I am a huge fan of Percy Jackson and the Olympians and I've been reading many of the related fanfictions- especially those written by Takara Phoenix and XSon ofHadesX. Their works are AWESOME, I'd highly recommend reading them- especially any of Takara Phoenix's Nicery stories, and XSon ofHadesX's work Children of Loss. Anyways, I thought I'd try writing a Nicery story of my own since I've wanted to for quite a while. However, I've been going through some tough times recently and I think it definitely shows in what this fanfiction is about. Therefore, be warned that this fanfiction will be a little darker. There will be romance and some fluff at the end, but it will take quite a build-up and a lot of pain for some of the characters in order to achieve this. So, hopefully you enjoy chapter one of Trying to Piece Together the Shards of My Shattered Heart of Glass.

Disclaimer: Percy Jackson and the Olympians are not mine. This fanfiction on the other hand is all mine. Reviews are welcomed and desired.

Warnings: This fanfiction is rated M because it will contain cutting, severe and mild depression, violence, suicidal thoughts, and possible attempted suicide attempts. It will NOT contain sex.

Chapter 1: Understanding the Inevitable

"Time tells the truth" Fortune Cookie

The heart is fascinating. Not the physical heart, mind you. I'm talking about the real heart. The heart that is our very soul. The heart that lets us feel and experience life. The heart is quite strong and resilient- able to withstand and make it through difficult seasons of life. Yet for all its strength, the heart remains quite fragile.

You see, we are able to make it through these painful and tough times, but damage is still done. Damage is always done. The pain that we face causes the heart to fracture and break apart. Sometimes these fractures are deep and noticeable, forming large fissures. We know exactly when these occur and what caused them. Other times, the pain is easier to handle and the resulting fractures are minor in comparison. In some cases, only hairline cracks form- sometimes without you even recognizing that they're there. You may think you escape from such situations unscathed, with your life and your heart whole and under control.

But life goes on. You face new hardships and deal with new and old recurring sources of pain. Sometimes new fissures form- minor or deep. But often, the pain relates to cracks that are already present in your heart. Fissures deepen and connect, becoming more noticeable. Nevertheless, despite all of these fractures, the heart endures- more or less intact.

Usually.

But, as with most everything, there are exceptions. Take someone whose heart has been fractured, possibly severely at least once. But they're still making it through life. Some of their fractures may have even begun or even completely healed until only faint scars remain. And then tragedy strikes- tragedy that puts them through catastrophic pain. Pain that resonates with some or all of their deepest scars and fears. When this happens, their heart doesn't just fracture- it strikes so deeply that the heart completely shatters. When this happens, it leaves you broken and devastated.

A heart can heal from these wounds- at least partially. Even if it's shattered. It's just extremely difficult and requires dedication and a willingness to face the pain and move through it. Because of this, you have to want to mend your heart- especially if it's shattered. Because sometimes, it's just easier to leave it broken than to try to piece your heart back together and run the risk of having it break again.

Everyone will go through pain and hardship- whether from abuse, betrayal, fear, failure, loss, or anything else life throws at you. And your heart will break. How often or how badly? It's anyone's guess. How will it affect and change you, your relationships, and your future? Will you be able to recover? Only time and the fates know that.

So, I'm hoping you enjoyed or at least found this intro to what the story will be about interesting. As I said, it will be a little darker. Also, every chapter will start with a quote to kind of build up the mood or simply because it fits a section of that chapter. Please review and let me know if you like it or not. In addition, I am open to suggestions. I just cannot guarantee that I would be able to incorporate them. Chapter 2 will be posted later this morning, just as soon as I finish typing it.