"Almost....there.....". I grunt, stretching my arm out until it feels like it will snap as I reach for the apple which dangles just a few inches away from my hand.

"Try not to die." Becky says flatly from the tree branch she's lazily lounging in as she watches me, blowing a piece of her choppy, chin-length black hair out of her eyes.

Kay sits next to her, dangling her legs and throwing an apple into the air before catching it.

"You know it would be great if you guys could actually do some work." I growl, my eyes still focused and intent on the shiny, red fruit above me.

"Work's for lazy people who have nothing better to do." Becky retorts, and I watch Kay nod beside her out of the corner of my eye.

Kay, a little girl no older than twelve with dirty blonde hair and molten gold eyes just like her older half-brother, Lager. We used to be as tight as a tied knot, always spending hours with each other. It felt like having a little sister, and I even believed she looked up to me.

That is...until she met Becky.

Once Kay got a whiff of Becky's usual cool and ice cold manner, she started following her around everywhere instead of me, agreeing with everything she says and imitating everything she does.

Am I bitter about it?

Yes, very much so.

Although she tries to copy Becky in every way, she never opens her mouth to say a snarky comment or voice a sarcastic reply because of her muteness.

"That's incredibly false and you know it." I say with gritted teeth, my fingers just brushing the apple from where I stand on a low branch. The wood creaks beneath me, making me wobble slightly, so I shift my feet to get into a better balancing stance.

"Believe what you want." Becky replies nonchalantly. "Also, it would be in your best interest to pay more attention to your surroundings."

"Why-?" I ask, and am cut off by my own shriek as something electric blue suddenly fills my vision.

I lose my hold on the tree and fall backwards, my arms pin wheeling in a desperate attempt to fly.

Too bad I don't have hollow bones and feathers.

A second passes as air whooshes around me until my backside makes contact with the hard, unforgiving soil, the breath being knocked from my body.

I stare upwards in a daze, watching as a blue monkey swings down from the tree branch he was hanging onto and landing a few feet away.

I draw in a breath as a bright flash of light appears next to me and then a boy's voice.

"Whoops."

"Good job, Max." Becky says sarcastically, jumping down from the branch she was on along with Kay and walking over to stare down at me.

Max's boyish face comes into view, his blonde curls, which form a mop on his head, looking even lighter in the sun. He's shirtless, as always, but has a pair of shorts on he must have pulled on right after he transformed back into a human.

"I didn't think she would fall from the tree!" Max defends, his brows creasing in worry.

"What did you think would happen?" Becky pushes.

Breathing becomes easier, and my annoyance grows from their bickering.

"Enough!" I groan when a stab of pain shoots down my back.

Max's eyes leave Becky's and meet mine, a frown pulling at his lips. "I'm really sorry, Ashley."

"I might forgive you if you help me up." I say with narrowed eyes as I weakly outstretch my hand.

His eyes light up and he grasps a hold of it before suddenly tugging with all his might and sending me upright into a sitting position. I let out a short yell of pain and Max instantly lets go.

"Sorry again." He says weakly as I brace a hand against the ground, the free one moving to touch my back. "Here, I can take the pain away."

I don't stop him as he crouches down, his hands beginning to glow as he sets them gently against my back. Being a Lightling has it's perks, especially if you're a healer like Max.

The pain dulls, fading away until I can't feel a thing.

"Thanks." I breathe in relief. "You're forgiven."

He flashes me a smile while Becky snorts.

"You forgive too easily." She says, shaking her head.

I slowly get to my feet, and the muscles of my back pull taunt. I glance at Max questioningly, wondering if it's side affect.

"I can take the pain away, but I couldn't fully take the injury away. I'm not that well trained yet. No worries though. There weren't any disruptions with your spine, and you'll just be sore for a few days." He says sheepishly.

"Great." I say flatly, stretching my newly injured back and groaning at the tight muscles. "I don't think my back can take any more apple-picking. I'm going to head back to Highclere. I'll see you guys later." I say, waving a short goodbye before turning and walking away.

"Bye!" Max calls after me while I hear Becky huff.

I shake my head, a small smile on my face and a tiny bounce in my step.

Do I feel guilty for leaving them to pick all the apples?

Not really. They weren't even helping in the first place.

I continue making my way past the neatly lined fruit trees, passing many Darklings who are on ladders or sitting on branches and picking the fruit.

It's harvest season, which means nearly the entire Darkling society is out here in the sunlight, picking fruit from trees and other foods they have grown.

What are Darklings, you ask?

They are beings that look like humans and act like them, except for the fact that they have a very specific power. The power to create illusions. The Darklings share the island with two other beings. The Lightlings, who have the power to shape-shift and create light, like Max. Then there are the Kinlings. I don't know much about them, other than that they are very nomadic and are smaller in number than the Lightling or Darkling society. They also have powers, but I don't know for certain exactly what their power is, although I've seen a few glimpses first hand. I've never tried to find out.

I recognize some people as I walk by, waving to them with a quick smile as I pass. Laughing echoes around me as children chase each other around the trees, everyone dressed from head to toe in black.

It has been about a month since my father left along with all the other Scientists and guards, leaving me to be the only human left on Dalton, the island. Although almost all Darklings have accepted me into their society, mostly by their High Commander's doing, I still get strange looks everywhere I go, and whispers behind my back that they think I don't hear.

Human One, they mutter to each other. The first human to live on Dalton, and the most vulnerable.

Sometimes, on days when I'm slightly more grumpy than others, I want to snap at them.

I want to yell and say I'm not vulnerable, even though compared to them I know I am. I also have a name, and I want to tell them that they can't just proclaim me as "Human One", but then that reminds me of him.

He who should not be named for fear that I might break down or try to find him.

It's been a silent promise between all of my friends to never mention him when I'm around. For all they know when I'm in the room, he never existed. I'm grateful for that, but also frustrated.

This him that I speak of, is none other than the person who set off a series of events that lead to me coming to this island, Dalton, in the first place.

It all started with an Experiment, and he was the test subject.

Turning my gaze away from the trees, I look upwards at my destination, the huge volcano stretching up into the atmosphere.

Highclere.

Yes, the home and base of the Darklings is a giant volcano that I'm always worried will explode any second, no matter how much Lager reassures me it won't.

Speaking of Lager......

I walk past a tree and suddenly he's there, right in the direct line of my vision.

Three kids surround him as he smiles down at them, his gold-colored eyes sparkling in the sun. He's decked out in his usual outfit of a black shirt, pants, boots, and cloak, and I watch as he runs a hand through his hair which is a dark blue color so dark, it's nearly black.

That is Lager. The Darkling High Commander and basically leader over the whole Darkling community. He has also grown over the past month to be a great friend and very dependable source to go to if I ever needed anything.

One of the kids, a girl, tugs at his cloak and he crouches down so he's eye level with her, one corner of his lip turning upwards in his classic half-grin. The child says something, and Lager nods before standing to his full height and reaching up for the apple which dangles just above his head. He grabs it, inspects it, and shines it on his shirt playfully before giving it to the kid with a dramatic bow, who blushes.

The other kids immediately crowd around her, and Lager shakes his head, a faint smile resting on his lips.

As if he feels my gaze, his eyes lift upwards until they find mine, his features flickering with surprise.

I slowly start to walk forward, feeling a smile creep it's way onto my face.

"Hey, Lager." I greet, coming to a stop when I'm a yard away from him.

The kids turn to look at me, curiosity shining in their eyes, and Lager notices.

"Why don't you all go help your parents now with harvesting?" He asks, but it's more like an order.

The kids take the hint and scurry off, the girl clutching the apple tightly to her chest and looking back at him once with red cheeks. Under other circumstances, I might even get jealous, but in this department I know I have no competition.

"How's the harvest going?" I ask when we are finally alone.

"Very well actually. This might be the largest production of fruits we have ever had. Walk with me?"

He turns sideways so he's half-facing me, half-facing Highclere. I nod, and we start to slowly make our way towards the volcano at a relaxed pace, strolling like we have all the time in the world.

We walk in silence for a few moments, just breathing in the fresh air and sunlight. Generally, Darklings don't stay outside for too long. They leave the basking in the sunlight to the Lightlings, and spend most of the time running their community inside the volcano.

"So I-," I start to say at the same time Lager says, "You see-".

We both look at each other, bewildered, and chuckle.

"That was really cliche." I smile, shaking my head as I remember all the nights I spent as a young teenager watching RomComs where the two main characters did exactly what we just did.

"Yes, unfortunately it was." He winces playfully, before gesturing his hand to me. "You can go first."

"I just wanted to say thanks again for allowing me and my friends to stay at Highclere. I know it's caused a little bit of trouble for you over the past month," I say, staring down at my feet.

Lager lets out an exasperated sigh and I don't blame him.

"Every time I see you, you thank me." 'Lager says while shaking his head. "Why can't you just accept the fact that I'm a generally kind and caring person who does good deeds all the time?"

I chuckle, looking up and meeting his eyes. "I can't accept that fact because it isn't true and you know it."

"You wound me. Name one time I wasn't kind or caring." He fakes a hurt tone.

I tap a finger on my chin, pretending to think.

"Hmm, how about this morning when you barged into the dining hall, stole Max's banana, which he was eating for breakfast, and then left, but not before barking orders to, and I quote, "Get our butts dressed and outside to pick apples"?

Lager winces, rubbing the back of his neck and doing a one-shouldered shrug. "In my defense, I woke up on the wrong side of the bed."

I raise an eyebrow, and he flashes me that classic smirk. "So I said my part, now what did you want to tell me?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just a reminder that the Highclere Harvest Festival is tonight."

I immediately stop walking, frozen in surprise.

"Wait, that's today!?!?" I exclaim, grabbing a hold of Lager's arm, which is very muscular, but the thought of his muscles is at the very back of my mind right now.

Lager's eyes widen, darting down to look at where my hand is placed on his arm, before he quickly controls himself, nodding and furrowing his eyebrows.

"Yes. I told Kay to tell you.....oh." He realizes, slapping his forehead.

"So that's why she kept making all those weird gestures with fruit and dancing around." I say, remembering yesterday when she had tried in vain to tell me something without using pen and paper because her hand writing is super illegible and the only living person I know able to read it is Lager.

"My mistake." He continues, eyes flashing with guilt as we continue walking, the huge doors that are guarded twenty-four seven coming into view. "They will be setting up decorations soon, and you still have the rest of the day to prepare, but that's not the point. I was wanting to see you today, and I know it's pretty late to ask this, but-".

"Ashley!" Someone interrupts, and we both turn around to see Max running towards us at full speed as if his life depends on it. He reaches us and grabs me roughly, using me as a shield to hide behind.

"Max? What are you doing?" I ask, squirming in his grip.

"She's going to kill me." He states as I crane my neck around to look at him, his electric blue eyes staring up at me completely terrified.

"Who is she?" I don't know why I bother to ask.

A second later I spot the 'she' Max is cowering behind me from.

Becky strides down the line of trees, a look of murder settling onto her features like an easy mask. Her hands are clenched into fists, knuckles white.

"Run!" I tell Max, and he doesn't think twice, bolting away from me and towards the humongous metal doors that lead into the volcano.

I wonder what he did this time to upset her.

"Open the doors!" He yells, and the two guards exchange a flat, un-amused glance with each other, but they move, albeit slowly, to open the doors by punching in the very long pass code.

Lager and I step out of Becky's way as she storms past us, her target set on Max as he urges the guards to type the code in faster. Finally they do and the doors start to open, allowing Max to slip inside with Becky following.

"Well he's not making it out of there alive." I comment casually and turn to see Lager looking vaguely irritated. Then I remember that he was in the middle of saying something before Max interrupted. "Oh, sorry. What were you saying?"

Lager clears his throat, starting to slowly walk again towards the doors and I follow, curious as to what he's going to say.

"Maybe I should explain first. Every year, Darklings celebrate the Highclere Harvest Festival. It's a big event and a very old tradition, and it's held in hopes of a good harvest next year, but I'm sure someone's already told you this."

I nod, wondering why he won't look at me.

"What they most likely haven't told you though, is the fact that every harvest season the High Commander chooses someone to escort to the festival."

His gaze suddenly shifts to glance sideways at me, golden eyes catching me by surprise which makes me slightly stumble over my feet.

Lager extends a hand, but I manage to right myself before falling and he retracts his hand.

"Sorry about that." I laugh nervously, his words making me extremely on edge. "Continue."

He eyes me carefully, before looking forward again and speaking. "The person the High Commander chooses has to do the ceremonial dance with the High Commander, and then oversee the planting of the next harvest's trees and foods. It's a little responsibility, but it's worth it to be the High Commander's companion for the night." He smirks.

And arrogant Lager is back.

I give him a flat look, although my head is whirling with the information he's giving me. Is he going to ask what I think he's going to ask?

"What is your point?" I decide to ask, wanting him to just come out and say it.

"As I said earlier, I know it's a little late, and the Harvest Festival is tonight, but would you do me the honor of-".

He doesn't get to finish because just then someone yells his name. I want to groan in frustration. Another interruption!

Lager seems to share my sentiments, because I hear a low rumble similar to a growl come from his throat.

"High Commander!" One of the guards from the doors calls when we grow closer, jogging to meet us and giving Lager a quick, but deep, bow. "Adviser Cecil would like to see you. He says it's of the upmost importance, sir!" The guard barks.

Ah yes, the Adviser. Almost every king in history has been known to have an adviser, or someone they trust enough to take advice from, whether it be a family member or close friend.

I guess being High Commander is very similar to being King, I mean Lager even has an Adviser, who I've never gotten the chance to meet, but I've heard great stories of him. Every Darkling in Highclere thinks he's the noblest, most honest Darkling alive. I picture an old man with a long beard that reaches his feet, his mouth spouting wise, old sayings every few seconds.

"You should go." I tell Lager, who has an expression that makes it look like he's fighting with himself.

"Wait one second I just need to ask-". Lager tries again, but is cut off yet again by the guard.

"High Commander, sir, he said you needed to go immediately. He said it had to do with the Kinling-".

"That's enough." Lager is the one to cut him off this time, his eyes darkening dangerously as the guard swallows nervously, a drop of sweat dripping down his forehead. After a moment he calms down though and sighs, raking a hand through his bluish-black hair. "Fine, I'll go, but Cecil better have something important or he's going to have a very angered High Commander to deal with." He grumbles.

He spares me one last regretful glance, and I nod at him, waving his ahead and urging him to go. The guard quickly moves to type in the code again and does it much faster than he did for Max.

Soon the doors are sliding open and Lager is striding through them. I watch him stride away until suddenly he stops, turning around as his golden eyes connect with mine.

"I'll see you tonight, before the Harvest Festival." He says loud enough for me to hear across the yards that separate us. "There's something I need to ask you."

I nod in understanding and he gives one stiff jerk nod back, as if to reassure himself, before turning on his heel and dissapearing into the volcano.

The moment he's gone my shoulders slump, a slight ache going up from my back as my head feels dizzy. What was he going to ask? And what was the guard about to say about Kinlings?

Suddenly a loud, clear laugh echoes from nearby, making me whirl in it's direction.

The cluster of tress my eyes pass over seems to waver, the image fading and drawing my gaze back to it as Sylvia emerges, her hand waving the illusion she created away.

Dressed in her classic outfit of a black tank top, skin-tight black pants, knee-high heeled boots, and her blonde hair pulled into a ponytail, she looks ready to star in an intense action movie.

I feel myself stiffen, thinking back to all the times she's been a wicked, terrible being and the bane to my existence.

"Sylvia." I greet carefully, wanting nothing more than for her to dissapear off the face of the Earth. "How long were you there?"

"Long enough to hear the whole thing." She smirks, lazily starting to prowl closer, the coiled whip attached to her hip drawing my attention and making my mouth go dry.

"It really is sad." She sighs, when she's only two yards away.

"What is?" I question, ready to bolt any second if I need to.

"Your hope of being escorted to the festival by Lager. I can see it in your eyes, so you don't need to lie." She says when I open my mouth to protest.

"I wasn't hoping." I growl, my neck flushing red.

"Sure." She says sarcastically, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms. "Well I just wanted to tell you that your hope is useless. I'm the one Lager is going to escort to the festival."

I let out a snort of laughter, immediately putting my hands up to my nose in embarrassment although I'm still laughing.

"Why are you laughing?" She growls, teeth clenching as she narrows her eyes at me.

"My hope of being Lager's companion tonight may be sad, but your hope is downright hilarious. Lager would never pick you." I state confidently, but then a small, knowing smirk grows on her face, which starts to scare me.

"We'll see about that." She says slyly, and waves her hands at the guards, signalling for them to open the doors, and they rush to do her bidding.

"Yeah, I guess we will see." I say in a challenging tone, not willing to back down.

"May the best companion for Lager win." Sylvia says lightly, before turning on her heel and strutting off through the doors and into Highclere.

"May the best companion for Lager win." I mock her in an overly-high voice, making a scrunched up, disgusted face while doing it.

I stop my imitation, realizing the guards are giving me weird looks, before blushing and hurrying through the doors before they slide shut.

Time to get ready for the Highclere Harvest Festival.





Dear readers, AH! It feels so good to be back, although it really hasn't been that long. Here is the first chapter ever to the sequel, Human One. I hope you all enjoyed! I'm not really good at beginnings, as you saw in Experiment Zero, but hopefully this one was better. With this first chapter out, the official editing of Experiment Zero has begun! My updating schedule is going to be random like the first book, but I will try with all my might to give you guys a chapter every week, and edit a chapter of Experiment Zero every two weeks. I don't know about you guys, but I'm super excited for this sequel. I don't condone with spoilers, but be expecting many cliff-hangers, new characters, and important choices Ashley has to make. XD Vote, comment, and say 'EEK!' If you're as excited for this sequel as I am. Lots of love,

Dangeroustoken.



P.S. The cover was again made by @blck_n_whte. If any of y'all need a cover made amazingly well, Just send her a message. She'll make a few cover options so you can pick and trust me, it will be hard to pick because they're all sooooo amazing!