The sound that is emitted from music isn't just simple notes; it's a projection of what lies in the soul. Each note connecting to another to form a magnificent ensemble

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Under the Light

Chapter 4:

Eternity's Sound

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The clouds gently floated by outside the window. Mei found it hard to believe that just a day ago she was in serious danger. After her savior dropped her off, she reported what had happened but she left out who had done it. The police took action and they took her home to her worried brother. He apologized greatly to her but that was the last thing on her mind.

A book slammed onto her desk, breaking her of her daydream. She turned and saw Yue staring at her. "Mei, why are you zoning out so much?"

"Just something I'm thinking of…"

"You want to talk about it?"

"Maybe later… I need to think about it a bit more."

"Hm, alright… Oh! Did you hear?"

"Hear what?"

"There were several deaths discovered only a day ago."

Mei tensed up but tried to not show it. "R-really?"

Yue grew a bit suspicious but continued. "Yeah, the leader of a corporation was assassinated and this gang got slaughtered. The thing is they happened around the same time."

Mei grew more nervous and avoided Yue's eyes. "T-that's horrible…"

"Okay Mei, something's up. What is it? You know you can trust me with anything."

"Fine…," sighed Mei. "But promise to never tell anyone."

"I promise."

"Okay… you know the night of the concert?"

"Yeah?"

"Well after I left, I was chased by a gang. And from what you told me, I think it was the same one."

"No way. Wait… they're all dead. Don't tell me…"

"No!" interrupted Mei. "I didn't do anything. I got knocked out."

"Then how?"

"Let me finish. When I woke up, I saw someone. I think he's the one who saved me."

"Hmm, I think I know what's bothering you then. You're infatuated with him!"

"What!" Mei began to blush deeply yet was furious. "I am not! I don't even know the person."

Yue giggled and placed her hand on her shoulder. "I'm kidding. I'm surprised that you're worried about that and not the fact that he killed people."

"Well he can't be that bad, right? He saved me instead of hurting me…"

"Either way, you should stop thinking about him. I'm betting that he's responsible for these recent murders in the city. All he could bring is trouble even though he did a good thing by saving you."

"I'll try but there was something about him… anyway remember not to say anything about this."

"I remember Mei, don't worry."

"Good. But I wish I could see him again, just to thank him."

"You're so strange Mei but keeps things interesting," joked Yue.

"Hey!" The two friends began to laugh over their discussion until they finally returned to their usual business of classes.

Xiang ran through the night, carrying a precious painting. He had snuck into the museum and took the new exhibit and replaced it with a fake. Again making sure to clear his presence of ever being at the museum as well. His mission was accomplished and he was returning to the rendezvous point to drop off the covered painting.

As Xiang ran through the dark city, he noticed the quieted sound of an engine from behind him. Xiang didn't even have to turn around to know he was being followed and pretended to go on as scheduled. As he continued to run, the car continued to follow and he couldn't allow himself to be tailed any longer. Xiang thought up a plan and quickly ran into a nearby convenience store.

The car pulled up to the side of the store and waited for Xiang to emerge. As they waited the side passenger realized that Xiang could escape in the back and went out to continue following him, gaining only a simple warning from his partner. As he neared the entrance, he pulled out his gun; just as a precaution. He entered the store and moved around slowly in order to find Xiang. The man wandered the isles, pointing his gun to any sudden movements. He quickly turned around, thinking he heard something but only a bag of chips fell. He went over to inspect the bag and slowly looked to the shelf that held the products. He couldn't regret his decision more as a dark figure leaped from the top and darkened his world.

The man tapped his fingers impatiently on the steering wheel, wondering what was taking his partner so long. Without warning, something crashed onto the hood of his car. The man stared at the body, completely stunned as to what came down. Just when he thought the surprises were over, another figure slammed on top of the other, but this one was standing as the hood of the car gave way. The shock from this person had shattered the front glass of his car but before he could do anything, a hand reached out and ripped him from his seat and through the shattered glass shards. The man held on tightly to the arm choking him and when he opened his eyes to see the assailant, he was met with a pair of stoic golden eyes.

"W-what do you want?" he demanded. Xiang made no attempt to answer and quickly slammed him on top of the car. He quickly whipped out a cloth and placed it over the man's face. He struggled but his breathing became sluggish, his vision began to blur and his body became numb until finally he blacked out.

When he finally came to, all he could see was black. He felt a rag or a bag of some sorts covering his face. But when he tried to move, he realized his arms and legs were strapped down to a cold table. He tried with all his strength to break free but it was no use.

"Why were you following me?" asked a voice.

The man realized what situation he was in. He was a prisoner and now Xiang would try to gain information from him. "Let me go! I'm not going to tell you anything!"

"We can finish this quickly if you just talked. Or we can do this the difficult way. Either way, you're going to die."

The man remained silent. Xiang sighed and lifted a hose. "Looks like we'll do this the hard way." Xiang hung the hose directly over the man and turned on the water.

The water began to drip out as a start but he could hear the water rushing through the hose. The liquid quickly rushed out and poured onto the bag on the man's face. The surface of the bag instantly became soaked and the man's breathing became more desperate. Within the next few seconds, he began to gag uncontrollably for air, even though the water didn't prevent him from gaining air. He could feel his mind panicking, wanting air like never before. He struggled desperately to get free but the water continued to flow for minutes until it came to an abrupt stop. Even though the water ceased, the man's breathing didn't slow down, as if he still felt like he was being drowned.

Xiang lifted the bag out and stared at the man. "Are you going to talk now?"

The man blinked his eyes a couple of times as he took long breaths. "F-fine," he spat. "We w-were following you to kill you."

"Why?"

"B-because someone hired us to…"

"Who?"

"I-I can't tell you that! If I do, he'll destroy me!"

Xiang looked disappointingly at the man but shrugged. "Hmm, I see. Farewell." Xiang took the cloth bag and used his free hand to twist the man's skin, almost to the point of tearing it off. The man screamed loudly but Xiang used the chance to run the cloth down the man's throat. The man flung his body in a desperate yet useless attempt to survive. Xiang reengaged the water and turned it on full blast, drowning him in the stream of water.

Xiang stepped out of the warehouse as if nothing had happened. He grabbed the painting from its hiding spot and continued to the rendezvous point.

Arthur waited patiently for Xiang to arrive, trying not to show any worry of his lateness. To his relief, Xiang arrived with the painting in hand. Arthur approached him and retrieved the painting.

"Good job Xiang. However, why were you late?"

"My apologies. I was being followed by two men so I tortured them for information. I only learned so much before I killed them."

"That's surprising. What did you learn?"

"They were hired to kill me and the one who hired them is someone powerful."

"They have information on you…" stated Arthur. The Brit thought for a moment and finally came to a decision. "We'll have to take measurements against this. Listen Xiang, this may be a desperate move but it's the only thing I can think of. You'll have to lay low for a while, just until we find out who's responsible for this. So until then, you won't be going on any missions, you'll have to live a normal life."

Xiang stared at him with a puzzled gaze. "Normal life?"

"Yes Xiang, a normal life. I know of a place for you to go to. This school will be good for you."

"A school?"

"More of an academy. All the students there are splendid. You should be able to blend in just fine."

Xiang doubted Arthur but he had no choice but to agree. "Very well. I assume I'll choose my own living arrangements?"

"You may do so. You should have more than enough money to get your own place. But the school is also a type of boarding school so you'll only need this place on the weekends. During the week, you'll have a dorm."

"I already have a place. Is there anything else?"

"Yes, I'm going to give you rules. You are not allowed to break them unless it is a dire situation. Number one; no one most know who you truly are. Second; you're not allowed to kill anyone. Third; blend in and act as a normal person. Understood?"

"Understood."

"Good. You'll begin first thing in the morning so rest up. We'll handle everything from your classes to uniform."

Xiang nodded and the two returned back to headquarters for the night. Except it was certain that Arthur wouldn't be getting much rest as he busily worked on placing Xiang in the academy.

Mei let out a long yawn as she walked to the academy with Yue. She rubbed her eyes delicately in an attempt to wake herself. "Why do we always get up so early?"

"It's not that early Mei. And you're one of the school representatives. You need to maintain a good image."

"I know that, but they should have class later."

"They should but they don't so just deal with it."

Before Mei could answer, a line of girls ran past her, all gossiping about something. "What was that about?"

"Let's check it out." The two ran after the girls, following them to the parking lot. The moment they stopped, they saw a horde of girls surrounding something. In the center of the group was a young man, in the standard black and red academy uniform along with a black leather jacket. He sat on a dark motorcycle, his helmet masking his face.

A sudden sense of déjà vu overwhelmed Mei as she stared at the figure. "Who is that?"

"I'm not sure. Mei? You okay?"

"Huh? Yeah. That guy just seems… familiar."

Whispers and murmurs began to go on as the young man just sat there. He suddenly turned his head, silencing everyone but he turned straight toward Mei, freezing her in place. He jumped off of the motorcycle and quickly removed his helmet. A pair of golden eyes gazed at her as his dark brown hair blew slightly in the wind. Mei blushed slightly from being stared at but no one noticed as they began whispering to each other, commenting on his looks.

He ignored the gossip and locked his things and took his first step. As he walked, all eyes followed him but Mei still stood frozen in place. As he neared her, her nervousness and anticipation grew. Only a few steps separated them until, to her relief, he walked passed her. He continued his path, not even attempting to look back as the group of girls followed him.

Yue waved her hand in front of Mei's face, "Hello? Mei?"

Mei's mind reentered her body and shook her head. "Huh? What happened?"

"You were in a trance or something. Why did you get like that?"

"I… don't know."

Yue pondered Mei's answer for a few seconds before she let out a soft giggle. "Someone has a crush~"

"I do not!" Mei's face had already become full blown red as Yue laughed.

"I'm just teasing. Let's get to class and see if anyone knows that guy. Or rather your crush," before Mei could protest, Yue grabbed her hand and took her to class just before the bell rung.

The two took their seats, noticing that the class was buzzing with gossip of the mysterious young man. The instructor soon entered, silencing the room. She began writing on the black board as everyone tried to copy the notes. She finished quickly and stood in front of the class, ready to speak until a knock at the door interrupted. The teacher went over to the door and began to whisper to someone else. After a few more seconds, the teacher returned to her position. What was strange was that she held a different expression.

"Class, please pay attention. We have a new student. You may enter now." The door opened and most of the class gasped. The young man from earlier was the new student. "Please introduce yourself."

"My name is Xiang Gang Kirkland."

The teacher nodded. "Good. Is there anything you'd like to say?"Xiang shook his head. "Alright, would the class like to ask him anything?"

"Do you have a girlfriend!" blurted a student. Xiang shook his head and the class exploded in an uproar. Female students began to fire off questions, trying to gain any personal info about Xiang. The teacher tried to calm them down but girls continued to argue and ask. Xiang stood in front of the class, still uninterested in their questions. He looked around the classroom, looking for his seat when he spotted it next to Mei, who happened to be sleeping soundly.

Xiang felt slightly annoyed by her attitude to actually be sleeping. He began to walk toward her, silencing the class as they focused on his action. He stopped right in front of the unexpecting girl and lightly tapped her head. She opened her eyes and looked around the class, realizing what she was doing.

"You shouldn't be sleeping in class," he stated. Mei flushed from embarrassment from being told the rules by a new student. And it only added to her shame since the entire class was staring at her. Many of the girls glared at her with jealousy for being the first one Xiang spoke to. Xiang went into his seat next to Mei, ignoring everyone.

Now that the class was calmer, the teacher could continue with the instruction. Everyone in class desperately tried to take notes on the lesson, since the teacher spoke quickly. When Mei took a glance over to Xiang, she was shocked to find him resting on his arms and staring in front of him. Mei grinned at the chance to get back at him for earlier that class period but the teacher suddenly announced a surprise quiz. Everyone in class groaned as she handed out the quiz. They were allowed to use their notes but Mei still stared at the piece of paper in front of her. Mei look around the class and others carried the same deadpanned expression. Mei glanced at Xiang and saw him lazily writing his answers down. Mei turned her attention back to her own test and began, finding it easier as she went on. The tests were soon finished and everyone was given free time as she graded the tests. Immediately the girls surrounded Xiang's desk.

Not wanting to be around the horde, Mei went over to where Yue sat. "Hey Mei, you okay?" asked Yue.

"I'm fine. But that new guy bugs me."

"Just because of that thing this morning?"

"Yes! That was really embarrassing…"

"Well it's kind of your fault for sleeping right?"

"Yeah but… it doesn't matter, I'm going to get back at him somehow."

Yue sighed, "Mei…" she shook her head disapprovingly but knew it wouldn't work with such a stubborn girl. "So how are you going to get back at him?" she continued.

"Well he's new right? So whatever he's bad at, I'll be able to exploit that."

"I think that's a bit cruel."

"Well I won't have to do much. He didn't take any notes for that test. He couldn't have done that well."

"We can see now. She's handing back the tests."

Just as Yue said, she handed back the tests to their respective owners. Many of the others groaned, showing that they didn't get the score they desired. Mei looked at her score and got a perfect score. She grinned proudly and got up to go to her seat. After the class settled down, she peered over to Xiang's desk, seeing his test laid out. But to her shock and disappointment, he got a perfect score as well. But these weren't the only things that she felt. She was infuriated that he could succeed so easily. She waited for the bell to ring and she couldn't be happier to get out of class. But the rest of her day didn't turn out much better.

Throughout the entire day, Xiang appeared everywhere. During lunch, the cafeteria was so loud with girls fawning over him that she couldn't enjoy her meal. In gym, Xiang performed every single activity perfectly, impressing the girls even further, gaining the respect of almost all the guys and even the teachers were astounded by him. Mei was completely sick of how perfect he seemed to be but what bothered her was that he didn't even seem to make an effort. She was glad that the last class of the day arrived, music. Where she could play her piano and forget all about her grudging day.

Mei collapsed into her bench, glad that she could finally escape from "Mr. Perfect." But just as she was about to play, the teacher made an announcement. To her horror and anticipation, Xiang was again part of her class. Trying not to let that fact get to her, she rested her hands on the keys and played.

Her solo symphony. Where she could just indulge herself as much as she wanted, without others to distract her. When she finished her piece and opened her eyes. She was surprised to see Xiang leaning on his elbow and staring directly at her.

Mei blushed, "W-what are you staring at?"

"There's something different about you," he stated. "You aren't like the other girls and your playing… has something… alluring to it."

Mei shook her head and gave him a stare. "Instead of staring, why don't you play your own music?"

Xiang shrugged and went over to find himself an instrument. Xiang was completely baffled at the choices and never in his life had he played an instrument. As he looked over his choices, he spotted one that he did see before, a violin. He picked up the wooden instrument and held it delicately in his hands. Mei tapped her fingers on the board, patiently awaiting his performance.

Xiang looked around to see other violinists and mimicked their stance, placing the violin at his shoulder and holding it with his jaw. He rested the bow onto the strings and dragged it across the strings. Instead of creating the sound he wanted, a large screeching was emitted. He tried again but the results were the same. Mei couldn't hold back her laughter as Xiang continued.

"Looks like you can't do everything perfectly."

Xiang gave her an angry glare as he placed the violin back in its case. Without saying anything, he turned around and stormed off. Mei pouted at his immaturity but after a few seconds realized how mean she was. As soon as she got up to find him, the bell ran and everyone quickly left class. Mei tried to find him but he was gone.

Mei rushed out of the classroom, her guilt eating at her insides. She searched but Xiang seemed to completely disappear. Mei sighed and told herself she would apologize tomorrow but for now she had to go to her dorm room.

When she returned to her room, she felt a sense of relief that the day was finally over. When she took out her key, she could hear something from beyond her door and she quickly opened the door. She rushed in and to her complete surprise, Xiang was in her room but that wasn't the only thing she was thinking.

"What are you doing here!" she yelled.

"I'm your roommate," he answered.

"B-but I'm supposed to have a single room."

"Xiang took out a sheet of paper and handed it to her. Mei looked confused but read.

'Dear Mei Mei Wang,

As you can see, Xiang Gang Kirkland will be your new roommate. We're sure you're confused but there is a reasonable explanation. You see, all the dormitories in the boy's building are completely full so we had no choice but to place him in the girl's dormitory. And seeing as we had to, we thought it best to place him with you since you're one of the finest and responsible students at the academy. So please take care of our new student,

Sincerely,

The administration'

"You've got to be kidding me," blurted Mei.

"It's the truth," stated Xiang.

Mei looked up from the sheet and stared at Xiang, seeing that he was serious. "Fine then, but we're setting some ground rules. First; this is my side of the room. Second, my shower time is 6:30 – 7:30, you can have it afterwards. Third; you better not try anything funny with me."

Xiang just shrugged. "Doesn't matter to me."

"Good. Then I'll be taking my shower now."

"Fine, I'm heading out to do something anyway."

"Hey, you're not allowed to do that. It's almost curfew." She was completely ignored as the door just shut in front of her. "Fine! It's not my fault if you get in trouble!"

Mei stayed in the shower for a unusually long time, trying to gather her thoughts. As she cleaned herself, she realized she forgot to apologize for earlier but obviously, recent events made her forget. She promised herself that she would definitely apologize as soon as she saw him again.

Mei stepped out of her shower, wrapping a towel around her dripping body and went out to the room to find her pajamas. She began to change when the door clicked and opened. She turned around quickly and saw that Xiang had returned but at the same time, she turned bright red. She let out a high shriek and began to toss anything she could get her hands on directly at Xiang. The Cantonese boy lifted his hands up to defend himself and easily knocked the objects aside until Mei finally ran out of things to throw. Mei tried to cover up her body with her towel, still keeping her eyes on Xiang when he oddly bended down to pick up the clothes she tossed at him.

He went over to her and placed the girl's clothes in her hands. Through the entire event, Xiang's facial expression didn't change whatsoever, "Don't be so dramatic," he stated bluntly. Xiang went over to his bed and lay down on the soft mattress.

Mei tried to register what just happened but as she repeated it over and over, she couldn't understand what Xiang just did. Either way, she changed quickly and walked over to him cautiously. "Why did you just do that? Normally no one would ever act so calmly."

"Do what? Like I would try anything to you."

Mei felt somewhat annoyed with his answer but thought about it for a second. Xiang wasn't too bad of a guy, since he actually listened to her rules, despite being odd as well. "Well thank you. Oh and uh… I'm sorry for laughing at you earlier. That was really rude of me."

Xiang turned around to his back and let out a sigh. "It's nothing."

Mei felt satisfied with his answer and plopped onto her bed. But she still tried to understand Xiang's puzzling personality.

The entire female population of the academy was gossiping about Xiang. Many of the girls also glared at Mei with jealousy at how she got to be Xiang's roommate. A few paid no attention to the new student and the rest hammered Mei with questions.

Mei sighed, "It's nothing really. He seems like an okay guy but after he moved in, he rarely shows up. It's like he's not even there."

The girls were disappointed with the answer. Even though the truth of the matter was that Xiang didn't socialize with anyone. After the end of each class, he disappeared almost instantly to the next. Even in music, instead of playing, he stared at music sheets. The same routine continued for a week and at the same time, Mei's curiosity grew, wondering where her roommate went off to everyday.

Mei lied quietly on her bed as the sun was about to set. She looked over and saw Xiang's empty bed as usual. She thought about it for a second and soon after, she sprang up from her bed. It was faint, but she could hear something out of her cracked opened window. Swiftly she opened the window further until she could hear a distinct sound of vibrations in the air. She could hear a violin.

The Taiwanese girl ran through the hallways and up the stairs, the music getting louder and clearer as she ran. There was something different about this playing. It hit a chord within her mind and something deeper. She could feel that it was within each and she saw she was behind the door to the rooftop. She moved toward the doorknob and slowly turned it. The sudden flow of light blinded her slightly but she looked around the find the roof top garden. A glass dome covered the garden to prevent the weather from damaging the delicate plants but it was filled to the brim with all kinds of vegetation.

She wandered through the maze of flowers and trees, following the sound of the music. "Hello? Is anyone there?" she yelled. Almost immediately, the music ceased. Knowing that someone heard her, she found a clearing and a violin sat on a bench. Mei stepped over to the wooden instrument, disappointed that the violinist left. Without saying anything else, she turned around and went to find her way back.

Mei walked around the garden aimlessly, knowing that she was lost. Oddly enough during her walk, a piano sat at the corner of a clearing. With the memory of the music earlier, she walked over to the piano and sat down. She inspected it and saw it was finely tuned. She pressed a few keys, listening for the clear notes emitted until she got a feel for the sound. Mei smiled and closed her eyes, trying to remember the elegant tone, rhythm and melody.

The flow of memories returned to her and her hands moved accordingly to match the music. Mei adjusted the song only slightly to better compliment the piece in her memories. Mei opened her eyes slowly, still continuing to play. She turned her head slightly, hearing the sound of footsteps. Mei stopped her playing, waiting for someone to emerge but along with her silence, the footsteps ceased. Going on a hunch, Mei returned her attention to playing the song. To her joy, the footsteps returned and came closer.

Without warning, the sound of a violin erupted, creating the complex song she had heard before. To her astonishment, the violinist matched her tempo, both of them remaining in sync with the other. The song seemed to be revived with new life, something that either couldn't accomplish alone. The song came to a gradual and soft ending, but such a performance had an effect on Mei's mind and soul.

She opened her eyes and turned to where she heard the violin. Her eyes instantly grew wide and it shocked her to see Xiang holding the violin and bow. She wanted to say something but she couldn't' fathom why or how he was able to reach such skill. Xiang made no movement to talk, as if he wanted her to say something.

Mei thought for a second and figured her most typical question that she would end up asking anyway. "How did you get that good?" she asked.

Mei could've sworn Xiang had a small smile on his face but if he did, the smile disappeared but he still held a pleased look on his blank face. "I've been practicing," he answered simply.

"B-but that's not normal," she exclaimed. "From what I heard a week ago, it was like you never picked up a violin in your life."

"That is true."

Mei stared dumbfounded. Xiang really wasn't your typical person. "Okay one last thing. Could I see your hands?"

Xiang gave her a funny looked but complied and offered his hands. Mei took them carefully and examined the tip of his fingers. She could feel the callous that developed, he was telling the truth. He must've been practicing for hours on end. But something puzzled her; why would he do this? Was it because of what she said?

As she held his hand, something struck her memory. His hands felt familiar, like a distant memory that she pushed out of her mind. She looked up to see his face to see him staring back at her. "You done?" he asked.

She nodded and released his hands. Xiang picked up his violin and began to walk away, prompting Mei to follow. After a few quick turns, they soon came to the entrance and made her way back to their room. Mei plopped onto her soft bed and looked over to Xiang who sat on his. Only as her eyes became heavy did she realize how exhausted she was. As she drifted off, one thought remained in her mind. The sound of Xiang's music that would echo through her world.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia

Whoa! This was a bit longer than the other chapters but I got it done. Sorry if there wasn't much action in it but I needed a way to establish the two's relationship and that ended with a long chapter. But there's a lot of implied romance, no? Well anyway, reviews are greatly appreciated. Stay tuned for the next chapter because that will have a bit more romance to it and a bit more action I guess.

Oh and another thing, don't expect much updates from me within the next 2 weeks because I have AP and IB tests to do and focus on. Bye for now my dear readers.