As the world shook, as the ocean roared, as the trees waved from everything going crazy, one thing remained.

  Borgain, in his furor, stood proud in a sick sense and bludgeoned the bloody bits and pieces that was Rou's body, all that was left as he swung and swung the oversized, spiked mace.

  Affection screamed in terror, but soon looked over, tears in her eyes, as none other than Laughter stood at her side and had a hand on her shoulder as if telling her not to worry. He couldn't speak because he was still too busy laughing at Borgain's misfortune, though eventually that, too, calmed down briefly and he had a proud look on his face.

  –

  Notice

  Perk [Cute] has been changed into [He who Laughs Last - Cannot die until they stop laughing. No one can stop a good laugh from happening.]

  Status Gained - [ Last Laugh - Will laugh until they die. Laughter is eternal. ]

  Affection looked like she didn't quite know what to say to Laughter who once again began laughing, though quickly she began to feel grateful and hugged the ugly gods mortal body while he simply patted her gently.

  –

  Rou and Celia, of course, could not see the perk on Rou's body getting upgraded. But the effect was certainly present. Despite Rou's body being mince at this point, bits of flesh and bone and innards all over the floor of Borgain's office, stuck to his mace, all over Borgain's clothes as well, the laughter continued. No matter how much Borgain tried to destroy Rou's head, his chest and lungs to stop that awful laughter, he couldn't do it.

  Borgain had practically destroyed the whole of the room, but even so, he could not kill Rou.

  "DIE! DIE! JUST DIE AND SHUT UP ALREADY!"

  But Laughter would not let it happen.

  Rou, Celia and Laughter continued to taunt Borgain and slowly the bloated monster of what was once a fox rocked backwards, huffing from being out of breath. It wasn't until he couldn't help but lean against his solid wood desk that was strong enough to hold a boulder that he suddenly seemed confused, glancing at someone he didn't see until now.

  "...Vitor? What are you… –"

  At some point, Vitor had slipped into the room, intending to try and support Rou however he could. But throughout the madness that had happened, poor, terrified Vitor was hiding behind the secret doorway that led into the room that Rou had used. Cowering, wanting to help Rou, but he couldn't bring himself to. He'd even brought with him the supplies to do so.

  It wasn't until after he threw up from the despair of seeing Rou 'killed' in front of him like that, his Sage of Fluff bludgeoned into nonexistence but somehow still having the strength to laugh at his would-be killer despite everything, that Vitor had worked up his courage.

  With insanity in his eyes, he leapt at the winded Borgain with a magical tool of his own design in his hand, the only thing he could grab from the satchel he'd brought with him as he was wont to do when he went out. But instead of trying to pierce Borgain's hide, which he knew very well he'd never be able to do with how much aether he had sublimated since his adventuring days in his youth, Vitor practically shoved his entire arm into Borgain’s mouth and throat, and the magical tool along with it.

  Borgain began to choke only to feel his lungs collapsing inward! The device, meant to purify air in a room - absorbing from one end and blowing out the other, promptly pulled every bit of air out of Borgain, as Vitor quite literally crammed it down his windpipe with fury and despair in his eyes.

  "HE WAS MINE! I FINALLY FOUND SOMEONE WHO TREATED ME LIKE A NORMAL PERSON AND YOU TOOK HIM AWAY FROM ME!" Crying from anger while Rou continued to laugh impotently, the mighty Borgain sil Krum fell over dead as his sickly, timid, scraggly mess of a cousin quite literally choked the life out of him with a magical tool he built with the aid of the Sage of Fluff's magic findings to try and better the lives of everyone in the world.

  Quite ironic, that.

  Vitor hadn't even realized at first something popped up on his screen until he just… stared in confusion.

  "...what?"

  Notice

  Perk Gained - [Cute]

  –

  Far away, in another world, Creation had pierced through the high-dimensional realm there only for the gods of Earth - whence Rou had originally come - to suddenly appear only to be confused.

  "You…" The high-dimensional being who had sent Rou's soul off appeared in front of Creation, recognizing him. Creation was very much the most elder high-dimensional being in this region of existence, far superior to any of them, to every one of them combined.

  "A soul, now, any soul! I have to see if I'm right or wrong!"

  The 'god' was confused but obliged, not knowing what Creation had in mind, handing him the latest soul that had slipped into reincarnation.

  But all the 'gods' of Earth were promptly shocked as Creation's formless body ripped the soul in half with a deafening explosion right in front of them.

  "NO!" they all yelled, knowing the taboos on destruction of souls, only to stand there in shock as Creation grabbed something from the soul and held it up. A wriggling silverfish-like parasite. "So it's true… it's… you're… Rou is…"

  The high-dimensional beings there were confused before Creation promptly raised his hand and that was the day that the world vanished, being ripped asunder, all the high-dimensional beings stranded in terror outside of their bubble of space, safe from the predator, all of it, gone, immediately.

  As was every soul, living being and creation that was on the planet, as now even the planet had been reduced to nothing but aether and energy in the cosmos. And from every soul, the wriggling silverfish-like parasites were gathered up and trapped in a ball of high-dimensional energy.

  Before those native beings that governed earth could react, Creation was off to another nearby world he knew.

  –

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  "Whatever is going on down there?" Creation's actions stirred someone, something, who looked over the corner of existence where the rogue high-dimensional being was causing havoc.

  –

  In the hours that followed, Affection thought she was going to lose Rou, as did Vitor. But given Creation had already broken the peace and abused his power to pierce the high-dimensional veil, their location was already at risk of being exposed to the high-dimensional predator. Whatever they did now? It didn't matter.

  The gods were hesitant to do anything until Aether nodded at Affection, then towards Rou.

  Affection appeared in the mortal world for the first time, besides Rou, leaving Vitor to stare in surprise. Laughter, too, came as did Aether.

  "His body… is too far gone." Aether said softly, "And his soul is nearly destroyed as well. Or… so it would seem." It's not that Borgain had attacked his soul so much as the soul and body were intertwined, and given he was basically dead despite his remains still softly and jerkily laughing every now and then, she didn't think anything could be done. Affection wept, hugging Rou's remnants and not knowing what to do. It was only when Laughter looked around and noticed Celia's body, soulless on the table, and Vitor standing nearby that an idea came to mind and he grinned toothily at the weird-looking fox.

  "...yes?" Vitor asked in confusion, a little nervous.

  –

  With a hole ripped into the high-dimensional realm straight from Borgain's office, ignoring any previous warnings and restrictions from Creation as it didn't matter anymore. Laughter - far and away one of the most elder beings besides Creation and Aether, had scooped up Vitor, Celia's body, and everything of Rou that he could. He even brought along Borgain's corpse, whose soul was still lingering as if it was forbidden from entering reincarnation - likely the doing of Creation and whatever caution he had against Borgain.

  "Can you save him?" Affection still bawling, shivering in fear, received once again that familiar pat on the shoulder. Laughter hadn't even spoke besides the occasional hiccup of laughter. Though finally his eerie and painful-to-hear voice came out as he looked to Vitor.

  Vitor looked nervous, not having expected the, in his eyes, strangely attractive Hyena fellow to be looking at him like he was a piece of meat.

  "May I… help you?"

  –

  Notice

  "Uh, hello everyone, pardon. This is Vitor sil Krum, no relation to Borgain. Laughter has asked that I speak for him, as you recently heard, his voice is a bit… overly raucous for the task."

  All around the world, screens popped up simultaneously as clearly Laughter had something in mind, not even the other gods quite understanding what usually went through that fellow's head. At some point in the intermediate time, Laughter had verily picked up Vitor like an unruly kitten and held him in one hand as if he was weightless, a scroll in front of his eyes that Vitor was reading off of - albeit doctoring it slightly as he was the type to not have the spine to speak so publicly, so directly.

  When he got off topic now and then, Laughter slapped his ass, causing the world to hear a yelp as he got back on topic.

  "My de… our dear Sage of Fluff was attacked and is barely still alive. The gods are trying to save him, but Laughter is asking you all a favor. The Sage of Fluff's soul is nearly spent, hanging on purely through their efforts. But not even the gods can create a soul. So, Laughter asks you all… are you willing to help out? Just a pinch of a few souls can keep him alive, but for his upcoming… trial? He needs a bit more. A lot more."

  The other high-dimensional beings stared in surprise until they realized what he meant.

  Rou had two souls now.

  Even Creation had assured him, them, that on the off chance he somehow got two souls they would all support him.

  And Laughter hadn't forgotten that.

  "So Laughter is asking if anyone who is willing to share, to look up at the sky, everyone else close your eyes and look away. I cannot say I know what will happen, but I trust Laughter. And I too will share mine."

  What no one expected, though, as Laughter's eye appeared in the sky - terrifying, insane, but happy was that most of the world was looking right up at him.

  No matter if they were in a building, or outside, underground or above, Laughter could see it all.

  –

  Every being in the world who had looked up immediately screamed out in pain as a small portion of their souls were ripped out simultaneously, an effort from the high-dimensional being known as Laughter. Of course, to those in the high dimension, this feat might be a reasonable feat of power, especially to those who were elder in age.

  But some of the ones who were younger than them seemed quite surprised at that display.

  Strange old Laughter was that capable the whole time?

  –

  The soul bits passed the barrier quite easily and gathered before Laughter, quickly being compressed more and more. Vitor sat uneasily nearby, holding his chest in surprise at the lingering pain. It felt as if he'd lost a limb but couldn't put a finger on just which.

  More and more the mass of soul bits was combined, much like Affection had done before Rou came to be in this world, helping Celia and Dominic conceive a child. And then Rou's soul - not Celia's which was joined up with it in tandem, was fused with all the others and Laughter held them together long enough for Rou's soul to slowly regain a bit of form and weight.

  Celia's body was broken down with high-dimensional energy into the very basis that formed it as was the scraps of Rou's body. Celia's soul was guided into the process as well finally.

  Everyone, including the other high-dimension beings, watched in curiosity as Laughter combined everything and a glowing, golden field surrounded the chunk of flesh and soul as it began to slowly reform. Though what reformed… it was a combination of Rou and Celia both. Still primarily Rou of course, the appearance, features and especially gender all remained, but his previously customized body wasn't… perfect. He was much more feminine, a bit shorter, a bit thinner and daintier somehow. His hair much longer, and overall it wasn't hard to see the new being as some combination of Rou and Celia both.

  At which point Laughter stretched and vanished, leaving, a note appearing in the air.

  'You'll have to apologize to him when he recovers. He'll never get the girl back, but he'll also be with her forever. I can't imagine she'd complain.'

  –

  With the barrier of the high dimension and low dimension pierced for the first time, though almost all the gods kept to themselves, Aether went to make peace in the world as best she could as a result of the destruction that Laughter's chaos caused. Among those whom Aether contacted?

  Queen Penelope. Well, she wanted to contact her, but Affection stepped in, going instead.

  "So we finally meet." she said with a soft smile towards the young Rabbit queen that she was rather fond of.

  "You are…?"

  "Affection. Sorry it took this long, but… things are a bit strange right now. What you need to know is…" as Affection shared what took place, Penelope went from confused to angry to terrified and finally distraught. "So Borgain is gone and Rou…" Affection shook her head, clearly not knowing the details yet but trusting Laughter well enough after all was said and done.

  –

  Soon Penelope made a proclamation, castigating Borgain, stripping him of everything he ever had, and decrying him for defiling souls. She even mentioned in combination with the Gods, she is working to right his wrongs. She also raised Vitor sil Krum to the position of family head.

  But also mentioned that Borgain very nearly killed the Sage of Fluff in his madness, as well as a girl named Celia. The Gods are saving them what they can, but once again the world was a bit sad. Only happy, briefly, as they were given relief in knowing that Rou and Celia got the last laugh, and that was why Laughter had went insane briefly. Laughing at Borgain alongside them.

  It satisfied a great many people and even those who lost some property didn't mind too much despite relief funds being prepared for them.

  And those who gave up part of their souls for him? They were content despite the pain. A small cost paid at the Sage's behest.

  –

  Eventually though, Rou's newly formed body was completed and he found himself laying on a beanbag that Affection had made for him. Naturally Affection was wrapped around him like a blanket. Though it was Rou's soul that was the last to come to. Celia's had started to wake up quite a while ago, and had been happily talking to any and all 'Gods' that would talk with her through Rou's body. But as his soul regained awareness, still weak as it was, he had to ask, "What happened?"

  –

  After learning the tale and realizing that while he couldn't save Celia, not only was she happier than she had ever been, but with him forever? Rou was content to leave well enough alone. At least for the moment. Maybe one day they could give her a body, but would they even be able to pull his strange souls apart anymore, bonded as they were? Was his soul his own anymore? Sure, he could feel Celia especially, but it was strange. His own soul was like some kind of chimeric amalgamation. He could… feel loosely others as well. Way too many to even process. It was like being in the sea and every droplet of water was someone elses thoughts and desires and memories.

  "Wait, where is Creation, how is… everything going on? The barriers?" Aether nearby shrugged loosely with her high-dimensional body. "We don't know, Rou. He suddenly pierced the barrier and fled into the distance, and we haven't heard from him since. None of us have bothered to leave either as we assume he'll be back eventually. As for why… well, he already broke the barrier partially, and though we've recovered it since, there's no way those ripples weren't felt by the predator. So there's no point in his being shy anymore, yeah?"

  "But until then… you two go and return to your normal lives. There's no way to know how long Creation will be gone, and then we'll work it out. But hey… I don't know if you noticed, but you have two souls now." she giggled at that.

  "So now you can see about that previous goal of yours, yeah? One aether soul, one high-dimensional one. I imagine Celia has no high aspirations, right?"

  "Mmm… I can't say I have any high goals. I'm happy just being me for the first time ever. Being me… being Rou. Hahaha, I guess I finally got what I wanted." Rou was confused before realizing what she meant as she clarified, "...I got to become you after all, hahaha!" It was strange to feel his body hug himself, but his own arms hugged him and he quickly realized that not only could he control his body, but Celia could too. And they both shared Affection's senses. A very strange existence he was now.

  But Rou? Had never felt more content than now.

  And neither did Celia. She was the happiest she'd ever been in her entire existence, laughing along with Rou through his body as they stood up and danced. Laughter even returned, laughing and grinning with them as he took their hands, dancing a dance that only the Gods would see, full of glee.

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