The adventures of both Pyro and I embed themselves into my head, one adventure at a time. During our recent exploration of Sky Peak, memories all came to my mind. Though I also thought a lot about Autumn...

Autumn...I really miss her. I haven't seen her in 10 days, and she lives just down the road! Guess she's been busy with her own training. It's not like she has much free time. Hell, I hate the free time I have! That's one thing I miss about the guild. They kept you busy. That and, well the overall feel for the guild was just awesome. It had attitude, happiness that came from pokémon like Loudred, Corphish, and Bidoof.

Bidoof. What a character. Dedicated, loyal, friendly, he never gives up. I remember him a lot particularly since he was one of the newer apprentices alongside us when Pyro and I joined. Though he came before us. Not too sure by how long though.

Here we stand a year later however, Pyro and I graduated, and he continues training. He was a real good friend. He and Autumn I know do some exploring together still. Can't officially call them partners, though they might as well be. And they both strive to be the very best.

Much like Pyro.

Hell, all three of them have more in common with each other than I do with any of them! Sometimes I wonder how Pyro and I are still partners, how Autumn and I are in some relationship, let alone friendship, and how Bidoof and I even greet each other sometimes. That night we spent around the fire on the night we started on our first expedition, the three of them exchanged goals and stories, and all I did was listen. I had virtually nothing to offer. Perhaps I do now, but who knows.

Bidoof however, with as many stories as he told, there was one he was reluctant to tell. Autumn seemed to know at least...about it. He never told me about it. Or Pyro. Not that I have a problem with that. Some stories I guess are meant to stay personal...

"And Three! Smiles go for miles!" The guild cried out as one.

"Okay!" Chatot said. "Let's all get to work!"

Bidoof was very much in a rush to get to the Guild Ladder. It was another day. Another day to train. He needed to step it up. Ever since his arrival here, he felt like all that ever followed him, was disaster. It was always mess-up after mess-up. He just wanted to get to the job boards. Get to the boards, select a job, all before-

"Bidoof!"

...

All before Chatot called his name.

No luck.

Bidoof walked over to Chatot. What was the errand this time...? Bidoof looked to Chatot, "Yes?"

"Your assignment today is to go to the Kecleon Market and see if they've replenished their stock on oran berries. Okay?"

Bidoof sighed. Great. Another market run.

Chatot saw his dismay and asked, "Is something the matter, Bidoof? It's not a difficult task we've assigned, as usual."

Yes! There is something wrong! Bidoof certainly wanted to say that. He came to be an explorer. He didn't come to be the guild's personal grocery runner. Bidoof sighed. "It's not that..." he said, "But I always seem to be running these simple errands. Chatot, I really want to get some exploration assignments, yup yup..." Bidoof looked to Chatot. "Don't you think I could get a job like that, sometime?"

Chatot fluttered. "What? This isn't some joke, Bidoof! If I were to assign you to the boards right now, how successful do you think you'd be?"

That stung. Chatot held no faith in him. And Bidoof's confidence sunk that much lower. "N-nevermind..." Bidoof said quietly. Some life story. Some life to write home about.

Chatot sighed and walked over. "Bidoof, don't be so impatient. Everyone learns at a different speed. Even if you are a little slower than everyone else doesn't mean-"

"Please..." Bidoof said. "You don't need to be so specific."

"Your day will come, Bidoof." Chatot said. "You'll be tackling those boards soon enough! We all start somewhere. Just do your best, and work hard in your training."

Bidoof sighed. "So I need patience..." Perhaps Chatot didn't lose faith. "Okay." Bidoof said, feeling a bit better. "I won't let up."

"That's what this guild likes to see." Chatot said, beaming. "Now if you would, those oran berries won't yell that they're on sale, by themselves!"

Or...perhaps he did. Oh well. Bidoof would show the guild, someday. "I'll get right on it." Bidoof said, trying to sound somewhat enthusiastic.

He went to the ladder. Perhaps he still looked a little down, because Autumn, one of the guild's top exploring apprentices since he had come here, walked over. "Hey, Bidoof!" She called, smiling. "Ready for another hard day of training?"

Bidoof looked to her and managed a small smile. Autumn was incredibly nice to him. Always uplifting, supportive, it was hard to imagine her ever holding onto anger. She was one very dedicated explorer, also. Bidoof found it difficult not to envy her sometimes. "Kinda..." he said.

Autumn knew that tone. "Another errand, huh?"

Bidoof sighed. "I really want to do a job on the assignment board. But Chatot doesn't think I'm ready..."

"oh Bidoof, you goof." Autumn said, giggling. "Every apprentice here at one point had to pay their dues. I did, Corphish did, Loudred, Sunflora, and now you, before we had the liberty to tackle the assignment boards by choice."

"Well I know that., but I've been here nearly a month, Autumn. All they seem to want me doing is running to the market, or the bank, or out picking apples."

Autumn thought for a moment, then smiled. "I know your time to shine is coming. I have an idea. I'll talk with the guildmaster, and request to let me take you on an exploration soon? How do you like that?"

Bidoof looked into her friendly eyes. "Autumn...that is really kind of you..."

Autumn smiled. "No one likes missing out on some action, and no one learns without some experience. I'll talk to him. But for now, why don't you make Chatot happy, and run your small errand."

Bidoof nodded, feeling much better now, "Okay, Autumn. Catch you later, yup yup!"

The walk to Treasure Town was as dull as ever. The residents said 'hi' when they did, but nothing else.

Upon arrival of the market, the Kecleon brothers were ecstatic, mainly because they were in high hope that Bidoof would finally be giving them some kind of business. "Did you come by to shop?"

"N-no..." Bidoof said. "Sorry to bother you, but I'm not here to buy anything."

There was some silence before the brothers sighed together. "Asking about inventory...as always? How disappointing..." The brother, realizing what he said, recovered quickly, "But there's nothing wrong with that! Inventory inquiries are just part of business for us! What are you...interested in?"

Bidoof sighed, sharing their disappointment. "Oran berries. Sorry to be a bother."

"It's not bothering at all!" One said. "And I believe Chatot will be happy to hear that we have indeed replenished our oran berry stock."

"Thanks." Bidoof said

"Do your best as always!"

Bidoof was lost in thought. The Kecleon Brothers even wanted him to give it his all. He could tell they were getting tired of his inquiries of inventory.

"Is...is there something else, Bidoof?" one of the brothers asked.

"Huh?" he asked, realizing he had not budged from where he'd been standing. "Oh, no. My Day is pretty much over now, I'm guessing. Just got...a problem, I guess."

"A problem?" Kecleon asked. "What kind of problem?"

"You can talk to us about it." The other Kecleon said.

"Well," Bidoof said, "it just seems that no matter what I do in my actual training, I always just seem to mess things up. It's always boom this and crash that. I want to be a first class explorer like everyone else at the guild. I was told I needed patience, but I just don't know if I have it."

One of the brothers beamed. "Bidoof, my young explorer, you need a Technical Machine!"

Bidoof looked to Kecleon. "Uh...Technical Machine?"

"Yes." Kecleon said. "A Technical Machine, or TM for short, is a device that can help you learn moves quicker. If you know more moves, you'd be more helpful in exploring, no doubts there!"

"Huh..." Bidoof said in thought while Kecleon looked around for a certain TM.

"Here it is!" he smiled. "This TM contains instructions on how to learn a move called 'hidden power'!"

"Hidden power?" Bidoof asked. "Sounds pretty strong!

"Oh it is!" Kecleon said. "It's a move every pokémon is capable of learning, but some never do. The results of the move are always different, and the potential is limitless!"

"Huh..." Bidoof repeated. Learning hidden power seemed wise. If he did, he'd certainly be closer to achieving his goal of becoming the world's best explorer. He'd also be closer to exploring period with the guild. And if he and Autumn were to indeed go exploring together soon, he would be able to help out more! He looked to Kecleon, and asked, "Just how much is that TM?"

At the question, Kecleon jumped, "You mean you're interested in buying it? This is exciting! For this particular TM, the package is roughly 65 gold pieces."

Bidoof was shocked. "Whoa! That much?"

"Are you surprised?" Kecleon asked. "TMs are very complicated machines, and not easy to get hands on. We're lucky to have the ones we have in stock. One thing to also put into mind is just how delicate they are."

"Delicate?"

"They tend to break after first use, and the results are only lasting with one pokémon. I guess I can lower the price to 55 gold pieces, but not much more than that."

"It's not that." Bidoof said. "Hold on." He didn't know what to do. The day he left his house, his mother gave him a very generous amount of money, which easily added up to the price in gold they asked for, but not much more than that. Bidoof was very hesitant to have taken this money in the first place, but his mother had insisted he take it. "I have the money for it...but..."

"Yes, but?" Kecleon asked.

"It's emergency money from my mama. I just can't spend it carelessly. I've considered your generous offer, but I will have to unfortunately pass on it."

There was some silence before Kecleon nodded, putting the TM away. "I understand, Bidoof. I understand completely."

"Thanks anyways for listening." Bidoof said as he turned away.

"Anytime, Bidoof." Kecleon said. "And if you should ever change your mind, you can always come back!"

"Right. See you." Bidoof said, leaving, wondering if he ever would change his mind. As he walked on, another pokémon suddenly ran into him.

"Hey, what in the...?" Bidoof began.

The pokémon, white, brown, green, and small in appearance looked panicked. He looked around and was muttering "Oh what to do, what to do, what to do..."

Bidoof was confused and asked "Uhhh, can I-"

The pokémon ignored Bidoof's words and stuck some paper into the bad on Bidoof's back. "Excuse me, p-please hold this!"

"What? What is-" But before he could finish, or get an answer, the pokémon ran off in fear. "That was...strange..." Bidoof thought aloud to himself.

As he said that, two more pokémon appeared. A flying purple bug, and a light blue dragon fighter.

"Did you see him, Bagon?" the bug type asked.

"No." Bagon said. He's out of sight. Bagon then saw Bidoof and pointed to him. "You!"

Bidoof was so shocked by what was happening, that he forgot about the paper in his pack. "Uh...yes?"

"Did a pokémon just run by?"

"Huh?" Bidoof asked nervous. "Well..."

"Come on!" The bug type shouted. "We're in a hurry! Did you, or did you not?"

Bidoof grew even more nervous.

"Gligar, calm yourself!" Bagon said. "Scaring him won't do any good!" He turned back to Bidoof. "Little guy, white body, nervous to hell?"

Bidoof sighed and pointed, feeling a little guilty. "He went that way..."

"Let's go!" Bagon said, taking the Gligar with him, leaving Bidoof alone on the street.

With a sigh of relief, he started on back to the guild, wanting nothing more to do with those pokémon. Trying to forget about the little one, trying to forget about those two. He had forgotten about the paper in his pack. All that was on his mind was that Chatot would likely already chew him out for taking as long as he had with this simple errand...

Dinner went by rather slow for Bidoof. He and Autumn talked about how she had indeed spoken with the Guildmaster. She said that soon, though she wasn't sure exactly when, her request would be granted.

Bidoof was glad about that, hoping it would be soon, but all he could do was wait. His time would come. Hopefully his time to sleep would come soon too, because he roomed with Corphish and Loudred. And Loudred was one of the loudest snorers in the land it seemed. Bidoof had many times yearned to tell him to knock it off, but he'd only make him angry. And that thought made him plenty nervous...

...nervous...

Just like that one pokémon who ran into him today! He ran away from that Bagon and Gligar! Bidoof wondered if he was all right, when he suddenly remembered! The paper! That pokémon had shoved some piece of paper right into his pack!

Bidoof sighed, unable to sleep. "Wonder what it is..."

There was only one way to find out. He opened up his bag and opened up the folded...somewhat crumpled piece of paper. It was very old and worn and it was a miracle that it survived in Bidoof's pack as it did. It was a map of some sort. But as Bidoof looked closer he saw something hand-written...

The words "Star Cave."

A place on the map was marked "Star Cave."

Bidoof was confused, but it sounded rather...exciting. Perhaps there was something...special there. But as exciting as it sounded, Bidoof had to force himself to sleep somehow, even if he had to count Mareeps until he did fall asleep.

Loudred...too loud...sleep...

"Bidoof? HEY! BIDOOF! WAKE UP!" Loudred blared. "IT'S MOOOOOORRRRRNIIIIING!"

Bidoof groaned at the usual wake up call. "Wh-what?"

"BIDOOF, YOU'RE OVERSLEEPING! The morning BRIEFING is starting! HURRY UP!" and he was gone.

Bidoof groaned as he woke up. "Maybe if you didn't snore so dang loud...yup yup..." Bidoof muttered.

He went to the main hall, just in time for the cheer and dismissal.

As the guild went to work, Chatot was approached by Bidoof. "Ah, Bidoof! Just who I wanted to see! Today-"

"Actually Chatot," Bidoof said, "I have a question. You know a lot of stuff, right?"

"Well of course!" Chatot said. I'm the guildmaster's right hand! Why wouldn't I? Something you need to know? And please hurry, I need to be somewhere."

Bidoof was a bit nervous but asked, "Do you know, or have you heard of a place called Star Cave?"

Chatot cocked his head. "Star Cave? I've heard about it."

"Really?" Bidoof asked.

"Yes. It's a legendary place, it's location however, has been a mystery for hundreds of years."

"Golly..." Bidoof said.

"Indeed. It's legend that has been passed down for generations, it's truth, buried in history. According to legend, within Star Cave, dwells the pokémon, Jirachi, in deep sleep, and if you were to wake Jirachi from it's sleep, he would grant you a wish."

"HUH?" Bidoof exclaimed. "He has the power to grant wishes?" Bidoof's mind was set off like fireworks. A rare wish granting pokémon! Was it true?

"Hey now!" Chatot said, "Remember, it's only a legend! Explorers have searched for the cave for years to no avail! Uhhhhh, Bidoof?"

Bidoof wasn't listening. This Jirachi had the power to grant wishes...what if...

"HEY!" Chatot called. "Bidoof! You in there?"

"Oh, huh?" Bidoof asked.

"You were spacing out...and smiling. Something happen, perhaps?" Chatot asked.

"Oh! No no! Nonono, not at all!" Bidoof lied. "Just spacing, and not thinking much about anything!"

"You sure?" Chatot asked. "You're acting very strange. Stranger than usual. You also seem...very...excited about something."

"Ehhh..." Bidoof said nervously , but was saved by Loudred's blaring noise.

"Hey Bidoof! VISITOR!"

"Huh?" Bidoof wondered. "I got a visitor?"

Had his mother perhaps paid a visit? It was certainly unexpected.

"Yeah." Loudred said. "Up by the entrance! Better GO!"

Bidoof went up, thankful to get away from Chatot. Away from suspicion, and the likely errand he would be assigned. He came out to see not his mother, but the little pokémon from yesterday who had been chased, pacing back and forth.

Bidoof saw him and said, "You're the-"

"Yes..." he said. "Sorry to have run off on you. It's nice to finally meet you. My name is Snover."

"Nevermind yesterday." Bidoof said. "What happened to the pokémon that were chasing you? Did they hurt you?"

"No, I'm okay. But I did have a rather...scary encounter."

"What happened?" Bidoof asked.

"Well I tried to run away from them, but they cornered me on a cliff. They wanted what...what I gave you. If I had held onto it, they would have taken it from me. I hope you understand. I found you here with help in Treasure Town. Thank you Bidoof...sorry to have caused you all this trouble."

"By golly, you don't need to apologize!" Bidoof said. "But...I did see the map. I've been thinking, Snover. Is that really a map to Star Cave?"

"Yes." Snover said. "It is said that a rare pokémon named Jirachi lives there, and if you meet him, he would grant you a wish. That's why those two wanted the map. But...I'm a little...nervous about even thinking of exploring it on my own."

Bidoof thought and said, "Well...if you want...I could escort you through Star Cave."

Snover looked to Bidoof. "Would you? I never even thought of that! Would you?"

"Well..." Bidoof said. "Do you really want...little 'ole me with you?"

"Yes! I really wanna meet Jirachi and make a wish, but on my own, I'm not very confident I'd make it. Together, Bidoof, I'm convinced we could find Jirachi, and be successful! Would you? You seem...very dependable...and kind. I can't think of anyone I'd rather go with!"

Bidoof was confused as to why he was chosen over this whole thing, but this was his chance. To show the guild he was ready...and to be the best explorer in the world. "Then...yes! I'll go!" Bidoof said.

"Really! I'm so happy!" Snover said in joy.

"Together," Bidoof said, "I know we can meet Jirachi! And we'll make our wish together!"

Shortly afterwards, Snover left. Bidoof was in secret joy. This was great! All he had to do was get a day off in training, or something, and-

"Bidoof, who was that?" Autumn asked

Bidoof's heart skipped a beat. "Oh! Autumn! I didn't see you there!"

"You were up here a very long time, Bidoof. I just wanted to check up on you. I...I heard some of the conversation."

Bidoof was nervous. She overheard the talk of Star Cave and Jirachi? "Uhhh..."

"You aren't really thinking of going searching for that cave, are you, Bidoof? It's been lost for ages. This whole thing for all you know, could be a trick."

Bidoof shook his head. "It's not a trick! We have a map! And we will-"

Bidoof, maps aren't always accurate!" Autumn said in worry. "Please think this through. It could be a forged fake. I'm worried someone might try and take advantage of you. His way of talking alone to me sounded suspicious."

Bidoof frowned at her. "That or you're jealous that we just might actually FIND Jirachi!"

"What?" Autumn said shocked. "That's not it at all! Bidoof-"

"I'm tired of all these errands! I will show all of you that I'm ready to explore! Snover and I will go to Star Cave, and we WILL find Jirachi! And you're crazy if you think otherwise!"

With that, he went down the stairs to walk, leaving Autumn behind with a look of concern on her face...

"What?" Chatot squawked. "You want time off from training?"

Bidoof nodded. "Just a day or two..."

"For what reason?" Chatot asked. "You're not shirking work, are you?"

Bidoof was acting out as it came. "What? No...lately though I have been feeling sick."

"Sick?"

"I think I may have eaten too much or something." Bidoof said.

"You...with the cast-iron stomach, Bidoof? Last night you were the only one who wanted seconds! Now you're sick?" Chatot sighed. "You have been acting very strange lately, Bidoof." Bidoof tensed. Chatot had ways of knowing if you were faking... "Perhaps you do need a break." Bidoof felt relief shoot down his spine. "Just don't go causing any trouble for the other teams, okay?"

"Oh, yes sir! And thank you!" Bidoof said, adding on his usual, "Yup yup!"

He didn't like how he had to lie to Chatot, but this was a rare opportunity for him! He had to take advantage of this!

As he walked out of the guild, getting a few envious looks at how he got the time off, he ran into Autumn. She was still concerned, but all she said was, "Bidoof...take care of yourself, okay? I won't stop you, just watch yourself and be careful..."

She was echoing almost the exact same words his mother said the day he left. Bidoof now looked up to her almost like that here. A big sister...

Bidoof nodded. "I will. You'll see!"

This was the real thing! No backing down now! And he went down the stairs, leaving Autumn behind, who sighed and walked toward the outlaw board for something to do...

The journey through Star Cave was no joke. The cave was colder than ice, darker than night, Bidoof was thankful they had a light and a map. Bidoof was also thankful for his fur coat, which did more than keep him warm.

Before they came into Star Cave, Bidoof had some trouble locating Snover, who was hiding to stay out of sight from Bagon and Gligar, who apparently were still looking for him and his map.

But now, they were here! In THE Star Cave. And Bidoof's energy was bursting! This was happening! Jirachi was here somewhere! He was so close to being the best!

He and Snover talked and joked, laughing about life as they walked on. The cave, though for the most part, looked to be normal and regular, was beautiful in areas to Bidoof. Crystals grew from the walls, and glittered in his light.

They finally reached a dead end, looking around, Bidoof said, "Now what? It's a dead end...we've certainly come a long way. Wonder where Jirachi is."

Then he heard...laughter.

"Huh?" Bidoof said a little shocked. "Who's there?"

Suddenly...he realized a very scary and real reality. He was alone. Snover was gone.

"Who's there?" he asked in growing fear, as the laughing continued. "So gullible. Gullible to come all the way out here...alone."

Suddenly, Gligar and Bagon appeared in front of Bidoof.

"You!" Bidoof said in shock.

"Long time, no see!" Bagon said, laughing.

"It's been a couple days since Treasure Town!" Gligar said.

"Wh-What are you doing here? How did you find this place?" he thought only Snover and him knew about this place!

"You really are gullible." Snover's voice cut through the darkness.

"What...?" Bidoof turned, looking distraught as Snover walked forward from the darkness. "What do you mean?"

Snover came closer. "Jirachi, Star Cave, all of this was made up. Never were here fro, the start."

"You were tricked into coming here." Bagon said. "...by us."

This wasn't happening...

Bagon continued. "We're called Team Rogue. We're a band of thieves."

"We trick our marks, and get what we want." Gligar said.

"And I," Snover said, "Lead them."

"N-no...No!" Bidoof said in sadness. Realizing the deep trouble he was now in...

"Yes." Snover said. "That time in Treasure Town, when you were in front of the marketplace, we saw you and heard you had a nice amount of money. We brought you over here to take it from you, since doing it then and there would have caused quite a scene."

Bidoof was crushed in spirit. All this was a set up. Autumn's assumptions were correct...Bidoof had been incorrect. And now...he was here. Alone. "All of this...?"

"Was fake. Yes!" Snover said repeating himself. "We were ecstatic when we first got our hands on that map, and hearing of wishes coming true...we could get rich, just like that! So we came here. And found nothing. It's a dead end. We were very disappointed to find out this was all fake. We just ran into you on our way back, and now...here we stand. Now...give us your money."

Snover then punched Bidoof and he tumbled to the ground.

He was crushed. He had come so far, and now...

"Hand it over!" Bagon shouted.

"No!" Bidoof said standing up, tears of anger in his eyes.

"So stubborn. Let's just knock him out, take it and get out of here." Snover said.

Bidoof tensed as they came toward him. But as he braced, he heard out of the darkness, a very familiar voice...

"Hold it, RIGHT THERE!"

The trio looked around. "What? Who's there?"

Bidoof's eyes widened. Autumn! She was here!

But that wasn't all! Wigglytuff's voice shouted out, "One!"

And it was followed by even more voices! "Don't shirk work!"

"Two!"

"Run away and pay!"

"Three!"

Bidoof joined silently for the last part of the cheer, "Smiles go for miles!"

And then, in as little as three seconds, the entire guild was in that room, surrounding them all! All had angry eyes cast on...not Bidoof...but those who had deceived him.

Chatot chirped. "The Wigglytuff Guild is on the job!"

"A guild?" Bagon cried. "Crud!"

"Guys!" Bidoof said, smiling.

Autumn came forward, anger flaring in her eyes at the thieves. "Keep your damn hands off our friend!"

"RIGHT!" Loudred shouted. "OR you have US to deal with!"

"What do we do?" Gligar asked panicked.

"It's really them!" Bagon said. "The famous Wigglytuff Guild!"

Snover spat. "Bogus! You're letting rumors and speculation get the best of you, just like it did with us and that map! These guys don't look so tough! Let's take them all on!"

Bagon and Gligar looked a bit shocked at that. And Autumn simply grinned. "You sure about that?"

"You better believe it." Snover said. Bagon and Gligar already lost hope in their leader.

Wigglytuff grinned and simply said, "Well then...YOOM-TAH!"

And there never was a shorter battle. The trio of thieves was easily knocked down, and apprehended, and taken away by Officer Magnezone who had also accompanied the guild here.

As they took the thieves away, Chimeco hovered to Bidoof. "Are you okay, Bidoof?"

Bidoof had never been so happy to see the guild. "Everyone...thank you. It's because you're here, I'm okay..."

Autumn came over and hugged him. "Settle down, champ."

"Oh Autumn...I'm so sorry..." Bidoof said a bit teary eyed.

Autumn chuckled, "Come now, Bidoof, there's nothing to apologize about."

"But...how did you guys find me?" Bidoof asked.

Sunflora spoke up. "Chatot has been very suspicious of your recent behavior, with your sudden request for time off and everything."

Chatot nodded, "Well...yes...but it was Autumn who held the most concern for you in the first place. She saw your visitor, and earlier today while checking out the outlaw boards, saw his gang's wanted poster. Seeing that, she gave chase."

"Really?" Bidoof asked. "Well...why are you all here then?"

"Well..." Chatot said. And he kinda trailed off, and the guild started to laugh silently.

"Chatot sure was awful worried, hey, hey!" Corphish said.

"Oh my gosh, we all were!" Sunflora said. "We just had to come with!"

Bidoof looked around. "...guys..."

"We just couldn't ignore you when you were in danger."

Wigglytuff stepped forward, smiling as usual. "Bidoof, though we may be strict in your training as teachers, we still care about you because you are a part of our family. We are your friends, and we will always be that. We are glad you're safe."

"Oh everyone..." Bidoof said. "I sure am happy...that you did this all for me..." But then the distraught feeling came, and it crushed his spirit. "But...I feel like I've gone and caused trouble...again. I'm such a screwup."

The guild acted shocked to that. ""What? That's not at all true!" Sunflora said.

"Hey hey! You stood up to those thieves alone. Just to do that takes a lot of courage!" Corphish said.

Autumn nodded and said, "And to have come this far on your own, Bidoof, simply shows how strong you're really getting."

"You worry about failing..." Wigglytuff said. "But in everyone's failure, we find our strength. Everyone here can say that. So Bidoof, it is nothing to be ashamed about."

Bidoof sniffed. "...thank you...so much...I am sorry for troubling you..." This was a turning point for Bidoof. From now on, he would not fear failure. Not at all. And...he knew he would find the patience.

Croagunk, who had been silent as usual, looked around. "Huh. Those thieves were rather second rate weren't they?"

That got some laughter. "Hey hey! Yeah they were! That was fun!" Corphish joked. Then he looked around the cave, "But...this is Star Cave? Looks like any normal cave, hey hey!"

"Huh?" Bidoof asked. "Wasn't this all just made up?"

"Of course not!" Chatot said. "I told you right truth about Star Cave! I don't supply false information when asked about it!"

As Wigglytuff examined the wall of the cave, Loudred also said, "Remember who we are. We're the Wigglytuff Guild!"

Autumn laughed and said as well, "Never...underestimate us...or our guildmaster."

"HA!" Wigglytuff said. "I found it!"

"Found what?" Bidoof asked turning to Wigglytuff. But before he could get an answer, Wigglytuff took a deep breath.

"YOOOOOOM...TAAAH!" And a beam shot from his mouth, and upon impact with the cave wall, a blind flash and explosion happened. The wall collapsed to the ground, revealing yet another cave. Only this cave, was much different. Bidoof now saw why it was called Star Cave. The roof of this cave was covered in pulsing glowing crystals...small but pretty. And they glittered like the stars.

Autumn looked into it and smiled. "Now THAT'S why we have such a high reputation."

"Wow!" Bidoof said. "There's more to the cave!"

"Then let's GO!" Loudred exclaimed.

"Jirachi must be ahead!" Chatot chirped.

"Yes! We should all think of what we'd like to wish for!" Chimeco said in joy.

"Oh my gosh! This is so exciting!" Sunflora said.

Wigglytuff however turned and said, "Everyone, wait a minute. It is a shame, but not all of us can go."

"What?" The guild cried as one.

"Why NOT?" Loudred asked.

Wigglytuff calmed them and said, "This is Bidoof's exploration."

"Huh?" Bidoof asked. "M-m-my exploration? Golly..."

"Yes. Yours." Wigglytuff repeated. "You got the map, you came all this way on your own, therefore, you alone will go and meet Jirachi!" That got some approval from the guild, actually. It made sense. Wigglytuff went to Bidoof and said, "We can only help you this far. The rest of this is all up to you. Use your own strength, and have a great exploration."

Bidoof smiled. "Oh...guildmaster, thank you!"

"Do your best, Bidoof." Chimeco said.

"And tell us of your exploration later!" Dugtrio said.

"Everyone..." Bidoof said. "I don't know what I would do without you all..."

Autumn hugged him again. "Do your best." she said. "Oh...and if you still want, we can go on an exploration to the East Mountains, in two days."

Bidoof smiled at her. "I wouldn't miss it!"

He then walked into the mouth of the new cave, turned around and smiled repeating the words he said to his mother. "By golly, everyone...I'm off! Yup yup! I won't let you down!"

And he was gone.

"Go for it!" Diglett shouted after him.

"You can do it!" Sunflora called out.

The Guild watched him go. Some were maybe a little down about not being able to go see Jirachi, but no one cared that much.

"There he goes...hey hey..." Corphish said. "He's certainly grown up in the month he's been here..."

"That was really thoughtful of you, Guildmaster." Chimeco said. "Cool as always!"

"You think so?" Wigglytuff asked.

"Yeah! That was VERY generous of you to GIVE the exploration to Bidoof the way you did! You know how Jirachi GRANTS wishes and ALL. I mean, you COULD have wished for a LIFETIME supply of PERFECT apples!"

"Oh!" Wigglytuff said, eyes widening.

The guild all laughed at that as Wigglytuff eyed the cave.

"He's so thoughtful!" Sunflora said.

"Without a doubt. Never will be another like him!" Dugtrio said.

"It is certainly an honor to be in his guild!" Corphish said.

"Amen to that!" Autumn said.

There was more cheering, but it died as Wigglytuff continued to eye the cave. He then looked to Chatot. "...Alright. I'm going."

"Hey!" Diglett said.

"You can't do that!" Autumn said.

"Everyone!" Loudred called. "STOP THE GUILDMASTER!"

And they all rushed him and tackled him to prevent him from entering the cave, but they once again were shown just how powerful and strong he was.

"Guildmaster! Stop struggling! Ow!" Sunflora said.

"Hey hey! My shell!" Corphish called out.

Chimeco just laughed. "He's so mischievous too..."

Bidoof kept going, following the lights. He kept going for a short while...until he could go no further.

"Another dead end..." Bidoof said. "Can...is there perhaps more to this."

Then he heard it! Breathing! As if someone were sleeping! And with that he heard a "...mmmm stop talking..."

Huh?" bidoof asked. "Who's that?" Then it dawned on him. "Are...are you..."

"Who is it? Who's there?" the voice asked.

"Me? Well by golly, I'm Bidoof! Who are you?"

"...me...name...my name...Jirachi."

And with a flash, Jirachi was before Bidoof. Bidoof was in awe. "You're THE Jirachi?"

Jirachi slowly nodded. "Mmmmhmmm...who are you?"

"Huh?" Bidoof asked. "I...I'm Bidoof...didn't I just say that?"

"mmmm..." Jirachi said. Bidoof had yet to realize Jirachi was still sleeping.

"Uhh..." Bidoof said. "I heard you had the power to grant wishes!" Bidoof said. "Is that true?"

"Mmmhmmm..." Jirachi said, nodding slowly. "True...but I'm really...tired. Please don't bug me right now..."

"You're sleeping..." Bidoof said a little dismayed. "I-"

"Mmmm please stop..." Jirachi said and without warning, Bidoof suddenly had to dodge an attack!

"Whoa! Jirachi! Calm yourself! I mean-"

No use. And as he ran, he grew very tired., and suddenly, he felt himself get caught by a psychic wave of some sort, and he couldn't move. He tried to break free, as Jirachi came closer, still sleeping. And suddenly he yelled and without warning, and felt something erupt from him. Some energy...It blinded him, and suddenly, the ground shook, and Bidoof dropped to the ground. What was happening?

It was then that Jirachi's eyes opened. "What happened...felt like hidden power..."

Bidoof had used Hidden Power? He had no idea how he used it, but it had woken Jirachi up. "Whatever. I'm awake now." Jirachi said smiling. Bidoof was a bit winded and uptight, but shook it off as Jirachi spoke again, looking to Bidoof. "I'm Jirachi!" Jirachi paused. "Umm...who are you?"

Bidoof nearly collapsed in frustration there but held to patience. "I'm Bidoof...again..."

"Bidoof?" Jirachi repeated. "Well listen well, Bidoof. I grant wishes to those who manage to wake me up."

Bidoof was a little overjoyed to hear that. "Wow, I don't feel...ready!"

"Well take your time." Jirachi said. "I will listen to your desire. What is your wish, Bidoof?"

"M-my wish..."

All this time he had wanted to be the best explorer ever. All this time he had been so frustrated with failure after failure. All this time he had been blind to how the guild really felt about him. Now this journey alone had made him think. What did he truly want to wish for?

"Something wrong Bidoof?" Jirachi asked. "What is your wish?"

Bidoof dropped it.

"What's wrong?" Jirachi asked. "Don't you have a wish?"

"My dream..." Bidoof replied, "Is to be the world's best explorer, yup yup...but-"

"The best explorer?" Jirachi repeated. "Got it. That's actually pretty easy to grant. Here we go!"

"WAIT! By golly!" Bidoof said.

"Huh?" Jirachi asked. "What's the matter?"

"Golly...well my dream," Bidoof said, is to be the world's best explorer, yes, and that is originally what I came to ask you for, yup yup. But I've decided to drop that wish."

Jirachi was a little surprised at that. "Really? Why?"

"Because I've come to realize that it's not something one can simply wish for. You must work hard, do your best, and put forth the effort. Then one day, you'll be a really worthy explorer. You need experience, feelings, and memories...that's how you learn, grow, and get better. Little by little. Yup yup! I've learned a lot on this adventure, yes sireee. So my wish to be the best explorer, Jirachi, I will not ask for that."

Jirachi was silent for a moment, before she said, "I see. Well spoken, Bidoof. So you don't have any wishes? What you just said shows something about you. Not everyone can resist being a little greedy. You're a good pokémon, Bidoof. I've come to really respect you. So if you don't have a wish at the moment-"

"Wait!" Bidoof said, as it dawned on him. "Just one moment please!"

Jirachi laughed. "What is it?"

"Well...you said a nice thing about me not being greedy." he said. "So maybe I shouldn't ask..."

"Oh, go for it." Jirachi said. "I don't mind."

"If you will still grant me a wish," Bidoof said, "I...I wish...for a buddy I could teach stuff to."

"A buddy?" Jirachi repeated. "You are a member of Wigglytuff's Guild, correct?"

"I am." Bidoof said.

"So...you want a buddy, Bidoof. Someone you can show around, and help out?"

"That's right." Bidoof said. :During this adventure, well...golly. Thanks to the Guild and how they care about me, I feel very happy. But I don't want to take it all for granted and get spoiled. Therefore, I'd like a pal or two. If I did, I could share everything I have learned with them. I would also get better and push forward...know what I mean?"

Jirachi smiled. "Yes. Got it. Your wish, Bidoof, will come true."

"R-really?" Bidoof asked.

"Yes." Jirachi said. "I see in the months ahead the elements of fire and water soon coming to your guild, both in need of guidance. Who they are...I cannot tell. But Bidoof, though it may not be immediately as these things take time, you will very soon see new faces at your guild. Look forward to it."

"Oh Jirachi..." Bidoof said. "Thank you so much..."

The night was the same as any other night. Bidoof couldn't sleep due to Loudred's loud snoring. But he also couldn't sleep because...his excitement was immense. His wish had finally come true. It had been a long time...nearly five months to be exact, but the guild had new recruits.

Bidoof, in the midst of all his training had almost forgotten about his wish he made to Jirachi. He had not told any of the guild members about it, even though they asked. But that night...two pokémon entered the guild wishing to join as an exploration team.

A Charmander and a Buizel, like Autumn. What did they say their names were? Layne and Pyro...

His wish had come true. Jirachi said they'd be here. And they were here. "Thank you so much Jirachi..." Bidoof said, smiling to the night sky. Now that Jirachi had kept his end of the deal, Bidoof would go even further to push himself, and he would help these explorers. He knew things were going to be grand form now on..