Racing towards the next act. And another Crisis Crossover
Ever since their world had broken apart, the Freedom Fighters have dealt with Eggman's powerful cohorts, terrible curses and effects from dark energy, and deadly night creatures from the abyss.
On the other hand, they have also met with new friends and allies, gained new abilities, and have collected a handful of Chaos Emeralds.
Now in Apotos, they talk with Knuckles to discuss how to handle their latest world-saving adventure while making sure Knuckles can complete his own mission of repairing the Master Emerald and saving Angel Island. Then, they meet a priest who was previously attacked by Metal Sonic, and learn of a secret that can allow them to access the elusive Gaia Temples in one fell swoop to restore the planet.
This just the beginning as the Shattered World Crisis continues onto its next act.
Tropes:
- Avengers Assemble: Downplayed. When Dark Gaia's Minions attack the town shortly after the heroes visit Gregorios about the Gaia Gate, Chip calls for backup to help Sonic and Antoine. Knuckles, Bunnie and Amy arrive while Rotor, Cream, and Cheese remain on Sky Patrol.
- Both Sides Have a Point: For Rotor, the team needs to consider finally focusing on fixing the planet, as every attempt to fix other small problems and split the team further delays in that goal and people are suffering for it. For Bunnie and Cream, Angel Island is a part of it and they want to return the favor of helping Knuckles get all of the Master Emerald Shards so it won't plummet again. Rotor agrees, but wishes there is a way to handle both problems at the same time.
- Cliffhanger: With the Freedom Fighters now having the means of getting to the Gaia Temples without actually searching for them, Amy plans to join Knuckles and help gather the rest of the Master Emerald shards. They all head to a GUN dig site to retrieve the last Chaos Emerald thanks to Rouge, unaware that Metal Sonic is about to strike there first. The story continues in Sonic Universe's "Fury".
- Chekhov's Skill: Amy had learned Mystic Melody from Coral in Meropis for a greater chance at finding the Gaia Temples, but it also becomes a useful tool to find the Master Emerald shards like the one buried in a Dark Gaia Titan. After learning that the team has the means of accessing the Temples from one spot, Amy decides to join Knuckles to make his shard hunting much faster and easier.
- Godzilla Threshold: Gregorios is part of a group that has been keeping the Gaia Gate a secret from outsiders for generations, but Metal Sonic's attack has forced his hand. He proceeds to break protocol and allow the Freedom Fighters to use the Gate. He also gives them a list of the people holding the keys needed to access the Gaia Temples from either side.
- Internal Reveal: Knuckles informs the rest of the Freedom Fighters about the events leading to him shattering the Master Emerald.
- Mythology Gag: Chip gets a chance to eat some ice cream with chocolate chips while in Apotos, like in Sonic Unleashed, but already has his namesake earlier thanks to Charmy of the Chaotix.
- "No. Just… No" Reaction: Cheese seems to have an... issue with Omochao, from the look on his face.
- Once Done, Never Forgotten: Amy hasn't forgotten how Knux knocked her out of the ring instantly in "Champions". Of course, she was distracted in an official fight, and Cream tells her not to be a Sore Loser about it.
- The Reveal: Gregorios reveals that hidden under Apotos lies the Gaia Gate, an hub that serves as a literal backdoor to access all seven Gaia Temples from one remote spot instead of searching for them individually. While the Chaos Emeralds are still needed to activate them, they need ancient keys to open each temple from either side, which are secretly held by select people.
- Synchronous Episodes: Takes place around the same time as "Spark of Life" from Sonic Universe, with Sally, Tails, Nicole, and Big absent in this story.
- Tagalong Kid: Cream wants to be more active in the Freedom Fighters' adventure and is starting to get a little annoyed that she's still on the sidelines. Rotor warns her that there are shadow creatures that couldn't care less about her well-being. On the other hand...Cream: Is this about the espresso machine?
