It was morning at Sakura's house, and she was getting ready for school. Kero was floating near her, trying to hint her toward something. "Incase you see it . . .just incase you wanna buy me a present . . .you know the new Zylon Warrior's game is out!" "You know what? I think the guardian beast, has become the battle monster." "Well I gotta keep up my skills up somehow! You're not a warrior right?" "Sakura! You're going to be late for school!" "Coming!" She then picked up her books and started out of the room, then turned back to Kero to comment that she was not a warrior.
Later, Sakura was skating beside Tori and Julian on their bikes as the three headed for school. "So if we're gonna study tonight, you can come over early for dinner." "I got to warn you though; my dad's doing the cooking." "Will it be any good?" "Oh defiantly!" Sakura as usual, was staring at Julian and blushing. "A lot better than anything the Squirt would come up with." "Be nice." "That's it! You got to stand up to your brother, Sakura." "Yeah, and one of these days when he least expects it..." "Look out Tori..." Smirking, Tori kept his eyes forward as the three continued to roll along toward school. "So then was that you I read about in the paper yesterday, Squirt?" "What do you mean?" "Seems that some young girl has been taking on martial arts experts in the park." "Yeah, and beating them! They've all been too embarrassed to say much about it." "A girl my age?" "Yeah, and I figured it MUST be you, seeing how tough you are and everything." "One of these days, Tori . . ."
"Morning!" Sakura smiled then walked into the classroom. "Hey there Sakura. Guess what? Li hasn't even shown up yet!"
Sakura gasped as she listened to Madison, then turned to Li's desk and sure enough, it was empty. She became worried because he was usually so early, then suddenly became afraid he was out capturing a Clow Card. Madison reassured her that the two were a team and that probably wouldn't happen. Then she suggested that maybe he went home, and Sakura disagreed, knowing he wasn't a quitter.
just then, the door opened and someone walked inside. Sakura and Madison turned to see who was walking in, then gasped at what they saw. There was Li, slugging over toward them looking totally bummed out. He sat down in his seat, leaving Sakura and Madison totally puzzled. Jus tthne, Tr. Terrada walked in and announced that they were getting another exchange student. the door slid open, causing Li to freak out. Standing there was a girl with meatball-tied black hair, the ends flowing to her waist. Her eyes were sharp and direct, seemingly smirking at everyone. "Big year for exchange students." "Come on up to the front and I'll introduce you." The girl then rushed into the room and over to Li. She frowned as she looked down at him. "I thought we'd walk to school together . . ." All Li could do was groan from misery, leaving Sakura puzzled still.
"This is Meilin Rae, from Li Showron's hometown. Please welcome her to Reidenton Elementary." Sakura smiled, wanting to know more about the new student, then turned to Li who was still depressed. "Li, do you know that girl? What's she like?" Suddenly, Meilin caught sight of her and raced over, appearing to look jealous. She then put herself between the two and looked at Sakura with angry eyes. "Listen very carefully sweetheart, BACK RIGHT OFF!" Sakura gasped, while Li groaned once again.
Later at lunch, Sakura and Madison joined up with Nikki, Rita, and Chelsea outside and ate lunch. During this time, they talked about Li and Meilin. "That new kid has really got it in for you, Sakura. Talk about first impressions."
"She acts as if she's Li's girlfriend or something." "Cafeteria food--" "Here comes trouble . . ." Just then, Zachary and Li walkerd over. Li still had his depressed look while Zachary began telling yet another tale. "--is much better for you." "Zachary, give it a rest." "We're gonna eat lunch THERE, because nutritionally--"
Just then, Meilin ran over, carrying a large lunchbox. she seemed to be very happy. "Li, wait for me!" When she finally caught up, she grabbed Li's hand and lead him over to a bench, where she sat down and unpacked the lunch. "Isn't it great that my dad got transferred here? Now I can make you lunch." "You can't!" "Can't what?" "Be making me lunch!" Meilin's smile didn't seem to disappear. Holding chopsticks, she began eating some noodles. "It'll be like old times; the two of us pretending to be cardcaptors..." "I AM a cardcaptor!" "But the Lasin Board says someone else was." "Yeah, well, they're not very good at it." "And that doesn't surprise me a bit; no one is as good a magician as YOU are, Li." Li was starting to become frustrated, but kept it hidden as he continued to plead. "I need to help her Mei-Lin; if I don't--" "I knew it!" Meilin suddenly became angry and jealous all at the same time as she shot a cold glare over at Sakura, still speaking as she did. "That other cardcaptor is a girl, THAT girl right over there!" Sakura seemed to freeze from the glare, causing her to drop her lunch. Madison became concerned. "Are you okay?" "Uh--yeah, I just got this huge chill." Back over at the bench, Li continued to plead in Sakura's defence. "Her name is Sakura; she just stumbled into this..." "Hmm! She doesn't look like she has a clue! I can help you more than she can." She then looked back at Li, aquirring a look of determination and competiting as she clenched her fist smiling. "Alright, I'M here now. We can out-capture that girl, no problem." All Li could do, was groan once again in failure.
Later, it was Gym Class. Mr. Terrada stepped forward and blew his whistle to get everyone's attention. "Now, listen up gang. Today, we're doing gymnastics, and we'll begin with cartwheels." You could hear cries of excitment and worry as the class began talking about it. Madison turned to Sakura and smiled. "So, are you gonna start with your one-handed or no-handed?" Sakura was about to answer, when she looked back to see Meilin giving her another cold glare. Li saw the entire ordeal, and once again groaned. The class than began the cartwheels. Some had no problem, while others had trouble. Mr. Terrada asked who was next, and Meilin volenteered. She stepped up to the mat and successfully completed three cartwheels in a row. Everyone cheered, but when she walked past Sakura, she gave her a "beat that" look. Sakura frowned, but Madison told her to show her how it's done. Smiling, Sakura stpped up to the mat and completed three cartwheels as well. Everyone applauded, and Rita commented on how she's always able to "nail it". Meilin growled and gave Sakura another glare. "That was very impressive ladies! How about a demonstration of some advanced skills?" Sakura and Meilin looked toward Mr. Terrada with confused looks. "Oh, come one, it's not going to be a competetition or anything, just show us some of your best moves." They both agreed at the same time, then Meilin stepped up to the mat and went first. She completed several flips and turns before landing on the otherside. Everyone cheered while Zachary commented on how good that was to Li. "Yeah, I know . . ." Next, Sakura stepped up to the mat. Like a true gymnast, she flipped and turned and twisted through the air on the last move, then landed flawlessly. More applause was given, which caused Meilin to give yet ANOTHER glare.
"She's . . .on my case." Later that night, Sakura was lying on her bed, talking to Kero about Meilin. She seemed to be a little stressed about it. "So the Li kid brought in reinforments." "She's just so competitive, Kero. It seems that every chance she gets she's trying to pick a fight with me or something." "Why don't you fight?"
Suddenly, Sakura's dad called her down for dinner and she called back that she was coming. On her way out, she finished her conversation with Kero. "I don't want to fight anybody; I just want to capture the cards . . .I'll bring you desert." "Oh yeah!"
During supper that night . . . "Sakura, you seem quiet tonight. Is something wrong?" She looked up at Julian, who was over studying, then laughed it off. "Oh, no, I'm just thinking about some stuff." "Yeah, like you go out at night beating up a karate expert and be back in time for desert." Sakura got angry at Tori for that remark, so she simply kicked him in the shin, HARD. He showed it hurt of course, then glared at her while Aiden continued on that topic. "I find it strange they haven't caught her yet. I mean, this isn't your normal everyday youngster, so you think somebody found out who she is." "Where, does this happen?" "Well, let's see . . ." Julian reached over and picked up a newspaper, then began reading it. "All the attacks takes place in the popular Readington Park." "Do they say it's always the same girl?" "Yep." "I think it's interesting that she always challenges people who have superior fighting skills." "Yeah, she's not stealing money or anything, the newpapers say that no one ever reported of being robbed in any of these attacks." Aiden frowned, then turned to Tori who was still eating. "The test of strength . . .you're studying martial arts right now Tori? Isn't that part of the discipline?" "Well sure, you're always looking for worthy apponents." "Here's something . . ." Julian looked through the article again as he spotted another interesting piece of information. "Authorities say they're looking for a young girl wearing a very unsusual costume." "Unusual costume?" "Yep." Sakura turned away and giggled nervously, hoping Madison's next costume would be a little more tame.
Later at the park, Sakura's hope failed to be answered as she was presented with wearing a very puffy and unusual costume. "I really don't want to be caught dressed up like THIS TONIGHT, Madison." Kero suddenly flew over and began ranting. "I gotta tell ya, I AM NOT liking this." "It's true, everyone's a critic." "I don't think Kero was thrilled about the puffy sleeves, Madison." "He isn't?" Kero flew around looking for the card, but at the same time he was talking to himself. "Oh this is great! The Clow card's dropping like flies, soon I'll be back to my--oh wait, I sense something. I definitely sense a Clow card, Sakura." Walking over, Sakura held her wand and closed her eyes, feeling the same energy. "Yeah, you're right, Kero," "A Clow card dressed up like a young girl who attacks trained fighters...which one is that?" "The Fight Card!"
Suddenly, the group turned around to face a lamp post where Meilin was standing on. "Meilin!" She was wearing a girl's red Daoism outfit, and she had a very serious expression on her face. Leaping down, she landed on her feet and faced off against the others. Kero stepped forward to tease her. "Don't tell me, let me guess. You must be Li's girlfriend, right?" "Do you think you're gonna capture the Clow card in THAT outfit?" Madison then stepped forward and began defending her work. "As a matter of fact . . ." "Don't WORRY about it, I'M helping Li now. So you, can take a hike girl!" "WHAT!?" This ticked off Kero. He flew over until he was right in front of Meilin's face, then began shouting at her. "Sakura's chosen cardcaptor, and you have NO RIGHT--" totally puzzled, Meilin grabbed Kero's face and began stretching it all over the place. "Is this suppose to some type of robotic toy?" "Hey, LET ME GO!" "KERO is the guardian beast of the seal of the Clow cards." "WHAT?!" Meilin released Kero, then started at him totally shocked. "You mean THIS puny little pseudo-toy?" "THAT'S RIGHT, little girl, so WATCH YOUR MOUTH!" "Hmph." Swatting Kero out of the way like a fly, Meilin walked over to the others with a smirk on her face. "Now, you may have your guardian beast of the seal, but Li Showron has got ME. So it's time to butt-out!"
As Sakura laughed nervously, there was a sudden splash as something leaped out from the nearby brook. Landing on the railing, it was revealed that this strange girl was the Fight Card. "Oh man; that looks like a young girl in a very strange costume, all right!" "The design IS actually very millenium." The Fight Card then placed her hands togehter and bowed to show honour, like any martial arts warrior should have. Kero watched then whispered to Sakura that the Fight card is a skilled warrior. Suddenly, Fight opened her eyes and charged forward, leaping up and aiming her fist at Sakura and Meilin. The two leaped aside as Fight slammed her fist against the pavement. "That was close!" "Well yeah, that's why they call it the Fight card! It will only fight the strong opponents." Fight went into a battle stance, but then changed direction and faced Meilin. Sakura was surprised. "It wants to fight Meilin?"
"Well, let's just hope she's as good as she think she is." "Come on, give me your best shot!"
Fight charged forward and threw a few punches, but Meilin successfully blocked them all. She then launched a counter attack, ending with a kick that sent Fight flying back toward the fence, causing her to slam her back against the railing. Everyone was amazed without a doubt. "Meilin...can fight!" Feeling confident, Meilin strolled on over to the others and placed her hands on her hips once she stopped. "IN CASE you had any doubt about who's the best fighter," Sakura suddenly frowned as she began her next part of her short speech. "SOME cardcaptor; you OBVIOUSLY can't handle this as well as I can!" Just then, Fight came back to life and tried to attack Meilin. She once again dodged, still pretty confident. "Wanna go again?" Meilin then began her barrage of punches and kicks, seeming like she was going to win for all Fight could do was block them all. When Meilin used a tornado kick. Fight grabbed her foot, surprising Meilin, and twisted it to slam her down against the ground. Fight then leaped into the air preparing for the final blow, which caused Sakura to panic. "No, MEILIN!!"
Meilin gasped as Fight came down at her, but suddenly Li leaped out from no where and kicked Fight in the chest, sending her into the brook. He then stood up from the ground, his serious expression back on his face, while Meilin jumped up from joy. "That was great!" Before she could hug him, Li spun around and began yelling at her. "What do you think you're doing here!?!" This caused Meilin's joy to turn to shock. "But, we're partners." "Meilin, are you okay?" Sakura, Kero, and Madison rushed over to the two, but hearing Sakura, Meilin's sense of pride return as she placed her hands on her hips again. "I'm a 'trained' fighting machine!" Kero smirked. "Yeah, could tell by lookin' at you, little girl." "Don't call me that!" "Oh boy, am I ever scared!" "You ought to be!" The two then got into a staring contest, which was quickly stopped by Li's hand. "The Lasin Board, right now!! How could you take it out my house!" Meilin of course then went into a fit. "Oh, I told Wei not to tell!" "Meilin, you're messing with things you don't understand!" Sakura watched, totally puzzled at the situation. She then turned to Kero, hoping to get some answers. "Aren't they partners?" "IT SEEMS that the 'little girl' tried tog et the Lasin to help her." "So?" "Oh, she's a fighter, but she's got no magical lineage." "Huh? Really?" Meilin heard the two and made a face as Kero proclaimed the truth to all. "That's right, she's no cardcaptor." Meilin then became defensive "Hah, what do you know?" "Meilin!" Knowing she was defeated, Meilin frowned and return the board to Li. "It didn't work ANYWAY! But, that's why I asked Wei to help me. But even Wei couldn't figure out the exact place, so that's I just kind of..winged it." "Meilin! Capturing Clow cards is not a game, you know! Sometimes it's really dangerous and you can get hurt!" "You . . .just have to teach me, that's all." "I CAN'T teach you this; it's magic!" Madison smiled and leaned in to whisper something to Sakura and Kero. "Maybe THIS will be the end of Meilin." "Don't count on it; she doesn't look like a quitter to me."
"Go home, you don't belong here, Meilin." Li held out his arm that held the Lasin Board, then gasped as the blue light shot out into the bushes. Moving it, he discovered it pointed to a section of the bushes which was right behind Meilin! Li leaped in front of her as Fight suddenly leaped out to attack. He was struck, causing him to fly back and slam against the railing. "LI! OH NO! He's hurt!" Everyone then rushed over to the lifeless form. Meilin kneeled down and genlty shook his shoulders, causing him to slowly awaken. Meilin's eyes then formed tears as she began to think the whole situation was her fault. Reality then sunk in, and she clenched her teeth as she got up from the ground and turned to face the Fight Card. "You may be a Clow card..." "No, wait!" "...But I'm MEILIN RAE!" She charged forward and attacked, kicking her in the chest. She then rushed forward again and began attacking again, while the others watched. "Careful, Li!" "Yeah..." "I got to admit it, she IS pretty good," Sakura replied. "But fighting with a Clow card, is different." Meilin suddenly missed a punch, allowing Fight to grab her and slam her onto the ground. she then raised her foot to slam it on her, but Meilin rolled away to safety. Sakura was getting concerned, then turned to Kero to get an idea. "You need to call upon of one of your stronger cards." "OK, but which one?" "The one way to win against the Fight card is to fight!" Sakura freaked out. "What!? F-f-f-f-fight? Are you postive that there isn't another option?" As the two argued, Meilin was losing grealty, as she slammed up against the Penguin Slide. She leaped to the side as Fight tried to punch her. Sakura, you're a cardcaptor, remember? You do what you have to do!" "You're right." Madison looked over toward her as she video taped the fight. "You did it with the Power card before, Sakura." "Yeah..." She was suddenly struck with an idea.
"Meilin . . ." "Wait Li!" Holding out her arm to stop him, Sakura reassured Li that she could handle it. She held a card between her two fingers, and when it was in front of her face, she turned it so the image, which was the little girl in the puffy battle costume, was facing away from her. She then tossed it out then began twirling her wand like a baton. "Power Card . . .grant your powers to this wand!" After twirling it a little more, she brought it up with both hands and then when the card came around to be in front of her, she brought the wand down to slam the tip against the card. "Power! Release and dispel!" A pink energy emitted from the card and swirled around her.
Meilin fell to the ground, for she had been defeated by Fight. As she was about to strike the final blow, Sakura shouted out to her. turning around, she saw her glowing in a red aura as she held the Sealing Wand. Watching her, Sakura charged forward and tried to slam her with the wand, only to miss and hit the ground. She was shocked at the amount of power within the wand, when Kero suddenly shouted at her. "Sakura, behind you!" She spun around to see fight charging again. Everything suddenly slowed down as Sakura brought up her wand, and as Fight prepeared to strike. There was then a crash, followed by a pause. Sakura opened her eyes to see she had slammed Fight with her wand. The form collapsed to the ground in a heap, then Kero shouted out to seal it quickly. "I got it! Return to your power confined...Fight card!" Bringing down the wand, a energy square appeared and absorbed Fight, forming a card which went to her. Madison commented on how awesome it was, while Sakura thanked her for the idea. Li in the meantime, was helping Meilin up off the ground. "Are you okay, Meilin?" "I'm okay . . ." She looked at him totally depressed, then turned to Sakura and started throwing the worst tantrum ever witnessed! "SHE DID IT! I COULDN'T! IT'S NOT FAIR!!! IT'S NOT FAIR!!!" "Uh, excuse me, but we really did it together. If you hadn't worn out the Fight card with all your fighting beforehand, I'm sure it--" Meilin didn't bother to listen, for she rushed forward and stuck her face into her as she aqquired another angry look. "Don't even go there with me, Sakura!" She then stepped back and pointed a finger straight at her. "I can see what you're up to, but we're gonna bury you!" Sakura simply tried to speak, totally scared of Meilin's temper. (who wouldn't be?) Meilin then turned to Li and hugged him, causing him to groan AGAIN! Madison and Kero just stood puzzled as they talked amounst themselves. "Card-capturing has suddenly gotten a lot more complicated." "A little unexpected glitch." "You call HER a 'glitch'?" "I do . . .just a minor glitch." Li remained unhappy as Meilin refused to let go it seems . . .what are they up against now with Meilin now on the team? Who knows.
Where to begin . . .well, let's start with the old saying for Li and Meilin's various face expressions. "Keep it up you two and they'll stay that way." Our version shows Meilin as an over protective brat who, despite mastering the martial arts it seems, is sort of undisiplined. We also saw that even Li can't be serious all the time. The fight scene was of course awesome, and coming from Holly, she knows about the dispiline that comes with Karate cause she takes it. However, Fight made a mistake in attacking first. You NEVER attack first in Karate because it's all about self defense. Oh well, it's Fight afterall, guess it knows all but that one rule. Pretty cool episode overall.
Ceaira's Rating
-*****
Faita's Rating
-
Kokkei's Rating
-***1/2
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