Chapter Two- Meeting Jono

Seto hung up and smiled. He loved having his best friend back and in the body of a good friend as well. Joey was willing to let Jono take over whenever he wanted, though he suspected Jono asked first if Joey didn't offer. If only it was like that with Kaiba and me. But, he has a company to run. He can't let me out whenever I want. I understand, though. Kaiba Corp is very important to both of us.

"Seto, you can meet up with Jono tomorrow," Kaiba suddenly said.

"Really?"

"Yes. I'm on the verge of releasing the new Duel Disk and I want to write a speech about it for a press conference. Tomorrow afternoon would be the perfect time to write it in peace."

"Thanks and Kaiba? Let me mention it before you eavesdrop on my conversations. I give you privacy on the phone, kindly do me the same courtesy."

Seto could almost hear Kaiba smirk as he replied, "Deal."

Jono, though he took in the next day's lesson, fretted about his decision to meet Ryou. Yes, he had been confident in Joey setting up the meeting, but now he was second-guessing his decision. Would Bakura stay inside Ryou and not make an appearance? He knew Diabound was no more, but he could still cause trouble as Joey's memories would attest to.

"Joey, I don't know if I made the right choice about this meeting," he said as classes were ending for the day.

"You did make the right choice," Joey said firmly

"It's just your memories show that he can still cause trouble, especially as he still has the Ring."

"Look, Jono, if Bakura does show, we can just switch places. Okay?"

"Okay."

Joey returned to the real world and smiled at Ryou. "So," he asked as they headed through the halls. "Where should we go to talk?"

"Maybe Kaibaland? Or the clock square?" Ryou suggested.

"Uh, the square." Joey didn't add that Jono was concerned Bakura would want to duel him if they went to Kaibaland. Honestly, Joey thought Jono was being way too paranoid and thus, was worrying too much.

"Is that Kaiba?" Ryou asked as they headed toward the gate.

Joey looked up to see the brunette wearing his trademark Battle City outfit, however, he had a smile that didn't look unfriendly or condescending. "That's not Kaiba. That's Seto. That smile is warm and so unlike Kaiba."

Seto gave a small wave and came over to them before falling into step beside them. "Kaiba wanted peace to write a speech this afternoon," he said quietly as they passed the gates. "I'm here to hang out with Jono." And keep Bakura in line if he shows up, he added silently.

"Where are we going?" Seto added as they walked.

"The clock square," Joey said.

"We could go to Kaibaland," Ryou said shyly. "Especially since Seto's with us."

"I could get us into the private room that is exclusively used by Kaiba," Seto said.

Joey nodded. "We could. Let's do it."

Seto led the way with Joey beside him and Ryou following them. It amazed him how identical to Kaiba Seto was. They sounded alike, looked alike, but sure didn't act alike. He wondered if Jono was like that. "Bakura? Is Jono a lot like Joey? You know, look and sound alike."

"I don't know. Ask Seto or Joey," Bakura snapped.

O-kay, Ryou thought. I should have thought that through. Of course Bakura wouldn't know as he lived by himself. I think I'll wait until Joey and Jono switch.

Joey walked beside Seto. "I'm glad you could come. Jono's real nervous about meeting Ryou. Obviously because of Bakura."

"Bakura is part of why I'm here but it's largely to hang out with my best friend."

Joey nodded. He understood that feeling all too well. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends too. He sensed Jono relaxing a little and knew that Seto was the cause.

Seto led the pair into Kaibaland's secret entrance and up to the private room. He took a comfortable armchair and gestured to the couch. "Have a seat you two and let's get this meeting started."

Joey closed his eyes and traveled to his Soul Corridor. He went to Jono's door and knocked. "Jono, it's time."

The door swung inward and Jono stepped out. "I'm still a bit nervous," he admitted.

"I know. You'll be fine. Ryou's nice, Seto's here, and if Bakura shows up, just switch with me."

Jono managed a smile through his nervousness. "Yeah, you're right. I'll be fine. Maybe I'll duel Seto."

Joey laughed. "Maybe a practice duel. I mean, you just learned about the game."

"A practice duel." Jono nodded. "Yeah, that'll work. Thanks, Joey." He clasped hands with his other half and went to take control.

Seto crossed his legs and folded his arms as Joey closed his eyes. He knew that it may take Joey a little time to persuade Jono to come out. His friend was brave but facing the one who caused his death required a different kind of bravery. However, this was Ryou, a sweet kind boy who was the opposite of Bakura. Come on, Jono. You're safe. He saw some of the blond hair turn brown and smiled as his best friend took control.

Ryou kept his eyes on Joey as the blonde closed his eyes. He looked forward to finally meeting and talking to Jono. He knew nothing about the boy beyond what Yugi told him. "Bakura," he said gently. "Would you like to meet Jono too?"

"No, baka," Bakura snapped. "I don't wish to and, if I did, I can just look through your memories."

Ryou felt annoyed by Bakura's remarks and attitude. "Hey, I am not stupid," he snapped back. "I simply care about you. Do you regret killing all those people whom you never knew?"

There was a thoughtful pause. "It would be oversentimental to care about those you don't know, but I…do regret being forced to kill them."

"I could tell Jono that you regret causing his death."

"Thank you, Ryou. I would appreciate that."

"You're welcome." Ryou came back to the real world, satisfied that he gotten Bakura to really talk to him. I will definitely deliver his regret. He blinked as he saw some of Joey's hair turn brown and the eyes opened to show the same brown eyes that Joey had. Jono smiled and held out a hand. "Hi," he said in an accent-less voice. "I'm Jono."

Ryou smiled back and took the hand. "Hi. I'm glad to meet you at last."

Jono chuckled. "I haven't been back long. About five days, counting today."

Bakura looked through Ryou's eyes as he listened to Jono speak. The slight resemblance to Joey is remarkable. He seems to have the same personality as Joey which makes sense, unlike Ryou and me.

He turned away and returned to his room, lying on his bed. Now that he had seen and heard Jono, he no longer cared what went on in the real world. He would stay in his room, speak only to Ryou, and wait for Ryou's death so that he could finally go to the afterlife and his eternal rest.