twenty one pilots one shots

døn't gø

A/N: based off the polarize intro video. enjoy.

The stairs barely creaked, much to Josh's chagrin. If anything, the wooden structures were sighing in relief at his weight, rather than groaning beneath the pressure. It was far too silent down here, and he had the slightest shred of hope the cracks would scare off the demons.

Like that would happen, his mind sighed in defeat.

The area was very dimly light, adding on to Josh's nerves. He was already terrified of going back out on stage, now he could already make out the shadows of the monsters in the shadows.

He kept his eyes forward, trying not to react when he felt breathing going down his neck. He fiddled with the knot that kept his tie around his neck until it dissolved. He tossed it to the side, trying to keep moving.

døn't gø.

Josh inhaled sharply as the voice rumbled like distant thunder, a prelude to the storm that would shortly ensue.

stay here.

Josh tried to put some pep in his step, pretend to be unfazed by the voice. He managed to pull it off pretty well, but the monster to whom the voice belonged sees things that no one else sees.

døn't gø.

The two words seemed to be more effective in its echo. It sent more chills down Josh's spine, and he knew the voice wasn't done yet. He knew there were more echoes to reverb off the cracked walls.

Josh started to unbutton his shirt, then looked up.

An odd feeling swept over him as his eyes fell on the face of his demon, one that he wouldn't usually feel in this moment.

Usually when he saw the clownish, almost comical face, fear seemed to replace his blood. His heart pumped it throughout his body until it was the very thing keeping him alive.

But this time, he saw it as it was: an only slightly creepy mask that teenagers would make fun of. It was something that could easily be beaten. Something he could knock over with a feather.

A smirk curled his lips as he laid the button-down shirt on the monster's arm.

døn't gø.

The fear started to come back at the new echo, but he tried to remember how he felt seconds ago. This was just a guy in a cheesy mask. Nothing to be afraid of.

He walked off as the monster told him to stay here. He opened the fridge, allowing a bit more light to enter the room. He grabbed a water, quickly uncapping it and bringing the bottle to his lips.

yøu're aløne.

Josh nearly choked on the water sliding down his throat. The voice was right. He was alone. There wasn't another living soul in this dark space.

He twisted the cap back onto the bottle, shoving it back into the fridge.

Face him, he told himself. It's just a mask and a voice you've imagined.

Josh took a deep breath and turned to the monster. He didn't dare look into its eyes, for he saw a black towel hanging on its wrist.

His fingers yanked the towel, bringing it to his possession. He held it to his face, exhaling. He pulled it away, placing it back on the monster's arm.

døn't gø.

There was that echo again, holding him back from doing what he loved, even if it terrified him.

stay here.

Josh knew he could silence the voices. He just needed to do the opposite of what they were telling him. He needed to go. He needed to get out of here.

So, that's what he did.

He lumbered off, walking back over to the whispering staircase.

døn't gø.

Josh steeled himself, walking up two of the stairs.

stay here.

Then he overcame six more.

And then he realized he needed these voices. They gave him the energy to walk up these stairs. They let him give them his tie, his shirt. One gave him a towel. And he wasn't truly alone.

døn't gø back øn stage.

The voices he needed, but was also terrified of, were deafened by the exact same thing coming from the crowd anxiously awaiting his arrival.

Here goes nothing.