Following the Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup, Ash, Iris, Cilan, and Dawn found themselves at Cynthia's manor exchanging goodbyes, as Dawn was bound for Johto rather than Sinnoh. When Iris asked why, she answered that there was a special Contest being held there.
"The Wallace Cup!" Ash realized.
"That's right! It's in Johto this year," Dawn helpfully explained to Ash, Cilan, and Iris.
Ash was about to say something before he noticed a strange expression cross Dawn's face. "Ash..." she started.
"Yeah, Dawn?" he asked, puzzled by her sudden change in mood.
"How old are you again?" she asked. Ash raised an eyebrow.
"I'm 10, Dawn," he said. "Didn't I tell you when we met?"
"No, that's how old I thought you were," she replied, but her frown only deepened, and now Piplup looked worried too.
"So what's up?" Ash asked.
Dawn closed her eyes, thoughtful. "You're only ten..."
"Yeah," Ash said.
"The Wallace Cup was held in Sinnoh last year..."
"Right."
"It's being held in Johto this year..."
"So?" Ash asked, not seeing where this was going.
"I'll admit, I'm confused as to why you're fussing over this as well," Cilan interjected. "It's like you're worrying about the garnish before you've even finished the meal – I just don't see the point."
"Yeah, Dawn," Iris added. "What's the matter?"
Dawn frowned again. "I... I can't put my finger on it," she conceded. "Ah, well." She shrugged. "Guess it was nothing."
"Well then, no need to worry, right?" Ash asked with a grin.
"Guess so!"