The 7th Warrior Trilogy - Ch 10 Oh, gomen nasai, I skipped this chapter. I had to insert it and change the storyline slightly, but it explains a few things. I apologize. Highschool had me all in circles...
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Syaoran recoiled as he realized what Tomoyo was saying. But, Mr. Terada interrupted his thoughts.

" There is no need, Syaoran. You two are soulmates, connected so intimately, that you are immune to the clashing magic. Don't worry, Syaoran. She's safe with you. Now, give me the dragon."

Syaoran was about to pass it, but it squirmed from beneath his paw, and with tremendous effort, let out a huge spurt of fire. Sakura, caught unprepared, was enveloped in the flames.

[ NO!] Syaoran beat the dragon a good one, before racing over to the disappating smoke. She was gone.

Mr. Terada picked up the little dragon, and before anyone could protest, squeezed it into oblivion.

" HEY! Mr. Terada, you killed my dragon!"
" Marc, don't be foolish. Had it been a real dragon I would have taken other precautions, but this is a work of your magic! And speaking of your magic..."

Mr. Terada waved his hand slightly, and Marc's ring disappeared.

" HEY! I thought you said it wouldn't come off."
" I said nothing of the sort. And I will be keeping it with me, until the end of this trip. Do I make myself clear?!"

Marc nodded, still in shock. Meanwhile, Syaoran looked around desperately for Sakura, when there was a frightened scream. Meilin jumped into Syaoran's arms as a white mouse waddled around. He was tempted to drop her to the floor, but decided there was a large chance she would kill the mouse. So, instead, he gave her back to Marc, and picked up the rodent in her place.

" Sakura?!"
[ Where is it?!!]
[ Where is what? Sakura...]
[ The dragon...where is it?]

Syaoran stroke Sakura's fur absently; it was real, not ice thankfully, though had it been real a second ago should wouldn't be alive..

[ Mr. Terada dealt with it.]

A feeling of gladness washed over Syaoran. Sakura's mind barrier was down. That was good. He pushed down the instinct to probe, and placed her in the palm of his hand.

[ Now change back.]
[ No.]
[ Come on, Sakura!]
[ No!]

Syaoran sighed, when suddenly he heard her sigh too.

[ All right. Fine. Put me down.]
[ I don't know...I'd rather enjoy the idea of carrying you...]
[ Syaoran, put me down!]

He laughed and set her on the floor. As soon as she was back human, she glared at him venomously. Suddenly, there was a huge lurch, changing her glare to a look of shock. She was sent sprawling onto the deck, everyone else as well, and got up rubbing her head.

" What was that?"
" We're...here..."
" What?"
" Mr. Terada! Look. We're entering atmosphere...we've finally made it to Earth!"

A cheer went up among the students. They quickly began to pick up their belongings as the ship was navigated to a landing at a ship launch pad in Northern Maine.

***

Syaoran wore his sword hilt, and walked cautiously to the door. It opened, and with a bright light, they exited to the stairway placed there for their convenience. Immediately, the crew were set upon by a mob of paparazzi. It seems, the explosion had long since become headline news.

" Sir, is it true you are the only witnesses to the explosion?"

Mr. Terada waved off all cameras, microphones. He carefully pushed his way through the insistant crowd. A car, parked outside the people, rumbled softly as it and the driver waited for the arrivals. Syaoran was about to enter, when he turned. Sakura was making her way slowly down the staircase of the ship. She'd grown so used to the gravity aboard the station, that here it seemed like she was wearing two ton weights upon her shoes. Suddenly, the cameras found their prey. They all rushed in so close, that she could barely breath, microphones in her face, and camera's flashing. Fear overcame her, and she tried her best to escape, but being the last one off the shuttle, the news reporters refused to let her pass. She crouched down low, trying to calm herself a little, but it only scared her more, as the mikes closed in on her. She got up again, but found herself lost in a sea of eyes.

" Miss! Is it true that you are the only survivors?"

She gasped, and tried to turn away so the papers wouldn't see her face. Suddenly, the wind of something swept by her face, and with a great cry 40 mike heads rolled.

Syaoran stood heaving, his sword drawn, and everyone quiet. Electric wires sparked, and cameras turned.

" Let me pass." He murmurred dangerously, eyes narrowed, and sword held ready.

The swarm parted, and Syaoran walked solemnly to Sakura, he helped her to her feet, and sheathed his sword. With great effort, they made their way to the waiting vehicle, as Mr. Terada watched solemnly. What Syaoran did was dumb, but he wasn't about to tell him that. It was clear, who he was, and the part he would play. Deep down, Mr. Terada knew this had been the test he'd needed, to prove his theory. Now, the Cleansing would begin.

***

[ Checkmate.]

Sakura smiled as she heard a squeal of indignation coming from Tomoyo. Her hand swept across the board, and scattered the psychic pieces across the limo floor.

[ Calm down,] The pieces returned to their original positions [ Would you rather I let you win?]
[ No!]

Marc sneered silently. One thing he hated about mental arguments, was you couldn't hear them. His gaze fell on Sakura, but was immediately warded off by Syaoran. That boy guarded her like she was some sort of treasure...

[ Not by much.]
[ You're telling me.] Meilin yawned lazily, leaning on Marc's shoulder. They didn't love each other, but found that they had a common goal: the separation of Sakura and Syaoran. It was this that kept them bonded.
[ When I get my hands on her...]
[ You'll what? Kiss her to death?] Marc glared, only to receive a smirk, [ Don't give me that. I know. You're over your head about her. You wouldn't...couldn't harm a hair on her head...that dragon just happened to do accidentally, what you'd been planning for Syaoran...]

Another glare silenced Meilin. But, she still had that knowing glance on her. She would reap her rewards soon enough. In the mean time, there was a little separation work to begin.

It was nearly 3 hours later, when the limo finally pulled into the driveway of a huge mountain chateau. Surrounded by forests, it was hidden away among the wilderness. Mr. Terada had barely opened the door, when a voice called from the halls.

" Mr. Terada! You're finally here! We're your two new students, and we're very glad to meet you!"