For Nothing - By Kaylinn

Written By: Kaylinn

Category: Horror/Gothic fiction

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the gripping narrative "For Nothing," Kaylinn delves into the depths of horror and gothic fiction, contributing to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This haunting tale navigates the harrowing themes of loss, grief, and the fierce resolve to protect the innocent. As part of the competition's Creative Writing category, Kaylinn's work explores a chilling yet deeply human story, capturing the essence of resilience amidst despair.

About the Work

Kaylinn's "For Nothing" encapsulates a raw and evocative exploration of grief and the human spirit's endurance. Through vivid imagery and a haunting narrative style, the story immerses readers in a world where the protagonist, Elia, faces unimaginable loss. The narrative is imbued with gothic elements and emotional intensity, highlighting the protagonist's inner turmoil and unwavering resolve to seek justice. The work's poignant atmosphere and striking visuals leave a lasting impact.

For nothing

Original Submission by Kaylinn

For Nothing

Content Warning: Child death, violence, grief

Looking down at her tiny body sprawled across the floor, her head at an unnatural angle, Elia had the sudden realization that it was all for nothing. All the pain and suffering they had endured was for nothing. Leaving behind, losing an arm, half of her makeshift army had lost everything, their homes and families.

For nothing.

Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she felt the first tear slide down her face onto her lip. Lifting her hand, she touched her cheek and stared at the wetness coating her fingers. It shocked her. It had been so long since she cried she thought she was no longer capable of something so human. She hadn't felt human in a long time, but now all she felt was raw, scraped to the bone type of raw.

Falling to her knees, she cradled the little girl's body and pulled her close, sobbing into her hair, her hands touching every part of her body.

"I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry," she whispered, her voice thick with grief. "I failed you, I failed all of you." After a few moments she lifted her head and looked down at the girl. "So young," she thought.

It was all wrong. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen. It was all her fault... if she hadn't —

But before she could finish her thought, a pair of hands grabbed her by the shoulder and roughly pulled her away from the body. Dizzy and in shock, she turned towards the person who so rudely interrupted her moment of mourning and self-pity.

She noticed his tattoos first, the blue flames that covered his entire shoulder.

It was Sir Axel.

He was shaking her. It looked like he was shouting, his face red and blotchy, and she noticed the sweat on his lip above his bushy mustache, but she couldn't hear over the ringing in her ears. She could feel her heart beating out of her chest. Everything felt fuzzy and yet he kept shaking her.

"Do you hear me!" he snapped, breathing harshly, his chest heaving. "You need to leave. Leave the girl and run." He was aggressively pointing to the door as if to emphasize his point. "They'll come back," he kept screaming.

Finally registering what the man was saying, she snapped out of her grief. Looking around, she saw the faces of a dozen other little girls staring back at her with pure fear written over their faces, their small bodies huddled together, pale and shivering, looking at her to save them, like she promised.

She couldn't break. Not yet. Not until they were all safe. Then she could take a moment to feel this loss, but not now.

Turning back to the body of the fallen girl, she kissed the tips of her fingers and placed it on the girl's forehead. She sent up a silent prayer.

"Please let her find peace and tell her I'm sorry I didn't do more, sorry I couldn't save her, but I promise they'll pay for what they did to us and they'll pay a hundred times over. I vow never to rest until they're all dead and rotted. Until Visenya is dead and rotted."

Removing her jacket, she gently placed it over the girl's body.

Standing, she faced the children and tried to think of a way out. The main entrance was blocked by the explosion, her heart sank, the same explosion that killed the girl. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she remembered the staircase just behind the library doors that led to the back exit just behind the manor. The library was just a few doors away. They could make it. She could save them. All she had to do was get them to the library, down the stairs and out into the woods. From there she knew her way around. She would be able to lose Visenya.

With newfound strength she wiped her tears, faced the man and said, "I need you to make sure the coast is clear. Show no mercy. If anyone tries to stop us, I want you to cut them down."

The man grunted and gave her a smile, as if he had been waiting for this, waiting to find her strength and strike back. He turned in the direction she asked and stormed away. That took her a little by surprise, she didn't think he'd be any help but deciding not to dwell on that since it worked in her favor, she faced the kids once more. Smiling gently, she motioned for them to keep quiet and follow her.

Slowly they made their way to the door, but not without struggle, since most of the girls were malnourished and weak. Some could barely keep their little bodies up, but slowly and together they made their way towards the library when she heard a soul-crushing scream, the snapping of bones and the squashing sound of someone getting ripped apart. They weren't alone.

Stifling a scream, she pushed the kids through the nearest door, quickly locking the deadbolt. She frantically looked around the small room they found themselves in, trying to find a weapon, anything that could do damage, when she saw an emergency axe sitting on the wall above the small window.

The knob of the door handle started rattling and the sound of someone throwing their weight against the door, with every intention of getting inside.

Some of the girls started screaming. All of them were crying now, not that it would do them any good.

Jumping onto what seemed to be an abnormally small table, she grabbed and pulled the axe out.

Hands trembling, she clutched the weapon and lifted her head high. A calmness washed over her.

This ends tonight.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar is a prestigious platform celebrating diverse voices in literature. This competition seeks to inspire writers worldwide to explore their creativity and share compelling stories across various genres. Participants engage in a vibrant community of storytellers, contributing their unique perspectives to the global literary landscape.

Thank you, Kaylinn, for sharing your poignant and powerful narrative, "For Nothing," in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your exploration of grief and resilience within the realm of gothic fiction adds depth and emotion to the competition. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your compelling storytelling.

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.