Chapter Text
Neteyam intended to feign sympathy, but it was difficult at times. Ronal managed to be too insufferable and intolerant, and not sometimes, but all the time. She didn't make a point of pretending to like her family, she made it obvious and it was noted that she detested them, and had only accepted them there because her father was Toruk Macto, the great and admirable warrior, who brought victory and honor wherever he went. .
Toruk Macto helped them win the war against the people of the sky, even with considerable losses and scars that would be eternal. The scar on Neteyam's chest was proof that he went through the war and survived, his father and Lo'ak's ever-improving relationship was also proof of that. Of course, dialogues still needed to be started with delicacy depending on the subject, but Jake was already more open to receiving and embracing his children - the fear of losing them without having shown how much he loved them still haunted him.
Returning to talking about Ronal's bigotry; chaos had spread in the metkayina family's marui after Tsireya revealed that she and Lo'ak were in a relationship and thought to make the connection - until then, this was not the problem, even against his will, Ronal had already expected it and wanted to make Lo'ak a warrior worthy of his daughter, but what Tsireya later revealed was the problem. She intended to leave with Lo'ak, go back to the forest and adapt to his way of life, even if that meant abandoning everything she had learned all her life, even if she could no longer be the Tsahìk of her clan, and that had revolted Ronal.
“I'll pretend I didn't hear anything that was said here. Ronal growled, baring his teeth at his daughter, who shrugged and flattened her ears, feeling threatened and upset. “You belong here. Born and raised here, don't be ungrateful. Eywa will not bless you if you leave your land!
Neytiri only looked away. She didn't like Ronal because she didn't respect her children, and she didn't care if Tsahìk was upset or not, she would only say something if her children became targets of those cruel words.
"Ronal." Tonowari put a hand on her companion's shoulder, trying to get her attention. “Tsireya is a grown woman, she can choose who to bond with and what to do with her life after that.
- Not! Not with the devil! Ronal exasperated.
Neytiri growled loudly, drawing Ronal's attention, who growled back.
Jake touched Neytiri's waist, trying to calm his wife, who continued to growl, showing her fangs to Tsahìk. Neteyam was standing protectively beside Lo'ak, glancing at Tsahìk sideways and frowning - ready to defend his brother and mother if necessary.
"With all due respect, Tsahìk, if I may say--" Lo'ak was interrupted.
"I won't!" I don't want to hear your voice! Ronal made a move, as if he was going to grab Lo'ak's face, but Neytiri stepped in front of his son, glaring at the Tsahìk with anger latent in his eyes.
"Don't you dare go near my son, I'm capable of taking your eyes out with my teeth." Neytiri said amidst the snarl, the difference in size between her and Ronal becoming noticeable.
Neteyam pulled Lo'ak behind him.
"Uh, well." Jake looked at Tonowari, a little confused on what to say.
— That will be decided in the family. We will treat the matter with due delicacy. - Tonowari said, pulling his companion to him gently, making her stop growling at Neytiri. “The liaison is not a subject to be discussed like that.
— My family and I want to go home. Jake looked at Neteyam and Lo'ak, and then at Neytiri, who nodded in agreement, supporting him to continue. — The Tsahìk of my clan allowed us to return, there is our place, our home. I am the Olo'eyktan of my clan, Eywa wants me back, and I want to go back. Jake felt even safer when Neytiri took his hand. Last night they had received a warning from Mo'at; Eywa wanted them back home, Jake should go back to being Olo'eyktan, because that was still his place, and his people wanted him back. “We are in a hurry to return, my children and I, my mate. So if Tsireya wishes to link with Lo'ak, she must go with us.
Tonowari took a while to respond. — When do you plan to go?
- Next month? Jake looked at Neytiri.
"Fifteen moons from now." Neytiri said.
- That. Jake agreed.
Tonowari looked at Ronal, who glared back at him and snarled, turning his back and leaving. Tonowari sighed, looking back at the Sully family.
“I'll sort it out. - Said.
- Hope so. Neytiri replied and then turned around, grabbing Lo'ak and Neteyam's wrists, getting out of there as fast as she could, Jake following shortly after.
Neteyam couldn't help but feel anxious, he was putting off telling his parents or siblings about his own connection, about the baby growing in his womb and about his relationship with Aonung. No one ever knew or ever commented on them, and they hid it well from the beginning, Neteyam didn't want them to know, and Aonung would be the future Olo'eyktan of his clan, he didn't intend to take Neteyam as his mate, and Neteyam didn't intend to leave his home to live there, where I felt I didn't fit.
The match would be difficult for all of them, but they would manage. Neteyam would find a way. He had argued with Aonung last night and still hadn't told him about his departure, and for him that troubled relationship with no reason had come to an end.
Tsireya was willing to go with them, as was Rotxo, who had decided on Kiri's side - even though she didn't want him to fight for her, as she was too busy spending time with Tuk and her brothers.
"We're finally going home." Kiri said with relief in her voice, smiling at her family. - Finally!
- Yes! Lo'ak smiled too. "I can't wait to go back!" Sure, I'll miss it here, but... It's our home!
Neteyam smiled. I was happy but...
- Are you happy now? Jake asked. “We're going home, like I said we would.
- Thank you sir. — Neteyam thanked him, and he felt really grateful.
- Everything will work out. Neytiri reassured them.
And Neteyam hoped his mother was right.