[Mirror Shard]

The first song I heard from Ayu was "Dearest," about two years ago. I found the song on accident and downloaded it on a whim. When it was finished and I opened the file, I was totally blown away. As some of you already know, music is extremely important to me, and every song I take the time to listen to, I'll throw myself into it full-force, exploring every facet of the music. Needless to say, I found myself lost within Dearest for hours. So deeply did it touch me, that upon hearing the chorus, I broke down into tears for the first time in memory. I heard all of the love, hope, and even hurt without ever knowing a single word she sang. Language didn't matter, the song spoke for itself in a language in which all people are fluent. I knew there was something special about this person, there had to be, for her to do what she did. It's like she says in ANGEL'S SONG, "Sometimes you are too unprotected and come face to face to me with all your might." Ayu throws away all the barriers and walls and faces everyone and everything in every single song, even when she sings about turning her back to responsibility.

Of course, that was only the beginning. I went on to download everything I could find, wanting to see if this was all for real or not, if this was some kind of fluke. But it wasn't. With each song, each video, I saw more and more of this amazing thing that I had never seen in an artist before. I sought out sites regarding Ayu and read all that they contained - the good, and the bad. Before a week had passed I had her profile memorized and knew the original lyrics and translations of all the songs I had heard.

I wasn't only memorizing what I read about her though. I was also taking in the thought processes that allowed her to open up that way. I've learned so much from Ayu, from her songs, that I actually feel endebted to her. And I still have more to learn, so I continue to listen, and continue to buy her merchandise.