When humanity is threatened only the super-powered might of the Toronto Maple Leafs can be counted on to save the day. All over the continent small seeds of chaotic force have been seeking to control the powers of the National Heroes League. The battle to save the planet has begun.

Right away Auston Matthews can tell something is different. He has tracked another seed of chaos to the roof of a small apartment building. The red glowing boulder sits, pulsing with chaotic energy. Unlike his previous encounters, he does not feel the malicious will seeking to take over his mind. Nor is the seed protected by the usual swarm of mind-controlled innocents.

“Stay sharp, something’s strange.” Auston says over his comm-link.

“I got you.” Morgan Rielly says. “Roof’s clear, just you and the seed.” The Toronto Maple Leafs technopath is monitoring heat signatures in the building through the Maple Leaf satellite, from a few buildings over. He also isolates the building from all digital signals. all while keeping his rifles sights on Auston and the seed. One of the shadows behind Auston seems to slide closer to the Leaf.

“Movement on your six!” Morgan shouts. He cannot find a target, he holds his fire and breathes.

Auston whirls around at Mo’s warning, there is nothing there.  A strange sucking or ripping sound from behind has Auston spinning around again. He turns and is punched hard in the face. Rolling back with the punch, Auston crouches to give Morgan a firing line and also to get a good look at his opponent. It takes a moment for the Leaf to realize what he is looking at. Morgans shot hits the creature square in the chest and it staggers back. That’s when Auston sees it.

“It’s the roof!” He shouts charging to attack.

Morgan doesn’t understand at first, but after a few seconds of watching the fight he sees it too. The seed has animated the roof of the building and it is this angry tar and concrete creature that is trying to pummel Auston. As bizarre as it is, this is actually a blessing for the Leaf. Instead of holding back to protect mind controlled civilians he can unleash the fullness of his power on this, whatever it is. Morgan is the one who reflects on the danger. If the seeds are able to animate lifeless materials it implies their hold on this plane of existence is getting stronger. The fact that this roof thing can withstand even one of Auston’s punches is concerning. The toe to toe, blow for blow beating he is watching is downright terrifying.

“Light it up man!” Morgan yells. “You gotta take out that seed!” A strange sucking or ripping sound warns Morgan to turn just in time to see the chimney behind him twist into a claw. The building swipes at Morgan again and again, but with the speed of a super computer the Leaf is able to predict and avoid the huge brick talons. Auston is on his own.

Auston is having fun. He doesn’t often get to punch things this hard and he likes it. Doesn’t mean he can’t take care of business though. Bull rushing the monster in front of him, Auston slams it hard into the seed then unleashes his light. He doesn’t do it very often (mostly because he’s shy, believe it or not), but Auston is filled with the most tremendous brilliance, and the force of it unleashed scours the rooftop. The seed is ripped from its nook and shatters in the street below. The lifeless lump of tar that was a roof monster is nothing but splatter. A few roofs away, Morgan ducks from a claw that never swipes.

“Thanks bud.” Morgan says.

“Yeah, no problem.” Auston is barely breathing hard. “But how did that even happen?”

It’s a good question. Things are starting to get serious. Morgan knows that if the Maple Leafs are going to stand up to this threat they are going to need to work together because it’s not going to get any easier.