A/N: Wow it's been a while ^^; This is ZxPlatinum and I've actually never published anything on my own yet. (Kookiiz was the one who did it for us.) Uh, I don't know what to say but sorry for the long hiatus what with school and things. I don't know where this idea came from, it just hit me one day during my morning commute.

Over the years I've been writing more original stories (Well as original as possible in this day and age) and that has given me the freedom to shape my characters to the moment and have them feel and react in certain ways. I find it more difficult to do that with pre-established characters so expect minor to noticeable bouts of OOCness. (Especially from BRS/Rock)

As I'm typing this A/N I really have no idea where this story is going. (So bear with me If things don't make sense)
To clarify one thing I am aware that the BRS universe is... different? There are 3 very different versions based on the idea of BRS (Anime, Manga, Game) And for this crossover I will be using the Manga "Innocent Soul" (Despite the fact it only has 1 volume that I know of)

For those wondering about the junk in the square braces: When I type a story I tend to just ramble on and shove everything into one giant text document. These braces are for me to mark where Chapters (or in this case segments) begin and end so forgive me if my formatting is horrible.

This first "Chapter" is just introducing the two characters the story will primarily follow so don't expect much. I also wrote this really late into the night. (Trust me, it shows)

Without further ado I'll quiet up and just let you read.

Disclaimer: I don't claim to own Final Fantasy XIII or Black Rock Shooter. They belong to Square Enix and Huke respectively. Though the Manga elements of BRS belong to its author Sanami Suzuki.

[Lightning - 01: The Soldier's Regret]

The plains of Gran Pulse were vast and teeming with wildlife. It was one thing to see these creatures in the Bodhum Zoo back on Cocoon but seeing them in their natural habitat was something else. They were wild, untamed, and free.

Lightning Farron, who grew up on Cocoon, simply stared at the lush world just outside her... cocoon...
(A/N: I know... I'm kind of embarrassed with myself.)

"It's amazing isn't it?" The Lancer, Oerba Yun Fang, stood beside Lightning and took in a deep breath. "No matter how many times I see it I still have no words to describe it."

Lightning didn't turn to look her friend in the eye. She looked out at the supposed "Hell world" she had only heard stories of. It didn't look too bad. She would even go as far to say it could be paradise. (If there wasn't a lingering threat of being eaten by the native creatures)

"Here ya go!" Fang bent down and picked up a light blue star shaped rock. "Keep this as a welcoming gift from the Gran Pulse Welcome Committee!"

Lightning stared at the rock in Fang's hand. It was almost beautiful enough to be an Eidolith Crystal. She stretched out her hand and accepted the gift.

"I know you're not one for vanity items... Give it to Serah when you see her." With a wink and a nudge on the shoulder the Lancer walked off to join the rest of the party.

Serah Farron, the only family member Lightning had left in this world. She was turned to Crystal by the Fal'cie Anima and taken away from her. In a fit of rage and vengeance Lightning stood her ground only to be branded a L'cie just like her sister. Ever since that moment Lightning had felt lost. She had no direction and nothing left to fight for. It was as if a part of her soul was ripped out of her.

If only Lightning had listened to her. If only Lightning could turn back time and take back all the things she'd done wrong. She clutched the star rock and held it to her heart.

"If only I could wish on this fallen star..."

[Rock - 02: The Black Star]

The Realm of Hazama, or Threshold, is one that falls between Heaven and Hell. It is a perpetual state of Limbo where Stagnant Souls linger holding on to their final memories unable to move on. With time these unchecked souls can go rampant and unleash a terrible evil.

To counter this threat an organization of "Soul Hunters" was created, The Black Stars. These warriors were created for the hunt and as a result neither emotion nor individuality was needed.

"Rock?"

A pale young girl sat on a cliff looking out into the abyss of Hazama. A black hooded cloak covered her head.

"Rock, are you listening to me?"

A black snake slithered next to the girl and sat by her.

"Come on, Rock... We have a job to do."

She let out a sigh and slowly got to her feet. She held out her arm and let the snake coil around it.

"Is something wrong? You seem less talkative than usual."

The girl glanced at the snake and quickly looked away.

"It's nothing..." she muttered.

"Rock... We've been together for a while now and I know your behavioural quirks. Something is on your mind. You know you can talk to me."

She said nothing and kept a brisk pace.

"Rock, please talk to me."

The girl named Rock stopped dead in her tracks. Her foot just mere inches away from kicking a strange star shaped stone.

"Don't you ever get tired of it, Ron?" She kneeled down to pick up the stone. "I know it's our job to help Stagnant Souls move on but sometimes I wish things could be different."

The snake cocked its head.

"Different? What do you mean by different?"

"In order to purify Stagnant Souls we must experience their deepest desires and regrets. With our help they are able to move on but what about us? We live the rest of eternity carrying their memories."

Rock gripped the stone tightly in her hand.

"Sometimes I just want a break from hunting down souls... Sometimes I just want to forget that I'm a Black Star even if it's just for a day."

Ron sighed, "Rock... If we don't help these souls move on then they will become dark. This is a mercy for them. When you became a Black Star you vowed to give up your own desires."

"I understand that... I just... I just want one day where I don't have to burden their pain."

She clenched the stone to her chest and let out a low breath.

A Black Star was created for the sole purpose of hunting down Stagnant Souls. They didn't need emotions. They didn't need a sense of individuality. It was painfully obvious to Ron that Rock was no ordinary Black Star. Rock was different. She had something in her that made her different. After all this time with his partner Ron was finally able to figure out what it was. Rock was an innocent soul, she was pure and she deserved better than what she was given.

"Alright then..." Ron looked to the hazy Hazama sky sighing in defeat, "Take as much time as you need. We don't need to get to the next soul immediately."

"Thank you, Ron." She pocketed the stone and took her time walking at a leisurely pace.

A/N: I know it's kind of short and rushed. It's not one of my best works and I'm 80% positive I'm going to rework it.Anyway I hope you found it somewhat decent. Speaking for Kookiiz, this is ZxPlatinum wishing you all a pleasant day/afternoon/evening/night.