“So this is Sapphire City, huh.” Serah says as she looks around at all the colored glass that decorated multiple buildings. There was also some glass statues on display. “What's with all the glass?” Serah asks aloud, not sure what the story there was.

Nickie looks around, unimpressed. “I like Gardenhill better. There was more nature. This place… Feels artificial…” She says, expressing her feelings.

“I agree.” Serah says honestly. “Anyways, let's find somewhere to stay.” She says before leading the way forward.

…

…

“What are two beautiful girls like you two doing in a place like this? This is a rough bar. But don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” A man says as he leans onto the bar next to Nickie and Serah, stirring up a few laughs from other people in the bar.

Serah lets out a sigh. Why does this always happen? Serah wonders, somewhat frustrated. The sad thing is that if Nickie wasn’t around, I might settle for someone like him, just to pass the evening. She thinks, somewhat embarrassed at herself.

A finely dressed young man, watches this scene from across the bar, and anger flashes on his face as his face flushes red. He promptly stands up and decides to do something.

The young man walks over, not quite able to get between the man and Serah, but he made his presence known nonetheless. “Hey, leave these ladies alone. You can harass women in whatever backwater place you came from, but not in this city; this is my city.” He says as he puffs out his chest, readying himself for a fight.

The man smirks. “Sit back down, silk-shirt. This ain’t about you.” He says dismissively.

Suddenly a man watching from the side speaks up. “Usually I’d tell you to kick this kid’s ass, but this kid happens to be the governor’s son. Just let him have this one.” He says with a chuckle before hiding his smile by drinking from his cup.

The harasser smirks. He stands up and pats the dust from the young man’s shoulder. “Okay, big man. Whatever you say.” He says, unimpressed, before walking away.

Serah watches this, amused, and when the young man turns to look at her, she smiles.

“Thanks for the help young man. I’m sure you’ll have many admirers when you’re older. How old are you?” She asks, curious why this young man was at this bar.

“I’m eighteen!” The young man exclaims angrily, causing loud bursts of laughter to erupt around the bar.

Serah’s smile grows bigger, but she didn’t have to heart to laugh at the young man. “Hey, don’t listen to them.” She says as she stands up and faces the young man. “Thanks for standing up for us.” She says before leaning in to give the young man a peck on the cheeks.

The young man was originally somewhat angry at this lady, but the peck on the cheek stunted him from whatever thoughts he had. Suddenly, his face becomes bright red. “Of course! It’s what any gentleman would do!” He says, somewhat excitedly, before he could no longer stand the embarrassment he felt and he turns and walks towards the bar’s exit.

Serah lets out a chuckle, her light laughter joining the other spectators, and she sits back down.

“Why’d you have to tease him? Look at how red he got! I thought that cherry was about to pop!” Nickie says, her voice a little louder than intended, causing the listeners to let out an even louder laughter.

Serah smirks and picks up her beer. “Hey, it’s gotta get popped somehow.” She says, amused, before taking a large chug from her drink.