A/N: Have I mentioned before that I love this story? Ha, you guys rock! I'm lucky to have such awesome reviewers. So, I'm going to use Naraku no Hana again in this story, and in case you don't really understand the importance of the song, then I shall tell you! Basically, it's Hope's way of saying that Xion isn't really a 'puppet', like Saix calls her, and that she needs to leave before she has to meet up with destiny, which is Xion disappearing. Yeah….So, I said there would be some AxelxHope, and I always keep my promise, though it might be a bit crappy, but it'll be something, so that's good. Anyhoo, :D Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing, except Hope and my other characters.

The darkness is growing now, at a rapid pace. The light is in grave danger. You won't realize it until there is grave sorrow amongst you and your friends. You must leave, and you must never come back.

Hope shot up, breathing heavily, looking around to realize that it she was still in her room. The words the mysterious voice had spoken echoed in her head, adding onto the confusion she was already suffering. She looked to her clock, the big red numbers 11:50 AM showing. She put a hand to her head and gently rubbed her temples, getting up and grabbing hr clothes, putting them on and tying her hair up, walking out of her room and quietly moving down the hallway until she reached the round room. Walking in, she looked up and found Xemnas sitting in his normal chair.

"Yes, Princess?" Xemnas asked, his eyes closed, and his voice echoing off the walls of the room.

Hope frowned. "There's something about Xion that you're not telling everyone. You and Saix, both. Well, I want answers. Why is she so important to the Organization?"

Xemnas's eyes opened, a small smirk appearing on his face. "Xion and Roxas are wielders of the Keyblade. They are the key to releasing the hearts to create Kingdom Hearts. Without them, we would be nowhere."

"I know that, but what I want to know is why we can't just use Roxas? One Keyblade wielder is enough, isn't it?"

"Your curiosity is getting the better of you, Princess. You will find all your answers in due time."

"But-"

"You have a mission to tend to with Axel. Go."

Sighing loudly, she walked out and left, going to find Axel.

End of Day 305~

"Axel, is this really necessary?" Hope asked, stumbling a bit as Axe lead her. He had blindfolded her, telling her that he had a surprise for her.

He laughed as they stepped out of the portal. "Yeah, otherwise, there really wouldn't be surprise. Ok, we're here. Open your eyes when I say you can."

"Ok, Axel…"

He pulled the blindfold off and stood in front of her. "Ok…open your eyes."

Slowly, her lilac eyes opened, and when she saw what was in front of her she jumped in surprise. "Axel, you're a lion!"

Indeed, he had transformed into a lion, his fur color a darkish-red brown, and his mane still maintained it's gravity defying spikes, and its natural blood red. Hope had light tan fur (Like Nala), and her eyes a bit shinier though. "I came across this place not too long ago, and I thought it would be nice to bring you here."

Hope smiled at him, moving ahead a bit. "It does look nice. But…can you catch me first?" She asked, giggling a bit before taking off.

"Hey, get back here!" He exclaimed, taking off after.

Hope giggled as she ran, squealing loudly as Axel lunged at her, tackling her to the ground, where they both rolled around, one trying to pin the other. Eventually, Hope came out the victor, laughing happily. "Hehe, pinned ya!"

Axel rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, just let me up!" She did as he asked turning her back on him. He smirked at the opportunity, and lunged at her again, only Hope ducked down at the last moment, and Axel fell to the ground instead. "You're supposed to let me tackle you, not let me fall to the ground."

Hope grinned, "Whatever you say, Axel. Whatever you say…"

The Lion King's can you feel the love tonight begins to play~

The two eventually moved on to find something to drink, coming across a waterfall that led down into a lagoon. Axel and Hope walked down the rocky path until they reached it, both of them going to each side to take a drink in silence. Axel took a glance at Hope as he pulled away from the lagoon, giving her a smirk when she looked up at him and gave him a questioning look. He gave a slow jog over towards her, his mane flipping around and his eyes holding a mischievous look in them as he ran past her and into some bushes, leaving her frowning and confused, before her eyes grew wide as he came running out, a vine in his mouth. He ran past her and swung up, letting go of the vine and landing in the water with a big splash.

Hope looked over the edge and down at the water, searching for any signs that Axel was still alive, when he came up and wrapped his front legs around her neck and pulled her in with him. Hope came back up with a shocked gasp, crawling out of the water and back on the ledge she had been on seconds earlier, panting and soaking wet. Axel crawled up beside her, his mane flattened down and in his face, though the distinct smile he had on it was still visible. Hope looked up at him and smirked, putting a paw to his face and pushing him back in the water, taking off while he crawled back out. Axel eventually caught up with her, chasing after her in a field. The sky was painted gold and peach as the sun began to set. As they ran through the field, birds flew out from the grass, startled by the sudden intrusion.

They ran onto a narrow pathway, standing up on their hind legs and playfully slapping at each other. Hope giggled, falling forward a bit and hugging Axel, who returned the hug, enjoying it, until he fell forward onto Hope, sending them both tumbling down a hill. When they hit the bottom, they landed in a patch of flowers, Axel coming out on top. Both laughed, until it was only Axel laughing. Hope put a paw to his cheek and brought him down closer, licking his cheek quickly, causing his green eyes to shoot open in surprise. He whipped his head towards her, staring down at her as she laid in the grass, giving him a soft and gentle smile. Axel couldn't help but smile in return, leaning down and nuzzling her.

Eventually, they both laid down on their backs, looking up at the stars for a few hours, before Axel sat up. "We should probably get back before Roxas freaks out."

Hope sat up and nodded. "Ok."

Axel opened up a portal and the two walked through it, exiting out into the hallway of the castle. The two walked down the hall until they reached Hope's doorway.

"Thanks, Axel. I had fun." Hope stated, smiling happily at the pyro as his cheeks tinted a slight red.

"Yeah…I did too. Hope?"

"Hm?"

"Can I…can I try something real quick?"

Hope quirked an eyebrow in confusion. "Um, sure?" Axel moved closer to her, until Hope's back was against the wall, Axel's hands on either side of her head. He leaned in until his face was right in front of hers, his breath sweet and warm against her face. Hope could feel her heart beating so fast, she thought it would explode. The butterflies in her stomach were fluttering around so fast, it made her dizzy. Slowly, she let her eyes close and let Axel press a kiss to her lips, light and gentle before pulling back slightly. He put a hand to her cheek, rubbing it with his thumb, allowing Hope to wrap her arms around his neck and pull him back down, pressing his mouth against hers again, though it was short-lived.

"Um, Axel? What are you guys doing?" Roxas asked as he and Xion stood a few feet away, staring at the two adults.

Axel glared at them. "It's uh…it's me and Hope's secret way of saying hi? Right, Hope?" He looked back, only to find that she was gone.

"Seriously, what does it mean?"

This would be fun….

A/N: And so, that is it! Next chapter, the intensity and drama begins! Prepare to cry, people…prepare to cry. LATER TATERS!