When Maui informed Moana about how the crab was giving thought as to whether he'd stay or not, it was no surprise that she claimed to support whichever decision he made.

Do they really think this is okay?

Am I the only one considering the possible repercussions, here?

… That seems backwards.

But still.

Ugh. This decision shouldn't be as hard as it is. There's literally only two options, why can't he make up his mind? Why was this eating at him so much these days? It's such a damn simple question. Surface or Lalotai?

If I stay on the surface, it'll look like I'm dependant on them. Gross. I don't need to depend on anybody but myself.

… But I do enjoy their company. Hnng.

And if I go back to Lalotai, I have to go back to that extremely damaged reputation. Also gross.

Buuut I'm still one of the most powerful monsters down there. Reputations can easily be rebuilt if I've got the strength to do so. Also there's way more treasure down there.

… But in hindsight, it's... lonely there…

Eugh. Why am I even thinking about all this when Nafiira could attack at any time? Don't you have more important things to worry about, Tamatoa?

With an irritated sigh, the crustacean plopped his head into the sand. This is annoying. Caring about other people is annoying. Fuck this shit.

"Uhh… You okay over there?" Maui called from the edge of the beach with his hook slung over his shoulder. Moana stood next to him, also looking concerned.

Tamatoa slackly waved a claw at them as a yes, not looking up.

"Welllll, we were going to head up to the village for some supplies. Wanna come?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Ehhh… No thanks." The crab answered with little to no enthusiasm. "I'm perfectly happy beneath my tree." Screaming at myself, he added silently. "You won't let your hook out of your sight, right?"

"Eh. Suit yourself." Maui said with a shrug. "And don't worry, crab cake. Moana and I are ready for anything." With that, he headed up the village path.

"We'll be back soon!" Moana assured Tamatoa before chasing after the demigod.

That settles that, then… He figured, shuffling in the sand a bit to get comfortable before laying back down. Might as well get some shut-eye while they're gone.

But the nap didn't last long. The crab awoke to the sound of something arriving on the beach shore. Several somethings. And shouting?

Tamatoa shot up immediately, claws snapping as he expected an onslaught of monsters. What he saw instead was somehow much more terrifying, and he froze up as the terror struck him.

Boats.

Humans.

Moana's humans.

There was a lot of them. Two large boatfuls. Chief Tui was among them; the man seemed to recognize the crab from the Heart story that Moana told, and he looked furious.

Nononono, this can't be happening again…! Tamatoa turned to run, but only to see that he had already been heavily surrounded by armed humans. Trying to step over them would run the risk of crushing them by mistake. He was stuck.

"Where is my daughter?! What have you done to her?!" Tui shouted, brandishing a spear at the monster crab.

The crustacean couldn't respond. All at once, everything was overwhelming his mind. The flashbacks were the worst part. Not knowing how to process everything going on, the crab started to break down, covering his face with his claws as he cowered in the sand. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…!" The rushed apologies were barely audible through his panicked breathing.

A few of the humans started launching weapons at Tamatoa, dead set on making the monster pay for whatever he's done to their Moana. The crab made no attempt to deflect the attacks, staying unmoving where he was aside from the uncontrollable trembling. He couldn't do this again. He dreaded the thought of how Moana and Maui would react if he retaliated.

They're going to hate me, they're going to kill me, I can't do this—

"Stop! Stop it!" Moana shouted, running down to the scene as fast as she could. Maui beat her there, flying in front of Tamatoa as a hawk, then shapeshifting back to his humanesque form as he deflected some oncoming spears.

Tamatoa, panicking at the flash of blue, shrank back fearfully. "I-I-I d-didn't touch t-them, I s-swear—!" He would have been more annoyed at his own stuttering if he could process his own thoughts at the moment.

Maui, realizing the crab was thinking back on what happened with those other humans, immediately dropped the hook. "Hey, hey, it's okay…! I know you didn't!" As he tried to reassure the mess of a crustacean, Moana quickly ran to the pair's side.

"Moana…! You're okay!" Tui exclaimed, eyes widening in surprise and relief upon seeing her.

"Uh, yes? I've been sending you messages, haven't I?!" She bit her tongue, realizing she probably shouldn't be sounding so hostile; she was the one who didn't tell them about having Tamatoa with them in the first place, so this was partially her fault. "Sorry, Dad… It's just…" Moana glanced at the crustacean worriedly. "Well, I have a lot to fill you in on…"