So this is the final chapter to my story. That means A Rogue's Diary is COMPLETE. No worries..I'm already working on a sequel.

If anyone has any ideas/input, it'd be awesome to hear =]. Also, if missed before, I'm thinking of writing one-shots and the like of different races/classes, etc. Maybe starting polls for such. So ideas would be appreciated =]

This story has been about 6 years in the making,I believe. It started probablly my junior year of high school, and now I'm all grown up graduated from college with a career. Time flies!

This story has been a part of me. It's kept me sane during stress and it's like ending a part of me! I hope everyone else has enjoyed my story as well. It is OFFICIALLY the first fanfic I've ever COMPLETED!

Without further ado...I love you all!

Book Fifteen, Part Two

The Lich King

Death was supposed to be a release; an escape from pain and suffering. Crossing over was always associated with warm lights and comforting peace. Death was supposed to be a place of rest.

So why did I feel so cold.

Everything came into focus, but it wasn't like before. I wasn't alive, no. I was viewing things in the Lich King's eyes now; perhaps my own brain wasn't dead yet after all, if I could still have this profound connection to the one who killed me.

The Lich King prevailed. My comrades were all dead now—I saw my own body as well, face down next to Zen's.

How was this possible?

My name is Grace Fulstorm. I am a rogue for the Alliance…

Frostmourne glowed mockingly in his—or my—hand. The aura it possessed was so dark and controlling, and the Lich King was pleased.

"No questions remain unanswered. No doubts linger. You are Azeroth's greatest champions! You overcame every challenge I laid before you. My mightiest servants have fallen before your relentless onslaught, your unbridled fury…"

I never said goodbye. To mother, Matthew, Lucas. To Zen. I love you, he said. Zen's last words, and they were special.

"You trained them well, Fordring."

The pain was gone. My body would not be my own soon. This would fade…

"You shall be rewarded for your unwitting service." The power surged once again, dark and pulsating. "Watch now as I raise them from the dead to become…" Sound was dissipating, the images I saw blurring and eventually disappearing.

This wasn't the end after all.

Of course I couldn't be left for dead. The Lich King wouldn't let us die peacefully. We would be resurrected as his pawns.

I waited for the rude awakening, my body unable to rest. I was too familiar with this scenario. I had slipped away unscathed too many times.

Now I wanted death. Anything besides coming back a hollowed, brainwashed shell.

But then it was warm and comforting, a bright glow taking over the black shadows in my mind. It was good, and I hoped that Fordring had prevailed and prevented our Undead return. I hoped.

When I opened my eyes, I was nowhere near Icecrown. I wasn't near my death or the destruction of the world.

My arms lifted my body up off of the grass, and I turned onto my back to study where I had been displaced. A melody of giggles met my ears, encouraging me to relax and finally breathe without worry of how I had gotten here. The sun was too bright here—I had to shield my eyes with my arm, now bare as it caught the rays of warmth.

Is this heaven, then?

I looked down, stunned at the contrast of my clothing from just moments before. I was wearing my plain cotton dress again, and it reminded me of my life back at the cottage with Mother and Michael.

Once my eyes adjusted to the sun, I could see what had been causing the laughs before me. Two children, a boy and a girl with hair shining gold under the sun, played tag in the long grass.

A memory?

It could have been Lucas and I, I thought; the little boy definitely had Lucas' brilliantly intelligent eyes as he grinned at his smaller counterpart. And the little girl smiled in admiration at the boy, looking up to him with sparkling eyes.

The children were running away now, and I found myself standing up to watch them leave. "Wait up, Asher!"

Huh?

It was getting more and more difficult to see them through the sun's bright rays, and my curiosity had perked too much. I took a firm step forward, and went to take another toward them—when a hand on my shoulder caused me to freeze.

"Not yet, Grace."

The words must have barely been a whisper, but now everything fell silent; the wind had stopped swaying the grass, and the laughter had run away with the children.

In those three words my world stopped, but my head was spinning. I turned on my heels, bare legs tickled by blades of grass, as my eyes met a golden smile. "Dennis," I whispered.

"It's been awhile," he announced.

My arms were wrapped around him instantly, probably knocking the breath out of both of us. Still, he managed a chuckle. "This means I'm dead, right?" I asked bitter-sweetly.

"Kind of."

I pulled away, trying not to let the tears slipping off my cheeks visible to Dennis. "We couldn't do it. We couldn't stop the Lich King…" Dennis smiled, and it made me want to go back in time and relive all of our younger, happier days. Before the war took its toll on our lives, and before Dennis, Lucas, and I were torn apart. "That's your smile that says you know something I don't know," I acknowledged.

"You're not going to die here, Grace. You're too important to the Alliance, and too important to me."

I stepped back, my confusion evident on my face until I remembered where I had heard that line before. "You said that before I hearthed. When you saved me."

His smile never faltered, but I could read Dennis too easily, still. "And I stay true to my words."

My head was shaking fiercely, and I forced my eyes shut in anger. "I'm already dead, Dennis!"

"Technically, you're in the process of dying."

A shuddering breath came out of my lungs. "Then where am I?" I asked.

"A crossroad of sorts. You need to turn back, Grace. For the sake of Stormwind. For the living."

"H-how is that possible?"

"A resurrection spell, of course."

The glowing light was getting stronger and stronger behind Dennis, and I had to focus to be able to see him. "You're saving me again?"

"Not me," Dennis answered simply, a charming smile flashing across his lips. "I simply came to see you once more."

Pain clenched at my chest, and I knew I really wasn't dead for good. Death wouldn't be so painful. "One more thing," I mentioned desperately, fighting the Light that began to overtake the calming scenery behind me. Beckoning me. "Those two kids," I said, breathless now with earnest, "who were they?"

"The crossroads harbors many things, memories included," Dennis explained. "But it also is the home to everything capable and being. Life and Death, and the past, present, and future."

The wind was picking up now, but I had a feeling it wasn't of this world. It was from the blast of Light, now begging me to return as Dennis foretold.

"That doesn't answer my question," I nearly growled.

But Dennis merely smiled again, forming the Seal used to protect me in the Living world. "Always protect those dear to you."

I cocked a smile, because Dennis had become quite eloquent with dramatic one-liners. "Always," I answered, just as Dennis' lips again touched my forehead in a sign of protection and loyalty. Then the Light engulfed the both of us, the heat causing my cheeks to burn with life.

Rise up, champions of the Light!

And then my eyes were open, the first breathe into my lungs so satiating that all I really wanted to do was lay there and be. But my eyes were now soaking up my vivid surroundings—of Fordring smothered in holy Light, of the Lich King now cornered, doubting himself for the first time. A glowing, tall-statured ghost stood before everyone, and I knew that he was the one responsible for resurrecting me back to life.

As well as the others, now on their feet with the same awed expression I probably had on. Our tank alive. Casters. Everyone that had made it up to those final moments.

Zen. Without a smudge of blood or terrible gash. Flawless and breathtaking—and if we still weren't face-to-face with the Lich King, I would have thrown myself into his arms right then. My own body felt completely new, rejuvenated. My skin and health intact.

After our realizations (and there were many), our group settled on the baffled face of the Lich King, now standing awfully prone before us.

"The Lich King…must…fall!" hollered Fordring, his voice echoing and settling into my entire being.

The Lich King's body was seized by wisps of gray, his body alone unable to defend himself. I drew my daggers as the others readied their own weapons, and when Micah charged, the power of the Alliance was unfurled.

"Now I stand, the lion before the lambs…and they do not fear." Brilliant spells were already hitting their mark, causing the Lich King to shield his body. "They cannot fear."

Zen and I slashed at different angles, slicing away at armor and skin, watching as spells of fire and Light finally penetrated. His blood was black as it spilled at my feet, and I knew that we couldn't spill enough of his blood to avenge those we lost.

But his death meant freedom. To live.

My dagger pierced his back, delving deep into his Undead skin as he grunted in pain. More blood oozed forth as I drew back.

It was Micah who drove his sword straight through where his heart would be, boring a hole the Undead being couldn't recover from.

The Lich King's body collapsed backward, the helm hiding his Human-looking face falling off and clattering across stone as a useless trinket. His cold, shaky hands reached in one last attempt at regaining power; then Arthas' body fell still.

Everything was motionless and silent as Arthas' body settled. The blue glow of his eyes that haunted thousands now dimmed and disappeared, uncovering a Human face with green eyes that gazed upwards in a search for answers.

The opaque body of the crowned man now kneeled at Arthas' side, causing a stir in his face that caught me off guard. His heavily armored hand gripped the ghostly robes. "Father…is it…over?"

I gulped hard. I didn't want to feel anything near pity for the Lich King. He deserved nothing but a painful end. But right now, it was Arthas on the floor. The noble prince that loved his father and took pride in Stormwind.

"No king rules forever, my son."

The blonde man's bottom lip quivered, his lungs managing to inhale a final breath. "I see…only darkness…before me…"

His hand fell from its place, life on earth finally finished as the ghost of his father closed his eyes. Once finished, he stood, addressing Fordring's stout frame. "Control must be maintained…there must always be…a Lich King."

Then he was gone in a swirl of silver ribbons, and all eyes drifted to Fordring, who now picked up the helm and looked it over with a determined eye.

He doesn't actually think…?

"The weight of such a burden. It must be mine." I took a step toward Fordring, ready to argue that we needed him, but a stern hand snatched my shoulder back. "…There is no other to-"

"Tirion…you hold a grim destiny in your hands, brother…but it is not your own."

I looked up—we all did—to see the flamed figure sitting atop the ice cold throne.

"Bolvar…by all that is holy…" Tirion was already climbing up, the helm in his hands as the rest of us watched. They continued to talk inaudibly. I didn't want to hear anyway. I wanted to be done with Northrend.

Some priests were whispering prayers. Most of us stayed silent, pondering. Waiting.

"I MUST be forgotten, Tirion!"

I was holding my breath. It was the only way I could keep from sobbing and laughing at the same time. Our small group watched as Fordring nodded his assent and placed the silver helm over eyes that burned orange. The vibrant, hot flame took over the helm, glowing with the entire throne.

"Tell them only that the Lich King is dead…And that Bolvar Fordragon died with him," the voice boomed.

My forehead pulsated briefly, but I disregarded it as I watched the icy throne shift and crack, encasing the new Lich King in frozen ice.

"NOW GO. LEAVE THIS PLACE—AND NEVER RETURN."

Fordring was before us in no time. Relief had settled some premature wrinkles on his face, and Fordring carried himself with a little more ease now. "Mage, can you portal us to the entrance? We have an announcement to make." He patted Micah on the back, gaining a smile from our tank. As the portal was conjured, our group finally relaxed, giving handshakes, slaps on the back. Joking about dying.

Zen approached quietly, his aura the calmest it's been since before Northrend. "We did it."

I could finally just relax. My arms wrapped around Zen, nearly pushing him over as he chuckled. "I just watched you die, what's so funny?" I grumbled.

"I'm just happy that you're alive. We did it." I smiled, pulling back and quickly wiping away tears that seemingly slipped out of happiness. The resurrection spell had been a gift to all of us; but now I saw Death differently—it had given me an opportunity to see Dennis once more. For that I was grateful. No longer did I fear death, but it was more; it was the excitement of living life, to cherishing those close to me.

The portal was glowing in readiness now, and Zen's arm guided me to the whimsical doorway. As the reflections of light hit my face, I stepped in all the way and smiled.

When we arrived at the entrance, it was Mograine and his death knights still waiting for word. But the presence of us, of many of us, must have surprised him and his comrades. Darion offered Fordring a handshake. "You've returned."

"The deed is done, my friend."

Darion nodded. "The shift was undeniable. We were waiting for survivors. Congratulations, to all of you. And my thanks."

"We couldn't have done it without the death knights…"

I stopped listening now that formalities were done. I went to see Lucas, who didn't take long to find. He smiled, and it seemed more natural this time around. "I'm glad you're alive," he stated, giving me a hug that encased me in his bulky armor.

"Of course I'm alive," I stated. I mean I only died, like, once, right?

"What does a group of death knights do after the Lich King falls?" I asked.

Lucas shrugged. "There's nothing left for us here. Our purpose was to destroy Arthas."

"You can always come home," I mentioned, trying to make it sound less intimidating than it was.

He paused a moment. "Grace, look at me. Do you really think Stormwind is going to open their gates to this…this monster…"

"I'm not leaving Northrend without you!" I growled. "You belong there. With your family. Your wife and child."

Lucas nodded, as if expecting my angle. "You didn't change much. Still a Fulstorm," he commented lightly. "As soon as things settle down, I promise."

I sighed, then used my now bare hands to unhook the necklace that I had found at my brother's old campsite. Forcing his palm open, I dropped the silver emblem of the Alliance into his hand. "It's your home."

A breathe released from his lungs, but the angry, grievous expression I expected to see was merely an intense gaze.

"Grace? We're leaving for the Pinnacle."

"Zen," Lucas greeted, holding out a hand that Zen shook without hesitation. "Thank you."

Zen, probably too aware of our deaths moments ago, merely nodded numbly. Of course Zen couldn't protect me at every living moment; I found myself wondering if he would ever live that truth down.

We were brisk in leaving. Lucas promised that as soon as Darion and the death knights were finished at the citadel, he would find me.

"And how exactly will you find my whereabouts?" I countered, being sure Lucas had no excuse not to come home with me.

"Word travels fast. The girl with the eyes of violet, right?"

My face grew hot. Apparently, Lucas had gained back some of his brotherly instinct to embarrass me. "Please."

I hugged Lucas, relieved that for once I didn't fear that this would be our last embrace. "Hurry home," I instructed.

"Not without you."

I pulled back, forcing a smile as Zen and I turned to await our new portal meant to take us back to the base. Part of me lingered on Lucas' simple comment—what would Lucas have done, had I died?

Died for good, I reminded myself.

I couldn't bear to elaborate. Reborn. To live again. All of us.

"Just out of curiosity," Zen mentioned. "How's that bite mark on your neck?"

Pursing my lips, because I, too, was curious, I pulled away the fabric covering my collar bone. "Still there," I answered, though I couldn't be surprised. The bite mark was part of me now. "My eyes?"

"Still violet," Zen said with a wink.

"Good," I announced. "I wouldn't want to disappoint the public."

Zen laughed loudly, and then it was our turn to leave. Once more through the portal, and then our group was at the base of the hill housing our men. My friends.

Fordring was mentioning cause for celebration, and the big fanfare awaiting us at our homecoming to Stormwind. Oh, and the festival in our honor. And the parade and confetti and more fanfares…

All of that was nice. But what mattered most to me was the reconciliation of the past, the remembrance of those lives lost; and the opportunities awaiting us in the future, the ability to look forward to living.

And Zen. I grabbed his hand, pulling him back as the others hooted and hollered up the hill to reunite with the crusade. The wind, still whipping around my hair, wasn't so bitter anymore. The other rogue turned, curious, as I grabbed his other hand too, locking my fingers with his.

"It may have been your delirious state," I began softly, "but I do think I remember, vaguely, you saying something before I blacked out."

"Vaguely?" he questioned with a crooked grin. It was such a new aspect of Zen to me—usually so stoic and calculating, Zen used to never allow me to see his more relaxed self. But with the turn of events, I had a feeling I would be seeing more of this Zen.

"Or maybe…it could have been my own imagination…"

"It was not your imagination," he stated; his hot breathe was on my neck, giving me a shiver down my back.

My smile faded a bit as I thought of the circumstances surrounding Zen's confession. "I never got a chance…to tell you…"

Zen's face drew closer, his nose resting below my earlobe. "Well then, I guess it's good we've got a second chance." His lips rested on my neck a moment, the heat was coursing throughout my body now, and it was the most alive I felt since…well, being resurrected from death. I didn't think Zen could make me blush any more, but he had won again. Then his face was again facing me, his own structured cheekbones reddened. "I love you, Grace."

My smile was huge, a grin that stung my cheeks as my heart fluttered. "I love you, too."

He kissed me once more, long and tender, and when he pulled away, I had to re-catch my breath. "Now, let's go home."

But I was home. Home was with Zen. With family and friends. I could laugh and cry with them. With a life that now seemed to have so many possibilities.

The opportunities were boundless; I was alive.

Everything would be fine.

[end]