Friendly Rivalry: Ash finally gets to battle Dawn, but Dawn chooses Quilava instead of Piplup to battle Pikachu due to a type disadvantage. They battle to a draw.
Put on a Bus: Dawn and Piplup head off again, this time to Johto for the Wallace Cup.
Rebuilt Pedestal: Over the last several episodes, Trip had lost his faith in Alder due to a rather poor showing by the champion in their last meeting, and sought to beat him to prove he was stronger. Alder wipes the floor with him rather easily, leaving Trip stunned as to this defeat. It's through Alder's wisdom that he learns a valuable lesson; win or lose, strong or weak, a bond between Pokemon and their trainers are what truly matters. From there, Trip regains his admiration.
Relationship Reboot: Between Oshawott and Piplup when Dawn is ready to leave.
Title Drop: When saying goodbye to Dawn, Cilan tells her "best wishes!"
Train-Station Goodbye: Subverted. Oshawott comes out when Piplup says goodbye to Meloetta, and the two rivals face off tensely. Then they both tear up and hug each other as if they suddenly realized how stupid they were to waste their time together fighting over a girl.
The Worf Effect: Serperior had dominated everyone it fought against in the competition, including several fire types. Alder's Boffalant knocks it out with a single hit, as a reminder that, no matter how much Trip thinks, he's not as strong as the champion.
