[@BladeSS4]
The old man listened patiently to the trainer, nodding a few times. He didn't mind the young trainer was rambling, it was nice to see enthusiastic young trainers on the island. The abrupt departure of the haughty girl wasn't unexpected, nor unwelcome. Luckily most trainers who came to the islands were not like that.

"Thomas Redcliff," he introduced himself. "Born and raised on Rhando. I am not the gym leader, although you were correct to assume he doesn't need to walk around with a ground type." He glanced down to his silent Houndoom before he faced the trainer again. "He has a Nidorino as his partner, but he doesn't use him in the official gym battles." He had a smile on his face. "I watched young Henri grow up, get his Nidoran, build the gym on this island." He nodded a bit. "I'm sure you will have a good battle."