Shalla-Bal
By Serena Kenobi
Rating: T
Summary: ROTSS AU. What if Shalla-Bal, Silver Surfer's long lost love, had left their home planet of Zenn-La in search of him? What if she had traveled to earth and stayed there, anonymous, until he arrived? Would they ever meet again?
Author's note: If you want to learn more about Shalla-Bal, then I suggest you look her up on the internet. The best website would probably be the Marvel Wiki. I picture Shalla-Bal to look more like Kristin Kreuk from Smallville. But then that's just me.
Disclaimer: I do not own Silver Surfer, Fantastic Four, or any Marvel comic characters. They belong to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
"Norrin! NORRIN!"
Shalla-Bal bolted upright, chest heaving as she gasped for breath. It was the same dream as before. The same dream that had haunted her ever since her beloved had left to serve the being known as Galactus. He had done it to spare her and their world. But would she ever see him again? It had been over a month now, and the usual peace that the planet of Zenn-La brought her did nothing for her anguished state.
She ran a hand though her dark hair and rubbed her tired green eyes. This was no good. Zenn-La brought her no comfort any longer. It had been her home ever since she had been born, but without Norrin, it wasn't a home anymore.
Shalla-Bal slipped out of bed and stared out the window, gazing up at the stars. She wondered if Norrin was up there. Maybe he was watching her too, somewhere. What if she found out where exactly he was?
I'm going insane, she thought tiredly, moving away from the window. I can't even begin to think about leaving Zenn-La. It's my home – I've never lived anywhere else. Everyone I've ever known and loved is here – except Norrin. The thought of him brought tears to her eyes, and she turned and looked back up at the sky. She frowned in determination and sighed. I wonder if our people still possess space-travel technology. She then smiled. Only one way to find out.
"Are you… crazy? Shalla-Bal, what are you thinking?"
Shalla-Bal couldn't help but glare at Yarro Gort, one of Zenn-La's most prominent scientists. "It's the only way," she replied simply. "I have to find Norrin."
"But we've never used space-travel since the Enlightenment!" Yarro persisted. "Shalla-Bal, Norrin is gone. He made a choice, and although he saved our world, he chose to leave it behind. You must make your own. There are rumors that you might become leader of Zenn-La next." He took her hand. "There is nothing for you out there."
Shalla-Bal pulled her hand away, fighting down feelings of anger and frustration. "No. I need to find him. I have to know what's happened to him. If that is risking my life and position here, so be it." She turned and walked away. "And if you will not help me, then I will find other resources."
Yarro watched her leave, his dark eyes glittering with a hidden menace. His fists clenched, and he turned and strode away.
Shalla-Bal hurried into the central gardens, where she found Skrull Draskis waiting for her. He bowed low and said in his deep, rather gravelly voice, "You needed me, my lady?"
Shalla-Bal nodded and smiled gratefully. "Yes, I do, Draskis. I need a ship. One that can travel far and fast across the galaxy."
"What for, may I ask?" He questioned, confused.
She took a deep breath and said, "I need to find Norrin Radd. The only way to do that is to look for him. I have to look for fresh, healthy planets that Galactus would want. If I find one, I may find Norrin."
"That is extremely dangerous, especially for one such as yourself," Draskis commented.
"Please, Draskis," Shalla-Bal begged. "I'll go by myself – I just need to find him. I have to know if he's all right."
Draskis finally nodded, staring at her through his black eyes. "Very well. I will arrange everything. Expect me to call on you within the next few days."
Shalla-Bal beamed. "Thank you," she said, taking his green hand in her own and squeezing it. Finally, she would be able to leave Zenn-La and find Norrin. She only hoped she was not too late.
True to his word, Draskis reported back to Shalla-Bal with a ship and the necessary equipment to travel far into space. He also gave Shalla-Bal a list of all known young and healthy planets.
"One of these is particularly interesting," he said. "It is a planet called Earth, home to beings known as humans. We have encountered their kind before. They are strong-willed, stubborn people. They look almost exactly like you, however."
Shalla-Bal raised her eyebrows. "Humans, you say? And they look like Zenn-Lavians?"
"Yes. A cruder and more violent species than yourselves, but they are capable of great destruction."
Shalla-Bal looked at the map of Earth. "That looks to be a choice Galactus would make," she suddenly said, "I'm going there."
"You will… just… stay there?" Draskis said, surprised. "Leave Zenn-La behind, perhaps forever?"
"If it means finding Norrin again, yes," replied she firmly. "I'm going to Earth, and I will become one of the humans. I don't know how long it will take, but I have to do this."
Draskis sighed. "Very well," he answered in his gravelly voice, "but you might need protection."
"What are you suggesting?" She asked warily.
"I will come with you to Earth and watch out for you if need be," he said. "I will also become a human."
"Draskis, that's very kind of you, but I really don't think that's necessary," Shalla-Bal said, shaking her raven head.
Draskis nodded. "Nevertheless, I feel it would be the wisest decision. I am going with you."
Shalla-Bal grinned. "Thank you. You do not know how much I appreciate everything you've done for me. I am in your debt."
"We are even now," he insisted, "For it is you and your people who have helped me to become a better person."
Shalla-Bal squeezed his shoulder lightly. "We should make preparations to leave soon," she said softly. "I don't want to waste any time."
Draskis nodded. "Of course."
In her mind, Shalla-Bal was nearly jumping out of her skin. She was doing it. She was finally leaving Zenn-La to look for Norrin. Only time would tell if her mission would be successful.