LXXII
Across the Desert Skies
"DON'T YOU DARE TAKE THAT HAND!"
Clark recognized the loud, feminine voice. The bark of command, the promise of violence… Barda?! Streaking through the sky on their aero disks towards the ruins of Hadrha were Scott and Barda Free. Before him, Adam stood, also transfixed, while the strange couple touched down upon the ancient steps. As she landed, Adam shifted his offered hand to Barda.
"If you have come to offer me your hand in his stead, then I gladly accept and name it as the hand of my queen. To Clark, I offer brotherly concern, but to you, the fairest of space and time… to you I would offer my eternal heart. Now with your own eyes brother, console thyself. Bear witness that love is not forsaken, even to gods."
Through her scowl, Barda stared at Adam quizzically, crossing her arms.
"…You think I'm pretty?"
"Beautiful beyond the reckless courage of desperate men. Strength beyond the mountain's eternal coast. Passions deeper than the ocean's darkest depths. The bonds of a marriage poorly cast will not withstand the rigors of eternity, pretty one."
"Scott, quit sticking your finger down your throat and start writing some of this down. The whole 'raised on Apokolips' only works as an excuse for so long…"
"A warrior's spirit has cast aside your womanly desires. As war wears away the tender seasons, kindness is too often misconstrued as love." Adam continued. "Your husband's inherent weakness has clothed beauty's measure behind war's mantle for far too long. A woman's heart will never blossom among the weeds of cowards. Let Adam brush aside the armor to free the woman from craven neglect…"
"If you're done flirting with my wife, Adam, we're here to save Clark... Step aside." Scott had had enough.
"You shall address me as Teth Adam, false god… And I am not done with your wife. The very destiny of the stars has granted me fortune's providence…the half of my life stolen from my breaking heart by uncaring gods, the very joy they stole from me, has been allowed to return once more. The gods themselves will envy the glory of our eternal devotion. It is you who will not stand in the way of Adam."
"I will."
When Scott replied with these two words, both Clark and Barda felt something in the air… powerful, undeniable. The very essence of existence rallied to Scott Free's cause. Clark pondered for a moment… if there was such a thing as destiny, he knew it had no power over Scott Free.
"Then I accept your challenge, false god. To the victor, Barda's love! She will be shown that even the bonds of matrimony can not hold the god of freedom to his wife's sweet succor. You were born to be free… it is your very nature…So be it. Adam shall set you free you from life itself!"
"Scott, you don't have to do this. I'm not some prize to be won!" Barda could not conceal the pleading in her voice.
"Your battle is with me, Adam!" Clark stood defiant, ready to fight.
"Well met, Brother…" Adam placed a hand on Clark's shoulder and with a motion, brought the man of steel to his knees, "…but even Hathor Herself could not heal your broken heart as you are now. Love has defeated you utterly, burned the fields of your known desires. Patience. Only time may wash ashore those precious, shining things that you believe are lost forever in an ocean of despair. It will come back to you… in time."
"He's right, Clark. You're in no shape to fight. I will take your place and champion America. But mostly, I'm going to kick his ass for Barda." Scott glared at Adam. "We have unfinished business."
"Scott, stop being so pig-headed!" Barda took Scott by the shoulders and spun him around to face her. After her brief encounter with Black Adam, she knew this was someone you did not willingly fight. Especially if you were a physical creampuff like Scott Free.
"If it's for your love Barda, no force in the universe can stop me." He guided her head down to his… their kiss showing her how powerful her god of New Genesis truly was. Scott lips left hers, leaving her with a desire for more, to be with him alone away from the concerns of a world gone mad. He used mother box to project words into her mind…
"While I keep him busy, get Clark out of here. I'm counting on you." Scott then turned back to Black Adam.
"Adam, you reached out your hand to Clark... I will offer you the same. Accept the love that Barda and I share, the vows we have taken and the trials we have overcome to be with one another. She has no desire to be with you. Accept Barda's decision, her choice. If you can do this, I will fight you only as the champion of America."
"Then tell me the words you would like carved onto your epitaph, Scott Free. I will use stone from the Rock of Eternity itself to preserve them for the ages..."
Next Issue: Mister Miracle vs. Black Adam, Round 2!
Author's Note:
Is it terribly wrong to enjoy writing Black Adam as a lovesick, Shakespearian villain this much? Sure he's a cad, but who else would say "A woman's heart will never blossom among the weeds of cowards"?