The next morning, the pilots are breaking camp and making ready to move on.

Renton: Have any of you guys seen Eureka?

Seraph: I believe she went to check up on Nirvash

Renton: I should've guessed

Suddenly a scream sounds from the direction of Nirvash and unit 01.

Simon: That sounded like...

Renton: Eureka!

Renton takes off in the direction of the scream, the rest of the pilots hot on his heels.

….
Renton skids to a stop by Nirvash's foot. Eureka steps out from behind Nirvash's leg, followed by a pale arm holding a gun to her head. The arm's owner steps out a moment later.

Shinji: REI!

Kamina: you know her?

Rei: Pilot Ikari, You must return to your Evangel ion.

Shinji: No, no I won't. I know what you are now Rei!

Rei glances over to him, evidently surprised.

Rei: I...

Eureka takes advantage of the distraction and spins, forcing Rei's gun arm away from her head and head-butting Rei in the face. Rei staggers back, dropping her gun. Recovering quickly Rei lashes out at Eureka's face.

Kamina: Alright! Cat fight!

The rest of the pilots shoot him an assortment of dirty looks.

Kamina: What?

Rei manages to land a hit, punching Eureka in the stomach. Eureka doubles over.

Renton: EUREKA!

Rei stands over Eureka, raising her leg to deliver the finishing blow... And is promptly tackled and pinned by Setsuna. Rei kicks him off and cocks back her fist

Shinji: Wait stop! Rei these people aren't a threat. Please stop!

Rei: Very well pilot Ikari

Domon: Wait you stopped just 'cause he said so?

Rei: Yes.

Kamina: So wait; are you on our side now?

Rei: If pilot Ikari wills it.

Shinji: Why me?

Rei: You control third impact, as an extension of that you also control me. We are bound.

Shinji: but you started third impact!

Rei: That is untrue. I was merely a catalyst. I chose you to control the path of instrumentality.

Shinji: What?

Renton (helping Eureka up): You Ok?

Eureka: I am fine, thank you Renton.

Renton: Thank goodness

Eureka: Renton, May I talk to that girl? I wish to apologize for this misunderstanding.

Renton: I suppose... (Thinking) "That's odd"

…
Eureka (to Rei): I apologize for confusing you. I assure you we mean no harm to Shinji. (Eureka extends her hand) I wish to be your friend.

Rei: Friend?

Rei looks at Shinji who nods at her. Then she takes Eureka's hand and shakes it.

Rei: Friends.

It is now early evening. The pilots have spent the rest of the day traveling across country, before setting up camp.

Simon (to Shinji): They seem to be getting along well.

He gestures towards Setsuna and Rei, who are currently locked in a staring competition.

Shinji: Yeah

Simon: Not jealous are you?

Shinji: No, of course not! After what's happened I just can't think of her in that way. Besides which she's technically my sister.

Simon: Really?

Shinji: Yeah. During third impact I found out that she's an artificial human, produced using my mother's genes.

Simon: Err... Right. This foods pretty good by the way.

Shinji: thanks

They continue eating awkwardly.

….

Seraph stands a small distance away from the group.

Seraph (thinking): "That girl… This was unexpected. Still I suppose I can use this, after all it seems like both Shinji and the Eva need her."

….

I was going to merge this chapter with the previous one but I thought that might ruin the suspense, so instead I've uploaded it directly after the last one.