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Annabelle spent an hour or so wandering the Red District before deciding she should see if the condition of the Grey District was any better than it was when she left. She knew she was far more likely to get recognized in the poor residential district but she needed to cover all her bases to decide if she was still going to put together her plan. It was Slim but Albert could have potentially changed his policies in the time she was gone. 

Stepping from the border of the Red District into the Grey was, as always, a stark contrast. The booming businesses of the Red District cut off abruptly and made way for a variety of buildings that were clearly meant to be homes, some in better condition than others. Those closer to the businesses were generally kept in better condition but they still looked significantly more run down than any buildings in the other districts. This district had been her home when she was a child, even when her parents were still alive and the separation of the districts had been faction related and not class related. 

Annabelle walked down the scattered footpaths of the Grey District with her hood on and her head down. Very carefully avoiding the path that leads to her family home. She knew it was likely occupied by now but she had no interest in finding out who had taken over the place she once called home. Instead she headed toward the north side of the district, toward the building that had been designated as the orphanage. Though it was more just a building a bunch of parentless kids lived in if they wanted protection from the violence and wanted “free” food. Nothing was actually free on the island, if children wanted food they would have to work for it. 

Approaching the building it wasn’t any different than she remembered, maybe a little more dirty but otherwise just the same. A small group of children played outside of the building chasing each other around. A very small smile graced her lips as she watched them play as if they didn’t have a care in the world. She had been standing there long enough thinking that she hadn’t noticed someone walk up and stand behind her. Not until the person cleared their throat. She jumped at the noise, not realizing that she was previously spaced out. 

[color=silver]“You lost little lady?”[/color] An all too familiar voice came from behind her. Slowly Annabelle turned to face the man she once called her best friend. He was somehow taller than when she had last seen him, and he wore a knowing smirk. “Not many people fit your description Belle you couldn’t hide forever.” He said, pulling the hood off her head. 

Annabelle quickly pulled her hood back up. [color=6ecff6]“Only you would catch word that someone vaguely matching my description was spotted and not only assume that it was me but that you would find them here, Damien…”[/color] She muttered looking at the ground. Of all people, why did it have to be him? There was a time when Annabelle would be relieved to see her old friend, but that was before the boy who was the closest thing to family started working for the man responsible for the death of her parents. 

[color=silver]“What’s the matter? Didn’t intend to stop and say hi while you were here?”[/color] He asked entirely unfazed by Annabelle’s words. He flung his arm over the much shorter girl’s shoulders and smiled down at her just like he used to. [color=silver]“How about we go to a bar and catch up, I am sure you have lots of stories from your time away. Are you back for good? I know Regal could really use some skill like yours.”[/color] 

Annabelle has to stop herself from physically wincing at Albert’s name. Damien worked for the man and any negative perspective on Albert Regal was not tolerated. [color=6ecff6] “Um, I’ll be here for a few days. I…I don’t intend to stay sorry.”[/color] She had to play nice, even if he made her physically uncomfortable to be around now. Even if he was one of Albert’s “Brutes”. 

[color=silver]“Ah well, that still leaves plenty of time to catch up, cmon, I just got off my shift, let’s go get some drinks and share some stories.”[/color] He didn’t wait for her to respond and started leading her back toward the Red District. Her ears were ringing, this was what she was trying to avoid. Damien of all people was not who she wanted to run into. It was too late now though he found her and he was still convinced they were friends.