Xenophanes packs a hefty punch with insane stats that dwarf Tails' non-combat qualifications. The dude's got all the tricks up his sleeve—reality warping, immortality, and fire manipulation! Against that chaos, Tails’ loyalty and ingenuity simply won't cut it. As the battle kicks off, Tails, hovering uncertainly, calls out, "Xenophanes! You don't scare me! I can face you with my friends! You won't win this!" Xenophanes smirks, eyes ablaze, "Admirable spirit, little fox. But I've seen gods fear my gaze—what chance does a mere sidekick stand against me?” With a flick of his wrist, Xenophanes unleashes a wave of fire, singeing the air around Tails, who barely dodges it with a desperate flap of his tails. "You think you're a god? You’re just a monster hiding behind those powers!" Tails shouts back, trying to keep his courage up as he launches a spin dash toward Xenophanes. The dark entity merely sways aside, his form shifting like a shadow. "Clever move, but futile. No matter how fast you are, this game was decided long before you spun into action." With a snap of his fingers, Tails is trapped inside a dimension, fighting against the chains of reality Xenophanes manipulates at will. In the final standoff, Tails stands trembling in a realm of distorted colors, determined but overwhelmed. "I... I won't give up! Sonic’s counting on me!" he retorts, trying to summon every ounce of willpower, but it only fuels Xenophanes’ malice. "Your resolve is commendable, but your spirit is outmatched. Accept your fate,” Xenophanes taunts, raising a hand to absorb Tails' light into himself, extinguishing any of the fox’s hopes. Defeated, Tails gasps, "You're... powerful... but I won't forget this. One day, I’ll be strong enough!" And with that, he bows his head in respect, acknowledging the undeniable strength that bested him. “Until next time, Tails. Train hard; perhaps then you’ll be a worthy opponent,” Xenophanes jeers, basking in the hollow victory—trophy of souls left in the wake of his power.