A/N. A new story with hopefully shorter more readable chapters. I hope you enjoy it and please do leave comments because they really do help improve my writing.


Three katana were laid on a small table draped in heavy tapestry depicting a bloody war scene. The small hazy dark room caused by the burning of much incense and a part blocked roaring fire place was making the new traveller woozy. The uncomfortable humidity and constant tinkle of trinkets and gems twisting about in the corner of his eyes were purposely distracting him from the petit woman opposite trying to gain every last coin and sword he had in his possession.

"All three swords and I can grant your wish straight away" the witch continued haggling, her sharp eyes piercing through the black veil covering her head directly into the travellers. "They're not for sale" the traveller repeated once again in a calm deep tone "I would rather earn my wish". "Then what do you want from me traveller, usually people come here for a quick fix" the young woman responded; have failed to get him to respond to her promises of a prosperous future if he parted with enough money. Her long dark hair cascaded around her shoulders tinged blue in the dim lighting as she brought her gem encrusted fingers to rest on the table between them. "I am a witch, a fortune teller, a granter of desires and yet you do not wish for my help in these areas traveller". The woman sat back shadowing her features further that were already difficult to distinguish taking the travellers last three silver coins with her.

"I was told by my master that you would be able to find something" the traveller elaborated slightly. The woman remained in shadow "your master?" she questioned. "Dracule Mihawk, Miss Sharley. He told me that you once guided him when he was a younger man although considering your age; you must have been a child when this happened, you may not remember him". The woman seemed to contemplate this news for a minute or so until she sat forward once more. "I remember Mihawk, a very ambitious man with a very cold countenance" Sharley spoke almost harshly. "So you're his apprentice? No wonder you won't part with your swords" The traveller felt as if he was being mocked as a flicker of amusement traced the witches lips but he remained calm, this woman was his last hope.

After a quiet moment where the traveller felt he was being scrutinised "You have better manors, I must say but you carry the same pride as him" Sharley concluded "your pride will be your biggest weakness throughout life". The traveller made no reaction, what the witch said was probably true but he didn't think you required any kind of psychic ability be able to tell such a thing. The traveller would admit to being a proud man; some would even say stubborn in his beliefs, but considering he was three coins down for this outcome, he wasn't impressed.

"I was informed that you would be able to tell me where this is" the traveller provided; placing an old and worn photo on the table and moving his swords back to his side. The woman picked up the photo and stared at it in silence for several minutes, the heat seemingly un-effecting her despite the many layers of black satin and lace she was clothed in.

The traveller could feel another bead of sweat trickle down his spine and his throat dry as he waited for her response. Silently he watched; until there was a sudden change in her posture and demeanour. Her back snapped rigid straight and her eyes appeared to stare forwards seeing nothing. The traveller, shocked, waved his hands across her vision yet received no response.

The room darkened more suddenly and the traveller felt like he was being compressed into his seat as the air pressure increased and hissed as it passed his ear. A hollow voice seeming to resonate from every surface, each trinket or shelf shook him to his core. It was Miss Sharley's voice only a few octaves lower. The traveller looked back across to the woman in slight panic only to see her statue still staring at nothing. "Roronoa Zoro" the voice echoed several times freezing the traveller in his place. He had not revealed his name to the supposed famous psychic, the witch as he called her, so the fact that his name was being spoken in the room surprised him greatly.

"You must travel south to Loguetown" the disjointed voice spoke up making Zoro's senses sharpen and take note. "You must find the man with a straw hat if you wish to gain the power you desire" Miss Sharley's eyes rose and rolled into the back of her head with each new word spoken from her unmoving lips. "Someone close to you will betray you; you must use the new tools available to you to complete your journey. The southern lights will be your guide. What you desire most is not what you seek".

Zoro frowned at the information, which was now repeating again. It was all too vague, admittedly Mihawk, his master had warned him as such but he could not understand that what he was looking for was not what he desired. He could neither comprehend how someone close to him would betray him, he was a loner admittedly. Zoro had had himself and Mihawk only for company for the last ten years. Anyone else he happened to know in passing, he would not consider "close".

It was while the swordsman was pondering these thoughts that the atmosphere lightened and Miss Sharley came out of the dreamlike trance with a blink of her eyes. "I do not know this place, why did Mihawk send you here?" Miss Sharley asked flicking the photo back across to unnerved swordsman as if nothing had occurred. Zoro warily looked into her veiled eyes but saw nothing but honest expectation from her question. He had a good idea why his master had sent him here now, it would appear that Miss Sharley had better abilities then she thought. Zoro gaining the directions he needed but not as a map like he had assumed.

Zoro gathered his small collection of belongings, a cloth shoulder bag containing a change of clothes and water canteen then his swords, which he attached to his hip. "I believe I have taken up enough of your time Miss Sharley" Zoro nodded to her, which seemed to take her aback. "I am glad to have met you" Zoro remained polite and moved to stand and make his way to the door separating the client room he was in from the more open shop beyond it.

Opening the door; daylight beamed across his vision making him have to squint momentarily as the cooler temperature desperately clung to his clammy skin. A huff was heard from behind followed by the moving of a chair and footsteps following him out of the room. Zoro tucked his photo into the breast pocket of his worn but good quality green coat and turned to make his leave.

Miss Sharley was there holding out a small package tied with white ribbon, the swordsman certainly didn't expect a gift but did not wish to offend his host. "Thank you Miss" Zoro bowed again "you do not need to give me a gift however; you have helped me more than you think".

Miss Sharley gave a sly smile "I thought so" she replied "your leaving is too abrupt". She then walked up to the swordsman and purposely placed the small item in his hand. "This is soap" she pointed out as Zoro eyed the package in his hand "it's something you need". With that she stepped away with a definite smile in place. Zoro was left to blush slightly at the implication that he was less then up to standard in his appearance. Upon recollection he realised it had been thirteen days since he was able to have a good wash.

"Pardon Miss" Zoro bowed again in embarrassment "I have been travelling many days to get here to meet you. My hygiene unfortunately took second place to finding food and shelter". Miss Sharley just waved it off as nothing and went to perch herself on a rich velvet purple stool next to an elaborately carved mahogany service desk. The surrounding shelves and weaved baskets had an array of similar paper wrapped products, colourful stones and small collection of books.

"Did you get what you came here for then?" Miss Sharley asked in a tone gauging his satisfaction. "I think so Miss" Zoro offered a smile "I believe my journey is now to go south to Loguetown". Miss Sharley nodded her head "I see" she said then sighed heavily "be careful of my 'spontanious' predictions traveller, I have no recollection of them. However, the few regular clients I have who have received one say that every part of the prediction becomes true. Even when they had tried to change their path to avoid something unpleasant from happening, my prediction still came true".

Miss Sharley turned to look out of the shop window suddenly looking a lot more fatigued; watching the townsfolk bustling about trying to sell their wares. "I understand your warning Miss Sharley, I won't take up any more of your time, good day". Zoro took the few strides needed to the front door clutching the soap he planned to use as soon as possible but as he grasped the door handle he was called once more.

When Zoro turned Miss Sharley had lifted her veil back, fully revealing her bewitching dark eyes and flawless porcelain skin. His breath was momentary caught as he fully observed her beauty, her rose blushed lips and full chest. "I went on a journey when I was young" Miss Sharley began slowly "one of your questions from earlier" she broke off "you were wrong". She then looked him right in the eye "your master, Mihawk, he would not have seen me any younger nor any older then how you see me today".

That stopped the swordsman in his tracks "what do you mean Miss?" he questioned. "I was sent on a journey similar to you by my past magical tutor Dr. Neptune. I am still wondering after my recent 134th birthday three weeks ago, if what that journey gave me is a blessing or a curse". Zoro paused as Miss Sharley replaced her veil "just some food for thought for your own adventure" Miss Sharley smiled warmly. "I wish you luck on your trip traveller, I hope it brings you all of your dreams". Then Miss Sharley stood and bowed, Zoro returned the gesture before opening the door and leaving "Miss Sharley's Spiritual Emporium" behind him.