Ever have nighttime dreams that stick with you? They linger in the back of your mind because you’re trying to figure out why in the world you had such a crazy dream? I had one like that this week.
I don’t remember the start of the dream. I just know something was going down that was incredibly dangerous. The only thing that makes sense is that a worldwide invasion was occurring because I remember running through a suburb with people my age or a little bit younger trying to get people out of their homes and to a safer area. The suburb was the initial spot where the monsters–or whatever they were–were appearing.
At one point, I happened to look at the sky and what I saw in the distance stopped me in my tracks. Two dragons battled it out on the horizon. I knew what was invading the world the moment I saw them. One was a Draconified Demon King and the other was the Light Dragon. Two dragons from one of my favorite video games: The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom. I haven’t played the game in a couple months so I’m not sure why they showed up in my dream.
Not long after I spot the dragons, I realize the Light Dragon is flying right toward us. Falling out of the sky. Defeated in the battle against the Demon Dragon. I screamed her name and shoved people back as the Light Dragon’s long body slams into the ground. Dust and debris fly. Houses are destroyed. Before anything settles, I ran to her, yelling the Light Dragon’s name. Yet, she doesn’t respond. Her glistening scales are covered in blood, and her radiant eyes don’t open. Other people wander up, staring in shock as they don’t know what to do to help her. Meanwhile, the Demon Dragon approaches.
A desperate thought goes through my mind. In a different Zelda game, the Light Dragon has the ability to share her spirit to help a dying friend. I laid my hand on the Light Dragon and hoped I could do the same. People start gasping. Some shout at me to stop, but when I open my eyes…
I’m the Light Dragon.
The Demon Dragon lets out a roar and I rise to the challenge, but I’m not strong enough. The Demon Dragon beats me down every time I try to gain altitude. I can’t get high enough to take advantage of its bulky size. To my relief, the brave people of the suburb come to my aid. The Light Dragon is smaller and faster than the Demon Dragon. I’m able to weave through the houses of the suburb and lead the Demon Dragon to where brave people on rooftops wait to jump on its back and assault its weak points. The people are able to land several damaging hits on the Demon Dragon and I get enough distance ahead to take the battle to the sky.
My alarm clock goes off.
I’ll never know how the battle in the sky would’ve gone. I’ll never know if the world gets saved or if it succumbs to my favorite villain. You can leave the rest to imagination. I love dreams like this. Not the whole “cliffhanger ending” part, but the action, the adventure, the making a difference, living in a fantasy aspect. I’m sure there’s a novel that could be written from this. It’s one of the reasons I’m writing it down. However, there’s a bigger lesson to be learned.
The Demon Dragon is a giant, daunting beast that would scare anyone into running away or giving up hope. Yet, the Light Dragon, a smaller, frailer dragon rose to fight it. Inspired by her courage, I stepped up to fight it, but neither of us could beat the Demon Dragon alone. She needed help and I gave it. I needed help and the brave people of the suburb stepped up. Working together, I believe we would’ve won.
Some things I struggle with is asking for help, and trusting people enough to have my back. It’s something I’m trying to work on. Life may not have literal dragons, but some things on the horizon can be just as daunting. It’s better to not face those things alone.
nikki diekemper 