Was just digging through my bookshelf and files, and just found the script of Julius Caesar, which I performed a few years ago with my acting troupe. It always stuck in my mind as one of my less enjoyable acting experiences - I was cast as Brutus, while a good (male) friend of mine portrayed Cassius, and for those who haven't read the play, the dialogue between Brutus and Cassius is kind of, er, homosexual (words like 'love' and 'lover' are used quite often when referring to each other). Even worse, I had to perform it in front of my parents! (I locked myself in my room for a week afterwards)

But now it's revenge time! I will butcher this play for Pokemon! And I hope Shakespeare is turning over in his grave! (I have suffered performing his plays for YEARS now)

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any Shakespeare works. I do, however, own Shadow and this fic

Themes: Power, drama, Originshipping, Championshipping

Warnings: Yaoi, murder, bloodshed, AU, possible character butchery

Cast/Character comparison:

Steven - Brutus (our hero)

Wallace - Cassius (Steven's best friend and probably more)

Red - Julius Caesar (the new king)

Lance - Mark Antony (Red's supporter)

Cynthia - Octavian (Red's supporter)

Green - Lepidus (Red's supporter)

Shadow - Casca (profession: double-crossing thief)

Silver - Decius (conspirator)

Winona - Cinna (conspirator)

Emerald, Diamond, Brawly - Metellus, Trebonius, Ligarius (conspirators again)

Yellow - Calpurnia (Red's wife)

Blue - Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt

Gold - Popilius (senator)

Roxanne, Flannery - Red's generals

Falkner, Morty - Steven's generals

Eusine - Soothsayer

(I think that just about covers the whole bloody lot. I HATE writing cast lists)

Let me tell you a tale, a tale of power, love and murder. It all began when Red became king.

Red was a good general, had established control around the country, and was not a bad ruler either...it was just that not everyone agreed to his becoming king.

Some felt that Red was becoming too powerful, too cocky…what if he became a dictator, as many others who had got their hands on power had? The consequences were unthinkable.

And Wallace did not want to think about it. Red was still young, though powerful. His numerous amorous connections, including one with Blue, the Queen of Egypt, were merely ticking time-bombs waiting to blow up, especially when the young ruler already had a wife of his own. The newfound power could easily all go into his head.

In fact, Wallace mused, had it not been for several associates behind Red, the raven-haired boy might not have won the hearts of the people quite so readily. Cynthia, the freshest and sharpest face in politics, had thrown her weight behind the new king; Green, known for his recent success in Kanto, had announced his support; up-and-coming younglings like Gold and Ruby had also joined his band of supporters. And of course there was Lance.

Wallace knew that chief problem was not Red. It was Lance. Wallace still had no idea why the seasoned politician and general had backed the young upstart. What did Lance see in him? And knowing Lance's egotistical nature, it was unusual for him not to try to seize power. Though perhaps this time the formidable redhead wanted a puppet to manipulate and hide behind…

No, if Red took complete power, and Lance took complete power over Red, they were finished. The entire human race would be destroyed for sure. And Wallace would not allow it to happen.

Unfortunately, Wallace could not take on Red, Lance, Cynthia and Green – or even just Lance – on his own. Support from the stoic Brawly, and Winona, elegant and intelligent (he never liked to think of her as his ex) had helped, but not greatly. And then there was a bunch of youth, younger, newer, but no less full of potential, and, so far, undecided or with wavering loyalties. But most importantly of all, Wallace had to get through to Steven.

Wallace sighed and gritted his teeth. Everything was perfect with Steven, except for politics. How could a man rise to such a high position, and yet lack ambition, obvious or subtle? Steven would never want to become ruler over all, even though Wallace – and many other people – thought he would do a better job of it, at least better than Red.

But Steven was just…too good. He wouldn't go against his sovereign, no matter how wrong his sovereign might be, very much less agree to the drastic lengths Wallace was prepared to go to.

Well, that Wallace's job. Meanwhile, he wanted to keep an eye on Lance and Red. There was one person who could do that – but only at a price.

Just Originshipping for this chappie, plus very minor Neverpairedshipping (my name for a Winona x Brawly ship)

Some may have noticed I haven't included a char for Portia, Brutus' wife. Couldn't think of a right char to go with Steven, so I kind of merged her with Yellow (as Calpurnia), who is, by the original play, the only other female character.

Aaaaaand...Victine will be writing from various POVs. And please keep track of who's dying - one day I shall compile a list of who I have killed in my fics, shortly before I turn myself in for murder.