Their journey through the Afterlife brought the pair to a quiet area full of beautiful cherry blossoms. Vitch was the first to breathe in the air and enjoy the pleasant scenery. Little did he realize though, that the pollen given off by these trees has an interesting effect on ones mind. The pollen causes one to reveal things about themself that they may have been keeping a secret from others. Only mere moments after entering this unexplored area, Vitch suddenly finds himself explaining to his friend everything that led up to his death. He explained how he assisted with the kidnapping of children from an abbey, how he bullied and committed acts of violence against them, especially toward one mouse that greatly resembled his friend. He then finally revealed the cause of his death; murdered by someone he never should have trusted. Reliving that moment was painful for Vitch. He found himself gasping for air a couple of times. After explaining everything, he expected his friend to abandon him. The very thought of that happening almost brought Vitch to tears.

His friend was ready with a response to everything he had just heard. He took a deep breath, grabbed Vitch by the upper part of his cape and pulled him closer. No words. He simply revealed his own secret, while simultaneously making Vitch feel something he had not felt in years: loved.

Portrait by   akineza

Commissioned by myself.

Vitch is © The Redwall Abbey Company, Ltd.
Artwork is © Akineza