She Who Didn't Have a Name - By Ava Rui Qing See

Written By: Ava Rui Qing See

Category: Short Story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Ava Rui Qing See, known by the evocative writing name "She who didn't have a Name," offers readers an enchanting short story titled "She Who Didn't Have a Name." This piece, participating in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, delves into a world where birds dream of harnessing the power of the Northern Star. The narrative unfolds with a blend of fantasy and introspection, exploring themes of courage, identity, and the quest for freedom. Ava's storytelling invites readers to soar through her imaginative realm, witnessing profound transformations and timeless struggles.

About the Work

"She Who Didn't Have a Name" weaves a tale rich with vivid imagery and a captivating narrative style. The story explores the journey of a young bird, faced with the allure and burden of an extraordinary destiny. It is a poignant reflection on power, heritage, and self-discovery, set against a backdrop of mythical elements. The mood oscillates between hope and tension, as Ava Rui Qing See crafts a world where the mystical Northern Star influences the fate of its inhabitants, highlighting the eternal dance between light and shadow.

She who didn't have a Name

Original Submission by Ava Rui Qing See

SHE WHO DIDN’T HAVE A NAME

“Once upon a time, there was a bird.” I listened intently to my mother, her alluring voice inviting me into a realm of fantasy. “She loved the freedom of the skies but could never fly, afterall the dangers of the world prevented her from doing so.”

“Aww, will this story have a good ending?” I asked, squirming in the nest while staring up at her small figure, illuminated by the blue soft light from the blue moon. She sighed, her tail brushing in languid strokes.

“Yes yes, my child. It will.” She reassured me, her dark eyes peering into mine. “It will.”

“Finish it! Finish it!” I begged, jumping in excitement. I really loved stories, the taste of unreality was addicting to any young bird.

“Of course. One day, this bird got brave, and dared to venture out of the trees, and flew above into the skies. That night was the night of the Northern Star and everything was bathed in gentle light. She was having the time of her life, being so free.” My mother closed her eyes, as if imagining the scene. “But, just as she thought she was safe, a roar ripped through the air and she saw- a dragon approaching at terrifying speed.”

“No Mama- don’t continue the story.” I whispered, dread sweeping into my mind. “I don’t want her to die.”

“She won’t,” My mother reassured. “That is because at that moment, she harnessed the powers of the Northern star, and blasted the evil creature with such light, that it was vanquished!” She raised her wings as if mimicking the defeat of the dragon, and fell backwards.

“I want to be like her!” I immediately chirped. “Powerful and defending the birds against the dragons with the magic of the Northern Star!”

“Yes yes, you will be like her. You will be like Iris, the first harnesser of the Northern Star” My mother promised, brushing my head with a wing. “Now go to bed, little one. You need your rest.” I settled down in the nest, getting comfortable in the prickly twigs and squishy moss.

“Yes Mama.” I fell asleep, dreaming of the solace of flight and the views of the horizons above.

Even seasons later, I never forgot Iris’s story. Like every other member of our little community, we prayed to be the first Northern Star harnesser in generations, but nobody’s wishes ever got answered by Qhualhul, one of the seven gods.

I flew among the frosted trees, gliding effortlessly. The snow fell gently, brushing against my feathers. My dream never came true and I didn’t mind at this point. Afterall, it was peaceful and

that was all I dared to ask for. I entered the camp, watching the bustling movement of birds all around, performing specific tasks to keep the place running and in good condition. “Welcome back, my child.” My mother greeted, smiling at me as I landed. “Did you find any berries?”

“Unfortunately not.” I sighed solemnly. “This year’s winter is harsh.” My mother nodded sadly in agreement. “At least the skies and forest looks incredibly beautiful, covered in this snow. It costs nothing to admire it.” I beamed at her, hoping she’d agree. She also loved the scenery of these woods, as she had mentioned to me multiple times when I was younger and times were better.

My mother shook her head. “It may be beautiful, but it’s not good for us. If we had less snow, we would find the berries and some- some of us would actually have meals.” She snapped, annoyed. She stalked away, tail dragging behind her. I looked down. I forgot that food was first distributed to younglings and elders, before birds like my mother. Perhaps I could find some food tonight, and bring it to her! It would make her incredibly happy. My heart lit up at the thought, and knew what I would be doing tonight. Finding her some berries.

I skipped away before the Leader hurried over, stepping in front of me. “Hello, Number 4.” The Leader hissed, his glare focusing on me. His eyes were old, you could tell, filled with wisdom and knowledge that he barely used.

“Oh hello! How can I help you?” I asked. My mother had always taught me to respect the elders and especially the Leader, who protected us and provided us with knowledge, conveying prophecies from the Northern Star.

“Tonight is the night of the Summoning and we require you to be here at moonrise. I frowned in confusion, my mind thinking of all the facts I knew of our rituals. In the past, I’d never needed to attend because I was a youngling, but did this mean they no longer considered me as one? Did

this mean I had finally grown up? All I knew was that the Summonings were strictly an adult only event, I never heard rumors or gossip of the specific activities within the gathering but it never quite bothered me, there were other ceremonies that younglings like me could attend.

“Of course.” I bowed politely. The Leader nodded but remained watching, but I still took this as my cue that I could leave before turning around and flying off, feeling the burning gaze of the Leader on my back. He made me uneasy at times, but I barely acknowledged that fact knowing that it’d be useless to be panicking around the Leader.

Soon, I was far away, further from the camp I had ever been, the trees and markings now unfamiliar. And I still didn’t find any berries. There was visibly less snow here and it felt more warm, making my feathers prickle, uncomfortable at that kind of temperature. I sighed, coming to a stop. The sun was setting and I had little time to get back. It was dangerous during the night, so I set my path, heading back to camp.

I was too lost in admiring the frozen world around me during my flight, and failed to hear the silent glide of wings behind me till I reached the camp. I landed down, the moon barely peeking

over the horizon. “Hey uh- who’s your friend there?” A bird near me asked.

“What friend-” I asked before there was a silencing growl. I froze. dragon. The bird made the mistake of screeching and beginning a messy scramble to flee. He was the first victim of the night. Blood splattered across the white snow, staining its untouched purity. The camp burst into panic as the Leader burst out of his den, in confusion before spotting the dragon.

I saw his beak moving, as if shouting frantic orders, but nobody heard them through them screaming and shrieks. Amidst the chaos, I made a dash, hoping to be able to hide in one of the dens. But I saw the dragon lurching towards my mother, she was cornered between two dens, unable to escape anywhere. Time slowed as I sped over towards the dragon, seeing the it’s ears flick back and head slowly twisting backwards and jaws opening, revealing a terrifying set of bloody teeth ready to bite, and everything went white.

I fell out of the sky and landed in a heap, trying to recover as quickly as possible in fear that the dragon would attack me. But when my vision cleared, I saw the dragon stumbling in uncoordinated circles, releasing low whines. Its eyes were closed but fluids were leaking out slowly, as it tried to cower, hiding behind its wings.

I froze, unsure of what was happening. The dragon raised its head and roared in pain, its eyes opening, not to reveal red eyes but rather gaping holes. It crouched and flew off, vanishing in the trees. I blinked, trying to process everything that just happened. A bright light was somehow summoned and managed to melt the eyes of the dragon, causing it to surrender and take off.

“What- what just happened?” A survivor gasped, shaking. The Leader stared coldly at the disappearing silhouette with knowing eyes, and looked at me.

“She just summoned the light of the Northern Star.” He numbly said, his gloomy viridescent eyes seemed defeated. I could assume every parent wanted their child to be the second Northern Star Harnesser. He crept away, his shoulders slouched and head low. I felt horrible. I didn’t want others to feel disappointed at this fact. I tried to appear smaller, pressing my wings and my tail against myself.

The camp whipped up into a frenzy, whispering about me. The second bird to harness the power of the Northern Star, they praised or grumbled about “How are you sure it was me?” I asked my mother nervously, not knowing how to feel. She reached out and grabbed my wing and dragged me behind a den.

“I saw you.” She murmured in awe, her eyes glowing with pride. She lifted her wings and held my head between them. Instead of the usual comfort, I felt uncomfortable with the desperation I could feel pulsing through her. “You raised your wings and light burst from it. My child, you are special.”

“But- I don’t want to be.” I argued, trying to pull backwards to escape. “I just want to live an ordinary life.” My mother’s talons flashed and in an instant, they were wrapped around my beak and yanking me closer to her. I froze in the sight of her aggression, something I’d never seen before.

“Look at me, Nameless.” She growled, her dark eyes prying into my soul, seemingly wrapping claws around tightly. “You are not ordinary, you are not a normal bird. You are the Child of the Stars, and will use your powers to protect the birds of this clan, like the prophecy.”

“What- what prophecy?” I whimpered, her claws digging into my beak painfully now.

“It’s time I told you, my child. We are not just a clan of birds. We are the followers of the Northern Star.” She spoke, as if this was something very normal. It indeed was not. Every story I’d heard from the elders about cults ended awfully, and I didn’t want them to suffer the same fate.

“I’m- I’m part of a cult?” I screeched, jerking backwards and freeing myself. I stumbled backwards. “All these years, I thought I lived with normal birds, but- a cult?” I shook my head, trying to get rid of the fact. “Please tell me you’re joking- you’re lying, you’re lying!” I stared pleadingly.

“No. I’m not lying.” My mother cooed. “And you are going to help me, aren’t you? You’re gonna help your poor old mother, won’t you?”

“Yes? I mean, depending on what it is?” I offered uneasily. I backed away, taking another step further. My mother noticed, and walked over calmly, cornering me.

“You’re going to help your poor old mother rise to the top.” She explained, studying my face. I felt like she no longer saw me as her child, but rather as her pawn. I didn’t want her to see me as another piece in her game. I wanted her to see me as her daughter.

“Why do you want leadership? Our current Leader is very kind.” I argued. “He treats us well.” I quite liked him as the ruler of our clan.

“Oh my dear innocent child,” My mother laughed, her head flicking upwards to face the dull skies. “Did you know how you were supposed to be at the Summonings even though you were a youngling?”

“Yes?”

“Do you know what happens in the Summonings?” She challenged me. I shook my head. “Of course you don’t. That night, they attempt to summon Qhualhul in, let's say, a very immoral way. They bring a youngling, and sacrifice them. They wait till the Northern Star is above the gathering stones, and they bring in the unknowing youngling before the Leader pounces on

them and slashes their neck, letting them bleed out.” I stared in horror. I could have been that youngling tonight.

“They wait until the youngling has bled out, and when the cold starts to make the blood icy, the Leader allows all the followers to scrape off the blood and eat it before he attempts to summon Qhualhul. It never works. They do it for fun at this rate. Everybody wants a little blood.” She crooned. I was slightly trembling as she finished. I didn’t know that the leader was so cruel. Maybe behind everyone’s eyes, there was a whole new person I didn’t know.

“Oh.” I looked down. Why was I surrounded by such malevolent birds?

“You know why they do that?” My mother sneered. “It’s because he still abides by the ancient laws set by Qhualhul. If I become leader, I will make changes to make this system less barbaric, for the better. For all of us.” She took another step towards me. She raised her wing and gently caressed my head. I flinched. “Now now, you’re going to help me, right?” She gripped my chin and tilted my face to meet her eyes. Her gaze was filled with hunger, a greed for power. I didn’t like those particular feelings, as they felt like they were clawing at one’s mind, absorbing it all.

“Y-yes, for the better, and for all of us.” I lowered my head, ashamed of what I had just agreed to.

With my power, she was able to steadily rise through the ranks. It didn’t take many moons before she won the favor of the majority of the birds, before planning an assassination of the Leader within less than a moon and taking his position. From then on, she’d send out followers to gather more birds who were willing to partake in the cult, expanding it and rewriting the laws.

Moons passed, every Summoning became a dull chore. But this time, I felt a sense of unease. I stood behind my mother, my face shrouded by a hood. She beamed at the crowd and pranced over to the center, her followers waiting in awe, their eyes sparkling with hope. “Welcome, welcome, my dear followers. We once again participate in the Summonings!” My mother announced. The crowd cheered, throwing their wings up in the air and jumping, obviously excited. It had been years of this similar procedure, I doubt anything had changed ever since my mother’s promise to improve life. Maybe she had even made it more inhumane. Towards me, even. I felt like she was no longer my mother sometimes, but rather like one of those dragons, seeking out to hurt me.

I never dared to defend myself. Retaliation led to punishment, and I hated those punishments. I sought out to avoid them. I never wanted to go through one again. I decided to focus on my mother’s words instead of dwelling in my thoughts. By not listening, there were many areas I could mess up on.

“The Northern Star seeks yet another sacrifice, repayment for the everlasting power that it gives us, the power that flows through our prophet.” The crowd continued cheering, nearly drowning

out her voice. “Step forward, prophet.” She ordered quietly, words that only I could hear. I stepped forward, into the views of all.

In the past, seeing so many optimistic birds would have encouraged me to be better, to actually be the prophet that they heard of, but this time, I shrunk under their stares. “Yet another moon, the Northern Star brings more opportunities, ones that will bring life and glory to us all.” I declared, hoping they didn’t hear the wobble and the weakness in my words.

I didn’t even know if the words that left my mouth were true, nor even mine anymore. I lifted my wings, and light swirled around playfully, creating a small orb, pulsing with light. I smiled wistfully, before sending it into the sky. It shattered into millions of glowing shards that wisped down, before I froze it all. A moment trapped in a peaceful forever. The followers went wild, exploding into cheers.

“Now, go celebrate!” My mother practically screeched, shoving past me, pushing me back into the shadows. The crowd obeyed her, going off to enjoy the food and entertainment the new Northern Star Festival brought. She watched the birds mingled off, the crowd diminished. She then turned around and stalked over, glaring at me. “Why’d you freeze the light? It was supposed to reach the followers- not freeze in the sky!” She growled, her tail flicking side to side. I stumbled backwards, glancing around to see if there was any way out of this.

“I- I’m sorry mother.” I apologized quietly, looking at her with pleading eyes. “I was in the moment and-” She struck me across the face. Pain seared through me like burning heat, its vicious claws embracing me in a hug I wanted to escape.

“You stupid little-” She snarled, her gaze blazing with hate. “-ungrateful brat! I bring you fame, shelter, I make sure you are fed and healthy and you can’t even follow simple orders?” I cowered and gently poked the area she struck, feeling something warm and wet. “Next time, you better follow your orders or else you will not receive meals for as long as I deem, and will sleep in the cold. Perhaps it’ll teach you to be more grateful and more obedient.” I nodded, remembering the last time she forced this punishment onto me. It was not something that I wanted to repeat.

“Also,” My mother hissed. “Shoo. Go back to your den. I won’t want to see you.” Her face twisted with disgust, her vision prying into every scar and wound she had left on my face.

“What about enjoying the festival, if I may ask?” I begged. It had been too long since I had experienced happiness, the feeling now strange. I didn’t care to look back into her eyes, perhaps she saw it as a sign of hostility.

“You will get none of that for ruining this Summoning. Pray that I feel more merciful in the morning, and perhaps you will receive a meal.” My mother threatened. “And keep that hood on. Nobody wants to see you.” I hurried off back to my den, a burrow which could be accessed via a

tunnel. I still took the hood off, setting it down and looking at the old puddle in my den, studying my reflection. I touched my face, the torn and matted feathers that rested on my head, the intertwining scars that overlapped. I looked wasted. I sighed, before laying down on the cold floor.

Why was my mother doing this? To benefit us all right? It didn’t seem like that anymore. It just didn’t feel right. What if she was using me? I lay there, pondering. What if? Maybe I could escape, but where would I go? I wasn’t sure what was out there. I was scared. I was scared that I could be out there. What if there was nothing more than just this cult of birds with another clan of dragons not too far, what if there was just nothing more than this frozen forest? I didn’t know. But I still prayed. I prayed to Qhualhul that my mother wasn’t just using me. I prayed to Qhualhul that everything would be alright. I prayed to Qhualhul, that maybe there was more planned to my destiny then hiding behind a cloak. I was tired from thinking.

I closed my eyes, seeking escape from this horrible night. Nearly succumbing to the peaceful darkness before a shriek rang out. My eyes popped open unwillingly and I lurched up, quickly observing my den. It obviously didn’t come from anywhere close to my den, as it was nearly inaccessible with such a tiny tunnel. I frowned. This was incredibly unusual. Did a follower get spooked by accident? I didn’t know. I headed towards the exit, squeezing out and peeked out of the tree hollow.

Birds were everywhere, scrambling away from some unknown danger. Just like the night when I had discovered my magic. That little young bird I had chatted with before the ceremony? She lay in bloody pieces, her blood leaking out like a fountain. The father who I promised his children would live well? He was being torn apart, his screeches part of some terrifyingly beautiful orchestra that played its final concert this night. So many more victims, the birds that I had “blessed”, meeting their end.

I saw my mother hiding behind one of the dens, her face filled with fear, and then I saw it, multiple dragons. I had never seen so many, as if the entire dragon clan was here, feasting on us. I fell backwards and hid behind the wall, my chest heaving. Panic filled me. Perhaps the day my mother forced me into the role of submission, the little prophet, I had lost all my will to fight. I curled up, praying for the shrieking to stop. Why wouldn’t it stop? In, out, in out. I breathed quietly. But it wouldn’t stop. The terror that lived within me started shifting, blending into something else. Another feeling. Another feeling other than regret, terror and sadness. Something more than just that, a flame igniting. I burst out of the den, and lifted my wings up before me- and let it all out.

Something for the years I lost.

Something for the ones who wanted to believe.

Something for the little bird who dreamed.

I called, and the Northern Star responded. A bright light ripped through the sky, its claws reaching for the ones who hurt us. It felt as if the atmosphere cracked. Everything had fallen silent. The dragons had stopped attacking, their eyes dripping out of their sockets instead. They whimpered in pain but I felt no remorse.

“Be gone.” I hissed, raising my wings again, feeling the light gather again. “Or repay for your crimes against us!” I was ready to blast them all again. The dragons must have understood what I demanded of them, fleeing in clumsy groups, their silhouettes lost in the endless trees. The camp remained in shock, unable to process the scene that had just been laid out.

“Who- who is that?” A bird broke the silence. The first one who spoke. I froze and touched my face. I wasn’t wearing my hood. Other birds were not too concerned, snapping out of their daze and quickly searching for their loved ones. Some of their faces lit up in wary relief, while for some, grief swamped them.

“No, this cannot be happening.” A bird cried out, in his wings cradling a little broken body. “No, no, no, no-” Other voices rang out in unison, wailing, as I flinched. My mother crawled out of whatever den she hid in, taking in the situation before her.

“Followers of the Northern Star- we must remain strong! The dragons may have gotten us this time, but next time-” She rasped, her voice frail.

“There will be no next time!” A bird screeched, stepping forward, their talons unsheathed. “Screw your stupid lies, screw you, and screw the Northern Star! This is all fake, the promises just as weak as you, hiding in the face of danger!” Roars of outrage joined, all attacking my mother. She winced and stumbled backwards.

“I’m leaving.” One of them declared, wings opening for flight. “I’m going to leave. This isn’t the heaven I was told of. I’m going to go far away from this wretched cold hell! Goodbye.” The bird whipped around and flew off. Other birds looked around before nodding in agreement and fleeing as well.

“No- no! Come back! Come back!” My mother pleaded. “Come back!” She collapsed, breathing heavily. “Qhualhul curse you all. Curse you all! Fall under the tyrant of Qhualhul, dead from their power.” I stepped out cautiously, not sure what to do. “You.” She growled. I froze. “Why didn’t you use your cursed power? It could have saved us.” She surely meant to say herself, didn’t she?

“I- I did what you taught me to.” I answered, my legs felt stuck, my body immobile apart from the light trembling.

“Cower and hide?” She snarled, glaring at me. “Like a weak little bird?”

“Yes. A weak little bird who doesn’t fight and listens to orders!” I snapped. “But I think- I believe

that I should have been stronger, I shouldn’t have listened, and I should have used my powers to do things that I want to do!” My mother laughed, shaking her head.

“You think you have a choice? You aren’t even worthy of standing beside a leader like me, let alone exist.” She giggled. “You’re just another one, another bird who harnessed the Northern Star. You aren’t even special! But I made you special, I made you worthy, I made you somebody that could be looked up to! And you go ruin it all, you ruined it all.” She closed her eyes. “I worked so hard to build you a good future, and you take it and destroy it. I wish things didn’t go this way.” I froze, considering her words. Was- was my mother correct? She was, wasn’t she?

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know.” I explained, guilt blooming in my heart. “I am sorry, please-”

“Too late to apologize.” My mother spat, tail lashing through the air. “Do you know how you can repay me? You can end this all now. It’ll benefit all of us, there is a reason why birds don’t harness the power of the Northern Star.”

“I-” Was she suggesting that I should die? I did lead to many deaths, the ones from tonight and the ones from moons ago. A murderer should die, shouldn’t they? “If- if it benefits you all, I will.” I turned around, and took off. I looked back one last time, and I saw my mother smiling softly, before she shook with laughter. I closed my eyes, trying to stop the fat tears that rolled down my cheek. This would benefit them all, harnessers like me didn’t deserve to exist. Maybe this was the last action I could do to set things right.

The deeper I flew into the woods, the temperature dropped, the cold seeping through my feathers and gripping me tightly. The skies quickly turned into darkness, a starless night. Or maybe the trees just blocked out all the stars from my sight. Little puffs of air materialized before me, and I realized that the cold was now overwhelming. The energy drained from my wings as my body raced to keep itself warm, and I felt myself drop out of the sky and flop into the soft powder snow. I wouldn’t regret this, would I? I sighed, the frigid atmosphere finally feeling a bit deathly, and I hoped it would bring me into oblivion. I trembled, my breathing uneven. I opened my beak, inhaling my last breath, ready to allow Mors’vuhk to claim me.

I was interrupted though, as I heard an ancient voice hiss into my ear. “You will not die now.” It sounded like many creatures speaking, but with one unifying voice. It sounded terrifyingly magnificent.

“Haha no- I will die.” I laughed, my words slurred.Everything was fuzzy. I couldn’t focus. I couldn’t see. I couldn’t even feel my wings, nor my heartbeat. Was this what death felt like? Nothingness? I quite liked it.

“No you won’t…” The ancient voice promised, but it sounded more like a threat, didn’t it? I opened my beak, ready to argue. Then the sky exploded. The once pitch black sky was now streaked with a falling star, countless colors wrapping around it. It looked like the embodiment of

a soul, unique and beautiful.

“Why- why is the star falling..?” I asked, not sure if anybody would answer. It sparkled and glowed brighter as it approached the forest, fading into a beautiful iris color. I watched it as it disappeared into the tall trees.

“It’s gone-”

Snow and trees erupted before I could say anything else. I first felt heat, immense heat. It blasted my body with the energy to live, even though I had no will to live. I jerked up, reacting naturally to the intensity of the fire. It blazed, illuminating the world around me.

“I told you that you wouldn’t die now.” The ancient voice cooed. “Perhaps follow the guiding spirit I have sent you, it will lead you somewhere new, where you can start over.” I froze, unsure. The last time I followed someone, it led to so many tragic deaths, and I did not want that to happen again. “Don’t worry little one, what happened to you was not meant to happen. A mistake. There are many things you have not learnt yet, and one of them is the reason why there aren’t many harnessers of the Northern Star.”

“Because they are mistakes?” I called out into the emptiness. I wanted to believe the ancient voice, but I had lost my trust not too long ago.

“No. Because they are change makers. The ones who dare to harness, they dare to lead, and bring change to this world.” The ancient voice reassured me. “So why not follow the guiding spirit?” A little spirit bird flew out of the trees, leaving a trail of white wispy light. “Who knows where it’ll take you, but I know what your future holds. Your future is good, don’t worry, little one.” I smiled, deciding to trust this ancient voice.

Taking a deep breath, I flew off after the spirit bird, its eyes a beautiful shade of iris.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 is a distinguished event hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrating the art of storytelling and poetry. Participants from around the globe contribute their unique voices and perspectives, offering a diverse tapestry of creative expression. This competition provides a platform for writers to share their work with a wider audience, fostering a community of literary enthusiasts and encouraging the exploration of new themes and genres.

Thank you, Ava Rui Qing See, for sharing your extraordinary short story "She Who Didn't Have a Name" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your narrative captivates with its rich imagination and emotional depth, inviting readers to explore a realm where dreams and reality intertwine. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to witnessing more of your literary journey.

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.