Tree's Roots/Chapter 8

==Chapter description==
:Tree is doubtful of catching prey by pretending to be a bush. Root tells Tree to take the mouse back, while he continues hunting. The yellow tom reflects on what he learned from Root and wills himself to talk to the earth, believing he is mature enough. Tree is wary of Root's presence as he knows his father does not like the mentioning of Moonlight and the Sisters. Thinking Root isn't here, Tree listens to the earth but fails, and hears Root approaching. His father questions him, and Tree attempts to explain the Sisters' tradition for toms. Root encourages Tree to be himself and tells him they should be together for longer, for Tree to learn how to survive. The younger tom realizes Root doesn't want him to leave.
:Root explains he brought Tree with him because hunting rabbits requires two cats, and after seeing two rabbits, they agree to go for the bigger one. Tree crouches into a low pose and leaps, luring it to where Root is hiding. Root launches himself out and they both kill the rabbit, and Tree's father praises him. Tree comments to eat here, when he and Root smell fox. The fox leaps out and bites Tree's shoulder but he slashes at the fox's belly, remembering what Root taught him. Together, they fight the fox and Tree realizes their victory is near, when he slips and freezes. Root launched himself between his son and the fox, clawing its eyes as it ran away. He falls and Tree offers to bring him herbs for Root's wounds, but Root tells Tree he's dying, and he wants to be with him. Tree's heart shatters but stays while Root loses lots of blood, apologizing. Root tries to speak but soon dies, and guilt washes over Tree. He believes Moonlight has always wanted to teach him a lesson: to be alone. 
==Characters==
===Major===
===Mentioned===
==Notes and references==
Category:Chapter subpages
Category:Novellas
Category:Tree's Roots