Turns out that Moonside was just the stock room of the cafe, and the Evil Mani Mani statue was causing illusions! With the statue busted, we head out and learn the art of teleportation from a wise man who lives in a labrynth of caverns with a bunch of monkeys.
From there we rush back to Monotoli's building in Fouside, beat up his security robots, and meet the Runaway Five again as they help us defeat a rather lame and clumsy guard-bot.
Monotoli hands Paula back, who is rather understanding and patient considering she's twice been kidnapped. He explains that he was driven to act under the influence of the statue, and tells us to use his helicoptor to advance our journey.

I think I might finally be about halfway through this game. Phew!
I wonder if I can keep this up?