A.N. What has stolen my muse? The announcement of Kingdom hearts 3 of course! Now I wanna write a sequel to "Bait" that focuses on some of the recurring fan theories/wishes. But of course, since I seem to do oh so well at writing dark fics, This fic will be a bit dark. Not only will fan theories come into play, but some of my own headcanons and ideas will be incorporated. The title? For now I'm calling it "Bait 2" but if anyone has a better name or I can think of one myself as the story progresses, it will change. So, Enjoy!

Chapter 1

They had all been sent on separate missions, starting with Riku scouting out the realm of Darkness to find another Keyblade master known as "Aqua." It had to be him as he had a special resistance to the effects of Darkness and therefore was the only one who could endure it for long periods. Even so, the mission had found him back in the one outfit he hoped he'd never have to see again. It was made of a rough, itchy fabric that he easily got overheated in, consisting of black pants, tunic, and boots, all covered in a long black cloak.

As badly as he wanted to cast the uncomfortable outfit aside in favor of his street garb, he knew better. The outfit had a special property that guarded against the effects of Darkness. Even a strong-hearted individual would be consumed by it if exposed long enough.

"Hello! Can anybody hear me?" Riku shouted out into the vast expanse, getting no response.

Surprise, surprise... He thought bitterly, brushing his sweaty bangs away from his face. His hair was growing back quickly, already nearly as long as it was when their adventure first started all those years ago. He had decided to cut it for the very reason he was bothered by it now- girls all over Destiny Islands and in other worlds used to swoon over it, but the long silver tresses only proved to be a liability as they would easily cover his eyes in battle.

He had been wandering in the Dark realm for nearly three days now, and if it took much longer, he'd have to turn back to get more provisions. He was only down to bread, water, and a few potions as it was.

Seating himself at the edge of a formation, he allowed himself some of the water he had left, and gave himself time to think as he recovered. There was one thing different about this part of the realm. It didn't have nearly as many heartless as the other parts. Either there was some type of energy at play here, or someone was driving them off.

It didn't mean they were completely eliminated, as a small swarm of five or six Shadows approached, stinging Riku with their swift, darkness infused strikes.

"Don't I ever get a break!" He exclaimed sarcastically as he summoned Way to the Dawn, quickly dispatching three of the Shadows. The rest scattered away, using their strange and creepy ability to sink into the landscape.

"No you don't!" He exclaimed, zoning in on one of the remaining Shadows, Keyblade at the ready, when the creature disintegrated before his eyes, taken out by a thundaga spell.

Wait a minute... he thought, remembering it was not him who had cast the spell. He turned around, not letting his guard down the whole time.

"I thought I heard someone shouting over here..."

Riku found himself face to face with a beautiful but wise looking woman. She walked with an air of confidence and grace, clad in simple fighting garb, with long steel-blue hair running past her shoulders. There was an unmistakable look of relief, mingled with mild amusement on her face.

"Are you master Aqua?" Riku cut right to the chase. The woman nodded.

"And who might you be?" she responded.

"M-master Riku..." He stammered. He was still uncomfortable with the title, it made him feel... less than worthy, but Yen Sid told him to start introducing himself to other keyblade wielders as such, so he did so.

"A newly named Keyblade master I imagine too," Aqua said with a hint of a smile on her face. "Many of them feel that sense of humility for a while. Don't feel ashamed, you were given the title of Master for a reason."

"I... I hear that so often from my friends. Yet, coming from another master, it feels... different." Riku said. "But there are more pressing matters than rank right now... War is imminent, and we need all the aid we can gather. Master Aqua, I've come to bring you back to the realm of Light, and we beg for you and your comrades to help us."

End of Chapter 1