Helios had no other choice but to fight the lion. Because the moment he shows his back, it will start chasing him towards the ends of the island.
Helios grabs his staff and points it at the lion's face declaring he won't back down, as he quickly slides down from the tree and enters into a fighting stance.
The lion roared, producing a shock wave that throws Helios a few feet back. Then the lion pounces Helios, but he was able to roll his body on time, barely dodging the lion's claws by a hairbreadth.
The lion landed and the impact of its paws created small craters that blew off the pieces of dirt it hit. This made Helios very worried concerning the strength of his opponent.
Seeing that its prey was able to evade its pounce, the lion vigilantly observes Helios as it started circling around him searching for an opportunity to strike. While Helios remains his guard up, trying to think of a way to beat it; or if not, manage to escape in one piece.