The Power of Seven

Chapter Seventeen


**** Day Seventeen ****


Sano couldn't believe those two, he was surrounded by children. How the hell were they suppose to get any training done when they kept bickering back and forth like kids? He wasn't sure who's side to take either. Hiei was being a little out of sorts, Kagome was being horrid. Not that he could blame her.

That wolf man had stopped by as soon as they started training. Without giving a glance to Hiei, he went straight to the girl. Grabbing her around the waist, to offer his assistance. The small man had flipped, starting the first fight of the day. Kagome had convinced Kouga to leave for now but he promised to come visit her later. Then Hiei had told her that she wasn't to go off with the other man. Kagome flipped then and started throwing accusations around.

He knew what she was saying, he didn't think she'd sleep with the wolf. It was obvious that she cared for Hiei, since she'd slept with him. But she'd brung up the fact that if Hiei was allowed to fuck whomever he wanted then so was she. All hell had broken out at that statement. He wasn't much of a go-between, he started fights; not broke them up.

As much as he liked Kagome she was being unreasonable. Hiei had tried to get past it to continue on with their day. But the second the small man had tried to touch her in order to show her the correct stance; she turned on him. Screaming, telling him not to touch her ever again.

"Please, you two stop already!" Sano slammed his fist on the floor getting their attention. "Get over it, you're both getting on my nerves. I've known children that acted more mature. This isn't the time for you two to behave like this. Have you forgotten that we are facing a crisis?" Kagome turned her head to the floor, shame turning her face red. Hiei scoffed then leaned against the wall. "Good, now can we continue?"

Kagome shut up and let Hiei show her what to do. His touch was minimal now, keeping his distance. She couldn't help how she felt, he was reminding her of Inuyasha. Kouga was harmless, he wouldn't force himself on her and she wouldn't accept his advances. She hadn't in all the years he'd been sniffing after her, why would she do so now? It pissed her off that Hiei was so quick to assume that the wolf would be trying to get in her panties but he had no problem flaunting his woman in her face. Everytime he wasn't in the room with her, he was with Mukuro.

She knew she was jealous, it couldn't be helped. The way that woman smiled at her now, made her want to find out if all that metal would be left after she purified the bitch. Hiei didn't seem to think anything of the situation, like he hadn't done anything she should be upset about. Even Sano knew what had occured between them, he also knew all about Inuyasha. Being alone with him so much, he'd been able to get her to open up.

He was trying to be there for her, for that she was thankful. It was an unbiased opinion on everything and helped her to see a few things. Not to mention he had some nice shoulders to cry on whenever she felt the need. The man was becoming her angel in this time of darkness and chaos.

Hiei released her arm so she could try to new stance. He scowled seeing the smile pass between the two. They were getting too close for his liking. It didn't help matters with the mess he'd gotten himself into with Mukuro's help. She still thought it was funny, even offered to talk to Kagome for him. He didn't need that woman's help dealing with his mate. The girl would get over it in time, it was just a kiss. Not a good one at that!

He sure wasn't going to apologize for it. It would mean he was in the wrong, when he wasn't. Mukuro had been testing him that was all, he didn't desire the woman. Kagome would get over it, then she could stop being so bitchy. Until then he'd try to deal with her snapping at him, it was hard though. She riled him like no other woman could.

Kenji saw red, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Kurama was leaning against the wall while that same woman was flirting with him. The tart had her hands running over his chest, daring to go lower. He'd left Shizuru at the dinner table having finished early. She'd been content to talk to Genkai so he'd left her there. Now he was forced to see Kurama mess with another woman. He was just glad that Shiz was still eating.

He could only imagine how she'd feel seeing the pair. He couldn't understand what the man would want with another woman when he had someone like Shizuru. Not unless he was one of those men that was never satisfied with just one woman. If so then Kurama didn't deserve the girl.

Kurama pushed the girl's hands away and smiled. This was the second time she'd cornered him trying to further their flirtation. He knew he'd made a mistake by coming on too strong. He'd gotten the information he'd required at the time but now she refused to leave him alone. Being nasty wasn't something he liked or prefered to do but it might be needed in this case.

His head turned sensing Kenji's aura pick up, he'd just been saved it seemed. "Please excuse me, I believe I am wanted." The woman frowned but gave him a quick kiss on the mouth before he could stop her, with a promise to find him later. He sighed, not looking forward to it.

"How can you do that?" Kenji stormed up to him, not caring that his voice was raising. He was beyond pissed now, it was confirmed. Kurama was carrying on an affair with that girl. "You take Shizuru to your bed at night but run off with other women during the day while you are suppose to be training us."

Kurama stiffened under the accusation, he couldn't fault the boy for assuming the worst. It was true that he was gone a lot during the day but he was patrolling like the others. Having the young man yell at him caused his own anger to flare, he didn't care for his tone. "What I do is none of your concern. I can understand what you must think but do not meddle in something you know nothing about."

"I might not be as worldly as you or your friends but I know enough." He screamed in the man's face not caring that Kurama was becoming just as riled. He'd had enough of it, it was wrong. Shizuru wouldn't speak out for herself, so he'd do it for her. He didn't want to see her walk away with a broken heart. "Why would you do it?"

"What bothers you more? What you just saw or knowing that I'm bedding the woman you want? I don't need you lecturing me, I will do as I please." Kurama tried to leave it there, Shizuru was close now. She had to feel their anger through the bond, he didn't want her to hear this. "I suggest you drop it now."

"No, I can't believe you. I wouldn't treat her the way you do. I'd never run around on her, especially for a cheap woman. She deserves better than you." Kenji balled his fists, his emotions crying out. He didn't want to see another woman waiting on a man that continuesly left her. The reasons might not be the same but Shizuru would end up like his mother. Waiting on a man that didn't deserve her.

Kurama raised his own face, he didn't need the man telling him what he deserved. Or throwing his morals in his face, "I am not you thankfully. Also let me point out one major difference here. Unlike you, I am not in love with Shizuru!" He couldn't afford to get emotionally involved with anyone now. He wasn't sure what he wanted with his life after this.

Shizuru stopped before turning the corner, Genkai stopped as well. Both had heard the words spoken, it was enough. She turned around not caring if the other woman did the same. The tears threatened but were kept at bay for now. The will to cry was strong but she was stronger. She wouldn't allow what she'd heard make her cry.

Not once had she ever fancied that Kurama might be in love with her. He hadn't given into the emotion in all these years, why would he now? Sex was exactly that, sex. He probably could name scores of woman he'd slept in his whole life as Youko and Shuichi, she was just one of many. If she were honest with herself, she'd been hoping for some kind of feelings to be there, if only a small amount. Now even that delusion was gone. Being able to feel his feelings through the bond had comfirmed it. When he'd stated as much, there had been nothing but emptiness coming from him when he spoke of his feelings. He held no feelings for her, she was nothing but a piece of ass.

It let her know that Kenji held some, she couldn't doubt that. She cared for him but they hadn't taken their relationship past that point yet. He was a complete gentleman, very rare these days. Could she even ponder one with him when she couldn't deny her growing feelings for the fox? What was she to do? Try to start a relationship with a man that seemed to love her or mourn for one that never would?

Genkai stepped around the corner making her presence known, though the damage had been done. "I hope you are both happy. If your intent was to hurt the girl Kurama, then you have suceeded. I can't believe you two would bicker about something like this where everyone could hear. Especially the girl in question, next time I suggest you two remove your heads from your ass before speaking. Try to think of others before your own damaged feelings."




**** Day Eighteen ****

Touya smiled seeing the taijiya drop her weapon to the floor. He wasn't a fool, he knew why she had picked him. The others would have wanted more from her than she was willing to give. She was pretty but he had no desire to bed her. Taking a woman that longed for another wasn't his style.

Sango tried to calm her shaking hands, her nerves were raw. Yomi had demanded that she choose this morning. It had been hard but she was sure of this decision. If she was to let this happen then it would be to stop those things. She had no desire to get close to her new mate. She'd do without the conversation or closeness, there'd be no way in hell she'd sleep with someone else. Save the world then go their seperate ways, that's what she wanted. So did Touya, that's why she chose him. He'd do what needed to be done, nothing more. No forced pleasantries, forced words and no confusion on where she stood.

Not wanting to expose herself to him, she undid the first three buttons of her shirt. Showing the skin needed for the blood taking, she wouldn't flash him. He did the same, keeping most of his chest hidden. The process was the same as last time, he made the cut over his skin. She almost gagged having to put her mouth on him. Feelings of betrayal washed over her as she let the blood flow in her mouth.

Touya put a small slice on her breast, he wanted to get this done and over with. He could tell it was distressing her greatly. Her face was pale, her breathing was becoming erratic. His mouth latched onto the open wound making her stiffen. The blood was sweet, he licked the skin around the cut.

Sango stepped back, he needed to finish before she lost her breakfast. "Just do it already." Her hands clenched as she titled her head to the side. Touya stepped up moving the hair out of the way, she closed her eyes and waited. Seconds passed as she felt him lowering his head. In a few seconds she'd belong to him, the sting of tears assaulted her eyes.

Touya opened his mouth, he licked the skin where he'd mark her. As soon as his tongue met the skin her aura picked up along with another. His eyes widened seeing the youkai energy springing forth. It swirled around where the mark should go, coating the skin. Yomi had said the bond should be nulled. He tried lowering his fangs only to be met by the menacing aura. His own beast growled, he was being informed he was intruding on another's claim.

"Do it before I lose my nerve." Sango snapped at him, why was he pausing? She was on the verge of puking for some reason. Her stomach had taken a sudden turn for the worse. Maybe her nerves were up, whatever the case she was going to hurl. "I'm going to be sick move." She pushed him out the way, running out into the hall. She only made it a few feet before her body reacted. Her throat clenched in denial as everything came up. Her knees gave out, she fell to the floor. Her hands held her up as she retched, gagging as her body convulsed. Breakfast came up, she could see what blood she'd swallowed mixing with it.

Sango felt like her stomach was on fire. Had someone tried to poison her this morning? No cause she'd eaten off the same tray as the others. Plus, she'd felt fine until she'd swallowed his blood. Her stomach hadn't rejected when she'd taken Shura's. Her stomach clenched again as she dry heaved. A hand landed on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. Another spasm racked her body, her innards felt like they were trying to come up.

She heard Touya screaming, his voice making no sense. A bunch of incoherent words as her head started to spin. Another wave of nausea crashed over her. Her stomach heaved, her throat burned as blood rushed out her mouth. She couldn't remember swallowing that much, it had been more than a mouthful and that was the first thing to come up. She heard swearing as more came to spill on the floor covering her regurgitated food.

That had to be hers but why? Her vision blurred, her arms began giving out. She could feel the cold chills going down her spine, her throat constricted once more. Arms went around her waist trying to pull her up while she retched. A moan escaped her feeling an arm going under her legs. She was being lifted up into a pair of strong arms then brought against a hard chest. Her eyes took in the face that looked so much like Shura's before her world turned black.


Yomi waited patiently for his son to arrive after seeing the girl taken care of. The miko was in with her, having healed what damage had been done. Touya was sitting at the table, worry written all over his face. For a minute he'd been afraid that the girl would die as well. A good portion of her blood had been brought up with her vomiting.

He knew it had been too much to hope for. What the hell were they going to do now? Her body wasn't going to allow her to bond with another. She'd die before it was done, defeating the whole purpose. There was only thing they could try and do. That itself is what left him angry and put out. If this wasn't possible then they'd have to see if Koenma could find another descendant to take her place. There was no getting around it, he swore and kicked the chair.

Touya jumped having been lost in his own thoughts. He had told Yomi what he'd sensed, then what he'd seen for himself. He should have known something was wrong when she started shaking and was pale. It was known by any youkai that if they tried to take another mate while possessing one the body would protest. The second his blood had slide down her throat, it would have tried to work it's way into her body. With Shura's bond still semi-intact it had been enough to rebel against his own. It had went to work on removing the unwanted source. It had taken her long enough to vomit, long enough for his energy to try to contaminate her blood with his own. Against her own body's will, it had begun to get rid of it the same way it had been brought in. Causing her stomach to bleed in order force out what had been touched by his.

Yomi felt his son coming up the hall, "You can leave now Touya, I wish to speak to him alone." He wasn't sure what to say to him, the desire to beat him senseless was riding him. More problems they didn't need right now. He would just inform his son of it, then contact Koenma. The girl would have to be replaced, there was no getting around it. In about two weeks the city would be upon them. How were they going to be able to find someone new and train them by then?

Touya got up to leave only to meet Shura in the doorway. He could feel the animosity coming off the other man, directed solely on him. He let his on aura pick up at the threat being directed towards him. Unlike Shura he was willing to do his duty. They stared at each other for several moments, neither moving.

"Enough, Touya go inform the others and have Urameshi contact Koenma for me. Enough time had been lost." Yomi waited for him to stop the staring contest. "Shura come sit down, I'll be the one to inform you. Sango will have to be replaced, I want to thank you first hand for screwing this up. Now another descendant will have to be found. Hopefully, she will be able to be trained in time to be of any use to us." He sensed the confusion coming from his boy and sighed. "I don't think the bond is strong enough for you to have felt it. But when Touya tried to bond with her, it almost killed her. I'm assuming that because she was brought back to life so soon after dying some of the bond still remains. It's not enough to do any good but it keeps her from being marked by another. I doubt she wants to try again after that."

"What happened?" Shura wasn't sure if he should be happy or upset. He was overwhelmed over the fact that some small part of the bond was intact. Yet he knew what could happen to someone that tried to take on another mate while they still had one. Some youkai could override the former marking, it all depended on the person. His ki was more powerful than Touya's, alot stronger. There would be no way for it to override the previous one. Instead his own claim would have forced any traces of the intruder out. "Is she okay?"

"Yes, she will live. I doubt the miko will let her friend leave, so Sango will remain here with them. I brought you here to make sure you understand that while she is here my protection still remains. Don't think that because she is to no longer be used for this mission I will let you or your whore touch her. Do I make myself clear?"

The door closed softly behind her. Rin looked around the room unsure of what to do. There was a lady sitting on the bed wearing revealing clothes. Jaken had accompanied her into the city like he promised then paid for them to get here. Now that she was here her nerves were fraught and she was plaqued with guilt. She wasn't sure what to ask the woman now that she was looking at her. This was the type of women her Lord went to for his needs.

Luriel smiled at the young human girl, a soft chuckle escaped her lips. So this was the little girl that the whole city was talking about. The one Yomi had taken for a mate, everyone knew why. He was one of her regulars, that she was proud of but she wasn't a prude. She knew what she was, a paid lady. Yomi only came to her when he needed to relieve himself, she meant nothing to him. Now this girl here was different, and she was willing to bet that her name was Rin.

Yomi had come to see her needing fulfillment only to leave disappointed. Not that she hadn't tried her best, needing to earn her living. Yet his mind had been elsewhere, unaware of the ministrations she was giving him. Right before he got up to leave a name had barely left his mouth, Rin. Her ears were good enough to pick up the slight mumble. So the man was infatuated with the small girl. She was pretty but very tiny. If Yomi wasn't careful he'd break the poor thing in two. Her guess was that he was fighting it, due to her humanity. He was a very good lover but lacked some common sense. Now why would the girl come to her? "Do you need something hun?"

"Yes, Rin needs to ask some questions. Jaken has given us something called money if you would help Rin." She pulled out the bag filled with the strange coins. She blushed when the woman sat up, repositioning herself to pat the bed beside her. Without thinking she walked over to sit next to her and handed the bag over. The woman prompted her to continue, "See Rin kissed her lord, he kissed her back but Rin doesn't think he enjoyed it. He moved away and told Rin to go to her room."

"I see." She smiled hearing the girl's strange way of speaking. It was as she guessed, the fool was fighting his attraction. If Yomi didn't want the girl then she wouldn't have gotten close enough to kiss him. Also, over the years Yomi had been coming to the establishment, he didn't kiss any of them. He'd always refrained from doing something as personal as kissing on the mouth. "So are you wanting to know how to seduce him?"

"Rin isn't sure what that word means but she wants to please her lord." She folded her hands together, feeling stupid sitting here talking to a stranger about such things. It was true, she wanted to please him. Maybe like all the other women did. He'd never care about her because she was human but if he ever needed her to please him this way, she wanted to be ready. She didn't want him to find her lacking in that area either, like he'd done with the kiss.

"I see, well I'll show you a little trick that will please your lord." She reached under her pillow to pull out her favorite toy. The girl's eyes popped out of her head the sight. It was something she kept for some of her customers that had fetishes. Not too mention for her own amusement, not all her lovers were as giving as Yomi.

"Wow, it's big. What's it for?" Rin gawked at the plastic contraption that resembled a man's thing. Was it merely for training purposes or did the woman actually use it? The thought made her cringe, that would have to hurt. "Won't that hurt a girl?"

"It's not that big hun." It was smaller than Yomi, the average size of most youkai. "A woman stretchs to accomdate a man, so don't be scared if you ever see your lord's. Now, I'll just show you what to do. I don't think you wanna practice on this. Just pay close attention and when you get the chance do what I show you on him."


Genkai knew the words had been coming but she couldn't stop the small ache they caused. Yusuke was standing in front of her, with his hands behind his head. All day yesterday he'd hardly spoken to her, lost in his thoughts. She knew he was thinking about what had occured between them. She hadn't brought it up, letting him handle it himself. As she was expecting he stopped during training suddenly then started talking. Seemed he'd come to a conclusion, one she knew was forthcoming.

"I'm not sure how to say this, I just have to say it. It was a mistake, a big one. I'm not sure what came over me, it shouldn't have happened. I think everything was just getting to me and I dealt with it the wrong way. Instead of facing my problems I ran from them, to you. I took advantage of you in a way and I'm sorry." He paused, catching his breath but needing to finish. He didn't want to hurt Genkai but he was married to Keiko. He couldn't leave her, he'd work their problems out. It was bad enough he'd seduced someone else, or let himself fuck someone else. That someone being Genkai made it worse. "I have to be honest, I love Keiko, not you."

She tensed slightly, not enough for him to notice. Knowing all this already didn't make it any easier to bare. Not once had she thought of having anything with him. Part of her longed for her to go back over twenty years when she was old and he was just her student. But she couldn't and neither could he. In the twenty years she had remained in another form of seclusion, she had changed and so had he. They could never go back to that time again.

"I'm not sure if I'll be able to tell Keiko about what happened, I don't want to hurt her. I know we've had our problems but she didn't deserve this. It's unfair to both of you, it's all my fault. I blame no one but myself." He sat down on the floor, crossing his legs. Guilt was rolling off him in waves.

"Don't beat yourself up over it Yusuke. You said so yourself you couldn't understand why you wanted it. It was a side effect of the bond we share nothing more. We can make sure it never happens again. It's up to you if you wish to tell Keiko. Why don't you go home and see her. Maybe what you need is some time away from this place to figure out everything." She placed a hand on his shoulder as she walked past and gave it a good squeeze.


The girl didn't move as he crept into the room. All the lights were off, leaving only the moon to highlight his way. Not that he needed it, instinct led him to the bed. The bed sunk under his weight as he climbed next to her, feeling the heat coming from her still body. He removed the cover, to see that she was naked. No doubt they hadn't dressed her due to her high temperature earlier. His hands went to work on removing his own clothing.

Shura layed on his side when he was just as naked as she. He pulled her against him, needing to have contact. A hand was placed on her cheek, stroking tenderly wishing her to wake. All day he'd considered his options and what to do. Koenma had come to see what was going on. He was going to do what he could to find a replacement for Sango. The chances were slim but it was the only thing they could do.

At this point he didn't care what they did. If a replacement was brought it was none of his concern. He'd help if his father asked in anyway but that was all he could do. He swore to Yomi that he wouldn't cause anymore problems, to make up for his mistakes. Yet when his father had asked for his word that he would stay away from Sango he hadn't been able to give it. Just like most youkai, his word meant everything. He couldn't promise that, knowing he had every intention to go near her. Not to harm her or revenge as everyone thought he'd do. He wanted her, he'd come to accept that. Hearing that their bond was somewhat intact made his heart jump.

Even if his father didn't mention the other option he knew it was there. All he had to do was strengthen the bond, to reinforce his claim. Doing so would piss alot of people off but at this point he didn't care. After it was done there was nothing they could do about it. She would belong to him completely again. All that was needed was for her to swallow a small amount of his blood it didn't matter where it was from. Then he'd mark her once more, placing a fresh claim.

Her head turned into the caress, rubbing her cheek against his palm. If the bond was still intact then his presence should bring her some comfort. He didn't want to speak, he wouldn't risk his father hearing. The man was still up, doing some rounds with Hiei. If he suspected what was about to happen he'd try to intervene. He just needed a few minutes alone with her, then it didn't matter. Her eyes opened and he placed a hand over her mouth to keep her from speaking.

Sango gazed at him, unsure if he was really there. She blinked a few times, the image remained. What was he doing there? Her heart stopped and fear gripped her full force. She'd heard enough from Kagome earlier to know what was going on. For some reason she wouldn't be able to form a bond with another youkai. Which meant they no longer needed her help. Koenma was suppose to be looking for her replacement. If so did that mean she was expendable? Yomi wouldn't allow Shura or Kichi to kill her before because of her being needed. What would happen now? If he meant to kill her in her current condition there was nothing she could do. She felt better but was still weak. There'd be nothing she could do against him for protection. Not to mention by the time her body was found dead it would be too late for Rin to revive her.

He smelt her fear, she was scared of him. Not that he could blame her, she had to know what was going on. He climbed over her, hoping she didn't cry out. Her eyes scanned his face, panic begining to set in. Knowing it couldn't be helped he took the chance, he leaned over to whisper in her ear. "I'm not going to hurt you."

She heard him, could she believe it? Her mind raced, trying to decide. How long had he been laying beside her? If he wanted her dead why was he stalling? The longer he waited the greater chance of being caught or her calling out for help. She let her body relax, praying that it was true. He was just hanging over her, nothing menacing about his pose. Except he was completely naked, she could feel him laying against her thigh. He wouldn't strip just to kill her, not unless he was really sick in the head. Her head nodded, she wouldn't scream for help.

He removed his hand as he leaned over. Before she could speak he captured her mouth. Licking the tight lips, feeling them tremble under the assault. He could feel the fight going on inside her, deciding whether to give in or call for help. He let his hand run through her bangs, now placing a few chaste kisses upon her mouth.

Sango was having a war with her emotions. Her brain screamed that she demand him to leave, to get away from her. Then she remembered where she was in life. She was no longer needed by the others, the only reason she had to stay here now was Kagome. She had nothing to go back to in the past. With everything that happened, she admitted that she had some feelings for him. She should be angry with him for everything. But some of it had been her fault, he wasn't to be blamed entirely. She could only question his reasons for being there.

Shura felt her finally give in, parting her lips in acceptance. His tongue darted inside, tasting her. The strong taste of mint was trying to cover up the remaining hint of blood. He roamed cleaning any traces of both, till he was finally able to taste her. He cupped her face, deepening the kiss. She started to respond, bringing hers up to meet him. Feeling his father's aura getting close for an unknown reason he stopped hesitating. He almost winced in pain as he bit down on the inside of his mouth.

Sango felt his tongue brush over hers once more then something hot filled her mouth. The coppery taste brushed across her taste buds. His tongue stabbed inside forcing the liquid to the back of her throat, she had no choice but to swallow or choke. It ran down, making her feel lightheaded. She moaned when he released her mouth to latch onto her neck.

He cleaned the area this time, preparing her for what was to come. He growled feeling his father coming at his top speed, straight for the room. Not wanting to be denied, he bit down making her cry out from the pain. The blood pooled in his mouth, letting him drink from her. A sigh escaped him being able to sense himself already. There was nothing anyone could do, she was his.

Sango felt him licking the sore flesh, feeling the ache going away. She had no doubt what he'd just done, why was what she didn't understand. Was he trying to make amends once more? No one would expect him to do it. Was his guilt that great he felt the need to bond with her once more? She screamed when the door slid open only to reveal Yomi standing there with murder in his expression. He wouldn't be able to see her nakedness but she was still embarrassed.

"Get up and get dressed, you will meet me in the courtyard. You have five minutes Shura, don't make me come for you." Yomi's voice came across deadly sending chills down her spine. She wasn't sure what was going on, things didn't look good. Why would he be angry? The bond was already there, he'd done nothing but reinforce it.

Shura looked down at her, confusion and fear marred her features. He was surprised his father was allowing him time to get dressed. It had to come down to this, he'd disobeyed his father. Before walking out the room earlier he'd been given the warning. Go near Sango and pay for it. Not only had he gone near her but claimed her once more. He didn't regret it, he'd fight his father if that's what it took. He bent down to place a kiss on her mouth, "I'll be back."


Next Chapter: The confrontation between Yomi and Shura, deja vu, Shizuru and Kagome head to the Ningenkai, and Rin puts her education to the test. Hit the review button if you want to see more...