Chapter 2- Not Much Has Changed

Enzeru and Jafar landed outside the palace gates. The great twister they had created to bring them here had dissipated. The guards had not noticed them yet and Enzeru gave the motion for Jafar to be quiet. She walked out from behind the building they were behind as Jafar stayed behind.

"Oh, it's you, my lady," one of the guards said with a bow. "I have a small favor to ask of you, kind sirs," Enzeru began, "What I am asking you may be against your better judgment but I'm going to ask you to trust my power." The guards looked at each other and shrugged. The silent guard spoke up, "The sultan trusts you and that is good enough for us." Enzeru nodded, "Thank you."

She returned to Jafar and told him to follow her. As they reached the gates one of the guards twitched and the other stopped them, "What are you doing? Don't you know he is an enemy of the kingdom?" Enzeru nodded, "And he is indebted to me. I have full power over him and his magic. You have nothing to fear." The frightened guard relaxed a little as she raised her hand and lowered it. The guards bowed and allowed them to pass, eyeing Jafar suspiciously.

As Enzeru led Jafar through the gates she let out a breath. "That was hard, but the worst is yet to come. You must help me convince the sultan, no magic involved, that you are a good person. Not only is it important in the here and now but also for the future. When Atlantis has risen we will have to continue good relations with all the kingdoms we were once allied with."

"My dear, you seem to forget that I acquired my high status the first time by using my words to make everyone trust me. At the time my only aim was to survive and it was not until later my intentions were no longer pure," Jafar replied.

Enzeru smiled, "Good, then perhaps I should fill you in on all the changes. Aladdin and Jasmine are married. The sultan is happier than ever and trusts me like he would trust his own family. Also, as I said, you are indebted to me, meaning magic will not allow you to turn against me. I know it all sounds cruel but things are as they are for a reason."

"I imagine Allah has a lesson to teach me for dappling in the dark magic and looking down on the princess," Jafar sighed. Enzeru nodded in response, "If that is how you wish to think of it as, go for it. I like to think the sun goddess is leading me with her star children pointing and giggling as I head in the right direction."

"You have an odd outlook on life, Enzeru," Jafar replied as they reached the doors. "So do you, but I guess it is just a matter of perspective. After all, birds think it's odd that fish do not fly and fish think it is odd birds do not breathe under water. However they are all part of a grander scheme." Jafar looked at Enzeru with more respect than he had ever held for man or woman.

The duo approached the throne and bowed, Jafar lower than Enzeru as a sign of apology. "Oh, get up you two. No need to be so formal, especially Enzeru," the sultan said with a warm smile, "Aladdin and Jasmine returned right before you did and told me everything. I do not have a vast knowledge of things such as magic; however, I do know that Jafar owes Enzeru a great debt. I do hope you are the one to raise Atlantis back above the land." Enzeru smiled and nodded, "Thank you for understanding." Jafar said nothing but bowed again.

Enzeru and Jafar left the throne room without saying a word. As they entered Jafar's chambers they both let out a sigh of relief. Jafar walked over to his favorite place to sit and sat down, "Now, where is the meddlesome bird, Irago?"

Enzeru shrugged, "I do not know. I imagine he has received word of your return and is in hiding out of fear you might punish him for siding with Aladdin." Jafar smirked, "Wise creature." Enzeru shook her head, "Don't be so harsh on him. He was only doing what he believed to be right." Jafar laughed, "Right? That foul bird doing what is right? He's only looking out for his own well being."

"That may be so, but wouldn't you do the same?" Enzeru replied. "I would show more support for my master," Jafar responded. "Like you did by trying to take over Agrabah?" Enzeru asked. Jafar looked annoyed, "Don't argue with me, woman." "I'm not arguing, I'm just stating the facts and truths, you are arguing. Besides, have you forgotten who is responsible for bringing you back to life and giving you a shot at the Atlantian throne?"

"It's a throne that no longer exists," Jafar growled. "It still exists, but it is miles and miles under water and requires you to help me raise it," Enzeru replied calmly. "Which I will do, I assure you. Despite what I have done in the past I am a man of my word," Jafar spoke calmly.

"Then we are in agreement that we will leave the day after tomorrow to find Atlantis," Enzeru smiled and found a place to sit. "That is too soon. We need a week to prepare," Jafar stroked his beard. "We can get everything done tomorrow. I already know the spell we need to use and teaching you will not take but maybe an hour at most including practicing time," Enzeru propped her feet up on a nearby table. "We also must buy supplies, inquire as to the weather in the region, acquire a ship and horses, and pack."

Enzeru shook her head, "When we raise the city all we need will be there. As for traveling, I have that covered. As for the weather, I already know what it will be and I am fully prepared." Jafar frowned, "If the city is flooded how will we have everything we need?" Enzeru laughed, "The city is underwater, but not flooded. A spell was placed on it before it sank. There is a protective force surrounding it. Only great magic can penetrate it and activate the crystal."

"I almost forgot that Atlantis was given its power by those crystals," Jafar replied. Little did Enzeru know he was beginning to think like his old self, the man who had tried to take over Agrabah years before.

"We should get some sleep, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow," Enzeru said with a yawn. "You're right, perhaps we should get some sleep," Jafar replied, having no intentions of going to sleep so soon. Enzeru stood up and smiled, "Well, good night then." She left the room, leaving Jafar alone and scheming.

"It was lucky for me she came along and revived me when she did. If it wasn't for her I would be dead. Now she is planning to make me a king of one great city, but why stop there. Once I have the power of Atlantis I could rule the world. All I have to do is play my cards right, make her think I care about her, and then take Atlantis out from under her," Jafar cackled.

Want to know what happens next? Keep checking back with me for chapter 3.