Zoro shifted slightly, the rough bark biting into his back. The night was moonless, but the stars shone brighter and clearer than he'd ever seen before.

A fierce growl escaped him as he pressed a clawed hand against the gash on his chest. His blood oozed between his fingers, dripping onto the ground.

Their alpha was a ruthless being, denying even a warrior's death in a duel. But at the same time, he couldn't help but feel a twisted admiration for Mihawk's cunningness and cold-heartedness.

Nothing mattered anymore. He was a pariah, destined for a slow and agonizing death.

He filled his lungs with the scent of damp earth and pine. The woods were alive around him, eager to feast on his corpse.

This is what it feels like to be prey? He snorted.

With every shallow breath, he fought against the urge to fall asleep. His survival instincts were still sharp.

A noise broke through his reverie. Zoro pressed himself against the tree trunk, muscles coiled tight like a spring.

What for? His mind inquired. Didn't you surrender?

The underbrush rustled, and he braced himself.

A cloaked figure arose from the shadows.

"Perhaps here?" The light of the figure's wand blinded him for a second.

Before he could shield his eyes, the stranger stumbled, catching himself just before he fell into a patch of brambles. The wand slipped from his grasp, rolling to a stop just where Zoro was hiding.

"Ouch," the stranger inspected his palms.

Zoro attempted to calm his breathing. The cloaked figure fumbled with the thorns sticking out of his palms, each tug drawing a faint whine.

Despite his peril, he could make out the figure in the dark - a slender being bearing a scent of thyme and rosemary.

"Where is that blasted yellowhemp?" The stranger removed the hood of his cloak.

He forced himself to remain still.

It was a woman.

Her tangled hair was adorned with a halo of flowers. Her tunic was decorated with patches of herbs and leaves, giving her the appearance of a forest sprite lost among tall trees.

She put her hands on her hips, "I can't go back empty-handed. Where's that wand?"

His body betrayed him, roused by the prospect of an easy target.

"Ah, there it is. Finally some luck."

She retrieved the wand and flicked it lightly. It was as if she held the power of the stars in her hand.

Zoro's breath hitched in his throat, as he caught a full sight of her.

Of all creatures, it had to be a witch. He had never encountered one before.

As a pup, he scoffed at the stories of witches enslaving and keeping his kind as pets. He was certain he could resist their ability long enough to kill them.

He also believed he could take down Mihawk in battle.

Even in the last moments of his life, fate continued to deal brutal punishment for his ignorance.

He was enchanted— that had to be because his pain was momentarily forgotten. The desire he felt wasn't to spill her blood and erase her existence. It was both primal and profound—like a tether connecting two souls that had been lost for too long.

As if she could sense his craving, the witch turned slightly, her eyes scanning the place where he was bleeding.

A jolt of panic shot through him—what would she do if she discovered him? Would she scream and flee, or would she finish him off?

Then it happened.

The warmth of her magic reached out, caressing him like a gentle breeze. Zoro's heart thundered in his chest as their gazes locked. At that moment, the world around him faded into a whisper.

He thought he was dead.

Her eyes widened but then narrowed as she took a step forward.

"I mean you no harm."

He stifled his howl.

The radiating beauty that made her seem human was just an illusion.

He forced himself to remember his lessons.

All witches have green skin. To slay a witch, you have to rip her heart out. Don't look her in the eyes, do it swiftly. Their blood can make you stronger, but it's poisonous to those unworthy.

He reflected on all of this and realized he had failed. Though it was tempting to grow stronger, he was on the brink of death. Even at full strength, taking on a witch would be a challenge.

"Just leave me alone, witch. I'm no use to you," he forced the words through gritted teeth. It was all he could manage against the tide of emotions.

"By the stars, why would I need you? Unless you know the whereabouts of Yellowhemp. In that case, I may require your assistance..." She tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Sorry for rambling on." She took another step closer to him. "I want to heal you."

"Hah, right! So I can be your puppet? I refuse." The sharp, bitter words cut through the night. The witch stopped when he began hacking and coughing. The blood gushed from his mouth, causing him to double over in pain.

"You see," she cooed. "I'm a healer." There was a kindness in her gaze, an earnestness that felt foreign to him.

"I don't want your pity, witch." He tried to stand up and be menacing. But his legs wobbled beneath him, and he crashed back against the tree, a grimace twisting his features.

The witch knelt before him.

Her fingers reached out tentatively, hovering just above the laceration on his chest. Zoro tensed, instinctively wanting to swat her hand away.

He didn't need help, especially from an enemy.

"So you're a werewolf. I've never seen one," was the last thing he expected to hear. She offered help without knowing what he was?

What a costly mistake.

"Then I'll be your first… and last." He uttered hoarsely, his voice rasping like dry leaves. With the last atom of strength, he pounced at her, tackling her to the ground.

The witch let out a startled yelp.

Zoro loomed over her, inhaling against her neck and cheek. Drool had formed on his lower lip, as he bared his teeth. His hands found her wrists, pinning her down.

Her wand dropped and got buried in foliage.

The thought of ripping her to shreds was tempting, but the sweet scent emanating from her was strangely calming and enticing.

His breath came in ragged gasps.

He wanted to... mark her.

A possessive streak blindsided him. Disquist churned in his stomach. To think that he would want a witch...

"If you think you can intimidate me with brute force, you're gravely mistaken."

The witch murmured an incantation, her voice commanding like the thunder in a storm.

Zoro felt his muscles relax, the pain in his chest dulling to a throb. He tried to fight it, to maintain his grip on her, but his strength was fading fast.

"What... what are you doing to me?" He roared.

"Saving your life," she replied firmly. "Now, please, let me treat your wound."

"I don't want this!"

"You're too stubborn for your own good," she replied, unfazed by his resistance. "Just let go," she pacified.

"Damn you, witch." He freed her wrists, collapsing onto her.

"My name is Tashigi," she murmured into his ear.

The moment their bodies connected, an electric pulse coursed through him, igniting every nerve ending. Her warmth seeped into his bones, pushing away the cold tendrils of death that clung to him. He had heard tales of witches and their spells—some miraculous, some dark and atrocious, but he never thought he'd find himself on the receiving end.

"C'mon tough guy," Slowly, she coaxed him to roll off her.

He collapsed onto his back beside her.

The woman hurriedly sat up, brushing leaves and dirt from her cloak. Her eyes never left Zoro as she reached for her wand. With a wave of her wrist, she summoned her satchel from where it lay forgotten in the underbrush.

"You bled and drooled all over my clothes," she sighed, rummaging through the bag.

"It's… your fault. Don't nag."

"You still have the strength to argue I see." She shot back. Her fingers traced various vials and herbs until she found what she was looking for.

Zoro watched through half-lidded eyes as she uncorked a small bottle filled with a shimmering blue liquid. The scent that wafted from it made his nose twitch.

"This might sting a bit." She leaned over him, her free hand hovering just above his wound. It gleamed just like her wand.

"But it will help stop the bleeding and start the healing process."

Before Zoro could protest, she tipped the vial, letting a few drops fall onto his chest. A searing pain shot through his body, causing him to arch his back and let out a guttural howl. His claws dug into the earth, leaving deep grooves in the soil.

"Shh, shh," The witch soothed, her hand now resting on his shoulder. "I know it hurts, but it will pass soon. Just breathe."

Zoro fought against the urge to lash out. The pain was excruciating, but as the meddling witch had promised, it began to subside.

"There, see? The bleeding has already stopped," her fingers ghosted over his chest, tracing the edges of the slash. "Now for the next part."

She reached into her satchel once more, pulling out a small pouch. Opening it, she sprinkled a fine, dark powder over the wound. As it settled on his skin, he felt a cooling sensation.

"This will help knit the flesh back together," she explained. "It's a blend of dark root and bollifron essence. Quite rare, actually."

Zoro believed that her spell had not taken away his free will. He wiggled his toes and fingers, considering that the witch might just be a scatterbrain, or perhaps this was all part of her deception. If he were to attack her now, while her guard was down, he might have a chance.

A stream of curses erupted in his mind when he didn't move a muscle.

"Why... are you doing this?"

The witch paused, her eyes meeting his. There was a depth to them that he hadn't noticed before.

"Enough blood has been spilled between our kind, don't you think? Besides, every life has a value. I never shared hatred witches have towards werewolves."

She resumed spreading the powder over his chest. "I also assumed you want a second chance."

"Huh?" He croaked.

Toad shit.

The thought had never crossed his mind. Was it possible that bastard spared his life just to have another chance to fight him? He didn't know whether to feel grateful or resentful.

"You seem to have regained your will to fight." She smiled.

"Shut up," he snapped, though he couldn't fight the corner of his mouth quirking upward. A witch that didn't hate his kind? What an oddity.

"I think I'll keep talking then," her tone was light as if it was a chat among friends. "My first-hand knowledge about werewolves is that you can be quite stubborn and reckless."

"Really? I was taught that witches are green-skinned evil hags. You have no green skin and you're quite reckless yourself. Do you plan to make me your pet? Slave? Puppet?"

"I never liked to use my magic to enslave other creatures. I also have a feeling that you would be a needy pet," she chuckled.

Zoro's chest tightened as her laughter echoed through the dark forest. It was a beautiful sound. He wanted to cover his ears, to avoid succumbing to her magic further, but it was futile.

"Don't laugh!" He frowned.

Tashigi's laughter subsided, but her eyes still sparkled with amusement. "I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. You looked so serious. I promise I have no ulterior motives." She put her hand against her heart. "How are you feeling now?"

The searing pain had dulled to a persistent ache. It was an odd sensation, like thousands of ants crawling beneath his skin.

"Better," he grudgingly admitted. "But don't think this means I owe you."

"Of course not. I didn't help you expecting anything in return. That's not how healing works."

She packed her supplies, carefully tucking each item back into her satchel. As she worked, Zoro found himself captivated by her hands. They bore small scars and calluses. She could heal others but not herself?

"You should rest now. The healing process will take time, even with magic. Do you… have a place to stay?"

His instincts battled with an unfamiliar desire to stay near her. "I have… nowhere," he confessed, the admission tasting like acid on his tongue. "I'm an outcast."

"Then you can stay with me until you're fully healed."

"Not happening," he barked, though the thought of her abode, smelling and feeling like her, enticed him more than he cared to admit.

"Why not? You wouldn't be a burden. I live in the woods, far from prying eyes. It's safe. You can repay me by doing some chores."

Aha, there's the catch. She wants a servant.

"You think I trust you?"

"I just saved your life."

"Correction- you forcefully saved my life."

"I see." She heaved a sigh. "Farewell obstinate werewolf whose name I don't know."

His chest ached as he watched her leave, and it had nothing to do with his injury.

"Wait," he called out, the word escaping before he could stop it. She halted, glancing back over her shoulder.

"Yes?"

In truth, he was torn. A part of him wanted to turn tail and disappear into the wilderness forever, to wallow in solitude and nurse the broken pride.

The feral part wanted to follow her wherever she went.

"I… might be able to tolerate your presence for a bit longer," her scent tugged at him like a leash. "But I'm not—"

"Indebted to me," she interrupted. "Let's get you on your feet."

Grudgingly, he accepted her help, allowing her to wrap one of his arms around her shoulders while she grasped his waist. The same feeling flooded him. He wanted to bury his face in her hair. Her neck.

"It's Zoro," he cast his gaze away from her.

"Zoro," she repeated. "It suits you." She glanced at him and then at his chest. "We have to find you a shirt."

He couldn't hear what she mumbled, but the faintest blush rose on her cheeks.

As they began to walk through the underbrush, he scanned the shadows. The forest no longer felt like a foreboding trap. The witch's presence—Tashigi's presence—molded the darkness into something comforting rather than menacing.

"How far is your place?" He tried to divert his thoughts from how close their bodies were.

"Not too far, just beyond that ridge over there." She pointed with her free hand while maintaining her balance under his weight. "A little cottage hidden among the trees—my sanctuary."

"Sanctuary? Are you hiding from something?"

"Yes." Her expression darkened. "From my coven. They don't approve of my methods. I'm too feeble."

Zoro frowned. "So they want you to be what? An evil hag from the tales?"

She glanced up at him, her hazel eyes shimmering. "They believe that power should hold no mercy—especially toward creatures like you."

"Fools. I'll rip their throats out," he growled, tightening his grip around her shoulder. The thought of anyone wishing harm upon her ignited a protective instinct he didn't know he possessed.

"Fools or not, they're my kin. And yet, I don't fit in their world."

They were both outcasts. The irony was not lost on him.

"You don't belong with them. You belong here, where you can choose how to wield your power."

Tashigi shook her head, a wistful smile playing across her lips. "Life isn't that simple. There are rules, Zoro. I'm bound by my bloodline just as much as you are. But I'm willing to fight to live the way I want to."

"That's good because I refuse to let anyone dictate how I live too."

"I'm glad you let me save your life."

Heat bloomed in his chest at her words. A sensation hit him that he hadn't expected.

"You will know, little one. You will feel it." The words his late mother told him crossed his mind. "It's not something I can describe to you yet. You're still a pup. A mate is the other half of your soul. They make you stronger, faster, and more rational."

The idea of finding a mate was never on his mind. He wasn't sure if it was possible, but the feeling he had— is still having—might not be caused by the witch's magic. If so, how was that possible? She wasn't from his species.

As they approached the ridge, the murky shape of her cottage materialized among the trees. A small plume of smoke spiraled lazily from its chimney, mingling with the crisp night air. An odd sense of peace enfolded him.

"Almost there. Just a few more steps."

The air sparked briefly as they entered her territory. His keen sense of smell picked up warm scents of cinnamon, clove, and lemon, wafting from the cottage—all of which provided either protection or something that enhanced her magic.

The large stones were placed at the gate and by the entrance. He recognized the carvings as protective spells.

He leaned heavily against her, using her as a crutch to navigate the uneven ground. His fangs dropped as the threads of her magic embraced him. It was strange, to allow someone else to support him. Just a while ago, he would have scoffed at the idea; pride had always been a companion in his life.

But wasn't he warned about this? Witches used nature for their magic, and this one was powerful. She was still a stranger. What if she'd done something to him to mimic a mating bond? He didn't know if he could trust her.

"Hey witch…"

"Hm?" She stared at him, and her forehead was glistening with sweat. He could see the tremble in her arms and legs. No doubt she was exhausted.

His heart was just about to burst.

Why would a sly witch do that for a wolf?

"Thank you." He brushed her fingers against her cheek, just to test the waters. To his delight, she wasn't unaffected. He could see her pulse beating rapidly beneath the pink-tinged column of her throat. She leaned into him, her grip tightening.

He closed his eyes, his mind clear of doubts.

The witch was his mate.

"Don't you dare faint now," Tashigi stumbled slightly under Zoro's sudden weight but managed to catch him before he hit the ground.

"Blast." She breathed.

His muscles were like steel beneath her hands as she struggled to keep him upright. Tashigi grunted with effort, her arms quivering as she tried to drag his unconscious form over the threshold of her cottage.

"You couldn't wait just a little longer before passing out?" She blew a stray strand of hair out of her face.

With a grunt, she managed to drag him a few more steps into the cottage.

Tashigi sighed in relief, pulling out her wand. She was weak, especially after performing the arduous healing. The potions and herbs helped, but she had to do the heavy lifting- literally.

A faint blue glow emanated from her wand as she whispered a chant. Slowly, Zoro's body began to lift, just enough to make him manageable to move. She guided his floating form carefully through the doorway of her small cottage. She'd have to be fast since her magic was waning.

As she maneuvered him onto her narrow bed, she couldn't help but notice the scars crisscrossing his tanned skin. What kind of life had he led? She had read about the brutal ways of the werewolves and wondered if there was truth to it.

Why did she feel the need to invite him into her home? She had always kept a distance from her patients, but something about this one compelled her to break that boundary.

Tashigi leaned against the wall, catching her breath.

His brow was creased even in unconsciousness. Her hand flew to him, feeling his forehead. The moment she touched him, an unbelievable pain suddenly shot through her spine like a jolt of electricity. She gasped, snatching her hand back as if burned.

"What was that?" She stared at her hand.

Zoro stirred slightly, a low groan escaping his lips, but he didn't wake. She hesitated before reaching out again, out of curiosity.

This time, when her fingers made contact with his skin, the sensation was different. Instead of a shock, she felt a benevolent, pulsing energy flowing between them. It revitalized her, removing some of her fatigue.

Her mind reeled. She had read about such phenomena in old texts, but it didn't refer to witches.

"It can't be. I'm a witch and he's a werewolf."

She paced the small room, stealing glances at the unconscious man on her bed. The implications were staggering if what she suspected was true.

"Fated mates," she uttered, the words feeling foreign on her tongue. "But that's just for werewolves, isn't it?"

She ran her fingers through her hair, tugging at the roots in frustration. According to everything she had been taught about witches and werewolves, this was an impossible scenario. An anomaly.

The centuries of bloodshed and hatred between them had been put to rest with a truce that essentially dictated they stay out of each other's business. But within her coven- or rather, former coven- the animosity still thrived.

Zoro stirred again, his face contorting in pain. Without thinking, she rushed to his side, her hand instinctively reaching for his. A rejuvenating energy flowed between them once more. She watched in amazement as the lines of pain on his face smoothed out, his breathing becoming more even. In turn, a portion of her energy and magic was depleted.

"Oh, eastern winds, it is true."

Zoro's eyes fluttered open.

"Hey. Sorry about fainting." He glanced at their linked hands.

Tashigi quickly pulled her hand away. "Y-You should rest. I'll leave you to rest." She stammered, trying to regain her composure.

"Listen," Zoro said gruffly, pushing himself up to a sitting position. "You felt it too, didn't you?"

She froze, her heart leaping to her throat.

"I... I don't know what you mean," she lied weakly, averting her gaze.

Zoro's hand shot out, grasping her wrist. A moan escaped her lips as a wave of pleasure crashed through her body. Her legs give out and she almost fell, if it weren't for him to catch her, pulling her onto the bed beside him.

"See? You can't tell me you don't feel it."

"You... What is... Is this how you feel?" She panted. The pull between them was undeniable, primal. But her mind raced with the implications.

"This is impossible," she whispered. "Witches and werewolves aren't meant to... we can't be..."

"Mates," Zoro finished. He hadn't let go of her wrist, his thumb tracing small circles on her hand.

Tashigi pressed a palm against her beating heart. "I need to research this," she said, more to herself than to Zoro.

"There must be some explanation, some spell to undo it..."

"You want to undo it?" His voice was so low and she could feel it; the hurt, the disappointment, the purposeless.

"B-But we aren't supposed to... to..."

"To what?" Zoro challenged, leaning closer. "To feel this way?"

She knew she should pull away, but her body refused to cooperate. Instead, she found herself drawn to him, like a moth to a flame.

"I don't even know you," she whispered.

"Then get to know me," Zoro replied. "You're my mate. I know it in my heart. I feel it in my bones. The moment you shared your magic with me, I was sure. I want us to be bound forever."

She stood up abruptly, needing to put some distance between them.

"This is... this is too fast," she wrung her hands. I know you were taught since a young age to embrace it and to expect it but I…"

Zoro nodded. "You're right. I'm sorry. It's just... my instincts are going haywire. I've never felt anything like this before."

"It's overwhelming."

"You wanted me in your home, remember?" Zoro smirked. "I'm a needy pet."

"Wha…? Are you joking now? Seriously?" She massaged her brow. "I suppose I did bring this on myself, didn't I?"

"Yep." He lay back down, putting his hands behind his head. "I wanted to die, remember?"

"That's right... you were injured. I almost forgot." She approached the bed cautiously, her healer's instincts taking over. "How are you feeling now?"

"Better, thanks to you. I'll live, unfortunately. I bet you're regretting saving me."

"Why would you say that? Why did you want to die?"

"I told you I'm an outcast too. I challenged the alpha and lost."

She sat on the edge of the bed. "Why did you challenge him?"

Zoro's jaw clenched. "I got cocky. I wanted to be the best. Still want to, but…"

"But?"

"Now I know I have to get stronger. And… There's you."

Tashigi's heart skipped a beat at his words. "Me?"

Zoro sat up again, his gaze fixed on her. "Now I have a reason to live. To get stronger. To protect you."

"I... I can protect myself, you know. I'm not some damsel in distress."

He chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that made him cough again.

"Stop it. Rest." She pushed him on the bed. Zoro lay back, his eyes never leaving hers. "I know you're strong. I can feel your power. But that doesn't mean I don't want to protect you anyway."

She couldn't deny the pull she felt towards him, the way her magic seemed to magnify in his presence. A part of her mind still fought it, but Tashigi knew better than anyone that some bonds and magic were unbreakable.

"What happened to the grump I met in the forest just hours ago?" She found herself leaning closer, feeling his affection for her.

"That grump is still here. But I feel like…" His hand shot up to cup her cheek. But he halted.

"Like what?"

"Like I've found my place."

Her eyes fluttered closed as she leaned into his touch.

"I... I still don't understand all of this. But I can't ignore it either."

"We'll figure it out together, but please don't kick me out."

"What about your pack? My coven? They'll never accept this."

"Who cares? We're the outcasts. So," he kissed the knuckles of her hand. "We'll make our own path. Together."

"Heavens, you're such a needy pet." Her fingers tentatively traced the line of his jaw. "I... I suppose I could use some help gathering herbs," she leaned in.

"I'm pretty good at cutting things down. Though I might need some direction in the forest."

She couldn't help but giggle. "Are you saying you get lost easily?" Her free hand rested on his chest. She could feel his heart racing beneath her palm.

"The trees move."

"The trees move? Really?"

"Hey, don't mock me. It's a real problem."

Their faces were mere inches apart now.

"I suppose I'll just have to keep you close then," her eyes focused on his lips. "To make sure you don't get lost."

"I guess-"

Unable to resist any longer, Tashigi closed the distance between them. Their lips met in a brief kiss. The moment they touched, that familiar energy surged between them, stronger than ever before.

Tashigi rested her forehead against Zoro's, her mind reeling from the intensity of their connection.

"I... I've never felt anything like that before," she whispered.

"Me neither. It's like... like you're a part of me now."

She nodded, understanding exactly what he meant. The bond between them had solidified, becoming almost tangible. She could sense his emotions, his strength, even his pain from his earlier injuries.

"You're still in pain. Why did you lie to me?

"I guess I can't hide anything from you now, can I?"

Tashigi frowned, her healer instincts kicking in once more. "I'll make a tea for regeneration-Blast."

"What?"

"The yellowhemp. I didn't find it." She pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'll go tomorrow. It must be harvested on the moonless night."

"I'll go with you."

"Absolutely not. You are to rest."

Zoro's brows puckered. "I'm not letting you go into that forest alone. It's dangerous."

Tashigi huffed, crossing her arms. "I've been gathering herbs in that forest for years. I can handle myself."

"I don't doubt that. But things have changed now. We're... connected. If anything happened to you..."

She could feel his concern, his protective instinct, through their newfound bond. It both irritated and touched her.

"Fine," she conceded with a sigh. "But only if you're well enough to travel. And you have to promise to follow my lead."

A smirk played on Zoro's lips. "Yes, master."

Tashigi rolled her eyes, but couldn't suppress a small smile. "Get some rest now. "

As she turned to leave, Zoro caught her hand. "Stay?"

"Don't push it, wolf."

He laughed and coughed again as she closed the door to her bedroom.

"What have you gotten yourself into, Tashigi?"

She strolled over to the window, gazing up at the stars. Her wish to not be alone had been granted, but one must always be cautious about what they ask for.

Nevertheless...

"Thank you."