It was long into the day when you heard the announcement from Gloria. It was finally time that they did something with you other than keep you sitting around in a forest. What you heard might have been surprising news: they wanted to test your capabilities in their world. It brought a murmur among the group that Gloria waited out before proceeding to round everyone up and take the lead through the trees, directing Hughette to go ahead and prepare for their arrival.

 

The other Guides flanked the flock of felines they herded onward in a protective circle for a couple of hours until they passed the city border. Tall buildings and dark windows were a welcome sight to some but the environment took on an abandoned look to it. Everything seemed to have been in disuse for years to the point that various plants curled around building sides and cars. To perhaps even fewer of you, as you studied the rows of buildings and ignored the plants overtaking everything, this city looked just like your home in an eerily way. You could walk these streets blind and could hear the distant sounds of a bustling city as memories surfaced your mind.

 

It was a replica of your home but twisted into a ghost of itself with buildings eroding and falling onto one another for support. The sight of it brought a strong sense of deja vu.

 

Gloria led you deeper into the crumbling jungle and made a sudden stop before a rather sturdy building with so many floors that you had to lean your head to the sky to see the top. Once she accounted for everyone she began, “Welcome everyone to your test. The Guides will split you into designated teams and you will all work together in order to surpass three tasks we have prepared for you. A thanks is in order for Hughette for her work in building this test for you all.” She dipped her head in respect to her fellow Guide and the motion was reciprocated.

 

“I don’t want to spoil the surprise for you all, but I do want to provide an incentive for the first two teams to return back to the Guides right here.” She flicked her tail at the street everyone sat in. “I won’t spoil that either, so you must trust me that it’ll be good.” She smiled and gave a wink to the gathered cats below her. “We will all be looking out for you from the shadows so no need to feel frightened when you are in the building. Just remember that we are here to help and protect you, not harm you.” She paused as if to let her words sink into everyone’s minds before perking back up. “Now let's get this started.”

 

After that she called onto the rest of her companions, and they weaved among the cluster of felines and sorted you into your designated groups. Once they were satisfied with their selections and everyone had said their farewells, each Guide led a team into the building at a time.