The hivemind is conquering for me? Chapter 776: Bad Influence

"How can you possibly have joined the army? Keyla, have you lost your mind?" Sophia’s voice boomed through their shared mindspace.

"...Yes?" Keyla’s thoughts echoed back, laced with the utter bewilderment of ‘I thought you were already aware of this?’

A wave of concern washed over Sophia, a feeling that Keyla sensed immediately. To alleviate her mother’s worries, Keyla quickly offered reassurance.

"Sophia, Mother, please don’t fret. I’ve adopted an alias, crafted an entirely new life thanks to Mary-Beth’s assistance, and I’m only utilizing a fraction of my abilities. The other entities have pledged to suppress their bloodlust while I’m serving here. After all, we all hold Apollo in high regard, and it’s imperative we maintain our composure to fulfill our duties for him."

"But you are still present, Keyla. Your likeness has been observed. Your existence poses a threat to Apollo’s happiness. Imagine if he becomes associated with the sanguine butcher... He might not return to us. I cannot bear the thought of that outcome."

"Hmm~" Keyla mused, contemplating her next move. Her original plan involved seizing the Lochagos’ computer after eliminating her, intending to alter the profile picture. However, a slim possibility remained that she could be recognized by someone from her peer group at the boot camp in the future.

"A simple resolution presents itself. I will delay my return to Euc 4 for the time being. This way, no direct link will lead back to Apollo... While the Kathrine connection remains, it’s purely circumstantial and coincidental."

"And where do you intend to go, Keyla? Though the queen has touched you, you remain my cultist." Sophia inquired, not entirely opposed but asserting her authority in the decision-making process.

"Hmm, well, I was contemplating a return to Apollo-minor. Re-experiencing that delightful state of mental shutdown again would be quite enjoyable, but I sense that suggestion might elicit jealousy from you."

"I-I assure you, jealousy isn't a factor! Ultimately, we all return to the queen’s embrace..."

"A most convincing assertion, Mama... How about this alternative: I shall go and torment Sammy? It promises to be amusing to witness her navigating her responsibilities independently. I’m quite certain she misses me dearly by now anyway. Furthermore, she’s likely bungled something significant, necessitating her bestie’s intervention and guidance."

Sophia found this proposal agreeable. "Very well, you may also seek out Delilah there; she hasn’t deviated from that world since her arrival a few months ago. Now, I must depart, as Orchid awaits my response. Oh, and Xeti will be joining us shortly."

"Ah, my little alien companion? Splendid news. I had honestly forgotten about her. She was quite amusing to break, you know. Alright Mama, I must take my leave. I have a mere five minutes of discretionary time remaining, which I believe I can utilize to extract one final pleasure before my duties call. Keep an eye out for my handiwork showcased on the news!"

...

The sensation of Sophia receding from her mindspace prompted Keyla to exhale deeply. This endeavor was proving rather time-consuming. While she possessed the ability to activate her bloodfiend state immediately and unleash a wave of destruction, such an act would be fundamentally incorrect. In service to her king, she deemed nothing less than absolute perfection acceptable.

‘Perfection...’ The concept resonated within her consciousness, a solitary entity in existence embodying such a descriptor. The visage of Apollo materialized once more—his form slick with crimson, his manhood fully engorged.

A soft bite of her lip preceded her involuntary arousal, her fingers beginning to move with a will of their own.

‘Perhaps I could even achieve a double release!’

...

Sophia’s eyes snapped open, only to flutter shut once more in immediate response. Her existence was designed to span across multiple planets; Keyla’s current distance had placed an immense strain on Sophia’s mental faculties. She gently massaged her temples for a moment. Upon reopening her eyes, she found Xeti gazing at her, her expression a mixture of wide-eyed hope.

"I-Is Keyla returning soon?" Xeti inquired, her words spoken without prior leave. "I yearn for the mark of her truth upon me once more."

Sophia poured herself a drink, deliberately ignoring the alien’s plea. After downing the liquid in a single gulp, she let out a weary sigh. "No, Keyla will be occupied elsewhere for the foreseeable future. However, I shall impart this information: she completely forgot about your existence during our recent conversation. Now, cease your chattering."

She then retrieved her communicator and spoke into it. "Keyla will not cause further distress to Apollo."

"Excellent." Was Orchid’s sole response before abruptly terminating the communication. Sophia released another sigh, noticing Xeti’s agitated posture. "Explain yourself," she commanded, her tone laced with confusion.

Xeti’s breathing quickened, her hands beginning to tenderly caress the scars adorning her body. "She forgot about me... It is only natural. One whose truth was so absolute... her focus would have been entirely on her objectives, disregarding external concerns like myself. The realization that I hold such little significance to her pains me deeply... Yet, paradoxically, this very pain brings me a strange sense of pleasure."

Sophia shivered, goosebumps prickling her skin. Apollo had been exposed to a myriad of influences through the hive: murder, illicit substances, potent alcohol, and the brutal realities of war. But a sexually frustrated masochist? Sophia harbored no desire to expose Apollo to such corrupting elements. He was pure, he was innocent... He was her mate. She vowed to protect him at all costs...

However, her thoughts failed to acknowledge the intense pleasure she derived when Apollo would playfully spank her posterior during their intimate encounters, nor did she consider the profound excitement currently coursing through their queen at the prospect of Apollo administering punishment upon their return. This retribution would be for the hive’s transgression—breaking their vow not to invade this galaxy—necessitated by their current desperate need for prime biomass.

Sophia started formulating a strategy to deal with the peculiar extraterrestrial entity before her, but her thoughts were interrupted by a youthful voice exclaiming, "Mama? Why is Xeti outside of her containment?"

Leilani inquired, a cookie held delicately in her hand, her gaze fixed upon the alien.

Sophia, glancing between Xeti and Leilani, couldn't help but shake her head. "A more pertinent question is, how did you obtain a cookie? That will surely spoil your appetite. Even better, why are you here? I presumed you were attending school with-- Oh!"

A sudden recollection surfaced from her internal communication device, prompting Sophia to check the time. "My apologies! I hadn't realized the hour. Lele, are you prepared? This endeavor must succeed; it will immensely benefit Apollo."

The mention of Apollo's name caused Leilani's eyes to widen with fervent enthusiasm. "I am! Everything we do is for his sake!"

A smile touched Sophia's lips. Although Lele remained unaware of the cult's true nature, as her designated 'preparation daughter,' Sophia had adopted a more immersive approach to her upbringing and training. The child's pre-existing affection for Apollo had been skillfully channeled into profound worship in a remarkably short period.

"Indeed, for him. Xeti, return to your cell. You are to consume all that is provided to nurture your companion. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Mistress."

Sophia watched as Xeti departed the room, heading towards the elevator. Once the doors chimed shut, Sophia turned, a knowing smirk playing on her lips as she faced Lele. "Very well, let us ensure this playdate unfolds perfectly. If we can secure this woman as an ally, it will merely be a matter of time before Apollo claims this entire planet as his own!"

Grasping Lele's hand, Sophia prepared to depart. Just as she stepped into the elevator, the discordant energy of another troublesome daughter erupted further south. Unwilling to confront that immediate annoyance, she severed the communication link. Turning her attention back to Lele, whose small hand was clasped in hers, a gentle smile graced Sophia's lips.

'All for him.'

...

"WAKE UP, YOU ANCIENT HUSSY!" Jinx bellowed directly into the ear of White Death, her patience wearing exceedingly thin.

She had anticipated this 'leadership' role to last a mere two weeks at most.

Not nearly three entire months!

Matters had taken a decidedly unfavorable turn. Not only was she an object of fear and respect, but whispers had begun circulating about her assuming the position permanently!

'Damn it all!' She harbored her own ambitions, her own desires. Apollo required her solace, and her devoted companionship upon his return. Such endeavors were impossible from her current post!

What exacerbated her frustration was that every inquiry to her mother about her departure was met with a pointed digital silence.

'STUPID BRAT!' she raged into the comms, acutely aware that her outburst was not being received.

"Jinx, please. Calm yourself. We are generating substantial profits. Certainly, some territory has been ceded, but consolidating our assets post-war has proven to be a net positive for the syndicate. You are performing admirably. I am confident Timmy recognizes your exceptional efforts, which is precisely why he remains in repose," Fume stated soothingly from the bedside. However, her words only served to inflame the volatile captive, and Jinx spun towards her, eyes blazing.

"Oh, I could not care less if I am performing 'admirably'! I no longer wish to do this. I despise being in charge. I am, fundamentally, a capable subordinate. My expertise lies in decisive action and eliminating threats. The intricacies of logistics and administrative duties can frankly go to hell!"

With that, she turned her fury upon Timmy, shouting, "So wake up, you pathetic excuse for a human! Or I swear, I will surgically remove your testicles and offer them as a feast to a passing squirrel! UGH! Why is he still unconscious! I mean, for goodness sake, he's not even remotely 'crispy' anymore!"

Jinx then proceeded to clamber onto the elder man's prone form, seizing him by the collar of his pajamas, a move that elicited a sharp gasp from Fume.

"Jinx, what in the blazes are you doing! Stop manhandling him!"

Disregarding Fume's protestations, Jinx continued to agitate Timmy. "No, I'm finished. He is awakening. Wakey-wakey, Timmy! Time for school!"

*WHAPOW!*

She delivered a strike with sufficient force to decapitate an ordinary individual. Following this, she landed several more potent blows, only for the room to plummet into an unnatural, biting coldness. Impossibly, a pair of eyes snapped open, and Jinx found herself staring directly into the depths of White Death's gaze. His eyes, wide with astonishment, had undergone a transformation; the sclera and irises were now a uniform, unsettling black. He looked at Jinx, a flicker of confusion crossing his features, before turning towards Fume with a sudden smile that left her utterly aghast. A profound sigh of relief escaped his lips.

"It is about time I extricated myself from that predicament..."

He then shifted his attention back to Jinx, his bearings now firmly established. A broad smile spread across his face as he unleashed a powerful outward punch, striking the woman square in the jaw and sending her careening backward across the room. Jinx, recovering with remarkable speed, spat a trickle of blood and grinned at the resounding, well-earned blow. "Ah, Boss, it appears your extended slumber has served you well. Your punch possesses even greater force than before. Now, I implore you, may I finally relinquish command, now that you are restored to peak condition and ready for action?"

White Death rose to his feet, stretching his back, each movement accompanied by a symphony of cracking joints.

"Yes, regarding that..."