Strength In Our Bonds (The Strength in Generations Accompanying Book)

The Halloween Masquerade

The year that Raine turned 21, Rinoa came up with the idea of having a masquerade on Halloween sponsored by Garden as part of the efforts to assure the masses that Garden was a peaceful organization (more or less. It really was, except when business offers were given, then of course someone would have to die). Of course, since this was basically the Garden Festival but in a different location with more than just SeeDs as guests, Selphie was the first to agree to help with it. After a lot of convincing, Squall okayed the idea, and with that, Rinoa and Selphie eagerly began to search for a venue and all the other things they'd need.

As the two were plotting for a venue in Squall's office, Raine walked into the office with the white-haired Kazel at her side; the two were at that stage in their relationship where they absolutely had to be around each other as much as humanly possible.

"Mom, what's going on?" asked Raine.

Rinoa turned around quickly. "Raine, you're back!" She hurried over to hug her. "Hello, Kazel."

"It's good to see you, Mrs. Leonhart." He smiled, and Rinoa gave him a hug too.

"Thank you. Raine, your father has given Selphie and I permission to hold a Halloween masquerade ball to uphold a better public image, so that's what we're working on now."

"How far have you gotten?" asked Raine.

"Technically, nowhere. We haven't even chosen a venue yet," replied Selphie from her seat.

"Well, you're not supposed to choose the venue first," Raine said, sounding surprised. "You haven't yet decided your occupancy, your decor, not even your meal?"

"Or your music, or your theme, or the social level of which you want to cater to?" added Kazel, sounding just as surprised.

Selphie stared at the couple before pointing and saying, "Rinny, get these two a chair!"

Rinoa eagerly did so.

"What exactly are we missing, again?" asked Selphie.

"Well, why don't we start with a theme?" suggested Raine. "Everything always seems to fall into place after the theme is chosen."

"Oh! Raine, babe, you know what would be great? What if this was a black-and-white ball?" asked Kazel excitedly.

Raine gasped. "That's a great idea, Kazi! Black-and-white balls are always so elegant! Not to mention easy to find decorations for."

"And everyone can enjoy it because black and white are always so refined no matter what your income level is!" added Kazel.

Rinoa smiled, looking at her daughter and her boyfriend. "Is this what you two are like in school?"

"I can confirm that this is exactly what we're like in school, especially if we're working on a project together," replied Kazel.

"And the projects we work on together are always the best ones, aren't they?" asked Raine.

"The dress that we designed for the fall season is on display in the lobby of our school," Kazel told Rinoa and Selphie proudly.

"Ooh," Rinoa said proudly and surprised at the same time. "We're lucky to have such esteemed designers working with us, Selphie."

"I know," agreed Selphie.

"Raine, you know more about Balamb than I do; what's a good venue?" asked Kazel.

"I had my eye on this one!" Selphie handed the two a brochure for the Oceanfront Ballroom. "Look at the view of the water at this place!"

"That's so romantic..." Rinoa swooned.