Tommy stood next to Mystery, soon enough guiding everyone inside.
“And this is the only known location to receive your Z-Rings. But, in order to get them, you must face the Guardian of the Tower.”

While the outside made the building look  like it barely had any space, the inside of the tower seemed hollow, but with a staircase on the walls going up to every floor. They could practically see a triangular dome up at the very top of the room they were standing in. 

Tyler’s ears perked up at a sound in the distance. 

“Wait. Something’s wrong, I know it.”

Brian turned towards him. 

“Yeah, you’re right, everything seems a bit too quiet.”

They both ran into the next room, only to find a familiar face commanding his Lucario and defeating two of the evil team grunts that stood in his way. Even to them, the grunts looked familiar.

“Theo! Amy!”
Shouted another figure that came from behind them, who seemed to resemble a coyote; her beige colored fur and lush purple hair came into the sunlight as she walked forward.

“You guys had like, one job to do here and that was to take these two kids out. Ugh, I can’t believe you’ve both been defeated..again.” she explained. The three of them then left the tower, Brian instantly getting out of their way being careful not to bump into them as they left.

The trainer with the Lucario turned around as they walked away, instantly noticing Brian, Tyler and Sam.
“Well, if it isn’t you three! It’s nice to see you guys finally caught up to me, heh heh.”

His eyes would turn towards Tommy as he walked in, and the two locked eyes as they approached each other.

“Tommy…?”

The cat softly smiled and hugged him.
“Ryuku! It’s wonderful to see you again, old friend.”

Ryuku tightly hugged him in return.
“It’s been so long! I’m so happy to see you’re alive and well!”

Sammy softly nudged Brian.
“He seems popular.”

Brian softly laughed.
“Well, Tommy’s a nice guy, it doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. If I remember correctly, him and Ryu were once rivals.”

Tommy tilted his head in a confused fashion.
“What are you even doing here? You already have a Z-Ring.”

“Oh, yeah, I know. But in order to really hone my skills since I’m so new to using it, I figured I’d drop by here and train with the Guru.”

Tyler spoke up.
“Wait, who’s the Guru?”

“I believe that would be me.”
Spoke a multicolored angel dragon who was black and white furred at his base. His heterochromatic eyes shimmered in the sunlight.

“Welcome, new visitors, and my familiar ones as well….Tommy, Mystery, Ryuku. I am Usui, the guardian of the Gemstone Fort and the Z Ring Guru.”

Mystery waved.
“Nice to see you again, buddy.”

“What brings you guys here today?” “Well, my little brother and his friends came here to earn their Z Rings now that they have bested Tamoka, Orion, and Mystery.”

“Ah. Yeah, the rising Gym Challengers I’ve heard so much about! I hope you three are ready; each of the four floors of this tower have a separate obstacle you have to overcome with your pokemon. Then, you will have to face me in battle on the final floor. If you win, you receive the ring along with its counterpart, a Z Crystal. If you don’t…then you’ll have to redo every single challenge!”
He’d gesture with a maniacal but joking laugh.

“Nah, I’m just kidding on that. You have the option to face me again until you win. Do you think you’re ready for this?”

Sammy looked at the two boys.
“So?”

Brian pondered it for a minute.
“I mean…I don’t want to underestimate him or anything but I won’t lie, I’m truthfully a bit nervous..I don’t know.”

Tyler nodded his head.
“I’m with Brian on this one. Who knows what kind of challenges these are?”

She grabbed both their hands.
“Hey hey. I know it’s gonna be nerve wracking, but I’m sure whatever Usui has planned for us, we can get through it. We’ve gone through three gyms together, and I very strongly believe we can get through this together, too. Okay?”

Brian nodded his head in an understanding matter.
“Okay.”

Tyler did the same.
“Aye..well, if you say so.”

Sammy then turned to Usui.
“We’re ready.”

Usui clapped his hands in delight, gesturing the trio to follow him further into the tower.
“Come then, we shall get started immediately!”

Mystery turned to Tommy as the three walked away.
“So..when are you planning on telling Brian you’re the 8th gym leader?”

Tommy scratched behind his head.
“Well, the plan was to tell him after he completes the trial. And seeing how he’s already beaten you, Mocha, and Rye, it actually kind of worries me a little bit. Not that I’m afraid of him or whatever, but I’m more just concerned about like…being a pushover, y’know?”

Ryuku gently pat him on the back.
“I don’t think that’s something you’re going to have to worry about, I’m sure. If anything I think it’ll only motivate him to get stronger, and as long as you give it your all against him, he’ll do just the same in return.”

He then walked in front of him and held out a fist.
“I know I couldn’t defeat your mother when she was the last gym leader, but now that you’ve taken the helm…I feel like I have a fighting chance. So you best be ready for me as well when I get there!”

Tommy softly chuckled and bumped his fist against the wolf’s.
“Trust me, dude, I’ll be ready for that when the time comes. No doubt about it!”