The final chapter for Cannibal Land. And it has been added exactly: 11/18/11 at 11:27 P.M.

Mostly because I had to go to a musical and didn't get back until real late this afternoon. Anywayz, I thank all who've read and hop you've enjoyed this story. I think that this ending is pretty good.

~Luv, Fairylust~

Near soon found himself shoved to the ground of an empty room in the cave. The ashy colored sand didn't break his fall and flew when he attempted to scramble away from a furious looking Beyond. The fire that burned in the center of the room made his red eyes look even more infuriated, glowing faintly as though they were a crimson fire against Beyond's snowy skin. Recalling how much hatred he'd seen in those eyes before seemed like nothing to what hatred he was seeing now. Near sat staring up at him fearfully, his back pressed snugly against a warm stonewall as his body shuddered in apprehension. Suddenly, he was onto the small boy, grabbing a handful of snowy curls he pulled Near's head to where their lips met, causing the younger male to whimper.

A hand went to B's shoulder to try and shove him away, but the older male was much stronger and swatted the hand aside like it were some annoying parasite buzzing in his ear. Near struggled and whimpered, squirming despite the fact he knew he wasn't going to get away. He didn't last time, so why would he this time? Near could still remember how B had stroked his spine after cutting into his back and his body shuddered while tears dripped from the corner of his eyes. B suddenly pulled away from him and ripped the boy's shirt off revealing his lightly colored scars that were just about completely gone, faded almost into his skin.

Shivering the small boy squirmed and whimpered some more feeling fingertips trace the scars gently, and then nails were digging into his stomach creating bloody crescents. He was surprised when his body shook and a soft, low moan escaped the back of his throat, causing Beyond to look at him with a knowing smirk. It was like he knew something that Near didn't and he was about to milk that secret for all its worth. Dragging his nails up the small boy's stomach he received the same reaction as he had before. Near tried to make him stop yet again only to get slapped across the face, sending him sprawling to the side where B got on top of him, straddling his hips, both hands pressed down firmly on the smaller boy's shoulders, and then continuing the harsh treatment.

Why was this happening to him? It hurt so much. The nails digging into his stomach made him wish he were somewhere else. This wish became even more wanted when teeth started to nibble on his skin. After a few minutes marks showing dominance over the younger male were scattered all over his neck. His breathing was quick and hitched as Beyond started to punch him over and over again. "Stop!" he sobbed. Beyond smirked at this and tore off (thankfully not literally) the only other garment the small teen was wearing at the time.

Struggling even more furiously Near squealed when Beyond took hold of his hair and slammed his head down as hard as he could to the ground several times until his nose was bloody and he was too dazed to struggle as much. Beyond then chuckled quietly to himself and abused the younger male a bit more, before starting to molest him a bit, taking hold of the younger boy's member and rubbing a bit getting a few soft moans from the smaller boy. Near was just conscious enough to realize what was happening. He whimpered loudly trying to squirm away to no avail. Shaking he hoped Mello was able to go through with the plan before Beyond finished with him.

He'd rather die by Mello's actions than through B's torture.

Mello was finally gaining full consciousness as Matt shook him awake. "Mels?" he said as he shook his friend hoping he would say something to him, anything, or respond in some way. "Mels! Are you okay?" The blonde shoved him away holding a hand to his forehead. He felt the dried blood and was sure his head was bruised terribly but ignored that and tried to recall what had happened beforehand. "Do I look okay?" he mumbled, and then realized that Matt was the only other person there with him.

"Where's Near?"

"I dunno. When L and I got here you were lying here unconscious. Can you remember what happened?"

"Um…yeah, I-I think so. Near and me were here, getting ready to finish the plan, and then…and then that sick freak attacked me. B. H-he took Near."

"Oh, snap!" Matt breathed looking stunned. "A psychotic cannibal plus our little buddy totally doesn't equal anything good!"

"Well, where the hell did L go?"

"Hmm?" Matt looked around and sighed. "How should I know? One minute he was here and the next thing I know he went running off. Look, if you ask me everyone else is dead so we need to light this place up and get outta here!"

"What about-"

"L said no matter what we had to go on with the plan. I think him and Near are like some hardcore survivors. If there is one thing they can do, Mello, its survive."

"Fine." He halfheartedly relented. "If that is what you believe and what he said then I'll trust the both of you but I swear if either of those bastards die I'll make sure to kill them in the afterlife." Nodding, though not smiling at the comment Matt helped him up and they got to work rigging the explosives as they were told to do.

Meanwhile, L searched desperately for Near. He knew that if B had him then any amount of torture could be happening. In all honesty he was scared. He had to save his brother and he knew he had to do it before Beyond finished with him because Beyond Birthday never made the same mistake twice.

It wasn't until the sobs reached him, echoing from the back of the darkest part of the cave, which seemed to escalate, going up and past what L swore was a waterfall beyond the cave. When he reached the dimly lit room Near was lying curled up and sobbing clothes ripped and bloody, but back on his body. He trembled all over as L entered he looked up and gave a loud yelp mistaking him for Beyond. He jumped to his feet and seemed ready to try and find somewhere to hide when L moved towards him, owlish gray eyes glowing in the firelight. "B-brother?" The albino stammered causing L to nod in response to the question.

"Shhh," L whispered standing before him, hoping to soothe him, quiet him. "He isn't going to hurt you anymore. Not if I can help it." He received a weary look from Near who swayed a bit forwards obviously very fatigued. "Th-thank you, brother." He murmured then fell forwards limp in his older brother's arms.

That was when the laughter started from someplace in the darkness.

"Beyond," he started the stopped shaking his head, "I haven't got time for this." He put one of Near's arms around his neck and helped him walk, "Let's go." He muttered to him knowing that if things went as planned the place was about to go up in smoke and kill every cannibal that stood within those caves. He knew he had to get Near out of there and he had to go, as well, and fast. "Please, oh please, don't go off too early or late." He murmured almost silently to himself. Narrowing ruby orbs, suspecting something was up, Beyond followed as silently as he could, which was close to utterly silent.

L suspected he was being followed. As soon as Near gained enough awareness to walk on his own and listen for danger L gave him a gentle shove, so that he stumbled a bit as his body lurched fowards. "Go find Mello and Matt and leave." He instructed watching as Near nodded though avoided eye contact. "I need the three of you to leave. I'll join you if I can, but if not…then I need you to go away with them, okay?"

Near nodded obediently.

"Don't come back or look back just run."

Near didn't respond this time, instead he began to run, recalling where Mello was last and heading that way doing as told. L turned a little too late and Beyond tackled him to the ground as they began their fight for survival.

Slamming his forehead into Beyond's causing them both to grunt loudly in pain, but for a moment L was certain he heard a third howl of pain. No, he had to be mistaken, unless some cannibal found Near and took him down. He sincerely hoped that that wasn't the case as he watched Beyond stagger backwards and fell.

Suddenly, there was flash of white. Beyond fell backwards, managing to catch himself and land a blow to L's stomach in return for the strike to the head. L felt something heavy, like a large stone or maybe limb slam into his side, and then he felt it slam into the center of his back. Pain flooded his senses, his thoughts were completely clouded, but the pain numbed by the adrenaline rush he was feeling. Turning on his heel a foot connected with B's face making him even angrier than he was for a minute. He couldn't think up a plan of escape, not that he regretted it, but was rather angry at himself, knowing that there was a rather high chance of him losing again and he could possibly be killed, now that he had nothing to hold over L's head.

Mello paused for a brief moment before turning at the sound of foot steps running towards him and Matt. The only good thing about the dark was that once his eyes were well adjusted enough his other senses sharpened. Matt also turned to face him, and then tensed. "Do you think-?" he started saying. Mello shook his head, not knowing what to think. If they were about to be attacked, then he figured they were dead. "I don't know. Stay sharp. Whatever or whoever it is…they're getting closer." He said, keeping his voice low just in case it was some cannibal scum coming to get a meal.

Near whimpered as he stumbled forwards, stumbling straight into Mello, who in turn fell into Matt. The three let out loud shouts of surprise and horror but once realizing whom they were with started to hug and quiet down, worried of attracting any attention, which they already had. Mello cursed loudly, as a few rocks were kicked aside in the dark when cannibals ran none too quietly towards them.

"Oh, no." Matt groaned getting to his feet and starting to run. He stopped realizing that his two friends weren't following. "Let's go, go, go! We can have a happy reunion when some cannibal freaks aren't trying to take a bite out of our sorry asses! Guys, let's move it!"

Swearing loudly Mello grabbed hold of Near's wrist and followed Matt as they headed off for the cave entrance.

"You sorry bastard!" Beyond swore as blood gushed from his nose. L made a run for an opening he noticed that had a dim looking light inside. Growling angrily Beyond chased after him wiping away the blood with his sleeve. "That's right! You better run, you sorry son of a bitch! Just let me catch you…and I'll kill you!"

Running up what turned out to be a twisting stone tunnel that oddly enough went upwards towards the sounds of the waterfall, which was soon strident in his head as he found himself run forwards headfirst into bright sunlight that blinded him causing him to stumble and fall to his hands and knees for a moment. The light had invaded his sight rather quickly and unexpectedly.

Once his eyes were adjusted he stood up, moving over to the edge of the cliff, which he found was far over the exit to the underground caves and tunnels. Beyond was soon behind him, not as badly affected by the sunlight, but stunned for a moment or so. He swiftly gained his senses, but by the time he made a move L had already started to charge at him. Ducking to the side almost at the last minute he grabbed hold of L's shoulders pulling him in so that their skulls clashed harshly together.

His whole body shook as he pulled away, and then landed a blow in B's already bruised abdomen. Thrusting an arm forwards L gasped feeling something as it sank into his stomach with a sharp, painful sensation. He dared to look down. Crimson stained his clothing and was spreading fast.

Red eyes gleamed at this.

Panting they soon found that they couldn't outrun the demons chasing them. Near then suddenly noticed a rather large looking tunnel entrance that was partially sealed closed by a huge stone, which had fallen from the ceiling long ago. Stopping he ran to it and knelt down ignoring the approaching footsteps. He dug at the ground hoping to make the hole there slightly bigger. He smiled upon seeing it was big enough for him to squeeze through. Crawling into the rather large room he made a sour face at the unpleasant odor that presented itself to him.

"Hey, Matt!" Mello called to his friend, as they ceased their running completely to stare back at Near, who'd disappeared. "Follow Near! I think he has a plan!"

Following Matt found it hard to fit through at first, seeing as Near was way smaller than either he or Mello, but he finally managed to make it through. Mello went next, screaming when a hand took hold of his leg. Kicking he felt someone bite him and he cried out, just as hands began to pull him backwards, his nails scraping the ground in desperation to stay alive with his friends. "Oh, no you don't!" Matt breathed quickly grabbing the blonde's wrist. "You've made it too far to get dragged off and munched now, you sorry son of a bitch!"

"This is hardly my choice!" Mello laughed nervously as he felt himself pulled all the way through to safety. He stood looking back wary that someone else may have came through as well. Fortunately, his fears held no merit. The sound of hands, nails, and weak stomping sounds, and loud noises outside of the new dark room they had discovered drifted to them encouraging the two to move backwards. "Near?" Matt whisper called. "Where are you? Near?"

"Why are you being so quiet? Agh, this smell is so damn awful! Let's find Near and get out of here. Anyway, we're the only ones here, you know, at least…for now." He tried to shake the feeling of dread that washed over him but it seemed impossible. "Near! Hey, Near! Where are you at now?"

The ground shook and a rumbling noise from below caused L to look down, as he sat on the ground wiping blood from his lower lip. Beyond was across from him, also panting and he was licking blood away from his lips, having bit deeply into L's shoulder before being shoved away. Now, as his long hated rival lay on the ground bleeding with a hand to his wounded stomach Beyond felt confident that he was going to win.

Looking at each other, despite the darkness Mello and Matt both knew what that was all about. Bits and pieces of rock fell hitting them in the head as the ground shook and more sounds of explosives going off made the air feel hotter and the smell intensify in stench and forcing them to stand shaking uneasily. "We better find a way out of here." Matt muttered loud enough for Mello to hear as he headed further into the darkness, ignoring the screams of pain and horror from the cannibals beyond that room.

"Near?" Matt shouted. "Where the hell did you go?"

As if having been waiting on a cue Near appeared seemingly out of nowhere behind the redhead making him jump and scream. Mello rushed to his side not having noticed Near either. He embraced the boy snugly, glad that he was all right, but pissed that he'd disserted him and Matt. "Where did you come from?" He demanded releasing the boy from his hold. The smaller boy pointed over to where there was a rather disturbing sight to one who wasn't used to seeing a pile of rotted bones and corpses that were pushed aside from an escape exit. "Perfect." Matt groaned, not thrilled about having to go through that exit.

"Oh, Near, if not for the fact your filthy and love your space I'd kiss you!" Mello exclaimed feeling overjoyed with the small boy's discovery. Another rumble made even more, slightly larger bits of rock and dirt from above them fall onto their heads. "Let's hurry now, before this place collapses on top of us."

Nodding Near watched as Mello, and then Matt disappeared into the exit before following. The feeling of gross gunk and rotting goop was underneath them along with the feeling of dampness and who knows what else that really explained the horrible stench. Neither Mello nor Matt thought they'd ever forget that smell, which was now what they both associated with death. Groaning as cobwebs stuck in his hair and onto his face Matt paused for a moment, silently considering going back the way he came, only to be nudged forwards by Near, who wasn't willing to let either of his friends give up. They were almost there to the end of the tunnel.

Light soon graced Mello's face making him wince a bit, yet at the same time laugh and cry in joy. He clawed out of the tunnel gasping and panting hoping to rid his nostrils of that horrid stench. Sickened Matt received help from the blonde instantly also feeling tears of joy run down his reddened face, meanwhile his stomach done some graceful acrobatic feats inside of his body. Near whimpered as he pulled himself from the hole covered by blood and grime and dust and all other kinds of filth that made him look the dirtiest of them all. He had only a second to inhale the sweet mid-day air, and then Mello and Matt each took a hand and began to lead him away as a certain powerful detonation caused a nearby stonewall of the large cliff's side to partially give way.

"Any last words?" Beyond asked. He was leaning over L, who was lying seriously wounded and silently indignant on the ground after taking a rather unpleasant smack across the face from Beyond. The red-eyed cannibal leader held his stone knife to his look-alike's throat, clutching some black hair in a vice grip. "Anything else you'd like to say?"

Smiling L let his eyes drift close. "Why are you so confident?"

"Face it, L. I've won, you lose, I win and that is just perfect for me. You see, this game we've played and prolonged for such a long time is finally at an end and I am the victor, not you, but me, Beyond Birthday! The monster, the loser, the evil son of a bitch you swore you were going to make pay for destroying your precious family. Well, guess what?" He leaned his face down closer to L's and whispered knowingly, "You have failed and Mommy and Daddy were delicious, just so you know."

Narrowing his ebony eyes in anger L kicked Beyond as hard as he could right in his stomach, sending him backwards. From there he took hold of Beyond and they both fell to the ground rolling and fighting, neither yet willing to give up, until someone was finally dead. Finally they fell into the shallow water of the waterfall, which still roared loudly despite the volume of the two enraged males' fight.

L fought well but in the end Beyond overpowered him, stabbing him as hard as he could once again, but this time in the center of his chest. Gasping L stared up at him feeling his blood as it filled his lungs. Beyond pinned him down in the water his rage still burning in his red eyes. A twisted smirk spread over his face as the disbelief filled L's ebony eyes, which were soon holding a look of peace and triumph. Scowling upon realizing this, Beyond knew straight away that something was amiss.

"What are you so happy about?" He demanded. "You've lost everything, so why-?"

"I have lost nothing." He said, blood falling from the corners of his mouth but the happiness evident in his voice. "I couldn't tell them about my actual plan, knowing they would not understand it until it was too late. I had to lie. Leading them on to believe it was to kill all of you when really it was just you I was after."

Staring at him shocked Beyond felt all words leave his mouth, no speech was possible as shock made him momentarily mute.

"Now, Beyond, we shall die together as your kingdom literally crumbles away beneath you. And as for my family," he said pausing to have a slow intake of air, "they are now avenged for what you did." He then added sadly, "And for what I did." With that said he let out a silent, but shaky exhale of air. He was unable to inhale again, afterwards. Standing Beyond staggered away from L, running back to the tunnel only to find it had collapsed. In a rage he ran back towards his dying victim hoping to get a few more stabs in before they died.

He didn't get the chance.

As though on a signal a string of thunderous expositions made the ground beneath them crumble away and they were soon falling. Beyond was lost from L's fading sight as they fell amongst the water and rubble. He felt a smile as it spread on his face, peace filling his body as a white light overtook his vision.

This is it. He thought. After everything, this is where it all ends. I won…yet, at what cost? I have left my only family…here on this cruel earth…he has friends, though. He will know the joy of life…hopefully. An-and perhaps, someday, we shall meet again.

Falling to the ground his body lifeless L was covered by the rubble and earth, which made a cloud of dust so large that the three friends huddled together a hundred yards away saw it. It cleared after a little while and they then stood. Mello and Matt stared both seeming overjoyed to have succeeded in their mission. They hugged each other and talked excitedly, but Near wasn't fooled by the appearance. He could sense that something wasn't exactly right. Standing with his fists clenched at his side he felt he had to get a closer look. Padding off he was intercepted by his friends, whom were both confused at his actions.

"Near where are you going?" Mello called. "Hey, wait up, you little creep!"

"Yeah!" Matt agreed. "What's your deal? We've won! They're all dead and we can go home, now! So let's go!"

Near froze where he was and turned to look at them icily making them quiet down and watch as he stared intently at the rubble as though expecting to find something. And after a few minutes both Mello and Matt saw what that something was. They stood still looking stiff and rigid behind Near looking at him in unbelieving horror at the scene before them.

Matt was gaping, while Mello held a firm hand on his arm staring wide-eyed at the bloody, mangled body that had clawed its way from beneath the rubble. Near stared angrily at the one who had taken everything and anything precious from him, feeling fury rush through his veins. Ominous, stormy gray eyes that were cold as ice stared down unsympathetically at the severely wounded body of Beyond Birthday.

Mommy. Daddy. Maki. L.

They were all precious to him. And Beyond had snatched them all away like they were nothing. His family and friend had done nothing and were innocent of any crime against Beyond and the other cannibals. They had done it just to do it. Now, as he stood staring down at the body of his former tormentor Near felt a wonderful sense of strength mixed together with a newfound sense of freedom he had attained being reunited with Mello and Matt…and L.

Frowning he bent down and picked up a hefty stone that rested at his feet. Taking his time he rolled it around in his hands as though inspecting it for an imperfection or something like that. He wiped at it with a milky white hand as though he were wiping away some dust. Near then sighed like it were troublesome for being dirty, and then turned towards Beyond, who was staring up at him through partially closed crimson eyes that held a world of corrupt defiance within.

Near's eyes were worse, being that they held nothing at all within their dark icy depths.

Matt started to move forwards, but was stopped by Mello. "Let him do what he wants." He whispered to his redheaded companion. "Don't you think the world is better off with that guy gone? And besides, doesn't Near deserve this? After everything…doesn't he deserve some retribution?"

"Yeah," Matt muttered knowing that his friend had more than just one point, "yeah, I guess so."

Near raised the stone high and with a single blow to an already damaged skull took out the last cannibal left in that forest world. Turning to his friends he felt warm, wet tears as they welled up in his eyes. He could only imagine what horrible things they must have been thinking. The blood stained his face, instead of his hands but he felt like he was wearing some red lukewarm gloves, rather than a red lukewarm mask. Dropping the stone he could only stare at his two friends, unsure if he wanted to be around them anymore.

"Near?" Mello called softly. "Are you okay?"

Turning his head away he sniffled a bit, though no tears fell.

"That was pretty hardcore." Matt said with a smile. He moved over to where stood beside the younger boy and put a reassuring arm around his shoulders. "You did the right thing, though, bud. We'd have done it if you hadn't." Looking to him with widened eyes Near swallowed nervously seeming unsure of whether or not to believe him.

"It's true." Mello insisted. "We'd have offed that freak if you didn't. After everything, after all this hell he's put us through I'd have damn well tortured him in every inhumane way possible. He was lucky it was you, Near. I don't think I'd have been so lenient and quick about it."

Pulling himself away from Matt he soon had his arms wrapped around Mello in a warm embrace. "Killing…is wrong." Near muttered into the blonde's ear, nuzzling against his shoulder and his body shaking. "No more…no more…."

"Okay," Mello promised, "okay, Near. No more killing. No more."

"Group hug!" Matt exclaimed. He wrapped his arms around his two friends, watching as a blush appeared on Near's face and Mello smirked. "Aren't we all so loved? I'm just glad this is all over now!"

"Yeah." Mello agreed. "Let's go home." Taking Near by the hand he let Near lead them off as they headed for home. They'd plunged into Cannibal Land and survived the darkness and the hell, now they headed off to start a new chapter in their lives. Now that all the fear was over they could be happy together.

They decided, upon leaving the forest that they were going to be friends forever.

Too long? Have any fav parts? Did you like it? Sorry for all these questions, but I am VERY curious as to how my readers would respond to this bittersweet ending, but I thought it was pretty good.

Hope it was really nice and a great Christmas gift.

I'm just glad I finally wrappd this up nicely. Once again I thank you all. Please don't flame me too harshly.

;^3

~Luffles, Fairylust~