Author's Note: Yay! So here's chapter 14. So I think it's only about 3 more chapters before this story ends. Sorry guys, but my college life will be starting next month and I'm so excited and nervous about it. Yeah I know, I'm a very complicated person.

By the way, I think this chapter's a little rush so I'm gonna have to ask you to bare with me on this one…hehehe….sorry again about that.

Either way, enjoy!

Chapter 14: Farewell

Hibari reached for his tonfas, slaying all of Rosso's snakes as furious as a skylark.

"I…I won't lose." Rosso attacked, but was immediately blocked by the prefect.

"Kyouya! Cut her hair! It's the only way!" Dino yelled, giving his student an advantage to win.

Rosso grabbed hold of her hair "No…..please…Stop!" she cried; finally shedding weak tears of a lady.

"Rosso…Rosso…" Noboru's voice echoed inside her head "Rosso….where are you?"

"Noboru…-sensei…"

Flashback: (Ten years ago)

"Rosso…what are you doing with those scissors?" Noboru asked with a frightened and worried tone, seeing the young Rosso crying desperately.

"Our neighbors hate me…. I…I'm a monster. I should just cut my hair to get rid of this monster in me so that I wouldn't be treated so badly anymore." She answered pitifully.

Noboru came to her, threw his arms around her and took the scissors from her hand "You are no monster; you're just a little girl. It's okay if there are those who can't treat you nicely, for there are always those who won't sin against you. You'll just have to find those nice people, okay?" he hushed, comforting her in his arms "oh, and don't cut your hair ever again. You're beautiful when it's long."

(Nine years later)

"Why is your hair longer when you were still my father's student? It's shorter now compared to when you were little?" Hiroshi asked, looking at an old photo of the child Rosso with Noboru by her side while they were having dinner in a restaurant in France.

Rosso replied "Chavallone the Ninth told me that it's difficult for a girl so short like me to walk with a long hair like that. So I was forced to cut it."

Hiroshi suddenly stood from his seat walked behind her and threw his arms around her while he enjoys the sweet scent of her hair "Didn't my father told you to avoid cutting it?"

Rosso gasped "How did you know that?"

"Doesn't manner, you're beautiful when it's long. Don't cut it again…and don't let anyone cut it….my lovely Rosso…."

End of flashback.

"Noooo!" she yelled, pulling the length of her hair that was about to be cut by Hibari "No…please don't…I surrender. I'll let you pass…please don't cut my hair. I'm begging you." She gave up as her knees fell on the ground with her hair suddenly began to turn back to its normal appearance.

"Rosso….are you okay?" Dino approached to the crying lady.

"How could you?...Dino…you know how much it hurts me whenever my hair is about to be cut. You and Chavallone the Ninth saw my tears. Why would you ask him to cut it like that?" Rosso questioned, still shedding heavy tears from her eyes.

"Because…I wanted you to feel what Kyouya feels right now." Dino answered "Kyouya here…he came all the way from Vongola mansion just to save something that he promised to protect…..just like how you promised Noboru and Hiroshi to avoid cutting it."

Rosso gasped, remembering her sole promised to both father and son. Both who are the same in blood; same in strength and mannerism, and both who cared for her like she's the only person in the world. She cried more and more, presenting her weak self to both Dino and Hibari. Rosso couldn't help it but cry for every happy and painful memories of the agonizing past she had.

"Forgive me…..I'm sorry…." She apologized, bowing her head to the ground while she still sheds those helpless tears "I have blocked your way, injured you, cause you trouble and even called both of you as mere weaklings…while I myself am a weakling. I'm terribly sorry…I have no right. I hope you forgive me."

Hibari felt annoyed and irritated, but somehow embarrassed by the situation being asked for pardon from a woman.

"You're forgiven." He spoke up "But just so you know, you're not weak. This world wasn't made to be inhabited by weaklings. It's made to practice to become strong. You've just have to believe in yourself that you will become stronger for the ones you love."

"Noboru-sensei, I promise you….I'll visit you in Japan someday when I grow up. I want to meet Nagi." Rosso's pledge suddenly flashed in her head.

The memories of the past were all of the sudden being reborn in her mind, letting her remember those unfulfilled promised, those cherishing memories, those agonizing pasts, and those unforgettable farewells.

"That's right. I remembered." Rosso uttered "I remember, Noboru-sensei. I still have that promise unfulfilled."

"Uhm…excuse me, I hate to interrupt but we really need to get going to cope up with Mukuro and the others." Dino cleared his throat to get Rosso's attention.

Rosso turned to Dino "Ah! Yes of course. Let me lead the way. I owe both of you."

Meanwhile….

"What's the matter Hiroshi? Aren't you supposed to be murdering me by now?" Mukuro asked in a teasing manner with Hiroshi's blade pointed at Mukuro's neck.

Hiroshi's eyebrows lowered to his nose; his gaze was more than enough to see his anger towards the young prisoner. Those green pastured eyes were really starting to flame up, him looking at the man who caused the painful memories of the past of his family.

"You're right! I'm supposed to have murdered you by now." Hiroshi answered "You have every right to be slain. You killed boss Shichirou's parents, you're the reason why my family got broken apart and you took little Nagi away. Oh how much I want to spill your blood all over the floor."

"Kufufu…so why don't you?"

Because…the reason is because of Nagi. Do you think she would be happy once she knew that the person who killed her master was her brother?"

"Kufufufufu….that's what's actually amusing about all of this. Once I died in your cold bare hands, Chrome will show no love or respect but hatred onto you."

But Hiroshi doesn't want that to happen. He was just reunited with her and he has a lot of things he wants to do with her together. No matter how much he desires to put this illusionist in front him into eternal slumber, he can never for it will no doubt disappoint his most beloved sister. He loved her, and he will do whatever it takes for her happiness. Yet, he needs to do whatever is right.

"No!" Hiroshi pronounced with a solemn glare "I don't care whether Nagi will be mad at me for killing you. What must be done to you must be done to you today. And once you're gone…boss Shichirou will rein the title as the Lord of Estraneo with Nagi as his bride."

Mukuro froze all of the sudden, being reminded of his purpose here was not for Shichirou or Hiroshi, but for Chrome.

Flashback….

"Listen to me closely. I am asking you as an old person, begging you to follow my advice." The Ninth stood from his chair, appearing a serious stare at Mukuro "Shichirou is the ninth boss of the Estraneo famiglia and therefore, he's also a part of the Mafia organization. If you kill him, you might as well end up in a deeper tank that no one, not even the most powerful creature that ever lived, may break you out of there."

He was right, the Ninth was correct with his words. This mission's goal is to find and save Chrome and bring her back home. His eyes widened at the shock of the proposal of his brother's marriage. He can't let that happen, not on his watch.

"ARRIVEDERCI, ROKUDO MUKURO!" Hiroshi raised his spear and quickly pulled it down for Mukuro's head, yelling his farewell.

"Nooooo!" a woman suddenly blocked the young prisoner from being slain in a flash "Don't! Don't kill him Hiroshi! Don't do it!" Rosso demanded, followed by Hibari and Dino with a few of reinforcements and the medical team sent by the Ninth behind them.

"Kufufufu…..I must say. For a blood-luster you sure are very late with your entrance Kyouya-kun." Mukuro smiled upon the irritated prefect.

Dino helped the medical team with Mukuro's still unconscious subordinates while the reinforcements were all gun-focused on Hiroshi pointing his cross spear at both Rosso and Mukuro.

"What is this Rosso?" said Hiroshi furiously "You have never interfered like this when it comes to executions, how dare you defend this piece of trash behind you?

"Enough is enough! We shouldn't do this anymore! If you have regrets, doubts, or anger against any person for what they did in the past, we shouldn't bring them to the future! It's about time we let go of everything! It's about time to stop!"

"I can't believe this! Are you listening to yourself Rosso? Are you saying that you gave up on avenging my father? Why are you saying such things?"

"I….I never…..I would never disobey Noboru-sensei!" Rosso uttered as she unnecessarily began to feel ashamed and guilty "But you said it yourself, what must be done must be done!"

"Then tell me will you? Why are you with these Vongola people? Why have you betrayed us?"

"For crying out loud, I hate nagging and crying herbivores. It's annoying and irritating to watch!" Hibari interrupted, approaching towards a little near beside Hiroshi "I'm guessing you're Chrome's brother right?"

Hiroshi answered "What's it to you Cloud?"

"Stop calling me Cloud. I have a name you know, and it's not Cloud." Hibari glared with such annoyance "Anyways….I can't believe I'm saying this but…Don't you dare kill Mukuro Rokudo."

"Tch! Why should I follow what you told me? Is it because if I killed him it will make Nagi cry? I know that, but I need to do this!"

"No, that's not what I'm gonna reason out. The reason why I'm ordering you to lower your weapon down is because…..the only person who is allowed to kill Rokudo Mukuro….is me."

"Kufufu….such an amusing child." Mukuro commented.

"He never changes." Dino added.

Hiroshi remembered the story, about Kokuyo's assault to Namimori for Vongola's tenth. He has also heard of the prefect's humiliation, and the first fall of his pride by the said illusionist. He stared at his eyes, representing a strong-willed promise of his sole words. He shows no fear to any person he comes across. What could he be thinking; no one could ever guess what's inside the cloud guardian's mind. But one thing's for sure, Hiroshi knew that Hibari was dead serious on his desire to defeat Mukuro.

Hiroshi smirks "I like your guts kid! You sure have a can-do attitude and I like that. I'll do what you ask." And he dropped his weapon to the ground "I can't believe I'm saying this to you but….I neither like boss Shichirou nor Mukuro to be little Nagi's husband. I guess my best suggestion would be you kid."

"Now you're calling me kid? I told you I have a name. Use it or I'll bite you to death!" Hibari replied, losing his temper at the Estraneo guardian "And don't push it by the way. I like Nagi but I can't assure you that I will be with her. Besides, I have myself a rival on both her and my revenge for my pride."

Mukuro glared towards the blood-luster, he was rather surprised that he admitted the truth, yet angered by his confession. True, he knew that the skylark will no doubt soon have affections towards his precious possession, and he knew that he'll be touching her sooner and later. But still, he is furious of those kinds of people who dared to touch his treasure.

"I'm relieved!" Rosso smiled blissfully and gladly "However, as much as I want this moment to last, we need to get moving. The wedding is about to begin."

"What wedding?" Dino uttered in confusion.

"I guess you haven't heard of it yet." Answered Hiroshi "today is boss Shichirou and little Nagi's proposed wedding day."

"Not in my watch!" Mukuro stood from the floor, ready to continue to Chrome.

As said by both Estraneo guardians, there was a private wedding being held at a small dome somewhere within the base. The dome was full of lotus flowers and white roses with a red carpet heading towards as to one might guess to be the altar.

"Shichirou-sempai….I don't understand any of this." Chrome whispered at the Estraneo leader while the priest speaks his words.

"Kufufu…you're too naïve." Shichirou replied "Doesn't this particular event familiar you?"

Chrome shook her head, giving him a no answer.

Shichirou smiled "How do I put this Chrome-chan? Well…let's say that what this all means is that…..we're being brought together….as lovers."

"What? You mean….we're being wed? But…I…I can't do this Shichirou-sempai."

"Why not?'

"Ano…because….because I need to consult this to Mukuro-sama first. He needs to know and I need his approval and he's still missing after all."

"I'm sure Mukuro-kun would understand. You trust me right? And don't worry, I'll talk to him about this." He said, grabbing hold of her soft hand tenderly.

"Should there be any objections why this couple mustn't be brought to holy matrimony?" the priest announced and was given no reply since the dome was empty "Very well then; let's move on; Rokudo Shichirou, do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, for richer or for poor, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health?"

"I do." Shichirou answered, staring at the lovely white-dressed Chrome.

"And do you, Hanagara Nagi, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, for richer or for poor, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health?"

Chrome hesitated, she froze for a while as her mind began to mix and stir up. She began to hear voices, words which she can't clearly understand. There was an amount of uncertainty on the air above her. She was confused.

"Chrome-chan, if you say yes, I'll find Mukuro-kun for you, I'll search for that diamond necklace that you lost….and what's best of all, I'll free Mukuro-kun from the water prison." Shichirou whispered, dealing a condition with his bride-to-be.

Chrome could imagine all the joy in her heart once her master is set free. She though of it, the happiness to see her master personally again and his freedom to touch her for real. She wanted him to throw his arms around her and crease her hair every night like in her dreams beside the river bank where they always meet. Her desire to see Mukuro fogged her thoughts.

"Ms. Hanagara, do take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the priest repeated.

Chrome answered "Y…yes…I do…I think…" she said with uncertainty.

"Then I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." The priest finalized the ceremony.

Shichirou, at long last, pulled the cloth upwards for him to see Chrome's charming lovely face, grabbed hold of her shoulders as he slowly moved his lips to hers to end the ceremony and mark her as his wife.

Suddenly, a silver well-shined tonfa flew in between the couple, causing Shichirou to halt the chance to kiss Chrome. His eyebrows bridged together, disappointed by the familiar disturbance.

"Kufufu…I know it's a little late but…I object this marriage!" Mukuro emerged surprisingly along with Hibari and Dino following.

"Mu…Mukuro-sama! You're alright!" Chrome smiled, running for her master "I'm so glad! I've finally found you!" she cried.

"There, there now Chrome, let's save the tears later." Mukuro comforted.

"Hey! Keep your head in the game Mukuro! Let's finish this so I could go home already!" Hibari demanded.

"Now, now Kyouya. Don't forget that I'll be fighting too!" Dino tagged along.

"Kufufufu….actually, I'd prefer murdering Shichirou alone. But who am I to refuse such an offer?" Mukuro mocked.

"Kufufufu….what an amusing sight. Hibari Kyouya and my brother being teamed up to defeat me? And here I thought both of you are rivals, but it never came to me that you two are best of friends secretly." Shichirou teased as he brought out his scepter in a quick snap.

"Don't waste your breath, we're still enemies. You're just my ticket back to Namimori so hold still so that I could bite you to death in no time soon." Hibari answered back.

"Kufufu…as you wish Cloud." Shichirou replied "Let's end this, so I could finally kiss my beautiful Chrome."

And the final battle began.