Several generations in Egypt had passed since the rule of the Pharaoh who had banished Zork from the world. It was not believed that trouble would come again, and that the Millennium Items would keep them all safe from harm. Sometimes there were thieves to deal with, or wars to be fought with rival countries, but otherwise, all seemed well.

Pharaoh Nima ruled without any troubles, she had inherited the Puzzle from her father a year ago, after he had died in a battle that the Egyptians had been successful in. Father might be gone, but I will not allow his kingdom to fall into ruin because I am the one in his place. She had been born late in her father's rule, and as such was only sixteen when he'd fallen.

At least there seemed to be no Shadow creatures that the Sacred Items were able to find anymore. Each generation had felt safer than the last, this she knew, after all the lessons in history she'd had from her tutors.

"Pharaoh!"

Nima sighed, turning to look at the one who had intruded on her thoughts. She liked to spend the last hours of the day on her own, reflecting on what had happened that day. Everyone knew not to intrude during this time, unless it was something very important.

"What is it?" she asked, looking at the bowing guard. "Why are you interrupting me now?" She couldn't help but feel annoyed at the interruption.

"We're not sure exactly, Pharaoh, but something seems to be causing a disturbance down in the town. The Royal Court have been sent for, your Highness included."

Nima rolled her eyes. Probably another thief who keeps evading trouble. "Very well. Have my horse saddled. I will be there shortly."

She knew she couldn't avoid what was going on down there for too long. The people would want to see that they were cared for, and a part of that included helping deal with any troublemakers that were found.

The sight that greeted them in the Marketplace was not the one she expected. This was no mere thief, even if he was an uncommon albino amongst the Egyptians. His face was scarred and there was madness to his eyes that Nima almost found disquieting.

"Ah so the guards summoned their ruler did they?"

There was amusement in this man's voice.

"A woman this time too, how interesting. Is this really where the line of Pharaoh Seto ends? I think so indeed."

Nima glared at the insolent thief, from where she sat on her black stallion. "And who are you to imply that my family line might be at its end, thief?"

She noticed that things seemed to be darkening around them, and that people were fleeing in the direction her guards were sending them to. At least no one will be hurt by whoever this thief is. She did notice however, the lack of her Court, but that was no issue. Nima knew she had been fast to get down here.

"Only one who has tried more than once to remove the Pharaoh from the Throne. I daresay you don't have the strength of your fathers in you; after all, he must have been desperate if you are his only heir, not to mention not a male. That throne belongs to me, and with you as my opponent… well, let's just say that made things easy."

Nima frowned. "I might be a woman, but I am still powerful, just like my ancestors!"

The man sneered at her. "I don't think so. Now… why don't you just take off that Puzzle and leave it on the ground… eh? Make this all easier on yourself, and give in without a fight."

Nima glared at him. "That's no way to talk to your ruler. I won't give in without a fight, and soon the Court will be here as well."

The golden DiaDhank on her arm opened, waiting for her to summon her creature.

"Leave now, or face the wrath of my creature. You do not belong here!"

The man laughed. "Oh you're coming with me when I leave."

She knew that if she vanished, Egypt would indeed be crippled. Nima knew she was needed here, not wherever this man wanted her.

"I summon Valkyrie!"

A long dark-blue haired, steel blue winged woman appeared. In one hand she held a red spear, and she wore a yellow sleeveless dress, and long dark blue gloves.

"Send him away Valkyrie!"

The things that happened in the next moments were impossible for Nima to follow. She saw Valkyrie taking to the sky, raising her spear. Then a bolt of energy hit Valkyrie, causing Nima some serious pain, and then something was grabbing her, forcing her to stay quiet, and lifting her up into the air.

Something shook her, and she watched with horror as her Puzzle fell to the ground, somehow not breaking apart from the impact, and she saw the Court had arrived, looking up in shock.

All this she took in, utterly confused, before the lack of air caused her to faint.