Vesper Zephyr

   I had a profound experience whilst playing Pokémon Emerald today:

   A zealous trainer, I ambled amidst the thickets on Route 110, intending to give my pokémons some decent training. Suddenly then, I ran into my neighbor next door, who was also a pokémon trainer. When two trainers meet, I guess we all know what happens─BATTLE TIME! Facing this abrupt challenge, I was totally in lack of preparation, which sparked off the upcoming plight. I had six pokémon beside： Gulpin, Zigzagoon, Ralts, Aron, Shroomish and Marshtomp, whereas my adversary had three─ Wingull, Grovyle and Slugma. Now, Wingull, the first one, was completely no match for Gulpin. My venomous pokémon hurled tons of sludge at the seagull and vanquished it without sweat. But afterwards emerged Grovyle, Grovyle! It then dawned on me that I had absolutely no pokémon which possessed the elemental-vantage against him. Without doubt, that reptilian villain went on the rampage. Believe it or not, he nearly decimated my entire squad─ yes, even including my top-notch Marshtomp! Stricken with this heinous havoc, I was on the verge of a dire debacle! Yet with gumption still left within my heart, I gritted my teeth as I sent out Zigzagoon. As a normal type pokémon, Zigzagoon bore no advantage or disadvantage against Grovyle, which was his biggest asset. With a little bit of luck and some superb strategy, Zigzagoon managed to triumph over the formidable Grovyle and the feeble Slugma! I was ecstatic at the very moment of this meritorious victory, and not until then did I realize: With prudence and prowess, I actually redeemed what was otherwise a grave fiasco.

   This story teaches me some important aspects of life, especially those crucial to victory and success. I suppose I could try listing it down:
 
   First of all, victory belongs to those who are prepared. Or maybe we could say that in a not so arbitrary tone: The chances of victory are for those who are prepared. It goes without saying that the more information we know about ourselves, as well as the adversity we are faced with, the more deliberate decisions we make. And that, of course, provides us with extra probability of achievement. 
 
   Secondly, victory belongs to those who are willing to stand to the last. By that I mean: You lose only when you give up the chance of winning. Indeed, when we encounter the tormenting predicaments of life, we may struggle with fear, and at the same time begin to question our own capabilities. Yet, we mustn’t falter! If hope is the key to triumph, then mettle shall be the incentive for us to turn it!
 
   Thirdly, we must have faith and confidence in ourselves. Remember, even the lowly knight can defeat the malevolent archenemy; even teeny David can fell the gargantuan Goliath! My pokémon Zigzagoon would be the best example: Being a mediocre, normal-typed pokémon, Zigzagoon has been fed only to do some “hidden-machine tasks” such as cutting trees, moving boulders, etc. As a matter of fact, I’ve been merely expecting him to pick up some handy items for me and that’s all. But, who would have ever had the slightest idea of him winning such a hard-to-come-by victory? So, it’s true. We have to have sheer confidence in ourselves and never underestimate the flair we hold. For with it come infinite possibilities.