Written by: Sakura_Kinomoto
21. The Long Marathon
There's a marathon at school, but Madison can't participate because she hurt her ankle. She, Chelsea, Rita, and Nikki watch Sakura run and say that Sakura will win first again. Meilin overhears them and says Li will win first and she will win second. Sakura would just have to settle for third. While practicing, Sakura and Li are running neck and neck and tie at the end. Meilin warms up and then glares at Sakura. It's time for her practice and Meilin runs really fast, beating everyone, and impressing Mr. Terada. Gradually, she slowed down. She used too much speed and was too tired. In the end, she came in last place.
While cooling down by the water fountain, Sakura asked Meilin if she was okay. Meilin said she wasn't feeling well before the practice and that she never lost a race before. Li joins them and says that Meilin hasn't run a race longer than 100 yard dash. Later that day at Sakura's home, while cleaning up, Tori tells Sakura he'll come by and watch and Julian said he would as well. At Li's house, Li and Meilin are having dinner. Meilin gets up and says she's going to train for the marathon. Li tells her to give it up but Meilin says she can do it. Li continues eating. Wei tells Meilin that she shouldn't run after dinner for she could get stomach cramps. Meiling said she was fine and leaves.
At penguin park, Meilin leans against the slide, her stomach hurting. Wei joins her, bringing her a towel and giving her some tips. Meiling thanks Wei but Wei says it was Li that asked him to help her out. Meilin practices and is happy she can do it. On the day of the marathon, Meilin tells Sakura that she's going to beat her. Tori and Julian are at the fence and the latter calls Sakura and wishes her good luck. The announcer starts calling all fourth grades, so Sakura leaves. Madison is taping and talking to Kero at the same time. Kero is watching from the air. The students begin the marathon. Sakura, Li, and Meilin are in the lead. Nikki is at the end. Madison is taping, Tori and Julian are watching on their bikes, and Kero is flying overhead. Tori and Julian decide to follow them.
Madison is about to leave when the three Card Captors pass her again. Sakura and Li are wondering where everyone else is and Meilin is getting tired. Kero is waiting at the park and sees Zachary in the lead. Madison calls him on the cell phone and they say what they've seen. Meilin trips and twists her ankle and Madison joins up with them. Sakura and Li realize it's a Clow Card. They try to find it while Kero tells them it's the Loop Card. Li uses his lasin board and Kero yells at Sakura to catch the card before Li does. As she and Madison look, Sakura trips over a red line. She found the Loop Card. Li releases his sword while Sakura releases her wand and used the Sword Card. Both strike the Loop and Sakura seals it. Sakura gets the card.
Back at the track, Nikki has crossed the finish line. Over on the trail, Meilin refuses to wait for help. Li offers to carry her and Meilin blushes. Finally, the trio arrive back at school, Li carrying Meilin and Sakura running alongside. Madison continues taping with Kero beside her. The marathon is finally over. Li drops to the ground, really, really tired. Meilin gives him a hug, thanking him. Then she tells Sakura that she and Li will proceed to catch the rest of the cards.