Please read Decline 1-5 first: http://www.gaiaonline.com/journal/?u=12660338
Phase 1 - Saved
Just as he was giving up his life, there was a small, flickering light on the horizon. A golden artifact, a protector and guide to those wronged appeared to him with items that helped. He brought him a container to capture the fog that ate away at his body. A weapon, a crossbow, to hunt. Clothes to wear. It also presented the hero with a painful decision. He already had no leg, but the accursed arm was still attached to his body. The hero didn't hesitate to accept the proposal, and the golden protector cut his arm off in one swift, painful motion. Once his new bronze limbs were attached, the protector took him to a very macabre place. It was the only way to get him a new soul. They found one, a strong soul, and he bonded it with his body. He was mortal again. His skin began to regain color. His hair began to grow. His wounds and scars began to heal, disappear.
Phase 2 - Healing
His skin was pale, but fleshy. He had but one scar left across his chest that would disappear in time. He would have to complete the trials of holy redemption should he hope to fully recover from his ordeal. If he should fail, his soul would be lost, and he would walk the earth, eternally dead and undying.
His first trial was to strip himself of everything. Worldly possessions mean nothing in the grand scheme of things. He did so willingly and without hesitation. After proving that he was truthful and honest in this endeavor, he was given a long white cloth to cover himself. His automaton limbs turned silver. What scars remained vanished, leaving pristine, white skin. He was awarded the sword of the archangel Michael. His old animal friend, Pudgie, was told where to find him. They traveled together.
Phase 3 - Chosen
Over time, our heroes hair grew back, golden and flowing. He was becoming something of his old self again. His second trial would come in the form of two parts. The first part was battle. Using the sword of Michael, he would have to show bravery by venturing into the depths of Hell and slaying a powerful demon. The demon was the materialized soul of the ogre that had taken his arm long ago. He was unable to beat it then, and doubted himself now. He quickly mustered up courage and defeated the demon ogre.
His second task was to climb a dangerous mountain that had killed many before him. Atop the mountain was a gold-flourish sword. The mountain battered and bruised him but he made it. No man, of the few that have made it up to the top, have been able to pull the sword from the pointed tip of the mountain. The protector told him he needed not one iota of doubt in his mind while gripping the hilt of the sword. He placed the sword of Michael in his silver hand, and reached out with his own arm. Hesitant of the doubt he may have held in his mind, he did not grip the sword. His breathing quickened in pace. In an instant, he visualized himself pulling the sword from the rock, and did so physically. The sword smoothly came from the stone.
Phase 4 and 5 - The Surge and Wept
Energy surged around our hero and under his feet, coursing through his veins. His body became blessed by the heavens. It was the culmination of everything he had worked for. He was adorned with a golden cape, a holy golden arm plate, a golden crown, white clothes with golden accents. His limbs shone with a yellow hue. Holy runes encircled him. The sword of Michael gained a winged flourish. The spirit of light ascended from the heavens with a smile. She looked into his green eyes, running her hand along the top of his head. He fell to his knees in thanks, and wept.
