I may want to kill myself, but this fic ain't dead yet. Don't forget to leave a comment or a review if you wanna see more. Also follow me on twitter. My handle is JonClay14. I'm tryna get my numbers up.

The forest came alive in my dreams. Trees danced in a stuffy green mist that smelled of fresly fallen leaves. Leaves grew and changed colors, then died and fell to the ground before appearing once more on the gnarled branches as the seasons changed. Before I could fully process what was happening, before I fell deeper into the grasp of the forest, my eyes flew open and I found myself staring at the ceiling of the wizard's tower.

"Well?" asked my purple-haired companion. "How do you feel?"

I straightened up and saw Nimble sitting in the corner. My poor pup must have been worried sick when he saw me fall over. When he saw that I was alright his ears perked up, his tail began to wag, and he rushed over and began licking my face.

"I have to admit that it wasn't the strangest feeling I've ever had," I said, lazily patting Nimble's head. "So is that it? I'm done? I don't feel very different."

The wizard bowed his head. "Yes, that is it. You are done. You now have the ability to converse with the Junimo, to read their strange language, and to decipher those strange scrolls you have seen. Whether or not you take advantage of this new opportunity is your decision and your decision alone."

There was a finality to his tone that let me know that there was nothing more to be said. I got to my feet, nodded to the wizard and left the tower with my pup by my side. Once outside the tower I was sure that the potion had had its intended effect. Something inside of me had changed. The air coursed through my lungs filling me with energy like never before. I felt the presence of the trees around me, felt it when the wind blew through their leaves and the forest critters danced through their boughs.

Nimble was staring up at me, his head turned to the side. I shook my head from side to side to clear my head and began making my way to the community center. The wizard's words were completely true, the decision was mine to make, but we both knew that there was only one choice I would make. Simply put, I had to do it. I couldn't sit on my farm all day content in my ignorance when there were strange, wondrous new mysteries to solve. It was the true reason I spent so much time in the caves, fighting monsters and mining ore. It was probably the true reason I came to the valley in the first place. To find a new adventure.

I passed Marnie's ranch, deeply engrossed in my own thoughts, until I was shaken from my reverie when I heard my name called by an all too familiar voice. Haley was standing beneath a tree with a camera clutched in her gloved hands. Seeing her there in her blue blouse and pink trousers, her blonde hair tied into a loose ponytail, made my breath catch in my throat. I shook my head again, pushing those thoughts away. I wasn't about to go down that road again.

"Hi, Max!" Haley waved at me and began walking over.

"Haley," I nodded towards here, remaining rooted in my spot.

Haley pocketed her camera, eyeing my sword and my dog. "Off to the mines again? Gonna kill some monsters or dig up some rocks or whatever it is you do?"

I pursed my lips. "Not today, actually. I'm off to the Community Center to see if I can get a glimpse of those, uh, 'rats' we saw the other day. What about you? Is that I camera I see? I didn't know that you were into photography."

A light pink tinge came across Haley's otherwise pale cheeks. "It's a hobby. Kind of like how farming seems to be a hobby of yours. You certainly don't seem to spend much time growing anything Farmer Max."

"My sprinklers take care of my farm," I snorted. "And I grow plenty. In fact, Emily usually buys a lot of what I grow. How were those melons, by the way? Juicy and delicious, am I right?"

Haley shrugged. "They were alright. I was going to thank you for them, but I suppose I owe the sprinklers my gratitude instead."

I let out a small laugh. "I'll be sure to let them know. The poor things might gain sentience and do backflips once they find out that they actually got a compliment from you."

Haley scoffed, crossing her arms and furrowing her brow. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing, nothing," I said, not wanting another argument. I stretched my arms upward, relishing in the intense heat of the day, and an idea popped into my head. "Actually, can you help me out with something?"

The strawberry blonde cocked her head to the side, saying nothing, waiting for me to continue.

"I'm taking part in what is, essentially, a research assignment and I could sure use you and that camera."

"Research? You want me to come and take pictures of those huge rats?" Haley scoffed. "That's not going to happen."

"What if I told you, my dear Haley, that those rats aren't really rats. They're strange, ancient creatures of the forest that a wizard has tasked me with finding out more about."

My words were met with complete silence. A strong wind blew between us, carrying the scent of the Marnie's cows and sheep. Nimble had long since lost interest in our conversation and was sniffing at some weeds near Marnie's fence.

"A wizard," Haley said slowly, "told you that those rats aren't rats."

I nodded.

"That they're really mystical forest spirits."

I nodded.

"And you're going to. . .research them?"

"I drank a potion that contained the essence of the forest and now I can speak to them."

"You drank," Haley spoke even slower this time, "a potion given to you by some man claiming to be a wizard."

I nodded.

"I'm going home, Max."

I thrust out my palms, stopping her in her tracks. "I'm fully aware of how crazy this sounds, and I don't expect you to believe me. Not until you've seen them with your own eyes. Just trust me, come on."

Haley crossed her arms once more, regarding me with raised eyebrows. "If this turns out to be a practical joke or something-"

"Would I do that to you, Haley? Come on," I said.

"You wouldn't. I know that," Haley said. "Alright, fine. I'll play along with this stupid idea of yours, but I want you to promise me something."

"Anything for you," I said, perhaps a bit too vigorously. As soon as the words left my mouth I pursed my lips, using all my will to keep my face straight and my cheeks free of color. Haley was less successful. Blood flooded her cheeks. She opened and closed her mouth, trying to find words to say.

"You know how to use that sword, right?" She eventually said. "You better kill those rats before they get their nasty, diseased teeth into me."

"I'll keep you safe, Haley. I promise."

Haley closed her eyes and nodded, twirling her camera in her delicate fingers.

"Well then let's go."