Finding the farmland had been simple. Clearing the land that had been polluted was insane. I used magic to take all poison and items from the field before condensing it into a ball, currently in the corner opposite the tank. When the door opened Jason was escorting a group of 15 pirate dressed teens some clearly pretty young with some who might even be in their twenties. I opened my mouth to speak before Uma cut me off.
"You look like shit." Instantly Jason and Connor had their shields activated, and swords drawn with Connor's weapons glowing with magic. I raised my eyebrow.
"Uma, I spent yesterday afternoon clearing the farmland on the edge of town so it can be made into an actual farm before enchanting 2 dozen badges to come back to me at midnight, if not already here. Not to mention allowing the holder to use magic. I feel like shit. That is what they are for." I replied gesturing to my still on guard protectors. I sat up better and took a deep breath.
"Now, here is how… Guys relax, I still have the power and feel well enough to send them backwards." They both took steps back and relax a bit while the weapons stopped glowing.
"Ok, you will come up to me one at a time and cut your hand. I will give you the badge, it will blood bond to you, then you go out and enforce the laws I put forward. Anyone besides you who touch the badge will be frozen. You are then responsible for bringing them to me and I will take care of the rest." One boy with a hook in his hand stepped forward.
"That's it? You have two helpers and expect us to do as you ask?" I smirked.
"Right, I forgot. First you are individually going to step into the truth square and tell me you intend to obey the laws and not disrespect Captain Uma, by making a liar out of the one who told me she would help keep the peace." They all looked to her as she nodded.
"We will be taking control of the isle by doing this. It is going to happen. Understand?" They all nodded as she pushed past them all.
"But first, I have a crab." I smiled as the others looked confused.
"Make sure Tremaine is not next to him when you drop it. Try not to touch the barrier I put there." She nodded and went to the tank before dropping it on top of the can with a wide smirk and coming back. I nodded.
"You will go last. You, hook dude, will go first." He smirked.
"I will..." I held up my hand.
"Inside the square." He glared but took a few steps forward.
"I will kill you..." His eyes went wide as Connor slid forward on his knees with a spell before hitting his head with the shield sending him across the room, unconscious. I sighed.
"The square makes you tell what is at the forefront of your mind." I snapped my fingers before his hands glowed and attached to his side.
"He will stay like that till the spell wears off at about midnight. He is not allowed to be part of the enforcement team." They all turned to Uma who was shaking her head.
"I warned you all. This is our opportunity to gain control, even of our own parents. I don't like the new king any more then you do, but he showed me yesterday he isn't as bad as the baby beast." I cleared my throat.
"My brother isn't a bad guy, not to mention he just became the king. Give him some time before you condemn him." She rolled her eyes.
"Anyway, I don't want any more of my crew magically punished." They nodded and an older girl walked forward.
"I don't trust you, but I trust Uma, and will enforce the laws as she asked." I nodded.
"Name?" She took a breath.
"Josephine." I nodded and wrote it down.
"You get badge number two. Please cut your hand and approach." She did so with a small wince and held out her hand when she came close. I put the enchanted badge into it and both, she and the badge, glowed before settling, healing her hand and she smiled.
"I can feel the magic. I feel amazing." I smiled.
"Remember the laws. Next."
Uma went last and I gave her number one, which she smiled about. When they all left I looked to the hook boy and glared.
"Connor, put him outside and wake him up." He nodded as Jason came over to me. I leaned back.
"You guys need help. Uma was right I do look like shit." He sighed but smiled as well.
"You had a long day yesterday." I shook my head.
"Still. I need some advice. When Connor comes back I want you to bring a few letters home and give Ben a full report. Tell Mom too now that I think about it. I wrote a letter to Mal." I sighed and took out a potion.
"I only have a dozen of these. Pepper up potion, easy to get hooked on, but I have a feeling today will be a long day." He smiled as I downed it and smoke came out of my ears, but I felt amazing. Connor came back in and frowned.
"Pepper up? Your highness you need..." I nodded cutting him off.
"To be careful with them. I know." I took a deep breath.
"I am sending Jason to the mainland with letters and to make a report. Do you want to write a letter, or go yourself in a few days?" He smiled.
"Wrote one last night, kind of like a journal. Jason can you..."
"Give it to your girl. Of course." Connor blushed and ran off to get the letter. I smiled to Jason.
"Make sure your careful. And try not to make me sound too power hungry?" He chuckled.
"Of course. I think you are adapting pretty well to the isle." I nodded with a smile.
"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" Connor came running back in with a smile before handing off the letter.
"I will take the offer for in a few days though." I chuckled.
"Hopefully I have some good will by then." They both nodded before Jason left for the rest of the day. I sighed.
"Connor, I have the feeling that we will be busy today. With the pepper up I should be..." We heard footsteps and badge number 11, Jeffery was manhandling a child into the room. I raised an eyebrow as he huffed. When he let go of the little boy he dropped to the ground like a rock.
"Kingship dude, he tried to pickpocket me and hit the badge. Not sure how to handle kids and the laws..." I nodded. A wave of my hand and the boy tried to run away, but Connor grabbed him and looked to me. I nodded.
"Into the square." Connor pushed him in and held him there.
"Boy, are you aware that stealing is against the new laws I am putting into place?" He nodded sadly. I sighed.
"Officially the punishment is your hand is to be bound to your waist for a day for each dollar. However I hate the idea of abusing children." I shut my eyes and focused as I waved my hand.
"I am binding your ring fingers to your middle fingers on each hand. This will last for two days. Connor take him to the entrance and get his name, age and parent." I sighed and looked back to the boy.
"Make sure you remember that I am trying to make things better here. Why did you try to steal it?" He frowned.
"I was going to trade it for food." I looked to Jeffery.
"Is this a common thing?" He sighed, but nodded.
"I thought with Ben sending over the canned goods it would be better." I thought for a moment.
"Jeffery let the enforcement officers know, any children who are hungry can come here for a can of food. I will figure out an idea for making sure kids get food later. Connor give him a can before he leaves." Connor nodded and pointed to the corner with a nod as the boy ran over, not even caring about the punishment before he ran back and Connor followed him. I looked to Jeffery.
"Step into the square." He glared, but nodded, and stepped forward.
"If he didn't touch the badge, would you have brought him back?" He tried to fight talking before he sighed.
"No, I wouldn't have brought him here. He is too young to be punished for stuff like that." He stepped up while holding out the badge. I shook my head with a smile.
"No, I understand, you can keep the badge for now." He went wide eyed before having a small smile as he stepped back.
"Now that you know how I would handle it, how would you have handled it?" He thought for a moment.
"Probably asked why he wanted it? Food I would let go, or I suppose let know about your canned food thing." I nodded.
"I like that thinking. Head out and keep it up." He nodded, a little confused, but left the room. It was a few minutes until Connor came back in with a wide smile. I chuckled.
"Ok, whats funny?" He smirked.
"First, I like your child solution. Now I am laughing because there was a group with a few of your new police, a couple parents, and a lot of children. When Pip left he was telling everyone about the relaxed punishment, and the food. When Jeffery left he confirmed and said he got to keep the badge when he said he wouldn't have brought the kid. Your good will is already paying dividends." I sighed in relief.
"Ok, well we need to mark stuff like this down. For when you run into Auradon, and report for yourself." He smirked and pulled out a notebook. A snap of his fingers and the first page filled.
"I will take care of it your majesty." I nodded with a chuckle.
"Sounds..." A soft bang rang out. When Connor went to get it he brought back 7 children who all immediately glanced to the can pile. I chuckled.
"Connor, get them cans, use a heating spell and let them eat in the entryway. Children." They all looked at me confused.
"You may bring one can home, and eat one here, but that is all." They ran to the mountain of cans and squealed in delight.
Line break
I was looking at all of Uma's crew.
"32 people… in one day." I shook my head. As Uma laughed.
"I told you you stirred up shit." I nodded with a deep sigh.
"Ok, your right. I should have expected it. Well how would you all like to be compensated?" Uma narrowed her eyes.
"I told you I want access to my magic." I nodded.
"I explained the rules for that to you." She huffed, but nodded.
"Ok, fine, you did do that. The others can choose what they want, but I want money." I nodded.
"Done, you put in a 12 hour shift, counting your lunch and such. You get $120, and you get to lead by example into the square and tell me if you broke any laws, and if you let anyone away with anything. Plus if you took any bribes. Then I take your badge for the night." She glared but stepped up.
"I didn't break any laws, I let three kids away with stealing, but sent them here for food, and no I didn't take any bribes." I nodded.
"Come get the money, and give me your badge." I said as I took the money out and handed it over while she gave me the badge. She went to the side as she counted and recounted the money. The next was Jeffery as he stepped up.
"I want half food, half money. I let 6 kids away to come here, didn't take any bribes, didn't let any adults away with things, and I didn't break all the laws… I mean I didn't break all the laws." He frowned as I glared.
"Come on you know the square, what law did you break?" Uma narrowed her eyes at him as he sighed. Uma stepped up drawing her sword.
"Tell him, NOW!" He shook his head.
"The law says intentional disfigurement. I hit my father with the badge and cut off his finger. He is still at the house." I narrowed my eyes and held out my hand as Connor drew his sword. Jason still wasn't back yet.
"Why?" He glared.
"Uma said only what happens now counts. He beats my kid sister. He deserves worse." I sighed.
"Who is your father?" He shook his head.
"Thomas, he was a pirate under Hook." I glared at the ceiling.
"Get him here so I can unbind him. If your sister tells me the same from the square… he can either go to jail for life, or join Gaston and Tremaine. This was their second chance. He blew it. Uma, pick two to go get him." She nodded and started talking to the force. I looked to Connor who had a strange look.
"I don't know how to handle this." Jeffery turned and started to run. I grabbed the book of badges.
"11!" The badge in his pocket exploded and he hit the ground unconscious. Everyone looked to me as I turned to Connor.
"I don't want him in jail, I would have done the same thing." Connor sighed.
"I would too. He almost phrased it right to get away with it too." I nodded. Uma stepped up.
"He wont be put in jail. His father..."
"I know!" I yelled before standing up and pacing. After a few times I looked to Uma.
"He abused the power I gave him. I understand the reason, but he did. He is going to jail for 2 weeks. I will give him any book he wants to read for the time. He is no longer allowed to be in the police. Apart from that I will not put any stain on his record. Connor put him in the corner so he can see the trial of his father. Uma, I am sorry, but I need to be respected and you guys need it too. Not simply feared." She glared before looking to the boy with a sigh. She stepped into the square again.
"His father has broken every law on your paper. In front of or too me. Don't make his sister relive it to you." I punched the throne putting a crack down the back as everyone but Connor backed up.
"GOD DAMN IT!" I could no longer control my anger and blue flames were surrounding me.
"UMA GET THAT PIECE OF SHIT IN FRONT OF ME NOW! JEFFERY IS GOING TO BE BOUND ONE ARM TO HIS WAIST FOR 2 WEEKS." I took a breath and the flames faded, but I was still pissed.
"Just because you have a reason, does not mean you do it. Let me know! The square can be used for things and shit like abuse and murder, and rape, and..." I took another breath.
"I don't care if it was before I was here. That shit is too far." Uma nodded, still with wide eyes and fearful.
"So, his sister?" The fire erupted again and I met her panicking eyes.
"AFTER YOUR TESTIMONY! I..." Connor cleared his throat. I took a breath but still had my teeth clenched.
"Leave Jeffery to take care of her. Bring a dozen cans. Get that piece of shit in front of me as soon as possible." She narrowed her eyes.
"Jen, Dave, Jake. Get the cans." They jumped to obey before she held out her hand.
"You have my badge. I want to ensure he is bound so my crew doesn't get hurt." I took a breath and handed it over without complaint. They all left and Connor came over to me after reviving Jeff.
"You highness. You need to control your temper. They are your police, not your enemies." I glared at him, but he knew I wasn't mad at him.
"Where the fuck is Jason? I should have waited to send him." He put a hand on my shoulder.
"Harry. This is close to home, I know. But you need to relax. Making rulings in anger can make the people upset." I shut my eyes.
"Do you disagree with Jeff's?" He sighed as I opened my eyes again.
"No, it was a leveled punishment. In Auradon the jury would have made it a slap on the wrist as well. Unless Ben overruled it anyway, but I don't think he would have." I nodded and pointed to my expanded bag I had a lot in.
"Get me a calming draft." He nodded and handed me the potion, I downed it instantly and sighed.
"Lets hope he was the only cop who broke a law. I can't take it if it happens again on day one." He nodded.
"Let's hope."
Time Skip three days later
I was looking into the tank, watching as Gaston and Thomas double teamed the crab trying to kill it. Last night had thankfully revealed no problems apart from letting a few things go as normal. Uma's crew came in bright and early as Jason and Connor were now next to the doors watching me.
"Badges are on the steps in front of the throne. Everyone but Uma take it and go. Uma, I need to talk with you." I heard her tell them all it was ok before she put her sword down and came over to me to watch the fight.
"What?" I chuckled.
"I will earn your respect eventually." I took a deep breath.
"How full is this tank going to become? Did I bite off more then I can chew?" She laughed.
"I know of a lot who should be in that tank. And already the children like the idea of food from you." I sighed and walked back to my throne as I tossed her sword back to her. She caught it without a second thought, but looked to the guards who did nothing. She shrugged and sheathed it.
"Who abused you?" I glared at her.
"You took that way to personal the other night." I shut my eyes and took a deep breath.
"My parents died to terrorist, I was taken in by my aunt and uncle. They tried to kill me before I escaped and was adopted by Queen Belle." She nodded.
"And King Beasty." I sighed.
"He doesn't like me. Says I am a bad influence on Ben. Mom… Belle, she treats me like a son, he treats me like a distant nephew he doesn't want to be associated with." She nodded and pulled out a newspaper.
"That would explain this." She held up the front page and I sighed.
"The picture from family day. Yes, he was mad cause I was telling him I disagreed with the isle. The next few days I talked with Mal, and was disowned by him for demanding better food." I sighed.
"The next generation should not be punished for the older one." She sat on the step.
"Why did you keep me here? I could be out there trying to stop the older generation." I looked to her with a frown.
"I need a night crew for when your crew is at home. I need ways for the isle to become self sustaining. The farm I started will either take me draining myself of all magic for over a week, or a few months to become productive. How do I make sure the people get jobs instead of stealing?" She shook her head.
"I don't know. The fishing idea was good, so is the farming. We don't have tech so manufacturing isn't here. What do you want?" I sighed.
"I have plans to bring electricity, and internet. I just need points that I know will not be ambushed." She blinked a few times.
"We will be able to contact the mainland?" I chuckled darkly.
"Yeah, the plan is to make this place a country instead of a jail." She nodded.
"That is amazing. Yen Sid teaches how to make electric stuff in school, but it never actually works so most people dismiss it." I nodded.
"I thought he would come when I showed up." She sighed.
"Want me to go get him?" I shook my head.
"No. his reports seemed to think the monarchy isn't going to do anything about the villain's… offspring I guess since some are older now." She nodded.
"Why now?" I looked to her before my eyes went wide.
"A Newspaper." She raised an eyebrow. I stood and started to pace.
"How did I not think about this before?"
"Think of what?" I looked to Uma.
"Propaganda, everyone uses it, but I haven't even thought about it. Your crew listens to you, what would they do if you said I was the enemy?" She stood up with a frown.
"Attack you." I smiled.
"Exactly, I need a way to get all my laws and the reasons out there. I need everyone to understand why I do what I do, not just what the rumors say I am doing." She sighed.
"I can't think of anyone who would want to write for a living." I shook my head.
"How many would read it?" She frowned as she thought.
"I think most would at least look. Maybe if the headline was catchy?" I nodded.
"Same in Auradon. How many stores and restaurants are there Mal told me..."
"Mal! That is where I have seen your picture before this article. Your dating Mal?" I nodded.
"Yes, is that a problem?" She sighed.
"Mal and I are enemies." I blinked and pulled out the list from Mal.
"Uma, the daughter or Ursula, although acts the vicious pirate and instigating fights, the four of us agree that she does not try to cause too much damage when she fights. While you should be careful, she could become an ally." I looked to the surprised pirate.
"Why would she write that if you were enemies? Sounds to me like she respects you?" She shook her head.
"Ok, whatever, there were about 8 that opened after she left and about 3 that shut down." I nodded.
"If distributed then how many would pick up a free paper?" She nodded.
"Most would, even if just to know what is going on." I nodded.
"Are there any typewriters on the isle?" She nodded.
"A few, but they are old." I nodded.
"That can work. Put the word out, I want to buy them. Then I need a place to set up a newspaper office." She frowned.
"It wont be here?" I shook my head.
"No, it needs to work apart from me. It would also let me announce a press conference. That way I can address everyone. Adds in the paper can help start the economy so stealing isn't needed." She nodded.
"I think that makes sense, but I am not sure." I smiled.
"I did a lot of research before I came, I just thought it would be easier." She laughed.
"Sure, you come to take over the isle and thought it was easy?" I nodded with a sigh.
"Mal said fear rules the isle, I figured showing I am magical would have most people not want to mess with me. The dungeon shows otherwise." She opened and shut her mouth a few times before shutting it and sighing.
"Get electric and internet. I will have a couple people gather computer parts and throw them into a warehouse." I smiled.
"Perfect. Connor." I called as Connor turned to me, confused.
"Your going to the mainland, Carlos with Jay as security are going to be offered a job setting up the warehouse. I need FG at the barrier in the back. I need the electricity coming asap." He nodded with a smile.
"Yes your highness, do you wish for a certain amount for the warehouse?" I shook my head.
"No they pick the price, but they have a week to figure it out. We need to gather and run the wires first." He nodded before leaving the room. Suddenly a sword was at my neck as Jason drew his and expanded his shield. I turned to Uma who was giving me a hard look.
"Your magical guard is gone. What is stopping me. Even if you banish me the blade will still slice you." I met her eyes and stepped towards her, drawing blood and having her eyes widen.
"Do it. I am done playing games with you. Decide right now, do you trust me to bring order to this shithole? Or do you want to rule it yourself after admitting your not sure how the economy shit works? Jason, if she kills me ride home and leave the isle to her."
"King Harry, I can't..."
"That is an order!" I said taking another step as more blood flowed and Uma stepped back.
"DECIDE UMA! SHEATH THE SWORD OR USE IT!" She started to shake as Jason collapsed his shield and sheathed his sword. I couldn't tell his expression cause I was staring into her eyes. She stepped closer but the sword didn't push harder. Her hand and sword shook harder and harder until it dropped to the ground and she dropped to her knees, face in her hands. I looked to Jason who was clearly shocked as I drew my wand and healed my cut. I sighed.
"Give me your badge." She nodded and handed it to me. After a mumble I dropped it in front of her.
"It will not be leaving you at midnight. You showed your true colors here. Jason, my shirt is stained, I need to change it. Get her a beginners book on magic from my bag." I left the room and went into mine. I shut the door before dropping to my knees and hyperventilating. She could have killed me.
3rd POV
Uma followed Harry to his room with her eyes before Jason lifted her by her shirt and glared.
"Try that shit again, I wont wait for an order, I will relieve you of your head. Is that understood?" She gulped before nodding as he let go and sighed. Going to the small bag next to the throne he put his entire arm into it, shocking Uma before he withdrew a large book that should not have fit inside.
"Beginning magic book. My fiance finished this book when she was ten. Don't abuse the kings trust." She sighed, but nodded.
"I can't go home. Mother will kill me when she finds out I was alone with him and didn't kill him." He sighed.
"I will inform the king. For now leave and issue the orders." He reached back in and pulled out a random bag with a strap.
"Expanded bag, put whatever you need in it. The king will figure out your lodging tonight." She nodded before bending down and lifting her sword.
"I am sorry." She turned to leave as Jason watched her go with a glare. Finally he ran to the room of Harry when he heard the door shut. Opening the bedroom door he was in shock. The boy who always projected confidence was in the fetal position on the floor shaking. He knelt next to him, finally realizing he is just a boy who can act, not a hard headed stubborn man, he put a hand on his shoulder.
"King Harry?" Harry turned to meet his eyes with watery eyes.
"S...sh...she..." He nodded.
"But she didn't. Your ok." Harry nodded and held his knees closer to him. Jason sighed and went back to the magical bag.
"Hopefully a calming draft will help." He said as he took one and went back in to see Harry.