When humanity is threatened only the super-powered might of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be counted on to save the day. A season of danger and excitement has arrived for the National Heroes League. With untarnished hopes and untested vigour the campaign begins. For the Maple Leafs it is a time to show the rest of the league what true power looks like.

Kasperi Kapenen has a splitting headache. A horrible itch throbs on the inside of his skull and the Maple Leaf hero would do anything to stop it. He had a mission, that much he remembers, but he can’t recall what it was. The sluggish pace of his thoughts concerns Kasperi in a vague way. He knows he is fast, in fact he is one of the fastest heroes alive. That must be the answer, more speed, so Kasperi goes faster.

The Toronto Maple Leaf can’t remember where he is supposed to be going. He can’t see anything through the red haze that clouds his minds eye, he can’t even tell if his eyes are open. The throbbing in his head gets worse, the pain enough to make Kasperi want to dig into his skull with a spoon to scoop out whatever is in there making him so miserable.

He can’t hear, he can’t see, he can’t feel, all he can do is run. So Kasperi runs faster and faster and faster in the hope that he might run passed the all consuming pain. Suddenly a new sensation comes over the Leaf. The red haze is clears from his vision and the pain, along with the need to go faster, vanishes as suddenly as it came.

His head is throbbing still, but now Kasperi feels more than just a headache, his whole body aches. Slowly the Leaf opens his eyes. He is lying in a pile of rubble. Blood seeps out of dozens of small wounds. Memory returns and with it the certain knowledge that he messed up. The Maple Leafs were investigating another of the strange boulders that have been popping up all over the continent. Apparently Kasperis is not as immune to the boulders effect as some of his teammates. A hand reaches down and Kasperi takes it, standing up with a groan.

He is in the middle of a ruined street, the evidence of battle all around him. The Captain: John Tavares stands beside him.

“It’s okay Kappy.” John says. “We’ll just clean up and be ready for next time.”

“What happened though?” Kasperi asks. “How’d you guys save me?”

We didn’t.” John shakes his head and points over his shoulder to where several Montreal Canadiens heroes are standing.

“No.” Kasperi realizes what must have happened. “Not them, anyone but them.”

“Sorry.” John says. “It’s over, it happened, just move on. Don’t engage them, it’ll just make it worse.”

The Maple Leaf heroes start to tidy up the street, ignoring the Canadiens heroes who approach.

“Nice effort guys.” It is Max Domi who speaks. “Good thing we were here to save the day huh.”

The Leafs do not respond. Max laughs as does Carey Price, the Canadiens mage and also the force behind their triumph. A hand lands on the mages shoulder and he jumps in surprise. It is Auston Matthews, and a ripple of fear flashes across the Canadiens face.

“That was a close one wasn’t it?” The Maple Leaf tightens his grip on the Canadiens shoulder. Carey winces and pulls away.

“Let’s go.” The Canadien says. “We don’t have time to play with these guys anymore.”

“See you next time, Carey.” Auston shouts at the retreating mage. With a shudder and a glare back at the young Leaf, Carey opens a portal and the Canadiens leave to enjoy their victory. “I hate that guy.” Auston says as the portal closes.

“You really shouldn’t engage.” John says.

“I’m so sorry guys.” Kasperi says.

“Don’t worry Kappy.” Auston says with a laugh.” We’ll get the next one.”