Hey, guys! I told you that I would update quicker than I did last time! ^^ Well, I'm in a good mood, so…yay! :D I've been having a good week, and things seem to be going well. I kinda want to do a Christmas one shot, but I actually haven't started it yet, so… I'm not sure if it'll go down well. What's annoying is that I have a LOT of work to do… With only a few weeks until Christmas day.

Anyway, onto the reviews! They all made me smile, so thank you! :D

Moonlightgirl258: Thankies! :D Well, here's the next chapter, now!

cutiepiepo2: OMG thanks so much! I really tried hard with this, so thanks! ;) Yes, I'll definitely add some more Dawn/Leaf/Misty in this. In fact, I'll focus this chapter on Leaf for today, just for you. There hasn't really been much Oldrivalshipping, so yeah…

XWhiteChanX: Well, you'd be surprised about how many people first thought Angie was a boy after they saw the anime confrontation with Ash. I'll always love horror movies, games, and stories. I'm the kind of girl who likes a thrill.

mayeevee: OMG, thanks sooo much! :D Yeah, it was unexpected. XP

Mina Arellano: I've been waiting for this moment! :P I loooove matchmaking. 3

zorbinger: Thanks!

Pikachaaaa: I really appreciate the reviews you give me, so I thank you. =)

xXMaddie: I will, don't you worry! Here's the update, now!

Poke-lover88: Thanks so much! What's a Chia pet? :/ I love that song, well…more of a catchphrase in that song. It goes well with MC Hammer's name. XD Uhh… Angie has turquoise colored hair, not red… You really ARE getting mixed up with her and Zoey! :D

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. I never will.

Chapter 10: Role Casting

May's POV

After all the auditions had been done, everyone went back to their dorms. Kris and I decided to stay in the auditorium so we could cast people, to get it out of the way with. Leaf agreed to help us, since she knew the characters well.

"Conway Kōhei," Kris said, leafing through papers.

"No!" Leaf and I shouted at the same time, alarming looks in our eyes.

"Why not?" she asked, confusion written all over her face. I shook my head at her, almost disappointed that she didn't know about him. "His audition was good. He really played that psychotic stalker character well."

"You'd be surprised…" I heard Leaf mutter.

"Conway can't be in our play because Dawn would hate our guts for the rest of our lives," I told Kris, a solemn expression plastered on. "He has an obsession with her, and he's gotten into very…uncomfortable situations with her. In fact, on the first day of us being sophomores, he was in our room – WATCHING US."

"He probably only auditioned to stalk Dawn," Leaf mused, shivering slightly.

"He's out, then," Kris decided, crossing his name out with her red marker.

"Wise choice," I joked.

After a few more hours, we had gotten through all the names… Except me. My heart started to hammer in my chest, and there was a lump in my throat that wouldn't go away. Both of them looked at the paper, then me, then at each other. I almost choked when I saw them giggle – they're not mocking me, are they?

"I think you should get the main role," they both stated in unison. My eyes boggled out, relief and excitement flowing through me. "You deserve it," they added, shrugging their shoulders.

"Really?" I asked, just to double check. I wanted to know if it wasn't a daydream, or if I had developed really bad hearing. They nodded. "Thank you, guys!" I squealed, and leant over the table just to hug them. I didn't even notice that I was suffocating them in the process!

Pride swelled through me when they circled my name, and wrote 'main' in big letters. "I'll type these up to put the results up tomorrow," I offered, stacking all the papers into one neat pile.

"Sure," Leaf agreed, yawning. "Let's go to your dorm, so we can then head straight to dinner."

We all nodded, cleared away, and set off for my dorm.

"It's nice to hang out with you, Kris," I said to her, feeling that there were too much awkward pauses. She smiled at me, and I noticed that she had dimples.

"I like hanging out with you guys, too," she agreed, smiling again. "It's definitely a change from hanging out with Brianna and her group." Her eyes sparkled as she walked, a happy aura emanating from her. "I know you guys don't really like the group I hang with, but… They're nice to me. They make me feel special, like I'm popular or something. I was so surprised when they let me hang out with them. We've grown as friends ever since."

"We're nice to you, too," Leaf pointed out, nodding. "We always have been. Especially Lyra. In fact, I remember in elementary school, when Brianna and the others were off sick, and you had no one. Lyra was the person that went up to you, and hung out with you for the whole day."

I sensed that Kris was becoming uncomfortable, so I shushed Leaf with a glance. If we ever want Kris to become more open with us, then she needs to feel at ease around us. We want her to be happy.

We got to my dorm, and I popped in to drop the papers off, before coming out again. "Let's go eat, I'm starving," I declared with a spring in my step.

"You're always hungry," Leaf joked with Kris giggling a little.

As soon as we got in to the cafeteria, we were bombarded with most of the school surrounding us, asking if they got a main role. None of them even noticed that Kris had a small case of claustrophobia and was having a minor panic attack. I was so tempted to shout that none of them did well, and wouldn't have good parts. In the end, the lunch ladies had to shoo them away, shouting that this hasn't happened in Castelia High. We don't really get excited like this. Piling my plate high with food, I made my way to my usual lunch table. Kris decided to go back to the bitches, but promised that she'll be there for the first rehearsals for tomorrow.

"Well that was an ordeal," Leaf grumbled, smoothing her hair down back to its usual self. In the crowd, it had taken the form of a birds nest, with many tangles.

"Yeah…" Gary mused, munching on his fry. "So who did I get casted as?"

The whole table started talking loudly, asking us lots of questions. I covered my ears in the end, tired from the demands of knowing too much.

"Shut up!" Zoey said, silencing everyone. "You're turning into those mindless teenagers that almost mauled Leaf and May." I grimaced, imagining the people crashing over us like a wave.

"You'll find out tomorrow." Groans were made across the table, but I had decided. Tomorrow, people were either going to hate me, or love me. It was something that I hadn't thought about, but this was all for my friends, so I couldn't care less.

"Let's just eat," Lyra suggested. "I'm sure we're all tired from everything today."

We all nodded, before digging in.

Leaf's POV

"Move out the way!"

"Let me see!"

"I'll hurt you if you don't let me through!"

I sighed, shaking my head the mindless teenagers. May had just put the casting list up, and everyone wanted to know if they got a good part. Many walked away in silence, head drooping in utter depression, because they didn't get a part. Others, however, squealed in excitement, and high-fived their friends in glee.

When the crowd had died down, I made my way to the front and read:

Dawn Hikari Berlitz: Tanya.

"No way!" I heard Dawn squeal. "I got the main part! This is too cool!" I grinned, happy that she got the part she had deserved. Her audition was brilliant, and it was clear that she had worked very hard to make it flawless.

Paul Shinji: Caleb.

"I didn't expect that," I heard him mutter, frowning at the piece of paper. "The second main part…"

"Wow! This is so cool!" Dawn squealed, turning to him.

"Not really."

"But you got a really good part! Your audition was brilliant, I'm not surprised," she pointed out, nodding to herself. I was surprised to hear her compliment him, let alone talk him.

"…Troublesome," he muttered, but not quiet enough. Dawn's face contorted in frustration, as she clenched her fists. In front of everyone, she started screaming at him, then lecturing her about how to spell her name.

"It's not hard!" she shouted, frowning. "Four letters… Plus, not many people have themselves named after SUNRISE!" Paul just ignored her, crossing his arms in irritation. Misty had to hold Dawn back from screaming at him further.

Gary Shigeru Oak: Shane.

"It's decided," a voice boasted. "I am a boss." I rolled my eyes at Gary's arrogance. I was so tempted to cast him as a tree, that doesn't talk, and gets hit.

"You're not," I reminded him, one eyebrow raised. "Don't act so cocky over getting a main part. You're only Shane because the ladies love you." Many girls would watch the performance just so they could see Gary in it.

"What you're really saying is that you love me, Leafy," he said, placing his arm around me. I took a hold of his arm daintily, just to barge him off of me.

"Idiot." He just laughed at my lame attempt to make him angry, and walked over to flirt with some random chick.

Giselle Seiyo Yuto: Hannah.

I heard all her friends and followers congratulate her, to which she just flipped her hair to one side like the bimbo she is. Dropping my pen in annoyance, I stared at her. I think she noticed me staring, because she walked over to me, bending down to pick up my pen, letting all the perverts take a look at her silk underwear.

"Here you go," she said, winking at me.

I gritted my teeth and took it from her. "Thanks…" I murmured.

"It's no problem." She raised her voice so everyone could hear her. "I love helping people, especially you, Leafy." She said my name as if it was too disgusting and vile to even think about. Everyone cheered for her, and she strutted off, saying that she needs to get her things ready.

Maybelle Haruka Maple: Anya.

My heart swelled with pride for May. It was all because of her that this was even possible, so she deserved to be rewarded. She spent hours planning away, recruiting people, and going through audition. Yes, she must now spend hours rehearsing her lines, but it's for a good cause in the end.

"May is one of the main girls?" people whispered over the crowd. They were shocked, but most were jealous. I saw all the venomous looks they gave her, so I squeezed her arm in reassurance.

Andrew Shu Hayden: Jamie.

"Oh, wow, Drew! You're soooo good," Brianna purred, placing her hand on Drew's shoulder. She had hitched her skirt higher when he found out his part, in hope that he would acknowledge her legs in his good mood.

"Thanks, Bri," he said, giving her a toothy grin. "This part's gonna be easy."

"No it's not!" May's voice cut in. "All the parts like yours have lots of dialogue, and should be taken seriously. It's not just some walk through the park," she reminded him. "If you're going to be such an idiot about it, then we could always give someone else your part. " She folded her arms in front of her, firm and serious.

"You wouldn't," he hissed, narrowing his eyes at her, as if to see if she was bluffing. May's glare only made it harder.

"Try me," she challenged, almost whispering it, to add emphasis.

"…Fine." He looked away, pissed, and walked off. Brianna called May something under her breath, before trailing after him like a lovesick puppy.

Barry Pearl Jun: Jack.

"YAY! I HAVE A MAIN PART! I'M SO HAPPY…!" Barry shouted, doing a little dance in happiness.

"I would be totes happy if it was me!" Candice chirped. "Huggles!" she then squealed, glomping Barry.

The other people in the play had mixed reactions.

Brianna Wakana: Summer.

"I'm amazing," she announced, smiling. I wanted to point out that she was the tour guide that got the characters into the mess, so Drew would have another reason to hate her, but I decided against it.

Misty Kasumi Waterflower: Mrs. Cahill.

"Phew," she mumbled, wiping sweat from her brow. "I didn't want a main part because I've got too many commitments, anyway." Mrs. Cahill is the mother of Tanya, and is the one to push her to go on the trip to Brazil.

"But you're really good!" Ash complimented, grinning.

"Thanks, Ash."

"The others really did well with the casting," he added. "You really look like a mother to me."

I face palmed as I saw Misty slowly fume. She grew redder, and redder, before taking out her mallet and whacking some sense (and manners) into Ash.

Kenny Kengo: Mr. Cahill.

"Cool," he mused. "I actually got a part." Mr. Cahill is the father of Tanya, and the husband of Mrs. Cahill. He is the one that suggests to the gang that they should go somewhere before they go college.

"Don't be so down on yourself. You did well," Zoey said.

"Thanks Zo."

"'Zo'?" she repeated.

"Yup! A weirdo like you needs a weirdo nickname like 'Zo'!" Kenny agreed with himself.

"I'm just a weirdo to you, huh?" I heard Zoey mumble to herself, suddenly depressed.

Candice Suzuna: Natalie.

"OMG, NO WAY! I GOT A PART!" she screeched, doing a pirouette in the process. Natalie was the air hostess on the plane that the gang takes to Brazil.

"Nice one," Ethan commented.

"Thankies, Ethal!" she said, beaming.

"'Ethal'?" Lyra murmured. "What's that about? That's a bit… Weird."

"But that's his nickname!" Candice pouted, looking shocked that no one else would've congratulated her on an 'awesome' nickname.

"No. Just…no," Kris decided, speaking gently, so not to hurt Candice's feelings.

Silver Shippou: Lynx.

"Hm." I turned my head to see a boy with flaming red hair called Silver. He was one was the meanest, most vicious guys in our grade. He and Paul were friends, but they usually pissed each other off. They are so alike, so it was a close friendship. I think that they still talk, just not as much.

Lynx is the antagonist of this show. He is the lead ghost, one on the people who are killing everyone. He dreams of taking over the world, turning everything into utter chaos. His audition was so evil looking that we had to cast him as the lead 'bad guy'.

"Nice one, Silver!" Lyra chirped.

"Ugh," he groaned. "Not you."

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Lyra shouted, anger flaring inside of her.

"He's a prick, leave him," Ethan reassured, leading her away from him. Silver just shook his head in annoyance.

"How can you hang out with them?" Silver hissed at Paul.

"I don't know." Paul shrugged. "They're fun to laugh at. Especially the banter between the girls and boys."

Lucas Diamond Kouki: Rafe.

"Thank goodness," I heard him whisper, slumping in relief. Rafe was another antagonist. He is the brother of Lynx, and always strives to be like his older brother. There is some good inside him, but it gets hidden with Lynx's influences.

Ursula Urara: Anise.

"Perfect," she purred. Anise was the main female antagonists. She likes to watch things die, and is another ghost. Anise is working with Lynx and Rafe in killing everyone.

"Not perfect," Dawn grumbled.

Melody Fleura: Willow.

"Hah, in your face, Misty," Melody sneered. Willow is Anise's younger sister, but is a very lazy antagonist. She follows Anise with a frown and slump.

"Whatever. I didn't want a big part, anyway." She looked away from Melody. "Besides, that means you can do your sports much anymore. I might want to be the captain of your teams…"

"Bitch," Melody muttered, before walking away.

Angie Aoi: Chloe.

"Cool!" Angle breathed out. Chloe was the president of the GI (Ghost Incorporation) and helps the gang catch and kill the ghosts in the end.

Everyone seemed happy, and I was happy for them (even the bitches). I just wish that I had the guts to audition.

I'm always alone.

Hours after the commotion, I went to courtyard that overlooked a fountain outside of school. I had my notebook in my hand, full of ideas, the sparks of genius buzzing around my head. My brain worked like a machine, the mechanism worked twenty-four seven, which was tiring sometimes.

Looking up, I see the tree that I like to climb. Many times I've been depressed. I used to be heavily bullied, even when I started at Castelia High, so I climbed up this tree to be alone. The leaves shaded me, hiding me from humanity and negativity. Anger used to course through my veins when I was made fun of, or picked on, but all that's left is depression. It is as if I can't be bothered anymore. Like I'm tired of fighting a losing battle. Before I met May and the others, I used to be targeted by the sadistic bastards who used to make my life a living hell. Giselle was usually the one who took it too far, sneering at my utter disgust towards her.

Placing my notebook into my pocket, I gripped the trunk of the big tree, my saviour, and hauled myself up a bit. I'm not very good at Gym – I'm pretty average – but I could climb until my heart's content. It gave me a rush, like I was on the verge of discovering new, or if I could prove someone wrong. Grimacing as my arms struggle to pull myself up, I grab hold of a sturdy branch, getting up there without too much of a problem.

I then jumped to catch another branch, twisting myself around to get to the other side of the branch, standing on it. I peeked through the leaves, glad to see that no one is there. I'm at my best when I'm alone. Sighing, I sit myself down on the branch, taking my book out, and my pen from my hair. I open the book and quickly start to write, rapidly filling it with new ideas or inklings, mostly about the performance.

"Leaf?" I screamed in surprise, as the familiar voice of Gary snapped me out of my writing trance. "Leaf, are you okay?" I didn't bother to answer as I heard him make his way up the tree.

"I'm fine," I then answered, as I watched him haul himself up to my branch. He looked out of breath and was panting slightly. He had many leaves and twigs in his hair, but I didn't think he cared.

"What are you doing up here?" he asked.

"Being alone." I put emphasis on the words 'being' and 'alone', as if to say "get lost". "What are you doing here? I thought you were on a date with Amber."

"Amber? I thought it was Jasmine," he mused, his brow furrowed in confusion.

I shrugged. "I don't really know. You've had loads of dates, so I'm not surprised that you have forgotten." He chuckled. "Anyway: go away," I told him firmly, not wanting him to get comfortable.

"No. I want to ask you something," he said seriously.

"Go on, then," I sighed, hoping he would go after the important question.

"You looked sad when you saw everyone find out their parts – why?"

It was almost as if I had stopped breathing.

Was it really that noticeable? Am I too predictable? Thoughts whirred through my head, clouding my good judgment, or the capability to actually being able to answer Gary back. A lump was lodged in my throat, and I wiped sweat from my forehead. The remembrance of the emotion I was feeling when everybody was cheering made me sad, as if all my happiness depleted in a matter of seconds. I seemed to be suffocating in questions, and I needed answers.

When I finally regained the decency to talk, I decided to lie. I don't need people pitying me, especially Gary. He wouldn't sympathize; he would just blurt it out to his friends.

"I wasn't sad."

"Oh, really?" He raised an eye brow.

"Y-yes," I said nervously, gulping.

"I don't believe you. Now, I might not have known you for long, but I've seen you 'round in school. You were always the girl who was a smart ass, correcting people whenever you could. Everyone thought you were annoying. But you were also the girl that got heavily bullied for your IQ-"

"-My intellect was incredibly high compared to others," I confessed, interrupting him.

"Yeah… So tell me, Leaf Green," he finished.

"Okay, so… I was sad," I said quickly, looking down.

I don't know why I decided to tell him. His eyes kept staring at me, looking for answers, as if he was really interested. I couldn't stand the pressure. Plus, I've never been so close to a boy before (a branch isn't the biggest of places), so I was a bit nervous anyway.

"Why?"

"Because I'm not like the others!" I suddenly shouted, closing my eyes. "I don't have the guts to do stuff… Yeah, I'm quite intelligent, but did you guys ever consider that I wanted to have a part in the performance, too?" Gary was silent. "I was too scared; I can admit that, so I didn't say anything to you guys… All I could think about was people laughing at me on stage, taunting. The bullying would start up again, and I would go back to the girl I used to be!"

I then burst into tears, heaving and sobbing as my tears cascaded down my cheeks. I didn't object to Gary pulling me close, me whimpering into his chest. "It'll be okay," he whispered, shushing me. "It will be just fine."

After I had calmed down, Gary and I awkwardly made out way down the tree.

"Gary?" I then piped up, after deciding that it's not good to ignore someone who made you feel better (even though it was a one-off).

"Yeah?"

"Thanks…"

"No problem, Leafy," Gary told me, a playful smirk on his face. "I know you love me, so I was glad to help." I groaned at his incompetence, balling my fists up. He really knows how to push all the buttons!

Gary started to walk off, hands shoved into his pockets nonchalantly. "Oh, Gary?" I called.

"Yes?"

"Don't tell anyone," I said pleadingly.

For once, he was completely serious. "Of course I won't tell," he promised. "It shall be our little secret."

As I watched him leave, I sighed.

Maybe I'm not so alone anymore.

Chapter…DONE! HAHA, I UPDATED QUICKER THAN I DIT LAST TIME! :DDD Uhm… lot's of LeafGreen (LeafxGary) there. :3 Was it too mushy? Did I over-do it? Please tell me in your reviews! Sorry it was short btw, and this is a filler chapter, though the ending (the LeafGreen) is really important to the storyline.

Please: review, review and review! XD