((Update! yay! I don't have time to post the kind reviews of the people who hopefully haven't lost faith in me... so on with the story... I should probably disclaimer all the cast of Naruto that have shown up and who will eventually show up later. I own the contestants of the Gaara's Bride Contest... and Mishka, who is in a league of her own.))

Chapter 4: Bedtime Stories and a Goodnight Kiss

In ancient times, the Village Hidden in the Clouds wasn't as free as they are now. They were controlled by the Kingdom Hidden in the Sky. The citizens of the Sky were proud and enslaved thousands of Cloud men to build temples and the ancient palace of the Sky King Yoshihiro. It's said that he had 100 Cloud slaves to himself, 25 were women to be used as concubines. After having to endure hardships and barely having enough food for the women and children who remained in the Cloud Village, the Elder, Tsuki, decided that the women would learn how to fight and the 10 best warriors would go to the Kingdom Hidden in the Sky and bring everyone back. Months passed and finally, the 10 Cloud Warriors were ready to take back their family and friends. Painting their bodies white, light blue, and black, white armor covered their chests and hips, they quickly made their way to the Sky Kingdom.
King Yoshihiro never knew what hit him. His guards were no match for the female warriors. They struck fast and hard from the clouds and mists that shrouded the entire kingdom that fateful day. And by the time he realized what was going on, it was too late. He was pinned to his throne with shuriken and a kunai pressed against his throat. 10 women surrounded him and none of them were there to serve him. His imperial guards fell to the ground, bodies paralyzed as they watched the kunai-wielding Cloud Warrior slit the Sky King's throat. In a spray of blood, the warriors vanished and all the Cloud slaves left the king-less kingdom.
It is said that every guard recovered from their paralysis and went after the half-starved slaves to avenge the death of their leader. But every attempt of revenge brought about the mist and clouds of the Cloud Warriors. And the guards became paralyzed completely. The lucky ones had their lungs stopped as well. The others slowly starved to death. And the Village Hidden in the Clouds was once again whole.

"The end..." Mishka finished the long tale.
Kaya clapped politely. "Well, it certainly was.. exciting. In a violent way. But I kinda hoped for warrior boys... and not as much blood."
"They only killed the king. They refused to shed anyone else's blood. But I suppose I did lead you to thinking the warriors were men. I'm sorry."
The black-haired girl shrugged. "It's still a good story. Well, it's late. Let's get to sleep, okay?" And she walked off with an adoring smile to Gaara.
Temari patted the top of Mishka's head. "Well, as a kunoichi, I like the idea of those Cloud Warriors being girls. Your kids are gonna be lucky their mother can spin such elaborate bedtime stories."
The white-haired orphan blushed and shook her head. "I-I don't plan to have children. I won't make a good mother."
"The Hell you wouldn't! Any girl that can tell a story like that was destined for motherhood!"
"In order to be a good mother, you need to have a mother to compare to."
The blond rolled her eyes and let the words slide... for now. "I'll show you to your room," she offered. But a certain redhead stood up and moved to her side. "Er... on second thought, I've got to review the scrolls of my next mission. Uh... Gaara, would you show her to her room? Thanks. See you in the morning." Temari hurried off, leaving her brother and her first choice of a sister-in-law alone.

Mishka looked from the door her friend ran through to Gaara, who's seafoam, black-rimmed eyes watched her without blinking. Shifting her weight from one foot to the other, she asked, "So would you please show me? Er, wait. Do you have something else you have to do right now? I can find my room on my own."
Gaara shook his head and motioned for the young woman to follow him. "I'll show you. It's not like I have anything to do."
The white-haired orphan moved up to him and as the Kazekage-to-be led the way, she decided to make conversation. "Why don't you have anything to do? I mean, aren't you tired, Gaara? You've had a long day..."
"I don't sleep."
"You don't? How come?" Mishka asked softly, obviously worried. Sleep was important. Strongest ninja in Suna or not, everyone needed to rest.
"The Shukaku wouldn't let me without the threat of taking me over and now that it's been removed, I can't get in the habit."
"Because the Shukaku isn't there anymore? Are you lonely without it?"

Gaara couldn't believe what this girl was saying. Lonely? He was glad that damn raccoon was gone! But perhaps he could use her "misunderstandings" to get in her room. So sue him. "A little. It's been with me since I was young. And now I feel a bit empty."
"Empty? Well, I'm used to sharing a room. And I know I'm not Shukaku. But if you want, you can always stay in my room with me. I mean, it's your house but if you get lonely, I won't freak out if I wake up and see you there," Mishka replied kindly, a soft smile on her face.
'And I'm in...' Wasn't that a little too easy? "You do realize that I chose you as my bride, right?"
"Gaara, the other girls would make a better match for you. Besides, it's not like you're planning on taking advantage of the situation."
He wasn't sure he liked that assumption. "How can you be so sure? I'm a man, after all. I might get in the mood."
"You're not that kind of man. And you have other offers from girls from well-to-do families. It's unwise to lay with someone like me."
"Do you really believe you could stop me?"
"It's not that. In physical strength, I know you'd easily defeat me. But being with me wil ruin your-"

Lips upon her own, Mishka now knew from experience that she was being kissed. It was a kiss from lips so cold, her body flushed with fiery heat. Instinct took over and she moved closer. She wanted to use her inner fire to warm Gaara up, needed his inner blizzard to calm the raging blaze within.
The redhead pulled deftly away and looked into her eyes, smoldering with molten desires that she had little experience with. Gently, he placed a hand right on her heart. "Let me ruin my life. It's my decision and I'll do what I want. Regardless of how many people try to convince me otherwise..." Another kiss and a soft "goodnight," the Kazekage-to-be stepped away from her and disappeared in a soft mist of sand. Mishka went into her room, stunned and heart beating wildly against her ribcage.

Angry black eyes appeared from the darkness and a snide voice whispered to no one in particular. "This can't be happening. I can not wait for Kaya to join the cause. It's time to shut that bitch down. Permanently."

((and done... hope you enjoy. Read and review... do it for me... I have no computer right now and I work almost non-stop. You're words of encouragement and criticism are all I have!))