The rhinoceros couldn't adjust its charge midway through the attack. Too much momentum built up. Too much mass moving too fast to change course.
It continued in a straight line toward where the lion had been hoping to hit on time.
But the lion moved laterally in the last second with perfect timing.
Clean evasion.
The rhinoceros thundered past through empty space.
And while it was passing, the lion attacked the exposed flank.
Claws raking across the armored hide. Not deep penetration, the rhinoceros's skin was too thick for that. But at least superficial damage that would accumulate over time.
The rhinoceros wheeled around with surprising agility for its size. Attempted to ram again with renewed determination.
Same result. Light blinding at the last moment. Lateral dodge. Attack to the flank as it passed.
And again.
And again.
Dozens of times during the following minutes in a repetitive pattern.
