Chapter V
Beyond the outstretched hand of science dwelt Harm, one with nature. Deep within the emerald forest outside the city, Harm reveled in the colossal power emanating from around his neck. To many, it would be a carnal pleasure to be imbued with such infinite command over nature itself. However to Harm, a faithful child of the Earth, it was an honor, a sanctimonious blessing to bear the birthright of the very planet itself.
Reflective of his reverence for the ancient relic, Harm had forged a proper necklace to house the precious jewel. Close to his heart as it was to his chest, the jewel rechristened Harm into that which he had always believed himself to be. In many respects, Harm was now as much a force of nature as the elements he commanded.
Still, as Harm humbled himself, he, like the rest of this dying world, needed more time. With an eternity of power in submission to his beck and call, Harm lurched at the outskirts of infinity. The power longed for his touch, it waited for a new divinity to emerge and unleash its dormant powers. While he had laid claim to the jewel and all it entailed, he required time to expertly master how to wield it.
The secluded sanctuary of the forest availed Harm the perfect opportunity to practice his acquired skills. In stone meditation, Harm, not unlike the towering trees enclosing him, became one with the Earth. His mind escaping the shackles of his physical form, Harm felt as if he transcended this plane of existence and arrived within the apex of the jewel.
As if diving into an unending ocean of energy, Harm could feel the jewel nourishing his embryonic knowledge. Instantly, Harm awakened, returned to the corporeal world but with a gift of his brief, but illuminating journey to his rightful place as a deity between realms.
Rising to his feet, he, with eyes similar to that of a trance, channeled the limitless energy of the jewel. Extending his arms, a blanketing fog emerged all around him, hazily distorting the previously clear visage of the forest. Pleased at but his first venture to great power, Harm quickly grew more ambitious.
For what would be the next sixty minutes, Harm diligently practiced casting various elemental spells. Conjuring the tempestuous rage of the clouds, Harm discharged a ferocious bolt of lighting that obliterated a nearby tree into charred sunders. Likewise, he then called forth the cold vengeance of a bitter hailstorm to reduce a flourishing grove into a lifeless glacier. While amazed by his stellar dominion over the jewel, Harm realized it would be prudent of him to avoid too great a display of strength so as to shirk any detection. Confident, not foolish, Harm thought, "Careful Harm, the world will soon know to fear me, but not if I am spotted before I have perfect control over the jewel." He knew full well that his casting skills would need sufficient honing that would not be possible if he continued to create such an ostentatious ruckus.
Heeding his own warning, he then transitioned to learning how to manipulate fire. Much the same as that which fuels his every desire, an insatiable fire burned within Harm's devilish palms. In his wicked grin, he found sadistic pleasure in the mere thought of all he could do with his newfound abilities. The intense flames danced in his palms, and as his faith in his control peaked, he endeavored to further enliven the flames.
To his immediate regret, he unintentionally summoned too much raw energy, resulting in the generation of a massive inferno burning in a 100ft. vertical column of flames. From the heart of the woodlands to the tranquil sky, the blaze of fire incinerated each cloud in its path. Harm's budding assurance in his abilities shattered as he pensively realized that his enormous mistake would surely garner the attention of the police and the brats in Young Justice. He was so close, he wracked his mind thinking, he was so close to perfecting the art of the relic, but instead, he must now contend with the entire city just to secure his own escape.
"No matter," he asserted as he regained composure, "perhaps this is exactly what I needed. After all, what better way to hone my skills than to test them in battle?" Just as quickly as he had loathed his carelessness, he now anticipated, nay, salivated the coming of Young Justice. There was no means of direct escape for Harm as he knew the police would soon encircle the perimeter of the forest. His best and only means of survival depended entirely on how well he knew his young friends.
Assembling his strategy for escape, suddenly, the ease with which it all seemed to come together sparked a cackling laugh from the silver tongued jackal. As he laughed, he drew his sword beside him, and into his reflection, he spoke, "Hehehe, come to me my friends, you have already given me so much today already." Like a thirsting hyena, his sharp jaw protruded, and in his predatory gaze, he added, "It is time I give you something as well…"