The Thing About Names
Summary: When Zaraki's most respected mentor returns to the Gotei 13, it's their second meeting after tens of years have passed. As she meets her namesake and the young boy she once instructed, their bond continues to grow and strengthen, all on the basis of a little thing called a name…
Prologue
The stench of spilled blood filled the small forest clearing. A rough looking man with tattered robes and a crudely hewn wooden sword gave one last kick to the boy's abdomen as he and his two friends laughed. "And stay down you little piece of shit."The leader spat out. The boy struggled to get up on his feet, his breathing uneven and haggard. He pushed up from his palms and was soon flung to the dirt floor once again. The leader bent down to the boy's ear, his voice a harsh rasp, "Why doncha' take a nice nap now eh? No one's gonna miss ya." With that whispered declaration he landed a heavy blow to the boy's temple and straightened as the child slumped over, unconscious.
"Way to go boss. He ain't gonna trouble us no mo'." A grizzled looking man with dark hair and beady eyes smirked.
"Tch. I'd be surprised if he even lives to see the next day. Let's get outa here."
"You got it boss." The third man twanged and the three looked over their shoulders before making a hasty exit.
At the very edge of the clearing a young woman with flowing red hair and tawny eyes surveyed the scene before her wearily. "Some things just never change huh."
She plopped down to her haunches next to him and poked him gently in one dirt covered cheek. "Oi. Kid. You alright?" All she got was a quiet groan of pain. "Guess not then... Umph." With a grunt she picked up the boy by his arms and slung him over her shoulders. "Let's get you patched up." She headed towards the main entrance where the forest met the barbed wire fence of District #80, the Zaraki district.
"Don't...need you... t' carry...I can walk..." The boy mumbled into her shoulder.
"Don't make me laugh kid. You couldn't even walk if you tried." She gave a little smile in amusement.
"Shut. Up." He protested weakly.
"Hey, what's your name kid?"
"Don't got one..." He coughed.
"Hm. Well, we'll have to remedy that."
"Why d'ya care anyway. You nosy... broad..."
"Oi Oi. No need to get rude kid." She replied good naturedly.
"Don't call me kid. Woman."
"Tch. Brat."
They walked in silence for a couple of minutes and allowed the tranquility of the forest to wash through them. Sunlight streamed through the leafy branches on the taller trees and there was a quietness that permeated through the area that was uncommon in the Rukongai, especially in the outer districts.
The woman felt the boy on her shoulders shift slightly. "So. Uh..." he coughed again. "Do ya gota name?"
The woman's full lips quirked up slightly. "It's not important."
Silence again. Then a beat later, "I've always wanted a name..."
"Yea kid? The thing about names is that they can be tricky things. Anonymity can be priceless you know?"
"I want people to know who I am." Was the stubborn reply.
"Well. Don't worry about it. You'll get one. Life has one in store for you. Everything and everyone has a name."
"Ain't that...philosophical."
She laughed, a trilling sound, "You're pretty smart for a kid, kid."
A weak laugh, then, "Don't call me kid."
"You know, maybe I will tell you my name."
"What is it?" he said. She could tell that his voice was getting weaker and she sped up slightly.
"It's Yachiru kid, you can call me Chiru."
There is a game
A naming game
Where winners win, and proclaim their fame
Where losers lose but feel no shame
For why bother with that drowning emotion
When in fact no one
Even remembers your name?
A/N: Well? Whatcha think?