Ash and friends reach the base of Mount Silver, where they hope to return their Larvitar to its birthplace. On their way, Ash faces a young trainer in Pokémon battle, pitting his Cyndaquil against the trainer's Magby. After the battle, Ash has thoughts about trying to make his Cyndaquil evovle. Following behind, Jessie and James note the trainers and their rare and valuable Pokémon preparing to battle in the Johto Championship. Setting aside their usual plans for capturing Pikachu-they capture Larvitar and many other Pokémon.

After many days of travel, Ash and friends finally reach the area where their Larvitar was born. They soon encounter a Tyranitar that they recognize from Larvitar's visions to be its mother. Unfortunately, this Tyranitar mistakes them for the poachers that had stolen her child. Our heroes struggle to convince the mother Tyranitar of their good intentions, but to no avail. Things only get worse when the actual poachers arrive, intent on capturing not only the child, but its mother as well.