[ IP ] Golden Sword

I ducked around another tree branch, holding my light far enough forward to see the canopy before I smashed into it. 
 
 I remember thinking `` Goddammit it's here somewhere!'' multiple times. I was more correct than I thought. 
 
 I jolted, having felt my foot stop too soon on it's way to the ground. I looked, and the mist parted from the hot glass in my hands to reveal a little lump. Big enough to sit on, small enough to go unnoticed in this ridiculous fog. 
 
 I stepped up onto it, and a sparkle caught my eye from below. Lowering the lamp to my side, I saw it. Propped up between two dead logs, with plants growing up it. I'd found it. 
 
 My sword. 
 
 As I picked it up, brushing off the vines, I heard a voice on the wind. 
 
 `` *Prove yourself... *'' It hissed. 
 
 I whirled around, slashing with the sword. i gashed the mist, and the hissing stopped. Then, out of the fog stepped a ghostly, half-visible figure. Like a faint reflection, an exact replica of me stood on the other side of the little hill. 
 
 `` **Who are you then? Specifically, which `` me'' are you? **'' 
 
 The fog-me hissed. `` *In a past life, you left your sword here in the marsh, along with me, your fighting spirit and skill. If you can best me with that blade, I will return to where I belong -that is to say, you- and the power of the golden sword is yours once more. *'' 
 
 I rolled my eyes. `` **Well, this particular past me definitely knew how to set a tone. Alright, **'' 
 
 I walked over to him and set down my lantern so we'd have light. 
 
 `` **Let's do it. **''
