"I, uh..." he began softly, brows knitting as he licked his lips. "...'M not gonna win. Against Ribbon. I'm... I can't win." He dropped his eyes as he spoke, rather afraid of what the elders reaction would be, shifting his weight from side to side. There was no shame in his voice, which one might expect from the boy having to admit he would lose. There was, curiously enough, no fear either, no desire to back out of the fight.
He steeled himself, glancing back to Sean for assurance before he again watched Jason with worried eyes, waiting. He was sure it would not be a good reaction, he was just wondering how bad of one it would be. "I jus' wanna put on a good show. 'M not gonna win an' 'm gonna come outta it hurt. I uh... Ya should know..."