Purer Than A Sunrise

VI

Silence befell us as we all did our own things. Rody was cooking some snacks over the fire, Deku was reading more of his Otheon map/booklet, and I was laying on the rock-couch, resting. Rody had given me his sweatshirt since mine was drenched in blood, and I had bandages on with some pain medication in me. Despite all of the effort, I still was in discomfort and pain.

Rody was back into his normal sly self, but he was silent while Pino sat contently next to me, cuddling up to me. All seemed peaceful and calm.

But then, Pino looked at Rody, acting conflicted, and frustrated.

I sat up, holding her in my hand. She fidgeted, still watching Rody, who finally took notice of her behavior. He sighed and let her fly to his shoulder. Rody looked toward the entrance of the cave in frustration.

"Why did you guys take the hits for me?" He asked, only the crackling fire for background sound.

"What are you saying?" Deku responded, putting down his booklet.

"I betrayed the both of you. I stole the case while you slept. Instead of worrying about me, you could've just taken the case and left." He said, walking toward the opening of the cave, gazing out into the night sky.

"Why would we do that?" I asked, sitting up straighter.

Rody breathed out a laugh, his back turned to us. "I was carrying the jewelry that the robbers stole this afternoon. I'm one of those bad guys that heroes like you hate and want to throw in jail."

I gave Deku a quick glance, not really following what he was saying. "What jewelry?"

"It was just a small thing, nothing to worry about," Deku said, waving it off. "Besides, I can't ignore when someone is in trouble. It's kinda my life's dream to help people."

Rody turned. "Why would a criminal like me be worth getting hurt over?"

I rose to my feet, stumbling a bit, but I stood, walking slowly to him. "Because you're different from any criminal I've ever seen. You see, back in America, there's a whole lot of crap going on. Illegal immigrants are coming across the border, hurting and taking advantage of us. The government is taking care of them and stealing our money to which we give tax. That's our hard-earned money that's just being thrown down the drain. Riots and crimes are happening everywhere, and it's hard to get a break from the political talk, even at school. You see, you aren't a heartless criminal like those that I've seen. You said it yourself, you have a family to care for, to watch over, and protect. You do things for a purpose. Though it may be wrong, you can still be redeemed. And that's the hope that has. You're a good person Rody, don't let what you do to make ends meet control you. There's always another open door. So follow it."

He stared at me in amazement. "Those are some of the wisest words I've ever heard."

I giggled and gave him a painful smile. "It's what I've learned over the years. Experience is sometimes the best learning opportunity you get in life.  And besides, it's always worth it to help someone who is in trouble, no matter who it is." Deku nodded.

Rody stared at me for a moment, then looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "I do not get you two. I mean, y/n, your words are wise and have sentiments to them. I understand that, but how? I'm a bad person! I do bad things to get money. I-" I put a finger to his lips.

"You're only a bad person when you choose to be."

He was silent for a moment. Then Deku began to speak. "Yes. You can be good or bad, you just have to choose aside. As for me, and I believe I speak for y/n as well with this, but I choose to be a good, helpful person. I want to be someone who saves people. With a smile on my face the whole time. I want to be like All Might."