Ash receives an egg from Prof. Elm, and as the egg hatches into a Larvitar, Ash must help the shy pokemon find its parents. Unfortunately, Team Rocket has their eye on this rare pokemon.

Brock leads Ash and Misty toward a beautiful lake he has read about in his guidebook, but when they arrive at its supposed location, they find nothing but a dried-up stream, surrounded by a number of thirsty Slowpoke. Ash and friends spot a Sumo Crown, but are stopped from approaching it by a young girl and her Slowpoke. The girl explains that she and her Slowpoke are researching legends surrounding the Slowpoke and a supposed Slowking.