System Reboot || DC

Chapter Three

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Meeting the Family

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I lifted my brow in surprise and glanced up. They continued to look at me with a frigid expression before turning around and motioning for me to follow them. Not much choice other than running into the busy streets and hopefully being isekai'd, I followed.

I was soon standing at the penthouse's entrance, the elevator ride quiet and awkward, with them staring at me with the same cold stare I give toddlers throwing tantrums. Once inside, I couldn't help but be mesmerized by the vastness of the place. The magnificent architecture reminded me of Wayne Manor, but in an apartment setting.

Was this Allison's apartment?

The floor was marble, and the space was open and wide, with a crazily huge kitchen, a lounge that connected to a balcony that spanned half the wall, and massive antique vases with much larger crystals. Except for the occasional dog toy and empty water bottle, the room was pristine.

It wasn't the spiraling staircase or the puppy who yipped at my heels and wanted to be played with that drew my attention. It was the androgynous individual who stood with their arms crossed in front of a huge photograph of a family. A happy couple with gentle round features, arms around two children.

My interrogator pointed at the taller of the two girls in the painting and then myself.

"I know that you aren't Allison." Their expressions contorted in uncertainty, and lines formed on their cheeks. "Tell me, did she deceive you into assuming control of her body? How long have you been dead? Do you remember your past life?"

"How did you know it was a mutual agreement?" My voice became hushed. They appear to have been aware of Allison's inner struggle and her desire to die. But how could they tell I wasn't her just by looking at me?

They scratched their brow before resting against the wall, albeit quite theatrically with their hip popped out.

"Sam is the daughter of one of my subordinates. She let me know your situation, soul swap, and I had to see it for myself. We forged the caretaker files and got you released before you could go running off."

Wtf?

"Don't give me that disturbed look, I'm Allison's uncle".

But Allison said that she didn't have any relatives?

"She said she didn't have any relatives since she didn't know I existed," they continued to scratch at their head before finally grunting in annoyance and...yanking their hair out?

I watched silently as the realistic wig flew across the room and landed perfectly on the smiling dog. They...he, whatever they identify as, stripped from the heels and dress before casually walking across the room in some loose boxers.

"This is Sam's reward for her hard work"

That makes more sense than I would have liked.

He fished a baggy shirt and some basketball shorts from between the couch cushions, dressed himself, and then flopped across from me. "I use he/him pronouns, so don't be confused."

Thanks for the clarification.

"How come you knew about her but she didn't know about you?" In my mind, I asked the essential question.