"Hi," Duplex began, sitting in a velvet rocking chair, next to a fireplace in her iconic burgundy Gucci bathrobe, "I don't really know how to start this story. But I think it's important to say that this is a Sonic the Hedgehog fanfiction, however Sonic, nor his friends, are main characters. We meet a lot of them, but Sonic basically doesn't show up!" After saying this, she called for her butler, and asked him to prepare a golden ice cream sundae, afterward turning her attention back to you, the peasant reader. "This is an experimental free-form fanfiction following two original characters. Duplex, aka me, and Aria, my food best friend. It also has comedy and action elements!" Duplex stated, laughing as she stroked her beloved golden retriever. "You're bound to see characters you like eventually, if I remember to update the story. Otherwise this chapter will probably be the only one," Duplex stated, finally. Putting on her reading glasses, and going to sleep.
Station Square
A blue goat girl, around 20 years old, slowly walked around the streets of Station Square, making her way past various buildings in a clumsy speed walk. She had sizable black horns, a fluffy face, and wore a gold crop top with a matching dress skirt. Among her defining features were her eyes, which had black eye shadow. And one eye, the left, was always closed. As she dashed along smoothly, she eventually took a left turn down a separate street block, and towards an ice cream parlor just down the street. And, as she entered the busy section of the city, she slightly hunched herself. Aria wasn't big around others and didn't like to stick out, so she attempted to stay subtle, despite how differently she was dressed. Eventually, as she made it to the parlor, she came to a screeching halt, as the sign spinner there came into view. She was spinning in a supernaturally great way, and seemed very into it. She even looked like an ice cream tub. Her fur was split down the middle, one side pink and one brown, with her muzzle and other features being a vanilla color. Her species wasn't quite clear, her ears were those of a cat but she had no tail to match. Her fashion sense was exotic, sporting A giant ice cream tub that fully covered her torso, a pair of skin tight shorts, and two peg legs completely replacing her feet, and making her ever so slightly taller. This curious character happened to be Aria's best friend, Duplex.
A few people were watching her display, some holding quarters and dollars. "Wow, where's the tip hat!" Said a random man in the crowd. Duplex froze for a moment. "I'm not a street performer guys!! I work for the ice cream shop behind me!" She exclaimed in a deflated tone, causing the small crowd to come to the realization, and slowly flock inside. This, at the very least, made way for Aria who was patiently waiting for the crowd to leave or stop paying attention. "Hey, I got your text..." Aria exclaimed as she approached the sign spinner. Duplex perked up and immediately put the sign down. "Awesome, I'm super glad you actually came," Duplex stated with a smile, which caused Aria to smile and become a little more comfortable. "So... What is this about? You just told me to, um, come over, because you wanted to tell me something 'cool'," she stated, putting her hands behind her back. With little to no hesitation, and a giant cheesy smile, Duplex reached into her back and pulled out a flier. And on the flier it said 'Annual Sonic Fan Festival'. It didn't take Aria even a moment of thinking to understand why she was called; Duplex was a huge fan of Sonic. She thought he was the coolest hero ever, and always wanted to meet up. She always wished to be a hero like him, and has multiple Sonic plushies lining her room. "A whole festival about Sonic! Tonight! I have to be there!! Please say you'll come!" Duplex excitedly stated, which caused Aria to start sweating. "I... Already do terribly in crowds... I think... I'll die," she sheepishly confessed, trembling by herself. "Don't worry Aria, you know that everything's okay when I'm by your side! Besides, I went with you a few weeks ago to that weird necklace market, so you owe me!" Duplex commented, which made Aria tilt her head. "It was a stone market. I even bought you a mood stone," Aria said, which just made Duplex's eyes straighten. "It doesn't work. The stone hasn't changed color at all!" Duplex stated, which caused Aria to give a half nod, knowing full well that Duplex is in the same exact mood all the time. "Come on Aria, please come with me! You don't have to do anything, I just need a friend!" Duplex begged, which caused Aria to sigh. "Okay, Duplex, I'll go. Just promise me to be chill, okay... You can get so intense sometimes," Aria said, to which Duplex nodded. "I'll try, okay?" Duplex reassured Aria, who gave a faint smile.
Later that day, around 7 in the afternoon, Duplex was waiting for Aria in her apartment, getting fully prepared for the festival. Sonic hairpins, scrunchies, and even blue eye shadow. Despite all of this glam, she still looked like an ice cream tub. She could only do so much, I suppose. "The moment I get in there, I'm gonna dominate!" Duplex said to herself, as she fixed up her eyelashes, and detailed them so delicately. "I'm like the coolest thing on earth!! Everyone is gonna worship me!!" She proclaimed, before she suddenly heard her doorbell ring. As she paced across her simple, small apartment's living room, she stood at the door, cleared her throat and opened it. On the other side was Aria, and her appearance couldn't be any more polarizing from Duplex. Aria was sporting a big puffy coat that completely hid her torso and half of her muzzle. A phedora, and some sunglasses to hide her eyes. And, to tie it all together, a pair of big bulky rain boots. She looked like CIA agent, or some kind of underpaid hitman. "Why," Duplex asked dryly, which caused Aria to clear her throat. "We're gonna be in big crowds so I don't want to be recognized. Or noticed. Or make direct eye contact. Or really talk at all," Aria responded under the puffy coat, to which Duplex slowly nodded. "Awesome. You look like a sniper," she commented, which made Aria shrug. "No matter, it's time to get to the festival!!" Duplex said, suddenly running past Aria, and down the stairs to leave the apartment. Aria closed Duplex's door and, with all the strength in her body, began to scale down the stairs.
As they left the apartment, and started walking towards the festival, Aria began to speak. "What's your game plan here?" She asked, which caused Duplex to cross her arms and smile. "I'm gonna become the greatest Sonic fan there! I'm thinking about maybe singing some songs? Or winning every single carnival game?" Duplex stated, just garnering a 'hm' from Aria. The two were mostly silent during their walk. While Duplex's pegs clicked and clacked enthusiastically against the sidewalk, Aria more or less waddled cautiously behind. A beautiful sunset filled the sky as they finally drew closer and closer to the large carnival grounds. "This is gonna be awesome," Duplex said, as she grabbed Aria's hand and began to run, much to her dismay. And finally, as they reached the front of the festival, they were suddenly stopped by a security guard bird. "Calm down, kids," The bird stated, putting his hand out to stop the two. "We aren't kids!!" Duplex stated, before the bird just looked down at a notepad. "We're just gonna need to verify your identities to make sure no bad players are trying to enter. Name and species, please?" He stated, as Duplex and Aria began to sweat. "Duplex, and... Um... I'm not really sure, sir!" Duplex stated like a military soldier. "Aria, goat," Aria followed, doing a slight bow. "Um... Any reason you look like a shooter, ma'am?" The bird asked. Aria Duplex froze as the bird gave a suspicious look. Just then, however, a pink hedgehog suddenly marched up to the group.
A face that any Sonic fan could recognize in a heartbeat: Amy Rose. One of Sonic's best friends and rumored love interests, Amy was truly a celebrity in her own right. With her was a small rabbit child in a red shirt, and a chao flying behind her. Duplex could swore that they were familiar, but just couldn't remember their name. Either way, they strutted up the bird politely. "Me and Cream are back! Can we go in?" Amy asked, and the bird instantly nodded. Duplex's eyes widened Amy and Cream simply entered, before she turned her attention to the bird. "Why didn't she have to verify herself? That's unfair!" Duplex stated. "Duplex she's literally a world hero," Aria tried to intervene, but the bird prepared to speak. "It's actually because she's won the title of Biggest Sonic Fan for 5 years in a row" the bird stated, and shocked Duplex and Aria. There was a moment of silence before Duplex finally unwidened her eyes. "So can we go in?" Duplex asked, and the bird shrugged. "It's fine. Now that two heroes are here, I don't mind letting in just two suspicious people," he said, and stepped out of the way. While Aria walked as gently as always, Duplex seemed more stern and angry. There was silence for a moment as they passed the gate, and suddenly, Duplex stomped. "AMYYYY!!!" Duplex yelled with incredible strength, causing Amy and Cream to turn in surprise. "HEEEY!! I'M THE BIGGEST SONIC FAN!!" Duplex continued to shout, which immediately made Aria try to pull her back by the shoulder. But it was no use, as Duplex made intense eye contact with Amy. And, after a few moments, Amy returned the stare. "Oh yeah? Someone else says that every year, and I always win!" Amy snapped back, causing Cream to similarly hold Amy's arm back. "Well, this year you lose!" Duplex stated, as the two were locked in a competitive glare. It was clear Duplex was heated, having instant competition the moment she entered the festival. And it was clear that Amy was, too, considering that her fun was stopped by such a rowdy challenger.
"I accept your challenge. But I'm warning you: year after year I get the same challenge, and I always crush it! That's because I'm obsessed with Sonic, you hear me?!" Amy proclaimed, holding out her finger. Duplex stomped forward with her cheeks puffed as she drew closer to Amy, before holding a finger out at her. "I'm the greatest Sonic fan to ever be born!! You lost the moment I was born!!" Duplex stated. As the two bickered, a small crowd gathered around them. Aria tried to huddle even deeper inside her coat, while Cream looked around nervously. Tensions were high between the girls, but the crowd seemed pumped. It was clearly time for the traditional #1 Sonic fan competition! Amy pumped her first forward with a mischievous smile as she prepared to state the rules. "You wanna compete? Fine, we can compete!! The rules are simple: we're gonna play every single game in this carnival and keep tally of the points. By the end whoever has the most points wins! And keeps all the prizes, too! Do you accept the conditions, ice-cream head?!" Amy yelled, which caused Duplex to return another mischievous smile. "I accept, pinky!!" Duplex yelled back, and the two were locked in. Aria was nervous of all the attention, but concealed by her coat so she at least had a cover. Cream, if anything, just looked concerned.
The first game they would play was hoops. A glorified aiming game. The main idea was there was was a prong, and you're supposed to throw three hoops onto them. In a competition this means that, over 3 rounds, the one who gets the most hoops wins. So, side-by-side, Amy and Duplex stood at the stand. "In elementary school I was the hoop throwing queen!" Duplex stated. "The former amateur versus the current queen, then?" Amy remarked back, which made Duplex scowl. "Watch me!!" She said, throwing the first ring and missing completely. "Nice," Amy stated, as Duplex readied to throw her next ring. And, although it almost made it, it still effectively missed. "No kidding??" Duplex stated in a baffled confusion, before throwing the last ring. And, by some godlike luck, it landed on the rod. "1 point so far," Amy remarked, as Duplex frowned. "Whatever, it's you're turn," Duplex stated, as Amy threw her rings. And, one after another, they landed flawlessly. "Come on!!" Duplex yelled as Amy let out a satisfied grin. In a rage, Duplex threw her rings one after another. This time getting two. "There it goes! I'm winning!!" Duplex proclaimed. "We're tied??" Amy responded back. After that statement from Duplex, Amy repeated her ring throwing strategy. This time getting two out of three. "Luck is on my side!" She proclaimed, turning to Cream for a sheepish high five. "How foolish!" Duplex began, "You don't even know! That I've charged up my ultimate move!!" Duplex stated, which caused Amy to turn in curiosity. "Duplex please," Aria begged, but it was too late. That unique look of cockiness and stupidity already washed over Duplex. She grabbed all three rings before stacking them. "Super Duper Ring attack!!!" Duplex shouted, as she threw all three rings at once, shocking everyone. The silence that fell over the crowd was intense. Some were hopeful. Some were skeptical. But Duplex... Duplex was booming with confidence, as her ultimate attack swept through the air... And completely and utterly failed, hitting the pole dead on and causing all the rings to scatter. "IT WAS A DUD!!!!!" Duplex yelled as her jaw dropped in genuine shock. Cream let out a giggle at Duplex's reaction, but Amy let out a mischievous chuckle. "My special move is ready, too - it's called winning!" She proclaimed as she grabbed her three rings, threw them one by one, and scored continuous points. And just like that, she was the winner.
She let out a pose and a big smile, as if a crowd of paparazzi were taking her picture. "Aria, can you believe this?! My special technique didn't work!" Duplex remarked. "Aria? Who's Aria," Aria responded, covering her face more and readjusting her hat. "Next game is the strongman tester! It's where your cocky attitude goes to die!" Amy stated, running away into another direction. "I'LL NEVER GIVE UP!!!" Duplex proudly remarked, before running as fast as she could behind Amy. Aria slowly waddled up to Cream as the pair watched in confusion. "Sometimes I feel like the babysitter," Cream remarked. "God, same," Aria replied, before the two slowly followed the crowd, Amy, and Duplex. It really didn't take Amy and Duplex long to reach the next game, the strongman tester. The goal was simple: each player would get a hammer, and would have to smack a podium as hard as they could with it, causing a small steel peg to rocket into the sky on a meter. And the main goal is to hit the bell at the very top. Amy went up to the podium without hesitation, but threw the hammer to the side. Everyone began to cheer in excitement, because everyone knew what was coming next. "I don't have time for toys!" Amy remarked, as she pulled out her Pico-Pico Hammer, and caused terror to fall over Duplex's face. Now, things were getting serious. Amy stepped up to the podium, stretched, and quickly smacked down her hammer onto the podium. A large bang was heard as the metal trinket traveled through the sky and nearly hit the bell, just missing it by a couple of inches. "All these carnival games are rigged, you need the power of a small bomb to ever win. So don't feel ashamed if you never get close to the bell!" Amy remarked to Duplex, who wasn't enthused by the subtle shade. Still, Duplex wasn't ready to step to the podium. She was *mortified*. "Isn't it cheating to use outside help?!" Duplex rebuttaled, but Amy shook her head. "I've done it every year. Only those who can't compete complain!" She snapped back, which caused Duplex to sweat even more. She was desperately running calculations in her head, figuring out how she would even dare to accomplish the daunting task. "Aria, I need ideas!" Duplex whispered, as Aria drew closer. "Never heard of anyone named Aria," she began, "anyway, if Amy is using her hammer, then you don't have to feel bad about using your powers." Duplex just turned to stare at Aria, not responding for a very quiet few seconds. "Oh wow. I totally forgot I had powers at all!" Duplex remarked, which made Aria stuff her face into her hands. "I thought you didn't want to cheat..." Aria stated, as Duplex slowly walked up to the podium, doing little arm exercises. She looked back at Amy for a moment with a stern expression, before looking down at the podium.
Suddenly, with little warning, Duplex curled her fists, put them together, and threw her hands up. Not just above her head, though, but into the sky, as her arms began to stretch high, high up. Rocketing higher than even the bell. Everyone gasped, some stepped back, but no one was more confused than Amy. "Your arms... They're... What?!" Amy said, taken completely aback. And, once Duplex's fists were high enough, she paused, breathed in, and slammed her fists down with all her might. They smacked into the podium, causing it to tremble. And the metal piece launched up on the meter, before banging the bell, and snapping off the meter entirely, falling to the side below. Everyone was in shock. "Her arms stretched!!" Cream stated, mildly entertained. "Who are you?!" Amy asked, in shock that someone like her has powers. "Who am I? Sonic's biggest fan!" Duplex proudly proclaimed, grabbing the metal piece and using her stretchy arms to put it back onto the machine.
Amy's face turned from confusion into a competitive glare. "I see," she remarked, as she readied her hammer yet again. And, for once, the competition became entertaining and tense. Amy hit with all her might, hitting the bell, and Duplex did the same. Cream and Aria watched as their two favorite people competed with all their might, smacking the podium yet again with incredible strength. And, by the end, Duplex was decided as the victor of the strongman test, with three bell hits in a row. "Thanks for the reminder, Aria!" Duplex stated, as Aria gave a sheepish thumbs up. "You have a thing for saying my name, don't you," Aria stated, before Duplex suddenly ran to the next challenge, Amy following behind. "I really hope things don't boil over. Amy's usually so sweet, but she can get mean once she gets competitive," Cream stated, before following the girls. Aria thought it through, and if that was true, then disaster might have been imminent. Duplex had quite a history with getting too intense once she got competitive. To see the two of them but heads was far from what Aria wanted that night. Still, she followed along to show support for her best friend.
And so, the night went on as they competed and played different games all around. Next was Darts, which Amy won because Duplex couldn't aim to save her life. After that, though, was Basketball hoops, which Duplex won by simply stretching her arms and dunking into the hoop constantly. And this pattern would continue, the two locked into mortal competition for what felt like hours. Stocking up random prizes as the crowd just got larger and larger. Until they had played every game. "So that's it, huh?" Duplex remarked, holding several Sonic plushies and trinkets in the middle of the carnival grounds. "No way, peg legs!" Amy began with a smile, "we still have one more to go: the Sonic trivia competition! Where you lose!" Amy stated, similarly holding a bunch of plushies and random memorabilia. "Have at you, then!" Duplex exclaimed, before Amy ran in the direction of the stage to the back of the carnival. "I'm gonna go get a chili dog before I go to the stage. Are you coming?" Duplex asked, which Aria nodded to. "I haven't eaten today," she stated, before the two began walking their own way. "I'm coming, too!" Cream stated, before running after them.
The three girls simply went to a chili dog stand, and ordered a dozen chili dogs. "There's 3 of us… Why a dozen?" Aria asked, getting Duplex's attention. "2 for the kid, 3 for me, and 7 for you!" She stated, which caused Aria to recoil. "What am I gonna do with 7??" She asked, just getting a shrug out of Duplex. "So, um, what are you?" Cream asked, much to Duplex's confusion. "Just a Sonic fan," Duplex responded, completely missing what the question was about. "I see. Well, why are you competing with Ms. Amy, exactly?" Cream asked as she took a bite of her chili dog. "Well, I didn't know her of all people would be here! She's literally a celebrity!!" Duplex stated as she stuff a whole chili dog in her mouth. "But then why all this competition? It seems a little... You know," Cream sheepishly said, as Duplex raised an eyebrow. "To prove who's the bigger fan?" She questioned, which made Cream tilt her head. "This is a very small Simple City carnival. It's not like you get a trophy or anything. Amy mostly does it for fun," Cream stated, slowly getting through her chili dog. "Huh. Well, I'm trying to prove a point so I guess we're different," Duplex stated, as both Aria and Cream let out a "hm" in unison.
The three girls moved on to the giant stage in the back, ready for the final challenge. Especially Duplex, who was more than desperate to win. It was an exciting moment for her, and a relief for the other two. Finally, this night would come to an end. As Duplex ran towards the stage, and made her way through the crowd, she got an eyeful of the podiums. One said 'Amy' in big bold letters, with Amy standing behind it confidently. The other, meant for Duplex, simply said 'PEG LEGS'. "Insensitive!!" Duplex stated loudly, which caused Amy to scowl. "We didn't didn't know where you went and I don't know your name!! So I just made up a nickname!" Amy retorted, as Duplex curled her fists and made her way on stage. "That's like calling someone in a wheelchair 'wheelie', or someone with an eye patch 'cyclops'!!" Duplex stated, getting into a battle ready pose. "I'm sorry, okay?! Show up sooner!!" Amy snapped back, matching Duplex's energy. Their eyes were practically on fire, and the stage was red hot. It was time for a crazy competition. The announcer was a tall, stocky bear in a fancy get up. "Now then, I will be your host in today's 6th annual Sonic Trivia Night!" The announcer boomed, making the crowd go wild. "The rules are simple, yes they are. I'll grab a question card and read it, and the first person to say the answer takes the point! Without further ado, it's time to start the game, yes it is!!" The announcer said, as Amy and Duplex gave each other one last side eye.
"First question! When was Sonic's first adventure?!" The announcer yelled, and Amy immediately sprung up. "1991!!!" She yelled, and the announcer yelled "correct!" back. "That makes absolutely no sense!!!" Duplex yelled, her jaw practically on the floor. "Next question!! In what year did Sonic and Amy first meet?!" The tall bear called out, as Duplex perked up. "93???" She yelled, garnering a thumbs up from the announcer. "Wow you're old!!! That was a guess!!" Duplex yelled at Amy, who slammed her podium. "I'M NOT OLD!!!" she yelled back, before both turned to the announcer again. "Third question!! Where does Sonic live?" The announcer asked, which caused both girls' eyes to widen. "He has a house?!" They both said in unison, which caused the bear to laugh. "That was a trick question, you both get a point!" He responded, causing them to both stare in annoyance. And, for about 16 more questions, the process was the same. The announcer would ask a question, and one of the girls would yell back, bickering as they went, getting more and more passionate. Eventually, punching the podium with each answer. And as the night went on, the crowd grew silent in utter anticipation. It was intense, and the two girls' passion only grew with every question. And by the last question, both were perfectly tied.
The crowd was silent. The announcer was still. And Duplex and Amy were practically standing on their podiums. It was time. The final question. "And now, for the final question... How many pink dollops lined the edge of Sonic's famous birthday cake from his anniversary party?" The announcer said,which caused Amy and Duplex's faces to go blank. "That was 12 years ago..." Amy remarked. "You're old!!" Duplex responded, which cued Amy to immediately yell a "SHUT UP!" back. The two fell into silence as they began counting. Amy was there and the baker of the cake, but the memory was far out by now. Duplex has tried to replicate the cake before but - who are we kidding, does she sound like she can bake a cake? It was a heavy few seconds where the entire planet grinded to a halt. Never had so much hinged on counting dollops on a 12 year old cake that nobody even thought twice of. But Duplex could taste victory anyway. She was sure she could recall the number.
And then it hit her. Sixty. There were 60 dollops. She remembered because when she tried to replicate it, Aria counted all of them for her, and they were unable to finish the cake because Duplex are two of them. She had the answer! So, Duplex slammed the counter, raised herself up, and opened her mouth. But before she could, Amy blurted out a faint "60". And Duplex froze. Only her eyes drifted to Amy, as Amy had several fingers held up. "There were 60 dollops. I remember because I bought 200 but ended up only using 60. Am I right?" She asked after her statement, and everyone fell into silence. "Amy Rose," the announcer began, "You... Are... CORRECT!!!!" The crowd suddenly erupted into cheers. Cream started dancing around, and Amy was practically screeching with excitement. "For the 6th year in a row, you're the #1 Sonic fan!!" The announcer shouted out, as Amy squealed and danced. But there was clearly a dark side to the coin, as Duplex stood behind her podium, clenching her fists and teeth with rage. She has the right answer! And had she just said it a moment sooner, she would have been #1! It should have been her, not Amy! Duplex was filled with some otherworldly rage, and she could barely stare forward. She had to say something. She had to release every single thought in her head. And she was seconds away from boiling over.
Until finally, she looked down. Shifting her attention away from the stage, away from the dramatic scene, to Aria. Who was looking right back at her, with her glasses off. Meeting her gaze. And Duplex suddenly deflated. She thought about the day she had, getting to play a bunch of carnival games with a fellow fan. She thought back to when she bought chili dogs and took a breather with Cream and Aria. And, most importantly, she thought back to what Aria said: about her not wanting Duplex to get too intense, because it drew attention and embarrassed her. And Duplex was suddenly calmed. Even if she lost by a hair, she still had a nice time. She was mad at Amy, but she still couldn't look at her with any sort of grudge. At the very least, she couldn't possibly ruin Aria's day like that. So, instead of causing a scene, Duplex stretched her arms, grabbed the edge of the stage, and flipped off of it, landing in front of Aria, who was taken aback. Duplex reached towards Aria's hands, grabbing her sunglasses and putting them back on her face. "Let's go get ice cream," Duplex said with a straight face, before grabbing Aria's hand and walking off. Nobody stopped or seemed to notice them. Duplex even left every prize she won behind, as per the challenge rules. She just wanted to leave as quickly as possible, and accept her defeat.
Ice Cream Shop
Some time had passed as Duplex and Aria sat in the ice cream diner. The two were fairly silent as they ate their ice creams, Aria with a neapolitan sundae, and Duplex with a big rocky road tub. Aria had already taken her sunglasses and fedora off, and was clearly trying to find the space to speak, but was having trouble. And although Duplex's face was straight, and seemingly stoic, she still seemed troubled. "It's not like you to take defeat well... Why... Didn't you say anything?" Aria asked, looking down in Duplex's direction. "It just wasn't worth it, you know?" Duplex stated, before she took a giant spoonful from her tub. "You're never that rational, Duplex... You always feel the need to get your word in. Tell me the truth," Aria insisted, causing Duplex to turn fully to her. "I mean that it's not worth disappointing you! You believe in me a lot for being an airhead... I didn't need to lose your respect by blowing up," Duplex stated, as she looked Aria in the eyes. And the look back she got was an affectionate, and grateful one. "Duplex... You're so considerate. I'm sorry you lost the competition. Amy really was a scary opponent," Aria stated, finally biting into her sundae. "That doesn't matter to me much anymore. Besides, I really had fun," Duplex said with a straight face, to which Aria responded with a sigh. "You always play stoic when you're about to cry," Aria stated, but Duplex just responded by slowly turning her head away.
"Peg legs!" A voice called out from the entrance of the diner, causing both Aria and Duplex to turn in surprise. Standing there was none other than Amy, who immediately began strutting towards their chairs. Aria only had time to put on her sunglasses before Amy arrived, and turned to Duplex. "I tried looking around for you because I wanted to give a proper thanks. It's been a fun night, and I never try to let my opponents leave with bad thoughts. I know I can get a bit intense!" Amy stated confidentially, leaving Duplex slightly baffled. After all she'd heard and seen of Amy, she was not expecting her to be approached with actual, genuine kindness. She was... Kind of nice?? "Yeah... This was a super cool night. Sorry for also getting competitive there. You're actually kind of cool!" Duplex responded, before the two shook hands. "You're a really weird girl with those stretchy powers of yours. Are you gonna be coming next year?" Amy asked, and Duplex gave a smile. "Yeah. I think I will!" Duplex responded, giving a smile. Aria smiled too, watching as the two found common ground, and even a little bit of respect after everything had happened. "Next year I expect you to actually try to win, though!" Amy remarked, which made Duplex respond with furrowed eyebrows and a smile. "Oh, suddenly you think you're smart again?!" Duplex fired back, and the two shared a little giggle.
"I'll be on my way now. Maybe we can meet up someday when I have more time!" Amy stated, before waving, turning, and walking off. "What a special girl," Aria stated, watching as Amy walked out and left. But Duplex wasn't paying attention, she was focused on her ice cream. Daydreaming about the day she's had so far. A super eventful day in her otherwise uneventful life. She even met a celebrity in the form of Amy, and might have even made a new friend. Overall, Duplex ended the day happily, and continued shoveling her ice cream. Aria put her hand on Duplex's, began rubbing it, and started eating her ice cream sundae. Overall, a nice end to a strange day. Afterward, they parted ways, and went to their respective homes, not knowing that tomorrow would be equally strange…