Thief Of Truth's Heart

Chapter 21

Apollo blinked.

Nine pairs of innocent eyes blinked right back at him.

Apollo sighed when he heard his wife giggling somewhere in the background, most probably laughing her head off after seeing him sitting so awkwardly in front of the nine children that Zeus had dumped on them.

"So you are Apollo?"

"No. I am Solis."

"Phoebus, be nice."

"Of course sunbeam. Yes, little one, I am Apollo."

"Like, THE Apollo? Or normal Apollo?"

"What is that even supposed to mean? Nevermind that, do you even know any Apollo other than me?"

"No we don't."

"For your information, I am THE Apollo who just happens to be the normal one as well."

"Okay, just checking."

"Girls, leave Phoebus alone for a minute or two to get his bearings back. He is a bit shaken up.", Atlanta finally said after taking mercy on her best friend who seemed close to hyperventilating, and slowly walked into the room with a picnic basket in her hand.

"You're leaving. We thought that we would get to meet you as well.", one of the girls told the elder woman sadly.

Atlanta smiled before ruffling the girl's hair affectionately. "We can always talk after I come back from my little trip today."

Apollo groaned. "I can handle boys by threatening them. What am I supposed to do with nine little girls?"

Looking at his Lana, Apollo continued. "You are a natural with kids. I don't even know where to begin. And you are leaving already. I am definitely not ready to take care of nine little girls. I can barely take care of myself without you helping me out to not screw things up royally."

Atlanta kissed her husband lightly, giggling when she heard gagging sounds coming from their little audience. "Don't worry. I am sure the you'll do fine. You wanted girls so badly. Now you have a chance to practice!! Moreover, you have faced the Python. I am confident that you can definitely handle looking after nine young girls."

Apollo sighed before standing up and gently resting his forehead on his Lana's while his hand found its way to tenderly brush the gentle swell of her stomach. "Be careful, alright? If you need anything, ask Ares. And if you feel like you want to come home, just call me up. I'll be there in a heartbeat. Don't stress yourself out, okay?"

Atlanta closed her eyes and smiled at the concern she heard in her husband's voice. "I will be very careful. We both will be careful, alright? No need to worry."

Pulling away slightly, Apollo grinned at his wife. "Enjoy your day with the kids, Lana. Stay safe. Love you."

Atlanta gave a last soft kiss to her husband. "Enjoy your day as well, Phoebus. Love you too."

Apollo then helped Atlanta to the door where Ares and Hephaestus were waiting for their mother, and waved her goodbye before shutting the door and turning back to find nine little faces glowing with curiosity and awe.

Apollo took his chair once more in front of the nine girls where they were seated and took another look at the mini army before speaking up again.

"We are gonna play a little game called Name Game. Here we introduce ourselves, give others a nickname to call us by, and tell something about ourselves."

"I have a question."

"Yes?"

"We already introduced ourselves. Do we have to do that again?"