January 16, Jubilife City.
A new year had arrived.
Li Wei and his family returned from their vacation in Celestic Town.
Korrina, who had come for special training, had already returned to Shalour City, while Dawn had gone back to Twinleaf Town.
Meanwhile, in Twinleaf Town.
After enjoying a stretch of leisurely days, Dawn got up to train with Cyndaquil despite the bitter winter cold.
Seeing this, Saiko felt the itch to compete and suggested a Pokémon Contest Double Battle with Dawn.
Dawn sent out her baby team, Piplup and Cyndaquil.
Saiko fielded Umbreon and Glameow.
"Glameow, Fake Out!"
Glameow's Fake Out interrupted Piplup as he was gathering power.
Even though Dawn had won the Grand Festival, experience still had the upper hand.
"Have you decided where you want to travel?"
Dawn nodded firmly. "Yes! Hoenn, the birthplace of Pokémon Contests!"
Still, Dawn was in no hurry. Setting out in March would be soon enough.
"Hoenn is farther south, so its climate is warmer than ours..."
"Mom, have you been to Hoenn too?"
Saiko smiled with her hands on her hips. "Of course. I even won the Hoenn Region's Grand Festival!"
When Saiko won the Grand Festival, Wallace had yet to become Champion.
Dawn had another problem, too.
Should she follow Ash's example and set out with only Piplup?
On this question, Dawn found herself terribly indecisive.
Saiko did not decide for her, instead suggesting that she ask Professor Rowan or her teacher, Li Wei.
As it happened, Dawn had not yet paid Professor Rowan a proper visit since coming home.
Although she had seen Professor Rowan at the Theme Park in late December, she had not formally visited the Rowan Research Institute.
Professor Rowan had looked after her so much that she could hardly neglect to visit him.
The