I arrived at the top of the watchtower in minutes, but I feared it still took too long. Korin had seen me coming and was waiting for me. "What can I do for you Thong?" the smiling white cat asked.

"Korin, it's an emergency! I need senzu beans, quick!"

"Hmm. well right now I only have one-"

"Don't worry, that should be enough. Thank you so much!"

Korin handed her the single bean, which she stuffed in her pocket, then she gave the furball a quick embrace. "Just one more favor, don't tell anyone you have seen me, maybe I'll explain later. Seeya!"

She flew off, turning once more to wave back to Korin. Then her face became serious once again as she thought, I hope I'm not too late, or I'll never forgive myself. She pushed herself as fast as she could go, but every second dragged by like an hour. In less than two minutes, Thong was by Kero's side once more. Nia's wails had softened to gentle sobs, and she was almost completely exhausted.

When Thong tried to put the bean into Kero's mouth, the little girl got renewed strength and put up a protest. "No! What are you doing to my brother? Leave him alone!" she cried.

"Relax, I'm just trying to help, and this will make him feel better."

"No! It's poison, isn't it? And Kero hates beans too! Stop it!"

Impatiently, Thong pushed Nia away, and tried to feed the senzu bean to Kero. But then she realized that he couldn't chew it, and there was no way for him to swallow the whole thing without choking. Getting an idea she saw on a movie once, she hesitated slightly before putting the bean in her own mouth and chewing it up. Once it was mushy enough, she leaned over Kero's body, and put her mouth to his. Automatically his reflexes made him swallow, and a minute later his breathing became stronger, and then his eyes opened.

Even though Kero was unconscious, he was still vaguely aware of things going on around him, like his sister's cries. It was those cries he tried to hold on to, to prevent himself from completely slipping away. And then he was aware of a gentle weight against his lips, and then a vile taste filled his mouth and slid down his throat. Then everything became clearer, his hearing, his movements, his vision, and his thinking. Kero sat up, completely regained of his consciousness.

Suddenly Nia's arms were around his neck. "Kero! You're all right!"

He held her close and then glared at Thong. "You're a terrible kisser."

"What?!" Thong's face blushed red with embarrassment.

"Your lips barely moved-"

"What are you talking about?! I wasn't trying to kiss you!"

"So then what were you doing?"

"Saving your life!"

"How is puking into my mouth saving my life?"

"That was not puke, it was a senzu bean in took the care to pre-chew for you so you could eat it. That mushy little bean gave you your strength back, you ingrate!"

"So you brought me back just so you could insult me?"

"No, I brought you back because I'm a good person, and I'm starting to wish I hadn't."

"Hmph." Kero got up, still holding his sister, and turned his face away.

"Is that all you have to say to me? 'Hmph'! Not even a 'thank you', how rude!"

"How can I thank you if I don't know your name?" Kero turned back to face her.

"Oh...uh." Thong looked wildly around her, frantically thinking of a name. Her eyes finally settled on a bush of wild roses. "Nohara, my name is Nohara."

"Wild rose, it suits you. Thank you Nohara, for saving my life."