A Needletail Through Time - By Akithya De Costa

Written By: Akithya De Costa

Category: Sci-Fi/Folk Journal entry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, Akithya De Costa presents "A Needletail Through Time," a captivating entry in the Creative Writing category. This imaginative narrative invites readers on an extraordinary journey through time, blending elements of science fiction and folklore. De Costa's tale of transformation and discovery unfolds in a world where the boundaries of reality and time are blurred, offering a unique glimpse into the possibilities that await beyond the present.

About the Work

"A Needletail Through Time" is a rich tapestry of vivid imagery and intriguing concepts, where the protagonist encounters a surreal world filled with alebrijes and futuristic landscapes. The story's mood is both whimsical and introspective, as it explores themes of identity, change, and the impact of small actions on the broader course of history. De Costa's skillful use of language and creative narrative style crafts a compelling tale of wonder and exploration.

Needletail Through Time

Original Submission by Akithya De Costa

A Needletail Through Time

12/4/2025

I paddle my boat across the murky creek until I spot a pale, teal glow in the distance. As I paddle closer, the glow brightens, revealing a bright yellow door with a blinding teal aura, standing on a blue platform. I dock my little boat and step foot on to the platform where, with every step I take, outlines of alebrijes shine faintly on the floor. Soon, I’m right in front of the door. It seems to beckon me:

"Come on! You need to experience this, Mija!"

Tía Lula? Is that you? It sounds too sweet to be her, though. Hesitantly, I place my brown hand on the doorknob, and in one slow, gentle turn...

12/4/2428

The teal aura flares - then vanishes. Did I just fall through time? I open my eyes. My vision is blurred as the sun glares down upon me. Alebrije drones gape as I slowly get back to my senses. My body aches as if I’ve fallen a thousand feet. I get up and check my arms and legs for scratches, just to find out I now have iridescent wings for arms, and my legs were now measly rods of metal. I hastily try to stand up but don’t feel any farther from the ground. I’ve always been short, but this was absurd!

Murmurs ripple around me.

“Who is that?”

“It's a white-throated needletail!”

“How did a needletail get here?”

Except, I’m not actually white; rather a myriad of brilliant hues of purple, blue, green; you name it! I’m… an alebrije. Around me, are Leandro, Jovi, Ezra, and all the other alebrije drones. Odd.

"Where am I? And…and what year is it?" I ask, dazed. Leandro steps forward. "You’re in La Cuna, 2428 but-’’

I jump in shock. “2428? Gosh, it’s been four centuries!”

Leandro stares in bewilderment. “Yes, but I haven't seen you before. Your name?”

“Akithya.” More murmurs.

"From?"

"Sri Lanka."

“Tiene sentido eso. Haven't seen you around Pocatel before."

I glance around. A large stream gurgles behind me, and little kids romp around, but the yellow door is nowhere in sight. “Where’s the door?"

"What door?” Leandro asks.

"The big yel- never mind."

Then, I see the fields, blanketed in a vibrant medley of fresh produce. I stare in awe.

“¿Hermoso, no?" Leandro’s lips turn up in a smirk

"Very her…mo...so."

He chuckles. Just then, Ezra swoops down beside me.

“Try flying." He crows.

I jump, flap my metallic wings, and plunge into the raw, sunbaked ground. I catch Ezra trying to bite back a laugh that danced just behind his eyes. I sulk, though I know they can't see it.

"Oh wow, so graceful.”

Annoyed, I jump, flap my metallic wings, prepared to face the dirt again. But this time, I’m flying. Flying! I soar higher and higher until the people down below became mere specks. Ezra joins me, but I outpace him, cutting through the sky like a comet. It’s amazing. I feel truly free, completely untethered, gliding through the endless blue.

20/4/2428

A couple of days pass. Ezra, Jovi, Leandro, Gabi and I bask by the babbling stream when a small, red 13% floats in front of me, and a voice declares:

“You have one minute remaining in your sentence.”

Time to recharge. I sip the glassy water - then, a fierce wind pierces the air, and the blue platform reappears before me. On it, was the same yellow door, however, the teal aura is gone. The door yawns open to reveal… the creek.

“¿Qué es eso?" mumbles Leandro, in confusion.

I sigh. “I think it's time for me to go.”

Ezra’s wings droop; his pride snuffed out like a candle in the wind. I force a smile, though my tiny metal heart feels heavy. Flying up to the platform, I call out "This isn’t goodbye! Just… bye-bye! Do remember one thing, though,” I glance at Leandro, “‘The smallest flap of wings can change the course of history.’ Trust me, it will.”

12/4/2025

I'm back in my room. Surprisingly, not a day has passed. I walk to my bookshelf and grab Alebrijes. My voice traces the words:

"The smallest flap of wings can change the course of history.”

I know it’s true, and my flap of wings probably changed something too.

Footnotes:

Mija – Darling

Tía Lula – Aunt Lula

La Cuna – The Crib/Cradle; a setting in the book

Tiene sentido eso – That makes sense

¿Hermoso, no? – Beautiful, no?

¿Qué es eso? – What’s that?

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, showcases diverse voices from around the world. This platform celebrates the creativity and originality of writers, offering a space for participants to share their unique stories and perspectives. The competition is a testament to the power of words and their ability to transcend boundaries, inviting readers and writers alike to explore new realms of imagination.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Akithya De Costa for sharing the remarkable story "A Needletail Through Time" with us. Your participation in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 adds a unique voice to the creative tapestry we celebrate. We look forward to seeing more of your imaginative work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.