Mune Olo'eyktan [Neteyam x Aonung]

Part 70

Meanwhile, within Ronal's den, she has successfully removed the arrow from Mo'dan's arm and sent him on his way.

Now, with Jake and Neytiri, she lets her son explain himself.

She's placed on her knees, with Aonung sitting in front of her. Jake is kneeling on the side, with Neytiri standing next to him.

Ronal- Your mate is really Mo'dan?

Aonung- . . . Yes.

Ronal- When did this happen?

Aonung- It's been almost a year now.

Ronal- A year!?

Aonung glances to the side as Tsireya silently peeks out of the back room.

Neytiri- You know Neteyam hurt your mate, but you showed no anger towards him. Between mates, that is strange.

Aonung- I don't want to be his mate anymore.

Ronal- You irresponsible boy. Have I not taught you better than this?

Aonung- You have.

Ronal- What did your father always tell you?

Aonung- To choose my mate wisely.

Ronal- If you did not truly want him, then you should not have mated.

He never wanted to do such a thing, but he wouldn't dare tell his mother it was forced on him.

Maybe it's for the sake of his old friend, as he's always thought, or maybe it's for the sake of his own pride. But for whatever the reason it is, that's a secret he's not willing to reveal.

Aonung- I know, mother.

Jake- You wouldn't let Neteyam explain his actions. Is it because you wanted him to kill that boy? To get rid of the mate you don't want?

Aonung- No, I would never ask for that.

Neytiri- What other reason is there for Neteyam to attempt something like this?

Aonung- (sighs) Look, he did do this for me, but-

Ronal- Tonowari told you to look past your personal feelings towards individuals, to be the better man. To be a better leader.

Aonung- Mother, I know. I didn't ask Neteyam to do that, he wants Mo'dan out of the way.

Jake gives the boy a skeptical look, knowing where this is going. But he decides to ask anyway, just to see what he says.

Jake- Why?

Aonung looks the man in the eyes, feeling intimidated.

Aonung- To take his place . . . But I told him to just leave it-

Jake- You led him on, knowing you have someone else.

Jake stands from his spot, and Neytiri rests a hand on his arm, attempting to keep him calm.

Jake- Now my boy is out here trying to kill for you. A Na'vi, one of your own. You know that's an act of betrayal.

Neytiri tightens her grip on Jake's arm as he begins to raise his voice.

Neytiri- Ma'Jake, stay calm.

Jake- He could've been exiled because of him!

Neytiri- I know, Jake, but he did not succeed. He's still here.

Jake- Who's to say he won't try again? Not even I would have the power to protect him then.

Ronal- It is the unfortunate truth.

Ronal looks up at the Sullys with an apologetic expression.

Ronal- I would not want to banish your son, I'm quite fond of him. But the customs cannot be changed. If he tries again, he will be in much trouble.