The hivemind is conquering for me?

After receiving yet another standing ovation, Nerissa and Rhapso were finished with their orchestra. I loved every second of it, these Nymphs were beyond talented and having them play for me was a birthday present that was hard to beat.

By the time they had finished, it was quite late, and we had another operation to run in ten hours so I said. ”Ladies, thank you so much, this has been a very special birthday to me, I value what you did, what you all did for me so much. However, I think it’s time we call it a night, we all have targets tomorrow, so we can’t afford to be sleepy. Let’s hit the hay.”

No one seemed to object to this fact and after a round of goodnights, everyone began to disperse.

Not quite being tired yet myself, despite what I just said, I began cleaning up a little in the kitchen. It was an easy task, after finding power for Astra to siphon, her incinerator came online. Making getting rid of junk quite convenient.

”Apollo, I have a query if you would permit it?” I heard from the room. Seeing no reason to refuse, I replied.

”Sure thing Astra, what’s up?”

”Why do you celebrate birthdays? I understand the core concept from my data banks of what a birthday is, but the act of celebrating being born? I do not understand.”

I shrugged my shoulders, she had a fair point. ”Um, I am not actually sure, y’know? I think it’s more to do with acknowledging the passing of time and sharing that time in celebration with those you spend that time with... That and people like receiving presents and a birthday is a good excuse.”

”I understand better, thank you Apollo.” Astra stated before following up. ”Another query. Why did the music you listened to make you cry on numerous occasions? You are a strong being, I highly doubt the music brought you pain.”

”Oh I wasn’t crying because I was upset, the music just hit my feelings. My soul. It... I don’t know, it made me feel nostalgic in a way? Like-”

”*Ahem*”

Hearing someone clear their throat, I turned around and spotted one of the reasons that made me cry. ”Oh Rhapso, hello. Thank you again for such a wonderful gift, it was truly enchanting... Why are you locking the door?” I asked, confused, but I quickly understood as she removed her armour.

Rhapso was quite short for a Praetorian out of her armour, only six foot two and was even skinnier than Nerissa. It was always a fun contrast seeing such powerful individuals look so ’cute’

However, that thought was quickly replaced as I realised that Rhapso was wearing basically nothing except some intricate embroidery? That was covering only her most intimate parts and was hastily approaching me.

A bit taken aback by the situation that was happening, I tried to open my mouth, but I doubted I would have been able to say anything, thankfully, she had something to say first.

”Apollo... I know you said I had to gain your trust, that eventually you will trust me the same way as you do Nerissa, but I want you to know something.”

She then proceeded to press her body up against mine, her white eyes looking into my own with an intense fire.

”I like you. I really really like you. And not just for ’that’ reason. I mean I feel a burning urge pushing me towards you. My fate is yours to command. I want to be yours. Entirely.”

She then stood on her tip toes and bit her lip while staring at my own, clearly wanting something, however.

”Rhapso... This is...” I trailed off, but she clearly knew what I was going to say.

”Fast? I agree. Its lightspeed. True. But for hundreds of thousands of years, I have been directionless. I don’t even know who my founder is, you know? Some think it is goddess Apollo, like Nerissa, because she had a large amount of nature Nymphs compared to the others, but honestly? I don’t feel it. I don’t feel anything. I just remember poofing into existence with no one around anywhere and just a trace of purple in a sea of green... But what I have felt in this blink of an eye with you. What I have experienced. What I have observed and learnt about you. What I have learnt about myself. My thoughts are only of you. To make you happy, to see to your every whim... To worship... If this isn’t true love, true devotion. I don’t know what it is.”

Rhapso then got on her knees and hugged my legs, I got some serious Talia deja vu from the royal Palace as she spoke. ”Please Apollo, I will do anything to prove my devotion to you, my existence. It aches to serve one such as you. One I can feel with my Psionic essence is destined for greatness.”

’The fuck? This is a lot to drop on a guy in an instant.’ I thought to myself, but as soon as I did, I felt my Origin thrum to life. As it did so, I heard myself speak.

”Renounce them.”

My voice had deepened. A power within I had only heard on numerous occasions, but unlike the last few times, I felt in control. The voice boomed, yet I knew only Rhapso was the one to hear it as she looked up at me, wide eyes with both shock and awe.

”What do you mean?” She asked and I furrowed my brows at her, prompting her to flinch away.

”Look at me.” I commanded and she snapped her attention to me so hard I feared she almost hurt herself.

”You know what I mean, Rhapso. True devotion? True love? Those are just words. Nothing. I am aware you Nymps take oaths that structure your lives. Renounce them. Renounce your gods. Renounce your pantheon. Renounce your loyalty and turn it all to me. Become mine. Mind. Body. Soul.”

Her mouth instantly went agape. Her lips quivered.

”Apollo... That is treason. If they ever found out I-”

”It is treason. I am commanding you to commit treason with me. To Join me on the winning side. Show your devotion.” I declared before speaking a name.

”Onyx.”

Feeling my intent, though just as unsure as my active mind, Onyx appeared, not in her usual self she had to put on around all these people. Her true self. Her perfect self. Her bio form.

Towering over the room, she had to slouch. I could see Rhapso’s eyes go wide, ready to use her powers, causing me to spit in disdain.

”True devotion? You attempt to attack my mate and call that true devotion?”

Rhapso instantly froze, looking at me. ”A-Apollo, that thing... It’s what killed...”

”Your Praetorian friend harmed Apollo. Its pathetic life was forfeit the moment it harmed him. He had it coming as will everything and everyone who opposes him.” Onyx spouted, her voice deep and dangerous.

”What are you?” Rhapso asked. Unsure of what she was thinking or what the fuck I was doing at this point, I just continued to roll with whatever my Origin was doing. This felt right.

”The swarm, the scourge of the galactic north. They are my partner, Rhapso. My true mate. Yes I am human, but I am more. And they have accepted their position in the universe as mine! Are you going to do the same? It is simple what you have to do, I have already told you. Show your true devotion to me. Break your oaths.”

”Renounce them.

Rhapso was looking up at me, her eyes watery. It was truly a great shame that Onyx was going to have to kill her now. I started liking her a great deal over the last few months. ’I thought you and I came to an agreement about fucking me over? What was this? It doesn’t feel like a new power.’ I spoke to my Origin before suddenly being pulled back to reality by Rhapso speaking up.

”Apollo...”

I just shook my head. ”I understand. I am sorry, but-”

”There are two oaths I am incapable of breaking. They would shatter me. Destroy my existence and then I cannot serve you. Would you permit me to exempt them? If not, I understand. I will prove to you my devotion. My love.”

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’Seriously did my boon fucking break at some point? I have no explanation for this shit!’ I thought internally, as I did so, I felt the strange phenomenon over my body begin to wash away, returning me to my normal state, something Rhapso seemed to also pick up on.

She then crawled to me one more under Onyx’s intense glare and grabbed onto my leg once more, looking up at me with what I can only refer to as genuine reverence.

”Is that a yes? Please speak to this lowly Nymph, my God.”