Pale hesitated...
There was a saying about hesitation.
Tycon's disappointed voice echoed in his head whenever he did-- which was far too often.
He had already made his declaration.
He knew it was the right one.
...but was it right to get everyone involved?
--did he even deserve it?
Pale steeled his expression.
"Stay back, everyone," he said. "I'll fight alone."
"Oy. Really?" Ree scowled.
Gobbuto lowered his head, "[Comrade Pale...]"
Troia had her hands against her chest, her body language communicating her confusion.
Sorry, Troia.
"Sorry, everyone. This is my fight."
All his friends were willing to help-- that was more than enough to give him the confidence he needed.
He was pretty sure that facing Tycon in single combat was the right thing to do.