Layla POV

Layla shut her mouth, thinking over the offer. Sarah could tell she was reevaluating her definition

of violence. If she was practicing and actually helping someone and there was no anger in her

action, could it actually be called violence. Add onto that and Sarah was very unlikely to be

harmed, and it would be ideal for the green girl to get used to combat. She had always gone

with the bet that she would be able to overpower anybody she needed to, but thinking of Sarah's

point of different magic being able to do different things, she could see the point. While she

could overpower many people at once, it only took one person with the right powers for her to

be out of her game. What would she do against superstrength? They could break the vines.

What would she do about someone who could see her moves coming, or react more quickly

than she could? What would she do if she could easily be taken by surprise?

Sarah, as if sensing the decrease in Layla's confidence, spoke up. "Layla. You are incredibly

powerful, and for those with extra abilities, it's just a matter of coming up with creative

possibilities. For example, you could use a plant with fumes that would knock out an enemy

painlessly. You could grow thorns extra long and sharp to act as knives, and while you would

never hurt someone on purpose, they would be dang useful to force them to remain still in

thorny vines. And if the thorns had poison on them too, then the enemy would be forced to be

still, and it would be their fault if they didn't listen and got hurt. And you could easily grow the

antidote too for many poisons, so no need to panic if they don't listen. There are so many

dangers to those much more innocent than those you will be facing. What did you think you'd be

saving humankind from? Puppies?"

Layla's determination to refuse flagged. "Are you sure it will help you?"

"Very much so. You can attack from many more directions that Mrs. Stronghold can. It would be

an immense help for you to train with me. Because it would prepare me for multiple enemies."

Sarah's words further reassured Layla.

"Okay," she said quietly, reluctant to rearrange her views, but willing to see the logic behind the

statement. As much as Layla preached peace, if someone were to threaten those she cared

about or those under her protection, there would be hell to pay. Sure she'd try to avoid injury, but

she was aware that her opponents wouldn't pull their punches, and some people did more harm

than good and deserved to be stopped.

Will sat there, silently watching the battle of wills. "I can't train with you guys, but I'm pretty darn

creative. Do you mind me coming too?"

Layla brightened immensely at the idea and turned to Sarah, already sensing the girl would be

the leader.

"Of course, Will. You know Layla's powers almost as well as she knows them herself. And

you've probably thought a lot more about their uses. You may act like a doofus, but you're

incredibly intelligent. And you'll make a valuable addition to the team. Besides, self defense

doesn't take any powers. It may be harder to learn and they may give you an advantage, but

training in combat can still make you an incredible fighter. Besides, if you ever get your dad's

superstrength or speed, fighting techniques will allow you to use them correctly and with control.

Your dad may be incredibly strong, but there's a reason his hands hurt like heck after punching

an asteroid. He doesn't even hold his fist right and relies on his powers to absorb any damage

his bad technique may do. He could be so much more powerful with the right technique. And

your mom isn't any stronger due to her powers, just quicker. She had to work to be such a good

fighter. I may not be as good a teacher as her or have nearly her experience, but I will do my

best to train you. And believe me, even if you don't get your powers, you will be powerful."

Will smiled at his friend and Layla melted at that smile, even if it wasn't directed at her. She

knew she had an incredible crush on the boy, just like she knew he had no clue. Layla was more

than aware the 'acting like a doofus' Sarah was referring to was his social obliviousness, not his

creativity or intelligence.

"What do you say Will?" Layla asked. "Still up for joining us?"

He smiled. "I don't know what you guys see in me, but I trust you enough to know it's there.

When do we begin?"

At Sarah's sadistic smirk, Layla knew that both of them were in for pain. But she knew that this

pain would only make them stronger.