Roughly three years have passed since the destruction of the Doomsday machine. Since, the freedom fighters still had a lot going on. New members were added to the Knothole Freedom Fighters over the course of time including Cream, a 11 year old rabbit who is in training; Cream's mother Vanilla; two Chao named Cheese and Chocola; Amy Rose, a hedgehog who is 15 years old; Sonic's two siblings, Sonia and Manic; and their mother Aleena, who used to be queen over a kingdom before Robotnik destroyed it, however, the triplets were unaware of their royal heritage.
Many new allies have been made too: The Chaotix which consisted of Knuckles the Echidna (whom Sonia was dating), Vector the Crocodile, Espio the Chameleon, Mighty the Armadillo, Ray the Flying Squirrel and Chammy Bee (They all resided in another part of the great forest.) There was also Shadow and Silver the Hedgehogs, Rouge the Bat, Blaze the Cat, Marine the Raccon and Cosmo (They all visit the Great Forest often, but they live in a distant village).
Things have been changing in the relationships between the freedom fighters too, but in a much stronger way then you may think.
Sonic and Sally have been getting closer then ever.
Sally started to realise. She loved the exhilarating rush when she was riding with Sonic, and cuddling up to him too. Sal felt very safe when in this position. She also realised that while Sonic had crazy ideas a fair amount of the time, Sonic had his best intentions for his fellow freedom fighters. Perhaps… she should loosen up a little for him.
Sonic had realisations too. When he ran, he felt… much happier when he had Sally in his arms along for the ride. She was so light, and when her fur rubbed against his, it was the softest fur he ever felt. And, Sonic also realised that when Sally was trying to hold him back from doing some crazy stunt, she was trying to protect him. Maybe… Sonic should slow down a bit for her.
Speaking of Sonic, he was searching around his house for something.
"It's around here somewhere…" He fiddled around in the closet. "Uh! Where did I leave it?"
"Need help, Sonny boy?"
Sonic looked over to see his Uncle Chuck standing in the bedroom doorway. He was now derobotised for good, as was Bunnie.
"Hey, unc." Sonic said. "I'm due to meet Sally at the pond in less then an hour, but I…"
Before he could say anything else, a small box fell on Sonic's arm.
"Ouch!"
Uncle Chuck picked up the box, which landed open on the floor. The older hedgehog grinned knowingly at his nephew when he saw what was in it.
"I knew this would happen sooner or later."
"Would King Max approve?" Sonic asked nervously.
"I'm sure he will, Sonny." Reassured his uncle. "You two really care for each other, and friendship isn't where that fact stops."
"Thanks, unc." Sonic and Chuck hugged each other, and the younger hedgehog raced away to find Sal.