Dear Diana

"Today, February 14th, 2028, marks one month since humanity was given a second chance. This morning on news channel 59 we are going to discuss how the nuclear apocalypse was mysteriously averted, and what it all means. Stay tuned...

Over the past five years humanity has watched nervously as tensions between the World Powers continued to rise. It wasn’t until January 14th, 2028, however, that the earth would finally realize how easily World War 3 could unfold. While there is no evidence as to who fired first, what we do know is that a domino effect immediately followed, as hundreds of nuclear warheads were unleashed in retaliation. All around the globe, the sound of alarms could be heard as the human race collectively prepared for the inevitable fallout.

A fallout that thankfully never occurred. Instead, somehow, the nukes had all been disabled mid-air before getting a chance to detonate. To this day, there hasn’t been an inconclusive answer as to how this was possible.

Is this proof of Divine intervention?

Lets turn to the viewers and ask, what is your take on what happened that fateful day? Divine intervention, a miracle or something else? Let’s hear your thoughts-"

Boom!!!

One loud thud is all it takes to wake up Dan and get him to his feet. Instinctively, he grabs his journal, feels for his locket and then jumps out the window. The glass shatters to a million pieces but he has no time to stop and see if he is hurt. He has to keep moving.

Entry 1: (Day 8: 02/22/28)

Dear Diana, writing to you feels like the only way to not lose my sanity.

Earlier today I found myself dreaming about the day you left my side.

I still remember the small details, like what the newsman said right before I clicked the TV off. It was the same story they had been running since those nukes malfunctioned. “Divine intervention”, that was your answer to his question.

I on the other hand was so sick of hearing about it. Yes, it may have been a miracle that stopped those bombs, but that doesn’t change the fact that our world leaders fired them in the first place. They really cared so little about all of us that they would destroy the earth without a second thought. And then people wonder why aliens never stopped to visit us.

What’s there to visit now?

Since you been gone, this whole world has been burning to ashes. Literally. Fireballs have been falling from the skies for eight days now. Flames light up the night, and smoke blocks the stars. I don’t even think there are stars out there anymore.

I just seen a man burn to death trying to find shelter from those balls of fire. A few hours ago, that was almost my fate too.

Divine Intervention?

Entry 2: (Day 17: 03/02/28)

I still have dreams about the day you left. It was Valentines Day.

I remember you had asked me to spend the whole day with you in bed, but instead I went to work. You weren’t aware of it, but I was putting in extra hours in order to pay off your Valentines gift. The one I never got to give you.

It was an engagement ring. I was planning to propose that night, but as we both know, there was a Divine Intervention. Okay, that joke was terrible. In all seriousness, if I could go back in time, I would be in that bed with you until the sun set.

I wouldn’t try keeping you here either. I couldn’t do that to you. Trust me when I say, that no one deserves to go through what those of us left behind are going through. Sure, the fireballs have finally stopped firing daily but something else isn’t right.

On my way to my parent’s house, I came across a stack of bodies that weren’t charred, they were ripped to pieces. At first I thought it had to be the handywork of an animal, but then I remembered that the entire animal kingdom has been MIA since you all left. There aren’t even dogs or cats any more, or if there is they are hiding really well.

Also, if you are wondering why I am heading to my parents, its because our home caught on fire that other day. Don’t worry, I still have the heart locket you gave me for Valentines and the journal too. Clearly. I still can’t get over the durability of this journal by the way, it was literally on fire the other day and there aren’t even any marks.

Also, it may be a while until my next entry. It’s going to be one hell of a mission to get to my parents from where I am at. Wish me luck!

Entry 3: (Day 43: 03/28/28)

I been thinking so much about the last time I kissed your lips. I had just got home from work and had reservations for us to go out to eat. Instead, you insisted I opened the gifts you got me, which ended up being this amazing journal and the locket. I didn’t realize it at the time but when I think back now, you were acting strange, almost like you knew your time left with me was limited.

It sounds crazy just writing it down because there is no way you could have known.

But I will never forget the last words you said to me. “Keep the locket close to your heart, always.” and “Everything is going to be okay.” I miss you so much Diana.

By the way, I made it to my parent's house, they weren’t here when I arrived but there is enough food for at least two more weeks. So, I guess that’s good.

Entry 4: (Day 87: 5/11/28)

Okay, where do I begin?

First off, I left my parents house after running out of food. Don’t worry, I’m safe. I am now staying in a grocery store with a group of survivors. Lots of food here! Pretty smart move, huh? Bobby, Jim, Phil, Sam, and Lily say “Hi.”

The next bit of news is that I finally learned what’s been tearing people apart, it’s a bit of a doozy. As if fireballs weren’t bad enough, apparently there are also creatures roaming earth who are hunting us now. According to Bobby and Jim, they witnessed the creatures fall from the skies and immediately enter prison yards to feast. I came face to face with one the other day, and for some reason it refused to attack me or anyone from the small group I was with. (Or actually, I take that back, it was here for Jacob. I hadn’t mentioned Jacob earlier because he just arrived like two days ago, and he was honestly kind of a dick.) Anyways, it was the scariest creature I had ever seen. It looked like an eight-foot-tall Hyena with razor sharp teeth, claws and no eyes. Like the dick he was, Jacob fired his shotgun at it. We all watched as the bullets bounced off its skin. Needless to say, Jacob became its next meal.

Entry 5: (Day 261: I lost track.)

For so long I tried to forget about the way you left, but that changed when I met people who shared the same experience. Each one of us watched our loved ones be engulfed by light and lift up to heaven. I guess in the bible this event is called the Rapture and its supposed to happen right before the end of the world. After all this,, I still don’t know if I believe it. Maybe that’s why I got left behind.

Entry 6: (Day 300: ?)

I don’t know how much of the human population remains. But, the days have become much more quiet outside our community. Everyone here has a purpose, we all depend on each other to be alive, and surprisingly, we are thriving.

Being here feels right.

Day 325 (Present Day)

Boom!!!

Dan quickly jumps to his feet and runs outside his hut expecting the worst. What he doesn’t know yet is that the worst is over.

He steps outside and into the pouring rain. It hasn’t rained since this all began. At that same moment the Animal kingdom made its return. Dogs were suddenly running into the arms of men. Then it happened…

That familiar blinding light began to shine down from the skies. When the light finally cleared, loved ones were reunited with each other.

“Diana, is it really you?” Dan asks, clenching his journal tightly, as she and an unknown man walked toward him. The man introduces himself as her father, and promptly walks off to meet all who was left.

“Yes Dan. It’s really me. I told you everything would be okay as long as you kept that locket close to your heart.” She answers with a warm smile.

“But I don’t understand. How...?”

“Divine intervention.” She interrupts with a laugh, “Do you trust me?”

“I do.” he answers.

“Then let’s make a better world.” She says taking a glance at the journal in his hand. “Oh, and the answer is yes. I will marry you.”

1 year earlier: January 14th, 2028

As he stands before The Supreme Council, Kazar of Xaamen feels the weight of both human existence and Half-Xaameners lying on his shoulders.

"Speak Kazar. Enlighten us with your perspective. Why do you insist we spare the humans who are so intent on self-destruction?" Asks Azew of Gysi, a well-known Councilmember.

“Your supremeness, long ago each of our civilizations stood by and watched as countless planets destroyed themselves. Didn’t we conclude that our interference and guidance could have prevented this? Isn’t this why the Supreme Council came into existence? Earth was created as a result of these planets exploding. The deaths of all those inhabitants indirectly created a new lifeform, which would eventually become humans. Don’t they deserve a chance to thrive and someday sit at the council with the rest of us?”

“No Kazar, they do not. Not anymore. Not after today. Now, I understand that Xaameners personally guided and provided countless tools to humans throughout history, but what became of these? Without hesitation, humans have always manipulated these gifts into weapons. They slaughter one another over insignificant differences, such as skin color or religious beliefs. To make matters worse, they created atomic bombs with the capability to destroy earth. Less than two hours ago, they fired these weapons at each other. If not for our interference, earth would have been destroyed by a third world war. Kazar, the decision has been made. Humans could never reach their potential; they have proven to be too blood thirsty.”

“And what would become of the Half-Xaameners, who live among these humans? Those special individuals who bare both Xaamen and Human DNA, hidden in plain sight.”

“We were not aware such beings existed.”

“They do, and they should be spared. I also have to ask, what about the innocent human lives? I have witnessed with my own eyes that there are some who could still propel earth to greatness.”

Upon hearing this final plea, The Supreme Council decides it is best to discuss among each other before moving forward. Kazar knows firsthand that not all humans are inheritably bad, after all, he has a daughter on earth at this very moment who is Half-human, her name is Diana.

“It has been decided that the planet will be theirs to rebuild. Both Half-Xaameners and the humans who are deemed worthy. In exactly one-month fireballs shall rain down on earth, followed by The Purifiers. Kazar, at sunset remove the hybrids from earth. I also suggest you find all your worthy humans now, and gift them with what is needed to survive the onslaught. Now go! Go inform your fellow Xaameners of what is taking place and prepare them for what’s to come!”