The year is 2057. Believe it or not, humanity has managed to weather many a storm despite low chances for survival. We begin with how humanity survived.
The 2020s were tumultuous times, many lives were lost by the end of the decade, enough that the world's population decreased from being over 7 billion and the start of the decade, but dropped to 4 billion by the end. What could it have been to nearly halve the world's population? War is always a sustainable source of death, almost as consistent as a plague, which was what really caused mass death. This war was unlike any other war though.
To explain in short terms. This is not Earth as you may know it, merely one that benefited from circumstances not given to other Earths in the vast multiverse. What was it given? To answer that, it's quite simple. Earth was given superheroes and supervillains, heroes and villains with very real superpowers. Since the first real superhero emerged, so did supervillains. As such, there was the sort of symbiotic relationship between both sides. Neither was able to truly win as both sides were able to cancel each other out. This is all par for the course, almost like it is in comics. Sure there may be a point where one side gains an inherent edge, but things would quickly be able to regress, or progress in some cases, back to the mean.
Why bring up superheroes? Well, this war was the last true war in human history. Over 40 years have passed since it ended in 2025, but it changed humanity forever. While the causes for this war are disputed, unfounded, falsified, or unclear, there is one fact. This war was the truest escalation of violence between heroes and villains and it killed over 3 billion people. Why did it escalate? It's hard to know.
But over 3 billion people, dead. Never to breathe again. Think of all the wars in human history prior, that number exceeds by a large margin the death toll of all other wars combined. It's a tragic reminder in 2057 of how far humanity fell. It took decades for the world to recover from the scars of war, but they were still visible. This was the fault of heroes and villains. Not directly, mind you. That brings up the first moment where things began to change.
In 2021, there was an event that has been agreed to be the starting point of the escalation of the war between superheroes and supervillains. It started with your typical "Alien Supervillain invades Earth" headlines. What this villain did though, was they, in their quest to analyze the universe in the pursuit of knowledge, created a boost to the latent energy of all humans in their arrival. It's estimated that around 2 billion humans gained some sort of superpower that day. Some conventional, like control of fire or water or wind. Others not so much, there are reports of people who were able to be able to identify any person through data in the universe and others who could channel the dead to speak to them for information. All these powers arose on the same day. This became known as the First Awakening.
The First Awakening saw many of these new superhumans be taken in by this invading force, but most all of them escaped thanks to help from either the heroes or the villains. Depending on which side helped them escape, that individual would ultimately align with that side. This event greatly bolstered the ranks of both sides.
There was another factor of this war. An already existing subset of heroes faced an existing subset of villains in what could be considered a war, especially as a third neutral, but highly aggressive, force found itself involved in the events. This factor is considered the lynchpin of what caused the true escalation of the war.
Remember, there were 2 billion new superhumans, and in such a short span of time. Think for a second, what could possibly happen when you bring in 2 billion more variables into a never ending struggle? Well, you get a lot of new heroes and villains who aren't as willing to follow the certain unwritten rules that both sides had with each other. Peace became tenuous over the next 3 years, looking more and more likely to break as both sides seemed to become less and less able to rein in the new heroes and villains.
As you'd expect, this broke, but not before the aforementioned three way war between the heroic, neutral, and villainous groups found a fourth group involved, then a fifth, then a sixth, then a seventh. The chaos from a seven way war became impossible for the heroes and villains to leave unchecked and both sides ended up getting involved.
The results ended up being 3 years of war that destroyed towns, cities, and entire countries. For instance, Cuba became a significant battleground in this war that was left completely ravaged by the war and only in recent years became sustainable to live in again, now populated by some sort of communal group of people for hire.
The point is, the war was brutal and many of the well known heroes and villains from before the First Awakening began to die as someone seemed intent on getting rid of them. The circumstances were very mysterious as some were outright immortal, but also strangely disappeared. It's still unclear who or what caused the deaths of so many well known heroes and villains. Those that weren't killed actually turned out to be very adamant in their decision to not involve themselves in what they called senseless bloodshed, all of them banding together and essentially burying the hatchet.
The war raged on with many senseless casualties. Even worse, with no real proper leadership on either side, it was complete anarchy. But there's always a light at the end of the tunnel isn't there?
In this case, yes, there was. A woman by the name of Tara LaFleur appeared, she was both dextrous and intelligent, as well as known at the time for her affinity to work purely for her own self serving interests, having made a name for herself as something between a hero and villain before the war broke out. A neutral force who'd taken as much time to fulfill her own desires as she would with tinkering with technology to use in combat for fighting heroes and villains. She too remained uninvolved, but eventually she decided to take a stand and end the war herself. Tara LaFleur slowly but surely began to destroy the ranks of heroes and villains in the final year of the war until those that remained were willing to give up the fight.
On the day of July 8th, 2026, things would change again, the day that would become known as the Second Awakening, which signified the end war. You see, with help from many others, Tara had discovered that there was a latent energy remaining in the world from the deaths of so many superhumans. Thus, a device had been created. It was known simply as The Key. The Key would collect the latent energy from throughout the world and concentrate it all into itself before unleashing all the energy back into the world. It was known as The Key for what it would do to humanity as it would unlock things within them far greater than what many of them had known before. The release of all the concentrated energy spread across Earth, making contact with every human and ensuring the progression of their capabilities. This was the Second Awakening, but unlike the first, where only some were given powers, everyone was given powers.
Following this, it became clear to humanity just how dangerous powers could be within untrained hands and as such, they did not let this go to their heads. As such, it fell on the remaining former heroes and villains to help guide the remainder of the world through this dark period of history. In time, people were able to rebuild, after all, being a superhuman wasn't special anymore when everyone now had powers. Though, a better name for them stuck, Unlocks, named for what The Key had done to humanity.
Rebuilding wasn't easy and some were hesitant to change, but this was for the good of humanity. Conflict between countries seems very miniscule in comparison to a war of billions engaging in indiscriminate violence. Every remaining country united in rebuilding Earth back as best they could.
As for Tara? She became hailed as a hero for playing a key role in stopping the war, bloody as her role was. Some weren't as keen on this and sought to avenge those who had fallen, not everyone was exactly willing to end the war. The closest anyone got to killing her was managing to sever her right arm from her body. However, that did not stop Tara LaFleur, who became a voice for people to rally around. She might not have been the greatest person, but she spoke to the interests of the people which gave her a big role in helping rebuild the world.
In time, Earth has managed to return to where it was. Peace has lasted for a long while. No issue arising to truly disrupt it. The children born after the Second Awakening after a few years began to show that they too would have Unlocks, meaning that this truly had been the next step in humanity's evolution. It became part of everyone's education to learn and understand how to properly utilize their Unlocks.
Though it's been peaceful, there's been some strange occurrences happening in recent years. Towns appearing out of nowhere, entire nations even being displaced over where there hadn't been any in a while, and especially people not seen on this Earth. Many were left bewildered by this turn of events, however there would need to be some determination of what exactly had changed.
April 14th, 2057 - Unknown Location
In a dark room, there were two people conversing with each other.
"Are you certain about this? I know this is the kind of thing that's right up your alley, but are you completely certain about this declaration?" The voice came from a young female, very clear concern in her contralto sounding voice.
"Don't worry kitten. I may not be as young as I used to be, but I'm far from finished." The voice was higher in pitch and came from what sounded like a much older woman, though for both it was almost impossible to properly place down the ages purely by voice alone.
"Still though mom, this is a lot you're trying to do here. I understand that there are things you want answered, but is this really the way you want to go about it?
"Absolutely. It may be more dangerous, but that's what'll make this fun. Besides you'll be helping me with this, so everything will be fine. Now then, hit the lights, start the cameras, we've got a message to announce to the world."
The younger woman began to turn on multiple spotlights in the room before rushing to a camera set up. The camera began to relay a live broadcast to Earth.
Somewhere in Switzerland
"Everyone. May I have your attention please?" The voice of some old woman played through the speakers. The cameras showed simply the woman from the shoulders up, showing a visibly aged woman, likely somewhere in her 50s. She had long brown hair, with some gray in it, that was kept out of her face by being tied into a ponytail. She had piercing gray eyes as well. She was being displayed on a TV in otherwise total darkness in the room.
"My name is Tara LaFleur and it has come to my attention that there are some people in this world who do not appear to be originally of this Earth."
"I see, so this is where we ended up," said the voice of one man, baritone in pitch.
"You figured it out huh? I know you said that something's felt off for a few years. Well, I guess you'd have figured it out sooner or later Six," said a female voice, high in pitch with a slight tone of condescension.
"Whatever Mina, I know exactly where in the multiverse we are, the question is how do we get us and the rest of the guild back?" The man named Six asked rhetorically.
"I'm sure for many of you that these are confusing times. It honestly has been for all of us with the crossing into our world of others," said Tara LaFleur.
Naples, Italy
Two figures, one noticeably taller than the other, were staring at the message being given through the televisions on display in a store window. It was hard to tell much beyond that though as it was currently dark outside.
"I'm sure those of you that have crossed into our world are just as confused as we are. I would like to lay down a challenge for you all. It may be risky, but it will be beneficial to answering the questions you may have about this world," said Tara LaFleur through the televisions here.
Both figures glanced at each other as one began to speak.
"Do you think this'll be our best bet at getting back home Prisca?" The taller figure asked with a voice clearly female, but with a moderately deep tone.
"No. But we don't have much choice here Elena. This is the first real lead we've gotten. Let's go tell the others," said the shorter figure, also female with a moderately high pitched voice.
Both women walked off as the message continued.
"This is a challenge to everyone capable enough to undertake it," said the woman on television.
Somewhere in China
"My challenge to you all from the other worlds is this. Find me. I'm hiding somewhere in this world. Get past all the challenges I've put in your way and impress me enough in a test of combat and all your questions will be answered," said the old woman on the screen.
A lone figure had been watching the broadcast from inside a restaurant, one that managed to be open so early in the morning. They seemed to be listening with some intent as they ate.
"Something about that offer feels… off. Still, this is probably something I'll need backup on if I do this," said the figure with a moderately pitched and masculine voice. The figure pressed a button on a device on their ear before speaking again.
"Oi Shiori, Kotomi. This is Nanami, you're seeing the same broadcast on TV that I am right?" They paused waiting for an answer.
"I see." They paused again before speaking louder in shock, "Wait you want to leave tomorrow Shiori?" Another pause. "Yes I was going to go as well, but not on such short notice." Pause again. "Ok Kotomi, I get it. Should I bring Kyuuko with me?" Again a pause. "Right, we'll meet you halfway then we'll head out as a group." The conversation must have ended as the figure leaned back in the chair they were in.
"Those two are gonna be the death of me someday. I can just feel it." They began to resume eating.
"As for those brave enough to take this challenge. I'll give you something to start with to guide your search," said the woman from the TV again.
An Undisclosed Location in What Used To Be Cuba
"Your first hint is as follows. Somewhere in Scandinavia, there's a town that will guide you to a place known as Mustan Auringon Saari. In this place will be something that will guide you closer to my true location," said Tara LaFleur, sounding close to wrapping up the broadcast.
Two figures were currently watching the broadcast in a dimly lit room, both drinking scotch while they watched.
"So this is what we're assigned to? I mean, I won't question Ace's judgement, but this I feel doesn't apply to us, I mean, it doesn't apply to me since I was born in this world, and you came to this world willingly so it likely doesn't include you," one figure said, their voice masculine but also sounding like it was being pumped through a radio filter.
"Yeah, but he wants us to get answers from her for something else. We don't apply to her criteria Ascher, but we can't ignore that she knows a lot of things about this world, things beyond our normal understanding of it," said the other, who had a deep contralto pitched female voice.
"Too true Noire. What exactly does Ace want us to find out? He gave you the job report," said the man named Ascher.
"He didn't say. He just said to ask the questions in the report once we complete the task. WHEN we complete the task. We're not being given any room for failure," said the woman named Noire. Both of them remained silent as they watched the remainder of the broadcast.
"Everything will be set for this challenge to begin tomorrow. So those of you wishing to take part, be ready," said the televised woman.
Unknown Location
"I'll be waiting for you all. Thank you."
The camera feed turned off as Tara LaFleur began to walk away from the set. Her daughter shut off the lights before following her.
"So now what?" Asked the younger LaFleur.
"Now? We wait. That's all we can do. This game will weed out those who truly desire to find the answers they seek, and it'll likely answer the questions I have in turn. I give them 2 months maximum to find me if they're truly capable. Come along kitten, we've got some preparations of our own to make."
Both LaFleurs walked out of the room, confident that this game would prove to be entertaining at the very least.
Author's Notes
So yeah, this is an original fiction idea that I've had for a while. There are a few things that I should be extremely clear on here for reference for the readers.
1. I understand that most of the named characters in this chapter aren't exactly described by anything other than gender and voice, but that's more because I felt the set up of the plot was more important than that currently. In the following chapters, there will be more focused detail on individual characters.
2. This wasn't inspired by MHA, I had this story idea around for a while, but never got around to writing it down and obviously MHA came out in between then and now. This was an independent idea from it.
3. There will be some referencing of things and characters to other fics I've written, such as S7W, throughout this story.
4. Things might not be explained too well here in terms of the world and the nature of things. Rest assured, anything that may not seem too clear right now will be explained in due time. I'm not going to leave any readers in the dark on this for too long.
But anyway yes, that's all from me for now. Please do leave a review if you have the time. If there are any specific questions you might want to ask, I might respond to them so long as they aren't spoilery in nature or are more for clarifying things.
Anyway, thank you for reading. Adiós.