Zuko walked silently down the aisle of cells holding various prisoners and animals alike. The conditions here were worse than he thought. After the war, and the defeat of the Avatar, the ones left alive were taken into Azula's new scheme of Slavery, and they were here for sale. Zuko thought it sick, and his father thought it brilliant.

He despised the world of peace they now lived in. It was the wrong kind, and the people brought in for sale were filthy and terrified. There were mostly earthbenders that were for sale and with them came iron enclosures that were hung from metal Pillars. He came across a woman her hair hung in greasy tails around her face. The colour of her skin was unidentifiable and she stood in nothing but breast and under bindings the remnants of her dress was on the floor in tatters around her. Her hands were completely encased in rock and her feet were chained to the floor. She looked at him. But the fire in her eyes was undeniable as were the ocean blue of her iris.

One of the traders was near him " Excuse me. How much is this woman"

The trader looked into the cell. "My prince. That one has not yet been broken." He informed him "But you can buy her now and we'll have her delivered to you in a month or so."

"I'll break her."

He had her rock bindings embedded with a ring and then led her shuffling out the foul smelling pit. He had tied a blanket around her waist to preserve what dignity she had left.

"Zuko." She said hatefully as he did.

He said nothing.

He bought her a simple dress that was sewn around her so that nothing had to be undone or taken off. She stood as straight as she could and refused to look at anyone.

Later that night he visited what most thought of as his new toy. The rock manacle had been taken off and her arms were stretched out at either side, she was on her knees.

"Where are the others?" He asked her.

It was her turn to stay silent. He took her jaw in his and made him look at her. "Answer or I can't help."

"Escaped."

"Then how are you here?"

Again, she gave no answer.

He breathed in deeply controlling the anger that had given him so much trouble, then slowly released it. "Fine, rot here"

"Zuko?"

"What?" He turned to face her again.

"Why do you think I'll help you find him."

He paused to think, "Because this is the wrong kind of peace"

He released her arms after his statement and shut the door behind him.