Disclaimer: BSD and I do not own Sonic and Co.

A/N: first of all, sorry for the delay, there was school and other stuff, but now its the Winter Holidays. Thank You for the review Kratos lover1, its nice to know you're still reading this. The secret will be said next chapter since that will be the last chapter. So consider it a little Christmas Present from me. Anyway, this chapter is quite short but its going too lead up to the next/last chapter. Make sure too read the Author's Note at the end of this chapter. Please Review.

Tears Of Blood: Chapter Nine

The gravel under Sally's boots crunched as she continued toward Knot hole. Seeing Sonic in that bad state had made her almost lose hope. She had cared for him, just as he had cared for her. She remembered how the others had looked when she brought him in. They fired questions at her, but all she said was Sonic had a fall down a cliff. Over the next two days she never left his side. As Sally hung her head low, she remembered the smile Sonic had given her. It gave her a little comfort, but that would not bring him back. She raised her head and looked skywards. The clouds had grown and a rumble of thunder could be heard in the distance. Sally lowered her head again. She only hoped that she made it back to the base before it rained. Sally set her mind on the three days after Sonic and herself had their run in with Robotnik. The day of the operation about a week ago.

Sally woke up to the bleeping of Nicole's alarm as she usually did, but as soon as she got up, Nicole bleeped

"I have a stored message Sally. Do you wish to hear it?"

Sally rubbed the sleep from her eyes, she threw the duvet back.

"Play." Sally said sleepily. Suddenly Rotors voice came through;

"Princess, I've got some great news. I managed to solve the mystery of that bot we managed to get a hold of. It seems to be an upgrade of the standard Swat bot, So I have called it 'Swat bot Mk2.' It is a vast improvement over it's older cousin. Now I know you don't like to hear about machines and such so I'll get right to the point. I deciphered it's memory chip and found out that you were it's prime target. I don't know why, but you were to be robotised as soon as the Mk2 brought you back. I'm still working on the details but it seems that Robotnik has a whole army of these at his main tower. Now if we leave it alone, these will replace all his old Swat bot's in two months. If we need to strike I suggest we do so now. That's all, Rotor out."

Sally was shocked at Rotors findings. If what he said was true then they had to strike in a major offensive. She couldn't ask the help of the Northerners, as they were still recruiting and the Southerners had been wiped out. And the Easterlings weren't exactly on speaking terms with her, they believed that only real men could be leaders. So that left only their small group. It was just as well, a large force would be hard to sneak in, but their small task force would be able to penetrate more easily.

Sally made her way to the planning room. Getting onto the tannoy, she ordered everyone to the planning room. They all came within moments of the message being broadcast. Gathering round the table Sally explained the situation. The easiest way in was to be the main sewer. It only had a large grill on the opening that Bunnie could easily pull off, thanks to her robotic arm. The tower had a tight security arrangement, but an old security office on the lower levels could allow access to all the systems. Rotor would be stationed here to help with the security. Bunnie would help to keep the guards busy. Tails would be the look out while Antoine was to provide air support. Sally and Sonic would plant some explosives on the bot stockpile and factories and blow the whole lot to kingdom come. But the only way to the warehouse was through the main corridor that ran through the centre and one of the most tightly secure areas of Robotnik's tower. But there was another way. A pair of cooling tanks were linked via a service tunnel. Both the tanks were dug deep under the foundations of Robotnik's tower, so some kind of breathing apparatus was needed. Rotor said that he had an idea.

Once everyone understood the plan then Sally told them that she would be having a serious of midnight meetings with them one-on-one to discuss with them their role. Sally called the meeting to a close and everyone drifted away. Sally went to the infirmary to see how Sonic was doing. As she entered, Sonic turned toward the door. He was glad to see her. Sonic had a large bandage over his head, only his ears poking through. A bandage on his left shoulder and on his lower right arm.

"So, what's happening?" He asked.

"I just got a message from Rotor. He's finished with deciphering the bot and it seems that Robotnik has a whole army of them."

We've got to stop him." Sonic coughed.

"I've drawn up a plan. Rotor's to handle the security, Bunnie will take care of the guards, Tails will be on look out while Antoine is on air support."

"What about me?" Sonic asked.

"I think you mean what about us?" Sally corrected him. "If we are to take Robotnik down, I wanted us to do it together."

Sonic just looked at her from his bed. He could see that she was serious.

"Well, if that's how you want it then it's fine by me." Sonic said smiling.

Sally smiled back. "I'm going to arrange some midnight meetings so everyone knows what they are going to do." Sally said pulling Nicole from her pocket.

"But I wanted to spend some time with you to see how you were." Sally said placing Nicole on his bedside table.

"Thanks Sal." Sonic said.

Kneeling down, Sally lent over to hug him. Sonic put his one good arm round her.

"I'll make the meetings later. All I want to do is make sure your fine." Sally said, soothingly. Sonic said nothing as he stroked her hair.

A/N: I'll do the next chapter tomorrow (Monday) because i'm staying at home all by myself, Its time to party! 'Sticks head in toaster, strikes a match and sets myself on fire' "Flame On!'