A/N: Ichigo POV of the day and time with Madame Pomfrey. Healing is afoot.
A Reaper-less Death chapter 8
Mindscape.
Ichigo appears in the sideways landscape and sees Old Man Zangetsu, White and Kyōka speaking on the side of a small building. As they notice his arrival they stop speaking and step away from each other. White stands still for a bit then he wanders away looking around. Kyōka says, "Good evening, Ichigo. How can I help you tonight?"
"Tomorrow I will be meeting with a healer of this world. I would like to be able to share some of our magic with her to gain her trust, as well as to compare our healing magics." Says Ichigo.
"Ah, so you want to learn some of the Kaidō, good. We can certainly do that. It would be good for you to know some. So, the Kaidō are different from other types of Kidō. There are no chants or forms or numbers. The caster just holds their hands over the patient and exert their Reiatsu as well as that of the patients to heal their wounds. When done properly green energy will leave your hands and expand around the wounded area and start the repairs and healing.
"So, we will create some wounds for you to learn to heal. White, if you would come over here, please." As White approaches, Kyōka sends out a flurry of attacks creating numerous wounds with high end Hadō attacks. As White is flabbergasted that he is wounded, Kyōka says, "Now I can teach you how to heal these wounds. White, please sit." She manipulates the Mindscape to create a table and indicates for White to lie down.
She spends several hours teaching Ichigo the healing and how to adjust his spiritual pressure for different types of healing. As White's wounds are healed, she creates new wounds for Ichigo to practice on. Once they are all done, she helps White from the table, "Thank you White for your assistance. Now Ichigo, do you have any questions?" White storms away from them and walks out of sight to another part of the mindscape.
"Yes, I do, what about healing of the mind. I have been instructed that they have a curse that tortures people and can break the mind. Would I be able to heal them with the Kaidō?"
"A very good question. To be honest, I would have to be present to scan them. We could use your magic to get a reading of their body and mind. After I have seen them, I could determine the strength of the magic needed and where to apply it for best results. I will say upfront, that we may not be able to heal them in one time or even at all. We might have to do it over several weeks. Once we meet this healer, I can let you know if we can teach her our magic as well."
"Thank you Kyōka, when she arrives in the morning, you can determine if she can be taught our magic, or a variation of it. How would you be able to let me know, it is not like I can just come into the mindscape while Madame Pomfrey is here?"
"Zangetsu and I will determine how I can communicate to you. I think we are done for tonight." Responds Kyōka, she turns to Old Man Zangetsu and starts to talk as Ichigo fades away and sleeps the rest of the night away.
In the morning after Sirius and Harry leave for the reading of the Will, Ichigo waits in the dining area for Madame Pomfrey to arrive. As Ichigo reads through some of the schoolbooks to get familiar with the theories, he hears a knock on the door and then Madame Pomfrey arrives.
As Madame Pomfrey enters the kitchen area, Ichigo rises from his seat and gives her a bow of greeting and respect. He inquires if she has had breakfast, which she answers that she had. Ichigo then offers tea as they sit and talk for a time. "As I recall from our first meeting, you were very interested in the scans you made of me, what would you like to know?" Says Ichigo.
Madame Pomfrey almost vibrates with excitement, "Yes, I am very curious as to what my scans revealed. You had told me you were a Shinigami, a Quincy and a Hollow. Could you explain those to me please, like Professor McGonagall I do not know those terms."
Ichigo thinks for a moment and starts, "A Shinigami is a member of the Soul Society. Typically, these are people have already passed from the living world and moved on. When they are a spirit, if they exhibit a high spiritual presence, we call it spiritual pressure, they are recruited to become a Shinigami. For some strange reason, I have a very high spiritual pressure even though I am very much alive. When I choose to be the Shinigami, I leave my body and can only be seen as a spirit and my appearance changes. Before I came to this world, Recently, I learned to manifest my powers while in the living world, and my appearance will change when I do that.
"Now, a Quincy is someone that has learned to manifest their spiritual pressure. They use an amulet, in the form of a cross, these amulets can be used to become bows of various strengths and purpose. The Quincy's are mostly of German heritage and destroy Hollows. My mother was a Quincy that feel in love with my father, who happened to be a Shinigami. And here I am."
Pomfrey looks to be processing the information, then asks, "What is a Hollow then?"
Ichigo nods and thinks how to best answer her question. "Hollows are souls that have not crossed over, as they stay in living world, they become corrupt and start to devour other spirits either from the living or deceased. When I was young, I could see the spirits, and I later learned that for some reason I was born with soul of a captured Hollow. I eventually learned that it had to do with my mother and what she did before meeting my father. I don't understand very much myself to be honest with you. I learned to control it, and it will manifest as a mask that I can pull over my face and can use some of their powers.
"After talking with the others here, I think that your dementors are similar to Hollows of my world. They are spirits with a physical body. Your dementors can suck the joy and happiness from a person, which would be similar to a Hollow eating a person's soul. I cannot consume a soul like a true Hollow, but I can use other abilities they have. And when I first arrived, I think I used some of that to scare off the dementors that was sent after Harry."
Ichigo calms himself, remembering the loss of his mother, and explaining it all, he says, "Is there anything else I can answer for you?"
Madame Pomfrey things and replies, "I think you have answered to my curiosity. Thank you for that. Now let's discuss the healing magics of our world and compare to yours. I know that the Japanese magic is different from ours, but I think yours is even different from the Japanese of our world."
Ichigo nods in agreement, "I have been looking at some books that are in the Black library and saw they have several on the Japanese style and yes, it is different. We do not call it magic, but spiritual pressure, but I think it is close enough and I can easily word it in such ways so it can relate."
As they are talking quietly for a time about the ways that Ichigo can heal, Molly and Ginny come into the kitchen area. Molly greets Pomfrey with a big smile, Pomfrey smiles back and waves to Ginny. Ron makes his way into kitchen and plops down in a chair next to Ichigo, seemingly unaware that Pomfrey is at the table. Minutes later, a bowl of porridge and toast is set down for Ron by Ginny. Ron eats and seems to become more awake. Ichigo and Pomfrey look on in horror at Ron's sloppy eating.
Ron suddenly realizes that Ichigo and Pomfrey are watching him and jolts upright. "Hi. When did you get here?" Ichigo laughs at Ron, "We were here when you came down. You just were not awake enough to realize. Good breakfast?" Ron looks at them than himself and wipes his face with a nearby napkin. "Uh yeah. Mom makes a great breakfast. I am sure she is making enough for everyone."
"I am sure she is, I already ate and so did Madame Pomfrey. I was wondering Ron, would you like to get out of cleaning duty for a while today?" Ichigo smiles big at Ron waiting for an answer. Ron looks around, seeing his mom is not close by, leans in and says, "You know I hate cleaning duty. So yes! What do you need me to do?" Ichigo looks to Pomfrey and they both smile wide.
Pomfrey gets up and goes into the coking area to talk to Molly. There is a loud gasp of shock and fear come from Molly. Ron looks over in concern, and then hears his mother laugh a bit. "I wonder what that is all about?" Ron puzzles to Ichigo.
"I think Madame Pomfrey is just talking to your mom to get your help; we don't want your mom mad at us for anything." Ron looks to the cooking area then back to Ichigo, "Good idea mate."
Pomfrey returns a few minutes later with a fresh cup of tea and smiles. "Molly was a bit concerned, but when I explained what we were needing, well let's say she understood my reasons. Do you have a place we can work so as not to bother anyone else?"
Ichigo nods, "Yes Sirius has provided a room for me for training purposes. It is just across the way here. Ron you ready to earn your break for today? Or do we need to wait for more breakfast?" Ron looks from Pomfrey to Ichigo and back, "You said earn?"
"Sure, how about I give you five galleons for your help this morning? That way you are helping us, and it is making it all worth your time. And you can have some pocket money for you when you go to Diagon Alley next week." Says Ichigo in a very serious tone. Ron looks at him and nods, "Yeah, sure I am ready. How long do you think this will take anyhow?"
Ichigo and Pomfrey look to each other. "Only a few hours, nothing too long. And on top of that Mr. Weasley, I will talk to Dumbledore about giving you some extra credit to one of your classes for your help as well. How does that sound?"
"Wow really Madame Pomfrey, that would be great. Can you have him apply it to my potions class, might be the only way I pass it this term." Agrees Ron.
Pomfrey smiles, "Of course Ron, I can certainly do that. Well Ichigo, shall we go then." Ichigo grabs his tea and the pot as well. He walks over to the wall and taps his elbow against it, the door appears and opens for him. "After you Madame Pomfrey, Ron are you coming?" Ron grabs a glass of milk from the table and follows them into the room.
As the door closes behind them, the candles along the walls light up the room. Pomfrey and Ron look around the room, seeing the practice dummies in the corners, thick pads on the floor and against some of the walls. Ron looks to Ichigo, "What kind of practice room is this?"
Ichigo laughs, "Well I do need a place to practice my wand work, I am not learning everything from just cleaning. So, I use this room, as well as I practice my combat skills too, I don't want those to get rusty. But for today, we will be working on healing magics, and you have agreed to be our practice dummy. Are you ready?"
The sudden realization hits Ron, his face goes pale as he looks around. "Um, I don't think mom agreed to that. Maybe we should rethink this whole plan." Pomfrey speaks up, "Oh she knows what the plan is for today. When I explained that it will be a learning experience for you for patience and respect of the simple things. Like helping your friends and family to clean and to earn yourself some much-needed valor. After all, you are a lion of Gryffindor, aren't you?"
Over the next few hours Ichigo and Pomfrey perform many acts of damage to the unwilling Ron. Many times, Ron tries to escape but can never find the exit. Eventually, he starts to except his lot for the day and remembers, he is getting five galleons and extra credit for it all.
As they do the various magics of damage, much to the watchful eye of Ichigo as Pomfrey uses various hexes and curses, Ichigo first shows her his style and form of healing. How he uses his magic and Ron's magic to do the healing. Pomfrey looks on in awe and has him show her the forms several times. To Ron's astonishment, his arm is broken numerous times, luckily Pomfrey provides him a potion to take the pain away. After a few hours, Pomfrey feels she is understanding the way that Ichigo heals.
They take a short break to refresh tea and use a bathroom that manifests in a corner for them. When Ron reluctantly says he is ready again, Ichigo decides to change things up and to show Ron some combat maneuvers. Ron starts to enjoy the change of pace until Ichigo breaks Ron's fingers. Pomfrey steps up and uses her wand to scan and then chants the charms of healing. As Ron mends, Ichigo watches over intensely.
They continue for a couple of hours more and end once both are satisfied. Ichigo pulls a small bag from his pants and hands Ron five galleons. "As promised, and you know what because you were a good sport about it all, here are a couple more. But you need to use these for you and Ginny okay." Ron agrees and takes the galleons. Ichigo opens the door for Ron to exit and closes it behind him.
He looks to Madame Pomfrey, "It is a unique style you have mastered in healing. To be honest though, I think mine is a little better. I noticed the healing is faster and not as painful either. What are your thoughts?" As he voices this to Pomfrey, he feels a change in the room and sees something start to materialize. As he goes to grab his Zanpakutō, he hears Old Man Zangetsu in his mind.
"It is okay Ichigo, it is only Kyōka. She wishes to speak to you and the healer, so she is creating a form similar to your Shinigami form." Ichigo relaxes and pulls his hand back. As Kyōka forms she appears to be solid. She has pale skin with long black hair, tied into a bun at the back of her head. Her purple eyes shine bright as she looks at Ichigo and Pomfrey, as her form settles, her kimono is a royal purple with a swirling pattern. She gently touches to the floor with bare feet. She bows to Pomfrey and Ichigo.
"This is Kyōka, she is a spiritual advisor to me. This is Madame Pomfrey, the healer I spoke about last night." Says Ichigo before Pomfrey panics.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Madame Pomfrey, I was impressed with your healing skills and the efficiency in which you used your craft to heal our young victim. I do agree with Ichigo, I may be biased obviously, I think I may be able to help you learn to use our form and style as opposed to the wand and magic."
Pomfrey looks to Ichigo and then to Kyōka, "Thank you Lady Kyōka for the compliments. And I would very much like to learn your style of healing if you truly think it can work the same for me as it does for the two of you. I have a query though; may I touch you?'"
Kyōka smiles and laughs a bit, "Yes please do. You will realize that though I am a spirit, I am not like the ones you are used to. I know there are a couple in this place that I have seen." Pomfrey steps forward and carefully reach out her hand to touch Kyoka's arm. She chuckles as she realizes the solidity of her form. "This is truly amazing. I know many wizards would love to talk to you about how you are solid compared to the ghost of our world. But that is not what we are here for. Sorry for my curiosity."
Kyōka just smiles and nods her head. "Maybe if we are here long enough, we can have that discussion. For now, let's see if I can teach you, our healing. Ichigo, would you please be victim for these tests." Ichigo looks at her, "Must we use the word victim? How about volunteer?"
"As you wish. It makes no never mind to me. Pomfrey, do you know much about meditation?" Says Kyōka.
"Oh yes, I do, I do yoga and meditations on a daily basis. Have to stay flexible as a healer in a school full of rampant teenagers." Answers Pomfrey.
"Good, good. So, let's sit for a time to meditate and see if I can guide your spirit energy to move and respond like ours does." Kyōka sits on the floor while Pomfrey and Ichigo join her. They go some meditation exercises and Kyōka guides Pomfrey on how to find her magic core and tap into that energy.
Kyōka then reaches over and snaps Ichigo's wrist in a quick movement. Ichigo lets out a gasp of pain and surprise. Then Kyōka guides Pomfrey to use her Reiatsu, or inner magic to touch Ichigo's and convince the two magics to work together to heal him. It takes Pomfrey several minutes, but she finally gets it to work, and she sees the green energy leave her hands and Ichigo's wrist mend.
She claps her hand in surprise and awe of making it work. She looks to Ichigo and Kyōka. "That was brilliant as the kids say these days. So, with practice, do you think I could become as accomplished with this style as Ichigo?"
Kyōka replies, "Honestly, I think you can be better. After all, you are already a healer and know how the mending should work to repair the damage. Ichigo is good for only learning the style just last night. But he is more aware of our style of 'magic' then you are. I think if you practice it regularly, you would become masterful in our style and I think it would help you heal all those rampant teenagers and anyone else."
"Oh, my that would be great. And now doing it the one time, I can understand your view of it being quicker and less painful for the patient. Thank you so much. Do you by chance have any treatise or can recall any manuals that your healers use for practicing and learning. I think that would help me a lot as well."
Kyōka looks to Ichigo, "I think I may be able to come up with something, as long as Ichigo is willing to help with it. It might take a couple of days, but we will get them to you as soon as possible. Until then, keep working on the meditations we did today and try using your new abilities as much as you can. I must go now; my time is limited. It was a pleasure." She fades away.
"What a remarkable woman, you are very lucky Ichigo to have an advisor of that nature. Shall we see if lunch is ready, I am famished." Ichigo chuckles and says, "Get used to that feeling until you become masterful. When I first started learning our magic, I was starving all the time. After a while, your body gets used to the demand of the magic and you get stronger, using your magical core in a different way instead of pulling essential energy from your body."
As they step into the kitchen, no one is around. Ichigo looks around then stands still and sends a ping of spiritual pressure out and determines everyone is upstairs in a large room and seem to be talking with another person. Ichigo leads them up to the room as McGonagall is sitting down and telling them about the reading of the Will.
As she finishes telling them about the scholarship she was entrusted with, Remus comes down to the room. "Ah here you all are. I take it Minerva has filled everyone in?" Ichigo looks around and nods in the negative. Remus takes him and Pomfrey aside and updates them quickly on all that happened and where Harry and Sirius are at.
They head down to the kitchen and Ichigo cooks up a quick lunch for everyone. He notices Ron talking with Ginny and then discreetly shows her the galleons he earned. She smiles and nods her head in understanding. After everyone has eaten, they go back upstairs to working on cleaning the big room. Ichigo learns it is a small ballroom and steps in to help with cleaning along with Pomfrey.
Several hours later, Remus stops and heads up to office that Sirius uses. After several minutes, Harry comes down to the room and looks around. As soon as they all notice him in the room, they all stop and rush to Harry. Hermione gives him a big hug and says, "I was worried about you. Professor McGonagall told us that you went with Director Bones. I am glad you are back; can you tell us what happened?"
"A lot happened, but I think it is best to wait for dinner, and we can tell everyone at the same time. Right now, I just want to do something simple and not think about it." Mrs. Weasley agrees and gets everyone back to cleaning. She comes over and gives Harry a hug as well and a big smile. She tells him what they are doing and they get back to cleaning.
An hour goes by and they start hearing people coming into the house. Molly leaves to greet the visitors and calls up for everyone to finish up and get ready for dinner. They go up to the next floor and get cleaned up and head down to the kitchen and the impromptu meeting.