As Bali stepped out to the night, Shei turned to her father. "Why is he called the phantom?" Christian turned to his daughter and smiled. "His tactics. He strikes undetected, unexpected. We don't know when or where he will strike next. Criminals fear him for that." Christian said as he looked out into the night. "I'd like to thank him." Shei said and Christian nodded. "You'll have to find him first." Christian said turning around. "I'll ask around in the morning." Shei answered determined.
In the morning Shei set off for the library. She was looking for any information about the Phantom. The only book about him was a collection of poems by him. There was one that kind of hit close to Shei.
'Running from a shadow, waiting for light to come. Answer me gods, when will I be free from what I've become. Chasing myself through dreams and sometimes reality, when all my good deeds end in a fatality.'
Shei read the poem over and over again. She could feel the words of the poem resonating within her. She turned the page to find another poem.
'Only in the sea of trees I feel really safe, It is home for me, my own special place. The shadow that chases me, leaves me there alone, my past, my regrets: all of them are gone.'
'Sea of trees…' Shei thought. The only place that Shei knew of, was the great forest of Cucaloyin to the west of Arethusa. So, she set off towards the Cucaloyin forest. After walking for hours, she arrived at a tent with a camp-fire.
Bali watched from his tent as Shei arrived. He was not really happy about the girl following him around. However, he could deal with it. "Shei. What are you doing here?" Bali asked as his shadow cloak appeared. The noble girl jumped at the sudden voice. "I… came here looking for you. I wanted to thank you for saving me last night." Shei answered while refusing to look Bali in the eyes. Bali nodded. "I was just doing my job. Your gratitude is not required." Bali said and leaned back. "I also have some questions." Shei spoke up having gathered her bravery. "What did you mean by shadow of the past?" "You could say that that's where the phantom was born." My past… is something that I'd not get into." Bali said as he stood up.
"Can I do anything in exchange for last night?" Shei asked. "I was looking for an adventuring buddy." Bali said. "I… I can do that!" Shei said determined. "I don't doubt that. I am however aware of what you are trying to do. And all I can say is good luck. I can be denser then a rock wall." Bali pulled himself up, and the shadow cloak formed. "I am not looking for a romantic relationship." Shei mumbled, more to herself. "Sure. Keep telling that to yourself." Bali said and looked west. "Well, we better move." Bali started walking into the woods. "Wait for me!" Shei yelled and chased after Bali.