Elfman and Evergreen had left the camp and were now at the split, both muttered to each other about the choices left, finally Evergreen put her foot down.

"I say we choose route I" Evergreen said.

"Why because you're wanting me to say I do before the end of the decade?" Elfman retorted and began to walk into the cave for route I. Evergreen blushed bright red and followed him without saying much, until they were ready to plan strategies.

Meanwhile, an overeager Natsu and Happy hurried down the path.

"Let's hope that all the good routes haven't been taken" Natsu said as Happy flew alongside.

The duo grumbled as they looked at the routes left, A, C, E, F, H, and J.

"Well little buddy, what do you think will be the best route to go?" Natsu asked.

"Well I know you wanted to show your strength against Gray, I bet he choose route G, and I bet that means if we choose route H we'll fight him and Max instead" Happy remarked.

"Sounds like a plan to me, I mean I'd also love to fight Erza, Laxus, or old man Gildarts, but it would look better if I can beat up Gray or Gajeel" Natsu said eagerly, and he and happy dashed into the cave and route H and that was route was sealed.

While Natsu and Happy were busy winding their way through the matrix of caves, Elfman and Evergreen conferred on strategies.

"So, I'm getting tired of this island, and I want to get this over with and get you to s-class by tonight" Evergreen said, rather annoyed as she sat on the ground, back to one of the cave walls.

"Well then, are you going to use your stone eyes or something?" Elfman asked.

"Absolutely! It's not like I can't turn them back in a few hours" Evergreen said, then adding, "considering how many times I've had to do it to you" she finished.

"All because I'm a real man!" Elfman then remarked, ready for a fight. Evergreen then grunted and quickly turned the man to stone.

"Finally, some peace and quiet she said finally relaxing" until her senses alerted her to something.

"Aw crap, they're coming" Evergreen muttered, quickly returning Elfman to his normal state which had very little time to react.

Elfman shook his head getting his bearings as the voices were now audible, "it's Natsu and Happy, I was hoping we wouldn't have to face them until the final battle" Elfman finished muttering.

"Not at all would have been better, let's get ready for them" Evergreen responded.

Natsu and Happy rounded the corner, not ready for the ambush.

"Now, stone eyes!" Evergreen shouted as Natsu and Happy arrived at the opening.

Natsu gasped at Happy took him up quickly, then the blue exceed remarked "sorry for taking you up so quickly, but I'm not letting you get turned to stone quite yet"

"Yet?" blurted out in confusion.

Meanwhile Evergreen was readying her next attack, and quickly jumped up into the air with her sprouted fairy wings, once she was on level with Natsu and happy she then shouted, "fairy machine gun, gremlin!" and yellowish white lights surrounded the fire wizard and exceed, of which Happy dived down quickly, with Natsu in tow.

Evergreen was visibly upset at how they were able to dodge the attacks.

"Alright, it's my turn, take over beast soul" Elfman said as he transformed into a predominantly burgundy and dark green with white hair beast.

"I'll respond to your beast soul with a fire dragon iron fist!" Natsu shouted as he delivered an uppercut to Elfman with a flaming punch. This knocked Elfman back a few feet as Evergreen flew down to her injured comrade, Happy and Natsu were now at the top of the cave looking down at the two, assessing their next move.

Elfman then changed beast souls, into a scaly lizard like beast, as Elfman and Evergreen plotted their next move as well, Natsu decided to but in first.

"Fire dragon roar!" Natsu shouted, the flame was bright yellow, orange, and red in color, and came right towards Elfman and Evergreen, singeing them to a crisp.

Natsu and Happy landed and looked at them seeing them move, feeling a bit relieved as they started to walk towards the now open gate of the cave.

"Take care you two!" Natsu said, rather light heartedly as he and happy waved and walked towards the exit.

Once the two had left, Elfman spoke "are you doing alright Ever?"

She sighed, rather disappointed "yeah, I just wish I could have gotten you to s-class"

Elfman smiled "don't worry, it doesn't matter whether I become s-class or not, I did it with you and that's all that matters". Evergreen blushed and faked being asleep in happy embarrassment.

Meanwhile, Natsu and Happy continued through the cave, popping out in a clearing near a hammock with Master Makarov sat sipping on a drink, who then remarked.

"Greetings Natsu and Happy, nice to see someone finally make it through" Makarov said.

"We're the only ones who have made it this far?" Natsu asked dumbfounded.

"Indeed, but they're still about three more battles, so I wouldn't celebrate being s-class yet" Makarov said, ominously.