Trinity of Loss

by

The Analyzer

Chapter 2: Uehara to McCoy

"So, what do you think of Tokyo?"

Minami glanced up from her window watching. They were traveling in a taxi to the nearest subway station, hoping to catch a train to the airport. Their business in Tokyo was done and it was time to get back to Okinawa. Minami had been thinking about reuniting with her mother and catching the waves when the driver talked to her.

"I'm sorry?"

"I said," the driver introduced a bite of impatience in his voice, "what do you think of Tokyo? You don't sound like you're from around here, so I was curious about your opinion."

Minami glanced at her father, who was absorbed in a phone conversation. There had been apparently a program screw up at an Osaka office and Mr. Uehara was offering up so many codes, it might as well have been a foreign language to Minami. Seeing her father was going to be no help, Minami reluctantly responded.

"Yes," she said finally. "I like Tokyo. It's a big, noisy city, but there are nice people here."

The driver laughed. "And it isn't big and noisy where you are from?"

"I'm from a small town in Okinawa."

Minami could see the driver's thick eyebrows rise in the rearview mirror. "Ah. I sometimes forget there are places in Japan that are pretty quiet. I sometimes wish I could move to those towns."

"Why?" Minami was puzzled by the slight resentment in the last sentence.

"Don't you watch the news, little lady!" The driver waved a hand in surprise. "This city is the Digimon capital of the world! You can't go a day without hearing some monster or another has popped up. It just sets you on edge, even when they aren't hurting anybody."

The driver's tone was rising throughout the rant, a mixture of anger and stress. Minami had read of dangerous cities where a high amount of violence incurred a lot of health-destabilizing fear. She felt sympathy for the man.

"Well, not all Digimon are bad. Some are pretty nice. Like the ones partnered to the Digimon Tamers. They help protect the city a lot, don't you think?"

The driver snorted. "Yeah, those kids. Well they do protect us, I give them that. But there's something unnatural about it all – monsters from another world and children who bond with them. Some of them can even combine with these Digimon. That's something for movies, not real life! It makes me nervous. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't hang out with anyone who associates with Digimon. You're just painting a big red target on your back."

They were almost to the station, but Minami barely paid attention to that. She felt numb after the blast of contempt and fear from the driver. Her bond with Mei, Shiisamon, had been strengthened by Juri, who she wouldn't have known if not for the Digimon. Minami felt like these connections were being attacked and she couldn't keep down the bubbling of anger as the taxi slowed to a stop.

"I hope you're never in danger, sir." Minami told the driver once she and her father got out. Mr. Uehara had given him a friendly tip and the driver was giving him his compliments. "Really. Then you would have to deal with being rescued by the Tamers. And they would have to deal with your prejudice. I know it's difficult to understand, but you don't have to be close-minded about it."

The driver's face turned to one of surprise. He obviously hadn't thought a sweet girl like Minami would talk in such a cold tone and he was rooted to the spot as Minami stalked into the station. Mr. Uehara was her silent shadow, even as shame clenched her stomach.

"I shouldn't have said that." Minami said. It wasn't a question.

"You could have put it more gently, yes." Mr. Uehara answered. "But I understand your anger."

"I thought you were caught up with the Osaka thing."

"Doesn't mean I didn't have an ear out while you two were talking."

Minami was silent for a moment as she processed her emotions. "Do you feel the V-Pet incident was unnatural, Father? I know you have nightmares about it, so you can be honest with me."

Mr. Uehara put a hand to his chin, tired eyes unfocused as they descended the stairs toward the ticket dispensers. Minami's mother always teased him about his dreaminess, that he had been born in the wrong reality and that his tired eyes were the only part in contact with the correct one. Now Minami observed memories flash before them with mixes of pain and amazement.

"I still have nightmares," he finally said, "about when you escaped from the island. I could see Tamashiro's face, when we saw his true colors for the first time, cornering you in an alley. I see the demonic V-Pets reigning terrible destruction upon the world. So yes, I consider some Digimon abominations. Just like I consider some of the worst people in human history abominations." Mr. Uehara smiled at Minami. "I understand no group is black and white, which is why I won't be scolding you today. I'm even proud of you. I hope you continue to have the fortitude to stand up to people, whether for your sake or others'."

Minami felt a pleasant flush creep into her pale cheeks. "Thank you, Father. It's nice to have such support."

"It's nice to see you have support through new friends as well. I hope you keep in contact with this Katou Juri."

"Don't worry, I will."

The conversation ended with Mr. Uehara being preoccupied with getting the tickets. Minami was reassuringly fingering the paper with Juri's contact info in her purse. She couldn't believe she made this new, amazing friend. Minami also couldn't believe Juri survived the abuse of the D-Reaper for so many weeks. It was a miracle Juri was functional at all, and Minami couldn't help admiring her for it. She had been absolutely terrified by the D-Reaper from her comfortable home in Okinawa. She could still remember the crimson blob that engulfed Japan's capital, with its drones fighting the Tamers and the military. She found all the drones creepy, but what she particularly found disturbing were the bird-like creatures with the vacant eyes. Minami could almost see them now, hovering motionlessly, blank eyes unrevealing of their true nature.

It took a moment for Minami to realize there were bird-like creatures currently hovering near the ceiling as well.

A series of explosions rocked the ticket area. High-pitched screams and bellows of pain pierced the air in alarm of the debris falling around them and the owl-like creatures attacking them. Mr. Uehara grabbed Minami's hand and followed the crowd into retreat, which was deeper into the subway.

"Shouldn't we be fleeing to the surface?" Minami panted.

"The Digimon are up there as well." A woman ahead of her shouted. "There's no way out!"

"Don't worry, Minami." Mr. Uehara said. "We'll get through this."

Caught up in the terror, Minami was comforted by such words. But as the crowd slowed in getting through a door, a piece of the ceiling detached itself and descended upon the pair.

"Look out!"

A man pushed them out of the way of the debris. Still gripping them, he guided them through the door and down the stairs. People in uniform were shouting directions to the nearest shelters, the crowd thinning as those fleeing parted down different hallways. After four floors, the crowd Minami and her father were in were guided into a dark empty room, where everyone quieted to fearful whispers. Mr. Uehara and Minami settled against the wall, where they got a good look at their rescuer.

He was a kind-looking westerner in his fifties, with short red hair and blue eyes under his spectacles. As he settled down beside the pair, Minami couldn't help but notice his greater height and width. He looked vaguely familiar.

"That was a close call there." The westerner said, in fluent Japanese. "I'm not up to big rescues at my age, but I couldn't allow you to get hurt."

"Thank you very much for saving me and my daughter." Mr. Uehara bowed his head.

"No problem." The westerner raised a hand for Mr. Uehara to shake. "My name is Robert McCoy. Please to make your acquaintance. "

Mr. Uehara's eyes widened. "Likewise. Forgive me if this is rude, but…are you the same Robert McCoy that was part of the Wild Bunch who had a hand in creating Digimon all these years ago?"

"In the current situation, I'd advise we be quiet about that." Mr. McCoy whispered, smiling. "But yes, I'm that man. And who are you? I swear I've seen you on the news before."

"I'm afraid you have." Mr. Uehara said wryly. "My name is Uehara Takehito."

"The man who invented the V-Pet." Mr. McCoy mused. "Now I remember, you were interviewed about the resolution of the V-Pet incident."

"I caused nothing but trouble in that department." Mr. Uehara waved to her daughter. "My child, Minami, was one of the ones who saved the day."

"Nice to meet you." Mr. McCoy bowed his head. "Oh, forgive me for not introducing my granddaughter. This is Alice. Say hello, Alice."

Minami looked to Mr. McCoy's left. A blonde girl in dark gothic clothing had her legs curled beside him. Her skin was as pale as her blue eyes, which stared at nothing. Minami was startled. The girl had been so silent, Minami hadn't even noticed she was there.

Alice raised her head to stare at Minami and Mr. Uehara. Before Minami could get too uncomfortable, Alice lowered her head and replied.

"Nice to make your acquaintance."

After that quiet greeting, Alice resumed staring at nothing. Mr. McCoy didn't seem troubled by her granddaughter's rudeness. His attention had switched over to swapping stories about their Digimon experiences, lighting up over similarities. The other people in the room weren't so cheerful.

The room was eerily silent, in a manner that even hushed terrified whispers and sobs. Most people were learning against any wall space that was available. A few more authoritative types were standing near the door, or pacing around to make sure no one was out of line. A young man had a red radio out and was fiddling with the knobs, trying to find a station that wasn't full of static.

Minami gazed at Alice nervously for a bit. She was eerily calm despite the whole situation. Since their guardians were occupied, they only had each other to talk to, but Minami had difficulty breaking awkward silences. Reminded of Juri's courage, she decided to try.

"It's nice to meet you as well, Alice-san."

Alice's pale eyes snapped toward Minami, who flinched slightly. After a moment, Alice nodded and resumed staring into space. Biting her lip, Minami decided to try once more.

"So…how are you doing, Alice-san? What are you doing in Japan?"

"I'm doing well." Alice finally replied, still not looking at her. "My grandfather is here to meet up with old friends, and invited me to come along."

"That's nice. My father invited me to come along as well, to see the wonders of Tokyo."

Alice nodded, but didn't reply. Minami could sense this conversation route reaching a dead end, and mentally scrambled for any topic that could be discussed. Her mind landed on Mei.

"Do you have any pets? I love dogs, and I use to have a cute one called Mei until he passed away over a year ago."

This got an unexpected reaction. Alice twitched, her eyes unconsciously narrowing slightly, as though holding something back. Gritted teeth were briefly shown before they were once again hidden by pale lips. Four seconds later, her expression had returned to eerie calmness.

Minami was distressed. "I'm – I'm sorry. Did I bring up something painful?"

"Yes."

"Then maybe I shouldn't bother you. Sorry."

There was no conversation after that. Mr. Uehara and Mr. McCoy continued talking, but Minami and Alice stared in opposite direction, trying not to look at each other. Minami scolded herself for her rudeness. Not everyone was social, a concept Minami was familiar with. But her instinct to make sure no one was alone was imbedded into her, so she hurt someone. Alice apparently had some troubling memories involving pets, which tugged at her curiosity. No matter what commonality they might possess, though, Minami shouldn't pry into Alice's business if the latter didn't want to share.

The young man with the radio finally got the instrument to work. The others in the room turned their heads and even inched forward to hear a woman's voice come out of the tiny silver speaker.

"…ward and the Digimon known as Falcomon continue to ravage the area. Citizens have taken shelter in their homes and businesses, but what has really drawn concern were the commuters of the subway. With all JR lines to the area suspended, rescue workers are trying to gain access through certain routes to check upon their – wait, more Digimon are entering the area. It can't be…yes, it's the Digimon Tamers! The Tamers are here to fight the Falcomon!"

There were a few cheers in the room, and Minami's spirits were lifted as well. Not that far above them, Minami's old friends were doing what they did best, saving the day. Minami turned to see how Alice reacted to the news, and was only somewhat surprised to see her not reacting at all. She didn't know whether Alice was too blasé to react, or if she wasn't listening at all.

"…these Digimon are the same ones who fought the D-Reaper over a year back. There's what appears to be a biker man with black wings, a cute pink thing, a giant rabbit, a brown robot, a woman in golden armor…"

Alice flinched, and Minami looked at her in concern.

"Are you alright, Alice-san?" Minami said.

"I'm fine." Alice answered curtly.

"Okay, if you're sure." After a second, Minami hastily added. "You know, you can always talk about it with me, if you want to."

"Why?" Alice quirked an eyebrow.

"I've gone through strange and traumatic experiences." Minami said quietly. "And I think you have too. Do they have anything to do with Digimon?"

This elicited a startled look from Alice. She gazed up at the ceiling again, but this time there was a trace of sadness in her eyes. There was a long silence. Minami felt more and more like she had kicked a puppy and glanced down, opening her mouth to apologize.

"His name was Dobermon."

"What?"

Minami raised her head. Alice's gaze was wistful this time. Though Alice didn't speak for a moment, Minami got the feeling that the girl's brevity would be put on hold this time.

"His name was Dobermon." Alice repeated finally. "I met him during the days of the D-Reaper. I came with my grandfather last time he went to this country, so I was often by myself as he worked with his old friends. We were moved to a new apartment when the D-Reaper came and Grandfather told me to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. One day, I broke that promise when I saw some fog from the window to our living room.

"I knew the type of fog I spotted foreshadowed the realization of a Digimon. Grandfather told me about it, and the dangerous Digimon that come out of it. I knew this, and yet I came onto the streets, curious to see who or what would come out. Eventually, I saw a big silhouette approaching me and either fear or awe froze me on the spot. Having a giant Doberman approaching you isn't an everyday occurrence, you know. But when Dobermon politely asked for directions to the Digimon Tamers, something stirred inside me. I must help this being and I insisted on coming along in spite Dobermon's warnings of danger. He reluctantly let met follow."

Alice paused, the slightest of smiles gracing her lips. In the background, the voice of the newswoman filled in the silence.

"…the Tamers are having difficulty, but are beating back the Falcomon. This is exciting, everyone. If they manage to destroy them, then Tokyo would be peaceful for another day."

"The going was peaceful at first." Alice continued. "The streets were generally abandoned and we were able to ask each other about our backgrounds. I told him about my home back in America and how I generally felt alien to everyone, and he told me why he was created and how he was determined to fulfill his destiny. I found it sad that he was born to sacrifice himself. What kind of life was that, I thought. Dobermon should be able to eat and play and simply breathe for a long time, and not be a sacrifice. After some battles against the D-Reaper agents, I told him so and he seemed touched by my concern. Nevertheless, he was bound to his duty.

"Despite the terrifying dangers that became more frequent as we got closer to the D-Reaper and the Tamers, the time I spent with Dobermon were some of the happiest moments of my life. I began to connect with someone who understood me and didn't judge me, and Dobermon was beginning to develop a mind of his own as the hours past. To my sadness, being pursued by the latest agents led us to being rescued by the Tamers. Right there, he thanked me before sacrificing himself so the Tamers could merge with their partners in the Real World. My duty done and my friend lost, I left the Tamers to their battle. And you know something?

"His sacrifice was in vain."

Alice fell silent, her pale eyes wet. In the background, the newswoman's voice turned frantic.

"Another Digimon has appeared, one that seems to be in charge of the Falcomon. It's giving the Tamers a tough time – no, the brown robot has been knocked out of the battle and the giant rabbit looks severely injured. This is turning into a nightmare!"

Minami faintly registered the news. She was too busy acknowledging the revelation that there were three children in the world who watched their Digimon die. Minami felt a surge of comfort knowing she and Juri weren't alone. Then she felt ill. How could it be, out of the dozen children granted with the unique privilege of having a Digimon friend, a quarter of them had lost those friends? What was the point of those deaths, and the deaths and misery experienced so much around Earth. Was the world so horrible, so vile, that it could even strike the most minuscule, special of groups? For a moment, she believed Alice's pronouncement. Dobermon's sacrifice was in vain and so was Mei's, and Minami could only feel anger toward the world for taking their precious friends away from them.

Then the image of kind, strong brown eyes filled her mind, and all of Minami's hopelessness drained away.

"Why was it hopeless?"

Alice turned to stare at her. "What?"

"Why was Dobermon's sacrifice in vain. May you explain?"

"It's because in the end, there are still threats to the world's existence." Alice said. "It's because of attacks like the one we're hiding from that Dobermon's sacrifice means nothing."

"No, it wasn't."

Alice blinked in surprise at Minami's quiet, but firm rebuttal.

"You're still here today, right? All of us are still here today after the D-Reaper. That means your Digimon friend's sacrifice wasn't in vain."

"But we could still die here." Alice said, her monotone wavering in protest. "And there could be another threat to the world that would destroy us for good. I don't want to discard Dobermon's selflessness, but-"

"Do you value the additional days that Dobermon's sacrifice has given you and your family?"

Alice fell silent. She stared uncertainly at nothing as the radio blared.

"The Tamers and their Digimon are very beat up. Some of them seem permanently out of action. But the knight is standing tall against the Yatagaramon. I can't make out what he's saying, but it's making his friends stand up as well…"

"There are days where it doesn't feel worth it, I admit." Alice said finally. "But there're days that I spend with members of my family. Those times, I remember Dobermon fondly and even silently thank him. These are the days he died for. But when there are so many days where something goes wrong somewhere in the world, I can't help but lose hope…"

"I had a Digimon friend who died to save the world as well." Minami said. Alice looked up in surprise. "Before that, he was my pet. Needless to say, it was complicated but when he sacrificed himself to save my life and then the world, there were days I appreciated his sacrifice, but most of the time I was sad. It wasn't until I met supportive people and those who continued to fight the good fight that I managed to heal. Supportive and fighting people like the Digimon Tamers. Meeting people who share similar experiences like you. Dobermon and Mei probably didn't expect peace to come for good after their sacrifices. But they did expect those of us who remained standing to fight on, even if it can be hopeless. Even if we lose in the end, at least our sacrifice wasn't in vain. At least we had many more years and decades to enjoy life!"

Alice didn't respond immediately. Minami closed her eyes in embarrassment. Oh, she definitely stepped out of line this time. Alice probably thought Minami was a bully for trying to force her optimism upon her. Minami came with good intentions. She didn't like people suffering, especially those she shared similar experiences with. But that didn't excuse it, and Minami opened her mouth to apologize.

"You're right."

Minami's eyes snapped open. Alice was looking away slightly, but she no longer wore a depressed expression. A slight smile had returned to her lips, and her eyes were no longer downcast.

"Dobermon wouldn't want me to behave like that." Alice continued. "He would like me to live on for him. I guess I never thought of him that way and I was only thinking about the immediate battle. Dobermon probably was too, but…in the short time I knew him, I know he would want me and others to continue the fight to live. That's what he wanted the Tamers to do, in retrospect. So your right, Minami-san." Alice looked directly at Minami with a smile. "In the memory of my Digimon friend, I shouldn't fall into despair but fight...to continue living."

At that moment, the girls finally connected. Minami returned Alice's smile, and the radio blared excitedly.

"The Tamers did it, they deleted the Yatagaramon! They might be broken and injured, but the battle is over. Some of the Falcomon have come out to surrender, and-"

"They did it!"

"They won!"

"We can finally get out of here!"

"There, there, everyone, we can't leave now, we must-"

The officer guarding the room was vainly attempting to calm down rising excitement of the crowd in the shelter. A few people had already risen in preparation for leaving, and others were gathering their belongings in case of an announcement.

"Yes, the Tamers have won!" Minami turned to find her father looking at her happily, awakening her to the presence of their guardians for the first time. "Isn't that wonderful, Minami?"

"It is." Minami smiled and nodded.

"I, for one, feel better now we can get out of these stuffy underground tunnels." Mr. McCoy stretched his arms carefully. "I should have known the kids who faced the D-Reaper head on would be able to take care of a few owls. What do you say, my granddaughter?"

"I look forward to staying in Tokyo peacefully for a few days." Alice said.

"We won't be so lucky, soon." Mr. Uehara said. "We're going to have to sit in a plane for a few hours."

"I think we will be able tolerate it after what we went through today." Minami said.

"Though we won't have such good company like yours, Mr. McCoy." Mr. Uehara said.

"Oh, you're very complimentary, Mr. Uehara." Mr. McCoy replied. "We should make sure to keep in touch."

A few minutes later, a voice came over the system announcing people could begin leaving their shelters. Minami and the others in the room gathered their things and joined the throng out of the door. There were more officers, guiding them carefully through debris as rescue work and cleanup efforts began. Soon enough, they were out in the air and Mr. Uehara had his phone out.

"Calling the taxi service. The two of us are going to need to plan the next nearest route to the airport."

"I think I can help with that." Mr. McCoy said. "I've spent some time in Tokyo and know a few of the routes."

While the men worked out the most efficient manner to catch a plane to Okinawa, Minami and Alice were working out the best way to bid farewell.

"It was nice meeting you, Alice." Minami began. "Can I call you Alice?"

"You can. And it was nice meeting you as well." Alice smiled. "Thank you for helping me deal with the pain of Dobermon's loss."

"Don't you have any friends to help you with that?"

"Not really. I mean, I haven't been bullied or anything, but I'm not exactly the social type. Not to mention, there aren't many people who share my experiences except you and Katou Juri."

Minami thought carefully for a moment. Then she dug through her pursue for a pen and scrap of paper, and began writing.

"You should talk to Juri." Minami said. "She's a really nice girl, so she won't be overwhelming."

"What are you doing?"

"I'm writing her contact information." Minami paused. "Come to think of it, I should write some of my contact information too. And you should as well, I'm going to need another pen and piece of paper. We're going to stay in touch, right?"

Alice nodded, understanding.

Minami eventually found another piece of paper and pen, and thrust it into Alice's hands. Minami heard rough scribbling from Alice as she hurriedly finished writing her contact information. Alice was a bit slower on the matter. Minami supposed Alice was still a novice in the Japanese writing systems, and smiled sympathetically. She patiently waited for Alice to finish before they clumsily exchanged the papers and Minami got her pen back (Minami being careful not to hand over her second pen as well). Minami and Alice smiled at each other.

"Again, it's nice meeting you." Minami said. "Please meet up with Juri. She can have some wise things to say, and she wouldn't believe you're imposing on her."

"I'll keep that in mind." Alice murmured. "I hope we see each other again, even if we can keep in touch."

"Likewise. It would put less of a strain on the phone bill." Minami giggled before being solemn. "You can contact me at any time. I might not be there right away, but I'll still be there."

Alice "Thanks. Well, farewell."

"Bye. Enjoy Tokyo, now there's no D-Reaper to ruin it!"

Alice nodded, smiling fully this time. This was the last sight Minami saw as Alice and her father waved, and slipped around the corner.

"It seems you have made a new friend, Minami." Mr. Uehara said.

Minami looked up. "You mean you heard all of that?"

"As I said, I can listen to two conversations at once. And it's nice to see you comforting someone who you share your pain with."

"I know that. And I hope we can talk to each other soon. In the meantime…" Minami grabbed her father's hand. "Let's get to the airport soon, Father! It's been too long since I've seen the waves!"

Her father laughing, he and Minami ran forward to their newest beginning.

Next time…

McCoy to Katou