Chapter 9 The Fountain

Year's end was two months close and the sound of running water was all around the party. What made it worse was the scent; those with sensitive noses could not pinpoint where the source was. All the pirates could do was to trust the natives leading them. Leah was still battling the poisoning after effects, but was healing. No one spoke as night fell and camp was made. Leah tended to Hunter; hoping that he could begin solids soon.

"How close are we to the Fountain," Miroku asked.

"A few days. Though I can't guarantee safe passage for all."

"What do you mean," Sango asked, the thought in Jack's mind.

"The Fountain is guarded by a mythical beast we call Lakadema. Only the bravest and strongest can past."

"And they get the water," Kas stated.

Everyone was worried now. Some knew that Inuyasha would past, and some of his friends as well. The pirates wondered who among them would pass safely by Lakadema. Leah knew if she could not control So'unga, she may not pass through. So far, So'unga has been under control of Saya; the sheath's spirit. Leah left Hunter with Billy and left the group, So'unga in hand. She felt shemust master the sword in order to reach the Fountain of Youth.

"Saya," Leah called.

The spirit appeared as Leah held the sheathed sword up to about eye level.

"What did InuTaisho do to control So'unga," she asked when the spirit appeared.

"It took time and will power."

"I don't have time, Saya."

"Then the only way is to battle a demon stronger than yourself."

"There isn't one around here; I would know."

"Leah, who are you talking to," Kagome asked, approaching the pirate.

Leah turned to see the female hanyou walk over before she bore the sheath before Saya could disappear.

"Saya, the spirit of the sheath."

"So, how long have you been hiding," Inuyasha said in his usual way.

"I have not been hiding, Lord Inuyasha."

"Saya's been helping me control the sword. I need to do so before we reach the Fountain."

"Because only the strongest and bravest can past," Kagome said.

"Aye. I believe I have the bravery; but not the strong."

A thunderous noise was heard and the three gave the same concerned look. Leah and Inuyasha drew their swords and readied themselves. Kagome raced back to the camp to retrieve her bow and arrows. More of the thunderous noise came until the source appeared. A giant jungle cat, it's demonic aura should have tipped its presense off.

"How the hell did we not sense this," Inuyasha asked.

"It could be the Fountain."

Both knew that Inuyasha would go first with the Wind Scar. If that did not work, Leah would try with So'unga. The only attack she knew was the Gokuryruuka. The ability to summon a dragon or a dragon spirit from hell, the attack is more powerful than both the Tenseuiga and the Tesseuiga. When Inuyasha was knocked away, yet conscious, Leah was scared beyond belief; but she stood her ground against the demon. She felt So'unga's power surge into her and attempted to control her.

"You...will...not...control...me," Leah said, gritting her teeth.

You are strong indeed. But not strong enough, So'unga told the pirate.

"You doubt my strength."

Leah foucsed and found the full strentgh of the Gokuryruuka attack. She summond the power and felt the demonic aura and power surround her and add to her own. An orb of demonic chi has formed in the middle of a mass of hellish winds that were created by the sword. The power nearly overtook Leah, but she kept control of it and attacked the demon jungle cat. Leah did not even realize it until the event was over.

"You destroyed Lakadema," their guide said, shocked. "Amazing. Only a demon or spirit stronger than her could do such a thing."

Leah sheathed So'unga, weak from the amount of energy she had used. She finally had control over the sword and she felt undefeatable. She looked over to Inuyasha and Billy, both nodded in assurance.

"Now, where's that Fountain?"

The pirates were shown the grove inwhich the Fountain of Youth was. Small pools, each a bit higher than the one below, and fed by a small stream. Leah brought forth her two flasks and began to fill them with the water; followed by the others. The entire group, large enough for the group and them some was perhaps the most peaceful place any has been. One could lose track of time if they stayed in the grove long enough. It tooke a hour for everyone to fill their respected flasks. The task half done, the hardest part was yet to come. Hunter struggled against Billy's hold until his cousin finally handed him off to Leah. Hunter may have looked like a four month old, but he was aging nearly two months fast.

"Lets get going," Leah said, ready to leave.

"Why leaven when we can stay, Kid," Jack said, sitting comfortably against a tree, hat in front of his face and legs crossed.

"You can stay. But I've got a deal I can't break. My crew, move out."

Leah's crew and friends picked themselves up and followed their captain; Hunter having been taken from Leah by Inuyasha.