Hello readers to my first series on Fanfiction or Ao3.
Years back I read this great story written by Dark Amphithere called Unova Mansion, where twenty-one Pokemon were invited to a Mansion and started to get murdered by an unknown killer amongst them. The number of survivors dwindled down each chapter with these noise-related titles alluding to how they'd die. I'd recommend it, the murder mystery genre as a whole is a rather enjoyable thing.
And after reading "And Then There Were None" recently, I thought it'd be fun to write my own! I was first inspired to do this back when Gen 9 was coming out, but it wasn't until now I started writing everything out in a final format. Murder Mysteries are fun.
I also give my appreciations to Fuzz for editing this chapter for me.
So now then… it's time to begin.
000
Dear Kilowattrel,
We see a promising future in you—exactly the kind of person our company needs to move forward. We are pleased to invite you to a job interview at the Windytopia Foundation.
The interview is scheduled for April 10th at 11:00 AM in Room 263. The CEO, Klawf, will personally greet you there.
Best regards,
The Windytopia Foundation
000
"I'm finally here, dudes!" A voice exclaimed, a bird breaking through the clouds and landing with a skid. After a moment, he threw up a thumbs-up with his talon as if to signal that he was alright, in spite of nobody being there.
He was a striking bird with a bright yellow underbelly and wings, a maroon beak and talons, and a pair of headphones perched on his head. Slung across his back was a well-worn guitar. His name was Kilowattrel, and he had been invited here. Er, so he hoped, he'd probably have to recheck his letter to make sure he found the right place.
He still wasn't sure how he'd caught the attention of such a prestigious foundation as Windytopia, but the opportunity filled him with hope. Shortly after receiving the letter, he got a call from Klawf herself, requesting he perform a song for their board members. Smiling at the memory, Kilowattrel unfolded the map included with the letter. There was no doubt he was in the right place.
He looked up and saw a massive, towering white building stretching into the sky. The door at its base seemed minuscule in comparison to the sheer grandeur of the structure.
Taking a moment to admire the stunning architecture, Kilowattrel finally stepped through the front entrance. The lobby was exactly what he imagined a tech innovation hub would look like: sleek and futuristic, with gray walls adorned by vibrant posters showcasing cutting-edge products. In the center stood a small, coral-colored dragon wearing a pin of a pixelated sword in his ear and a tattoo resembling a speeding bullet on his chest.
"What's up, dude?" Kilowattrel called out, walking over. "I'm Kilowattrel."
The dragon glanced at him shyly, avoiding eye contact. "Uh, hey. I'm Tatsugiri," he muttered.
"Cool!" Kilowattrel said with an easy grin. "What brings you here?"
Tatsugiri shifted awkwardly. "I got a letter saying I could get a job here," he replied, nodding toward the nearby elevator. "One I'd like to hear more about now."
"Whoa, no way! I got a letter for the same thing!" Kilowattrel exclaimed.
Tatsugiri looked back at him, surprised. "Really? That's... strange. I guess they're hiring a bunch of Pokémon."
"I think it's awesome!" Kilowattrel said enthusiastically. "We could be part of something great!"
"I guess…" Tatsugiri murmured before walking toward the elevator.
Kilowattrel noticed that the receptionist's desk was mysteriously unstaffed, so he followed Tatsugiri into the elevator. He easily pressed the button for the designated floor, and in vain tried to strike up more conversation, though Tatsugiri remained quiet.
When the elevator doors opened, the two stepped into a pristine hallway of white stone and polished metal. The space was immaculate, without a single speck of dirt or misplaced footprint to be seen. They soon found the room they were supposed to enter. The heavy steel door oddly had it's lock on the outside, but neither of them seemed to notice as they stepped inside.
The waiting room was spacious yet plain, filled with rows of grayish-blue chairs. The black-and-white checkered floor was lined with clean, sharp patterns, and more posters adorned the walls. Overhead, a small loudspeaker quietly hummed.
Four other Pokémon were already seated. A navy-blue, flower-like rock creature with small, protruding eyes and a colorful rock necklace sat silently, looking bored. Next to him was a curvy, pink flamingo-like Pokémon, giggling softly. He carried several bags, one with a visible flamingo stylized padlock dangling from it, and wore a red-and-blue scarf. Across the room was a golden, humanoid Pokémon with wavy, noodle-like hair and a bright smile. He had a taser on his belt. Finally, a brown, confection-themed dog with donut-shaped ears and a chef's hat waved cheerfully at the newcomers.
Tatsugiri timidly took a seat, while Kilowattrel enthusiastically approached the others. "Hey, guys! What's up?"
"Sup," said the golden Pokémon with a wave. "Did you get a letter and a phone call, too?"
"Yeah, man," Kilowattrel replied, introducing himself and gesturing toward Tatsugiri. "That's Tatsugiri over there."
The golden Pokémon struck a flashy pose, causing his body to shimmer. "I'm Gholdengo—the most epic bodyguard you'll ever meet!" He handed Kilowattrel a business card.
Kilowattrel took it with his talon. "Rad job, dude!"
"I know, right?" Gholdengo cheered. "I've never failed a client. That's probably why I got chosen for this."
As Kilowattrel and Gholdengo chatted, Tatsugiri seemed like he wanted to say something but stayed quiet. It wasn't until the donut dog addressed him that he finally spoke.
"Is there something you wanted to say?" the dog asked gently.
"O-Oh…" Tatsugiri sighed. "I was just wondering why we were all asked to come here. You all look so different."
"Very true," the dog said with a nod. "I'm Dachsbun, by the way. I'm definitely no bodyguard," he chuckled.
As Dachsbun introduced himself, he turned to the flower-like creature. "What about you, sir? I don't think I caught your name."
"...Glimmora," the Pokémon replied curtly.
Sensing Glimmora wasn't in the mood to talk, Dachsbun moved on. He sat beside the flamingo, who was still giggling. "Are you excited? You've been laughing this whole time."
"I'm excited, all right!" the flamingo exclaimed, chugging a large cup of coffee. "The fun's gonna start soon!" He introduced himself with a grin. "Name's Flamigo. Don't forget it."
Dachsbun hesitated. "I wouldn't call job interviews fun... They're more stressful if you ask me."
"Haha, yeah," Flamigo said with a smirk. "You don't seem like the type who can handle it."
Dachsbun chose not to respond, though he looked uncomfortable. As the group settled, the sound of the door opening drew everyone's attention. Two more Pokémon entered the room.
The door burst open with a loud slam, drawing everyone's attention. The first Pokémon to enter was a massive, bipedal creature made of salt, with a cubic body and a brown head centered within his structure. He bore a resemblance to a white pyramid. On his broad, blocky feet, he wore star-themed boots, and around his neck was a black bowtie adorned with a sun pattern.
Behind him entered a second Pokémon, considerably more composed and stern. He scanned the room with a sharp gaze before taking a seat without a word. This one resembled a black grasshopper, with saw-like appendages folded neatly on his back. His chest was clad in a small, yellow, anti-ballistic vest, and thin yellow trims highlighted his antennae.
The salt creature's booming voice filled the room. "It's great to be here, everyone!" He gave a wide thumbs-up with his massive, blocky hands. "Now, when does the interview start?"
"My apologies, but I can't say," Dachsbun replied politely. "I was just told to be here at 11. None of us actually work here."
"Oh." The salt Pokémon's cheerful demeanor didn't falter. "Well, I'm sure it will start soon, then!" He struck a dramatic pose, pointing both thumbs at himself with exaggerated flair. The gesture was accompanied by a small hop, which caused a heavy thud due to his considerable weight. "I'm Garganacl, and this is my partner, Lokix!"
Lokix crossed his arms and gave a curt nod. "Right." His sharp eyes continued to dart around the room, as though scanning for something.
"What are you looking at, dude?" Kilowattrel asked, tilting his head curiously.
"Yeah, dooood," Flamigo added with a mischievous smirk.
"It's nothing you need to be concerned with," Lokix replied sharply, his tone shutting down further questions. Kilowattrel backed off, sensing he'd hit a nerve.
"Aw, don't be like that, Lokix!" Garganacl said, clapping his partner on the back with one of his enormous hands. The force nearly caused the smaller Pokémon to stumble forward. "You were excited to come here when we got the letters!"
Lokix shook his head, brushing off the interaction. "It's not that," he muttered, glancing around the room once more. "I'll tell you later."
Garganacl, unbothered, gave an understanding nod. "Alright then!" With that, he lowered his heavy frame onto a chair next to Lokix, the seat creaking slightly under his weight.
About ten minutes later, two more Pokémon entered the room. The first was a large, spiky, brown bramble with piercing red eyes. Inside her core was a violet, pillow-like sphere, connected to her thorns and weighing her down. A pen was visibly attached to one of her spines.
The second Pokémon was a massive metallic worm with numerous segmented arms. Her tan underbelly was surrounded by a red, armor-like exterior adorned with blue circular markings. A large eyepatch covered one of her eyes, and a sky-blue tie hung neatly around her neck. Both carried what appeared to be journals.
Despite seeming engaged in conversation with the worm moments earlier, the bramble immediately veered off to find a seat. She muttered to herself as she settled in, pulling out her pen. "Hmm… I, Brambleghast, arrived in a white-covered room. There were many seats in the room, filled with a variety of Po-—"
"Who're you talking to?" Gholdengo interrupted, plopping into the seat beside her.
Brambleghast leaned back in surprise before answering curtly, "I'm brainstorming for my book. Please don't disturb me."
Gholdengo slumped in disappointment. "What's it about?" he asked, undeterred.
With an exasperated sigh, Brambleghast responded, "If telling you will make you go away, it's a murder mystery." She closed her eyes, clearly dismissing him as she drifted into her thoughts.
Crossing his arms in defeat, Gholdengo decided to leave her alone. He turned his attention across the room, where the metallic worm seemed to be trying to interview Glimmora.
"So, quiet guy, what brings you here?" Orthworm asked, holding a microphone close to Glimmora.
In response, Glimmora glared at her with a blank, annoyed expression. "...," he said, offering no words at all.
Orthworm pouted. "You're no fun."
Lokix's sharp voice cut through the moment. "Not everyone wants to be part of a random interview. Maybe try asking for permission first."
Unfazed, Orthworm shrugged. "Would anyone like an interview? I promise it'll be fun!"
Flamigo chuckled, his voice dripping with praise. "A journalist, huh? Your kind's always so entertaining."
Orthworm smiled brightly. "I'm actually just in training right now—working on my degree. But every bit of experience helps!" She glanced around and added, "Oh, I'm Orthworm, by the way."
Kilowattrel stepped forward, his usual enthusiasm shining through. "Nice to meet you, dudette! An interview sounds rad. I'm in!"
Orthworm's face lit up. "Okay, great! What kind of guit—"
Before she could finish her question, the door burst open again, and several more Pokémon barged into the room.
The first was a small, pink, humanoid Pokémon with large, pigtail-like tufts of hair and a massive hammer slung over her shoulder. She wore pink bike guards on her shoulders and strode in confidently, kicking the door open with a loud bang before swaggering over to a chair and flopping down.
The second Pokémon was a fiery-looking pepper plant with two heads, connected by a thick green stem that made up his body. He stomped into the room, his neck, arms, and legs adorned with spiked braces, giving him an intimidating appearance.
The third Pokémon was a large, green, amphibian-like creature with a round gray belly and big googly eyes. An orange patch on her scalp matched the orange bandanna tied around her neck.
The pink girl slammed the base of her hammer onto the floor as soon as she sat down, the noise echoing in the room. "So, this is the place, huh?" she said with a smirk. Leaning back in her chair, she rested her hands behind her head in a relaxed posture. "So, where's the employer? Is it one of you?"
"Sorry, but they're not here yet," Dashsbun replied. "I'm sure they'll be here soon, though."
"They better be," she muttered, tilting her chair back onto two legs. "I'd hate to waste my time. Looks like we've got quite the crowd already."
The green amphibian tilted her head curiously. "Did you all get letters asking you to come here?"
Most of the group nodded or responded affirmatively, though a few remained silent.
"Interesting," the hammer girl said with a mischievous grin. "I wonder if this is gonna be a competition. Maybe we'll have to fight each other for the job. If that's the case, I, Tinkaton, will cream the lot of you." Her tone was casual, but the lack of humor in her voice made her intent clear.
Tatsugiri glanced nervously at her massive hammer. "If it comes to that, can I just leave?" he asked, his voice trembling.
Tinkaton shrugged dismissively. "No point in beating up a weakling."
"Pathetic," the pepper Pokémon muttered as he stomped over to the sushi dragon.
The amphibian raised a hand to chime in. "I'd find it really strange if a big foundation hired new employees that way. It seems more likely we all have a chance to be hired! My letter said they saw potential in me, and Klawf even gave me a personal phone call." She pulled out her letter to show the others. "Oh, by the way, I'm Bellibolt."
Flamigo chuckled, holding up his own letter. "These letters feel pretty copy-pasted, don't they? But you're probably right, Bellibolt. They must see potential in all of us."
"Yeah!" Bellibolt replied with a cheerful nod, scanning the room for a seat.
Meanwhile, the pepper Pokémon reached Tatsugiri, grabbed the back of his chair, and flipped it over, sending the small dragon tumbling to the floor. Without hesitation, the pepper took the newly vacated seat and sat down with a huff.
"What was that for?" Gholdengo demanded, stomping over. "There are plenty of chairs in this room, and they all look the same!"
"Uncool, dude," Kilowattrel added, crossing his wings.
Dashsbun nodded in agreement. "Why would you do that?"
"I wanted this seat, and the little pipsqueak was on it. Now it's mine," the pepper Pokémon replied irritably.
Gholdengo opened his mouth to argue, but Tatsugiri interrupted, dusting himself off. "I'll just find another seat—it's fine," he muttered.
"If you're sure," Gholdengo said reluctantly, crossing his arms. "Who even are you, anyway?"
The pepper Pokémon smirked mockingly. "Scovillain. Try not to forget it."
Before anyone could respond, the door creaked open once more, and two more Pokémon stepped into the room, drawing everyone's attention.
The next two Pokémon stepped into the room. The first was a towering giraffe, easily the largest Pokémon present. His upper body was black, fading into orange, with a pattern of circular spots across his frame. Atop his head was a second metallic-looking mouth encasing his regular head. He wore a small, tattered duster draped over his back, with two smaller matching ones on his hind legs.
The second was a black, land-dwelling mushroom-like squid with vibrant yellow tentacles and an ivory-colored face. A large yellow bow adorned her back, giving her an air of misplaced elegance. Compared to the others, she looked younger but carried herself with a haughty demeanor.
The mushroom squid scowled as her gaze swept across the room. "Why are there so many Pokémon here for my job interview?" she growled. "And no servants to carry my bags, either! Ridiculous."
The giraffe rolled his eyes and snarked, "As if anyone would want to deal with your repugnant personality." He turned to address the group. "She actually tried to make me carry her bags."
"Because you're obviously strong," she shot back indignantly. "Whatever. I'll just sit here and wait for this pointless interview to start. I didn't even want to come to this stupid place." Huffing, she stalked over to a chair and crossed all her legs, glaring at anyone who dared look her way.
The giraffe sighed, his annoyance evident. "Toedscruel actually had a point," he muttered, gesturing at the group with his tail. "What are all of you doing here? This is my interview."
Scovillain sneered and held up a hand in a rude gesture. "Your interview? Try again—it's mine."
Orthworm tilted her head toward the giraffe. "We all got letters and personal calls asking us to come here," she explained calmly. "It seems legitimate to me, though I've seen convincing scams before."
The giraffe narrowed his eyes. "And I've fallen for convincing scams before," he shot back. "Maybe this is just another one." He remained standing, his height making sitting unnecessary.
Belibolt puffed up her cheeks and pouted. "I don't like all this negativity! We were invited here by a prestigious organization that sees potential in us. We should be excited!"
"I agree!" Flamigo said enthusiastically, striking a dramatic pose. "We're all here because we have bright futures ahead of us!"
Toedscruel, still sulking in her chair, pointed a tentacle at the group. "I hate that I'm just supposed to trust something this vague and unknown," she grumbled.
Dashsbun, ever the peacemaker, turned to the giraffe. "So, what's your name?"
"Farigiraf," he replied curtly, his tone as grumpy as his expression.
A few minutes after Farigiraf introduced himself, two more Pokémon stepped into the room.
The first was a short, sleek Pokémon resembling a motor. She gleamed with a shiny, bright silver finish and sported several colorful tattoos of oil splatters across her back. Her single large eye darted around the room as she entered.
The second Pokémon was a tall, bipedal green cat. She wore a pointed, forest-green mask and matching scarf, with a row of buttons adorning her chest. As she entered, she twirled gracefully on her left foot, exuding an aura of confidence and elegance.
The entire room turned to look at the cat, even the quieter Pokémon like Brambleghast and Glimmora. Brambleghast was the first to break the silence. "Meowscarada. You're that A-list actress."
"A celebrity!" Garganacl exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise.
Many in the waiting room braced themselves for something elegant or profound from the feline. Instead, Meowscarada lazily waved and said, "Wussup." Without further fanfare, she strolled over to an empty seat and plopped down casually.
"Oi! I'm here too!" the motor Pokémon, clearly annoyed, called out. Revavroom raised a wrench with her front appendages to grab everyone's attention. "Name's Revavroom, and I'm getting this job."
"If there even is one," Farigiraf muttered with his usual grumpiness.
Revavroom ignored him and puffed up with pride. "I'm a skilled mechanic," she declared. "Whatever this place is hiring for, I'm clearly the best fit."
Meowscarada rested her chin on her paw and closed one eye. "Sure you will," she said nonchalantly. "If not, you can always join the Sanctuary of Lost Souls. We're always looking for new members."
Orthworm blinked in confusion. "Isn't that… a cult?" she asked cautiously. "You're so different from how you are in interviews."
Meowscarada grinned mischievously. "Nah, I'm just me. Flesh and fur."
"I can believe it, dudette," Kilowattrel chimed in with a squawk.
Brambleghast twirled one of her thorny appendages thoughtfully. "Sounds like it could make for good inspiration. I could check it out."
"Nice," Meowscarada replied with a relaxed smile.
Revavroom tapped her wrench against the floor impatiently. "So, when's this interview starting?" she asked.
Tinkaton, resting her hammer by her chair, responded bluntly, "We have no idea. It's already 40 minutes past eleven."
Lokix folded his arms. "I haven't seen any Klawfs around. Or any employees, for that matter."
"Now that you mention it," Garganacl mused, rubbing his chin, "Lokix and I didn't see anyone at the reception desk. We just went straight to the elevator."
"Damn, you're right," Revavroom said, letting out a noise like a revving engine. "That's odd. Someone should've been here to greet me."
"Or me," Gholdengo chimed in, crossing his arms.
The room fell into an awkward silence following the last exchange, but it didn't last long. The door creaked open again, and two more Pokémon entered.
The first was a brightly colored yellow ostrich with a vibrant plumage. Her yellow body and white belly were striking, and she sported a purple face topped with a brown fedora. Around her neck was a bowtie resembling a bone.
Beside her was a smaller dolphin Pokémon with a cheerful demeanor. A small heart marked his chest, and he wore a wave-themed cape that flowed dramatically with each movement. Both newcomers seemed happy to be here but equally surprised by the large crowd in the room.
"Ugh, more Pokémon," Scovillain groaned, glaring at them. "Who are you?"
The ostrich gracefully lowered her long neck in a bow. "Howdy. I'm Espathra," she said with a slight southern drawl. "I came for the interview, though it seems like y'all had the same idea."
The dolphin offered a shy smile and added, "And I'm Palafin. Nice to meet everyone."
The room responded with scattered greetings and nods, though a few Pokémon remained silent.
"Have either of you seen Klawf yet?" Belibolt asked, her voice curious and tinged with a hint of concern. "They should've been here by now."
Palafin shook his head. "I haven't seen anyone yet," he replied softly.
"Nor have I," Espathra agreed, tilting her head thoughtfully. "I reckon it's a bit odd. Maybe it's a day full of sick calls?"
Kilowattrel shrugged, his wings fluttering. "We'll know when they show up, dood."
Espathra gave a quick nod, striding swiftly to an empty seat. "I suppose that's the upside of being fashionably late—less time spent waiting," she remarked with a flick of her fedora.
Flamigo gave her a playful wink. "Don't worry, girl. It won't be long."
"I'm sure it won't be," Palafin agreed with a reassuring nod. Floating over to his chosen seat, he added with a bright smile, "I'm really looking forward to this."
A few more minutes passed before the door opened again, admitting two new Pokémon into the room.
The first was a massive bluish-gray ice dragon with a spiny back and prominent red claws. Her white face and belly gave her a regal appearance, but her muscular frame added an intimidating edge. A pair of glasses rested across her eyes, giving her a scholarly air.
The second Pokémon was a much smaller black lemur with a white face and striking blue eyes. His red hands featured a peculiar, elongated toxic-looking finger, and paint-like streaks adorned his chest. A paintbrush was strapped to his side, completing his artistic image.
"Hello," the dragon said softly, her deep voice resonating through the room. "Is this the interview place? I'm Baxcaliber." She held up a letter identical to the ones the others had received.
"Yeah, this is it," Palafin replied shyly, his voice barely above a whisper. "Most of us have been waiting here for a while."
The lemur placed a thoughtful finger on his chin. "This is the right place; we got here at a fine pace."
"That rhymed," Belibolt noted with a grin.
The lemur nodded proudly. "It's what I do quite nicely. I hope things here don't turn dicey."
"Whatever," Tinkaton interjected, crossing her arms with a bored expression. "So, who are you?"
"Grafaiai," the lemur replied smoothly, flashing a confident grin.
Farigiraf narrowed his eyes at Baxcaliber, the only other Pokémon in the room close to his height. "Have I seen you somewhere before?"
Baxcaliber furrowed her brow, placing a clawed hand thoughtfully on her face. "I can't say I recall seeing you. I've been on TV a few times, though."
Orthworm perked up at this. "Oh! I think I saw you on the news after that earthquake a few days ago. You rescued a kid, didn't you?"
Baxcaliber nodded calmly. "That's right. I'm a rescue worker, and I was on duty during that incident."
Farigiraf still looked skeptical but said nothing, opting to observe her silently.
Espathra gave Baxcaliber a talon-up in approval. "I've always thought rescue workers are some of the most respectable people. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"Yeah, you too," Baxcaliber replied with a polite nod before settling herself into the room.
A few more minutes passed before the final two Pokémon arrived. It was now close to noon.
The first was a large, white, bipedal land whale with curved horns. Her underside was gray, adorned with patterns of lines and circles, and her eyes were surrounded by pink markings. She wore a big black tie around her neck and massive goggles that seemed oversized, even for her large frame.
The second Pokémon was a tall plant-like creature resembling a tree. Purple olives grew from her bushy limbs, and she carried a wide-brimmed straw hat slung across her back, leaving her brown-tinged leaves exposed.
The whale crossed her thick arms as she shut the door behind them. "Am I late?" she asked gruffly, her tone curt and impatient.
Dashsbun was quick to reassure her, "Not at all. We've all been waiting for some time now."
The olive Pokémon sighed softly. "I'm just relieved I made it in time. It took longer than expected for my cousin to come over."
"Did you not drive here yourself?" Kilowattrel asked curiously.
"Eww, poor person," Toedscruel muttered with an audible sneer.
The olive Pokémon shook her head. "I do have a car, but I needed someone to babysit my kids. My cousin got caught in traffic on the way over."
Grafaiai glanced at the clock on the wall. "Still, you managed to drive in good time. It's only five minutes to twelve."
"Hmph," the whale snorted, settling into an empty seat and crossing her legs. "This better be worth it."
Revavroom turned to the clock as well, her exhaust sputtering with irritation. "Tch. Klawf's got some nerve making us wait this long. If I'd known, I'd have finished the movie I was watching."
"What movie?" Palafin asked, genuinely curious.
"Pizza Delivery X." Revavroom shrugged. "Didn't even get to the good part."
Tatsugiri wrinkled his face in disgust. "Yeah, I don't want to hear any more of that."
The whale shot a glance at Revavroom. "I'd ask why you were watching that kind of movie, but frankly, I don't care."
Most of the group didn't fully understand what they were talking about, but the uncomfortable looks exchanged made it clear they'd caught the gist of it.
Orthworm, sensing the need for a shift in conversation, spoke up. "You two haven't introduced yourselves yet. Also, if you're interested, I'd love to do an interview."
The whale's expression was indifferent. "Cetitan. Surgeon. Not interested."
"I'm Arboliva," the olive Pokémon said politely, though she added with a smile, "and I'm also not interested."
Orthworm let out a disappointed sigh but quickly perked up, remembering that Kilowattrel had already agreed to an interview.
"It's twelve now," Lokix noted, glancing at the clock.
"They should be here any minute!" Belibolt said brightly, her optimism unwavering.
"As they should," Gholdengo agreed with a dramatic flip of his golden locks.
"They will," Flamigo insisted, nodding confidently. "They will."
"They'd better be," Farigiraf muttered under his breath. His height ensured that his quiet remark went unheard by the rest of the room.
000
It was now 1 PM, and Klawf had yet to arrive. To pass the time, the 23 Pokémon in the room busied themselves with various conversations.
Palafin and Garganacl chatted cheerfully about muscles, comparing techniques and routines. Belibolt, Kilowattrel, and Orthworm conducted interviews in a corner. Brambleghast, Glimmora, Tatsugiri, Cetitan, and Flamigo kept mostly to themselves, though Flamigo occasionally giggled softly at some private joke. Espathra, Baxcaliber, Grafaiai, and Arboliva discussed the recent earthquake. Meanwhile, Lokix roamed the room suspiciously, his eyes darting to every corner. Farigiraf ignored Toedscruel's incessant complaints about her phone not working, while Gholdengo and Dashsbun played a game of War with a deck of cards they'd found in the room.
Tinkaton and Scovillain, on the other hand, impatiently watched the clock, their agitation growing with each passing minute. Meowscarada and Revavroom debated the merits of recent movies. Overall, the mood had settled into one of boredom, with most Pokémon trying to distract themselves from the endless wait.
Then, a sudden, loud crackle interrupted the monotony—it was the loudspeaker. A brief mechanical hum was followed by a clear, feminine voice that everyone recognized from their phone calls.
"Our apologies for the wait, esteemed prospective employees," the voice announced smoothly. "Please remain in this room for now. I, Klawf, will join you shortly."
"About time, bitch," Scovillain muttered, his voice dripping with venom. "Making us wait this long…"
Tinkaton, fueled by her impatience, stormed over to the door and tried to open it. To her surprise, it wouldn't budge. She growled, baring her teeth. "The door's locked! What is this?!"
Lokix narrowed his eyes and pointed at Cetitan. "You were the last one in. Did you lock the door?"
Cetitan huffed in annoyance. "Of course not. I didn't touch the lock."
"Hey!" Belibolt interjected, trying to calm the group. "This is probably just some dramatic effect from Klawf. The interview's about to start."
Flamigo erupted into laughter, his voice echoing across the room. "It's starting, alright—the most fun any of us are going to have! It's time!"
"The hell are you on about?" Revavroom snapped, clearly irritated.
"He's as high as I am," Meowscarada quipped with a shrug. "And I didn't even snort today."
Suddenly, the loudspeaker emitted a mechanical click and transformed into a sprinkler-like device. A faint spray of water erupted, lightly misting Glimmora.
At first, Glimmora didn't react. He tilted his gaze upward, perhaps searching for a tissue. But then, without warning, he collapsed with a heavy thud, his rock-like body crashing to the floor.
Gasps and squeaks of shock rippled through the room.
"Scared of a little water?" Farigiraf sneered, though his expression shifted to concern as Baxcaliber rushed over to check on Glimmora.
"Is he…?" Orthworm began nervously.
Baxcaliber placed her claw on Glimmora's neck. "He's just unconscious," she reported with relief.
"That's good," Dashsbun sighed. But then his nose twitched, and his expression darkened. "Wait… I smell something odd coming from that speaker."
Arboliva turned to the device, her tone cautious. "What kind of smell?"
Dashsbun leaned closer, sniffing, but before he could respond, he collapsed to his side.
"What's going on?!" Garganacl demanded, his large arms raised in alarm.
Cetitan's eyes widened in realization. "It's—" But before she could finish, she fell with a loud crash.
Lokix pieced it together. "Sleeping gas! Everyone, hold your breath!"
"Why?" Farigiraf asked, just before his towering form crumpled to the ground.
One by one, the Pokémon began to fall. Tatsugiri slumped sideways, his small body remaining perched on his chair. Palafin, trying to comfort him, inhaled mid-sentence and collapsed as well.
Baxcaliber, leaning against the wall, muttered groggily, "Sleeping gas…" before she too fell, her heavy body bringing down a poster with her.
Brambleghast wrote in her book with her pen, "Hmm, sleeping gas, that's an idea." The moment she closed her eyes to blink she tumbled to the ground. Even rolling a few times.
"We need to keep our mouths shut, dudes," Kilowattrel squawked, clutching his beak. But as Belibolt's large body hit the floor, Kilowattrel followed moments later, unable to hold his breath.
Grafaiai pinched his nose, muttering through clenched teeth, "I'm hardly in the mood to fall crudely."
"It's no use!" Flamigo echoed, laughing hysterically. "We're all toppling over!"
"Not me!" Scovillain shouted, opening his mouth to release a fiery attack—only for Espathra to knock him down.
"Are you trying to ignite the gas?!" she scolded, collapsing seconds later.
Scovillain groaned as he hit the ground, his last attempt at retaliation failing as unconsciousness claimed him.
"I've had enough of this!" Tinkaton yelled, hefting her hammer. "I'm breaking this door down!"
"I'll help!" Garganacl shouted. Together with Gholdengo, they battered the steel door, leaving massive dents. But before they could break through, all three succumbed to the gas.
Lokix ran to Garganacl, his concern overriding caution. The moment he inhaled, he collapsed as well. Through fading vision, he glimpsed a small, orange-haired figure with a propeller cap before his world went dark.
Arboliva fell next, her plant-like body absorbing the gas. She swayed gracefully before collapsing with surprising dignity.
Toedscruel muttered a string of curses as she attached her tentacles to her chair, refusing to fall completely like the others, keeping her dignity.
Meowscarada leaned back, her posture resigned. "Should've seen this coming," she murmured before slumping sideways.
The gas claimed Kilowattrel, who's guitar nearly slid off, then Revavroom who was just about to try ramming the door, and finally Orthworm, who clutched her metallic mouth in a futile effort to resist, a single tear fell from her eye when the pain of clutching her mouth shut.
Grafaiai tried to get one final rhyme before collapsing, but nothing came out. Flamigo, still laughing, clapped his wings weakly. He inhaled deeply, speeding his own fall and negating caffeine that kept him going until now. As he sank to his knees, he rasped to the room of now unconscious Pokemon, "It's finally time… Welcome to Paldea Village!"
With that, Flamigo toppled, catching a glimpse of a clawed shadow in the doorway before unconsciousness took him.
000
The next thing anyone knew, they were lying on a sprawling bed of sand, a soft breeze brushing against their faces. The group stirred groggily, all waking up around the same time. They were piled together awkwardly, limbs tangled, disoriented but otherwise unharmed.
As they sat up, a wave of confusion swept over them. Their bodies were intact, their belongings scattered nearby, untouched and unlooted. It was as if nothing physical had been taken from them—except time. They all felt a strange grogginess, as though they'd been asleep for hours.
Amid the disarray, one thing stood out. The 24th member—the one both Lokix had noticed earlier—was now fully present among them.
Gholdengo, brushing sand off his metallic form, was the first to approach the unfamiliar figure. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice friendly but cautious.
The young Pokémon hesitated, his fluffy orange fur bristling slightly. "P-Pawmot," he stammered. He stood on two legs, his small frame covered in orange fur with green ears, a white snout, and a tuft of fluffy hair atop his head. A colorful propeller cap spun lightly in the breeze. Despite being fully evolved, it was clear from his demeanor and size that he was very young. "Where am I?" he asked, his voice trembling.
The others looked around, trying to get their bearings. The open sky stretched endlessly above them, and the vast horizon was dotted with distant waves. It was a stark contrast to the professional waiting room where they had been just moments—or hours—before.
Garganacl's deep, rumbling voice broke the silence. "Does… DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON?!" His booming question echoed across the empty expanse of sand, capturing the shared bewilderment of the group.
Twenty-four pairs of eyes scanned their surroundings, blurring with unease as they took in the unfamiliar island. The soft rustle of the breeze did little to ease the tension. Something was wrong—terribly wrong—and none of them had the faintest idea what it was.
000
END OF CHAPTER: 24 Remain Alive!
000
And that's a wrap on the first chapter 'Start'! In a surprising twist, everyone has made it out alive—at least for now. They even find themselves on a seemingly pleasant island setting. Of course, the alive part won't hold true for very long.
This chapter is one of the few exceptions to the usual naming convention for the story's chapters. Normally, each chapter will be titled after a sound effect tied to the Pokémon who meets their end—and the manner of their demise.
For convenience, here's a cast list along with their titles. Some of the titles may seem off now, but they'll make a lot more sense as events unfold in the next chapter.
Male: Kilowattrel: The Chill Guitarist: Age 21.
Male: Flamigo: The Thrill Seeker: Age 26.
Female: Tinkaton: The Obnoxious Gremlin: Age 23.
Male: Lokix: The Saddened Hero: Age 27.
Female: Brambleghast: The Wandering Writer: Age 22.
Male: Garganacl: The Out-there Astronaut: Age 27.
Female: Bellibolt: The Klutzy Optimist: Age 24.
Male: Farigiraf: The Cynical Guy: Age 29.
Female: Espathra: The Exploitative Historian: Age 24.
Female: Baxcalibur: The Gentle Behemoth: Age 33.
Male: Gholdengo: The Cool Bodyguard: Age 34.
Male: Grafaiai: The Rhyming Artist: Age 26.
Female: Orthworm: The Nosy Reporter: Age 22.
Female: Cetitan: The Sketchy Surgeon: Age 35.
Male: Scovillain: The Rageful Bully: Age Age 23.
Male: Dachsbun: The Kind Baker: Age 32.
Female: Arboliva: The Serious Farmer: Age 38.
Male: Pawmot: The Innocent Kid: Age 12.
Female: Meowscarada: The Performing Occultist: Age 25.
Female: Toedscruel: The Wealthy Brat: Age 16.
Female: Revavroom: The Handy Mechanic: Age 27.
Male: Tatsugiri: The Little Pipsqueak: Age 26.
Male: Glimmora: The Weird Loner: Age 23.
Male: Palafin: The Bombastic Leader: Age 28.
You should all enjoy guessing who the killer is, even if at this point there's no evidence for or against anyone. After all, no one's dead yet. I will gladly read any predictions people may have.
Klawf: Review! I put a lot of effort into those phone calls.