Rose of Love

Chapter Three

Yusuke, Rose, and Kuwabara made it to Genkai's temple and started up the long white stone steps that led to her temple. Rose could smell the scent of pine as they made their way up. As they reached the top of the stairs, Rose looked at the temple's surroundings. It was so peaceful and full of life.

"She should be here," Yusuke said as he walked toward the temple.

Rose stayed behind him and Kuwabara as they made their way to the door. Just as Yusuke was about to touch the door, the door slid open. There, standing before them was a little old woman who had medium length blush colored hair. Her hands were placed in back of her as she looked at her guests.

"Thought it was you," she said. "I could hear your voice a block away."

"Hey, I'm not that loud, am I?" Yusuke asked.

"Kid, I've known you a long time now and I can tell when you are coming to see me by just sensing your energy."

"Oh."

"So, why are you here? It must be important."

"What? Can't your favorite student just stop by and say hi?"

"Who said you were my favorite student?"

"Oh come on you old hag. You know I'm your favorite, that's why you chose me." Yusuke had a big grin on his face as Genkai looked at him with pity.

"Actually, the reason why we are here is because Rose wants to ask you something," Kuwabara said, stepping away from Rose so Genkai could see her.

Genkai slowly walked up to Rose and looked her straight in the eye. "Something is bothering you," she said in a low voice.

"T-that's right," Rose said, her hands clasped together in front of her and her head down.

"Let's step inside and you can tell me your problem," Genkai offered.

"I'd like that, thank you," Rose said.

The four of them walked into the temple and into a big room that had a huge statue in it. They all sat down and Rose explained about Kurama's situation and how he told her to go see Genkai. When she was done, Yusuke and Kuwabara just starred at her with wide eyes. Rose blushed and looked at the floor again.

"Geez. Who knew that Kurama had a wild side," Yusuke said, still in shock.

"That's enough Yusuke," Genkai said in a strict voice. Genkai closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her arms folded in front of her as she sat there, not saying a word. After a moment of silence, Genkai opened her eyes and starred at Yusuke. "What Kurama is experiencing is called Demon Heat. All demons get it at some point in their life when they fall in love."

"R-really?" Yusuke asked.

"Yes, and it's very hard to control the urges that come with the heat. Your body will start to heat up and your desire for your mate gets stronger. It's a painful process to go through and it could last for weeks, even months. It depends on the demon."

"I already knew that, but why is Kurama going through his heat so quickly, right after the other?" Rose asked.

"The reason why Kurama is getting the urges to close together is because of you," Genkai said.

"Because of me? What did I do?" Rose asked with a concerned voice.

"You didn't do anything. It's because you are in the same room together, close to one another. His heat can sense your presence and that's what drives him to the brink."

"I guess the only way to relieve him of his pain is to submit myself to him." Rose’s face got even more red because she knew that Yusuke and Kuwabara were starring at her.

“That’s one way to do it, but if you do go on with that method, you’ll be out of energy like that and it could even kill you.”

"What?! Well if that’s the case, then don’t do it,” Yusuke said in a loud voice.

“Pipe down, there is no need for yelling,” Genkai said as she slapped him over the head. Genkai sighed then looked at Rose. “There is another way, but you will not like it.”

“What other way? I’ll do anything if it will help Kurama’s pain,” Rose said.

“You have to stay away from him. Not for long though, but you have to give him time to relax his body. Being with him everyday will cause so much pain..... he'll start to get violent with you, possibly even kill you but not on purpose."

"I-I can’t. I have to stay by his side.....” Tears started to swell in her eyes.

"Look, if you really care about him, doing this is the only way. It will get the pain to subside within him."

Rose's hands turned into fists as tears ran from her eyes. Yusuke put his hand on her leg, trying to comfort her.

"But why isn't Rose going through this heat?" Kuwabara asked.

"It's because she's not a pure demon. Only pure demons get the heat," Genkai explained.

"I'll do it...." Rose said. Yusuke looked at her as the tears kept falling faster. "I don't want.... Kurama to suffer anymore..."

"Then it's decided. You can only go see him every two days."

"Two days?!" Kuwabara shouted. "That's nuts!"

"It's the only way," Genkai said.

"Look, I'll ask Keiko if you can stay at her place for now," Yusuke said in a soft voice.

"Thank you," Rose said and whipped her tears away.

Yusuke smiled at her then turned to Kuwabara. "You go and tell Kurama what the plan is here."

"Right," said Kuwabara in a sad tone.

Yusuke helped Rose up and the three of them headed out the door. Genkai stood in the doorway and watched as the three of them went down the steps.


"SWEET!" shouted Fukai as she looked into her crystal ball. "Not only will I torture Kurama, but I'll also torture Rose. Revenge will be mine!" The crystal ball changes scenes to Kuwabara and Kurama.

"I'm coming!" Kurama shouted as he opened the front door. "Yes? Oh, Kuwabara, why are you here?"

"It's about Rose," Kuwabara said.

"What about her? Is she hurt?"

"No, no. She met up with us and asked for us to take her to Genkai's temple. So we did and found out her problem. Or should I say your problem. "

"Yeah, and?"

"We found a solution to your problem. The only thing is, you won't like it."

"Well, what is it?"

"The solution is, for Rose to stay away from you."

"What?"

"She can only see you every two days. She'll be staying at Keiko's house for now. I'm really sorry but this is the only way."

"I understand...."

"If you need to talk, just call me."

"Thanks."

Kuwabara smiled and headed out down the sidewalk. Kurama stood there for a while, looking at the ground. The heat went down, but his heart ached now.