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 this year. Of all the changes, none has been more impactful than the addition of a squadron based tactical deployment that head coach Mike Babcock and GM Kyle Dubas designed to keep the peace on the mean Toronto streets. Today everything is different. In California everything is different.

Part 3: Anaheim (Read Part 1– Read Part 2)

The Anaheim Ducks are in a state of total chaos. Time has ravaged the team as it does all things, but with the Ducks it seems that time is in a hurry. Heroes that have been as reliable as the tides have suddenly found themselves a step behind. To make matters worse the state of California is under constant threat.

Ryan Kesler is alone and surrounded by goblins. The fire demons that are laying waste to the North are a far greater threat but Ryan had hoped to take on an easier challenge in the hopes of restoring his confidence. It didn’t work out that way. The goblins had more numbers then expected and they had a warlock with them. Ryan has super powers, but against magic there is little that he can do. The ability to enrage an opponent with a word doesn’t help much in a cone of magical silence. A hundred wicked spears encircle the Duck seeking to poke at something vital. Ryan stays moving. His only hope is that the little fiends get bored and make a mistake. They do not. The warlock casts a holding spell on Ryan and the goblins start to snicker with evil anticipation.

Just before things turn gruesome the Toronto Maple Leafs arrive. It is their last day in California and the Leafs are trying to leave California better than how they found it. This is proving to be near impossible as fresh threats are cropping up faster than the Leafs can resolve them, but they are determined. To that end a giant snake crashes through the ring of goblins, chomping down on several and crushing dozens more with its enormous bulk.

The magic holding Ryan let’s go as the warlock tries to stop the rampaging serpent. The wicked little thing spits put a spell and wiggles its fingers but nothing happens. As the snake demolishes twenty more goblins the warlock tries again. This time a bubble forms around the goblin magic user. Given the shock on the goblins face this was not the intended result. Shock quickly turns to panic as the bubble starts to shrink.

Garret Sparks strides into the melee and calls the ‘Tacklers Treacherous Trap’ to his hand. The bubble containing the warlock is the size of a marble by the time Garret grabs it. He slips the little bubble into a pouch and looks to cast another spell but there is no need. The giant snake crushes the last of the goblin warriors then begins to shimmer.

Jake Gardiner reverts to his human shape and pulls out some gum. It takes four pieces to overwhelm the rancid taste of goblin blood on his tongue.

Ryan calls out as the Leafs turn to go.

“Thanks for the save.” Ryan is loath to admit that he needed help but he’s too proud to pretend.

The Leafs turn, surprised.

“Oh, didn’t even see you there.” Jake says. “You’re, uh, you’re welcome.” The Leafs turn to go and Ryan is left with less faith in his diminishing skills then ever.

The Leafs trip to California has been more successful than they had any right to expect. They have proven beyond any doubt that they are a top tier hero team. Many more adventure lie between them and their ultimate goal, but it’s nice to reflect on glory no matter how fleeting.