Squall met Rinoa outside of the Training Centre on time. He handed her the Shooting Star, and hefted the Lionheart, before entering the Training Centre. They wandered around the artificial jungle for about 12 minutes, before being confronted by a quartet of Grats. These low level monsters were no challenge. All it took was two discharges of a gunblade, and two shots of a pinwheel to defeat them.
"That was rather easy," Rinoa commented, "Anything tougher around here?"
"Feeling confident today?" Squall asked.
"Yes, although I can't figure out why."
"How about we try the section near the Secret Area?" Squall suggested, "The monsters there seem tougher recently."
"Do you think we could take on a T-Rexaur?"
"Maybe. How much Ice magic do you have?"
Rinoa checked her stocks, as did Squall.
"I have enough. You?"
"Not much, but Shiva is ready to help."
"Then let's find a T-Rexaur." Rinoa said.
There's nothing wrong with your confidence. Squall thought, as they headed towards the Secret Area.
After taking out a few more Grats, they heard a T-Rexaur nearby, and approached it. Squall signalled to Rinoa to go to the other side of it, so they could flank it. The T-Rexaur, once it noticed Rinoa instantly targeted the small human as its next meal, a move it probably wouldn't live long enough to regret. Acting quickly, Squall scanned it, and informed Rinoa that it carried Thundaga magic, should she wish to re-supply. Rinoa reacted by drawing a few of the spells from the monster, and then casting a strong Ice magic on it. The beast roared in pain, and moved in to bite her. Squall quickly charged at it, and discharged his gunblade into it, causing it more pain. The T-Rexaur then spun round, hitting Rinoa with its tail, stunning her for a few seconds, while moving to bite Squall. The Knight rolled to the side of the T-Rexaur as it lowered its head to bite him, resulting in its mouth hitting the ground of the Training Centre. Rinoa then hit the monster with three powerful Ice spells, and Squall followed by casting a weaker Ice spell on it. The combined Ice magic was too much for the monster, and it collapsed to the ground, dead.
"Looks like Shiva wasn't needed." Squall stated.
The two of them continued battling in the Training Centre for a while longer, before heading back to their apartment to get ready to meet Laguna for dinner at the café. They were ready by 18:30, so they had half an hour to get to Balamb and meet Laguna. They both changed out of their uniforms, and dressed themselves in their favourite clothes, which were also their combat outfits. They then went to the Car Park, and took a Garden car to drive to Balamb. The drive took 20 minutes, and they got to the café with five minutes to spare. Laguna met them as they approached the door of the café.
"I'm surprised," Squall commented, "This must be the first time you've been early for a meeting."
"I don't do it often, but you two are family, so I made an exception." Laguna replied.
They were led to a table, and given a menu each. While Squall was looking through it, Laguna started talking to Rinoa.
"Did Squall tell you about the mission I've hired SeeD for?"
"Yes, a monster cleanup at Tear's Point."
"Think you can handle leading them?"
Instantly, a shocked look appeared on the young woman's face. Squall pulled his eyes away from the menu, and concentrated on his wife and his father.
"What are you talking about?" Rinoa asked.
"Squall said he was going to place you in command of the SeeD team sent to Tear's Point."
Rinoa turned to Squall, but before she could speak, Squall said:
"I thought you said you would tell her?"
Laguna looked puzzled.
"I did?"
"Yes. Just before you left my office, I suggested that you call and see Rinoa. You said: '"I might do that. Are you going to inform her of this mission?"' And I replied: '"No, I'll let you do it."'
Laguna's expression then indicated that he remembered that conversation.
"Oh yeah. That part must have slipped my mind after I left your office."
Rinoa was trying not to laugh at the two of them politely arguing, but couldn't stop herself from giggling. This caused Squall to turn to look at her.
"Sorry, Rin," He apologised, "Maybe I should have told you, since he doesn't exactly have a photographic memory." He turned to Laguna, "Moron."
"Don't worry Squall. You mentioned to me that you might place me in charge of a SeeD team one day," She looked at her father-in-law, "And I think I can handle it."
Laguna smiled and said:
"Good. Now, what do you want to eat?"
The family read through the menu, and Squall then called a waiter over and gave him the orders. Rinoa, unable to resist a verbal jab, said:
"What, you didn't trust Mr Moron with the orders?"
"Course not. He'd get them wrong."
The three then continued making small talk, or trying to in Laguna's case until their meals arrived. They then ate quietly, and continued talking after the plates were cleared. At about 21:00, Laguna paid the bill, insisting it was his treat, and the three of them headed for home. In Laguna's case, he had a room at the Balamb Hotel, and Squall and Rinoa returned to Balamb Garden.