I had gone and brought everyone to the scene of the crime while Riku and Michio stayed to watch the body. Now, with everyone here, it still hadn't set in that Kaiya was really dead. She was such a sweet girl, she hadn't gotten on anyone's bad side, and was always looking out for everyone. I couldn't imagine why someone would choose to kill her of all people.

Immediately, Satchiko and Katashi had broken into tears, crouching by their fallen friend. I knew that the three had been close, and seeing the two so upset stabbed yet another knife at my heart.

"K-Kaiya... w-who would do this...?" Satchiko choked out.

"I shouldn't have let her... t-take a walk alone..." Katashi muttered.

"There ya go! That's what I've been wanting to see!" I turned around to see Monokuma standing behind us, that same stupid grin on his face. "That look of pure despair is truly wonderful!"

"I've had it with you!" Natsumi exclaimed, glaring at the bear and grinding her teeth. "You little piece of shit, someone just died and everything's all your fault!"

Monokuma just laughed. "Oh yes, this kind of despair is thrilling too!"

Natsumi's hands curled into fists, and she looked as if she was about to charge at the robot. Katashi quickly got up and grabbed her arm, stopping her.

"Natsumi, the rules-"

She cut him off. "Who gives a fuck about the rules?! Your friend just died, and you're gonna let him get away with laughing at that?!" Natsumi turned her gaze back to Monokuma. "You're dead, y'hear me!?"

"Natsumi!" Katashi tightened his grip. "P-please... I don't want to lose you too!"

Natsumi looked to the boy, but immediately averted her gaze. "Don't give me that look...."

The blonde had seemed to calm down, and she took a step back as Katashi released her. Monokuma handed out the new Monokuma Files to everyone, before leaving us to investigate.

I looked at the device, seeing that she had died at 8:00am, so just about twenty minutes ago. It also said the cause of death was strangulation, which explained the lack of blood.

I hesitantly approached the body, crouching down by it to get a better look. Satchiko was still kneeling next to Kaiya, and seeing me, she wiped her tears. I moved Kaiyas orange hair out of the way to get a better look at her neck. It was red and bruising, obviously immense pressure was applied all around. I didn't see anything around that could've been the murder weapon, but if it was strangulation, there's the possibility the killer could've used their hands.

"Satchiko..." I hesitantly started, "do you know who might've done this?"

Satchiko shook her head. "N-no... she got along with everyone... m-maybe they just chose her because she couldn't defend herself...."

I gave a small nod. There wasn't really anything else in the hallway, and I felt a small spark of fear at the thought that we may not be able to solve the case. I shook the thought away, and looked back to Satchiko. "Do you wanna come check her room with me?"

"Yeah..." Satchiko said before standing up. I stood as well, and together, we made our way back to the hotel.

~*~

We walked into Kaiya's room, and immediately Cinder ran up to us meowing. She rubbed up against Satchiko's legs, and the strawberry blonde picked up the grey kitten, hugging her close.

I walked further into the room, looking around for anything that may be useful. I spotted a familiar folder on a small desk, and though I knew it probably wouldn't help, curiosity got the best of me. I picked it up, and opened it, seeing a single picture.

It was of what looked like a dead cat, laying on the ground in a puddle of blood. Around it were three kittens, one pawing at the corpse, and the other two looked like they were desperately meowing. I guessed that the dead cat was probably their mother.

I looked at the attached note, avoiding looking at the picture any longer. If it was heartbreaking for me, someone who wasn't even a cat person, I couldn't imagine how Kaiya had felt.

What will happen to the kittens now? Without a mother or caretaker, have they managed to survive on their own? Escape, and you can save them!

I placed the folder back on the desk, looking back at Satchiko.

"What was it?" She asked, petting the cat in her arms.

"Nothing important..." I responded. "Just Kaiya's motive."

Suddenly, the monitor in the room switched on, and a feeling of dread washed over me.

"Time's up! Stop your investigations, and head on down for the class trial! Let's see who really killed Kaiya Minami!"