Luigi was still persistently leading the way—partially because he knew that if he led the way, he'd have zero-to-none chance of accidentally looking back and seeing Birdo even for just a glimpse.
Behind him, Birdo and Yoshi were following the green plumber quietly, with a grimace on both their faces.
"Looks like this won't be much of an easy thing to do," Yoshi commented.
"What's not easy—finding the clue that just might be here in Yoshi's Island?" Birdo asked.
"No, not that—it's having Luigi reconsider his old thoughts about you," the green dinosaur sighed.
Birdo sighed, too. "You didn't have to do this, Yoshi—you had nothing to do with what made Luigi see me this way; and second, I deserve whatever he thinks about me."
Yoshi shook his head. "I don't want it that way—Birdo, you're my friend, and I dunno about you, but it would be a wee bit too hard on my part if I were to go on as a go-between with two feuding friends."
"It doesn't count as a feud if only one side is opposed to the other and it doesn't work vice versa."
"Yeah, that's just about true."

Koopa Kingdom:
"So, my pathetic minion," Bowser addressed to one of the Hammer Bro soldiers, "how's my prisoner going?"
The Hammer Bro looked up at Bowser's expectant (and impatient) face. "Huh? Oh, uh, sir, didn't we capture more than one? Which one are you referring to?"
The Koopa King groaned in mock tragedy. "You imbecile! You should know perfectly well I'm referring to that pipsqueak Mario! And you, of all people, should know that—considering that you were the one who captured him!"
The Hammer Bro blanched at the viciousness of his king's voice. "Of course, of course, sir!"
"Well...? Where's the status report? How's that goody-two-shoes Mario?"
"He's still behind bars, and we have two times the security on him as compared to the rest."
"Good—if that rotten twerp escapes, everyone will eventually follow; it's only Mario who you'll need to really keep in check—wait, in second thought, double the security on the princess, too!"
"What—the...princess? Are you referring to...Princess Peach?"
"Well, duh, who else, stupid? She seems to pack quite a punch despite being a girl—remember when he got Mario in Super Princess Peach?"
"Oh yes, sir—she managed to defeat you and rescue the rest."
Bowser grunted in irritation from the memory. "Yeah, yeah, you go and double the security on the princess—forget about those mushroom-headed losers!"
"Yes, my king."

Within the trees of the Yoshi's Island forest:
"Among the forest mass you must head first...," Luigi chanted that part of the riddle; he'd done that repeatedly to himself until Yoshi told him that there were just too many trees and shrubs to notice even the slightest difference in the surroundings.
"You know, Luigi, it's not that I'm starting to think you were wrong in that riddle, it's just that...we're not getting anything with just walking among the trees for more than a hour now," Yoshi said.
Luigi nodded wearily. "Yeah, you're right. But still—I have a feeling we're on the right track by being here in Yoshi's Island. I know—how 'bout we take a break?"
Yoshi beamed. "Sounds good to me—I'm starving!"
All three settled themselves near a tree and sat down on the grass.
"Ah," Luigi sighed as he threw his head back; he laughed when he suddenly heard his grumbling stomach. "Okay, anything to eat here, Yoshi?"
Yoshi looked pointedly at the nearby bush that was the closest to Birdo. "The berries over there are actually pretty good. Just don't try to pick anything else."
"Okay," Luigi said sullenly as soon as he found out the food was near Birdo. He stood up and walked past her, brusquely saying, "Excuse a-me, Birdo." He said her name in an acidic tone.
Birdo looked after the green plumber with an expression that was a mixture of hurt and mild irritation.
Yoshi noticed that, and said quickly, "Uh, don't worry, Birdo; Luigi's really like that—when he's hungry, he's actually very cranky!"
The pink dinosaur frowned at Yoshi.
"I'm back," Luigi said; his overalls pocket was full of berries. He walked past Birdo again, not looking at her.
"Mmmm," Yoshi murmured in approval, "let's go eat!"
"Don't worry, there's plenty for everyone!" Luigi said the words like he was only referring to him and Yoshi.
Birdo was scowling at Luigi now. Yoshi saw that and immediately made a gesture that said, It's 'cause he's hungry.
"Uh, Luigi," Yoshi said, internally racking his brain for something that could help make both his friends feel comfortable with each other, "go ahead and eat. You must be pretty hungry."
"Okay," Luigi said as he took out one berry and ate it. He chewed twice, and swallowed. Then he said, "These berries are absolutely dee-lish, Yoshi! Good to know I have someone to count on, you know!" He ate another berry and continued, "Someone who—oh, I dunno—won't betray you for anyone! You're a real friend of a friend, Yoshi! Unlike some people!" His tone was pointed directly at Birdo, who was clearly fuming now.
Yoshi waved his arms frantically, his eyes on Birdo's angry expression. "Luigi, uh, please do bite your tongue!"
"A-hold it, Yoshi, I'm not done—just listen to this! You've been helping us out since our baby years, and you'd cross pools of lava for us! Oh, you're a great guy, Yoshi! At least you don't just fall for a guy who I doubt would even like you back!"
"Luigi, you should—Watch out!"
"Huh?"
The thin Mario Brother turned around just in time to see Birdo suck him in her snout, which he neatly dodged. He pointed at her accusingly, "A-ha—so it was all a set up! Don't trust her, Yoshi; you just witnessed another betrayal!"
"Actually, pal," the green dinosaur clarified, "that wasn't really a betrayal, just a violent reaction from all your ranting."
"I did not rant!"
"Well, you were trying to indirectly tear Birdo apart."
"It's not my fault it's making her feel bad."
"Okay—that's it!" Birdo turned her back on the duo and started to walk away. "I'm leaving—I don't want any part of this!"
"Wait—don't go; you just might help us!" Yoshi begged.
"Yoshi, it's only going to be hard if Luigi and I are this close to each other—it's better if I'm not around where he is."
"Exactly," Luigi snapped. "Good riddance!"
"Bye, Yoshi," Birdo said as she continued walking away. "Good luck on whatever you and Luigi are up to."
"Please, Birdo—don't go!" Yoshi begged in a higher voice.
"Nice seeing you." Luigi sneered. "Go have fun with Fawful's—Aah!"
Birdo stopped cold and spun around to see something grab Luigi. "Huh?"
Yoshi followed the direction of Birdo's stare. "What was that?"

**Original FanFiction chapter link: link