-haired investigator was cut off for the second time when she was suddenly jerked forward, being intimately pressed against Kaito's front. The contact did not last even a second before he quickly spun twirled Shinichi around and then dipped her form towards the marble floor.

At this point she was clearly gawking at her dance partner, jaw slackened and widened eyes the size of dinner plates. Before she could formulate a response, Kaito quickly pecked her on the lips, righted her tiny frame to its prior position, and smoothly shifted them into a different position. They were soon gliding across the floor and mimicking the forms of the other couples.

Once she had the chance to collect herself Shinichi scowled at her so-called date. "You are, without a doubt, an idiot, Kaito." His only response was another grin that followed with another stolen peck on the cheek.

"Yup, but I'm your idiot. And I irrevocably, undeniably, love you too~!"

"So damn cheesy."

"You know you like it~!"

"Hush."

As he led them across the dance floor, Kaito's own little grey cells were hard at work. So far, everything was going according to the plan that he and Shin-chan had crafted. Originally their intention was to leave their loved ones out of their confrontation with the Organization, but Haibara was not going to allow that once the little scientist had been informed by the sleuth on the plan.

"As if I'd allow you to get in danger again because of your stubborn nature. Honestly, didn't you learn anything from the first time this happened?"

"Haibara -"

"Don't argue with me." Those four little words were enough to silence the detective and give Shinichi all the more reason to (reluctantly) have Haibara become involved in staging the final confrontation. The visit to Beika, KID's break-in at the Kudo Mansion, it was all part of their script to end the Organization. Who knew that a cassette recorder would still be useful? It certainly came in handy when Shinichi 'accidentally' opened Pandora again. And because of this 'theft', it would surely bring Snake or even a higher-ranking member out in the open. They couldn't afford any more mishaps, especially when the big gem they have been searching for was within their reach.

While this scheme was by far the most elaborate Kaito had done in his thieving career, there is still the very slim possibility that something could go wrong. That was why he made sure everyone involved had a contingency plan for just that reason. Not to mention Shinichi would never forgive herself if something happened to either Professor Agasa and Haibara.

Kaito spared a glance at his wristwatch and noted the time. His audience surely has had enough of the light entertainment that their host offered to them. Why not spice things up, just as he had promised to his dear inspector? He looked at the little scientist and her guardian, who both nodded at his subtle signal.

Three.

Two.

One.

It's showtime!

Pulling her towards the wall, he groped around the area for a few moments until he found what he was looking for: a pair of the side doors that would lead to the second stage of his plan. Taking advantage of the hubbub around them the well-dressed pair quickly slipped outside and into the small antechamber of sorts. Including being a perfect place for Kaito to carry out the rest of his show, it also put another skill to good use. Taking a deep breath, the Phantom Thief unleashed the deadly art of ventriloquism into the chaos, throwing his voice in almost every direction around the large ballroom so the police could not pinpoint his precise location.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I thank you for coming here tonight, for I can surely proclaim with certainty that this by far my most elaborate show, and we haven't rung in the New Year yet!"

The effect of those words was instantaneous; the hall fell silent for a moment, before the voices began chattering again. Soon the panic had been replaced by excitement, followed by guests pulling out their phones in an attempt to take a picture or record the entrance of the elusive Phantom Thief.

Kaito saw Shinichi roll her eyes at him, in which he only grinned in response. The suave gentleman blew the sleuth a kiss before there was a puff of smoke, and KID stood before her eyes. KID winked at her before slipping inside the ballroom again. There was a raised platform right next to the side doors, cordoned off because of some Greek metal work display, and Jii just happened to be the 'officer' who was assigned to that particular exit. How very convenient. Taking his position on the platform, KID pressed the button to bring back the lights and simultaneously used a smoke bomb to draw attention to his ' grand entrance'.

Inspector Nakamori, bless and curse such a man, was the only one who saw the sight of the Phantom Thief as one that associated with malice and determination. "KID! You're under arrest!" Just like a trumpet for a group of fox-hunting hounds, Division Two's elite squad appeared throughout the ballroom, some in disguise and some in uniform. The windows and doors were blocked, with no possible way for the criminal to escape. Or so that was what Nakamori had believed.

"Arrest me? My dear, dear Inspector Nakamori, how could you possibly arrest me when I'm returning a gem to a fair maiden instead of stealing it from her lovely hands?" KID asked with a cattish sass that made the older man's blood to boil. This rotten little-!

"Don't even try anything, KID! I've got all of the entrances sealed off and guards all over the place. You've got nowhere to run this time!"

"Oh? Is that what you think?" The Phantom Thief inquired as he placed a gloved hand inside of his pocket and pulled out two things: a pair of goggles, and a tiny silver ball. Grinning, he threw the latter onto the ground and quickly placed the glasses on his face before the world around him was enveloped in a bright, white light. It lasted only for a moment, and that was all that KID had ever needed. A moment of misdirection, allowing him time to both make his miraculous escape, and to give Jii the signal (who had brought three sets of eye protection per Kaito's orders) to get Haibara and Agasa out of the building. Now.

Shin-chan's dear friends have done their part in this grand plan, and now it was time for the real work to commence for the Phantom Thief and his accomplice. KID quickly disappeared into the antechamber, where Shinichi had just completed the final preparations for their counterattack. Their eyes met for a moment, and then they both of them nodded. Time to get to business. Kudo Shinichi entered the ballroom through the same side entrance as Kaitou KID escaped to the rooftop, Pandora safely tucked away in a hidden pocket.

Nakamori roared in both pain and anger. Damn it, the bastard brought a flash bomb! How the hell did he get one of those?! More importantly, why would the Phantom Thief even use one? Sure KID has been known to use a variety of items against the task force, but Nakamori was absolutely certain the damned thief would have used more than one of those godawful glitter grenades or even a smoke bomb to make his escape! What made KID change tactics like this?!

Oh well, he'll have plenty of time to interrogate the Kaitou KID once he was cuffed and behind bars.

"Men, after him!" Those three little words sent the KID squadron in different directions around the ballroom and facility, oblivious to the only other route that the smooth-talking criminal could escape the hotel from. All except for one person. Shinichi.

While she wanted to race to the hotel's rooftops and 'catch' the Phantom Thief as soon as possible, Shinichi could not leave the vicinity just yet. She had to linger for at least ten minutes, and for two purposes: the first is to make sure that Inspector Nakamori would be an eyewitness to the heist without getting involved in it herself, knowing that he'd pitch a fit about "how her meddling in police business has obstructed the capture of Kaitou KID", or something along those lines to Inspector Megure. Shinichi had to be an innocent bystander in this situation.

The second purpose was to provide an alibi for the absence of her date, Kuroba Kaito. If push came to shove, she would testify that he'd been with her for the entire evening until KID appeared, forcing her to leave the hotel with the other guests. Worse case scenario, both Haibara and Professor Agasa offered to their statements about the incident as well. Once the ten minutes were up, Shinichi went behind one of pillars in the ballroom. Seeing the backpack Jii had 'accidentally' left behind in the chaos, Shinichi immediately kicked off her bejeweled sandals and replaced them with the upgraded pair of power-enhancing sneakers, courtesy of the aging engineer.

Once the tranquilizer wristwatch and voice-changing brooch were on her person, Shinichi but the backpack in its hiding spot before scampering up towards the northeastern section in the ballroom. Stationed there was a unused, alternate flight of stairs to the rooftop. If she had taken the one on the opposite side, someone would have noticed or at least according to the schematics Jii had gone over with the dark-haired sleuth.

It took Shinichi at least ten to twelve minutes to climb the five flights of stairs to the rooftop, but when she arrived at her destination the sleuth was in for a nasty surprise. When she opened the door, the Detective of the East saw KID standing on the edge of the building's roof; he was confident, even calm. More so than a person should be when there was a moustached man pointing a gun at him.

Before Shinichi could call out to the Phantom Thief, she was immediately cut off by a sharp jab of pain that soon followed with her arms being twisted painfully behind her back. Dark blue orbs widened ever so slightly when cool steel pressed against the side of her head. Glancing to the right, she saw a person dressed in all back with an expressionless, stark white tiger mask over their face. In their hand, much to her dreadful deduction abilities, was a loaded gun. To the left there was someone else; they too were dressed in black, but their mask was shaped like a monkey's.

Were these...members of the Organization who were after Pandora, after the life of Kaitou KID? Shinichi didn't have much more time to ponder these thoughts as the man seemingly in charge started talking to the Phantom Thief.

"You should've stayed away tonight, KID. After all, I did promise that I'd take your life if you continued to steal Big Gems. But given to how many heists you've had since we last met, I guess my warning was taken a little too lightly. So to make sure you actually listen for a chance, I've arranged a little insurance," Shinichi twitched as the sound of a gun's safety mechanism was pulled back. "One false move and your dear little detective is done for. Unless, of course, that'd be more of a blessing in disguise for all of the heists she's ruined for you? Wouldn't surprise me in the least. After all, detectives and criminals are like oil and water. Never a good mix."

To his credit, KID retained a blank expression as he casually addressed the man. "My, my Snake, I never pegged you to fall so low as to involve innocent people in our off-on love affair. Are you getting that desperate for my attention whenever you've had for so very long? Let the detective go. This is a dance between you and me. It always has been, and always be. What can a silly little girl do to make you so upset, even if she may be exquisitely beautiful under the moonlight?"

Shinichi resisted the urge to gag. Damn it all, couldn't KID be serious for one moment. The two of them would be literally dancing with death if the Phantom Thief provoked Snake any further, or she did for one reason or another.

"Still," KID hummed thoughtfully with a raised brow. "Why would you go through all of the trouble to bring back-up for tonight's performance, then launch into a conversation that's more than twenty words? You're normally so confident with a gun in hand, claiming you will end me, and you will kill whoever you take hostage despite suffering so many failures in the past. What has changed, I wonder?" The criminal's indigo orbs narrowed ever so slightly as he stared at the man in a black trenchcoat. "Could it be that you've decided to change your tactics, so as to get back into the good graces of your superiors? Or, in truth, you're actually not my favorite, trigger-happy reptilian acquaintance after all. So, what do you say we end this charade and get down to business, hmm?"

Snake blinked once, then twice before a smirk stretched the corner of his greasy face. "Who knows? And if I did tell you the truth, would I have the honor of knowing why you used that flash bomb? I did my research, and we know it's been nearly a decade since a flash bomb of that caliber was used in a heist? That's unusual for someone who is so steadfast in their tactics and parlor tricks. Unless, of course, you're not my favorite, little shit of a magician? As the old saying goes, it takes a liar to know a liar."

A heavy tension fell upon the roof until a shark-like grin stretched across KID's face. Shinichi shuddered seeing such an expression; normally it would annoy the sleuth, for it usually meant that he was mocking the young woman. Tonight, however, she could feel the bloodlust oozing from his pure-white appearance. In short, seeing that smile was extremely unsetting for the detective to witness first-hand.

Once all eyes were riveted onto the Phantom Thief, he ever so slowly raised a gloved hand up. Coiling the tips of his fingers around the edge of his chin, everyone watched in horror as the skin peel back, ripping and shredding bit by bit. After five agonizing minutes, a Phantom Thief no longer stood in place. Dressed to the nines in a white suit was Kudo Shinichi, looking at Snake with a terrifying smirk smeared across her pretty face. The top-hat had long since been abandoned, coffee-haired tresses whipping wildly around the sleuth.

"I'm impressed. You're a lot smarter than I gave you credit for, Snake. Is that who you really are? Or do I have the pleasure of speaking to Ishikawa, the antique dealer who so happens to be in cahoots with the Organization? Or…could it be that the real star has finally appeared on the stage? The puppeteer who's been pulling everyone's strings from the shadows, the boss of the Organization? What did Ishikawa call you? Oh, right, the Maestro. Is that right?"

Not giving the armed individual a chance to speak or even pull the trigger, a spherical object was suddenly thrown onto the ground, covering the entire rooftop with thick coils of smoke. Two thumps were heard, followed by a slight commotion, before the smoke cleared.

The masked individuals who held Shinichi hostage were unconscious, their bodies lying motionless on the cold concrete with cuffs wrapped around their wrists. However, the 'detective' was long gone and replaced by the taller, genuine form of Kaitou KID. Once he'd knocked out the masked henchman, KID removed his own disguise and placed the signature monocle over his eye. He smiled hauntingly at Snake. Or was it the Maestro, who refused to unveil his own disguise? Oh well, that didn't really matter right now, did it?

"It is a pleasure to meet you as myself, after all this time. While I am proud of my skills as a master at disguise, I couldn't possibly compare to the young lady's beauty. And that dress was getting a little constricting, to be honest. I do apologize for the usage of a smokescreen, but

but I needed the distraction to knock out and restrain your lackeys. Poorly trained, if I may add. I almost felt insulted at being restrained by such louts."

Then, shifting his stance a little, KID smirked at his opponent. "Now that all of our introductions have been properly made, let's have a little fun shall we? It's a full moon after all~!"

Surprised, my dear readers? :) After much deliberation, OnyxKatana and I decided to divide the final act of Paper Faces into two part. As of now, you've finished reading the first segment. Yet more questions are left unanswered. Who is the Maestro? What purpose do they have in mind for the usage of Pandora? Does it possibly have something to do with the person named Bice? And how will the Detective of the East and Phantom Thief take down the Organization once and for all? Decisions, decisions :)

Please feel free to review or PM me with any questions, comments, or constructive criticism. Thanks to everyone who has favorited, reviewed, and added Paper Faces to their alert lists.

See you next illusion. - (KID caricature)