A/N: Yes, this is the last chapter, as mentioned before. I'm actually sad to be leaving this story because it's one of the better stories I've written in a while. It was fun while it lasted though.

There is actually an epilogue for this story, but since it was so super-short I decided to just include it in this chapter anyway. You'll be able to tell where it is when it pops up.

If anyone's interested, Michelle drew an absolutely AWESOME picture concerning this story. Since FFN won't display links, just go to and look under acidic0fire, then the picture titled "what am I really?" It's awesome, I guarantee it.

Giant thanks to everyone who reviewed, especially Alice, Michelle and Becky (if you guys hadn't reviewed I would've been pretty damn pissed). I've just finished writing another YGO fanfic concerning Alister (Amelda) and Seto Kaiba, but I'm still trying to decide whether or not to post. If I do, I'll see y'all at the debut!

MeeLee

GUARDIANS: FINALE

He had quite possibly never seen such a beautiful night sky before, the stars twinkling above as if with their own merry secrets, the darkness blanketing the land in a safe, impenetrable shroud. A soft breeze played with his black hair, light and warm as the caresses of a mother long gone. The moon shone bright and full, round as a quarter and turning the land a surreal silver.

Fields, rivers, lakes, mountains—all shone in the light and vanished in the darkness. The calls of night creatures made a chorus in the night, occasionally pierced only by the roar of some faroff creature. Then a shadow descended, and two large powerful wings wrapped about Mokuba Kaiba, enveloping him in a comfortable and protective warmth. Turning, he saw that the dragon looked exactly like its brethren but for the single round brown crest at the base of its neck that reminded him immensely of something, though he could not remember what.

Slowly, the dragon lowered its head, narrow blue eyes watching him as he gently placed a hand on its nose. The breeze blew in again, stronger this time, but Mokuba did not feel it for the dragon's wings shielded him.

Are you ready? the dragon asked, voice echoing eerily in his head, a voice warm and familiar.

Mokuba did not reply immediately, content only to look out at the night. At long last, however, he nodded. "Yes," he whispered. "Show me everything."

The dragon lifted its wings, Mokuba climbed up, and together the two Kaiba brothers shot off into the sky.

They left the vast green fields behind in a matter of minutes, and it was not until they had reached the edge of the mountain range that Seto spoke.

Do you see now? he asked, beating his wings powerfully to take them to a higher altitude.

Looking down at the cold and barren landscape, Mokuba was only bitterly reminded of the loneliness of the future. "Do you have to go?" he asked, his voice barely audible in the wind.

No, Seto answered. You have to understand, Mokuba…I did this not because I had to, but because I wanted to. He banked right, and suddenly they were over a large lake. Looking down, Mokuba distinguished his own pale reflection in the clear water as his brother continued, Look around you at the beauty and peace of this world. Could you get this back home?

Mokuba lowered his head. "Yugi and his friends could."

It's not about them. It's about us, Seto said. You know how our lives were—how my life was. My dragons offered me a way out, so I took it.

"But you…" Mokuba's fists clenched. "You didn't even think of me…"

No, Seto said. I did think of you. In fact, I thought of you so much I nearly refused. Then they showed me this place, and I knew that you didn't need me anymore.

"That's a lie!" Mokuba cried, his voice involuntarily cracking. "I do need you. You're my brother and you're supposed to watch over me!"

There was a pause before Seto replied in a low voice, Mokuba, I never said I would stop watching over you.

The young boy looked up. "You…won't leave me then?"

You're my little brother, Mokuba, Seto said. Nothing can change that fact. You're my brother, and I love you with all my heart, and that love transcends all boundaries.

"Even if those boundaries separate two entirely different worlds?" Mokuba whispered almost bitterly.

Perhaps they do, Seto answered, But that makes no difference, because even though physically we're apart, spiritually we're always together. Fate saw to that.

"But sometimes spirit isn't enough," Mokuba said.

Maybe, Seto said. But then again, who says we'll be separated forever?

Mokuba was silent for a moment and had just realized the implication when his brother continued, I have faith in you, Mokuba, and I know that, in the end, you'll understand why I have to go…and also why we'll be together again soon.

"Yes," Mokuba whispered, suddenly feeling his heart fill up with hope. "Yes…soon." The last of his tears dissipated with the wind.

ONE YEAR LATER

The sky, the sun, the endless sand. All beautiful. Walking through the sand, wind playing with his hair. Playing. Like children. Remember the sandbox?

Tall temple, golden temple. Familiar temple, endless steps. Always at the bottom. Pounding feet, tight throat—all memories. Into the darkness, endless darkness, then fire. Fire all around, fire and light. Beautiful, just like he remembered. Portal of light, dancing light. Dancing, like butterflies.

Grass and water. Sun, but a different sun. Sky, but a different sky. The four men waiting for him. Smiling. We've been waiting for you. Brother offers a hand.

Wings, and power.

Mokuba Kaiba smiled softly as he slowly opened his eyes. It was time to go.

FINI