~Steven POV~

As soon as the instructed yelled out, Alex quickly began to charge at me. I block his attacks the best I could and strike at him! Alex moved to the side a couple of inches causing me to miss. I then turn and lunge but I missed again! "Too slow.", Alex taunted. I'm at a rough start and I need to come up with a strategy and fast. He continued to lunge at me but I kept dodging and blocking. I couldn't think straight like this! "Are you going to keep dodging?", Alex asked getting annoyed. Hmmm he's fast and he'll block anything I throw at him. Wait, I can try to use his own speed to take him down! It will be like a false swipe, I'll act out as if I'm going to attack. I'll move and attack from the the other side catching him off guard, perfect! If that doesn't work, I'll just keep dodging and blocking until he gets tired out. I then break myself out of my thoughts. I catch my breath and charge at him, putting my plan into motion! I lunge at him and he raises his sword up to counter my move. I then lower myself, spin and then strike! It worked. Yayy! We began to battle intensely. Well in my opinion it was intense. Alex's swift strikes were becoming less often. I think that's because of the injury I cost him.
A few more minutes passed. I was getting tired but Alex didn't seem as tired as I was. I'm not really used to this. What should I do? Should I keep on going and hopefully tire him out and make the final strike? Yeah, that seems like a good idea. I forced myself to charge at him. I raised my sword to strike him. A flame of determination burned within my chest. However, it was soon put out. He also raised his sword and hit my sword. It flew out of my hands. I stumbled backwards and fell onto the ground. Alex had his sword pointed toward my face dramatically. Dramatic, much?
"The victor is Alex!", Professor Jona announced. The class cheered for the victor as usual. I stood up and walked back to my spot with Ross and Rosario. I should have tried harder.

~Timeskip after Class~ ~Rosario POV~

I managed to catch up to Steven. I wanted to congratulate him. He may have lost but he showed lots of effort and it looked like he was using his head. "Hey Steven.", I greeted. He didn't seem to hear me and looked upset. Should I try to help him or not? If I talked to him, would it just make it worse? "You did good out there.", I said hoping it will make him feel better. It didn't. "No I didn't. I lost.", he responded. "We all loose in the beginning.", I added. "Our losses is what we learn from. They may hurt but later on, they're what make us stronger and wiser at the end.", I told him. "Rosario, I know your trying to help me but you're not. Just leave me alone.", Steven said. "But!", I butted. "Just go...please. I need some time alone.", he begged in sorrow. I sighed. "Alright", responded and with that I left to my next class.