Izzy had lost because just for a single moment, Stede had been cleverer than he was. But he was the one who had decided to leave. Though to be honest, Stede would have as well though he doesn't want to think about it. He knows he has to leave go of the softer side. Especially here. Especially now. And as much as he hates this rat bastard he knows it's true.

"Ow ow ow shit-" he follows the blade as best he can but has to let go because he doesn't actually want to lose his fingers - because how is he going to explain it to Ed for one thing? He won't be able to. And there's nowhere for any of them to go. And he's pretty much failed this which just goes to show that Ed is patronizing him for whatever reason saying he's any good at this.

"Fine. Fine, you little shit bag. But if you hurt him I'll make you regret it. And don't think killing me is going to do anything either because I'll keep coming back and I won't rest until-- you regret it." Damnit.

He does his best not to bleed on himself as that's going to raise questions. He's going to need more than bandaids... but he's sure as hell not going to John for this. He'll figure out something and maybe no one will even notice once it stops bleeding. He watches it drip to the deck, feeling slightly ill, trying to ignore the chill that's gripped him. He might have lost but he refuses to feel afraid of this.

"Good. Fine. Keep him safe. Watch his back." Better than Stede can. "And let him be whatever he wants to be because that's what he needs right now. This ship doesn't need Blackbeard. No one can die. It won't work and he'll just tire himself. It needs someone better."

And that person will be Ed. He's sure of it.