Hello and welcome to the Tales of Vesperia 2: Duke of Zaphias Extra stories! If you are reading this before reading my other story, please read that first to know what's going on. Luckily, this first chapter won't have major spoilers so I guess it's ok to read this first if you wish. However, I recommend at least reading my Tales of Vesperia 2 story's prologue so this will make much more sense.

These stories won't be as long as the chapters in the main story, nor will it be updated as often.

Later chapters will contain MAJOR spoilers but I will point that out at the start of the story and include what chapter you should read up to first to avoid too much being ruined. Whether you listen to the warning is up to you entirely. For example:

SPOILER ALERT! Please take caution when reading this instalment.

Please read first: Prologue.

So without further ado, please enjoy.

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Story 1: The Sisters' resolution

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"Your Eminence! There have been reports of screams coming from the lower levels. But the hallways are being blocked by some of our own Knights!" The Duke's eyes widened and sprinted off while drawing his two swords. His wife was just behind him holding two daggers which seemingly appeared out of thin air. The Emperor called after them, before ordering the Knight to watch over the Duke's daughters and following.

Tillya could only watch as her parents sprinted out of the room. The fleeting glimpse she got of their despairing faces was the last time she ever saw them alive. Looking back, she wishes that she was able to say 'good-bye' or 'I love you' to them at least. But, she did not know of the horrors that had occurred and were about to occur that night. All she could do was keep herself calm enough to try to keep Kara calm. However, it was proving to be a challenge. Being nineteen, she was old enough to realise what had panicked her parents so much. She just hugged Kara and prayed that the situation wasn't how she and her parents were fearing. However, a feeling in her gut was telling her that the night would bring much misery. Each second in the silent hall crawled past. The atmosphere of the room was thick with anxiety. Each shaky breath seemed to echo in the minds of the sisters.

KABOOM!

The sudden explosion caused both sisters to scream as panic overtook them. The Knight was desperately trying to calm them. Tillya of course was the first after a minute or two but Kara continued to shake in her sister's arms. The Knight then stood in the doorway and tried to ask passing Knights what the situation was. Tillya couldn't remember the next few minutes. She had closed her eyes tightly as she tried to comfort her sister. All she remembers was the Knight's scrambling in the hallway, her shaking voice and Kara's terrified sobs. Eventually, the Emperor came back. From his face, Tillya knew to expect the worst. When she heard it, she fell to her knees in shock and wept.

X-X-X-XX-X-X-X

The funeral was only a couple of days afterwards. The whole of Zaphias seemed to stop and join the grieving sisters. Their parents were adored by even the Lower Quarter, whom normally hated the nobility. The sisters silently watched the event though tear-stained eyes. They stayed close to Estellise, their childhood friend. The pink haired Princess offered silent support by holding both of their hands. The warmth from them was comforting and let them know that they weren't alone. After the funeral, they were taken to the castle to stay and receive support. During one of the Emperor's periodic checks on the girls, Estellise approached him.

"Where is Dayrellan? Why wasn't he at his parent's funeral?"

"Estellise... Dayrellan is... Missing."

Tillya was shocked to find out that no-one had told the poor girl where her closest friend was, or more accurately, that he had disappeared until now.

"What!? No... He... You'll find him, right!?"

"Yes, he'll return home soon."

Tillya watched the girl shrink as she walked back to them. Even then, the older de Lyesia sister could see that Estellise was closer to Dayrellan than herself. But not once in her life has it ever bothered her. In fact, it was the opposite, she was very happy to see the close bond they had. The relationship of the Duke's son and the Princess was a popular topic of conversation among the nobles. Seeing her friend on the edge of tears again prompted Tillya to want to help her. It was at that time, she remembered some of her father's words.

"Listen my children, I have something important to teach you about life. When you see your friend frown, it's up to you to turn it upside-down!"

It was that in moment in time that Tillya decided what needed to be done. After briefly conferring with Kara, she approached Estellise.

"Don't worry, Estellise. We will find our brother, even if it means we have to do it ourselves!"

X-X-X-XX-X-X-X

Soon, however, there was talk of who would take up the position of Duke of Zaphias. Many nobles put themselves forward but the Emperor rejected them all, saying it was too early to replace him. Tillya didn't want some stuck-up noble taking the position and use it only as a way to show off and not lift a finger for the people of Zaphias. Her father had many unfinished plans to improve the lives of those people. She did not want to see them go to waste due to a lazy and selfish successor. So, her actions shocked many but at the same time, was supported by the multitude. She put herself forward to be a temporary Duchess until her brother was found to take over. Dayrellan could have been considered a genius, not that she'd ever tell him she thought so. His creativity and ability to created ideas was admittedly a little 'out there' but was on par with his father. She thought that Dayrellan was the best choice to continue the late Duke's work and do it justice.

When the search parties for Dayrellan were called off after a month of fruitless searching, it was a crushing blow to the Duchess. So once again, she shocked the masses. Her and Kara would personally look for Dayrellan. And they would find him, regardless of how long it took. The resolution in both sisters' hearts was unbreakable. They would find him; for the future of Zaphias, for Estellise and for their family. Broken but resilient.

"Listen my dear children... You must look out for one another. On the day that your father and I are no longer around to protect you, your siblings are all you will have left. So cherish them. Always."

And that's it. This will be updated very randomly as the focus will be on the main story. I hope you enjoyed this and will enjoy future updates too. Bye for now!