Just a little note here, all of the songs that Amu will be singing will be from Girls Dead Monster (the band in Angel Beats!.) I will be posting the translated lyrics so you can understand the meaning and don't have to go scouring the internet to understand what she's singing. The song she sings in this chapter is Crow Song. Enjoy :3

PS: Oh my gosh you all, are just the best! I woke up yesterday and went to my email to find nothing but mail from fanfiction. You guys... wow haha. I love you all. Best readers ever :)

Chapter Two

Everybody's Watching You Now

Amu stood in the sound studio, headphones on and standing in front of the microphone, waiting for the 'okay' to start her song. It had been about two days since Ikuto came back, and she had managed to finish a song for the first time in months. Close to a year to be honest. Utau called her yesterday about Ikuto coming home. They talked about their visits with the blue haired man, and their visits differed greatly. Utau was excited to see him and managed to tackle him to the ground. Amu was very annoyed with him, though secretly she was happy about him being back. Amu was brought back from her thoughts by her manager. "Amu! You can start now." Himiko said.

"Oh, yeah okay. Sorry." she replied, noticing the look Himiko gave her. The woman had probably been trying to get her attention for a while. Amu took a deep breath, then she started to sing the new song.

There's a wall of shutters behind me.
My fingertips smell like steel.
Move ahead! Strum those strings! It's crowded, at any rate.
Find a way from here.
You'll find what you're looking for.
Let's rock out and play on.
Gaze into the distance
inside this city where you can't even take a breather.

The starry sky is the best stage of them all.
The crows cry out, "Caw, caw" above me.
I'm always thinking of them. I wonder when they'll go to sleep.
Find a way – I will too,
in a song for me to sing out.
Rock out and let it echo.
With the crows, I'll sing out.

How long will I exist in this place?
I feel like there were people who once said that.
If you're only going to say annoying things,
let the jet black wings carry you away and just disappear.

With all my power, I'm about to collapse.
My fingers are worn out and in pain,
but, still, I'll perform. Tonight will be a big story.
Find a way from here.
You'll find what you're looking for.
Let's rock out and play on.
I'll take my luck and sing it out.

No matter how long, I'll exist here
within all the people who pass through.
On this stage enclosed in the darkness,
I sing my poem of hope right now.
Even you must also be tired.
I want to send this to that back of yours -
from within the pitch darkness,
the song of light that gleams with hope...
Yes, that song...

During the song, Amu moved around a bit, closing her eyes and getting into it. At one point, she placed her hands on the headphones, and at other parts she motioned her hands in some kind of way, adding emphasis to the lyrics. When the song was over she backed away from the microphone. Himiko was smiling at the former pinkette. "Great job Amu. You can step out and listen to it, see if you want to change anything." Amu nodded and made her way out of the room and into the sound board room. She picked up the headphones from Himiko and listened closely. She smiled.

"I like it how it is." she said. Himiko nodded.

"Alright. We'll get started on the video tomorrow. First new single in a while." Himiko said with a smile. Amu nodded and walked out of the room. She walked down the hallway and took the elevator down to the ground floor. Once there, she walked to the front door and out into the street. The former pinkette pulled out her phone and texted one of her friends, Rima.

To: Rima
Hey, wanna go hang out or something? I'm pretty much off work for today & I really need to talk to you.

From: Rima
Yeah I'm up for it. Lunch at that café?

To: Rima
Sounds great. See you then! (:

From: Rima
Alright :) See you there in 10

Amu smiled a bit. She hadn't seen Rima in a few weeks. Easter had kept her busy, and she would really like to talk to the blonde about recent developments in both the company and the newly arrived Ikuto.

XxCaféxX

"So he's back now huh?" Rima asked, taking a sip of the sweet tea she had ordered. The two were sitting inside the little café at a two person table.

"Yes. He just waltzed right into my office and had the nerve to ask me why I worked for Easter. He's been gone for 5 god damn years! Why the hell does it matter to him?" Amu answered, really frustrated with the man. Whenever she got really upset over something, she'd start cussing. A little habit she had picked up over the years. Rima had to keep herself from giggling at the former pinkette.

"Well, seems like he still cares for you then." Rima replied, keeping no emotion on her face, which was a bit difficult to do with how her friend was fuming over something so insignificant (In Rima's mind anyway).

"If he really cared then he would've contacted me in some way." Amu grumbled, taking a sip of her soda. "Whatever, I don't care. He's a bastard and I fucking hate him." she added, crossing her arms over her chest. At that, Rima let out a little snicker, and Amu glared at the girl. Rima quickly composed herself, letting out a little cough to cover up her last giggle, and then got back down to business.

"So how are things at Easter?" she asked. Amu sat back in her seat, more calm now that the subject has been changed.

"They should get better now that I finally managed to finish that song." she said. Rima's eyes widened a bit.

"You finished a song?" she asked. Amu nodded in response. "That's good. I'm glad, and very happy for you." Rima said with a small smile.

"Thanks... They're planning a music video already. So I guess I'll be going to a concert soon as well..." Amu said, her head lowering a bit. Rima's smile faded. She had forgotten the consequences that came with finishing a song.

"Oh... I forgot about-"

"It's fine... will the Guardians be able to show up?" Rima nodded.

"I'll make sure everyone is there. But... are you sure Amu? If we stop you then you'll get-"

"I'd rather get hurt than have all those people lose their dream eggs Rima." Amu snapped, a determined look in her eyes. She would take all the beatings in the world if that meant that everyone could keep their dream eggs and their true selves. Rima nodded, a sad look on her face. She felt bad for Amu. She wished there was some way she could help her friend, but she didn't want to get involved like the former pinkette had to.

"I'm sorry Amu..." Rima whispered.

"It's alright." The waitress came by with the girls' food and left with a smile, completely oblivious to the serious and depressing mood hanging over the two friends. Rima and Amu looked down at their food, and began to eat. The rest of that time spent together was spent in silence.

XxUtau's HousexX

Ikuto laid in bed, looking up at the ceiling, shielding his eyes from the blinding light that came from outside. It was well past noon when he had woken up. Some things never changed about him. His mind was racing with thoughts of Amu. Questions that he wanted, no, needed answers to. He knew that she knew how dangerous Easter was, so why join them? Why would she throw everything good that she had away like that and join such an evil organization? The 22 year old let out a small sigh and rolled out of bed. He went over to his duffle bag and changed out of his pajamas and into some day clothes, which consisted of a black T-shirt and black pants. His clothing style hadn't really changed either over these 5 years. He then left his room and walked down the hall to the kitchen/living room area where he saw his sister making lunch. "Well look who finally woke up." she said with a teasing smile. "How'd you sleep Iku?" she asked. He just simply gave a shrug and sat down at the little stand alone bar in the middle of the kitchen and let out a yawn. Utau rolled her eyes. "You're still like a cat..." she mumbled. Ikuto smiled a bit at that.

"Well my chara was a cat, wasn't he?" The blonde let out a little giggle.

"That's true." she said. "Want anything to eat, or not hungry yet?"

"Not hungry yet." Utau nodded and continued to make her lunch, which was a grilled cheese sandwich. She finished making her sandwich and then joined Ikuto at the bar, sitting down beside him and began to eat her food. A few moments of silence went by, the only sounds coming from Utau and her lunch. When the blonde was just about to take her last bite, her brother broke the silence. "Why does Amu work for Easter?" he asked. Utau let out a sigh and finished off her last bite of food.

"I already told you, I don't know anything about her situation Ikuto. Stop asking me." she replied. She was getting a bit frustrated with her brother. Ever since he came home and after they had finished catching up, he kept asking about Amu, as if Utau knew. She did know though, and maybe Ikuto could sense that she did, but she knew she wasn't allowed to talk to Ikuto about Amu's situation. Hell, even the people that did know weren't supposed to. Amu just trusted them enough to not tell anyone or give any signs that they knew what was going on with her.

"Then why do I get the sense that you're lying?" he asked, as casually as ever. Utau let out a huff and turned to glare at him.

"Your senses are wrong Ikuto. Stop asking me, okay?" she snapped. He was taken a bit aback by her attitude. She had never snapped at him like that before. He hid the shock as quickly as it had come, and then he got off of the little bar stool.

"I'm going out." he said. Utau nodded, and watched as her door closed behind her brother. Once she was sure he was gone, she pulled out her phone and began texting.

XxAmu's ApartmentxX

Amu let out a breath of relief as she sunk into her couch, glad to finally be home. She pulled her black hair out of its ponytail, letting the dyed locks cascade down to her shoulders. She pulled her knees to her chest for a few moments, just sitting there. Then she reached over, grabbing the remote off of the coffee table and turned the TV on to some random anime show. She laid down on the couch, putting a pillow under her head and stared at the TV, not really watching it. She just had it on for background noise really. Suddenly, she felt her phone buzz in her pocket and she pulled it out.

From: Utau
Ikuto keeps asking about you. He just left. Prob gonna try to find you & ask questions. Jsyk.

Amu let out a groan and replied.

To: Utau
Thnx. I'll keep an eye out.

Amu closed her phone and placed an arm over her eyes. "Why can't he just leave me alone? I don't want him getting involved again..." she groaned. She felt a little hand on her cheek and removed her arm to see Suu. "What is it Suu?" The chara just stared at her bearer, not saying anything. After a few moments, the former blonde decided to say something.

"He still cares for you, you know." she said. Amu sighed, shifting her position so she was on her back.

"I wish he didn't. It would make things a lot easier." she mumbled. She continued to lay on the couch for a few moments, then she got up and went to her room. She grabbed a change of clothes and went to her bathroom and took a shower. She allowed herself to relax under the warm water, letting her mind wander on certain things. Most of her thoughts lingered on Ikuto. Why was he so determined to figure out her situation? Why did he care so much? Why did he leave without a word? All of these questions swam around in her mind. Eventually, the former pinkette became frustrated with herself, turned the water off, and stepped out to start drying off. "I need to get over it." she grumbled to herself. She didn't have time for these sort of things, and even if she did Easter would never allow it. Once she was done drying off, she slipped into her clothes, a pair of grey sweatpants and a forest green tank top. She blow dried her hair and pulled the locks up into a messy bun. Once she did all of that, she stepped out of the bathroom and went into the kitchen to snack a bit, trying to rid herself from thoughts of the blue haired man.

XxEaster CoxX

Amu let out an exhausted sigh and sat down on the floor of the studio, taking a bottle of icy water from one of the crew members. She had been working on this video for a few weeks now. 2 and ½ to be precise. Playing guitar and jumping around while playing under all those hot lights... Another worker handed the girl a towel, which she accepted greatfully and started to towel off the sweat that had collected on her face and neck. These past 2 weeks had been hell, shooting this video, and to top it off, she was visited by Ikuto a grand total of 8 times. Each time, he left with practically no information. She didn't understand why he kept coming to bother her. He wasn't going to get anything out of her, so why bother anymore? She really didn't understand the blue haired man. With a grunt, Amu stood up and took another gulp of water. "I'm sick of this shit..." she mumbled under her breath. She told the director of the video that she'd be stepping out for a few moments. He nodded and let her go outside. Once out there, Amu let a small smile spread across her lips as a cool breeze brushed by her. She stood out there for a few moments, taking a sip of her water every now and then. She didn't know how long she had been out there, but at some point she heard the door open.

"Amu-san, break time's over. The director wants to start shooting again. Amu nodded.

"Be right in." she replied. The assistant nodded, and she left Amu alone. The former pinkette stood outside for a few more seconds, then went back in to perform some more.

XxLater That DayxX

Finally, the video was shot. Now all they had to do was edit and it would be aired tomorrow night. Everyone said their goodbyes and Amu grabbed her jacket, tired from the day's work. She pulled out her phone, looking to see if anyone had texted or called her while she was performing. "1 missed call from... Mom?" Amu mumbled to herself. She hadn't heard from her family in a while, mostly because she had brushed them off, trying to protect them from Easter. The 18 year old hesitated a bit, then she listened to the voice mail that her mother had left.

"I'm sure you're busy with work and everything, but I wanted to call on the off chance that you weren't doing anything. I miss you sweetie, and Daddy, Ami and I would like to see you for dinner this evening to catch up. Only if you're not busy though. I love you baby." Amu smiled a bit, saving the message and looking at the time. Only 6 pm... she should have time. Maybe not to eat, but she could at least visit. With a newfound determination, she set forth to her home. The thoughts of what actions doing this could cause were shoved back into the recesses of her mind. She wanted to spend one night with her family like she used to. The good old days. The days before anything bad happened to her.

XxAmu's HousexX

The former pinkette stood in front of the door, debating on whether or not she should have come. She swallowed her fears and rang the doorbell. She waited a few moments, then the door opened to reveal her mother, Midori. Amu gave the brunette a sheepish smile. "Hey Mom... hope I'm not too late for dinner." she said. Midori grinned and enveloped her daughter in a hug.

"Oh sweetie... you're just in time. Come on in." she said, letting go of the former pinkette and pulling her into the house. Once inside, Amu took her shoes off and walked further into the house. She followed her mother into the kitchen/dining room and smiled sheepishly at her father and sister. Both sat in shock at seeing her, then Ami broke out into a grin while her father got all dramatic.

"Amu-chan! What did you do to your hair?" Tsumugu 'cried', hugging his daughter tight. Ami's eyes were shinning with delight.

"Amu-nee-chan! It's been so long!" she said, practically squealing and hugging her sister tight as well. Amu laughed a bit, hugging them back.

"I missed you guys..." she whispered.

"We missed you too Amu." Midori said, joining in on the family hug. After all the greetings and hugs and kisses, the family sat down at the table and decided to catch up. Amu left out the unpleasant parts of working at Easter and the return of Ikuto, just to spare her father. She could always tell her mother later. The family shared laughs and memories of the good old times before their baby girl (or 'little sparrow' in Tsumugu's case) left the roost. Amu enjoyed herself that evening. She'd have to do this more often. She missed her family dearly. Over the 5 years, she began to understand what Utau and Ikuto had gone through. She pushed those thoughts aside for now, though. Today, she was going to be who she used to be. Happy, young, and care-free. Just a teenage girl, having a family dinner and being happy.

XxTokyo CityxX

Tonight was the night. Amu stood out in the overly populated Tokyo City, waiting to see her video air. She always felt a small rush watching it on the huge screens. She had her friends there with her as well; Utau, Rima and Nagihiko. Someone else was there too, but not standing with the group. He was just silently watching them, wondering what they were up to. He watched as all four joined hands in anticipation, then a screen lit up and music filled the air. It first showed a shot of a drumstick hitting the symbol, then it zoomed out to show the whole crew as the music kicked up. The ones on guitar and bass were jumping around, having a good old time as they strummed their instrument of choice. Then the first scene change and set of lines came up.

There's a wall of shutters behind me.
My fingertips smell like steel.
Move ahead! Strum those strings! It's crowded, at any rate.

It showed Amu dressed in ripped, dark blue jeans and a loose black tank top on, her hair in a ponytail. Shutters slammed closed behind her, making the girl jump a bit, and she tried to open the shutters, but the steel bar across them wouldn't budge, and she looked around frantically. Then she started running. She ran out of a house that was collapsing into a crowd that was surrounding the house and trying to force her way out of it.

Find a way from here.
You'll find what you're looking for.
Let's rock out and play on.
Gaze into the distance
inside this city where you can't even take a breather.

The footage jumped to the band once more, doing a close up of Amu singing and playing her guitar.

The starry sky is the best stage of them all.
The crows cry out, "Caw, caw" above me.
I'm always thinking of them. I wonder when they'll go to sleep.

It showed a shot of Amu laying down in a field, staring out to the sky, singing the lyrics. Crows were scattered all around her, some flying above her, and one landing beside her and cocking its head to the side to get a better look at her. She then reached out to pet that crow, but before she could touch it, it flew away.

Find a way – I will too,
in a song for me to sing out.
Rock out and let it echo.
With the crows, I'll sing out.

Then it transitioned to Amu standing in the field, singing with crows flying all around her, little flashes of the scene with the band here and there. With the last line she sang, a crow was on her shoulder.

How long will I exist in this place?
I feel like there were people who once said that.
If you're only going to say annoying things,
let the jet black wings carry you away and just disappear.

The video changed to Amu running through the crowd again, trying to force her way out as the fire from the house crept closer and closer. Suddenly, she was stopped by someone and they got into an argument. Amu appeared to get fed up and pushed the guy out of her way and made her way out of the crowd, then continued to run away, a single crow following her. While the instrumental played it switched back between scenes of her running and of the entire group playing.

With all my power, I'm about to collapse.
My fingers are worn out and in pain,
but, still, I'll perform. Tonight will be a big story.

Amu's running was slowing down, she was sweaty, some strands of hair sticking to her face and she was breathing heavily. She was standing in the middle of the field shown earlier, but it was empty save for a single tree with a crow in it.

Find a way from here.
You'll find what you're looking for.
Let's rock out and play on.
I'll take my luck and sing it out.

No matter how long, I'll exist here
within all the people who pass through.

It showed the band playing once more, the guitarist and bassist jumping around and having a good time while Amu sang and the drummer drummed away.

On this stage enclosed in the darkness,
I sing my poem of hope right now.
Even you must also be tired.
I want to send this to that back of yours -
from within the pitch darkness,
the song of light that gleams with hope...
Yes, that song...

The last scene was of Amu surrounded by darkness, and running once again. She was running to a light that just seemed to get farther and farther away, until the last two lines of the song played and she finally reached the light, and the screen showed nothing but white. Then the light faded, along with the music, to show a crow in a tree, but the crow's eyes were gold, and not red like the other's had been.

The four friends smiled at each other, and they congratulated the former pinkette on her video. The one that had been watching simply smiled. He watched Amu and the others for a few moments, then walked away, hands in his pockets. He'd congratulate her tomorrow. Through his entire walk home, he replayed the music video in his head, and by the time he entered his room, he had completely figured out the hidden meaning in the song. She was trapped, no way out of the hole she had dug herself in. She still had hope that maybe one day she would be free and could get away, but that freedom seemed close to never, but if she could become free soon, it would come with a price; a price she was not willing to pay.

Well, there's the second chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it! I'm sad now because I can't say press that sexy button... it's just a box now... so maybe... TYPE IN THAT SEXY BOX! xD (excuse me, I'm being a dork...)