Well here we are, with another chapter! Even though I got some good feedback, I couldn't help but feel that last chapter was bad, but like I said… I promise, it was just a building block, and foundations aren't always pretty. Anyways, I am confident that this chapter is better, really hope you enjoy.

I am going to try and keep the Pertemis romance to a maximum if I can, what kind of a Pertemis story would it be, if there wasn't LOTS of Pertemis? Oh yeah!

Also...

One thing I need to address, in all seriousness, guys... flame reviews? It doesn't need to be flame, if there is something you don't agree with in my writing, then that's your problem because you are the one that clicked on it in the first place. But really, I am addressing the fact that GUEST readers are writing flame reviews, if you are writing a criticizing review to my story and you are hiding behind a guest name, then you are not only invalidating your points even further, but you are being cowardice.

Flame reviews are not appreciated, but feedback is, any guest readers Flame reviews or offensive statements WILL be reported and deleted. I have 0 tolerance for cowardice cyber bullies that hide behind fake names that can't be responded to.

Any reviews from readers that are logged in, will be replied to, and met with appreciation and an approachable, friendly and understanding tone. This message is for GUEST readers that are writing reviews intended to offend and criticize, bash and hurt.

That being said, I'll emphasize what I think is offensive, and hurtful, so that there is a guideline. My guideline for offensive reviews, and what I think is offensive, is this question, ask yourself this: "Would I like someone to review my story with this?" The Golden Rule.

Anyway, I love reviews, and I mean it, I think every chapter I've posted has at least one: "PLEASE REVIEW," written somewhere... and it's because I really mean it, like please review, lol. Authors write for their own enjoyment and creativity, and majorly so that others can enjoy their writing, we don't get paid to do this, so please don't criticize... I don't have a PHD in journalism, or an English literature degree, or anything for that matter... I just do this as a past time, to have fun, and let my imagination run wild. OK? Thanks for understanding.

Here we go, chapter 5, 3rd person POV and this is about 5 minutes later from when Artemis flashed into the pavilion.

Artemis looked at her hunters, they were all seated around the table inside the dining pavilion, most of them looked like they were curious… Some looked patient, others were looking expectant, either rocking back and forth slightly or they were trying to read the room by staring at Artemis and Percy with piercing eyes, trying to see what the meaning of this was. Yes, Percy was seated directly to Artemis's right, Thalia was seated to Artemis's left, farther down the table though. Percy had his arms crossed, looking the way he usually did while he was near the hunters,

She decided to just go for it, she looked at Percy and he nodded. Seeing this, the hunters were confused, communication between their patron and their guardian was not anything uncommon, the hunters knew that they were in a relationship, but they didn't know to what extent.

Well, they sure would in a few moments…

She took a deep breath and collected herself, then she just bit the bullet.

"Hunters, I assume that most if not all of you have already caught onto the fact that me and Percy are in a… Erm, relationship?" She asked, sounding confident, but like she would rather be eating an eel. Heh… eels.

The hunters all nodded, some had looks of disgust, others had looks of skepticism and some had looks of content and approval… IE: Thalia, and a few of the younger hunters who Percy has made friends with.

"Good, but before I tell you the real reason I had you all gather here, I am going to state that if you wish to leave after, I won't stop you and no one else will either." She stated, sounding resigned.

Most of the hunters raised eyebrows, confusion and anticipation painting their faces like a canvas.

"So without delaying this any longer, you all should know that I am no longer a maiden goddess." She finished, cringing in anticipation of what was to come.

Hearing how bluntly and suddenly she put it, Percy grimaced too, likely anticipating the backlash that he would get, and the accusations that he raped her of some such… as if he would be sitting right next to her, as she told the hunters she lost her virginity, if he had raped her… sigh.

All the hunters that could understand right away, had shocked looks on their faces, like they couldn't quite comprehend what she had told them… The more experienced and older hunters, reacted like this:

"WHAT?!" Phoebe shouted, standing up, balling her fists incredulously. She was one of the main 'Percy-haters,' in camp… she had made Percy's life a living Hades for a good long while, until Artemis finally put a stop to her constant pranking and bullying, it was awful. She had always been a high-class hunter, very old, older than even Zoe was… Phoebe has always been hot tempered, outright cruel sometimes, that was also probably fueled by her frustration at not being picked as lieutenant… Since she was the oldest, but those reasons were why she hadn't been, she was just too unpredictable, and she wouldn't be the leader that Artemis needed her to be, the lieutenant had to be strong, fierce, brave, and also compassionate and have stable emotions… Which Phoebe didn't, she was by far a perfect candidate in regards to the first three traits, but she considerably lacked the two former, as you can see now, directly standing up to her patron and expressing her disagreement and opinion.

Percy raised an eyebrow at her outburst, clearly stunned that the hunter would so openly question her patron… Thalia had the same expression, but she also stayed out of this, wanting to see how this played out between Artemis and her oldest hunter.

Before this could escalate any further, Atalanta, another elder hunter who was precisely the opposite in almost all regards, to Phoebe. She was the best healer in the camp, she usually tried to avoid conflict if she could, but if you provoked her enough, or she had to fight, you wouldn't be able to tell the difference between her, and Artemis, aside from their hair. Asked the simple question, of: "How? And why?" Her voice not wavering, but deeply intrigued, and sounding somewhat knowing…

Phoebe looked at her like she wanted to bite her, clearly not appreciating being ignored, but little did she know how she was actually sticking up for her.

Artemis looked at her approvingly, then she smiled and said: "How? Well, how do you think?" She asked with an audible: 'duh,' her face turning slightly golden… Atlanta's face went red as a cherry, and a good few of the hunters giggled. Thalia outright laughed, along with Percy who chuckled, a prideful smile breaking out on his face.

"Me and Percy are very close, we've been sleeping together for quite a while, but last night was the first time we really did, and it was completely consensual, and I was the one that started it." She explained, bracing herself for the response, also turning beet red.

The hunters look dumbfounded, then a good lot of them groaned and passed bags of drachma around, as if they were in a mortal casino. The ones that received money, had a triumphant grin plastered on their faces, about the same as a weather man would have after predicting the first storm of his career… She noticed that a majority of the bags ended up by Thalia, and surprisingly, a few bags ended up next to Atlanta… Who promptly stuffed them behind her like she was trying to hide them, there were others that went to a few of the other hunters, but a lot less received than payed.

Artemis raised her eyebrows, Percy did too, a look of confusion written on both of their faces. But Artemis's look was funny, because her face was still red from having confessed to all her hunters that she had let Percy have his way with her…

Thalia was the one to break the silence, sensing the confusion and bafflement of the two lovers.

"We placed bets, or most us did… On how long it would take you two to roll in the hay, and who would be the one to start it." She explained.

A few moments went by, before Artemis asked: "Wait, so you all aren't upset about this?" Relief and shock in her voice.

Almost everyone looked at Phoebe, as if to answer her question, and she was fuming… Now that all the attention was back on her, she huffed in annoyance and stormed out, not saying a word.

Percy's eyes were glued to her as she left, instinctively, being the guardian of the hunt and all… He was immediately filled with thoughts of how vulnerable a single hunter was away from the main group. Not that he doubted Phoebe's ability to defend herself, or her fighting ability. But he hadn't doubted Zoe's ability either, yet she was alone, separated from the hunt, a lone wolf… And that's how she ended up being killed, even though Artemis was there, she wasn't quick enough. Bianca had died in relatively the same manner… Hell that's the reason why they had to go on that quest in the first place, because that Artemis got captured, going alone and on her own… A lone huntress was never a safe huntress, that's why he worried, because there was just too much uncertainty in this world, and these girls were like sisters too him, every last one of them… even though some of them didn't get along with him, or hated him.

But he also didn't want to let Artemis down, he was assigned to be their protector, and if he let something happen to one of them, in their own camp… He would be ashamed, horribly mad at himself, feeling like he failed. Suddenly, he was jolted out of his thoughts by Thalia, what a surprise...

"No, we're happy for you. At least I am, and the others don't seem to be protesting, as long as you disregard Phoebe… Besides, I'm ecstatic to hear that kelp head is finally having some fun. He deserves to be happy, even though he'll never admit it." Thalia said, abruptly, about as subtle as thunder. (pun intended.)

Artemis's face went beet red again, and even Percy coughed into his fist in embarrassment.

"I too, have no disapproval towards this, I wish you both the best… But, I cannot help but have one question, how will this affect the hunt going forward?" Atlanta commented, and asked, absolutely no disapproval in her voice, just like she said.

Artemis smiled at her approval, she held this girl in very high respect and pride, she was much like herself in many ways, and she valued her opinion, so hearing her approval was heartening.

"There won't be any changes, unless you all wish for there to be, I can change the oath so that you won't have to be eternal maidens anymore… Or whatever, really." She said.

The hunters shook their heads…

"No? Ok, then there won't be any changes, as of now. I found the perfect man to be with, and I really mean it, there are good men out there, you no longer have to be eternal maidens because of my example… if you choose to remain that way, then that's great, but if you do find a male that you accept and love, then just know that there won't be any consequences if you wish to pursue him. Just tell me first, or Thalia at least." she explained, and all the hunters nodded their heads.

"Don't let Apollo hear you say that…" Percy commented, and they groaned, the last thing they needed was Apollo hitting on them all, all the time…

"Also, I know many of you have already, but do your best to accept Percy… Alright? He's here to stay, and he's nothing like the males we've dealt with in the past, I think that much is obvious. If I love and respect him, then there is no reason for you not to, as well. Zoe respected him, and she befriended him before she died, Thalia and Percy are practically siblings they are so close, so please… Don't hold any hard feelings towards him, because he truly hasn't done anything to deserve them, all he's ever done is treat us all with kindness." She finished, her voice was sincere and truthful, as if she meant every word, and she did.

Percy turned his head and looked at her, smiling, he'd have to thank her later. He snaked his arm around her form and pulled her to him, right in front of all the hunters, let them see how in love they are.

She was slightly surprised, but she rested her head against his shoulder, the hunters watched them… watching their close bond, how in love they were, and seeing that she really did completely accept him, now they had seen Artemis and Percy hugging before, even kissing on some occasion… But now? Now it just seemed so much more powerful, and so much more meaningful, it really put into prospective how much the goddess of the hunt had changed, did it mark new beginnings?

The hunters nodded their head, some mumbled agreements, while others smiled at their show of affection. They were happy for their mistress, and deep down almost each and every one of them hoped that one day they could feel that happiness too, they looked up to their patron, and if she had found a man that was pure enough, so much so that she gave up her maidenhood for him, then they knew that there really were good males out there… They just needed to look.

A/N- Welp, there we have it! I hope you all enjoyed this one, it was short, but I hope that it put things into perspective moving on from here… Was the hunters reaction correct? What did you think?

Thanks to eessaamaster1 for the continued support! Also thanks to him the hunters are gamblers! Cool beans! What's Thalia gonna spend all her drachma on? Only can find out, right?

Please please leave a review, and I hope to see you next time!

Peace out! R&R F&F :)