The Wild Rose Story

Steel & Spirits

Summary: After a hard mission, Malia Farron, a beautiful and tough special forces soldier renowned for her strategic brilliance and combat skills, takes a break with her two charismatic fellow soldiers Barret and Nanaki, who invite her to have a drink and dance at a nightclub. Malia allowed them to spend the night at her house, where they met her 14-year-old son, Ralph, something neither of them knew, so they discovered she's not just a compassionate warrior but a fiercely devoted mother. This story takes place in my Fictional Fan Universe where some characters, worlds, and races from Star Wars, World of Warcraft, Warhammer 40k, Diablo, StarCraft, Final Fantasy, Metroid, Zelda, Mass Effect, and Halo coexist together, albeit with significant divergences that create fresh narratives and stories.

A female Burmecian (anthropomorphic-humanoid rat) named, Malia Farron that has a slender yet well-toned and curvy physique, light-grey fur with striking sky-blue eyes that reveal a mix of wisdom and intensity, and her upper back-length green hair tied in a pony-tail, released a heavy sigh as she come out of the Female Locker-Room wearing a Pale Blue Long Sleeve Shirt, Gray Pants and casual Digitigrade Heel Black Boots, and she was holding a Traveled Bag on her shoulder. Malia was walking down a long hallway, saying hello to everyone she saw while she walked by. As Malia went down the hallway, she saw Nanaki Squall and Barret Wallace, the two womanizers and fellow soldiers that she knew for years, chatting one another until they spotted her, so they walked toward her with a grin on their faces. Barret is a Light-Brown Anthro-Wolf (anthropomorphic-humanoid wolf) with a right Cybernetic-Arm wearing a White Puffer Vest with a fishnet shirt under it, Green Cargo style Pants, and Zipper-Black Digitigrade styled Boots. Then there is Nanaki who is a anthro lion-wolf (anthropomorphic-humanoid wolf with the muzzle of a lion) with dark-orange fur and a thin brown mane, and his right eye is scarred, and the remaining eye is ochre, he is wearing a v-neck white shirt and a black leather bomber jacket with a fur trim collar along with wears black leather gloves, black pants with three interconnecting red belts, and black digitigrade boots.

"Well, well, if it isn't our favorite Amazonian warrior!" Nanaki said as he was smirking, leaning against the wall, "You were a beast out there, Malia! Totally shredded that Malboro."

Malia softly chuckles, a hint of amusement in her voice despite her exhaustion, "I'm not an Amazonian, Nanaki. But thank you. I'm just glad it's over."

Grinning, Barret nods in agreement with Nanaki, "Indeed! Amazing work. You were a force of nature out there, Malia..." He speaks in a smooth, confident tone, "We need to celebrate, my lady! Wouldn't you say? And by reward, I mean drinks."

Nanaki leans in towards Malia with his signature charming grin, "Yeah, Malia, you deserve it. We know a place, good music, even better drinks." He said smirking, stepping closer, "What do you say? Leave all the heavy lifting to us."

Malia softens her normally sharp gaze and glances towards them, they both radiated a form of easiness and joy, so she laughs softly, rolling her eyes good-naturedly at their antics before yielding with a faint blush on her cheeks, "Alright, you two talked me into it." She said smirking, tossing her long hair over her shoulders, and put one hand on her hip and cocked her head to the side while holding her one-strap traveler-bag with the other one, "But no funny business, okay? Just a friendly hangout. I need to relax, not babysit you two."

Barret winks, a playful glint in his eyes, "No promises! So, shall we go pick you up, my stunning warrior princess?"

Malia shakes her head with a small smile playing on her muzzle, "No need. Just tell me where we're going, and I'll show up there. I need to de-gear myself. I'll want to trade these boots for something a little more dance-friendly."

Nanaki claps his hands together, "Excellent! We're heading to 'Golden Keg' downtown, about half an hour."

"You'll love it, Malia. It has a great atmosphere, and the drinks are..." Barret said smirking, "Well, let's just say they'll help you unwind."

Malia with a genuine smile nodded, "Alright, 'Golden Keg' it is. See you guys there in a bit. Don't get into too much trouble before I arrive." She said as she then took a step towards the locker room, her bag slung over her shoulder.

Barret and Nanaki watch her go, smirking or grinning in amusement while watching the female Burmecian walking away swearing that there was an extra sway in her hips as her hips were slightly swaying side to side along with the tail while she was walking before she disappeared when she entered to the Female Locker-Room. Once Malia disappears, Nanaki and Barret were exchanging mischievous glances as they began to walk toward the exit as they began to talk to one another about their night plan.

"She's actually going to be there, huh?" Nanaki said with a sly smile on his muzzle, "I didn't think she would say yes. This is going to be fun."

Barret was grinning, putting an arm around Nanaki's shoulder, "I knew she would say yes! She just needs a little… encouragement!" He said while grinning, "We'll make sure she has the time of her life. Just watch and learn, my friend, watch and learn.

###

It was already late afternoon on the planet Gaia, the sky was dark, filled with bright stars that illuminated the sky. Its two full moons shone brightly in the sky, shining gracefully over the city of Cornelia. Barret is wearing a dark-gray leather jacket with white stripes on the sleeves, a red button-shirt t-shirt underneath under it along with light-gray pants, and brown digitigrade Magnum Boots. Meanwhile, Nanaki is wearing a dark-gray long sleeved button-up shirt beneath his black formal vest which is partially opened, and the sleeves of his button-up shirt is folded into cuffs, he also wears dark gray formal slacks and black digitigrade loafers. They were waiting for Malia until she finally shows up wearing a Red Sleeveless High-Neck Cotton Chest-Cutout Blouse holding her natural, but firm 78cm Blossom, she is wearing it alongside a Dark-Gray Jeans, and Digitigrade Black Leather-Boots with Heels, and her hair is free, so they both whistled at her.

Barret whistles, a wide grin spreading across his face, "Well now, if it ain't the finest soldier this side of the galaxy. Malia, you're looking'… particularly lethal tonight."

Nanaki low whistle, raising an eyebrow, "I'll second that. You clean up nicely, Malia. Though I have to admit, I'm more accustomed to seeing you covered in grime and blaster scorch."

"You two are incorrigible..." Malia said with a small smile playing on her muzzle as she approached, slightly adjusting her blouse, "Did you two practice those lines in the mirror before I arrived?"

Barret grinning, "What can I say? A soldier has to keep his charm sharp, especially in the presence of a goddess warrior." He said grinning as his eyes were taking over Malia, "She looks like she's ready to cause some… strategic distractions..." He said and he then winked at Malia, "That red? It's a power color,Princess. Suits you. I'm sure every head in that place is going to turn when we walk in."

Nanaki chuckles softly, "He's not wrong, Malia. You do look… striking." He said, "Ready to let loose a bit? We've earned it after that last mission."

Malia nods smiling, "I agree we earned this. And I'll let loose as much as I can, but no promises about the strategic distractions. I'm just here for a good time and drinks. Lead the way."

Barret claps his hands together before he gestures towards the entrance, and Malia chuckles and shakes her head with an amused smile as she walks into the nightclub, with Barret and Nanaki following closely behind. The night was a blur of laughter, fleeting conversations, and surprisingly decent dance moves. Inside the bar, Malia, Nanaki and Barret sat atop one of the many stools that outlined the counter where the Bartender was. Malia, Nanaki and Barret order a bottle of Stout Beer for each of them. They laugh and banter with each other while enjoying their drinks. An hour, and several bottles of Stout, later all three of them were a bit wasted and still have self-awared, laughing and joking around.

Malia took a sip from her Bottle before she put her half empty bottle down on the table, "More Thunder Ale, please." She said as she signaling the Bartender.

"Sorry! This is your fourth shot." The Bartender said calmly while cleaning a glass, "That's the limit. Enjoy your last shot."

Malia takes a final, slightly frustrated sip of her drink, "The Alliance sure has some strict laws with drinks…" She sighed, "A soldier can't even unwind properly after a mission without being cut off."

Grinning, Barret leans closer to Malia, his eyes twinkling, "You're right, Iron Maid... You've earned your rest, strict laws or not…" He said still grinning, "It's not every day we tangle with those raiders and come out in one piece.

Nanaki chuckles, shaking his head at Barret, "Well... It's good they keep things in check. We still have patrol in the morning."

Barret waves his hand dismissively with a smirk, "Oh come on, Nanaki, live a little. What's a little detour after saving the day?" He said, "Besides, a beautiful woman like Malia deserves a night out, not a boring patrol."

Barret winks at Malia, and Malia softly laughs. Malia, Nanaki and Barret lightly tapped their bottles, clinking their bottles together and then they sipped from their bottles and then gently put their bottles down on the counter once they were empty, "Well it's been fun boys, but I've to go." Malia said as she then stood up from the tool she was sitting on, "It's time I head home."

Nanaki also stood up, "We'll walk you home."

Malia softly laughs, "It's not necessary."

Barret smirked and stood up, "Hey, we asked you out, so the right thing to do is to make sure you get home safe." He said, "Besides, it's way more exciting than going back home alone."

"He has a point. It's no problem, Malia." Nanaki said, "Besides, the night air is nice, right Barret?"

Barret grinning at Nanaki, "Absolutely, it's practically romantic. Especially with the two moons shining down on us." He said, "Speaking of which, look at how gorgeous the sky is. You'd think it was made for a grand evening stroll, wouldn't you?"

Malia raises an eyebrow at Barret's blatant attempt to charm her and, then, she sighs good-naturedly with a playfully smirking, "Alright, fine. I suppose a little company wouldn't hurt. It's not like I'm complaining." She said, "But please, try to behave in front of my son, okay?"

Nanaki and Barret are visibly surprised. Barret almost chokes on his spit, Nanaki was curious, but he smirked, "Son? You have a child!? We never knew that Ms. Iron Maid had a child!" Nanaki said, crossing his arms with a smirk on his face, "I mean, how can a notorious womanizer like us not know that a beauty like you has a child?"

Malia softly laughs, "Oh! Don't act so surprised! I never keep it a secret…" She said, "But yes, I have a 14-year-old boy named Ralph. He is the reason I am doing this job. I need to make sure he has a stable life."

"So... Despite your reputation of rejecting guys." Barret said smirking, "You managed to have a child, huh? I must admit, this is quite interesting."

Malia chuckles, and smiles, "Well, I'm not into one-time hook ups. Unlike some people I know." She glanced pointedly at both Nanaki and Barret.

Barret raises his hand in mock surrender, grinning, "Alright, alright, point taken, Iron Maid!" He said before he gestured to the exit, "So, lead the way and let's head to your little spawn, and let us show that we can behave."

Malia laughs at Barret's antics and the three of them leave the bar, ready for their evening walk. Malia is a little amused at her companions' antics, and it seems like it's going to be a very interesting evening. Malia along with Nanaki and Barret walked out of the Bar. As they walk on, the sound of their laughter mingles with the city night. They walked for a while making small talk and laughs with Malia holding the arm of Barret and switching to hold Nanaki's arm.

###

After walking a few more of the almost desolate streets, they arrived at her Two-Storey Contemporary House, and both Nanaki and Barret stood in awe scanning the house as they all headed towards the front door. Malia's house is a Aria Luxury Two-Storey Contemporary House with a lot of glass with the combination of wood planks, stucco, and fiber-cement siding making both Barret and Nanaki smirking while smirking at the house.

"Wow, this is your place? I was picturing… more…" Barret said as his eyes wide, taking in the house, "Rugged, tactical kind of bunker. Not… this."

Malia chuckles, a hint of pride in her voice, "Yep. Home sweet home. I live here with my son, Ralph." She said while smiling proudly, " But we've gotta be quiet. Ralph is probably asleep. Come on. Let's go inside."

Malia unlocks the door and pushes it open. They step into the house, and Nanaki and Barret see that the entryway is modern and clean, with family photos tucked away on a side of cabinets. Hardwood floor. White Walls. A couch with a 50 inch TV on the wall in the front of the couch, large glass door leading to the backyard, and a stair leading to the second floor. Nanaki whistled which caused a young boy, Ralph, to stand in front of it, rubbing sleep from his eyes. Ralph is not a Burmecian like his mother, Malia, but he look like a Caucasian Hyur (Human with pointy elf ears), he has a slightly longer, but slicked back spiky silver hairstyle, long pointy curvy 3.54" ears, he has the same eye color as his mother, Malia, but his other facial structure come from his mysterious father.

"Mom? Is that you?" Ralph asked, rubbing his eyes, still half-asleep.

Malia with a warm smile, "Hey, Ralph. I thought you were in your room."

Ralph shakes off sleep from him, "Oh? I was watching TV. I think I fell asleep. Huh?" He said before he noticed Nanaki and Barret, "I see you brought company."

Nanaki grinning, stepped forward, "Hey there, Ralph! I'm Nanaki, and this is Barret. We're your mother's charming friends."

Malia rolls her eyes, smirking, "Don't encourage him, Ralph."

Ralph chuckled with confidence shining through, "Nice to meet you!"

Nanaki and Ralph shake hands with firm grip, he then leaning down slightly, smiling warmly, "The pleasure's all mine, buddy." Nanaki said before he looked back at Malia with a surprised expression, "So, Malia, the Iron Maid, has a spawn?! I did not see that one coming!"

Ralph chuckled, "So you two are the ones always trying to win mom over?"

Nanaki and Barret laugh, a mix of cockiness and amusement in their tone, Barret nods and smirks, flashing a charming smile, "Can you blame us?! She's not just a compassionate warrior, she's an amazing woman."

Malia chuckled, crossing her arms, "Okay, that's enough. Ralph, why don't you go get ready for bed? It's getting late. And gentlemen, behave yourselves."

Grinning, Ralph responded, "Don't worry, mom. I can handle them." He said before he looked at Nanaki and Barret, "It was nice meeting both of you. We'll chat more when both of you aren't tired. Good night, Mom."

Malia took Ralph upstairs to his bedroom, and Nanaki and Barret explored the living-room before they both sat on the couch. Barret removed his jacket, and Nanaki removed his vest before they both sat on the couch, Malia returned to the living-room, she was now wearing a V-Neck Sleeveless shirt with a White V-neck sleeveless Tank-Top underneath it, and a Dark-Gray Denim Short-Shorts, and she saw Nanaki and Barret sitting in the couch. Malia walked to the kitchen, and brough glasses of water for herself and for Nanaki and Barret before she sat between them on the couch. Malia, Barret and Nanaki took a sip from their glasses of water to alleviate some of the alcohol symptoms.

"Impressive. Sharp kid, Malia…" Barret said smirking at Malia next to him, "You seem to be proud to be his mother."

Malia was proudly smiling, a warmth spreading across her face, "I am! He's my reason to keep fighting." She said, "I want to give him a stable life, something he deserves."

Barret nudged Malia lightly with his shoulder, "Well, you're doing a great job. That kid's got the makings of a little legend himself. He's got that confident glint in his eye, just like you." He said grinning at Malia, "But how do you conceive a child?" He asked while grinning mischievously, "I mean... You seem to always reject guys' advances."

"Indeed! Some guys started to think you prefer girls." Nanaki said grinning mischievously.

Malia softly laughs, "Really? They think I'm into girls just because I refused to sleep with them?" She said smirking as she then took a sip from her glass, "Since when am I obligated to sleep with them?"

Barret smirked and chuckled, "None! They are just mad because they can't handle rejections." He said while grinning mischievously, and took a sip from his glass, "But the fact you have a child means that you were once young and rebellious yourself. You must have had some wild days, warrior princess."

Malia softly laughs, "No! I wasn't a rebellion…" She said before she sighed, "His father was someone I was truly in love with."

Nanaki was grinning, glancing over at Malia, "So the Iron Maid has layers! Who would've thought you were secretly having a soft spot for love."

Barret softly laughs with a smirk, "The Iron Maid, the battle-hardened warrior? Has a secret soft side, and she is a single supermom! I gotta say, Malia, I didn't see that coming." He said as he was grinning mischievously, "You're a walking contradiction, Malia. You seem to always reject guys' advances."

"Indeed!" Nanaki said as he was grinning mischievously, "Who's the lucky guy that swept you off your feet and gave you little Ralph?

Malia softly laughs before she takes a quick sip, "If you two wanna know, Ralph's father is Zack Fair."

Nanaki was surprised, "Wow! You mean the War Hero, Zack Fair!?" He asked as he was surprised, but smirking, "The one who fought during the First Great War?"

Malia nodded with a small proud smile, "Yep! I was his partner during the First Great War." She said before another sip from her drink, "He is so far the only guy I was with, and he was not even trying."

"So Zack wasn't even trying?" Barret asked.

Malia grinning softly, "Exactly! Not even a little. Zack had this… effortless charm, you know? The kind that just sneaks up on you and catches you completely off guard. He wasn't like you two clowns…" she teased, giving Barret and Nanaki a playful smirk, "No flashy pick-up lines, no ridiculous bets. He was just… real."

Nanaki leaning back with a skeptical smirk, "Real? I find that hard to believe, considering the guy was a literal war hero. Probably oozed charisma without even trying, huh? Sounds like cheating to me."

Barret laughed, pointing dramatically at Malia, "Exactly! You fell for the guy's heroic glow! Admit it, Malia. You were dazzled." He said, "All those missions together, all those battlefield moments—you didn't stand a chance against his War Hero vibes."

Malia rolled her eyes but smiled, "You two are impossible." She took another sip of her drink and leaned back into the couch, "It wasn't about his reputation or some 'heroic glow.' Zack was just so… kind. Genuine. Brave, reckless Zack, who could light up a room with a grin and make the impossible seem easy."

Barret whistled low, trying to hide his own astonishment, "Well, well, well. I knew there was more to you than just being, you know, ridiculously brilliant and terrifyingly good at what you do." He said smirking, "You're like a living legend in a legendary sandwich. Zack Fair on one end, you in the middle, and Ralph picking up where you two left off."

Malia smirking, leaning back on the couch with a hint of playfulness, "Barret, you're laying it on thick even for you. But yeah, Zack and I… we were quite the team back in the day." She said, "He was a hero to so many, but to me, he was just Zack."

Relaxing back, Nanaki was still processing, "That's... a hell of a legacy. Ralph must feel the weight of that sometimes." He said smirking and took a sip from his drink, "Does he know how much his dad changed the world?"

"He knows pieces of it. I've told him enough for him to understand who his father was and why he's someone to be proud of." Malia said smiling, "But I want Ralph to grow into his own story, not feel like he has to live up to Zack's."

Barret nods, surprisingly thoughtful, though his cocky grin still lingers, "Makes sense. Kid's got enough fire in him to write his own epic, anyway. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree. And, uh…" He said as he then shrugs, "I guess living with a literal war hero for a mom sets the bar pretty damn high too."

Malia laughed softly, "Ralph doesn't want to be a soldier. He is more interested in becoming a professional cybersecurity analyst."

Nanaki raises an eyebrow, genuinely impressed, "A cybersecurity analyst? Wow. That's… unexpected, but honestly, brilliant. He's going to be a force to be reckoned with no matter what he does. You must be very proud."

Barret leans forward, smirking, "See, I knew he was sharp! You're raising a genius, Malia. Guess the apple fell closer to the digital tree, huh?" He said and took a sip from his drink, "So, I suppose all those war stories you tell him are full of covert ops that are now considered cyber tactics. You should show him my hacks, I'm legendary in the digital space too."

Malia chuckles, shaking her head, "You and your ego are never going to change, Barret, are you? And no, I'm not teaching him your hacks, but enough about me." She said as she placed the empty glass on the small coffee table, "Let's focus on why it seems like the two of you suddenly got very polite after meeting Ralph." She said as she raised an eyebrow, teasing, "I didn't think I'd ever see you both behaving yourselves this much."

"Hey! Don't sell us short, Malia. We're respectable—well, most of the time." Nanaki said in a feigning innocence way, "The kid just threw me off, is all. Didn't see that coming. Give me a whole new level of respect for you, though." He said, "Balancing being, you know, you and being a mom? That can't be easy."

Barret was grinning mischievously, "Speak for yourself, Nanaki. I was always respectable…" He said before turning to Malia, briefly serious, "But yeah, he's right. Seeing you with Ralph—it's kinda… grounding. Makes the chaos we deal with out there feel a little smaller."

Malia softened, looking between the two men, "Thanks, guys. It's not easy, but it's worth it. Every sacrifice, every late night wondering if I'm doing the right thing—it's all for him. Nothing matters more." She paused for a moment, and then broke into a sly smile, "But don't get too sentimental on me now. I wouldn't want to ruin your tough-guy reputation."

Nanaki snorted with a smirk on his face, "Oh, trust me, Malia. My reputation is unshakable…" He said smirking, "Though, I have to say, seeing you like this—laughing, relaxed, letting us crash on your house—it's a side of you I didn't think existed."

Barret was chiming in, smirking, "Yeah, who knew the hard-as-nails Malia Farron could be a softie? A legendary warrior and a doting mom."

Malia laughs, a genuine, warm sound, "I'm strong and independent but not an ice queen."

"Well, I'll be honest, I didn't think you were the type to have kids." Nanaki said as he then took a quick sip from his drink, "No offense."

"None taken, I get that a lot. Ralph's a good kid." Malia said, "He keeps me on my toes."

Barret raises his hands in mock surrender, "Alright, alright, point taken. Maybe 'softie' was a bit much. More like... a highly efficient, multi-faceted, and secretly kind person." He said in a mocking tone while smirking, "Is that better? Besides, we all know you rejected guys because no one ever met your expectations, that's why you are still single even after being so hot."

"Always gotta push it, don't you, Barret?" Nanaki said after he rolled his eyes, smirking, "But yeah, Malia, we get it. You've got standards, and that's entirely your prerogative, and we understand why you have rejected some guys. You are the best of the best."

A small smile plays on Malia's muzzle as she rolled her eyes, "You two are incorrigible. And Barret, for the record, 'standards' is an understatement. I simply believe in choosing wisely." She said as she then placed her glass on the small table, "And I have yet to meet a man that can keep up with me. Be that in or outside of the battlefield."

Malia stretched her arms above herself as she yawned, "Now, finish your water and settle in, so you two can use the guest-room to crash for tonight." She said, "I imagine you are both tired after that chaos at the nightclub."

Barret dramatically stretches, his bones audibly cracking, and then winks at Malia, and Nanaki rolls his eyes, grabbing his empty water glass and standing up. He gives Malia a small, genuine smile. Nanaki heads towards the stairs, and Barret follows, giving Malia a playful salute as he passes. Malia watches them, shaking her head with a soft smile. Malia stands up and moves towards the stairs. Malia heads up the steps and reaches the top of it, and points them towards two separate rooms. Barret is already sprawled on one of the beds, and Nanaki makes a face as he inspects his room for a moment. Malia chuckles and then heads to her room. The scene closes with the two soldiers settling in the comfortable bed of Malia's house. There's a sense of camaraderie, a hint of newfound respect, and a touch of the playful tension that exists between people who know each other well.

The End.