Tide reaches one hand down to stroke mightyena's head as he fidgets under Henry's brief– yet still intimidating –gaze. The dark-type whines and retreats further, as if he could become his trainer's shadow. Altaria, meanwhile, trills a challenge to the arrogant chatot. It seems she took personal offense to the bird's irreverent response, and she flaps her cloudy wings, whipping up a brief gust of wind. Nothing harmful, just a show of strength. 

Tide doesn't show any surprise at the news that the man before him was part of the Ascendant League. He still knew... Next to nothing about it, admittedly, but he's known Pokémon League trainers and gym leaders to be rather diverse folk, and many of them can be rather sociable. "Well, it's good to meet you, Mr. Morgan. My name is Tide. Just Tide." He extends a hand in greeting. Altaria glares at him like he just personally offended her. Sylveon makes a musical sound that was distinctly pleased, and she rubs against Henry's leg. Lady– Spots buzzes his wings, and gardevoir regards the man with a not-unkind but assessing gaze, inclining her head respectfully. 

"I think I might be the latter too," he chuckles, the sound carefree. He scratches the back of his head. "And on the topic of strength and character, I must insist on a casual battle. Altaria 's honor demands it," he says with some amusement, looking down at the puffed-up bird Pokémon. "And, admittedly, I could go for a good battle right about now. What do you say?" 

All of his Pokémon watch the man curiously, awaiting his decision. Even buizel manifests from the ether with an excited "bwee!" As if summoned by the prospect of a battle, perhaps the only other Pokémon in his arsenal other than altaria who actively seeks a scrap. Mightyena, predictably, tries to make himself invisible behind Tide.