http://clampfix.fanworks.net/x-overs/catchier.txt </head><body><pre>In response to all those who think the CLAMP fandoms [esp. MKR & X/1999] are cliched, that nothing's original, and that there is far too little shoujo ai. This is for you. And it was written at two in the morning, too. "Something Catchier..." by Lan Series: CCD/MKR crossover Rating: PG Warnings: No real spoilers; implied homosexuality [of the yuri variety] Dedication: For Mel-jyou who wanted 'something catchier'; For Johann who understands the sad lack of shoujo ai; And for Ciera who is always in need of amusement. **** "Something Catchier..." Ohkawa Utako quietly placed the manuscript down on her desk. This had to be the umpteenth time this month a talentless writer wasted her time with some garbage they called artistic. "Please, tell me what you think Ohkawa-san! Is it good enough to make it to the big screen?" the script writer pleaded. "To be quite honest ..." "Yes?" "It's horrible." "WHAT? That script is a work of art!" "Dross. Utter dross. To say otherwise would be fradulence. An Ohkawa is above such things." "Please, Okawa-san, you must think there is some redeeming quality to it!" "Redeeaming quality?" violet eyes blazed. "I don't think you understand. What I'm looking for is something new, something original, something no one's ever done before! The films and series I produce are the epitome of life and art at their finest." "And that's what this is!" "No, that is not what this is. All of you are the same, simpering morons who think that a college degree makes them educated. No one writes anything worthwhile anymore." "This is worthwhile!" "Worthwhile for a studio that plays to the lowest common denominator of the mainstream audience. If you cannot write something of the caliber our studio is known for then I'm afraid your contract will become void." "You can't fire me!" "I own this company, of course I can." "Then I quit!" "Good, and take this dribble with you," with a slight sneer Utako handed back the script. "You'll see, 'X/1999' will be a cinematic masterpiece! Mwuahahahahaha!" SLAM! "They just don't get it," the young woman sighed. "Azuya-san?" she activated the intercom. "Yes?" her secretary replied. "Please send in the next writer." "Yes, boss." Within moments the office door swung open revealing a trio of young girls carrying stacks of assorted papers, posters, and action figures. "Ohayo, Ohkawa-san!" the red-head chirped. "Have we got a manuscript for you!" "Truly. Do tell." "It's a fresh spin on an old genre! An original twist to the standard slew of cliches! It's---!" "Hikaru, shut up and show her the poster," the blue-haired girl snapped. "We'll be here all morning before you get to the point." "Oh, right. Sorry Umi-chan. Fuu-chan? The poster." "Hai," the one called 'Fuu-chan' deftly unrolled one of the posters. "Ohkawa-san, may I present to you MAGIC KNIGHT RAYEARTH!!" "It's a mech," she stated dully. "20 Mensou Films(tm) does not produce mecha series." The poster displayed a large red mecha. While the design was more creative than your average gundam, it didn't seem special. "Nononnonono! It's not a mecha series!" Hikaru tried to explain. "More like mahou shoujo RPG. You see," she grabbed a few dolls from the pile. "Three girls from Tokyo are summoned to another world." "I'm listening." "And when they get there they get to fight monsters and get cool armor and--!" "Oh, Hikaru, you can't explain it right," Umi snatched up some of the action figures and put them on Utako's desk. "These are mashin. They are beings on another dimension that manifest on our dimension in the form of mecha. Even though they're sentient beings they cannot pilot themselves." "We're not interested in an Evangelion revival." "WILL YOU JUST SHUT UP AND LISTEN TO ME INSTEAD OF BEING A CYNICAL JERK!!" Blink. Blink. A slow smile spread across Utako's face. "You yelled at me." "Sumima--" "You insulted me." "Please I---!" "You've got spunk." "Ehh--?!" "You're hired. Leave the manuscripts here and tell my secretary to give you the applications. Show up for work next Monday morning and prove to me that Rayearth will be a household word by the time we're through." "Arigatou gozaimasu," three voices stammered. Fairly trembling the girls left the room with due haste. For the first time that week, Ohkawa Utako laughed. A few minutes later Nagisa opened the door. "Boss? The girls just--May I ask what is so highly amusing?" "Azuya-san, you should have seen their faces!" tears rolled down her cheeks. "I think I scared them out of a year's growth!" "I am still not quite sure that I understand," came Nagisa's soft reply. At last Utako's laughter faded, and she rose from her desk. "Three girls from Tokyo just taught a cynical businesswoman that honesty and creativity still exist." "And you hired them for that alone?" "Even if 'Rayearth' never becomes a hit, we can be sure that one if not more of their ideas will." "I see." "Are you taking your lunch break now?" "I suppose so." "Would you mind terribly if I join you?" "Of course I wouldn't mind but you know what that means," the sweet girl smiled. "That this is quickly becoming an inappropriate relationship between employer and employee?" "No, it means that you're buying lunch. And I must forewarn you, I'm rather high-maintenance." "Then the only fair thing for me to do is warn you that I'm exceedingly possessive." "Is that why you got angry at the nice man who told me I had pretty eyes?" "I didn't get angry. I was merely a trifle irritated." "Of course, boss." "Utako." "Utako-san." ****</pre><p><a href="./">Back</a></p><p><a href=http://www.dreamhost.com/donate.cgi?id=216><img border=0 alt="Donate towards our web hosting bill!" src=https://secure.newdream.net/donate1.gif></a></p></body></html>