| abstract | - Sonic and Tails spot a strange glow off in the distance after landing the Winged Victory and decide to check it out. Coming across a dome of energy, Sonic deduces that it's a result of a weakened barrier between Mobius and another Zone caused by the Ultimate Annihilator. The pair is pulled into the dome and flung into a strange zone. Sonic thinks the zone is familiar and realizes where they are just as the two are blasted. As they recover from the attack, they are unknowingly observed by two mechanical figures: Sonic's old acquaintances Verti-Cal and Horizont-Al. Al suggests that Sonic and Tails might make amusing pawns, only for Cal to reflect on the events surrounding their horrific transformation. Previously, they had lived peacefully in their zone together, and had even encountered Sonic in the past. Sadly, the Ultimate Annihilator's effects had ravaged their zone, reducing it to less than atoms and nearly destroying Al and Cal as well. However, the pair survived and reconstituted themselves in their new forms as their Zone recovered, but their previous friendship had been utterly dashed. Blaming each other for what had happened, they had initiated a war for control of their home, which the two then began to continue before remembering their decision to let Sonic and Tails act as their respective pawns. The two heroes are then enveloped by the power of the two rivals, turning them into armored warriors who immediately begin fighting: Tails for Horizont-Al, and Sonic for Verti-Cal. The pair battle ferociously as their controllers look on, and Sonic eventually gains the upper hand and prepares to finish Tails off with his Spin-Dash. Fortunately, Tails' fear helps him break free of Al's control, and his pleading helps Sonic likewise free himself from Cal's grip. Al and Cal demand to know why they are not fighting, and Sonic recognizes the pair and tries to help them see reason. The pair question how Sonic and Tails could escape their control, and the pair reply that their friendship allowed them to do so. Sonic asks why Al and Cal aren't friends anymore. Cal is angered by Sonic's insolence, but Tails speaks up to help his friend. They try to convince Al and Cal to make amends and work together, living in peace if not friendship. The two demigods consider the idea briefly before turning on each other with their lasers, creating an explosion that throws Sonic and Tails back to Mobius. As the portal closes behind them, Tails wonders whether Al and Cal will continue to battle each other forever. Sonic, on the other hand, is more worried about where he can get himself a chili dog.
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