Haru has yet to regain the strength to get back onto her two feet and run, but even if she had, she didn't have the heart to leave behind someone who had come to her rescue. She drags herself back a little to ensure she's safe from the claws extending toward them, her hands too shaky to wield her own weapon yet, so instead blue flames streak across her face and a black mask appears.

In an instant she rips it off, calling: "Persona!"

Astarte emerges in an eruption of dazzling light and flame, then strikes at the cryptid trying to pull Nico into the water. She manages to crack its skull and the creature collapses, lifeless, to the ground.

The water nearby begins to bubble ominously, but nothing appears yet, helping to bide Nico and Haru's time.

"A-are you alright?" Haru sits up properly, looking over at her saviour. "Did it hurt you?"