No, he wasn't getting away from it that easily. It lowered itself until it was a mere inch above the ashes. Then it reached out with one small paw, and brushed some of it away. It wasn't interested in hurting the other. Maybe play with him a bit, but that was about it.
It was so close Chi almost tried to run. But that thing would no doubt just follow him. And then he would be dinner. He tried to dig through the sand for more protection. The monster would eventually get bored and leave, right?