Chapter eleven: Meaning of the name

Nicole was irritable because of the cramps and enormous hunger for fried foods. Her training with Eun-Kyung and Tirithion had been cut short because of it. She was twice more dangerous than before and nearly cleaved Tirithion's arm off during training. It was Eun-Kyung who stepped in and call for a lunch break.

Lucky for both girls, Tirithion knew where a good place was. As of now, Nicole was gorging herself on fried foods. Nicole was grateful that she was paid well enough to buy enough food for herself.

The amount was for five people. And yet Nicole just kept eating. It was to the point where she wasn't much chewing her food. Both Eun-Kyung and Tirithion both felt sick just watching her.

After what it seemed to be an eternity Nicole finished her meal. Nicole had noted that fried food here tasted different than fried food back home. Somehow it tasted better here than back at home.

"It seemed that you enjoyed yourself," Tirithion noted.

Nicole belched loudly. She did enjoy herself with the meal. The smile confirmed it. Eun-Kyung and Tirithion hoped that Nicole was full and didn't want to eat anymore.

"I ate well," Nicole proclaimed.

That phrase was something she picked up from Eun-Kyung. Another was 'I will eat well.' Those two phrases were remnants of Eun-Kyung's childhood with her paternal grandmother. It was mostly dropped out of use when she lived with her maternal grandmother.

"That was great fried food, the best I must say."

It seemed that Nicole was very pleased. Tirithion was happy and hopefully, this cycle was over right now but he was very wrong. Eun-Kyung knew that Nicole would be very mad and cramp-y after a while since fried food can only soothe her for so long.

"I would suggest training her with a quarterstaff and not the glaive this time around," Eun-Kyung said in a low voice to him.

"Why make you say that?"

"Because it will get worse since this is the calm before the storm. Besides, it isn't a good idea to give her something sharp. Don't forget what happened earlier."

He finally got the idea but he wasn't too sure. Tirithion knew Lord Círdan and a few season sailors talking about how they knew something big is going happen due to calmness. Was Nicole a fiery thunderstorm that's about to explode at any moment? What about earlier when she nearly cleaved his arm off. How can it get any worse than that? Shouldn't the worst be over by now? What could go wrong?

"Of course, I could take her on and wear her down before handing her over to you to train," she suggested calmly.

"How do you know she would be like a storm?"

"You haven't really seen what a female mutant can do during PMS. You only saw a small portion of what could happen."

Eun-Kyung remembered Nicole's two older sisters after she said that. Danielle was highly dangerous and anything could provoke an attack. The snow maiden becomes an ice queen for several days and everyone knows it. Even Vivian avoids her like the third scourge.

Unlike Danielle, Vivian becomes highly clingy and manipulative. She once got half of the male population of the X-Manor to get her chocolate thanks to her own empathic powers. The one problem is that both sisters were sync, like most of the female population at the X-Manor.

"Oh really," he was feeling smug. "I think I could handle a woman wild like her with ease."

"You must be very brave, very stupid, or both," she stated flatly. "What would happen if she got out of hand like last time? She may have good control now but her powers are still immature."

"I can handle her," he was sure of himself that he could. "You really need to put more faith in me. I know what needs to be done."

It was this that made him who he was. Studying his target and learning how to defeat them. Tirithion felt like he had study Nicole long enough to know how to deal with her. He even saw how well she used her mutant power.

A good deal of him doubts Eun-Kyung about Nicole's powers being immature. It seemed that it was fully mature and was ready for some real training. Sure, Nicole was being more emotional than normal but nothing he can't handle.

"Ready for some serious training," Tirithion turned to Nicole.

"Oh, hell yes."

It was Tirithion who paid for the meal. Nicole called him out on it since she wanted to pay for her own. After all, she was an independent woman and she doesn't need someone to pay for her meal. Eun-Kyung simply gave a short head bow and thanked him for his kindness.

"What the hell Yi?!"

"Free meal," Eun-Kyung whispered loud enough for Nicole but not Tirithion.

To Eun-Kyung's ignorance, she didn't realize that Tirithion did catch it but didn't say anything. He was simply trying to worm inside Nicole's heart. It was a good way to show her that he could provide for her. His logic in getting Nicole to bed was slowly changing or warping into something else.

"I would love to have a training session with you again," Tirithion told Nicole. "Shall we go and train."

"Fuck ya, I would kick your arse to the ground," Nicole boastfully said.

They walked out to their normal route. There was some tension but not from the trio. Since the attack, the friendly Haradrim had a hard time. While the people of the city knew their trading partners from the south were friendly but the attack did shake their trust in all Haradrim. Some of the Haradrim even took up arms against their own brethren to protect their main source of income.

Nicole had a feeling something was going on but didn't know what. While the other two were completely aware and even discuss the current situation. Tirithion thought it was off but he didn't see the harm.

He received news to bring them to Grey Havens as soon as possible. That and both girls had absolutely no knowledge on Arda or even the threat looming overhead. While they have mentioned about hearing a few attacks and a couple of battles, they have no idea on what's going on.

They reached to their normal place behind Ezar's house. Raphael was waiting for them as usual. His two playmates have left with their father to work in the market for the day. Tirithion watched the young boy go straight to Eun-Kyung and stayed with her. He wondered why this boy was so fond of this strange woman.

Though right now he needs to train Nicole and was thankful that he was able to get a couple of quarterstaffs from his stuff. He realized and agreed that Eun-Kyung was right with switching out the two weapons. Tirithion didn't want to lose a limb yet thanks to Nicole's unpredictability.

"Ready," Tirithion said as they went to their little area.

"Hell yea!"

Tirithion let Nicole get one of the quarterstaffs and both got into position. Eun-Kyung simply sat nearby with a book in hand with Raphael sitting next to her. She knew that Tirithion would be in the world of hurt and might learn his lesson if he is smart enough to not make the same mistake.

Nicole made the first move and tried to hit him. The angle of the attack was surprising but Tirthion blocked it. Her unpredictability and inexperience make her dangerous. But Tirithion knew what to do thanks to training younger elves. Yet Nicole was different since her fiery temperament made her blind

Now he was forced to put Nicole on the edge. He was tired of only defending himself. Tirithion attacks pushed Nicole to think about her next moves and not to get hit. Part of him knew that he must strike her but he was reluctant to do so.

Does he fear of her going to berserk if hit? Would she lose control if he did? She was making mistakes and leaving openings for him to strike. And she must learn how to avoid them.

Eun-Kyung wasn't happy when she looked up from her book. Tirithion was pushing but not far or hard enough. Both knew that Nicole learned better by being pushed.

Eun-Kyung doesn't care if she hurts Nicole. It is part of life. Tirtihion was only started to doubt of hurting or even pushing her hard enough.

"You…are…a…pussy," Nicole said breathlessly. "You hit like a girl."

Subconsciously, Nicole knew about Tirithion's reluctance about hitting her. Tirithion was getting on his last nerves with her. Thinking about really striking Nicole to teach her a lesson sounded very good at the moment. That and he learned the other meanings of pussy from Eun-Kyung.

"You should be kind to your teacher," Tirithion mention. "I don't give free lessons just to anyone."

"Why not? You suck too much to get paid."

Now Tirithion got mad at her but knew she was doing this on purpose. He really hated how she trash-talked to him. Where did she learn it and how can he make her unlearn it? This would take time and a lot of effort on his part.

"Enough talk," Tirithion had it. "We must continue on your training."

"Only if you stop being such a pussy and grow a pair than yes."

Tirithion seethed at this. Why in Eru's name did he see the attraction in her? Yes, she had determination but there are plenty of other women who have it. It might be her spit-fire attitude and uncouth nature that drew him in. Nicole was a woman that didn't act like one.

"If you prove yourself as a capable fighter than I would give a 'special training'," he gave a smile.

He couldn't help himself. His feelings for and towards her were contradictory to each other. Tirithion both wanted to tame her wild heart but at the same, he didn't want to. As well as his desire for her wasn't as clear-cut as most women.

Tirithion could see the desire in some men's eyes when they looked at her. Nicole had some curves but she was busty more so than her two older sisters. This caused her to be very self-conscious about herself.

Back at home, Nicole would be considered to be overweight due to her unhealthy diet on empty carbs. But in many parts of Arda, she would be considered to be a prime of beauty. She only gained the weight due to her inactivity from sports due to a broken bone and love of fatty fast foods.

Yet she did lose a bit of weight since coming to Gondor. She gave up a high process, fatty and carb-laden diet to a healthier one. To top it off she's more active due to training and her own powers.

Now both of them were poised to attack. Nicole was the first one to strike again. She didn't falter and her hormones made her misjudge and miscalculated even more. Each strike was either blocked by Tirithion or was a miss which made Nicole furious. It didn't matter what Tirithion did her emotional state was hampered by her monthly cycle.

Unlucky for her, he hit her hard on her left arm. This was a mistake on his part. Nicole's immature powers sparked from her. He knew she was going to strike.

'Oh…...' Tirithion thought.

Eun-Kyung made the right call and intervened at the right moment. She got right in the middle of the two and used her psychic powers to create a strong barrier. Nicole didn't see Eun-Kyung moved into place or cared since her focus was solely on Tirithion and kicking his ass to the ground.

Nicole punched the barrier which didn't give or break. This snapped Nicole from her rage for a moment. It took a while to realize what happened. Now she looked at Eun-Kyung with spite.

"Holy motherfucker of fucking hell! What the hell Yi?! Honestly, what the fucking hell are you protecting that damn pussy for," Nicole chewed Eun-Kyung.

Tirithion was pleased that Eun-Kyung did step in. Now he understood why she wanted to wear Nicole down for him and to use quarterstaffs and not real glaives. He would be dead if it wasn't for Eun-Kyung. It was the first time in a long time he had felt the rush of death go through him. He almost liked it.

"Your time is up with him," Eun-Kyung informed her. "It is high time you train with me."

"You better get fucking ready," Nicole was still pissed, "I would fuck you up real good."

This wasn't Nicole he knew and he hated it. Tirithion wanted her to go back where she wasn't as foul mouth and didn't back talked as much.

"Tirithion," Eun-Kyung said in a gentle tone. "You should get to a safe distance."

"I thought that wasn't an option," he smiled.

He knew he would rather watch Nicole fight than to fight against her. Tirithion went to where Raphael sat and decided it was a good spot. Now he could enjoy the show and may pick up on ways to help Nicole in her next practice with him if there is a next time.

Nicole rushed in again without a second thought. Still having the quarterstaff in hand, she used it to her advantage. There was no doubt that Nicole wasn't really thinking things through and it showed. Her attacks were too erratic.

Eun-Kyung had dealt with fighting different mutants and non-mutants. Nicole was just one of them and she knew how to deal with her. Each attack and strike Nicole attempted was parried with a defense of some kind. It didn't matter if she kicked, strike or makes a combination of the two, Eun-Kyung simply kept it up.

Nicole was physically pushed by something invisible. Tirithion was surprised to see it at first but remembered that Eun-Kyung did something like it before. It happened when he walked in to invite her and Nicole to lunch. There were a few books floating in mid-air without any assistance. She called it telekinesis. Now Nicole was being pushed to the side by this power.

It wasn't hard for Eun-Kyung since she was pushing Nicole and not picking her up. If she used enough force than she could break bones and rupture organs. Though she refrained from doing this. She just making it harder for Nicole in this fight.

Unlike Psylocke, Eun-Kyung prefers to enhanced her own body and condition. Though she does use weapons once in a while. Like right now with Nicole. Using psi-scythes she can extend her reach to attack Nicole.

Nicole couldn't help it; she exploded with anger and left too many openings for Eun-Kyung to exploit. Using a psi-scythe she cut the quarterstaff as if it was nothing, focusing her psychic powers on her other hand she used a palm heel to Nicole's right shoulder.

Eun-Kyung didn't stop there since Nicole must learn to deal with anything that someone who can kill her. Similar to the palm heel, Eun-Kyung used Front Snap Kick and hit Nicole's ribcage on the right side. This knocked the air out of Nicole and forced her on her knees. And finally, Eun-Kyung did a Downward Kick but thankfully Nicole moved just in time to get her left hip badly bruised.

"What…the…. hell?"

"Your reflexes are improving quite a bit," Eun-Kyung mentioned. "Since you moved your body before my palm heel can hit an important area and same with my kicks."

"Why is that?" Tirithion asked.

He noticed that Eun-Kyung attacked with forethought and conviction. From what he saw Eun-Kyung wasn't really using her full powers but kept Nicole on her toes. As of now Nicole was drenched in sweat while Eun-Kyung barely broke into a fine sheen.

"If she didn't then she would have received a lot of damage," Eun-Kyung informed him. "I can put you in a coma without a problem"

"How is that possible?"

"Why are the fucks you asking so many damn questions?"

"I just wanted to know why."

"My powers had finished growing," Eun-Kyung held a book. "Couple that with years of training had made it easy."

"That makes sense," Tirithion said.

He still wasn't completely sure about it. Yet he wrinkled his nose at the thought they called themselves mutants. But he has no alternative to call them. There is one thing he could change or ask to change.

"May we call you by another name Coal," Tirithion looked at her. "I don't feel like it suits you."

Nicole gave him a look, why doesn't he like Cole? It was better than her birth name and a vast improvement than what her family calls her, Nicolette. Besides she just got used to calling being called Cole so why change now. But she thought back to her conversation with Eun-Kyung last night.

~Flashback~

Eun-Kyung soothed Nicole's hands. There were blisters from the glaive and made worse from her powers. Nicole looked up at the Korean and wondered how she could switch the uses of her powers. Envy began to swell in her chest. Nicole wanted to have as many uses and as powerful as Eun-Kyung's.

"Tirithion doesn't like your new name," Eun-Kyung informed her. "He even asked if it was your birth name."

"What the hell did you tell him?" Nicole was weary about this.

"I simply gave him the meaning and of the origin. He believes the meaning suits you better than Cole."

"Origin? What the fuck do you mean by origin?"

"Your name comes from Nike, the Greek goddess of victory," Eun-Kyung said.

"What…. Is that the reason a fucking shoe company calls themselves that?"

Eun-Kyung didn't answer that.

"There is no way in fucking hell I would use that."

"What about Nika or even Nico?"

Nicole thought about it. Which one does she want, Nika or Nico? Nika was similar to Nike but not really. Nico sounded cool but it was weird. Besides, it sounded morbid when she said it.

"I think Nico is a male's name but that didn't stop you from doing it," Eun-Kyung said the last part under her breath.

"I think I'll be good with Nike," Nicole said. "Nika and Nico sound to fucking weird."

"Very well."

~End flashback~

"You can call me Nike," Nicole said. "It is the base of my fucking birth name."

"Ny'-kee?" Tirithion tried to pronounce it. "What an even unusual name. Do all names where you're from are this unusual?"

"Depends on where one's from," Eun-Kyung looked up from her book. "Where I'm from Nike's name is highly unusual and quite rare."

"What about you, Lady Yi? Is your name unusual?"

"In most western parts, yes, it is unusual. But in my birth country, it is a quite common female name."

"I think I like the name Yi," Tirithion told her. "It is unique and unusual just like its bearer, but may you tell me what it means."

Figured he thought that was her name. This was due to a mix-up on Nicole's part since she thought Yi was her giving name. But both names were quite common in South Korea. But she wanted to go by her maternal grandmother's surname of Choi since the woman took her in after leaving her mother's house at age twelve.

"It means plum tree and is associated with upright scholars and the blossom herald spring," Eun-Kyung said. "Or so says, my grandmother."

Tirithion agreed. He liked how Nike was more becoming and Yi looks like a scholar. Heck, she looked like she belonged in a library than a battlefield.

A/N: Please R&R, I'll accept constructive criticisms since it would help me in the long run. So help me help you in your enjoyment with this story.

Another note is that I am thinking of moving the time of Nicole and Eun-Kyung's arrival from Boromir's death to either the Fellowship leaving Rivendell or leaving the Mines of Moria. Reason being is that it took a month from Boromir's death to the destruction of the One Ring. My reasoning is that I want the two girls to spend more time creating relationships without rushing it. It is possible to create a good relationship in a month's time but I just want them to have more time spent in Middle-Earth.

The last thing is a story shout out to "To Be Willing" by DeLacus. A very good story about King Thranduil or King Pie Maker (one of many nicknames of him) and a girl name Lyrial and their evolving relationship.