When humanity is threatened only the super powered might of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be counted on to save the day. The  Leafs have undergone a major overhaul. Probably the most significant change is the squadron based tactics that head coach Mike Babcock and GM Kyle Dubas have decided to deploy on the mean Toronto streets. Today we follow Ether squad: the goalies.

When the four hundred foot tall Sour Patch Kid first appeared in the heart of Toronto the Maple Leafs were sure they’d be able to take it down with little effort. Damasque squad, the defense, weren’t able to slow it down. Oyster squad, wingers, tried to help but still weren’t enough. That is when Frederik Andersen realized the the giant sour gummy was a magical enemy.

As the Toronto Maple Leafs high mage Freddy is counted on to overcome any and all magical threats to the city. He casts ‘Deacon Drazor’s Deductive Demarcation’ to get a better sense of what he is facing and the moment the spell touches the candy Freddy is stung by a powerful counterspell. He casts ‘Fledgling Flames of Fraenolo’ but the fire is snuffed out before it can catch. Desperate, Freddy casts ‘Chains Challengers’ and the mystic bonds are able to wrap firmly around the enormous destructive treat. The pressure that pushes against his spell is immense. Freddy strains to maintain his magic. Garret Sparks appears beside him with a puff of smoke.

“What can I do to help?” Garret asks. Garret is the Toronto Maple Leafs backup wizard which means he can only watch the high mage until he is specifically tasked to engage. Though frustrating, the rules of magic are absolute.

“Can’t help.” Freddy tells his eager backup. Sweat beads down the wizards nose. He can feel his magic beginning to fade. His skill is great, but doubt has begun to creep into Freddy’s subconscious, seeding his every act with fatal hesitation. Releasing ‘Chains Challengers’ Freddy immediately casts ‘Weeping Web of Whispered Wanting’. The spell projects the targets deepest desire being fulfilled, since it  does no direct damage the sour kid is not protected and so the glamour takes hold of its limited mind.

Spellbound and harmless, the candy stands in the middle of the street. It coos softly, swaying and snuggling with some unseen thing.

“Now I just need to figure out what to do with it.” Garret nods even though Freddy is talking to himself. “Any attack will break the illusion, which means whatever I do will have to be fast and totally devastating. I could try ‘Joachims Yawning Yurt’ but that just delays the issue, doesn’t solve it. ‘Rantholemews Roaring Razor’ would take out half the city, ‘Might of Mage Malagauge’ could help but I need to be sure.”

“Don’t sweat it big guy.” A voice calls out from behind a shattered wall. It is Craig Anderson, high mage for the Ottawa Senators. From his hiding place the wizard prepares a trio of spells. He steps out from behind cover and releases all three at once.

‘Bella Bravuully’s Bedevilment’ stuns the gummy, a needless spell as the creature is already magically ensnared. ‘Curriculators Quickest Counter’ dispells the counter magic that the creature used against Freddy, and ‘Immolatovs Invigoared Immolation’ melts the candy down to a steaming pile of high fructose corn syrup.

“Well that’s just great!” Freddy shouts, frustrated and embarrassed at being out magiced by his Ottawa counter part. “Who’s going to clean up all this mess!”

“Sounds like a you problem bro.” Craig answers with a smug grin. “Toodles.” The mage casts a quick ‘Poignant Portal’ and is gone.

“Damn.” Freddy says.

“What a mess.” Garret tries to sound upbeat. “Well, let’s get to work.” Now that the combat is over the backup wizard is free to use his powers. “How about ‘Muskovi’s Many Mops’? That should do it. Don’t worry Freddy, I got clean up. You’ll get ’em next time.”