Sleepless I dream of the day [m]

When he caught hold of the leg, he meant to pull it aside to once more try and knock his opponent to his side, but before he could, Charon's jaws connected with his wounded head.  Immediate and intense pain rocketed from the tattered ear and Dante jerked out of instinct.  The move was not deft as it would have been, and was accompanied by his own legs bending as he released his hold, a hiss of pain escaping.

He wasn't able to maneuver when surprised so by the pain, so when Charon did fall, he took Dante with him.  Unfortunately for him, Charon actually landed partially atop.  Cursing the clumsy move, Dante struck out with his forepaws and hind legs, aiming to gouge and eliminate any intentions Charon might gain of pinning him more firmly.  He would hopefully now be able to give himself enough space to thrash his way to his feet, or into any situation aside from the current.