Greetings, all! I was counting my reviews and wouldn't ya know it, I have now recieved reviews from ten different people! YAAAAAAY! That means I can give everyone their surprise as promised! Haven't you ever wanted to meet Baron Von Stupor? Haven't you always wanted to talk to the man behind the insanity? Well, now you can, via AIM! If you ever see the screen name "Baron Von Stupor" online, drop him a line! He's always happy to chat with his fans!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Confession of the Masked Duelist"

By: Von Stupor

"I don't know... I know he has important things to do, but... It's just that I sometimes wonder if he might be avoiding me..." Téa said softly to Bakura. "It's almost as if he just put up with me. I mean, every time we're around each other, he acts like he's having a heart attack, and every time I try to talk to him, something always came up."

"I don't quite think he's avoiding you," replied Bakura. "Every time something came up, it was pretty important."

"But he heard us talking in the blimp about him!"

"Ah, I just remembered! I never had another chance to tell you, but he didn't know we were talking about him, per se..."

"What?"

"He actually thought we were talking about Yugi."

"I... oh... But what about when he grabs his chest?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't answer that, Téa, but listen to what I have to tell you. So far your feelings for him have torn you apart. Whether he feels the same about you or not, you will never feel better unless you confront him. You have to tell him."

"You're right, I do... I'm really afraid to... but I have to do it. Do you know where he is?"

"Well, I don't know exactly, but he's leaving for Duelist Kingdom today, I'm not sure what time."

"Oh, no! I' didn't know about that!!!"

She whipped out her cell phone and dialed quickly Yugi's number, fumbling with the numbers.

"Thank you for choosing the Kamé Game Store, we buy and sell rare cards," Yugi's grandfather answered.

"Is Yugi there???"

"Téa! Are you alright?"

"Yes, but it's urgent!"

"Well, okay... hold on."

The phone clicked off and elevator music began playing. After a moment, it clicked back on.

"Hello?" she heard Yugi say.

"Yugi! Do you know where Von Stupor is?"

"He already left to go to Duelist Kingdom a few minutes ago. I tried to call you so you could say good-bye, but you weren't home..."

"Where was he headed?"

"Uh, he somehow convinced Kaiba to lend him his helicopter, so wherever that is, he'll be there."

"Kaiba? I mean, thanks, Yugi!"

"No problem!"

She hung up the phone and asked Bakura where Kaiba's helicopter was.

"I saw it land on top of the building once."

"Alright, thank you, Bakura!" she called as she ran out of the house.

I'll have to catch Von Stupor before he enters the building or I'll be too late! she thought to herself as she raced down the sidewalk.

Along the way, she was stopped by the thug that had originally destroyed Von Stupor's cope.

"Well, if it isn't--" he started.

"I don't have time to mess around, so get out of my way!" she shouted, punching him in his nose. He staggered out of the way and she resumed running.

As she rounded the corner, she saw KaibaCorp's building. She set her sights on the building and blindly ran into Von Stupor from behind.

They both toppled to the ground, Téa landing on Von Stupor, who was face down in the road.

"Von Stupor!" she exclaimed, panting. "I'm sorry!"

She got back up, helping Von Stupor.

"Do not be, for the ride was quite fun, save the sudden stop at the end," he replied. "I thought I'd not get a chance to bid you farewell, Téa."

"I know, I'm sorry, but please don't go, not yet... I have to talk to you."

"Well, I'm running a tad late as is... but I shall make time for you, my comrade. That word sounds like it has Russian origin, does it?"

"I don't know, but look... I don't quite know how to say this, but I... I mean, I don't know if you feel the same way, but... I... I think I've grown... feelings... for you..."

Von Stupor took a step back when he heard this.

"Strong feelings... I've had them for a while... It's just that I've been too scared to- to tell you, because I... I didn't know if you felt the same way about... me. I've grown very fond of you... Von Stupor... and... whether you feel the same about me or not, I would never be able to rest until I told you."

"The blimp..." Von Stupor stated in shock. "You... you did not speak of Yugi?"

"No... I like you..."

Von Stupor reached up and clutched his heart, wobbling a bit.

"Please, Von Stupor, don't do this to me again..." Téa pleaded, her eyes starting to well up with tears.

"I... I... can't help it..." he choked out, breathing heavily.

"You mean... that's not... an act?"

Von Stupor didn't respond.

"You're... you're afraid of my feelings, aren't you?"

"One... one-one could say that, yes..."

"But... why?"

"I am unsure... This fear has plagued me for many years... I am burdened with this curse... this curse that forbids me from either expressing feelings or accepting them... Just the thought fills me with utter terror..."

"Tell me, though... Do you share my feelings for you?"

"I... uh... I..."

Von Stupor shuffled his feet a bit.

"I... cannot... give an answer... Alas, my mind forbids me..." he struggled.

Téa stepped forward to him and and reached up to touch his mask. He stood, still as a statue, frozen in fear as er hand examined every texture, indent, and edge. She could clearly tell he was terrified.

She slowly leaned forward and gently pressed her lips against his mask. Instantly, Von Stupor leapt backward, nearly falling. He looked at her with surprise, panting. Téa stared back slight sadness in her eyes.

"I... I'm... sorry..." he choked. "I can't..."

"It's okay..." she said softly back to him. "At least... now you know... You can go now..."

Von Stupor slowly turned to walk away towards the KaibaCorp building. After he took a step, he stopped.

"No!" he said to himself, punching a nearby roadsign. "I can't let this happen again..."

Téa noticed a tear drop out from under the mask.

"Wh... what?"

"No... my fear has broken another heart as well... I felt yours being ripped in twain as I began to walk away..."

Von Stupor turned to face her.

"What should I do?" he asked.

"Do what your heart says..."

"My heart is currently thrashing about my ribcage; I doubt it is in the mood to speak."

"Is this... meant to be?"

He walked over to her, and after much hesitation, he embraced her. As he held her, she could hear his voice rasping.

"I... don't... know..." he whispered.

"It's okay," she whispered back. "You don't have to decide now... My fellings are reserved for you, Von Stupor. Just promise me some day you'll come back... and give me an answer."

"Yes... Yes, I will..."

"Good-bye, Von Stupor..."

"Good-bye, Téa..."

He then turned and went into the building. Téa remained outside and watched Von Stupor until the helicopter left her sight. For a moment, as she watched the helicopter window, she thought she saw him looking back at her.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Awww, how touching! Again, I apologize for the... delaying of chapters, stuff keeps happening! Either I got stuff to do, or I'm somewhere else, or my parents are home (and like I said before, if I get on while my parents are home, they ALWAYS kick me off within a few minutes), etc. However, I have not given up on my story! And I also want to get my stupid fictional story done, too. Was hoping to have that freaking 5 chapter story done by Christmas. Of last year. Sheesh. Ayways, as always, stay faithful! This fic WILL see it through to the end!