Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

As a fan of a certain popular rhythm game, you were bound to look in every place for something new to chew on. And this was no exception.

In spite of the odd title, you were drawn to the mod in an almost trancelike fashion, even though it didn't look like it had much content.

You had to admit, even though you hadn't even opened the game yet, you knew you were bound to be in for a good time. The visuals and images shown to you on the previews seemed high-quality enough. 

Being the curious person you are, you decided to look into the files, and found a .txt file with an odd message:

To whoever is reading this,

You may not know me, but my name is Bonnie Freeman. I downloaded this mod, and now I'm stuck in this place. With HIM.

Delete this mod right now! Don't open it, no matter what. It's what he wants. If you don't, he'll trap you in his world, and nobody will ever be able to find you! Avoid this game at all costs. It's too late for me, but maybe not for you! There's still time to go back and

 

Calling for help, are we? You're a funny one, aren't you, BF. Come now, the experience of a lifetime awaits you!

Yours truly, Downbeat

Despite the ominous warning and the sudden hijacking of the note, you pressed onward. It must just be there for immersion. 

So, against the wishes of that mysterious lady with oddly-fitting initials, you opened the game.

The title screen seemed just fine, with Girlfriend bopping her head to the beat of the music, but as soon as you hit "enter", that facade fell away.

You swore you could've seen her eyes turn a pale grey as the screen faded out to the menus.

Selecting the "Story Mode" option, you were greeted with only one choosable option: the tutorial. All the other Weeks were locked off until you completed it.

The characters looked a little off as well. Boyfriend sported a more somber expression, as if he knew what was in store for him. Girlfriend looked worried, but tried to hide it behind her usual smile.

Without a second thought, you hit the "enter" once again, and Boyfriend gave you a nervous peace sign.

That was the last thing you saw before the screen, as well as your vision, went black.

Chapter Text

When you came to, you found yourself on a familiar stage, with an unfamiliar face.

Your body had been transformed somehow into an unrecognizable shape. Smooth, grey skin, a complete lack of clothing, and a simplistic, stick person-like face.

Obviously, you were surprised and unsettled by these changes, but a new shock soon made itself known.

"Why hello there, new player."

A deep, raspy voice echoed through the concert hall, and you whipped around to stare at the behemoth towering over you.

"It's so very nice to have you here tonight. Although... there's one thing I find odd."

Without warning, the demonic man's features twisted and shifted, shrinking in size to stand at only a few inches taller than you.

His new form almost perfectly resembled your own, albeit with a few too many eyes and some odd hands.

"What makes you think you can just bite my style like that?" He rasped, leaning closer to your face, and you felt as if he was staring into your very soul with his piercing gaze.

You didn't know how to respond in the slightest, so you just stood there in terror for a moment, waiting to see what the entity would do.

To your surprise, he began to laugh.

"Oh, come on! What's with the face? I was just messing with you. Obviously, your vessel was the default option, right?"

'Vessel'? 'Option'?

The words made no sense to you.

As if sensing your confusion, the entity began to explain.

"You see, anyone who enters my world must inhabit the body of a character in the game. However, there was none left when you arrived, so I just picked the placeholder one."

He then wrapped a clawed hand around your shoulder in a friendly manner. 

"Don't worry, though. If you so please, I'll create a vessel more to your liking."

You weren't so sure if you wanted to know how he'd do that, honestly.

"Now, with the exposition out of the way, allow me to introduce myself. I am Downbeat, the Note Master! ...Title optional."

To be honest, you were kinda starting to get sick of this guy already.

"Okay..." You began. "Now, when are we gonna start singing?"

Downbeat's eyes went wide. "Oh, yes! Don't worry, it'll be in a minute, but for now, you can just talk with some of my friends here."

Before you could even begin to wonder how something like him could find companions, he snapped his fingers, vanished, and two figures fell and landed next to you.

"Boyfriend and Girlfriend?" You asked, in awe that these fictional characters were right there in front of you.

"Close." The blue-haired boy replied. "And you might've switched the genders too." He continued, and to your shock, his voice had shifted from a male one to that of a young woman.

"Wait..." You muttered. "Are you...?"

"Bonnie Freeman. Pleased to meet ya. Or, at least, I would be."

Her tone was sharp, as if she was angry at you. And you knew the reason why.

"I-I'm sorry, okay?" You apologized, small tears pricking the corners of your eyes. "I didn't think it would be like this! I thought it was just a video game."

"So did we." Girlfriend answered, in a surprisingly masculine voice. "You weren't the first one to fall into his trap, you know."

"I don't know, actually. Because I just found out about all of this-"

"Guys, guys." Bonnie waved, exasperated by you and her boyfriend's argument. "We're already in his game, so let's just... play it."

"But how?" You asked.

"Y'ever play DanceDanceRevolution before?" Giles asked.

You shook your head.

He sighed. "Welp, now's the time to learn. C'mon, you can practice with my girl, here." He gestured to Bonnie, who gave you an awkward wave in response.

"But..." You asked. "Where am I supposed to get-"

"Here." He interrupted, tossing you a spare microphone, before leaping up onto the speaker set.

"Now, let's make some noise, guys!"

Chapter Text

3, 2, 1, Go!

It was a simple, relaxing time as Giles and Bonnie guided you through the songs, adding their own words of encouragement in time to the beat.

"That's how you do it!"

"You got this!"

It ended with a duet between all three of you, and the couple clapped at your achievement.

"See? It's not too hard." Giles shrugged. "You just gotta watch for the notes and memorize the patterns."

"Right." You replied. "Now, what about-"

A slow clapping interrupted your question, and you stared at the source in shock.

Downbeat, once again in that tall, demonic form, walked out from behind the curtains, a grin on his face.

"Bravo, bravo. You managed to pass. Now the real question is..."

With another snap of his fingers, a mic fell into his hand.

"Think you got what it takes to beat the King?"

You pulled out your own mic, glaring at the being with valor.

The entity's eyes glowed with excitement.

"Then let's get READY TO RUUUUMBBLLLEEE!" He shouted as the music swelled.

...Only for it to start playing a simple, almost childish beat, totally unlike the creature's appearance and persona.

"...Right after a little warmup."

The song, much like the tutorial you went through, was average, with little to no challenge whatsoever. You reckon you could do it with your eyes closed.

The second song was a step up, with Downbeat egging you on through the lyrics.

Come on, step it up! Spit bars, make this old man talk!

He seemed to be relishing in his role as the antagonist in this battle, taunting you as a form of twisted encouragement.

The final song solidified that idea, with the dramatic way he announced it echoing throughout the theater.

"WELCOME TO THE DAD BATTLE!"

At this point, you were on fire. Nothing could bring you down. Not even Downbeat's crude jokes or the distorted masses in the seats, filling the rows to give the impression of a packed room.

And at last, you seemed to emerge victorious.

Downbeat, who by this point was sweating slightly, shifted back into his regular form, panting in exhaustion from the bout.

"I... I see. You were... much more persistent than I anticipated."

"I am. Now, when can I..."

The entity seemingly predicted your question. "Leave?"

"Uh, yeah."

He began to chuckle, which soon evolved into a maddening cackle.

You winced at the sight of his eyes incessantly rolling around in their sockets as he laughed harder.

"'LEAVE'?" Oh, no. Oh, no no no no NO! YOU haven't had the full experience yet! That was only a taste of what I have planned for you."

Downbeat leaned close, completely disregarding your personal space in the process.

"This game is far from over, Y/N."

You were terrified at this point. How did this thing know your name?!

"But until then, have fun. I'll be watching."

Silently, he backed away, slinking into the shadows of the stage as his dull eyes flashed with color.

"ALWAYS."