This is stupid. The fact that I have two stories to update, something for someone, and now I start with a new story. But then, who are we talking about? Oh, that's right, about moi. I love the Kane Chronicles (another awesome series by the amaze Rick Riordan) and I got an idea to do a story about Zarter. You heard me. Not Sanubis or Salt, but about everyone's favorite nerdy geek and stunning fire elementist. Hope you enjoy.

First Nome, Egypt

Egypt was a beautiful place. Despite the warm winds and deserts, it was still wonderful. In a special section of this country, the First Nome was busy with life. In a few seconds, they would have the theater start. People were finding their seats and chatting.

'I heard that the dancer was Iskandar's own daughter,' a woman whispered to her friend.

'I heard that Iskandar needed money so he almost sold his daughter. She convinced him to make her a dancer,' her friend said. The woman next to the two grimaced.

'I heard that if you don't stop talking about Iskandar like that, I'll hurt both of you.' The first woman snorted.

'Freya, you couldn't hurt a fly even if it pooped in your bread.' Freya growled. 'Shut up, Henrietta.'

'Shh, it's starting.' The second woman shushed the other two. On stage, a circle of flames burst up, astounding the audience. The lights dimmed into darkness. The only light that remained was the fire, tendrils of red and orange and yellow dancing. Then, the girl came from the midst. The audience gasped, afraid she might get burnt.

The host spoke in Arabic. 'Good evening, ladies and gents. Today, in the First Nome, we have something special for all of you. For the first time, we have a mystical performance. She is known around Egypt as Iskandar's, First Nome's 'pharaoh's,' daughter. A young beauty with a strong Arabian bloodline. Egypt, even with it's hot winds and burning desert sands, is still beautiful to us. Like that, so is fire. It's important, yet dangerous. With a dance dictating the beauty of the daring flames, the First Nome presents to you Zia Rashid!'

Around the girl, the flames lowered to reveal Zia. She was slender, with caramel colored skin. Her black hair was cut along her jawline. She was wearing a black one strap dress, stitched in flames on the bottom of the dress reaching her stomach. She was barefoot and her kohl lined eyes were closed. Zia was holding a translucent red shawl above her head. In the fire, she seemed to radiate a light golden glow.

A fiery phoenix hovered above her and she started dancing. When she opened her eyes, she revealed amber eyes that looked almost gold in the flame light. She waved the shawl around her, and the audience were in a trance. The flames rose and lowered during her dance, reflecting the mood of fire. When she spun, the bottom of her dress glowed with flames. It looked like something from The Hunger Games. As she danced on the burning ground, Zia held in her breath as she leaped up. Leaping over the growing flames, she was out of the fiery circle.

With proud smile in her eyes, she bowed. The audience clapped and whistled. It was a beautiful performance, nobody could argue with that. She walked out of the stage and the audience were disappointed. They wanted more.

Their host returned. 'Wasn't that a mesmerizing performance? And a good start to today's show. Now, I present to you...'

In her dressing room, Zia was laughing and crying at the same time. 'Did you see that, Fiona? Wasn't it beautiful for my first time?"' Fiona, her makeup artist, clothes designer, and best friend, smiled. 'Your dance teacher would be proud of you if she saw your dancing. Luckily, I recorded it.' Zia washed her face, removing her makeup. 'Pass me my clothing. I'll go change for the next dance.' Fiona followed Zia's finger.

She frowned. 'Iskandar wants you to dance two dances in one night? Is it going to be another ten minute dance?' Zia looked confused. 'That's it? To me, it was five seconds.'

The older woman forced a smile and handed Zia her clothing. The fifteen year old looked expectantly at Fiona, who rolled her eyes. 'Call me when you need your makeup done, 'kay?' Zia nodded and Fiona exited the room. She knocked on Iskandar's room's door. When she got no response, she turned the knob. Strangely, it was unlocked. Opening the door, she saw nobody inside. Fiona had a bad feeling.

Then, she went to the next place Iskandar would visit :the Hall of Ages. It showed pictures of past shows and stars, even from the B.C.s. Iskandar liked to stay there where nobody would bother him. When Fiona tried to open the door, it was would never leave the door locked. He didn't mind when people joined him, looking at the videos and pictures.

Well, Fiona was a makeup artist so she had a job to be prepared every second.

Fiona pulled a hair pin from her brown curls. Then, she put it inside the knob lock and twisted. Hearing the CLICK!, Fiona knew she achieved success. She opened the door and screamed. Performers that weren't on stage rushed to her aid, hearing Fiona. They looked at what had made Fiona shriek.

Iskandar was leaning on the authentic pharaoh's throne's legs, the one Iskandar forbid anyone to sit in. He looked peaceful and had a small smile, like he was sleeping. But the fact was, Iskandar was dead.

Only Fiona noticed the piece of papyrus paper on the table in front of the video about Osiris's birthday, the day when Set tricked his brother into giving him the throne. While the others crowded around the dead Iskandar, Fiona grabbed the piece of paper and tried to think how she would explain the situation to poor Zia.

And... chapter one done! It's not the best beginning, but it will get better. Once again, this is a Modern AU (Alternate Universe), so no gods or magic. Through reviews, constructive criticism would be nice. Just no hating. Please. Thanks. I'm sorry for any OOCness, because I'm pretty sure Zia's not that bubbly. The Kanes and Co. will come in the next chapters, of course. Who's your favorite Kane Chronicles character?