When humanity is threatened only the super powered might of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be counted on to save the day. As the days start to get longer the Maple Leafs start to focus on their true goal. The only thing that can get in their way is themselves.

The frozen sand slides under Mitch Marner’s feet. Another Mitch Marner helps him keep steady while a third Mitch shakes his head at the poor effort. Auston Matthews follows the trio of Mitches out into the frozen desert. Patrick Marleau brings up the rear as usual. Joining the Maple Leafs on this adventure are two Golden Knights.

Nate Schmidt and William Karlsson only wear the full golden armour for special occasions. When on a mission they wear a much more serviceable steel plate mail, although it is gilded with gold leaf. Usually they are uncomfortable in the desert but whatever strange phenomenon is at work, it actually helps the Knights. Nate and William flank the Leafs on either side ostensibly as guides but the Leafs and Knights both know there’s more too it. The desert holds secrets.

One of the Mitches races ahead and kneels down, breaking the ice to dig into the sand underneath. After an effort he stands and returns to the squad. In his hand he is holding a pair of goggles.

“There’s blood on ’em” Mitch says.

“You recognize ’em?” Another Mitch asks the Knights.

“Not one of ours.” Nate says after a moments inspection.

Patrick takes the goggles and holds them to his nose. Unlike the werewolves in stories, Patrick is able to veer into his wulfen form at will. By only changing halfway he is able to use his heightened wolf senses without losing his human skills such as speech and critical thought. After picking up the scent off the goggles he starts sniffing the ground. It doesn’t take long for Patrick to start jogging across the frozen sand.

Five minutes later the five heroes are standing under an icicle larger than the Eiffel Tower. Instead of melting in the deadly Nevada sun the icicle is getting colder.

“Reminds me of John.” The Mitch closest to Auston says, referring to John Tavares who has a super chill similar in effect to the gigantic icicle.

“John’s powers can absorb heat at a rate of a little more than 9100 BTUs a second.” Auston says. “If this this thing is pulling in that much we’re in a lot of trouble.”

“So you wanna break it?” William asks. “You got the juice for that?”

Auston doesn’t answer with anything more then a look which pins William to the spot. The Leaf and the Knight share a moment of understanding. No matter who owns the desert, Auston is in charge. One of the Mitches approaches the icicle and places a digital temperature gauge on it.

“Sucking up 186 BTU per second.” The Mitch says.

“Get it! Get it! Get it!” Another Mitch pipes up.

“Wait.” Nate holds out a hand. “Let’s just take a minute and consider all the likely scenarios here. I mean we don’t know what this thing is, it could detonate half the the state if it’s not handled correctly.”

Auston stares at Nate for a second with a raised brow. Patrick can’t contain a guttural wolf chuckle. The Mitches all take several steps back. Auston approaches the icicle and places his left hand gently upon it. The innate heat in his body melts a small cradle before the ice can recover. Auston closes his eyes and sends a pulse of energy into the icicle.

Auston loves having John on his team. It gives him someone to spar with, an equal. Auston would never unleash his full power on John though. Even absorbing twice as much as 9100 BTU per second wouldn’t keep John safe. The icicle is not Auston’s teammate, he unleashes his power completely. The towering frozen monument is vaporized in an instant as the pulse of radiant heat tears through it with the speed of thought.

“Clean that mess up.” Auston instructs the Knights as he struts away.