Previously on Hakuna, we delved into the dark and complex history of the demon Peripheral Psycha, discovering that she suffered a defining, brutal betrayal from the archdemon Sparta 5,000 years ago. This ultimate act of treachery fueled Hakuna's rage, and he made good on his vow, taking on Sparta himself. Hakuna quickly and decisively dealt with the archdemon after he fully mastered the terrifying, fused Power of Psycha and the Divine energy gifted by Nolitha. With Sparta gone and their main captive secured, the immediate threat has been neutralized, but the war still continues. What will be the conclusion of this devastating conflict, and what must Hakuna do next to embrace his destiny?
Fade in…
Seeking the Silence
Sehloho was seen walking with brisk purpose through the palace corridors, making his way directly toward the War Room. His mind was a flurry of tactical assessments and political anxieties.
He thought to himself, compiling the latest intelligence. "We have the Tshabadira Princess, secured and in captivity, recovering under heavy guard. However, her clan's warriors still won't let up their attacks on our perimeter, constantly probing our defenses. Given the seismic impact of Hakuna's final mission, I wouldn't be surprised if the Tshabadira forces now incorrectly think they've achieved a victory, or at least defeated the primary threat. We need clarity. Perhaps Hakuna has some crucial answers about the true motivations behind this aggression."
He arrived at the War Room. Hakuna was sitting cross-legged on the floor, attempting to enter a deep state of meditation, but his physical tension was visible, and his breathing was ragged. He was audibly struggling to maintain focus.
"What are you doing, little brother? You look like you are trying to lift a mountain with your mind," Sehloho asked, his voice breaking the delicate silence.
The swirling, latent energy around Hakuna instantly dissipated in a violent surge of frustration.
He yelped, startled. "Aaah! Damn it! I was so close to that silence. Huh? Oh, Sehloho. Well, Queen Tharollo told me that I'd have to meditate deeply with Nolitha's residual energy and her wisdom in order to be able to speak to her spirit, gain access to all her memories, and retrieve her full knowledge. I need to find something that can help me fully master her destructive power before the next conflict."
"Hmm. It seems the trauma is obstructing your focus. Your mind is simply too loud right now," Sehloho observed, leaning against a holographic display. "Why not try a different approach? Why not visit her clan, the Mehlomanelo? They would know the rituals and customs surrounding the princess's abilities far better than we do."
"Huh? Abandon the Palace for a social call? What about the war? We're still under constant threat," Hakuna questioned, his sense of duty immediately overriding the suggestion.
Sehloho then explained the current strategic reality, which Hakuna had been too focused to notice. "Things have stagnated significantly since your last mission, Hakuna. Sparta's power vacuum has caused confusion in the enemy ranks. Furthermore, your squadron is currently inactive, recovering from the blast and refitting their armor, and we can't have you moving against a large enemy force alone—it's tactically unsound and too great a risk to the Royal line."
"Oh, that makes sense. Speaking of squadrons," Hakuna said, his curiosity taking over, "where is your personal squadron, Sehloho? And Max's? Does Mom even have one?"
Sehloho then deliberated, explaining the complex structure of the Royal guard. "The group of exceptionally formidable women you see walking around the palace with the Queen Mother from time to time are, in fact, her elite squadron. Lady Malehlohonolo[1] is currently the commanding officer among them, a warrior of incredible discipline and focus."
"Isn't she from the main family of a noble clan in Limpopo? The one known for their stealth and healing arts?" Hakuna asked, raising a single eyebrow, recognizing the political importance of that appointment.
Sehloho continued, confirming the Lady's status. "Yes. This prestigious position was given to her specifically so she could learn directly from the Queen Mother. This is a practice we sometimes utilize to train future clan leaders. Even with her having to take care of our young twins, each one of those squadron members is well-trained, highly skilled, and possesses physical and magical power almost equal to the Queen Mother herself."
Hakuna snickered, a small, genuine smile finally reaching his face. "Hehe, I'm not sure you know about this, Sehloho, but rumor has it that she's the only one who can truly command Father to back down during a major diplomatic crisis, which means she's probably stronger than we think… Oww!"
Sehloho, using the palm of his hand, delivered a sharp, unexpected, but not unkind smack to the back of Hakuna's head. "I am well aware that the Queen Mother was capable of defeating Father in both combat and argument, little brother. She is one of the most powerful people on the continent. Stop gossiping and focus."
"But what about yours and Max's squadrons? You mentioned them earlier," Hakuna asked, rubbing his head and returning to the serious topic.
Sehloho then spoke flatly, the memory painful but instructive. "They died in the previous Great War, Hakuna. They were killed trying to protect us, their Royal charges, during a surprise demonic assault. Similarly to how your squadron almost died in that explosion. Back then, we didn't possess the advanced technology made from the knowledge we have now about the Titanus Skeleta fail-safes. This time, however, we are better prepared. No more of our Royal Squadrons will die needlessly. We will protect those who protect us," he said, a focused, powerful hope returning to his eyes.
The Queen's Counsel
Justina, the Queen Mother, was seen walking through the Palace, actively looking for her youngest son, her expression a mix of maternal concern and royal solemnity.
"Hakuna! Hakuuunaaa! I know you're around here somewhere! Where could he be hiding now?" She questioned, knowing full well he was likely within a few feet of her.
Hakuna, sensing her beckoning and recognizing the urgency in her call, vanished instantly from the War Room.
He appeared silently behind her.
"Mom? I apologize for the gate damage, I was in a rush," the boy said, making his presence known.
"Aah, I was expecting you to turn up suddenly. Hello, my son. We will discuss the matter of the newly-shattered bronze gates later. You and I might have to talk about a matter of the heart first," the Queen said, turning to him with a serene smile.
They were both seen walking in the Letebele Clan's vast, perfectly manicured garden, the scent of indigenous flowers providing a brief moment of peace.
Justina spoke, getting straight to the point. "Sehloho mentioned you confirmed a Royal Tie with the late Mehlomanelo princess, Nolitha. I found this quite alarming. How did it manifest?"
Hakuna then spoke, recounting the intimate details of the bond. "I don't really know how it happened, Mom, but out of nowhere, I could instantly understand exactly how she was feeling just by being near her. She could sense immediate, mortal danger around me, no matter how far away she was from me. At first, I just thought it was true, profound love—a teenage infatuation accelerated. But I confirmed it was also the Royal Tie when we were fighting against Rorisang together: our coordination was impeccable, seamless. It was like we've fought together for years, but we've never, not even once, before that day."
"I see. That deep-seated synergy is indeed the signature of a true, albeit unusually premature, Royal Tie," Justina murmured, absorbing the information.
Hakuna continued, detailing the tragic aftermath of the bond. "And then, when she died, my power grew immensely, almost doubling overnight, and the trauma triggered a massive evolution. Also, I suddenly found myself being able to use some of her core abilities, like her dimensional speed and that molecular manipulation power I used on Sparta."
Justina then muttered, her brow furrowed in deep thought. "I've never, in all my studies and history, heard of a Royal Tie forming at such a young age, especially one that resulted in such an overwhelming transfer of power. That considered, my darling, are you truly alright? We need to address your well-being."
"What do you mean, Mom? I feel fine, physically. Just a lot of new power," Hakuna asked, still struggling to process his emotional state.
"The love of your life, the other half of your soul, has passed on, Hakuna. This must weigh heavily on you, far more than you are willing to admit," Justina said, her voice gentle but firm.
"Yeah, it does, Mom. But I'll soon be able to talk to her again, to find closure, or just to hear her voice again," Hakuna declared, his hope tied entirely to Queen Tharollo's advice.
"By way of using the Royal Tie's residual connection, I presume? The spiritual echo of her being?" She asked, her understanding immediate.
"Yeah, exactly. Ah, Mom, you had a Royal Tie with Dad. Were you ever able to talk to him after he died? Did you ever find that closure?" Hakuna asked, seeking more insight and validation for his current goal.
Justina replied, a soft, distant look in her eyes as she remembered her late husband. "It has been some time, and the energies are different. But yes, my son, I can, if the need ever truly arises, still speak to your father's spiritual presence. The connection is permanent."
"How did you do it? How did you first break through the grief to retrieve the connection?" Hakuna queried, desperate for a methodology.
Justina then deliberated, providing the crucial, practical steps he needed. "The power transfer is the easy part. Before you can truly master her full power and speak to her spirit, you have to successfully retrieve her memories—all of them. You must treat it similar to a case of severe, self-inflicted amnesia. You need external help to trigger the recall. You must visit the Mehlomanelo Clan's palace. Explain to her parents, her Royal lineage, your desperate situation. If you can prove to them that you genuinely possess this profound, intimate connection, they will feel honor-bound to help you find the triggers."
"Thank you, Mom. This is what I needed," Hakuna said, his focus renewed.
He vanished, the teleportation this time far more controlled and efficient, already en route to his destination.
The Mehlomanelo Palace
…At the Mehlomanelo Palace…
Hakuna appeared instantly at the front door, the air of the Mehlomanelo territory immediately feeling different—older, more traditional, and heavier with spiritual energy.
"Well, here goes nothing. This is going to be incredibly awkward," he muttered, bracing himself for the meeting with the grieving parents.
He knocked firmly on the colossal palace doors.
They opened silently, revealing a traditional interior of high ceilings and deep shadows.
Hakuna walked in, his steps confident but respectful, only to see the powerful Queen Mehlomanelo sitting alone on her immense, dark throne, waiting for him.
But as soon as he walked past the threshold, he felt an insane, overwhelming psychic pressure weighing down on him—a sudden, crushing force akin to being compressed by an imploding star. It was the full, untempered rage and grief of a powerful queen who had just lost her daughter, directed entirely at him. The force was almost overwhelming him, compelling his body to bow immediately, fighting against his own Divine strength.
Queen Nandi then spoke, her voice calm and chilling, laced with unimaginable spiritual power and sorrow. "How interesting it is to see a proud Letebele prince, the infamous Monster, bowing—no, forced to bow—in my throne room. I didn't think such a feat was possible. What brings you here, Prince Hakuna, to the home of the daughter you failed to protect?"
Hakuna struggled, his muscles straining against the immense psychic weight, desperately trying to raise his head to look at the powerful, grieving queen, but the pressure held him pinned, his face inches from the marble floor.
Fade out…
End of Episode 46.
[1] Sehloho's wife and current queen of the Letebele Empire.