(7 days later, Knothole Hospital)

He hadn't said a single word.

When Siles had woken up four days ago, he just asked what had happened to Sonic, and the nurse who happened to be there told him everything.

Supposedly, it had been the last time he'd said a word.

When Amy and the others arrived, they tried to get him to talk, asking him questions on what had happened, who the human was and whatnot. Siles didn't say a thing; he merely stared at the wall, lost in thought. He didn't eat or sleep, which wasn't as big of a deal as it would normally be, considering his biological nature, yet at the same time it made everyone close to him concerned. Eventually, Bunnie decided, and Rotor agreed, that it was best to leave him alone until he was ready to talk.

Only Amy made the effort to visit him every day in hopes to hear Siles say something at all. She would tell him about the news, wishes from their friends and other small talk, but nothing she said affected him. He might as well be in a coma.

As she made her way to his room yet again, Amy wondered if this was about the human, or what had happened to Sonic. Maybe both. His behavior was almost like Sally's, and thinking that made her feel even worse. The queen had locked herself in her room with her son and refused to come out no matter what. It was obvious that the latest incident had traumatized the poor ruler into her current state.

And without Sally and her ability to lead, things were getting worse. Zazamel had no choice but to declare martial law, something that wasn't going well concerning the relations between Mobius' remaining military forces and the civilian populace. As it was, thousands abandoned their homes and headed off, often to remote locations in Mobius, sometimes even outside the nation.

That they were tactically in the dark against Mobius' enemies on top of everything made the situation almost unbearable.

Amy felt helpless. Her love was hurt, her nation was hurt, and she herself was hurt. She glared at her hand, wishing she hadn't frozen up back when Sally had needed her. Pathetic.

She arrived at Siles' door and, with a heavy sigh, opened it.

There was nobody inside.

Shocked, she searched high and low, calling out Siles' name, but he wasn't either in his room or the adjacent bathroom. Just as she was about to call for a nurse, the Inquisitor noticed a piece of paper on the bed.

Amy,

By the time you get this, I'll be long gone. Seven days ago, I felt something I never felt before. I'm worthless and weak. That human who saved me… He was a member of ARCANO. And I barely made a scratch on him. I think, no, I know he's stronger than The Death or any other demon we have ever faced.

One thing is for sure … I'm too weak when compared to him. My defeat made me realize just how much stronger I need to become.

I haven't decided this with ease, but I decided I have to leave. Not forever though, I can never abandon you, our friends, or Mobius itself again. But I'm just not strong enough. I need to get better, not just for my sake, but for yours and everyone else's. Every day I kept seeing the fight, and in every moment in which I am awake, I feel the power of his blade. It's unbearable.

I know this isn't the best time to leave, especially when it looks like we're at our weakest, but the human assured me that ARCANO won't be making any other moves for another whole year. It may sound strange, but I believe him. I'll be back in one year. I promise. Just one year.

I understand if you hate me for doing this, and I don't blame you. But last week I nearly lost everything, and I can't let that happen again.

Forgive me.

Love, Siles "Bloodtails" Drowler

By the time she had reached the end of the farewell letter, the paper was completely drenched.

End of Story

Thanks again everyone. I really love you guys for all you've done for me, past and new readers.

See you around.

Later.