With the two now being hunted by a cult, they have little choice but to flee to another part of the Afterlife. They were informed of a ship that occasionally transports those who are seeking a new place. Fortunately for the two rodents, this vessel would be leaving shortly and still has space to accommodate them. After boarding, Vitch and his friend were taken to their room and advised to not leave until the ship arrived at its destination. Those who operate the ship are doing what they can to keep their occupants hidden, as many are also on the run from the same cult.

Looking around in their assigned room, the two quickly noticed that there was only one bed and it was quite small. Vitch laughed and then told his friend that he has no problem sleeping on the floor, as he has spent many nights in uncomfortable locations before. He then approached the window and watched as the ship began to set sail; a new chapter of his journey in the Afterlife begins. His friend sat down on the small, but surprisingly comfortable bed and called out to Vitch. Vitch turned around and saw his friend motioning for him to sit down beside him. He nervously explained to the rat that there is no reason the two cannot share the bed. Vitch smiled and sat down beside his friend, looking forward, not saying a word. He couldn't help but think back on that day the two were amongst the cherry blossoms. The day when his friend kissed him for the first time. He recalls how great his whole body felt during those few seconds and ever since, has hoped that his friend would kiss him again. However, he knew that his friend was under the effect of the cherry blossoms and the chances of it happening again were slim. Over time, Vitch had become very protective of his friend. He now feels a little strange when speaking to him, like there is something moving around in his stomach. He never stops thinking about his friend when they are apart. He constantly finds himself wanting to spend the rest of his life together with him. With the two now running for their lives and a more permanent death becoming a real possibility, Vitch felt that it may be time for him to open up and tell his friend: "I love you".

Vitch froze, wondering if he had actually just uttered those words. He slowly turned toward his friend; the mouse was staring at Vitch with a look of disbelief. Vitch quickly began to apologize to his friend for saying such a thing, but the young rat was interrupted with a kiss. The feeling that he had experienced through his entire body had returned, except it felt even stronger than last time. Overwhelming. The two stopped kissing for a brief moment, looking at each other in the eyes, wondering if this was really happening. They resumed their kissing and, almost instinctively, started to slowly undress themselves. The two paused for a moment to get a little more comfortable in their bed. They laid down and embraced, enjoying the pleasant sensations that began traveling throughout their bodies. The young mouse smiled, as he now knows Vitch was being honest about his feelings. He had dreamed of this moment for several years and now, it was finally happening. The mouse slowly and gently moved his hands up and down Vitch's body, ensuring the young rat knew he is loved and appreciated. He wanted to keep Vitch as close as possible, to make certain the two continue to feel those incredible sensations flowing through their bodies.

Ah, forgive me, but you must be wondering, what are these pleasant sensations exactly. First, it needs to be said that the Afterlife is populated by those who have died too young in a previous life. These souls are given the opportunity to continue their life in this new world. Since this is how life is brought to the Afterlife, reproduction is simply forbidden. Those who become a part of the Afterlife will find that they no longer posses any reproductive organs. Eating and drinking is also not required to live in the Afterlife. It is something that is simply done for pleasure. Any food or beverages that are ingested, will evaporate into nothingness shortly after being consumed. The entities that rule the Afterlife aren't entirely cruel though and understand that everyone has needs. Thus, every being in the Afterlife is surrounded by an invisible aura. The aura is responsible for providing the sensations that beasts may be looking to experience when they are intimate with another. If two auras come into contact with each other and the beasts they belong to are aroused by one another, the auras will emit a pleasant sensation throughout their owners body. As long as the two are being intimate, the sensations will be sent out periodically. If the two beings are developing feelings for each other, the sensation will be more intense than normal. Twice as strong to be exact. If the two that are being intimate are truly in love with each other, an aura merge will occur. The two auras will become one and surround the two involved. The pleasant sensation will be six times more intense than normal. The sensation is so pleasant, that there is no mistaking when an aura merge has taken place. This also serves as confirmation for both beasts involved, that their partner truly does love them.

A knock on the door. A voice explains to the two rodents that the voyage is going to take longer than expected and they likely won't arrive at their destination for at least a week. Still keeping his friend held close, Vitch questions him, wondering if it would be acceptable if the two spent the entire expedition right where they are. His friend said nothing; he simply embraced Vitch a little bit tighter.

"I love you my friend. My partner. My lover. My soulmate. A gift from the gods. Matias."

Illustration by   akineza

Commissioned by myself.

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