They told him it was pride he forgave them and moved on. They kept it up all the bad attitudes and mouthing people behind their back. He told them straight up to their face he wasn't running but when he stood up against them, they knew they had no power or say over him.  
He moved in the light while they'd sneak around in the darkness. He wasn't afraid of the dark it was second nature.

It would never be a one on one. They'll slander his name bad mouth his reputation trying to influence others to see the worse when they dk him. That's why he chose to be a lone wolf not able to trust anyone over all the lies when he was loyal and true now a days its a lost value.