Part I: Six Packages, Six Journeys, One Big Wooden Door

124 125 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince Entering the Forbidden side that allowed those onboard to see outside, but those that were outside could not see into the aircraft. “It’s so beautiful,” Ana said. As they steadily dropped their altitude, the view became clearer and clearer: a great sea of green expanse. As they got closer, they could see the silhouette of mountains in the backdrop. Closer yet were a plethora of trees. The horizon was filled with verdant landscapes. Then, they began to see a string of grey and brown. Consistently within the green spaces, they could see an ongoing narrow-like structure. It became clear that it was made of brick and stone. Kilometer upon kilometer continued the path of stone. Along the way there were sections that had protrusions. As they came even closer, they noticed that it was a wall—a very long wall. “Welcome to China, ladies and gentlemen,” Theo said. “Of course, this is the Great Wall of China,” said Pippa. “The Great Wall of China is said to be over 20,000 kilometers long, having been in existence for more than two and a half thousand years,” Ana said in excitement. She went on to cite more facts about the wall to the team. When she got excited about something, she would go on for a while. The team was getting used to her, as they were getting used to one another and some of what they would classify as quirks. This was one of Ana’s quirks. Yet, as was often the case, most of them didn’t know half the info Ana would share with them. This time it was coming in handy, as the team didn’t know much about the Great Wall, with the exception of Fang. “Did you hear that, mate?” Ethan said as he went over to Fang. “You know Ana will school even you, mate, about your own country.” “Honestly, Ana probably knows more about all our home countries!” Fang responded. They all laughed. “Go on, Ana.” “Thanks, Fang! You know, I really do enjoy learning and talking to people about things they might not know about,” Ana said. She continued telling them about the Great Wall and the various cities it stretched across, and she even knew about the respective local cultures. “Wow, that’s very impressive, Ana. Most of what you’ve shared I heard growing up, in my childhood, especially at school. A lot of which you can find on the Internet. I’m impressed at how much of the deeper knowledge you knew, though. How do you know all of this?” Fang asked. “I love learning. I really do. And somehow I never forget what I learn. All it takes is reading or hearing it once, and I’ll always know it,” Ana said with her usual excitement. “And there is a lot of information out there, across the world, about the world. We just need to look for it, and be interested in it.” At this stage in their conversation, it was just Fang and Ana. The rest of the team had either gotten into their own side conversations or were looking outside at the scenery before them. “Touchdown, ladies and gentlemen,” Theo said. “Please leave all your belongings in the aircraft. We will be back later to collect everything.”