Cosmic Collision
Chapter Two- The Story of Norrin Radd/The Silver Surfer: Herald of Galactus
Downtown Amity
The Silver Surfer has just revealed his true name to Jazz Fenton, who couldn't help but satisfy her own curiosity about this unique being that saved her life. She wanted to know more about him, of who he was, and where he came from. Was his flesh always a unique metallic-like silver, or was he once a being of flesh and blood not unlike herself? How did he become like this? What events caused his transformation into the Silver Surfer? These were just a few questions that were on Jazz's mind, and if she was fortunate, she would soon be getting answers from the Sentinel of the Spaceways.
"Norrin Radd. Well, that's, uh, different. In a good way, I mean. Not that it's a bad name, because it's not. It's... unique. I like it. But... what do you mean that it "was" your name? I mean, hasn't it always been what you were called? Hasn't it always been your name?", Jazz said in response, briefly raising a questioning eyebrow as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"You assume that Norrin Radd is the only name that I am known by? That I've always appeared like this? That I look as I do before you now?", Surfer inquired as he briefly rested his right hand against the silver fleshed chest, looking at the female that stood before him, his features remaining emotionless.
"Um... no?", Jazz replied sheepishly, an awkward smile gracing her features.
"You're not a very convincing liar, are you, Jasmine Fenton?", The Silver Surfer remarked, a ghost of a smile forming on his visage.
"I guess I'm not.", Jazz admitted in embarrassment, her cheeks turning red with a blush.
"Would you like to know of who I am? Of where I came from? And how I became the being that you now see before you, Jasmine Fenton?", Silver Surfer offered, looking deeply into her sky-blue eyes.
For a few moments, Jazz took the Surfer's offer into consideration, her curiosity intrigued in ways that she thought were unimaginable. She never dreamed that she would encounter the Silver Surfer, let alone talk to him and learn of his origins. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity, one that Jazz wasn't about to let get away! Besides, she honestly wanted to know more about Norrin Radd, if only to satisfy her own curiosity.
"Yes, I would love to hear your story. I mean, that is... if you don't mind telling me, Norrin.", Jazz responded, lightly biting her lip as she tried to keep herself from blushing.
"There is no need to be nervous or shy around me, Jasmine, for I will never harm you in any way. If it is your wish to learn of my origins, then I will tell you willingly the story of Norrin Radd.", Silver Surfer said, his voice gentle and reassuring, like a gentle spring breeze.
"I come from a world many galaxies from your own, an advanced and peaceful civilization, a world that is called Zenn-La. I was not unlike you or any of your race, for I was a being of flesh and blood. As time went by, I became discontent with the world and society I lived in, my soul yearning for something more... dreaming of something far greater. Then our world became threatened by the arrival of a being whose merest whisper could cause the cosmos to tremble.", The Silver Surfer began, recalling that very day that happened so long ago.
"What was it called?", Jazz asked, a hint of fear entering her voice.
"He is called Galactus, The Devourer of Worlds. A being of immense omnipotent power, a being older than the Universe itself, a being that consumes the very life essences of planets to survive. He is neither good nor evil, for Galactus is beyond such mere concepts. He existed before this universe... and he will still exist once this universe and everything else has perished. Galactus would have consumed Zenn-La, but I alone went to confront him. In desperation, I offered myself to Galactus, hoping that he would spare my world, my people, and my beloved... Shalla-Bal.", Silver Surfer answered before becoming silent, his mind recalling his life on Zenn-La with the woman he loved.
"Uh, I hate to bother you, but what happened then, Norrin?", Jazz inquired, looking curiously at the Silver Surfer, noticing his reaction once the name of Shalla-Bal passed his lips.
The Surfer was caught off guard, almost startled by Jazz's voice, yet he somehow managed to keep his placid and emotionless appearance. She intrigued him, reminding the Surfer of his life before becoming the herald of Galactus, her personality so curious and full of life. While his expression revealed no emotion, the Silver Surfer couldn't help but cherish her company, her very presence soothing the loneliness that he felt in his heart. He would stay with her as long as he could, until Galactus summoned him once again, but until then, the Silver Surfer would spend his time with Jasmine Fenton, his newest friend on Earth.
"Forgive me, Jasmine. I became lost in my memories. As I've informed you, I offered myself to become Galactus' herald, pledging to seek out worlds for him to consume. He accepted my offer, sparing Zenn-La and bestowing a small fraction of the Power Cosmic upon me, transforming me into the being that you gaze upon, The Silver Surfer. I traveled the cosmos, witnessed the destruction of countless worlds, seen things that others could not hope to see in a thousand lifetimes, fought with heroes, against villains, demons and gods. Despite all that I've seen, all of the power I now possess, I would give it all away to be on Zenn-La with the woman I love. But, unfortunately, it is not to be, for I must sacrifice my happiness to be the herald of Galactus.", Silver Surfer responded, his voice somewhat sorrowful, despite his features remaining without emotion.
"Norrin, you have a choice. You don't have to serve Galactus.", Jazz argued, reaching up to cup the Surfer's left cheek with her right hand.
"You do not understand. Galactus is the one being who ensures that the universe survives. He is the balance of all that exists in the universe. In all the cosmos, Galactus has no equal. Not even the cosmic beings Eternity, Infinity, or Death dare challenge his power. Compared to Galactus, I am nothing. I must serve him. I have no choice. I defied him before... and I dare not do it again. Without me as his herald to guide him, Galactus would consume populated worlds, trillions upon trillions would die, which is something that I can never allow.", Silver Surfer replied calmly, gentling resting his left hand against Jazz's own.
It was then that Jazz became thoughtful, her mind trying to think of a solution, of a way to reunite Norrin Radd with his beloved Shalla-Bal. She would do anything to help her friend, because it was the very least she could do for him after he saved her life. Suddenly, an idea entered Jazz's mind, causing a triumphant smirk to grace her lovely features.
"You miss being with Shalla-Bal, don't you?", Jazz questioned, looking directly into his silver hued eyes.
"Yes... more than anything.", The Silver Surfer responded, longing to hold his beloved in his arms again.
"Then... why don't you plead with Galactus to allow you to be with her?", Jazz suggested, hoping that her answer would be the solution, only to notice the grimace appearing on the face of the Sentinel of the Spaceways.
"I cannot demand anything from Galactus.", The Silver Surfer stated, averting his gaze away from her own.
"You're not demanding anything! You just want to be with the woman that you love!", Jazz exclaimed, trying to motivate her friend.
"You don't understand! I offered myself as his herald so that Zenn-La would be spared of his wrath. For me to ask anything more of him... it's not possible.", The Silver Surfer explained grimly, his silver eyes glowing with the power cosmic.
Jazz could only stare at Norrin Radd, feeling a deep sorrow within her heart for the unique being who saved her life. She desperately wanted to help him, yet she couldn't think of any idea that would allow Norrin Radd to be reunited with Shalla-Bal. Silence remained for the next few minutes, neither Jazz or the Silver Surfer speaking a word to one another. However, Jazz wasn't about to give up so easily, because anyone who knew the lovely auburn-haired beauty knew that once she set her mind on to something, she wouldn't relent until she found a solution. Suddenly, Jazz came up with a solution, one that was extreme and suicidal at best!
"Then take me to him.", Jazz offered, her normally calm voice becoming stern and defiant.
"You can't possibly mean...", The Silver Surfer gasped, looking at the young female as if she had lost her mind.
"Yes, I want you to take me to Galactus.", Jazz stated, an air of determination in her voice.
"Jasmine, you know not of what you request!", The Silver Surfer nearly shouted, not in rage but concern for Jazz's safety.
"On the contrary, I know exactly what I'm requesting.", Jazz replied, confidence hiding the fear that she felt deep within her very soul.
"Jasmine, even if I were to take you to Galactus, there is no gurantee that he'll be willing to listen. If you so much as irk Galactus, he'll kill you!", Silver Surfer warned, grasping Jazz gently by her shoulders, concern filling his silver hued irises as he looked into the young woman's sky-blue eyes.
"I'm not afraid. I'm just going to talk to Galactus. Besides, I have to try, Norrin. ", Jazz replied, blushing slightly due to the closeness she shared with the Surfer.
"Why are you doing this, Jasmine?", The Silver Surfer asked, his eyes staring curiously at the auburn-haired beauty.
"I'm doing this so you can be happy, Norrin. Nobody deserves to be ripped away from the one they love, especially not someone as kind as you. After all, you saved my life. I would be dead if you haven't saved me. So... this is the least I can do for you.", Jazz answered sincerely.
"Jasmine, are you certain that this is the action you wish to undertake?", The Silver Surfer inquired, hoping that he could disuade her from this task.
"Yes, I'm sure.", Jazz reassured, looking directly into his eyes.
"Then so be it. I'll honor your request, Jasmine Fenton, and take you to seek an audience with Galactus, Devourer of Worlds. I only hope that you know what you are requesting.", Silver Surfer stated, the silver board that he stood upon rising higher off the ground.
Jazz could not help but be in awe of the Silver Surfer, his very presence unlike anything she has ever experienced. She could only imagine what it would be like confronting Galactus, a sense of fear settling in her stomach at the mere thought of coming face-to-face with a being who is the embodiment of everything that is, that was, and what will be. Her thoughts were interrupted as the Silver Surfer kneeled down on his board and extended his hand to her, causing her fear to suddenly vanish.
"Take my hand, Jasmine Fenton. As long as you are within my grasp, nothing shall harm you. Let us be on our way, for Galactus waits!", Silver Surfer proclaimed, his hand touching Jazz's hand, and then came the voice of a very familiar half-ghost hero.
"Hey! Get away from her!", Danny Phantom shouted, flying top speed at the silver being, who turned suddenly to meet his attacker.
"No, Danny! Don't!", Jazz protested, but it was in vain.
Danny Phantom spears the Silver Surfer, taking the Sentinel of the Spaceways off his cosmic board as they continued to fly onward. Jazz could only look on, helpless in this situation. She had to stop this fight, not only to protect her brother, but Norrin Radd as well. Unknown to Jazz, the Silver Surfer needed no protection, for there was nothing that Danny Phantom could do to possibly harm a being who has fought one-on-one against the likes of The Hulk and Thor! Still, that wasn't going to stop Danny Phantom from giving it his all, in what might be his greatest battle ever!
To be continued...
Author's Notes
Jazz is intending on having an audience with Galactus, The Devourer of Worlds! You've got to admit, she's brave and has a lot of spirit. However, before she seeks to speak with the mighty Galactus, she'll have to stop a confrontation between her brother Danny Phantom and The Silver Surfer! To find how this story ends, be sure to tune in to each chapter, and feel free to leave a review.
Until then, fellow readers, I bid you all farewell!