The Chosen One || Neteyam x Reader

Chapter 3

The unexpected eye contact caught me completely off guard. I had not expected him to look into my eyes like that with a gaze so steady, so deliberate, it almost echoed the kind I used to receive when I was young. There was a weight in it.

It ended as abruptly as it began when he broke it, turning his head back toward the people in front of him. Still, the small exchange didn't go unnoticed. I could feel the prickling heat of other eyes on me, their gazes pressing into my skin. Choosing not to acknowledge them, I shifted my steps and made my way back toward Ronal and Tonowari.

"They shouldn't stay. It is too dangerous," I heard Ronal say, her voice low but firm, just as I came to stand beside her and Tonowari.

"Let them stay," I said without hesitation, my words instantly drawing both their eyes to me. Even though Ronal and Tonowari had always respected my opinion and valued my words, I rarely gave direct orders. And when I did, it was never without reason. This time was no different and they knew it.

"They may be bringing war with them," I continued, holding Ronal's gaze, "but Eywa wants us to help them."

I saw the flicker of resistance in her expression melt into thoughtfulness, as if my words had tipped the scales in her mind. She glanced at Tonowari, and in that silent exchange, the decision was made.

Tonowari stepped forward, his deep voice carrying over the gathered crowd.
"Jake Sully and his family will be our brothers and sisters from now on. Treat them as such, and teach them our ways so they may adapt without trouble."

The crowd erupted into murmurs. Some approving, others clearly unsettled , but all knew the matter was closed. My eyes shifted to the Sullys, catching the relief and gratitude that softened their features. I had no idea what trials awaited us in the days to come, but one thing was certain.I had taken responsibility for this choice, and I would see it through.

As the crowd began to scatter, returning to their tasks, the newcomers approached Tonowari and Ronal to offer thanks. That was when my gaze wandered back to the eldest son. My thoughts snagged on that sudden shimmer I'd noticed on his chest earlier. I must have stared for too long, lost in speculation, because soon enough his eyes met mine again and this time, his gaze carried that same unreadable weight as before.

And then it clicked. He was that kind of son , the "proud of my father" type, the one who would do anything to protect the pride and safety of his family. The kind who probably addressed his father as "sir." The perfect warrior heir that every clan leader would wish for.

I looked away, my attention shifting back to Tonowari as he instructed Tsireya and Aonung to show the Sullys the village and their new home. From somewhere to my left, I caught a faint voice.

"Sir, do you want me to get the luggage?"

followed by retreating footsteps. Turning my head slightly, I caught the silhouette of the eldest son walking toward the ikran. My lips curled into the faintest smirk. I knew it. I could recognize someone trying too hard from the very first glance.

Later that day, I found myself seated in Ronal and Tonowari's marui.

"How did you decide to come visit, Y/N?" Ronal asked as she poured steaming tea into my cup, the familiar fragrance wrapping around me like a memory. She always remembered my favorites.

"I had planned to restock my medicines and ointments," I replied, "but something caught my attention. I just... felt like I had to come. Like I was meant to."

Her eyes softened with understanding. It was a small comfort to be addressed by my name most called me only by titles tied to Eywa's choice, or worse, by the shadow of my parents' betrayal.