She sighed tiredly as she stared out towards the Coliseum, and not even the bright morning sky could lift her burdened spirit. Worry and fear had settled into her heart, and the nightmares from last night still haunted her already troubled mind. She didn't know what to make of the situation, not without being overloaded with pessimism and uncertainty. The sound of quiet footsteps behind her told Nokama that someone was drawing near, and it wasn't long after that she heard Lhikan speak.

"How is your shoulder? Better than your burdened heart, I hope." The Toa of Water sighed quietly, still gazing at the Coliseum as she replied.

"It's better than it could be, though I find it hard to focus on while four of us face death." The tone in her voice proved her lack of sleep, and it seemed to concern Lhikan greatly.

"You couldn't sleep last night, could you?" He asked grimly, looking her over with mild worry evident on his face. Nokama shook her head.

"Every time I fell asleep, some new horror would surface to try and scare me. I hardly slept at all… but that doesn't matter presently. What matters is that the children are as ready as they can be for what we are about to attempt." The Toa Mangai sighed quietly, gently resting a hand on her healthy shoulder.

"Your health is important as well, Nokama. That's why I don't want you coming along on this mission." The Toa of Water looked up at him in shock, her orange eyes full of confusion and obvious alarm.

"But… But Vakama's in there! I have to make sure he's okay!" She protested. "What if he's hurt, or dying, or something else like that!" Lhikan sighed, turning and looking directly into her eyes.

"That's exactly why I don't want you coming. Not only have you had next to no sleep, but you are still healing, and will be an easy mark for any of the Makuta. It's just too dangerous for you in the condition you're in. Matau will be staying back as well." Nokama's face went pale.

"B-but you can't go alone with just six children! You won't be much better off then the Successors will!" Lhikan looked towards the Coliseum again.

"I won't be alone."

"But if you aren't going alone, who's going with you?" A mysterious half-smile tugged at the older Toa's lips.

"Someone who wants to come clean of his past actions. Knowing him, he isn't about to pass up a fight like this. Not when he already helped your Brother find the Archives."

"Wait… you mean that masked person?" Lhikan didn't answer. "Isn't he a Makuta?"

"Certainly not. Were he a true Makuta, he wouldn't have even come in here."

"But he can't be a Matoran, he's far too powerful! He uses the shadows as easy as he breathes!" The Toa Mangai's smile grew faintly as he nodded.

"You're correct. He isn't a Matoran either. You're getting closer though. Keep guessing." Nokama thought for a while in silence, trying to figure it out. Mostly just voicing her thoughts, she mumbled.

"Surely he's not a Toa… It just wouldn't work…" Lhikan chuckled quietly.

"That's what I first thought when Toa Tuyet started going mad. Now look how she turned out. With that in mind, keep trying." Nokama looked up at him again.

"Is it even possible for a Toa to wield the shadows?" He didn't answer. "…who is he anyway?" There was a long pause before she got a response.

"He is my son." He said finally. "Just as Vakama is." Nokama's jaw dropped.

"But…why didn't Vakama say anything?"

"He didn't know. Mihkoro only found out because Teridax told him when he was old enough to understand. But bloodlines aren't important right now. What matters now is that the children are ready. I've already made their armor. It's light, but should be enough to protect them through this. Matau's helping them get geared up." He paused before continuing. "How did element practice go yesterday?"

"It went well I guess. Tahu managed somehow to set himself on fire, but that was the most eventful thing." She paused, blinking. "Wait a minute…did you say Matau was helping the children?" Lhikan nodded.

"Yes. Matau seemed more than capable for the job, and I wanted to check on you."

"How well do you know Matau?"

"I know he's a sensible and reasonable Toa." Nokama groaned, shaking her head a bit and briefly closing her eyes.

"You are so misguided… come on, let's make sure they haven't broken anything yet." She turned and started off, only to hesitate moments later and ask.

"Where are they anyways?" Lhikan, still looking perplexed, took the lead.

"I'll show you… How am I misguided?"

"You'll see when we get there."