Well, this is just a short little thing. If I get enough
encouragement, I may expand on it a bit, maybe even
turn it into a full-length fic. C&C is welcome and
appreciated. I think it's a little short for MST3King,
but it's up to you.


Rites of Conquest
by Morpheus the Shaper

"Nabiki, I have a job for you."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. 2000 yen. Interested?"
Nabiki smiled, "Depends. What do I have to do?"
"Get Akane to the third field at the school at precicely 3:15."
"That's it?"
"That's it. No sooner, no later."
"What's this all about?"
"You'll see."

Ranma stood in front of the crowd, "Okay. Does everyone understand the
rules?" A murmur of agreement passed through the people assembled.
"Everybody agrees?" Another murmur. He turned to Cologne, "You too?"
The ancient matriarch nodded, "It's a little irregular, but I can see a
certain symmetry to it. I agree."
"Good. Who's first?"
Kuno stepped forward, "I, the Blue Thunder shall be first. For the beauty of
the pigtailed goddess, I challenge you!" So saying he ran forward, bokken at
the ready. His first strike was dodged effortlessly as Ranma leapt over
Kuno's head. The kendoist whirled and slashed, but Ranma ducked under the
blow and leg-swept him. Kuno rolled away and climbed to his feet, resuming
his ready stance, while Ranma returned to his relaxed pose.
Minutes more passed as Ranma and Kuno wend round and round, Ranma apparantly
exerting himself just enough to get by. Shampoo turned from watching the
fight and spoke softly to her grandmother, "Why Ranma take so long with
stupid stick-boy?"
"He's conserving his strength, child. He doesn't want to be worn down by
these early matches. That's why I want you to wait. As much as he conserves
his strength, he will be tired by the time he reaches the last of you. None
of the rest of the people here have any chance, but they will wear him down.
If you're the last one to challenge him, then you'll have a much better
chance. Especially with the help of that potion I've given you."
"Ayiiia, Shampoo see. Shampoo wait."
Another minute passed, and Ranma decided that it was time. Besides, Kuno was
getting tired, and even slower, and he couldn't even make it look good
anymore. He sidestepped an overhand slash, then hammer kicked Kuno in the
gut. Then, while the kendoist was doubled over, elbow smashedhim in the back
of the head, knocking him flat, and out like a light. He dragged the older
boy to the sidelines and, taking a black marker wrote the kanji for 'loser'
clearly on Kuno's forehead. Looking up at the rest of the challengers he
spoke up, "Don't worry. This is only for him. He's the only one that has to
have it spelled out for him." There were a couple of giggles from the crowd,
but nothing else.
Resuming his place in the center of the field, he looked across at the clock
tower, 3:10. "Next," he called. Ukyo started to step forward, but thought
better of it. He was still too fresh, she thought, better to wait, and let
someone else tire him a little bit more before she made her move. A few
moments later, a piercing, shrill cackle sounded, "Ah ha ha ha ha ha, Now
shall I, Kodachi, the Black Rose, claim that which is rightfully mine. Come
to me, my darling Ranma-sama!" A bouquet of flowers flew at Ranma, then
burst, releasing a cloud of gas. But Ranma was no longer there, having leapt
clear and into a tree.
As Kodachi dropped into place in the center of the field, Ranma leapt down
from the tree. For a moment they circled, then Kodachi lashed out with her
ribbon, which Ranma nimbly avoided. Again and again the ribbon lashed as
Ranma slowly worked his way closer and closer. Once Ranma came within arms
reach, Kodachi dropped her ribbon and pulled out her clubs, striking
repeatedly with one arm. Ranma blocked the blows easily, but appeared
distracted for a moment and Kodachi chose that moment to strike with her
secret weapon.
Ranma glanced up at the clock tower again: 3:14. Time to finish this. He
glanced back to Kodachi, just in time to see her bring her other hand
forward and blow some powder at his face. Drawing on all his speed, and with
a little more added in from desperation, Ranma leapt up into the air, barely
avoiding the sleeping powder. An instant later, he came down right behind
Kodachi and grabbed her around the waist and neck, putting her in a sleeper
hold. She instantly stopped struggling as she felt his arms enfold her and
murmured, "Yes, my love, take me in your embrace, make me yours..." After
another moment, she passed out. Ranma glanced at the clock: 3:15. Time.
"Raaaannnnnmaaaa! What are you doing?!"
Dropping Kodachi's unconcious body, Ranma turned to face Akane, "Wait, I can
explain!"
Stalking up to her fiancee, Akane seethed, "Explain? Explain?! I find
Kodachi in your arms, and you say you can explain?"
"Ah, nevermind. An uncute, sexless, tomboy like you wouldn't understand
anyway."
"What did you call me?"
Ranma stood in front of the short-haired girl with a superior expression on
his face, "You heard me. You're uncute, sexless, and a tomboy. On top of
that, you're slow as an ox, violent as a gorilla, and you can't even cook!"
"Raaaannnmaaaa no BAKA!" With that battle-cry, Akane pulled her mallet and
pounded Ranma face first into the ground.
Ranma felt the darkness sweep over him, and, for a few moments, let it.
Then, with an effort, he pushed it back. Shaking his head a little to clear
it, he climbed to his feet. Looking around and seeing Akane stalking off, he
called out, "Akane, wait!"
Akane paused for a moment, then turned around, "What!?!"
Ranma slowly walked up to her, looking deep into her eyes. Silently he
prayed for a moment, then reached up and placed his hand on her cheek, then
spoke, "You, I love," and kissed her full on the lips.

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Morpheus the Shaper
http://milamber.home.mindspring.com/