****
Laughter rang out in the large community hall, and it remained filled with light-hearted conversation; joy, a unity among the group, bled well into this moment for the survivors.
Sora took great delight in needling Kai, Ryu, Kaida, and Kaori, her taunts and jeers about their recent training foibles sending peals of laughter through the group.
A flush of crimson redden Ryu's face as he valiantly attempted to quell the laugher; meek protests only stoking the flames higher.
Maria sat at the head of the table, her eyes sharp and smile sharper, joining in the laughter as her voice grew to a near musical lilt that sliced through the air like a dagger.
"Oh Ryu, you poor thing," she teased with her voice dripping faux sympathy, leaning closer, the glittering edge of her smile near ever-present lips. "It's a wonder you have any strength left to argue."
