When he hits the tree John holds on for dear life, but thankfully his claws (and crab claw?) hold fast against it. The slash on his arm is still bleeding, blood trickling into the fur and the pain is not helping his grip. He can hold on for some time, but it's not going to be forever.

His tail lashes back and forth as he actually does consider that.

"See, while that's a good point, I'm more likely to get killed by you now. I'll take my chances with Dogtown."

A beat.

"Listen, you don't have to kill me. Besides, I bet the Hunt will give you extra special brownie points for scaring a fellow Avatar. You can't scare me if I'm dead, so."