All five mecha are making their way across the plains, Nirvash circling overhead in jet mode and scouting for enemies. Eventually Nirvash lands, changing into its car form.

Renton: There's nothing out there of any note.

Domon: God damn it. Where the hell did that seraph guy run off to now? All he said was "go west" and then he vanished.

As if on cue Seraph appears on the next ridge, waving to them.

Domon: Son of a bitch...

Soon enough the pilots draw close enough to seraph that they can actually hear him speaking

Seraph: Splendid! You made it. We'll be stopping off in the town in the next valley.

Renton: Town?

Seraph: Yes that's right. What, did you think this place was deserted?

Renton: Well it certainly seemed like it.

Seraph: Anyway leave your mecha out here and we'll enter on foot.

Domon: And what if someone tries to steal or destroy them while we're away?

Setsuna: Optical camouflage engaged.

Exia immediately disappears

Seraph: Well that's one problem solved. As for the rest of you...

Seraph waves his hand. Nothing happens except for a slight shimmer in the air.

Domon: What was that supposed to be?

Seraph: I've erected a field that makes people pay no attention to your mecha. Even if they bump right into one they'll ignore it.

Shinji: like a someone else's problem field!

Seraph: Precisely. Now come on!

The pilots climb out of their mecha, Shinji scrambling down the side of the prone unit 01whilst Rei leaps from the plug, landing lithely beside him. Together the assembled pilots follow seraph to the town

The pilots are standing outside a large, cosy looking building. The sign above the door reads The Beowulf Inn.

Simon: This is...

Kamina: Yep, it's a tavern alright. Remember the one back home Simon?

Simon: I was too young, remember?

Kamina: Oh yeah.

Shinji: But half of us are too young to go in.

Seraph: Oh they won't mind, besides which this is where we're staying tonight. Come on!

The pilots step into the inn. The bartender looks up from cleaning glasses. As soon as he sees seraph and the collected pilots his face lights up and he makes his way over

Bartender (slapping seraph on the back): By the light Michael! I know you promised but I never imagined... (turns to pilots) oh where are my manners? Please make yourselves at home! There are baths upstairs if you wish to get clean

Shinji's face lights up and he dashes upstairs to clean the LCL off.

Rei: Perhaps I should have told him...

Kamina: About what?

Rei: The auto clean feature on the plug suit.

Kamina looks at Rei, noticing that she is, in fact, completely dry.

Kamina: But how did it do your hair?

Rei: Classified

….
Later on the pilots have dispersed and are busy relaxing. Setsuna and Renton are playing each other at darts whilst Eureka looks on. Kamina, Simon and Domon are teaching each other a variety of drinking games and Shinji is nowhere to be found. Rei, meanwhile, is engrossed in watching the band who have started playing "fly me to the moon" albeit with slightly altered lyrics.

Seraph (sitting down next to Rei): It's fascinating, isn't it? How some things stay constant no matter what universe you are in. Take this song for instance. Somehow the exact circumstances came to be to create almost the exact same song in multiple universes.

Rei: Humanity has always been fascinated with the moon. (Turns to Seraph) To have something so close yet be unable to touch it...

Seraph: Indeed. You however may have the power to grasp what should not be in reach. Shinji will need you help if he is to unlock the Eva's true potential and save both our worlds.

Rei: Ikari-kun has rejected me. I can do no more to help him.

Seraph (standing): In that case you must earn his trust once more. Otherwise neither of you will be able to find happiness.

Rei (to herself): Earn his trust...

Rei stands and walks away.

Shinji is currently relaxing in the bath. Suddenly the door opens.

Shinji: Hello?

Rei steps around the door.

Rei: Ikari-kun, I...

Shinji spots the large knife in Rei's hand.

Shinji: Aaaahhh!

Shinji leaps out of the bath, pushing past Rei and sprinting downstairs.

Rei (looking down at the cake in her other hand): Does Ikari-kun not like it?

Shinji bursts into the bar area, still stark naked.

Shinji: Guys, you gotta help me! Rei's gonna kill me!

Seraph (face palming): You idiot. Have you not figured out by now that the last thing Rei wants is for you to die?

Shinji: She snuck into my room with a knife!

Rei (appearing behind Shinji): Ikari-kun.

Shinji: Gaah!

Shinji hides behind Seraph

Rei: Here

Rei holds out the cake

Rei: Congratulations.

Shinji: What?

Rei: Chronological records indicate that today is the sixth of June, the day of Ikari-kuns birth.

Shinji: But my birthday's not for months!

Seraph: Our timeline is slightly different to yours.

Domon: You know it's actually kind of appropriate.

Shinji: What is?

Domon: Well, apparently it's your birthday, and you're in your birthday suit.

Shinji looks down, realising that he is, in fact, still completely naked.

Shinji: Ahhh!

Shinji runs upstairs.

Seraph: You know, this may need some work.

…...

The tavern has long since emptied of patrons. Domon, Kamina and Simon are in a drunken stupor while Setsuna, Renton and Eureka have turned in for the night. Rei and Shinji sit in a corner of the main room.

Shinji: So that's what really happened? You rejected my father?

Rei: That is correct. However by the time I realised what he was third impact had already started. I had no choice but to merge with Lilith and hand control to you so that you might end it.

Shinji: I'm sorry Rei. I never understood you. I thought that you were willingly doing it, serving my father's plans yet again. I've been an idiot.

Shinji grabs Rei's shoulders, looking straight into her eyes. Rei's eyebrows arch slightly.

Shinji: Rei, I promise you, when we're done here I will end third impact and bring everyone back, including you!

Rei (looking away): I-Ikari Kun. (Looking back into his eyes) Thank you.

Shinji (Sitting back down): It's fine. And Rei? I think after all we've been through, you can call me Shinji.

Rei: ok. Goodnight… Shinji.

Shinji: Goodnight Rei.

Rei stands up and leaves the room without a second glance.