A young brown-haired boy knocked on the rusty door. It was a few minutes after 11 p.m.. The poor and barely populous building was quieter than during any time of the day. The corridors were dark and the boy had to back a few centimetres to kick away the rats which were gathered at his feet. Luckily he didn't have to wait to become the rat's dinner. Soon, footstep's noise appeared from the other side of the door.

- Kto eto? – a distant voice answered and the young boy clenched his teeth with disgust.

- It's me, Xiao. Nǐ xiǎngdàole shuí ne? – he answered paying attention to his voice, not to sound too unrespectful. The door opened slightly and a blonde man grabbed his arm, pulling him into the flat.

- Yu du have it, da?- the man asked with impatience shutting the door behind the boy .

- 'Course I have. Here – Xiao answered and handed him the box which he was carrying under his shoulder. Before the other could open it, the boy interrupted – So where's my brother, Jurij?

- Brat? – the blonde asked in response and then laughed disgustingly – Your brather is nut hire. Not aniwhere. Your brather will be killed. This box doesn't maatter.

The younger could feel the anger spreading in his body. As soon as the Russian turned away and started puttering with the box, he began to look for something. Something which could be useful to kill this vodka-smelling rat. He found a paper-knife laying on the table next to him, grabbed it, and in the other second tossed it to the blonde's back. Jurij yelled under the skillful movement, but being stronger, brushed away the young Chinese. When the kid was on the floor, he hurled out the box and took his gun, pointed it at the other's forehead.

- You little rat, You are tha same as your braather. I will kill you naw… - and the trigger was pulled with a blunt sound. In the next moment, the Russian deadly slumped to the ground. It took a while for the black-haired to realize the bullets didn't hit his head. He looked up with confusion and saw a white haired boy, standing in front of him, pointing a gun where the Russian's head was. For a second Xiao couldn't breath.

- E… Emil… - his voice was trembling and so was his body. The boy didn't answer, just grabbed the other at his arm, pushing him impatiently towards the door. He took out his phone, and snatched the box, putting it under his armpit, while his left was guiding the numb Chinese. Then he quickly dialed a number.

- Já, I have him. Já, same. Ok. – he closed the cell and opened the entrance, then guided the other down the stairs. When they reached the ground floor, Xiao accumulated his composure to ask.

- Emil.. why are you here?

- Not now. In the car – the answer was short and stressed.

It was dark outside and the night was chilly enough to make the streets completely empty. They could leave the house without witnesses. Soon they reached the car, got in and drove off. When the happenings and the ruined buildings were finally behind them, Xiao looked at Emil again. When the other felt the the demanding eyes on him, he gulped and started to talk in a low tone.

- I… I followed you to the building… - he waited for the reaction, but when there was none, he continued –… and waited outside for the best time to interfere.

There was a break.

- Gl'd 'didn' d'layed… - Emil murmured.

- What are you talking about? – Xiao questioned in a frustrated tone- So you knew where I was?

The driver was thinking for a moment but then carefully nodded.

- So you also knew what was happening? – another nod came – Do you also know where my brother is?

Another nod was the answer.

- So you knew it all along and didn't tell me. And not telling me now either, I suppose.

The other hesitated , but lately nodded again.

- Great… Take me home – he commanded angrily. There were too many things in one evening and Hong Kong couldn't tolerate the other's presence in one airspace under such circumstances. He was exhausted and confused for a conversation in the car.

Emil didn't answer only pushed the turn signal.

When they reached the Asian's apartment, Emil got out and went to the door before the owner could open it, while slipping out his gun again. When the entrance was opened and the lights were on, he turned to the other, questioning if anything was strange. The black-haired shook his head and went into the flat.

After that, they didn't speak for ten maybe twenty minutes. Xiao was furious even tough he didn't show it. When he calmed a bit and the curiosity became stronger than his anger, he joined Emil in the living-room.

- So what is this all about Iceland? – he questioned with a still nervous tone.

Iceland hesitated for a moment, but eventually sighed deeply and started to talk.

- We have known your brother, Wang Yao for a long time. We had some business with him.

Emil stopped, but when no question came, he continued.

- It was obvious that he had problems with Ivan Braginski. The two were always rivals, not just in bargainig, but in territorial matters too. Ivan long ago wanted to end this competition, but haven't got a chance to break into the Chinese stock exchange. But when your brother has fallen ill he thought it was his time to intervene. When Wang Yao was kidnapped, it was clear that they're going to contact you, Hong Kong, like the only relative who could and would do anything for his brother. We knew you had the skills to get what Ivan wanted. We let you steal the chip then at the best moment, we interfered.

- But now my brother will die! - Xiao shouted madly.

- No, he won't – Iceland said with cold confidence.

After that there was a minute pause.

- We? – finally Hong Kong asked with disbelief.

- Nordics.

Hong Kong gazed at him. That explained a lot.

The 'Northerns' or for short the 'Nordics' was a really successful and well-known organization in the criminal world. They had businesses in the oil industry, computing industry even in food industry and environment. They were everywhere, yet nowhere. A lot rumours spread in the underworld. Some said it was a large community with informers and spies everywhere. Others said the organization had only a few members, but they were the most professional ones. Despite their continuously growing fame and success, they've never shown their true identity. Only the big ones had met them, but they didn't speak. It was mutual. If the big heads didn't talk the group didn't have to hunt them down. It was advisable to coply this rule unless you wanted to die. But nobody wanted to. Everyone feared the Nordics.

Xiao looked at the comfortably sitting Emil.

With such a background it was easy for the young boy to act so confident. If the Nordics wanted to get someone or something it was nearly absolutely certain that things will turn out how they wanted. Although he was still doubting, Hong Kong started to calm down and feel more secure. His anger for not being able to save his brother started to fade and he could see clearer now. Things seemed to turn out better than he expected. He got help from people, who were more professional than himself. He almost started to smile in joy when another question hit his mind. His stomach twitched, but the sooner he knew the answer the better it was.

- So.. you're going to kill me now? After telling me your identity?

Iceland's eyes looked like he'll burst out laughing in any moment, but his features stayed motionless.

- Don't be idiotic. If I wanted to kill you, I easily would have done it by now.

Hong Kong sighed with relief. The boy was right.

- So you still need me.

Iceland's eyes narrowed.

- Yeah… I… do…

Then came an awkward silence. After a few minutes Xiao started to feel uneasy. He wasn't sure what happened, but that wasn't important. He just wanted to break the uncomfortable atmosphere.

- So… what job do you have for me?

Iceland's face became more concerned.

- What are you talking about?

With this question, Hong Kong started to lose the thread.

- I am one of Wang Yao's brothers. You will save my brother, in return I'll do anything for you. How do you want me to repay the debt? Get your money, make businesses, become one of your customers?

Emil now looked rather disappointed.

- None of the above.

Hong Kong's confused look Iceland answered with a painful sigh.

- So it didn't mean anything to you. I should have guessed – he murmured with a sad smile.

Now was the Chinese boy's time to ask.

- What are you talking about?

Iceland glanced at him with hesitation, then turned away and started to slatter.

- I… I wasn't with you… because of your brother... Or the mission, you know…

Hong Kong first looked perplexed, but soon started to get the daylight.

- I… I… was with you… because I…

Xiao stared at the boy. He nearly forgot how cute Emil was when he was embarrassed. In the confusion he nearly forgot why he felt so distracted when the boy was standing in front of him with a gun. The last few days were filled with so much happening. His brother was kidnapped and his ordinary life changed completely. Suddenly he found himself in the deepest part of the sinful world. The world what he tried to avoid, now swallowed him. But it didn't matter anymore. His brother, his family, even the boy, who he was dating for 5 months now was in this marsh. Hong Kong took a deep sigh. Sure, Iceland's true identity was shocking, but it didn't bother him anymore. Of course, at first, he didn't know what to think, but soon he realized: the boy still was the same whom he met at the Italian coffee on that summer morning. The awkwardly uttering Emil, when it came to express his feelings. The blushing blonde, who refused to take his hand until the 10th date. The shy lover, who still got embarrassed when other's asked if they were a couple. This thought hit Hong Kong. It made him happy, because he realized he wasn't alone anymore. Before this night, he couldn't talk with Emil about his situation. He was worried that it'll put the boy in trouble. Now, this has changed and the truth dropped the weight off of his shoulders. He stood up and kissed the pinkish cheeks quickly before the other could refuse.

Iceland froze for a second before trying to pull the boy away.

- Wha.. what are you doing….?! – he nearly shouted. Hong Kong ignored the rejecting hands.

- You liked it – he pointed it sarcastically.

- I…

- Try to deny it – he continued the teasing.

The other crossed his arms and stared at the floor. His cheeks turned into dark red.

- 'f c'urse I d'd, idiot – he murmured in response.

After that Iceland let Hong Kong to accept the informations. He left the room to make a green tea, which was famous of its sedation. This was all he could do. When he returned to the living room, he put the tea cup on the coffee table in front of Hong Kong lightly hinting to drink it. When he sat down Hong Kong grasped the cup and turned to Iceland.

- And what now?

Iceland waited for a bit. He didn't want to answer the question. He didn't want to say the words which he had to. Eventually with pretended hesitation he started to talk.

- I want you to join the Nordics as a member.

Hong Kong gazed at him.

- Me?... Why?

- After killing one of Russia's good man, I don't think you're safe on your own. Your brother, China can't protect you either. Of course, you could escape somewhere far away, but I doubt Ivan would accept that. He would probably send hit men after you and not rest until he finds you. Moreover you could be a good target if it comes to blackmail China. So you're the safest with us.

- And what about my family?

- We already handled that. Taiwan, Korea, Thailand, Macau and Vietnam are taking off at the Haikou airport at 3 am They'll stay at Honda Kiku's house 'till things resolve. It was China's request.

- Japan? He's in too?

- We have connections with almost everyone – Iceland nodded.

- So you are really a big organization.

- No… not really. We do have connections and spies everywhere, but the core is small.

Hong Kong hesitated for a bit. Iceland was reasonable in every way. There was no other chance. Life meant joining the Nordics and accept everything it included. Even if it meant becoming a professional killer. Since everything was settled there was only one question left.

- When do we have to leave? – Emil looked at him carefully.

- In an hour.. or less.. Ivan's man –if they still haven't – will soon realize that the chip is missing and Jurij is dead. You have time to pack some things, but not too much. We can come back later, maybe in a week, but I think this flat'll be a mess by then. So if you have something important…

- I'll just pack some clothes. It'll be done in 10 minutes.

- Okay – Iceland nodded.

15 minutes later Hong Kong met Iceland in the hall. The white-haired was ready to leave, but Xiao took a last look at his home. When he'll come back, everything will be subverted. With that last glace, he said goodbye to his previous life.

- Come – Emil took his hand and led him out of the house.

They sat in the car and drove off. When they left the neighbourhood Hong Kong turned to the driver.

- Where are we going?

- To our club. That's our headquarters.

They stayed quiet for a minute.

- So what can I do in the team?

- He'll tell you.

- Who? – Iceland face's changed. He looked annoyed.

- 'Boss – Hong Kong didn't look too surprised, only curious.

- You have one?

- Every organization must have one.

- What is he like? – Iceland laughed ironically.

- You'll see. I won't tell you, because you wouldn't believe it.

During their conversation, they reached the downtown. The lights brightened the lonely streets but as soon as they reached the town enter the atmosphere changed. The famous clubs lightened the narrow streets. Iceland drove automatically, it seemed he knew the route by heart. 5 minutes later they parked before a big black building and got out of the car.

- Vesuvius? So that's the club you run? I never have suggested.

- Í alvöruni? That's good then – Emil took out a magnetic card from his pocket and went to the back entrance. The door opened with a green light and soon they found themselves in the heart of the club.

The bar was big and looked really luxurious. Something Hong Kong expected. The walls were covered with red velvet carpet, with sofas standing under them made from black leather. The black tables were full with dozens of glasses filled with various expensive alcohols. The dancing stages stood in the centre of the place, where the youngish blonde girls were dancing and selling their beauty. The bar was filled with men, most of the age 30-50, but Hong Kong could see older people drinking at the bar, which was the only illuminated in the room, except the dancing stages. The place was guarded by a few security guards, but it was only a formality. Nobody was unarmed here. They just couldn't. The reliable and efficient guns were all sitting in their owner's suit's inside pocket. Before Hong Kong could examine the place closer, Iceland led him to a sofa somewhere near the corner, which was freed from the drinking snobs and the half-naked waitresses.

- I'll be right back. Stay here.

With those words, he left.

Hong Kong sat there and for the first time after what happened, he could be completely alone. He examined the men in the bar and agreed with the fact, that this place was awfully rich and the guests were also well-off. He had never had the chance before to be in such a place like this. True, he never got this deep in the underworld either. His family might have many businesses, but his brother always wanted to keep Hong Kong and his other siblings safe. Thus, Wang Yao was barely at home when he was young. When he grew older and passed 11 his brother sent him far away to a teacher in England, named Arthur Kirkland. He was his mentor, who taught him everything. How to survive in this corrupt world. How not to become the prey of the predators. He also taught him the language of computers. As a result, Hong Kong became a dangerously skilful hacker, but he didn't rumour this. Mostly to avoid the big one's attention. After he turned 17, his brother called him home. When he returned to China, his brother gave him tasks as a hitman. Despite his successes, he didn't get a lot of missions. 'Course, he had some businesses, but the big fish always seemed to avoid him. Maybe because of his brother's protection, maybe because he was a beginner. He didn't know the exact reason, but he was grateful. Of course, that was the past now. He was swallowed now. The criminal world was like a swampy forest. Once, if you got into it, you could be sure, you'll never be able to get out. Unless you were dead. This fact worried him a lot.

- You're okay? – Iceland's hesitating voice broke into his thoughts. Hong Kong looked at him, meeting the boy's purple eyes. Sure it was dangerous, but he had to admit, with Emil, this swampy forest wasn't as bad as he expected.

- 'Course. - he examined Emil – Did you deliver the box?

- Já – Iceland joined him on the sofa and awkwardly cuddled his back. His eyes were bluntly staring at one point. Hong Kong followed the direction and soon he noticed a window not much under the ceiling of the bar. Two men were standing in the small, dimly lit room. One of them was really tall, well, comparing to the other and both of their hair were blonde.

- Who's them? – he asked Iceland.

- Berwald Oxenstierna and Tino Väinämöien. Members. Tino is our bomb specialist and the organiser. Apart from me. Berwald is our melee. He's good at hand-to-hand combat and he's the back protector of Tino – he quietened for a second – Usually we work in pairs.

Hong Kong examined the big man. He couldn't see his face, the big blonde was standing with his back to them, but it was obvious that he was strict. His posture was tense, his hands crossed behind him tightly.

- He's the boss?

- Nei. Berwald would be a good leader in fights, but his personality is too scary for doing businesses and negotiating.

Hong Kong looked at Tino and thought for a moment.

- How about Tino? – the other smiled.

- Tino's too nice and shy to do such things. Although he's good at organising, that's all.

- And who do you work with?- Iceland quickly glanced at Hong Kong, then looked away.

- N'b'dy…- he murmured impatiently.

- Then I'll be your partner?

- Looks like… - that made the black-haired a bit happier. That was the first good thing in this miserable situation.

Then another man came in the office. He was in the middle of Tino's and Berwald's height and had somewhat lighter hair than the two other's, what looked meticulously well-combed. Hong Kong saw in the corner of his eyes, that Iceland's expression becomes frustrated. But before he could ask, the light-haired started to talk.

- That's my brother, Lukas Bondevik – that surprised Hong Kong. Lately it turned out, that he knew little about Iceland, which made him somewhat disappointed. Having the opportunity he quickly took a closer look at the brother. Lukas Bondevik was a slim man, yet, his pose was stricter than Berwald's, what suggested, despite his slim and somewhat short character, he was strong and muscular. His face – what Hong Kong could see in such a big distance – was a little similar to Iceland's. Both of them had emotionless and balanced features. Although Lukas looked more inexpressive than his younger brother.

- So he's your boss? – Hong Kong guessed. That would explain Iceland's annoyed expression what he had back in the car. He never liked being criticized by anyone, but commanded by his own brother.. That would have been be something really irritating to Iceland.

- Nei – Iceland sighed – Lukas' not that type. He's the sniper in the team, boss' right-hand and guardian. He does the precise jobs – he answered and when Hong Kong opened his mouth to ask, he added – Same problem with Berwald.

Then a group of a suited man came in the bar, what made the upper three turned around. Iceland stood up warningly.

- Come. I'll show you your room –they quickly left towards the opposite direction.

This is my first story in English.. ever. I had this idea and then saw that there are stories in this topic, but still, I hope it is enjoyable. Please, send me a review and tell me should I continue this or not?

"Kto eto"? - "Who is it"? in Russian.

"Nǐ xiǎngdàole shuí ne"? - "Who did you expect?" in Mandarin.

"Í alvöruni"? - "Really"?

"Nei" - "No" in Icelandic. If any of the translations were incorrect, please let me know. Thank you.

Hetalia does not belong to me. It belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya.