As the elevator slowed to a stop, Candy Burn readied herself, preparing herself for the test on the other side. As the door opened, and she stepped out and up the stairs, she was greeted only with a hallway. As she trudged down it, expecting something to appear, GLaDOS started to talk.

You and these others are very interesting, to say the least, she started. You certainly aren't from this world, but then again, I believe we aren't even on my earth anymore.

"No, I don't think so," Candy Burn responded skeptically, knowing that they weren't.

Oh, great, sass, GLaDOS said. I think I like you. She wasn't sure, but Candy Burn was pretty sure that there was a tint of sarcasm in GLaDos's voice. Candy Burn turned as the hallway changed directions, only to see more hallway, though there was a doorway at the end.

"Where's the test?" Candy Burn asked as she continued walking.

You'll be there soon, but before you get there, you'll be making a short stop, GLaDOS responded. You'll be teaming up with one of the others. Candy Burn's expression immediately brightened.

"Oh, nice!" she said. Then her face went to a suspicious look. "Wait, really?"

Yes, really, GLaDOS said. You'll be paired with Subject 3.

"Whose Subject 3?" Candy Burn asked, grabbing and turning the doorknob, pushing the door open. Inside, though, was Fractured Heart.Candy Burn grinned as Fractured Heart turned to look at her.

The girl who can eject weapons from her forearms, GLaDOS said redundantly. Though I suppose you know already.

"Yeah, I think so," Fractured Heart said.

Yay, more sass, GLaDOS commented.

"So why are we teaming up?" Fractured Heart asked. "Didn't you say you already have a cooperative testing initiative?"

Yes, but what better way to test on people from a parallel universe than to make them team up? GLaDOS said. Besides, my cooperative testing subjects don't have powers. Unless you count idiocy as a power, that is.

"So what do you want us to do?" Candy Burn asked.

I have several test pathways that I've stockpiled, and now seems like a good time to have someone test, GLaDOS said. You two will be doing one of these, maybe two or three if you're lucky, to collect what most humans seem to like collecting. GLaDOS paused a few seconds for effect. Junk. Or for an insult.

"And you'll let us go at the end?" Fractured Heart asked.

Yes, your freedom will be one of the things you could win if you get the junk at the end of the testing course, GLaDOS said. Candy Burn and Fractured Heart shared a glance.

"Well, OK. Where is the start for this test pathway?" Candy Burn asked.

"Right this way," GLaDOS said as the door on the other side of the room slide open.

Author's Note

Well, this chapter certainly took way longer than necessary. I'm really sorry about the long wait, guys. I've entered my senior year of high school, and things have kinda started to pick up, especially with things like collage and what not. Even though this chapter is short, I hope you guys liked this chapter, and the next one will be out a lot sooner. Seriously, though, it should be out within the next week or so.