Sunday: Maybe you need more nights like this, then. Just hanging out, relaxing. We could make it a regular thing

Hank: Yeah, that sounds nice. I've already seen everyone else, and I appreciate you inviting me, it’s been good to unwind.

Sunday: I’m just glad you came. You know, I’ve always admired you, you’re strong, resilient…and someone to look up to.

Hank: Admired me? I’m not exactly a role model.

Sunday: [Smiles] You’re more than what you think, Hank. You’ve got a good heart, I can see it, and I'm not the only one who can

Hank: Yeah, you're right. I forgot that I've actually done some good in my life for that to happen

Sunday: Like saving me from one of those Sonic things

Hank: Oh yeah, I remember that

Sunday: I will always remember that.....Hank? C-Can I ask you something?

Hank: What's up?

Sunday: W-Well I.....I just wanted to say that-!

[ L E  C R A S H ]

Sunday: W-Wha?

Hank: What the hell was that?!

A crashing noise was heard, and Hank and Sunday look behind to see that, Tricky had bursted through the window, laughing maniacally.

Tricky: Hey, guys! Thought I’d hijack the party!

Hank: MOTHERFUCKER!

Whitty: Tricky, what the hell!?

Carol: Tricky, you couldn’t use the door?

Tricky: Hahahaha! Now where’s the fun in that? I wanted to join the fun!

Hank: Tricky, I will-!

I was ready to slap the shit of this Clown, because I had enough of him today. But then Carol steps in front of me.

Carol: Wait, Hank. Let’s not fight. Tricky, if you promise to behave....then you can stay.

Tricky: Really?! I can stay?!

Sunday: Yeah, Tricky. Just…no more breaking stuff, okay?

Tabi: Otherwise there will be nothing left

Tricky: You got it! I’ll be good, I swear!

Hank: I’m keeping an eye on you, Clown. Seriously, you need to be on house arrest

Tricky: Not even that can stop me!

Hank: That's....sadly true, alongside the IRS, CIA, FBI.....and whatever.

Carol: Alright, everyone. Let’s get back to having fun. Tricky, what do you play?

Tricky: I can play Mayonnaise!

Hank: That's not an instrument!

Tricky: Fuck you! It is!

Carol: [Sighs But Smiles] Boys...am I right?

Whitty: Wow, really?

Carol: You're different because you...w-well I don't want to say it out loud

Whitty: P-Please don't....

Tabi: Oh? And what's that?~

Both: NOTHING!

Sunday: [Turns To Hank] He can really be a handful, but maybe this will be good for all of us.

Hank: As long as he keeps his word. Let’s get back inside.

Back in the living room, we gather around and started to play games instead. Tricky, who is surprisingly keeping his promise to behave, was only calling me out to a few games of Super Smash Bros.

After that I sat a bit away, with Sunday next to me.

Sunday: Thanks for not losing your cool, Hank. I think tonight’s turning out pretty great.

Hank: Yeah. It is, the peace is nice for once.....even if it got disturbed.

The night continues with everyone, even Tricky, enjoying the rest of the activities. But eventually, I had to leave, Kasetto wants me to come tomorrow, but first I had to sort out some things....like looking for Phobos.

Hank: Alright, it’s getting late. I should head out.

Tricky: Yeah, me too. Fun night, though. I haven't had this much non violent fun in ages!

Carol: I'm glad you could join us, Tricky. And Hank, come by anytime.

Sunday: Take care, you two.

Hank: Thanks for having me. Catch you all later.

I leave the house, and Tricky started to walk beside me....but not like a normal person. Instead, he was walking like Conor McGregor.....cause why not?

But then he started to walk normally after 5 minutes.

Tricky: Hey, Hank.....mind if we talk about something?

Hank: What is it?

Tricky: It's Phobos....and Project Nexus 2.0. You know as well as I do that he's up to something big.

Hank: Yeah, I've been trying to figure it all out, but his motives are still unclear, but whatever it is, it’s dangerous.

Tricky: We need to know what bullshit he's planning, and fuck it up before it fucks us up

Hank: Those are some real words right there

We walk back in silence, and arrive at the base. The next day arrives, and I spent the morning helping Doc and the boys fix up the Base a little bit.

2BDamned: That doesn't go there Deimos!

Deimos: But it looks like it does!

Sanford: Only to you!

Deimos: Do not underestimate my great mind!

Sanford: Bullshit! You used to look at NSFW content until we put a child lock on all your shit!

Deimos: Wait? You did it again?!

2BDamned: Of course! We knew you broke it last time!

Deimos: SHIT!

Sunky holds up a sign that points at Deimos and says "Stoopid".

Christoff:......Want to go look for Phobos' base?

Hank: Bitchin

And so, both myself and Christoff went to search for Phobos' base, with no success, but it was better than whatever those guys were arguing about.

Hank: Where the hell is this fucking base?

Christoff: I have a feeling that Phobos will reveal it when it's time for Project Nexus 2.0

Hank: Then that's going to be annoying, we will have to be ready when the time comes

Christoff: Knowing you Hank, you would be ready, right?

Hank: Always, I'm strapped for any bullshit....especially raccoons....

Christoff: What did raccoons do to you?

Hank: Yes.

Christoff sighs and heads back, I follow him as his theory seemed legit to me. I got a message from Kasetto, she had invited me to her house. Well.....apartment I should say.

Once I was done with whatever I needed to do, I head towards Kasetto's apartment and stood in front of her door. I gave it a knock and waited, it was opened a few seconds later by Kasetto.

Kasetto: Hank! Glad you could make it.

Hank: Well I am taking life a bit easy, thanks for the invite.

Kasetto: No problem, everyone’s here already. Come on in.

Hank: There are others?

Kasetto: Yes, that's not a problem, right?

Hank: Of course not....just seems weird that everyone is doing this social gatherings

Kasetto: It's fun! Plus the Author is stretching out the chapters and this arc.

Hank: True dat

I enter the apartment and head into the living room where I saw Ayana, Pico, Rosie, Sakuroma....and Damian.

Huh....guess he got special permission from Alice.

Ayana: Hey, Hank! Over here!

Hank: Hey

Pico: Sup, Hank.

Hank: What's good Pico?

Pico: I'm good

Rosie: Hi, Hank. Nice to see you again.

Hank: Same here, you seem to like hanging out with us. What about your Gang?

Rosie: Oh that's been disbanded, I didn't see any worth in it anymore. So I've turned my whole business into something good now, and not a gang affiliated company

Hank: Good to know

Sakuroma: Well, if it isn’t the man of the hour. Looking good, Hank~

Hank:.....Good to see you too

I look over at Damian, who seemed out of place, it's almost as if he didn't want to be here

Damian:....Hey

Hank: Well would you look at that? You're become social!

Damian: Tch...shut it already

Hank: How come Alice let you off the leash?

Damian: Tch...Dick....she just wanted me to act my age and be with good people

Hank: And that is needed for you.

Ayana: [Hugs Hank] How have you been?

Hank: [Returns The Hug] Busy, as always. But it's good to be here.

Kasetto: We were just about to start a game. You in?

Hank: Sure. What are we playing?

Pico: [Holds Up Deck Of Cards] Thought we’d start with a classic: poker. Friendly stakes, of course.

Rosie. I’ve never played poker before. Can someone teach me?

Hank: You've never played? Weren't you a Gang Leader?

Rosie: L-Look, my men played, but I never.

Hank: Fair enough, I can show you the basics. It’s pretty simple once you know what you're doing

Sakuroma: [Leans Closer] Or maybe I should teach you, Hank. I have a few tricks up my sleeve~

Ayana: Back off, Sakuroma. Hank’s with me and Kasetto.

Sakuroma: [Grins] Just teasing, Ayana. You know I can’t resist flirting with him.

Hank: Say....what happened to Retrospecter?

Sakuroma: Oh he was just a cameo, I'm the one that stays~

Hank: Huh....okay then

Damian: Who the hell is that?

Hank: Someone I beat up

Damian:....[Sighs] Why am I not surprised?

Kasetto: Haha, alright, alright. Let’s get started. Rosie, you sit next to Hank so he can help you out.

We begin the game, with myself patiently explaining the rules to Rosie, who listens intently.

Rosie: So, I just need to make a better hand than everyone else, right?

Hank: That’s right. And remember, it’s not just about the cards, it’s about reading your opponents. You might have an AK 47, but someone else might have a Mossberg

Rosie: W....What?

Ayana: Did you have to use Guns as an example?

Hank: Yes

Pico: Hah, yeah, good luck with that. I’m like a closed book.

Sakuroma: What about you, Hank? Got any tells?

Hank: Wouldn't you like to know? Weather Boy.

Sakuroma: E-Eh ._.

Kasetto: [Laughs] Okay, let’s see who’s got the best poker face. Deal us in, Pico.

We play for a while, the room filled with laughter and lighthearted banter. Rosie, with my help, starts to get the hang of the game and even wins a few hands.....I'm a great teacher.

Rosie: This is actually really fun! Now wonder my henchmen loved to play this. Thanks for teaching me, Hank.

Hank: Of course, you’re a quick learner.

Ayana: We should do this more often. It’s nice having everyone together.

Kasetto: Absolutely. And next time, maybe we can have it just be me...Hank, and you Ayana

Hank:....What are you implying?

Kasetto: Who knows?~

Ayana: [Blushes] O-Oh....

Damian: Oh Good God

Sakuroma: Do you mind if....I join in?

Damian: Oh For Fuck-!

Hank:.....Maybe...let's....just keep playing and not make this weird

Damian: Thank you!

The game continues into the evening, with everyone enjoying each other's company. The bond between us grows stronger, even Damian started to enjoy his time here.

Me.....I was feeling more at home among friends and....loved ones....

But....is this really who I am?

The gathering started to wind down, and Kasetto pulls me aside for a private conversation.

Kasetto: Hank, can we talk for a moment?

Hank: Sure, Kasetto. What’s on your mind?

Kasetto: I’ve had this feeling lately....like something bad is coming. I can’t shake it. I want you to be careful and watch your back out there.

Hank: You think something’s going to happen?

Kasetto: I don’t know what it is, but I’ve learned to trust my instincts. Just promise me you’ll be vigilant.

Hank: I will. Thanks for the heads up anyways, I’ll keep my guard up like I've always done

Kasetto: I-I know you do it's just....I care about you, Hank. We all do. Be safe.

Hank: I will. And I care about you too, Kasetto.

We share a brief, tender moment before returning to the group, where Rosie approaches me.

Rosie: Hey, Hank. Can we talk a bit more? I’ve always wanted to get to know you better.

Hank: Ever since I broke into your Gang Hideout

Rosie: Y-Yes....things weren't good at the start-

Hank: Hey....it's okay Rosie. What’s on your mind?

Rosie: Well, other than thanking you for saving me....you’ve been through so much. How do you stay so strong?

Hank: Well....I guess...it’s just survival. You learn to keep going, no matter what bullshit comes your way.

Rosie: I admire that. I’ve had my struggles, but nothing compared to what you’ve faced.

Hank: Everyone’s struggles are different. What matters is how you face them.

Rosie: You’re right, and you face them head on with a katana and a gun

Hank: Just the way I like it

Rosie: [Laughs] Thanks, Hank. I’m glad we had this chance to talk.

Hank: Of course

Sakuroma: Oh I hope I'll get my chance to talk. Hank, how about we find a quiet spot and...unwind a bit? Just the two of us~

Hank:....Sakuroma, you know I’m with Ayana and Kasetto.

Sakuroma: Oh, come on, Hank. Just a little fun....they don’t have to know~. And besides, you have a harem now~

Before things can escalate, Ayana appears suddenly and grabs Sakuroma’s arm.

Ayana: Okay, that’s enough, Sakuroma. You’re too horny for your own good.

Sakuroma: [Pouts] But Ayana, I was just-!

Ayana: No buts! You need to cool off. Seriously.

Kasetto: Ayana’s right. We don’t need any more chaos tonight.

Damian: Why is she....like this?

Kasetto: Weeeeeell-

Pico: It's in her nature

Hank: Exactly

Damian:....How are you even friends with her?

Hank: Met her one time during some BS, then I came to find out that she's good friends with Searest

Rosie: [Giggles] Sakuroma never changes, does she?

Kasetto: Nope. And that’s part of her charm.

Sakuroma: Fine, fine. I’ll behave...for now~

Ayana: Good girl. Now let’s all just relax and enjoy the rest of the night.

Damian: For once -_-

We settle back into a comfortable rhythm, the tomfoolery from earlier fading away. The laughter and conversations continue, and I felt relaxed....but soon I'll be on edge when Phobos shows his face again.

Hank: Just what the hell are you planning with 2.0......
__________________

3rd POV
__________________

As the party came to an end, the scene changes to a secluded and dark space. Standing in that darkness was Phobos, as he was looking at a computer screen, the only think illuminating the room he was in.

While he was observing whatever was on the screen, he was approached by the last remaining helper on his team.

Zardy the Scarecrow.

Zardy: Director Phobos

Phobos Yes?

Zardy: I must ask....what is Project Nexus 2.0?

Phobos: You wish to know my ultimate plan?

Zardy: If it is acceptable to tell me

Phobos: Well....we are doing two things, collecting energy to restore the power of our secret ally, and then...we are bringing them back

Zardy: Them? Who is Them?

Phobos: A threat to this world

Zardy: Is.....the Project a portal?

Phobos: Well aren't you smart? Yes, Project Nexus 1.0 was program to create an army. But 2.0 is a device....for a portal, and an energy harvester. Two uses in one device.

Zardy: I see, and this will benefit all of us?

Phobos: You mean myself, you and our other friend? Yes....yes it will

Zardy: I see, then I shall wait patiently

Phobos: You won't have to wait much longer, Zardy....because the time to act is now....we just need one more thing...or should I say....person
_________________________________

A day passes, and Hank was out in town as Caine had called him over to a park bench for a talk. He spots him sitting down already so Hank occupied the spot next to him.

Hank: Hey.....

Caine: Hello Hank......

Hank: You....wanted to talk?

Caine: I did, because you're the one to talk to about these things

Hank: These things? Caine, is there something you want to tell me?

Caine: Hank....I sense that bad times are near

Hank: Yeah, but don't worry, I'll deal with it

Caine: And how will you?

Hank: Like I always do, Caine, putting a bullet in the head of whoever

Caine: Right, of course, I can never doubt you

Hank: But why do you have this....feeling now?

Caine: Well, call it an Old Man's Suspicion. That Phobos lad....I'm not sure what he has planned, but it's bad....yes that sounds vague on the threatening part...but you know what I mean

Hank: Yeah....but I'll stop him, just like last time when he tried this

Caine: Do you....know what he is planning?

Hank: Hah, I wish, I'm probably just going to find out when it's time to fight. And even then, I'll stop him.

Caine: Of course, well, thanks for the small talk with this boring old man

Hank: Nah, you're not boring, you're cool, especially since you hooked me up with the good stuff

Caine: Careful now, you're making me out to be a drug dealer

Hank: Well are you?

Caine: Wouldn't you like to know?

Hank: Hah, well, I'll be doing things that will hopefully steer me into the right direction

Caine: Don't worry, I'm sure it will.

Hank: Well, I'm going now. I'll see you later

Caine: Yes, of course

Hank gets up and leaves Caine, he goes back to the base, and sees Girlfriend waiting there.

Hank: Oh hey

GF: Hi, you okay?

Hank: Of course, what about you?

GF: I'm great, want to spend some time together?

Hank: Sure

The two were going to go inside, but then Hank gets a call immediately from someone. It was Nikusa so he wondered if she needed a favour.

Hank: Hello? Nikusa?

Blair: Hank! It's me!

Hank: Blair? The hell you want? And why do you have Nikusa's-?

Blair: Madness Boys, Nikusa's house...Now!

Hank: Oh shit, we're on our way.

GF: W-What's wrong?

Hank: I don't know, but you need to stay here. When Blair is worried like that, bad things are happening

GF: O-Okay, stay safe

Hank: I will

Hank knew that something was up, he shares a kiss woth Girlfriend and calls Sanford, Deimos, Christoff, Tricky, Doc and even Auditor as they storm Nikusa's place with weapons drawn.

They found only Blair on the ground, injured slightly. Agoti, Solazar and Aldryx were down on the ground unconscious.

Hank: Where is Nikusa?

Blair: S-She was taken by Phobos!

Hank: What?

Christoff: Why?

Blair: I-I don't know, something about her energy being useful?

Auditor: She has magic inside of her, a rare one, and it seems like she is being used to power up Project Nexus 2.0

Tricky: Holy Shit

Deimos: Then we have to go!

Christoff: This feels like the endgame to all of this with Phobos

Hank:....Yeah....you're right, so before we go, I need to tell you lot something

Sanford: What is it?

Deimos: Can I finally use the hub?

Christoff: Deimos....

Deimos: What?! You would let Tricky use it!

2BDamned: That's because he wouldn't

Tricky: I'm staying on the grind!

Deimos: Oh come on!

Sanford: Hank?

Blair: W-What is it?

Hank: Okay.....whatever I say here, I just want you to know that there are no lies...and there is only....the truth.

2BDamned: Go on.....

Hank:......I....am not Hank J. Wimbleton

Tricky:......Wow! You really do have CTE!

Hank: Fuck you!
_______________________

Yo, the truth is about to come out?!

What?! This truly may be the last Arc of the book, because there are three more chapters after this one!

We shall see you there......

:)