Boy of Light and Dust

Ica

Ica wanted to tell Dayin what he knew about all that was going by and he wasn't sure why he was holding back, besides the fact that William would probably give him detention for the rest of eternity. His heart ached for Dayin, the way he looked when he said that he didn't understand.

Dayin looked lost, just as he had when Ica had first met him. He appeared to be trying to find words, but was having a hard time. "Don't worry," Ica said, trying to push a smile, but it wavered and faded away. "We won't let them get you."

Dayin glanced at Ica with a concerned look. "I shouldn't be one more thing for you to look after," he mumbled. Ica frowned and opened his mouth to speak, but William spoke first.

The old man shook his head. "Protecting you means protecting the entire community, not just you." He stroked his scraggly beard in thought. "You read that book. I'm sure you know enough now to understand what happens to those who are Turned..." He looked at Ica, who had read the book a good year or so ago. He understood what would happen if the wrong people got their hands on Dayin.

"T-That's what they want me for?" Dayin whispered, sounding horrified. His eyes widened as they flickered between William and Ica in disbelief.

Oh, Dayin, Ica thought. He clearly had no idea just how terrible people could be. "Like I said, Day," Ica started, "we won't let anything happen to you." He noticed the look Dayin gave him when he called him Day. He wasn't sure if it was a look of dislike or surprise.

Dayin closed his eyes and took a deep breath before speaking again. "Then I'll working on practicing my control," he said, his golden eyes set on William. "What can I do to help?"

William didn't look very convinced by Dayin's sudden change of attitude. "We can't have you get too ahead of yourself," he warned. "Learning to control your power is important, but you can't rush into it headfirst," he said as he looked at Ica again. "It's important to be patient and learn what you can first. Ica will help make sure you don't overdo it."

The darker-haired boy frowned. "But—"

"If you try to learn too fast, you could end up hurting yourself," William cautioned. "You're safe here."

Dayin didn't look so sure of that. "I'll do whatever I can to help you," Ica promised. He knew he couldn't understand exactly what Dayin was feeling, but he had enough experience with the lack of control to know enough.

"It may be wise of you to ask the Daniels twins for their help as well, Ica," William suggested quietly, with a raised brushy eyebrow.

Ica had to fight to hide the grimace that crept to his face. Finn could be helpful, but he'd be damned if he asked Jensen for anything. "Of course," he said stiffly, wondering how he could only ask for Finn's help without getting Jensen's attention as well. Or without William asking Jensen himself.

William leaned back in his chair, indicating that their conversation was coming to a close. "I will do my best to guide you in the right direction," William told Dayin and though Dayin nodded, Ica could see that Dayin wasn't really paying attention to what they were saying anymore. "Now, get to your other classes. If any of your teachers have questions about being late, let them know you were seeing me."

Ica nodded as he lightly patted Dayin's shoulder. He had no intention of going to his next class, and given Dayin's reaction, he doubted Dayin could go to his and function. "C'mon, buddy."

Dayin glanced at him and looked a million miles away in his thoughts. He shook his head before standing up. "Lead the way."

"I'd better find you in your next classes," William called after them from his desk as Ica led Dayin out.