++Author's Note++

My first crossover fanfiction that I'm determined to work on from start to finish. This is a crossover between Naruto (the original anime) and Final Fantasy XIII-2. But this is a BIG AU, so I'm gonna describe what's going on here.

1. Where This Starts: For Naruto, this is starting at episode 69 (Village in Distress: A New A-Ranked Mission!) during the Konoha Crush arc - the planned invasion of Konohagakure by Orochimaru during the Chunin Exams to dispose of both the Third Hokage and the Fourth Kazekage. || For FFXIII-2, it's when Serah is impaled by Caius Ballad, but instead of going into a dream world of reuniting with her loved ones, she actually dies. But her soul manages to live on and finds her way into the world of Naruto.

2. AU Notes (Naruto):

*Even though the Konoha Crush arc goes from episodes 68-80, it's only going to be worth one episode (#69) But here's other stuff going on:

*In the original series, the characters are around the age of 12-13. This fanfic, they're going to be in their late teens to their early 20's. Some will wear various attires throughout the original and Shippuden series.

*The main relationship (romance wise) is between Neji Hyuga and Serah Farron.

*The events of Shippuden and afterwards DOES NOT HAPPEN.

*My friend Alex will be helping me throughout this fanfiction. I go to her since she's a Naruto fan and will be my main source of help when it comes to this, so expect rewritings/updates on every chapter.

*Nobody is exactly sure of what time period Naruto takes place. If I have to guess, I'm gonna say modern due to the technological levels with headsets and computers shown in the anime. So for the sake of the story, I'm gonna start in the year 2007; that's when episode 69 first aired in the US (trust me, I checked numerous times).

*Couples who got married in Boruto: Naruto Next Generations - I'm gonna change that. You'll see once who's with who once I start writing.

*The reincarnation jutsu (Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation) is going to happen, but Serah will be helping using Phoenix Down with her magic and with the help of her monsters.

3. AU Notes (Final Fantasy XIII): Alright. A few things need to be said about this:

*While Serah is mature and wise and optimistic, she will have deep emotional scarring that will take some time to heal. That's where Neji comes in since he has a change of heart after fighting Naruto.

*The Oracle Drive was used to show recordings of the future, but instead, it will basically be like holding Serah's memories instead.

*Serah will maintain her powers as a L'Cie with magic and using the bowsword as well as summoning her monster companions and even the Eidolons; however, Mog won't be around and therefore, her bowsword will be used without having him around.

*I do not know what food or cuisine or cultures existed for the most part of the FFXIII trilogy, so I'll have to make that stuff up.

*Will Serah have jutsu powers in the Naruto world? Yes, but I'll have to think about how that will work later down the line.

4. Chapters for this fanfiction will be longer than the other stories I have written thus far, so be prepared to do a lot of reading.

5. For the entirety of the story, Naruto belongs to its rightful creator Masashi Kishimoto and Final Fantasy XIII belongs to Square Enix.

6. This fanfic was somewhat inspired after reading the story "Naruto Farron" by Soulless Reader. Great story, so check it out!

7. Last of all: please R&R. Constructive criticism is appreciated so I can do better. Hope you guys enjoy the first chapter ^^

~~Chapter One: Soul of the Crystal~~
++Date: April 15, 2007 (Year of the Boar)++
++Location: Konoha Hospital++

It was truly a mystery how eight crystals of various colors could "speak" and carry such a heavy piece of whatever it was that was covered under a black blanket. They were led to a large hospital room by one of the doctors with the Third Hokage following as well as Konoha 12 and their sensei following behind, curious about who these newcomers were and why they were here in the first place.

The hospital room is as devoid of beauty; its walls are simply cream, not peeling or dirty, just cream. The lights were bright and the windows open. The eight crystals lift up the covered object onto the bed before lifting the thin cover; what is revealed shocks the ninjas.

A beautiful young girl encased in a softly glowing blueish-white crystal. She was in a laying down position with her legs propped slightly up, her hands folded atop her stomach, and her eyes were closed. A flat crystal was on her back and soft spirals of the crystal covered her breasts and bikini area.

The Third Hokage takes a step forward, while the others sat on the other beds and chairs that were in the large room. Hiruzen was tan-skinned with dark-brown, spiked hair and a small goatee. He was wearing the official Hokage uniform: the customary hat and haori with a red, full-length kimono that's tied using a white sash. "Now, mind showing your true selves and explain what's going on?"

The pink rose-shaped crystal shows the true form: a young woman with wavy rose-pink hair and pale aqua eyes. She was wearing a silver+gold, Valkyrie-like armor that resembled a knight. A spike appears at the center of the chestplate with spikes on the elbows and knees, a sash of white feathers covers the her left hip. The white feathers symbolize the presence of the goddess Etro and Her divinity. "Don't worry about this. It's just my protection armor. Anyway, the girl in crystal...she needs a new home."

"Why do you say that?" The knighted woman turns to face Sakura Haruno, a fair-skinned girl with short pink hair and green eyes. She was wearing a sleeveless, red qipao dress with slits along the sides accompanied by a zipper and white circular designs. Accompanying this are black gloves, low-heel, knee-high boots, black shorts underneath a short pink apron skirt, and pink elbow protectors. The cloth of her forehead protector is changed to red and is carrying a medical pouch in a holster around her right thigh. "Did...something happen to her?"

"It's complicated to explain..." A white crystal appears and reveals another girl; while she seemed young at age 14 and has a soft voice, she was reserved and very mature. She has green eyes and long dark blue hair, two long strands framing her face. She has a lean, petite build while wearing a unique diadem headdress, a white halter-top with an opening in the center with the crystal on her chest; a short wrap-around pleated white and pastel purple skirt with a fur pelt in the back, along with yellow boots similar to moccasins. Her wrists are adorned with numerous bracelets, and she wears armbands on her biceps and beaded necklaces. "But the simple answer...in the world we come from, she was killed. Even worse is...she was with child when it happened."

They all gasp in shock and Sakura was about to say something, but the knight raises her hand to silence her. "It's best to ask her when she wakes up from her crystal sleep. Also, my name is Lightning and the young girl next to me is named Yeul. The crystal girl is Serah Farron." Soon enough, the rest of Lightning's group reveals themselves.

The yellow+green-toned star-shaped crystal reveals Hope Estheim, the director of the research facility called the Academy and Lightning's faithful husband. He has shoulder-length, silver hair and green eyes while wearing a black shirt and boots with a black wristband on his left wrist and revealed a sterling silver ring. He was also wearing grey pants, and a black storage pack hanging from a black belt over his left leg.

The pink, fang-shaped petal crystal reveals Oerba Yun Fang, Lightning's best friend and Vanille's adoptive older sister. She has olive skin and wavy dark hair with a braid behind her left ear; green eyes, and wears purple claw-shaped earrings in both ears. She also has scars on her right arm and shoulder, while wearing a traditional blue sari adorned with tribal accessories; she also wears a black bra top, black sleeves over her forearms, tan leather open-toed knee high boots, and two fur pelts hanging from a cord beneath the belt that holds her spear, Kain's Lance.

The fiery, feather-shaped crystal reveals Sazh Katzroy, the father figure of the group. He's a middle-aged man with an afro, which he keeps his chocobo chick. He wears a long, olive coat over khaki trousers, a white button-down shirt, and black buckled engineer boots.

A bluish-white, heart-shaped crystal reveals Snow Villiers, Serah's ex-fiancée. He has straight layered, shoulder-length, light-blonde hair and a small stubble. He wears a dark-red shirt under a dark-gray trench coat with frayed hems as well as a cat pendant, the logo of NORA - the group he was the leader of back home in New Bodhum. He was also wearing large gray boots, black gloves, and dark-gray pants.

The second white crystal reveals Noel Kreiss, Serah's boyfriend as well as the father of their now-deceased child and Yeul's big brother figure and best friend. He was a handsome young man with shoulder-length, brown hair and soft-blue eyes. He wears a black V-neck top with tribal patterns all over, a simple tribal pendant, a leather bracer on his left arm, a ring on his left hand, and wraps his right arm with cord. He wears large blue sirwal-style trousers with decorated hems, and low-cut, sandal-like leather boots. A green pouch and hunter's knife are attached to his belt in the back, which is adorned with small lavender cloth ties.

And finally, the peachy pink apple-shaped crystal reveals Oerba Dia Vanille, Serah's best friend and Fang's younger adopted sister. She has bright-red hair tied in curled pigtails, sparkling green eyes, and pierced ears with silver hoop earrings. She wears a pink halter top, an ombré orange+yellow skirt, beige boots, and a fur pelt around her waist, which she uses to carry her weapon, Nirvana, made from a bear she killed herself. She wears numerous bracelets, three beaded necklaces, and an assortment of beads attached to various parts of her clothing.

The ninjas were all surprised by their appearances; they clearly knew the group were from another world - not from their own. With Serah still crystallized, Yeul approaches and then her soft voice emits a prayer. "Gracious Etro, Goddess of Balance, Serah comes to You with a heavy heart. Illuminate her with Your light, so she may overcome her grief. I plead this of You in Your Divine presence. Pass judgment upon her, so she may start afresh in Your Divine Grace and release her from her crystal prison." It seemed to have worked because the crystal holding Serah cracks and soon, it dissipates into the air and Lightning covers her up. Serah has the same rose-pink hair like Lightning has, tied into a ponytail on the left side of her head, much like how Lightning's hair is draped over her left shoulder. It seemed Serah was in a comatose state, her chest heaving softly as she breathed.

Naruto Uzumaki eyes Serah; he has yellow-blond, spiky hair and blue eyes, while inheriting the shape of his mother's eyes and face; his trademark characteristic are the three whisker markings on his cheeks. He was wearing a T-shirt/mesh armor underneath. While retaining the swirls and orange pants, the blue pieces of his outfit changes to black: his forehead protector (which is now longer), sandals, and orange jacket, the black color showing more prominence than the blue did originally. He chuckles and whispers to Sakura. "Looks like another beautiful woman has come to look a lot like you, Sakura."

Suddenly, he was met with a punch, leaving him with a headache and big bump on his head. It wasn't Sakura; Lightning had punched him and points her sword at his throat. "I suggest you don't make a remark about my sister like that. I lost her twice already and I don't need some ass running his mouth like a child who doesn't understand the situation."

Sazh and Fang pull Lightning back, making her sword disappear and goes to her husband for comfort. "Don't piss off Soldier Girl over here. Her anger is something you really don't wanna see."

Sakura punches Naruto again, making him rub his head. "Ow! What was that for?!"

"For you being a disrespectful idiot!"

Kakashi steps in between them. "Now, now. Calm down, you two. How come Serah cannot return to the world you all come from?"

Yeul approaches softly; that's when the ninjas notice she had a small limp while walking slowly. "The Goddess Etro balances life and death in our world, but since Serah's traveled beyond ours and ended up here, she will be resurrected here. I can sense that all powers that she had back home, she can control here. When a Time Gate appears, we have to get back."

"Must be a drag that you can't stay and have to go back home, huh..." Shikamaru Nara has narrow brown eyes and a typical expression, suggesting he's either bored or irritated. He has shoulder-length black hair tied in a spiky ponytail. He wears a short-sleeved grey jacket with green-edged sleeves and the rudimentary Nara clan symbol on the back, under a green-lined mesh armor T-shirt. He also wears brown pants, a pair of his clan's traditional silver hoop earrings, and wears his blue forehead protector around his left arm; he also has a short goatee.

Hope nodded. "Yes. While we're not happy to let go of Serah, her soul traveled here and she'll have to adjust to everything here."

For the next hour, the entirety of the whole group talked of terms, where Serah would stay, who'd help train her to get her fighting once she wakes up and everything else. While the Hokage and sensei talked, the young ninjas were quite found of the group. Yet one of them was looking out for Serah, seeming interested in her. Neji Hyuga has fair skin and long dark-brown hair hanging loose and featureless white eyes with a slight lavender tint to them. He was wearing a white kimono-shirt with loose sleeves, matching pants, a navy-grey apron tied around his waist, and black shinobi sandals. When on missions, he usually carried a tan and black drawstring bag over his shoulder.

"Awww, is somebody in loooooove?" Neji then looks at his teammate, Rock Lee. He has shiny black hair in a bowl-cut style, round eyes with prominent lower eyelashes that've turned into pumping pink hearts, and very thick eyebrows while wearing a green jumpsuit, and a red forehead protector worn as a belt. He has bandages around his forearms up to his fingers, covering a set of stitches on his hands that were caused by his rigorous training. He was sitting next to Vanille, who seemed intrigued by his energetic and optimistic personality.

"I'm just simply watching over her, Lee." Neji wasn't necessarily angry, but there was a slight look of irritation on his face.

Suddenly, a Time Gate appears; it appear as a strange glowing portal - a golden gate, "blessed by the Goddess and shine like the sun". Yeul turns to her group. "Here. It seems we are to leave now. Say your goodbyes to Serah."

Snow Villiers goes through the gate first; obviously, he wasn't interested in the farewell ceremony, but he did leave his Eidolon crystal holding the Shiva Sisters behind. Sazh approaches Serah first, putting a small toy plane on the nightstand and his Eidolon crystal on her chest to let it dissolve into her. "Hey, Serah. I wanna say thank you for being a wise teacher to my little boy, Dajh, and looking after him. As a gift of thanks, he wants to give you his favorite toy plane that I got him. Also, the fires of Brynhildr in my crystal will help you more than me. I know you'll do well here and I hope to see you again one day."

Fang was the next. "Hey, kiddo. I know you and I never talked much, but I wanna give you this." The warrior gets out a weapon: a two-bladed spear that split into a three-section staff for more flexible attacks. This black+silver-themed weapon was named Dragonhorn; it was modeled after the lance of an ancient dragon-hunting hero of Gran Pulse, this weapon is powerful enough to pierce steel and inflicting massive damage. "This weapon would be useful to you than me. And I believe ye worthy to have Bahamut fight at your side. Take good care of him, missy." Fang leans the lance against the wall next to the bed and puts the pink crystal on Serah's chest, dissolving into her.

Yeul was third. "Serah, you have a good heart and looked out for Noel when I couldn't. For that, I'm forever grateful. The Eyes of Etro and the monsters you tamed...those abilities are still with you. It also seems that monsters and certain enemies you couldn't tame back home...you are now able to summon them at your side. I also give you a few clothes to dress like you once did back home and the Oracle Drive. It contains knowledge back in our world and it holds your memories as well. May the Goddess forever protect you in all your endeavors." The young seeress gives a soft smile and the green Oracle Drive on the dresser before pulling back and going through the gate with Sazh and Fang.

Vanille was fourth. "Hey, Serah. When we met on the beaches of Bodhum on Cocoon, I saw that your kindness gave me the strength to continue on our journey to complete our Focus. I'm going to miss you a lot." She takes off one bracelet and a necklace off her and puts it on the nightstand as well as a picture frame. "The jewelry and picture of us together is what I can give you; even my Eidolon, Hecaton, can stay with you too. I pray you'll find happiness here and move on." She leans down to gently hug her best friend and puts the jewelry under one of Serah's hands on her stomach and her crystal dissipates into Serah.

Hope was fifth. "Serah, I'm glad that you traveled through time to find me in 10 AF. You helped change the future for the better and that was truly a gift that gave us our lives back and you have my thanks. I give you my Eidolon, Alexander, and I give you one of my boomerangs as a defense backup weapon." The boomerang, Skycutter , was fiery+black-themed; it was a superior model used in competitive hunting while boosting physical and magical resistance when the wielder's severely wounded. He puts it next to the lance while letting the star crystal dissolve into her being. "I promise to love and forever protect Light with everything I have. It's a guarantee." He then heads to the gate with Vanille.

Noel goes to her, feeling like a broken man. As much as he tried to hold it in, the pain came out like an uproar from his throat in the form of a silent sob. The beads of water started falling down one after another, without a sign of stopping. He removes his bracer, ring, and rope before putting them on Serah and puts his satchel with the hunter's knife on the nightstand. When one of the ninjas was about to say something, Lightning raises a hand to keep them all quiet. Noel's tears hits Serah's cheek with one hand in her hair and the other on her flat stomach where their unborn child was taken out because of Caius.

"Serah...you have no idea how much you mean to me. But once I go through that gate, I'll have...to let you go...forever this time. Traveling through time with you has...been an amazing journey...and I'll never forget them. A few things that I once had are now yours. I also give you...our engagement pendants to remember us and the child we lost. Just...be yourself and try to find happiness here... I love you..." He leans to claim her closed lips with his own once more before reluctantly pulling back and stands up. He wipes his eyes before going through the gate.

Lightning gives Serah her survival knife, the crystallized tear when she completed her Focus, her rose crystal holding Odin, and her bowsword; it has two modes - melee and ranged. Melee shifts into the sword form when an enemy's close, while ranged shifts into the bow form when enemy's far away. Surprisingly enough, various bowswords Serah possessed back in Gran Pulse have fused into one weapon.

*Nagaraja is imbued with the striking power of a dragon.
*Wild Chorus was once a nomad's weapon that sharpens base survival instincts.
*Amazoness Bow's blindingly fast rate of fire allows the wielder to quickly link together attacks.
*Rune Feather's feathered design enhances concentration.
*Chrysalis Arrow is infused with the mysterious energy of a butterfly bursting from its cocoon.
*Eurytos's Bow is a manifestation of the Goddess Etro's destructive aspect.
*Izanami has been forged from the chaotic energies of Valhalla.
*Arcus Chronica is an exquisite weapon bearing the protective golden wings of the goddess.
*True Genji Bow symbolizes the honor of a distinguished line of ancient warriors.
*Azrael ∞ is named after the Angel of Souls, and said to hold the power to alter fate.

On the blade was an incription in Etro Script translating to: 'Witness to Times Forgotten, Restorer of Lines Disjointed'.

The ninjas were shocked at the build of the weapon; nothing of such model and use was impressive - especially to Sasuke Uchiha; he has black eyes and spiky black hair with a blue tint that completely covers the left side of his face. He wears a black cloak over a black shirt and pants with a white belt and white bandages wrapped up to his knees on both legs with the open-toed sandals; he was also wearing a pair of brown leather belts with a black sheath for his Sword of Kusanagi, and a brown shuriken holster. His thoughts ran. 'That weapon...very unique...'

"Serah..." Lightning sheds a tear as she puts a hand on Serah's left cheek, caressing it softly. "...my little sister. You've been through so much...things that you didn't deserve. You went through the Historia Crux to find me...but I lost you again. I may not have you back for a long time, but I hope one day, we'll be reunited for a final time and never be separated again. I also have a duffel bag holding the personal stuff from home that you would like when you wake up." Lightning summons a large duffel bag; it was white+pink in color and puts it on the floor in front of the nightstand. "Now...remember these quotes when you wake up. You control your fate. Promise me you'll keep going. And most important of all...it's not a question of can or can't. You just do it. I love you, Serah Farron. Never forget that."

Lightning kisses Serah's forehead and stands up, facing the Third Hokage. "Look out after her...for my sake."

Hiruzen nodded with a soft smile. "We promise you that."

"You can count on us!" Lightning looks at Naruto, who was smiling wide and had gave her a thumbs-up. Sakura smiles and the others nod and salute as a response. The warrior was grateful and smiles, doing her soldier salute before going through the gate, which dissipates into the sky.

Kiba steps foward and examines at the comatose girl. He has shoulder-length brown hair, sharp black eyes with slit-like pupils, a goatee, pronounced canine teeth, and nails that can change into claws as well as the distinctive red fang Inuzuka clan markings on his cheeks. He wears the new standard flak jacket underneath a open fur coat, and black fingerless gloves with grey pants reaching his calves and new black open-toed sandals. "Such a pretty girl, no doubt. But..." He touches her neck. "...her pulse is slow and she's freezing cold."

Hinata Hyuga, Neji's younger half-sister, looks at the Hokage worried. Her dark-blue hair reaches her lower back and the framing strands grow to shoulder-length; her attire is a light lavender, sleeveless low-cut kimono-style blouse with vertical lines, tied with a dark purple obi around her waist. She also wears a pair of short dark navy shorts with thigh-high stockings and has changed her regular ninja sandals to black, high-heeled boots. "Hokage, what should we do?"

The Third Hokage gets out a pipe and takes a long inhale before exhaling slowly. "We get more blankets to warm her up and we watch her. Teams Kurenai and Asuma, I have mission and assignments for you. Lee and Guy, we need more help with the village repairs. The rest of you, watch our new citizen."

Two weeks have passed. No more incidents have occurred; the village got fixed and business resumed once more as well as Neji getting his own home with a room set up for Serah. As for her, her body temperature has improved but she was still in a comatose state. But then, another week passes by and something happens...

++Date: April 29, 2007++

Twilight melted away, majestic sunrise, red orange glow seeping over the horizon as if the light itself was being poured from a molten sun. Powerful rays flood over the landscape lighting every blade of grass, shining from each leaf. The pinkish glow, colors spread across the sky announcing the new day, oranges and reds painted across the clouds as if by a celestial divine hand.

Slowly and reluctantly, Serah finally opens her eyes. She blinked, closes her eyes, and blink again. Streaks of sunlight penetrate the window and blinds her before she sat up in the hospital bed, rubbing her knuckles onto her eyes. Her eyes were the color of a newly bloomed bluebell from the valley - enchanting and delicate. Like the flower, her gaze was never direct, preferring a shy earthbound focus. 'Where...? Am...I dead?'

Suddenly, she hears soft meows. She sees Casanova and Kitson, the mixed potcat twins from Gran Pulse. They both have long pointed ears with the insides being white, clawed hands, and a short, white-tipped tail. Casanova the Mewmao has a black coat with a white underbelly and chest with purple eyes and a purple pot to float in; Kitson the Cait Sith has red+pink mixed fur with brown eyes and a red+pink-themed pot to float in.

Kitson jumps onto the girl, purring and nuzzles her cheek that makes Serah pet her softly. "I missed you too, Kitty. Did I...miss anything when...I was asleep?"

Casanova makes a few meows and Serah frowns, sighing softly. "Lightning and the rest brought me here...I was crystallized...they brought me out of it...kept all of you and my powers...they gave me gifts before leaving...and newcomers took care of me...? Is that all?"

Kitson answered her next, the answer leaving her stunned. "Two full weeks?! Dammit..."

Suddenly, her stomach growled, making her squirm in the bed and tries to silence the rumbling with her hand. The burning sensation in her throat grew more when she felt her dry lips. A crushing pain, just on one side of her head, came and she couldn't relax. One eye would water on the painful side; she hated it.

"You're finally awake." Serah hears the voice and turns to see Neji Hyuga in the door.