Well, this is my first attempt at a Tales of Graces + Tales Series fic. I had this idea for a while and am seeing if it is worth making. Lots of thought and planning were put into this fic, so I hope I do not disappoint.

Important Note: Anyways, the story is placed in a modern setting AU and is composed of all the worlds from all the Tales Series. Many characters from other Tales games will be making a crossover into this story. Sorry if they make it a little confusing and that certain characters from Graces are not used. Well, hope you all enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing

Childhood: Before the Summon

Chapter 1

"Over four thousand years ago a great war had ensued between humans and monsters known as Summon Spirits. The Summon Spirits were powerful beings that sustained the balance of mana that flowed through the world, giving it life. However, after an incident where a Summon Spirit had murdered a human after being asked for assistance, humans began to view Summon Spirits as a threat. Origin, king of all spirits, then ordered the elimination of all humans, to preserve their existence.

The war raged for hundreds of years, neither sides giving way. However, a great hero rose and finally put a stop to the war, ending the threat of the Summon Spirits. From that point on, the remaining Summon Spirits seemingly disappeared off the face of the planet…"

"Asbel! Hubert!"

Two young boys glanced over their shoulders to see a stern man with red-brown hair standing a little off to the side.

"Dad, you're back early." the blue haired boy said in surprise as the reddish haired boy next to him looked less than enthusiastic.

"It's getting late, so hurry back home now." The man said.

The reddish haired boy, seemingly the older of the two groaned in frustration before turning to the older man behind the two boys.

"Sorry, Zamaran, dad is calling," Asbel said in disappointment.

"Maybe you can tell us more about the story later," Hubert offered.

"It is not just a story, young ones," Zamaran explained. "But a true legend. I believe that the Summon Spirits still exist in today's world but have merely gone into hiding-"

Asbel winced when he heard his father call for him again, this time a little more forcefully.

"Yeah, okay! I heard you the first time!" Asbel called back before running off towards his father.

Hubert paused and bowed respectively to Zamaran. "Thank you for the story, Mr. Zamaran."

The older man smiled and nodded before Hubert ran off to catch up with his brother.

"That Zamaran guy really knows some cool stories," Asbel said with a grin. "Wish we could have heard more of that story though."

Hubert nodded. "He was an adventurer before coming here so he's bound to have a lot of great stories to tell."

Life in Luin was always a bore according to Asbel Lhant, the eleven-year-old, self-proclaimed adventurer.

The town was built on top of a dry lakebed that used to be known as Lake Sinoa. Many grassy hills and plains surrounded the whole area. The roads were made up of pebble and rock with wooden bridges scattered all over town.

It was generally a quiet town without much to do or see, much to Asbel's boredom. Of course, most towns in Sylvarant were usually farmland and peaceful rural areas.

Though it was a nice environment, Asbel couldn't help but feel that there was much more beyond the gates of the town. So many different things lied beyond the outskirts and Asbel could only imagine what was out there.

His father gave him books about the cities he visited during his business trips, but it was hardly interesting compared to actually experiencing it for himself. There were so many things waiting for him, all kinds of towns, cities, people, foods, sights, and so much more. How he wished to be an adult already and leave this place.

"Yeah…" Asbel said gazing up at the sky and putting his arms behind his head. "It sounds great to travel around like that, completely free."

As he gazed up at the clouds, he allowed his imagination to run wild within his mind.

Zamaran had once told them that Luin was known as the "City of Hope" because it took in many refugees from the war. However, it was later devastated by the Summon Spirits, killing the residents and drying up the lakebed. Luin's name was changed to the "City of Devastation" at the time until being restored by the Great Hero of Legend once the war had ended.

Asbel was curious about who the Hero of Legend was. But when he asked, Zamaran told him that the hero's identity was shrouded in mystery. No one knew where the hero came from or who he was. Legend only said that the Hero was able to end the war by sealing away the Summon Spirits.

These legends are so much more interesting than actual history, Asbel thought. If only they were real so Asbel could go on a real adventure.

"But can you believe that there was a great war between people and spirits?" Hubert asked, snapping Asbel back to reality.

The red headed boy chuckled. "Nah, it was just a story. There's no way that those things could have ever existed. It's complete baloney if you ask me."

Hubert looked down in thought. "I don't know. What if he's right, though?"

Asbel looked at his brother questionably as Hubert came to a stop and looked around anxiously. "If they really do exist…the way that Mr. Zamaran talked about them…they sound pretty scary…"

"Hah! If one does happen to show up, I'll beat it to a pulp, no problem!" Asbel said confidently while puffing out his chest to emphasize his point.

"But Asbel, these Summon Spirits sounds pretty powerful. Do you really think you could win if you ever got into a fight with one?" Hubert asked, still unconvinced.

"Of course! I mean, come on, they just sound like petty monsters if you ask me-"

"Asbel, Hubert, that is enough," Aston said, causing the two boys to flinch. "I will not tolerate you speaking so idly about such things."

Once his back was turned, Asbel stuck his tongue at him, causing Hubert to get nervous.

"Hmph, I'm already eleven, I'll talk however the way I want," Asbel grumbled under his breath so that Aston couldn't hear. "Those Summon Spirits are monsters for killing innocent people…"

"Then what are humans?"

Asbel's eyes widened in shock before feeling a large chill run up his spine. He suddenly broke out in cold sweat as he felt his body tremble.

'W-What in the world was that voice…?' Asbel thought as he anxiously looked around.

"Asbel? What's wrong?" Hubert asked

Snapping back to his senses, Asbel frantically shook his head before glancing at his brother, slight bewilderment still evident in his eyes.

"Huh? Oh it's nothing. I just thought I heard something, that's all," Asbel said before racing off ahead again. "Race you home!"

"Hey! Asbel! No fair!" Hubert called before racing after him.

Aston watched his two sons with an unreadable expression before glancing up at the sky.

As the two reached the garden in front of the Lhant mansion an elderly man greeted them with a bow.

"Welcome back, Master Asbel, Master Hubert."

"Hey, Frederick." Asbel greeted, stopping in front of the man.

"Hurry on in, the sun is setting and dinner is just about ready." Frederick said as he ushered the two boys into the house.

Asbel let out an exasperated sigh. Everyday, he and his brother always had to be in the house before the sun set. He didn't understand what was so important to be inside before dark out, considering they lived in a generally safe town. There were the occasional wolves, but hardly anything to worry about since they usually stayed in the forest on the outskirts.

"Welcome back, boys." a woman with blue hair greeted as she descended from the staircase.

"Hi, mom." both Asbel and Hubert responded.

She quickly crossed the room and over to the two boys. "Hubert, go and get into warmer clothes. It's supposed to be chilly tonight."

"But mom, I'm fine." Hubert said but Kerri ushered him up to his room.

This was also something Asbel didn't understand. Whenever he and Hubert came back in after a long day of playing, Hubert was always instructed to dress in warmer clothes. In the winter, Kerri was very strict in having the youngest Lhant in earlier. Asbel had asked the reason behind these circumstances, but was always answered by the typical "we'll tell you when you're older."

Even now at eleven, his parents wouldn't tell him why they had to be in everyday before night fell. Hubert didn't seem to mind too much, but even he had to be a little curious.

"Come now, Master Asbel," Frederick said, motioning for the boy to head to the dining room. "Master Hubert will be down shortly, so please take a seat."

Asbel heaved another sigh before reluctantly obeying. When he made it to the dining room, he went over to his chair and slumped down in it.

Seeing that he had a few minutes alone, Asbel thought back to Zamaran's tale.

If only that story actually did happen and he lived in a world of thrills and adventure. He would travel the land, protecting innocent people from the treachery of the Summon Spirits.

He imagined himself training as a knight and helping out a prince who was on the run from his evil uncle. His friends would join him along the way and would travel around the world, on a mission to protect all that they care about. They would defeat monsters, alien robots, and powerful dragons.

'I would be a great warrior…' Asbel thought to himself with a big goofy grin on his face.

However, his thoughts were interrupted when Kerri and Hubert entered the dining room and took their seats at the table.

Hubert was wearing a white, long sleeved shirt with a greenish grey vest. He also wore long dark blue jeans and around his neck was a light grey scarf.

Asbel gave him a skeptical look. "Are you sure you're not going to overheat in all that?"

"I said I was fine before…" Hubert said, his cheeks getting slightly rosy from the warmth.

"We wouldn't want you catching a cold now would we?" Kerri said before turning to her oldest child. "You weren't doing anything reckless today, were you?"

Asbel let out an annoyed groan as he slumped down lower into his chair. His parents always assumed that he was getting into some sort of trouble. Why couldn't they just trust him for once?

"We were just listening to Mr. Zamaran's stories." Hubert answered, successfully taking the attention off of Asbel.

"Oh? What was Mr. Zamaran telling you today?"

"He told us a story about the Summon Spirits and how they caused a great war supposedly hundreds of years ago." Hubert explained.

For a brief moment, Asbel could have sworn he saw a disappointed expression cross over his mother's face. However it was gone just as it appeared.

Asbel grew even more suspicious of his mother's sudden change of face when she abruptly changed the subject.

Now that he thought about it, his father did yell at them when they were talking about Summon Spirits on their way home.

What did they think of the Summon Spirits? Why did they want to avoid the topic?

Before Asbel could dwell more his thoughts, Aston strode into the room and took his seat at the head of the table.

As Frederick served them their meal, Asbel was still too caught up in his thoughts to concentrate on eating. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't shake the thought of his parents and the Summon Spirits. Even if he were to ask, they would probably shake him off, excusing it as nothing.

That's how it always was. All his questions were never answered. It was as if his parents were purposefully trying to keep him and Hubert in the dark about so many things, his father especially.

Asbel didn't see his father too often due to his work. Aston owned a private company located in Palmacosta. When it came down to his dad's work affairs, Asbel had no clue about it, nor did he care. Asbel would usually only see him during dinnertime when he was home. Other times, the man would either be away on business meetings or locked in his office filing paperwork.

"Asbel, stop playing with your food." Kerri said, though Asbel was too distracted to take notice.

He continued rolling a couple of his peas on his plate as his mind continued to wander.

After a while, Aston cleared his throat before speaking, catching the attention of everyone in the room.

"In a few days we are having some very important guests coming over from Altamira." Aston explained as Asbel's interest was immediately perked.

"Whoa, really?"

"Is it for your company?" Hubert asked.

Aston nodded. "A spokesman from a very important corporation there is coming down for a business meeting. He has agreed to stay here for the next few days."

Altamira was one of the most well known cities in Tethe'alla, one of the neighboring countries closest to Sylvarant. The city was placed on the small strip of land that connected the two countries together. In the past, Sylvarant and Tethe'alla were constantly at war with one another over land and power. Though the countries have past since gotten over their differences, the relationship between them is still rather strained. For a Tethe'allan company to even consider partnering or negotiating with a Sylvaranti company was big news.

The man then looked over at Asbel, his gaze narrowing. "This man holds a very high position in the corporation and it is of great importance to show him the utmost respect. If something happens, our business relationship could be put into jeopardy. Do you understand, Asbel?"

"Why are you only asking me?" Asbel said with pout.

"Do you understand?" Aston repeated, his tone firm.

Asbel felt anger boil up within him as he gritted his teeth and balled his fists. However, he knew that getting into an argument with his dad here would get him nowhere and reluctantly agreed.

Aston nodded before excusing himself from his meal to start to make preparations.

Once he left, Asbel left his unfinished meal at the table before leaving the room in a huff.

Kerri let out a sigh before Hubert politely excused himself from the table and rushed after his hotheaded brother.

"Asbel, calm down!" Hubert called as Asbel fumed his way all the way up the stairs until he reached his room.

"I can't stand it! All dad does is scold and lecture me all the time," Asbel growled while slamming the door closed after Hubert walked in. "I'm sick and tired of always being treated like a child!"

Hubert watched his brother worriedly before Asbel let out a loud groan and flung himself onto his bed.

"He just has high expectations considering he said you'd be inheriting the company from him one day." Hubert explained.

'That's all dad cares about, his stupid company." Asbel muttered while narrowing his gaze.

Aston had made it blatantly clear on several occasions that Asbel would someday take over the company, which the boy thought was ridiculous. Who would want to take on such a stuffy job? There was no way that Asbel would even consider taking over his dad's company. Especially when the boy only thought about traveling.

However, Asbel's words meant absolutely nothing to Aston as the man insisted that he would inherit the company, which only fueled the boy's reluctance to accept it.

"I could care less about the company," Asbel spat as he placed his arms behind his head. "I'd rather travel the world like Zamaran did before he became blind. To be free…"

He lifted his gaze up to stare at the ceiling fan. 'If only…

Later that night...

Asbel suddenly found himself souring through the air. The skies were so beautiful and the air was warm and inviting. Below him were puffy white clouds that looked as if he could settle right on top of them.

He wondered if the land below him looked just as beautiful. Spotting a break in the clouds, he immediately flew over and glanced down.

However, to his disbelief and horror, fire and ruin lay below. War raged all around as bodies of defeated soldiers lay scattered across the battlefield.

'W-Wha…What is this?' Asbel wondered in horror.

A sudden cry snapped him out of his thoughts and he quickly looked down to see a group of soldiers surrounding someone.

Daring to take a closer look, Asbel flew down to see what was happening.

Upon closer inspection, the soldiers were encircling a young woman with green hair. She wore rather revealing clothes on the upper half of her body, causing Asbel to blush slightly, and a long flowing skirt. On the left side of her body were interesting tattoo designs.

One of the soldiers standing around her grabbed one of her arms and yanked them behind her, causing her to cry out in pain.

'She's in trouble!' Asbel realized.

The woman looked up at him with a pained expression, her eyes meeting his.

An indescribable feeling suddenly throbbed within Asbel's chest as he stared at the woman. The feeling felt familiar yet foreign. Asbel wasn't sure what to make of it. However, his thoughts were put on hold when the woman's lips started moving.

"…As… plea… sa… your…"

A bewildered gasp escaped from Asbel's mouth as his eyes snapped open. He quickly sat up in bed as he broke out in cold sweat.

'What…what in the world was that dream about…?' Asbel said to himself as he struggled to get control of his breathing.

Once he finally calmed down, Asbel thought back to his dream. It was much different from his usual dreams and he wondered why the details were so clear as if he were actually there.

And the woman…was she calling out to him to help her? He couldn't quite make out what she was saying as her voice was like a gentle whisper.

The redheaded boy quickly glanced over at the bed next to his to see Hubert sound asleep. He scampered out of bed and over to his brother.

"Hubert! Hubert! Wake up!" Asbel said in a hushed voice while shaking Hubert out of his sleep.

Hubert let out a sleepy groan as he was slowly brought out of his slumber.

"Huh…?" Hubert mumbled still not completely awake.

"I had this weird dream!"

"…What else is new…?"

A vein popped out on the side of Asbel's head as he pulled Hubert up to a sitting position and shook him by the collar.

"Wake up!"

"Ugh…I'm up…" Hubert groaned as his head lolled back and forth.

Asbel quickly relayed his dream to Hubert as the blue-haired boy stared at him sleepily.

"…So you saw a woman in your dream?" Hubert asked.

Asbel nodded. "Yeah and it looked like she was in trouble."

He sat back on his haunches and looked up at the ceiling in thought.

"It was so real. It was like I was living the moment and…hey!"

Hubert had apparently fallen back asleep, leaving a rather bewildered Asbel to dwell on the thoughts of his dream until morning.

Asbel let out a rather loud yawn as he and Hubert trudged their way down the path that led to their school.

"Why so tired, Asbel?" Hubert asked. "Were you up late reading comic books again?"

Asbel threw his brother an annoyed glare, causing him to immediately clam up.

'He doesn't even remember…' Asbel grumbled to himself as he ran a frustrated hand through his hair. 'Sheesh…I didn't get any sleep after that weird dream… Looks like I'll be sleeping in class today.'

"Hey wait up you guys!"

Asbel and Hubert looked over to see a pink-haired girl rushing to catch up with them.

However, before she only made it half way before she stopped and desperately tried to catch her breath.

"Cheria…" Asbel sighed in exasperation before he and Hubert rushed over to her side.

"Are you all right, Cheria?" Hubert asked in concern.

"You really shouldn't be running like that." Asbel said to his friend.

Cheria had been friends with the Lhant brothers since they were all very young. The three of them were like the Three Musketeers as they did almost everything together. However, due to Cheria's illness, she wasn't able to push herself without difficulty and would sometimes have to be left behind. Her grandfather, Frederick often watched over her since her parents were often busy with their jobs as doctors.

"You…guys…just walk too fast…that's all." Cheria panted.

"We could have just walked back, you know," Asbel before turning around and knelt down on the ground with his back facing her. "Here, I'll give you a piggyback."

Cheria immediately blushed before turning away stubbornly. "I-I can walk on my own."

Hubert let out an amused sigh before lifting his arms in a shrug. "It's always like this between you two."

"That's because Asbel is horrible at carrying people!" Cheria shot back causing an annoyed expression to cross over Asbel's face.

"Fine, then have Hubert carry you instead."

Both Hubert and Cheria looked at Asbel in surprise before the blue-haired boy shook his head.

"Asbel, you know I'm not strong enough to carry Cheria."

Cheria glared over at Hubert with a slight blush, causing the boy to flinch.

"Are you saying that I'm heavy?!" Cheria demanded.

"No!" Hubert cried while putting up his hands defensively. "I'm just worried that I'll accidentally drop you or something!"

"And I though you were the polite, sensible one! Un-believable!" Cheria shouted before going into a small coughing fit.

Asbel patted Cheria on the back before giving Hubert a smug look. "Better apologize before she gets any madder."

The smaller boy stammered incoherently before letting his shoulders slump in defeat. "But I didn't do anything…"

As Asbel turned around while laughing, he accidentally bumped into someone.

"Whoops, sorry 'bout that." Asbel said while rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

He looked up and felt a chill run up his spine when he found himself staring into crimson red eyes.

The stranger had light blonde hair (with one strand of hair standing up) that contrasted with his tanned skin. He wore a black opened vest and a white t-shirt underneath with a pair of ripped jeans. There was also a jet black scarf wrapped snug around his neck.

However, the most distinct feature was his sharp, red eyes that seemed capable of boring holes into anyone with just one glance.

The stranger narrowed his eyes at the boy, causing Asbel to flinch slightly at the intensity.

"Watch where you're going, kid." The stranger said coldly before pushing past Asbel and continued on his way.

"Hey!" Asbel shouted after the boy though he was ignored.

"Well that was rude." Cheria said as she put her hands on her hips.

"He only looks like a few years older than me, how dare he call me a kid!" Asbel growled while holding up a fist.

Hubert glanced at his watch before his eyes widened in bewilderment.

"Hey! We're going to be late!"

"Ack! Come on!" Asbel quickly grabbed Cheria and got her onto his back.

Cheria let out a shriek as her face went completely red with embarrassment. "Asbel! What are you doing?! Put me down!"

xxxXX To be Continued XXxxx

Author's note: I know it's not perfect, but it's a start. If there is something I can work on to improve this chapter, please let me know! Please Review! :D