A/N: I don't think I've ever completed such a long story. I'm pretty satisfied with the overall outcome and I hope you all are too! For all you who've continued reading until the end, you guys are the best! Thank you all my reviewers and those who've favorited my story. I'm getting a bit emotional *sniff*. Just kidding.

So, sorry again about killing Light and all...Yeah...okay.

Also, I (stupidly) deleted the prologue and (stupidly) never saved it, so I'm going to re-write that. In case you were wondering.

Anyway! Here's the epilogue and then the story is FINALLY complete. I'm super excited that I finished this. I really doubted it would happen, but it did.
So, read, review, and enjoy the epilogue!

The Valley of Light

When rumor first erupted about a mystical fountain in the middle of the desert, skeptics immediately bashed the government, promising it was just another scam to entice and deceive citizens. The doubters were appalled that such a lie was constructed and they swore to bring the truth into the light. They started sending death threats, forcing Governor Mikami to up his security to uncomfortable levels. He rarely left the house, and little Near had to be home schooled (which he was, unsurprisingly, satisfied with).

When the skeptics began demanding the truth, other issues, which were never a problem beforehand, came to question. Where did Kira, the vigilante who kept them safe, vanish off to? Who was this mysterious L and why wouldn't he show his face to the public? Pamphlets began spurting out conspiracy theories, twisting the Governor's words and actions. Suddenly, the Governor became the enemy of the people.

Those who did believe the fantastic, supernatural rumor, however, kept hope burning in the country. With every death threat, an anxious letter pleaded for the revealing of the fountain's location. The sick scribbled down their tales, promising they had so much to offer to society if they could only have more time. Their words were the only that comforted the Governor in the dark time.

For a long time, he, L, and several of the sheriffs that helped in the Kira case, contemplated how to deal with the new, beautiful gift provided for humanity. L insisted it was for everyone, but the others grew skeptical of his sudden irrational thinking; that is, until he told them Light's story. They listened for hours of Light's tragic tale, shocked and awed how much Light was able to conquer and finally become a martyr to save the world. Soichiro Yagami left the room a few times, moved to tears by his son's heroics. Somehow, the tale made the pain of losing his son a bit more bearable.

After months of discussions, debates, and fiery arguments, they came to a decision: The capital of the country would be moved to the valley. There, they would set up a new town with fantastic rooms to stay in for all those who visited and a stable, responsible mayor who wanted only good to come from the Fountain. They chose the one man who radiated innocence and bravery, who nearly sacrificed his life for those he loved: Sheriff Matsuda. He blushed at the announcement and thanked them quietly, clutching his cane to his chest.

So, hidden from the public until they were ready for the announcement, a select few construction workers started to build a town centered around the fountain. Each building was crafted by the most prestigious architects, built to commemorate those who lost their lives fighting in the battle against Beyond and his crew. On top of the door of the new saloon (which was built directly across from the fountain), in pure gold letters, read "Aiber's Saloon".

Two years later, Lawliet awkwardly fixed his suit, which nearly drowned him in fabric. He glanced at himself in the mirror, his mind traveling to Light. After Lawliet awoke, Light simply smiled at him, told him he loved him, and died on his chest. Ryuk later told Lawliet the sacrifice Light made for both him and the world. Light's last words still managed to echo through Lawliet's head: "I love you, Lawli".

Lawliet bowed his head, glancing out the window. Mayor Matsuda waved proudly at the visitors, who bunched up towards the stage set up next to the fountain. There must have been over a thousand people lining the streets, crowded in the bars, waiting, watching in suspense. Once the news of the town had been announced, doubters finally left Governor Mikami alone and the excitement for the announcement of the location became contagious.

"Are you ready, Lawliet?" Governor Mikami peaked his head into Lawliet's new apartment above the saloon.

"Yes," he lied. He never spoke publicly before and the thought of revealing Light's entire story to thousands of people sent pangs of angst through his body. A part of him wondered if they would ever actually comprehend all Light was.

After one last glance towards the mirror, he headed for the stage. The crowd didn't notice as he slinked through them, too gawky in his suit. He felt like a monkey as he climbed up the steps on stage. Suddenly, the audience hushed. Governor Mikami walked up to the front of the stage, his voice echoed across the valley.

"Welcome, my friends. Thank you for those who traveled so far for the revealing. For those of you who don't know, I'm Governor Teru Mikami."

The crowd erupted in cheers. Thanks to the high security, pandemonium was kept down to a minimum. Still, the frightening thought that the crowd would turn and try to claim the fountain as their own haunted Lawliet's thoughts. People could be so foolish.

"Now, I would like to introduce to you one man who co-discovered the Fountain. Without further adieu, I would like to welcome Lawliet onto the stage."

The crowd hushed as Lawliet approached the edge. His heart raced in his chest and, for a moment, he forgot why he stood in front of a sea of people and why they all eagerly leaned towards him.

"Hello," he spoke, surprised how far his voice bellowed. "I would actually like the correct the Governor about something. I wasn't the co-founder of the Fountain. No, in fact, the man who originally discovered it only brought me here to save my life. He threw me on the back of a horse and foolishly followed a powerful instinct which haunted him for years."

He spoke for about an hour, pouring Light's story to the crowd. His body wracked with pain as he avoided any mention of their relationship or Light's days as Kira. The words enthralled the crowd, drawing them to cry out in laughter and tears, fascinated by the story. At the end of the story, Lawliet grabbed a chair, nearly collapsing with exhaustion. The pain became unbearable.

For a moment, he ran his thumb across his lip. "You have all heard of Light Yagami, but you don't know him by that name. The man who sacrificed his life for mine and yours was Kira."

Horrified murmurs sprung through the crowd as the news settled in. "Light's dream may have steered him from the path of justice for a few years. He became obsessed with the power of taking another man's life. In fact, he became allies with Beyond Birthday, until one day he had a realization that he was approaching the situation completely wrong. I know that it may seem odd that I'm claiming Light had some supernatural connection to the Fountain, but I can vouch for him because-I did as well. However, I never followed my instincts and I ignored the strange visions, deciding they were bogus. But Light was right..."

He sat silently again, wrapping one arm around his knees. After a moment, he continued. "Light Yagami transformed from the most feared criminal to a heroic, brave martyr. And that's what he was-a martyr. He believed death was his gift to the world and it was. Without him, none of us would be standing here today. Without him, Beyond Birthday may still be reigning terror in your towns, hurting your families. Light saved my life, and he's saved all of yours. I spoke today to grant you the knowledge of the man who threw away everything to help the world find peace. And, in the end, he was happy with his choice. He died with a smile on his face."

Suddenly, tears brimmed in the corner of Lawliet's eyes. He fought them back as he spoke the remaining words. "Thank you all for coming. Remember that this Fountain is for each of you and the world. When you drink it, don't forget that. And don't ever forget the sacrifice Light Yagami made for each and every one of you." He heard the bitterness in his voice escaping in the last sentence, but did nothing to fight it.

Governor Mikami replaced Lawliet on the stage. "I'm sorry about what happened," he murmured so only Lawliet could hear him as they shook hands. He turned his attention immediately back to the crowd. "Thank you, Lawliet, for that moving and beautiful story. Light Yagami was a great man and deserves to be honored for the gift he's provided us. Now, I'm pleased to say that the Valley of Light is officially open to the public."

The crowd roared in excitement as Lawliet wandered off stage, suddenly unwilling to be around so many people.

"HEY!" he heard someone cry out. "LAWLIET, HEY!

He turned around, nearly falling over as Matt jumped towards him, throwing his arms around his neck. Mello trailed behind, grimly watching his feet. "How have you been?" he asked with a large smile planted across his face.

"I've been better," Lawliet shrugged, unable to withhold the grin spreading across his face. "It's been too long, Matt."

"Yeah, well, we had a lot of shit to get in order," he glanced over his shoulder towards Mello. "We're actually gonna run the bank down the street. Governor Mikami called and asked if I was willin' and I asked if it was aw'right if Mello pitched in, so, here we are. Just sort of figured we needed a distraction. Poor Mello, he didn't smile for months after he shot Beyond. Hold on, Imma go get our shit settled at the bank. All our furniture's there, but I just gotta arrange it. See you 'round!"

Mello started to follow Matt, but halted when he caught Lawliet's gaze. "Listen, I just kinda wanted to say I'm sorry," he mumbled. "If I hadn't been with Beyond in the first place, I wouldn't have shot him-and Light wouldn't have needed to die. I don't know if my apology means much but, I just wanted you to know I never actually wanted Light dead. I was just pissed about my face is all."

"I appreciate the gesture, but I never blamed you, Mello," Lawliet smiled softly. "You didn't know the consequence of killing Beyond."

"Yeah," he shot Lawliet a half smile. "I gotta go help Matt out. He'll get pissed if he's gotta do all the work but, I'll see you 'round?"

"Of course," Lawliet shook Mello's hand before he wandered through off through the crowd.

Back in his room above the saloon, he collapsed on the bed, exhausted from the pain in his chest. Someone knocked on his door. "Come in," he called.

Soichiro Yagami stepped in. His eyes were bloodshot, but a small smile lurked on his lips. "That was an incredible speech," he said. "Light would've been proud."

"I know," Lawliet chuckled. "He was always a bit full of himself."

Soichiro laughed deeply, leaning against the wall. "What are you gonna do now?"

"There's nothing left to do, really. I guess just keep solving cases until I can't anymore," Lawliet shrugged. "What about you?"

"Well, you're lookin' at the new sheriff of the Valley of Light," Soichiro grinned. "And a proud new father of a baby girl."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you. I just wanted to stop in and say hello. I'm gonna go back to all the festivities downstairs. You take care, a'wright?"

Lawliet nodded as Sheriff Yagami closed the door behind him. Memories immediately flooded his thoughts, drowning him in sorrow and strangely, happiness. He glanced towards his mirror and for a moment, he swore Light was sitting right besides him. He lay back in bed, allowing his mind to wander back to the day he died. He had appeared on a meadow, with a sea of grass spread before him. In death, he found true happiness and he knew Light felt the same. Some day, maybe soon, he would arrive back on that meadow with Light waiting for him. Until then, though, his purpose rested in protecting the Fountain, comforted by the idea of seeing Light again.

He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

A/N: So that's it! I hope the ending wasn't too lame heh. Reviews would be absolutely, positively lovely. I can't even stress that enough. Let me know what you thought overall. Loved it? Awesome. Hated it?...well I don't know why you read this far, but that's okay, too heh.

IF you guys want, I've been thinking about adding a One-shot about Matt and Mello's story between the last chapter and the epilogue. SOOO, let me know!

OKAY!...Bye.