On the way to Mossdeep City, Ash and friends encounter Spoink again. It is floating on a log and a wave knocks it off. They rescue it, but it starts jumping around and the pearl on its head falls into the ocean. After searching the ocean with Mudkip and Corphish, Ash and friends head for a nearby island with the sad Spoink. There, they meet Isiah who is studying a blue pearl. Team Rocket tries to steal it, but Spoink ends up foiling their plans and runs off with the pearl!