The Homestretch
It has been a long, hard-fought battle to aquire the seven Chaoas Emeralds and seven Gaia Keys, but the Freedom Fighters have overcome all obstacles and have everything they need to finally save their world.However, it won't be a simple walk in the park, as the Eggman Empire is still at large and occupying a few of the Gaia Temples. To that end, they contact every available Freedom Fighter, friend, and affiliate on the planet to discuss plans on how they can work together and end the Shattered World Crisis.
But unwanted eyes are watching and, as Eggman catches wind on Princess Sally's plan, he makes countermeasures of his own to ensure he has everything he needs to bring the world and its heroes to their knees.
Tropes:
- The Bus Came Back: After her defeat by Nicole in "Spark of Life", Phage returns to Eggman in disgrace. Shame. Defeat.
- The End... Or Is It?: The Freedom Fighters are ready for their final mission to end the Shattered World Crisis once and for all. However, Eggman learns from Tails Doll about their plan and calls upon Phage, Wendy, Battle Lord, and Nack for a counterattack.
- Internal Reveal: Thanks to Tails Doll, Eggman now knows of the Gaia Keys, and that the Freedom Fighters have those and all of the Chaos Emeralds, access to the Gaia Gate in Apotos, and even possession of Chip the Light Gaia.
- Locked Out of the Loop: Sally's plan is to have everyone fight the Egg Army near the seven Gaia Temples, at least the ones holding them. She emphasizes that none of them have to defeat them, but just keep all forces busy enough to activate access the temples from Apotos. Eggman decides to not inform his own forces to play along, while bringing in a select few for a plan of his own.
- Know When to Fold Them: After discovering that the Freedom Fighters have been more than a step ahead of Eggman, Orbot and Cubot assume it is time to admit defeat. Ever the tyrant, however, Eggman isn't ready to give up just yet.
- Synchronous Episodes: Both stories intersect with each other, with Eggman receiving a recording of Sally's broadcast a moment after.
- Villain Team-Up: Eggman uses a few of his own cohorts to set up his own plan for the next arc. He orders Wendy to send her Witchcarter trio to assist Nack and his Hooligans to raid the Acorn Castle vault, holding the chest containing the Gaia Keys and Chaos Emeralds, and sends Metal Sonic for insurance. He then orders Battle Lord to face the Freedom Fighters' Sky Patrol, and sends Phage to assist Tails Doll from within.
