Mario lead his group around the Siren Sisters, sneaking by them. The group had gotten to the tree that Punio was talking about in the back.

Mario turned to Punio, "Is that the tree you were telling us about?"

Punio confirmed, "Yeah, that's the one. That's where Punies live. That's home. Uh, not just us living there. Lots of Jabbies and Piders too."

Luigi stated, "Y - you got neighbors?"

Punio replied, "Sure do!"

Goombella responded, "That's pretty cool."

Punio said, "Mhm! Just keep following me!"

Koops agreed, "Sure thing, Punio!"

The group continued to keep moving. As they did, Luigi could've sworn that he had seen violet ice nearby... Luigi frowned as he worried about Violet. The group went into the Great Tree.

Punio said, "Uh..."

Koops perked up, "Oh no, what's wrong?"

Punio went over to the door and explained, "Uh, well... Take a look! This door wasn't here before! Someone just installed it!"

Goombella frowned, "It might've been those X-Nauts..."

Punio admitted, "Probably. But I can't get this door open! I thought I could finally save everyone... I'm a fool."

Luigi came over to him, "Y - you are no fool. Y - you are doing your best for everyone."

Punio sniffled, "Thanks Luigi..."

Luigi smiled as Mario examined the door, "That door looks pretty sturdy. We'll have to find another way in."

Punio thought for minute before he took the lead again.

Punio explained, "Long ago, the Puni elder told me about a secret entrance somewhere around here! We can get in through there! I'm completely sure of it! Uh, problem is... I doubt finding it is going to be easy. I mean, it won't be labeled 'Secret Entrance'."

Goombella asked, "What should we do?"

Punio pointed out, "Well, not to be a worrywart, but how in the heck can we find somebody's secret entrance? Well, it's hidden by this invisible...thingy."

Koops asked, "An invisible thingy...?"

Punio confirmed, "Yes and we need to find and remove the thingy. Boy, but removing a normal thingy sounds tough enough, let alone an invisible one! Uh... Oh! Got it! Flurrie! Surely Madame Flurrie's powers can help us! Flurie is a refined and dignified lady who lives in these woods. The elder says she's a wind spirit who can wield the powers of the air with ease. You see where I am going with this, right? She can use her wind power to blow the thingy away!"

Luigi stammered, "Y - you think it would be that easy?"

Punio blushed out of embarrassment, "Well, it wouldn't hurt to try. Flurrie lives in the deepest corner of the woods, so... Let's head back in the direction we came from."

Mario stated, "Well, it's better than staying here and doing nothing. Let's go check it out."

Everyone nodded as they headed out.

...

Meanwhile, at a pink beautiful house, someone was speaking out loud.

"Ahh! These woods are the most wonderful in all the world! Yes, indeed! Building a house here was just the finest idea I ever did have. Oh. my, yes! This place is so different so different from the bright flashbulbs of the world I am used to... Such peace... This negative image of the real world soothes my body and soul. But what's even better...is that I, Madame Flurrie, grow ever more lovely here! Plus, those squishy, adorable little Punies that live in that tree are so nice to me! But...I suppose if I stay here too long, I'll begin to crave hustle and bustle before long! Oh! Oh, my! It's happening even as I speak! Already I feel the need for drama! That moment of exhilaration when the spotlight shines down on the stage...on me! Surely I was born to be...an actress for the ages! It's settled, then. I shall rise again! But...before I make my stage comeback... I simply must whip my body and mind into shape. I'll just have to put on some makeup and make my beauty even more beautiful. Wait a moment..."

That's when she shouted, "No! It's gone! Gone I tell you! My... my..."

...

Punio instructed, pointing east, "If we head straight in this direction, we'll see the Flurrie's place in no time."

Mario told his group, "Come on, everyone. Let's get a move on."

Koops said, "Got it Mario."

Goombella stated, "Right behind you."

Luigi teased, "Quite literally."

To that, Mario stuck out his tongue teasingly. As they saw the house in the back, Punio perked up and told them that was her house. The group went in.

Punio cleared his throat, "Uh... Excuse me!" There was no response. Punio frowned, "Umm... Maybe she isn't here. I wonder if she went for a walk in the woods." They went up to the door as he stated, "Madame Flurrie? Hello? If you're here, say something!"

"Eek! No! Out of the question! You mustn't come in here!"

Everyone perked up.

Koops admitted, "That doesn't sound good."

Luigi stammered, "N - no, it sounds scary!"

Mario raised a brow, "Maybe she wasn't expecting anyone?"

Goombella turned to Punio, "Why don't you say something to her?"

Punio nodded as he asked, "Uh...Madame Flurrie? Are you there? Is that you? ...what are you doing?"

The lady answered, "Oh! Wait a moment... Those darling, squishy little footsteps... Is that you, Punio? Oh, it's been an age since I've saw you last! You poor dear! Is there something you need?"

Punio told her, "Uh, well, the thing is... We have a problem that only you can help us with, ma'am! The Great Tree's entry hole is blocked. There's this stupid door we can't seem to open. My Puni friends are inside, so they're in a pickle... Mario, Luigi, Goombella, and Koops needs these Crystal Stars. It's a train wreck, really. If you can't find the secret entrance for us, we're done."

The lady perked up, "Oh... Is that all, dearie? You came all this way here just for that? My adorable little Punio... You know I would do anything in my power to help you. However, lamentably... I'm in a bit of a bind myself. I just cannot come out."

...

Wishmaker1028: Well, that's where I am ending chapter 17! Thought I give it a small cliffhanger. Please read and review! And always think outside of the box!