Dragon Ball Savior the Novel

C7: Porudaimoku

The escape pod's descent was wild and uncontrolled, its shrill alarm echoing around Juko as he plummeted toward an unfamiliar planet. Juko, still a young child, gripped the sides of the pod with all his strength, the memory of his mother's embrace distant and fading. Now, fear was all he knew, his heart pounding in his chest as he glimpsed the dying planet's jagged surface growing ever closer. He bit his lip, trying not to cry as he felt the pod's heat shields buckle under the strain, jolting him forward as it made impact. A violent crash forced the pod open, hurling Juko onto the darkened soil of this barren world.

As he staggered to his feet, gasping for breath, his senses were overwhelmed by the desolate scene around him. The ground was dry, cracked like old leather, stretching endlessly in all directions under an oppressive sky of ashen gray. Foul fumes leaked from crevices in the ground, darkening the air as molten rivers pooled from fissures and glowed an eerie red, casting strange shadows across the rocky landscape. The air was thick with sulfur, making it hard for him to breathe as he stumbled forward, his vision blurred by exhaustion and tears.

"Hello?" His voice was small, swallowed up by the silence of the dead world. Desperation clawed at his chest as he took another step, then another. "Is... anyone there?"

The silence was his only answer, a silence that mocked his helplessness. Weakness—this was why he was here, alone, condemned to a desolate world because he didn't measure up. His breaths came in short gasps as he fell to his knees, his body exhausted, his mind racing. He was ready to give in, to sink into despair, when a flicker of white light appeared in the distance, cutting through the desolation. It grew stronger, expanding until it was all he could see.

A figure emerged from the light, radiating an aura that glowed like a distant sun, soft and reassuring. A man with eyes like polished marble and flowing robes approached him, his expression serene and filled with compassion. As the stranger knelt beside Juko, his powerful yet gentle presence was like a balm over Juko's fears, soothing his troubled mind.

"My child," the figure spoke, his voice a deep, resonant warmth, "you are not alone. I am here to take you home."

The young Saiyan's eyelids fluttered as he looked up at this radiant being, feeling a strange comfort. Without another word, Juko's vision faded, and he collapsed into Ryuja's outstretched arms, the last remnants of fear slipping away.

When Juko opened his eyes again, he found himself enveloped in golden light, his surroundings softened by an ethereal glow. He lay in a bed of woven vines, under a sky that shimmered with warm hues of purple and blue, dotted by clouds that drifted lazily across an endless horizon. He had never seen a place so beautiful. Gentle streams trickled through lush green fields, and trees towered above, their branches adorned with blossoms that sparkled like gems. Curious creatures, elegant and otherworldly, flitted through the air, their soft hums blending with the breeze that whispered ancient secrets.

Juko sat up, taking in his surroundings with wide eyes. A distant tower rose above the landscape, its spires adorned with golden carvings that caught the light. Beyond it lay a grand citadel, glistening like polished stone, surrounded by a legion of figures dressed in robes and armor that glowed with divine energy. They were unlike anyone Juko had ever seen, bearing an elegance and strength that filled him with awe.

His attention returned to the figure who had saved him—the God of Light, Ryuja. He was speaking with a group of robed individuals, each bearing the distinct emblem of a dragon coiled around their robes, a tribute to their devotion to Zalama, the Great Dragon God. The Shenron Vanguard, Juko would later learn, was a sacred order, and they had dedicated their lives to preserving the sanctity of Zalama's legacy.

Ryuja turned to Juko, his serene smile breaking into a look of warmth. "Come, child," he said, gesturing for Juko to approach.

Juko rose hesitantly, walking toward the group. He felt Ryuja's hand settle gently on his shoulder, steadying him. Together, they moved toward the heart of the citadel, where the council of the Shenron Vanguard awaited, ready to welcome this child of prophecy into their midst.

As they reached the council chamber, a low murmur rippled through the gathered assembly. Juko felt their gazes upon him—some curious, others intense, as if they were trying to pierce through to his very soul. The high priestess, an elder Namekian with a crown of crystalline stones, stepped forward, her gaze soft yet discerning.

Ryuja addressed the crowd, his voice strong and clear. "This child, Juko Kairou, bears the markings of the prophecy written within the Namekian Book of Revelation. It is said that one born into a lineage of impurity would carry the blessing of Zalama, a pure soul amidst darkness. The signs are clear; they are written upon his spirit."

The high priestess's eyes softened as she studied Juko. "You are truly a wonder, young one. Do you know why you are here?"

Juko shook his head slowly, overwhelmed. There was so many individuals that were utterly otherworldly to him, for he had never thought that any place like this could ever be real. The realm, and the energy that it emitted was nothing short of heavenly. His voice was barely a whisper. "No... I don't know."

Ryuja knelt beside him, his gentle smile calming Juko's nerves. "You are here because your spirit is unlike any we have seen in many ages. The markings on your soul match those foretold by the prophecy—a soul protected by Zalama himself."

At that, a wave of awe and reverence swept through the assembly. Many bowed their heads, murmuring words of devotion and celebration. Some chanted ancient verses, while others raised their hands, sending waves of shimmering energy that filled the air with a peaceful, harmonious hum.

Juko looked around, unsure of what it all meant. "But... I don't understand. I'm just... weak. That's why they sent me away."

Ryuja placed a hand on Juko's cheek, his gaze filled with empathy. "True strength lies not in one's power alone, but in the purity of their spirit. The prophecy speaks of a light that would emerge from darkness—a light that you carry within you. You are far from weak, Juko. You are destined for something far greater than anyone could imagine."

At Ryuja's words, the high priestess stepped forward, raising her hands as she spoke in a voice that resonated with ancient power. "Let it be known that Juko Kairou is under the divine protection of Zalama, and he shall be nurtured and trained as the chosen child, the savior foretold by our most sacred texts."

A cheer rose from the Shenron Vanguard, their voices ringing with reverence and hope. Juko felt the warmth of their acceptance, filling the void left by the isolation and fear of his exile. For the first time, he felt a sense of belonging, a spark of purpose.

The weeks that followed were filled with intense training and immersion into the teachings of Zalama. Juko learned the language of the Daimoku Sanctum, the sacred texts of the Book of Revelation, and the ancient customs of the Shenron Vanguard. The members taught him to harness his energy, focusing his spirit through meditation, discipline, and spiritual alignment.

He became close with Ryuja, who guided him as a mentor and protector. Ryuja's lessons were more than combat and power—they taught Juko the balance of mind, heart, and spirit. The God of Light showed him how to channel his energy into creating a light that could protect, heal, and purify. Juko found strength within himself he hadn't known was possible, and with each passing day, his understanding of his own spirit deepened.

Yet, even amid the sanctuary of the Daimoku, shadows loomed. The prophecies in the Book of Revelation spoke of the return of an ancient evil, a darkness that would challenge even the purest light. The Shenron Vanguard whispered of an approaching Armageddon, a time when Juko's strength and purity would be tested beyond measure.

Juko remained unaware of the full weight of his destiny, still the young boy with the faint hope of reuniting with his mother. But within the tranquil beauty of the Daimoku Sanctum, his spirit grew resilient, his heart grew pure, and his light began to shine.

For as the prophecy foretold, the child of Zalama's blessing would soon face darkness unimaginable. And in that darkness, his light would be the beacon of hope.

With his training in full swing and his spirit now touched by divine purpose, Juko's journey was just beginning.