c!Punz Week 2025

Cheering filled the arena once Dream crossed the finish line with the extra boost from Punz. Another win secured for Monster High. The final one for this season. 

Just in time, Punz thought as they felt their parts start locking up from the strain of the race and all the training lately. 

Unlike Robecca Steam, he hadn’t been made with lasting agility in mind. Unlike her, his creator wasn’t that much of a genius. As a result, Punz needed more check ups, more repairs, more trips to the lab and a bit of extra oil always with him just in case. It wasn’t much of a bother to them usually. Except for the fact that they might have neglected it a bit while practising lately.

Both of their boyfriends tried reminding them again and again. Usually, Punz reassured them that he’s fine and did his check ups. Well. It’s nothing unusual for any of them to lie about having done necessary self care things.

Sam can get so fixated on machines and technological tests that the sphinx forgets to have his wings preened or fur groomed. Dream can forget to get his stitches fixed and stuffing refilled when trying to master a skill he sets his mind to.

They all can easily get carried away with interests of theirs. Punz is no better.

They stuck around for a bit for celebrations as Dream ensured they got celebrated as well. Pretty quickly though, they gave their boyfriend a sign that they need to get away. Dream noticed both the squeeze on his arm and the stiffness in Punz’s limbs and helped them sneak away unnoticed by pulling more attention to himself.

Once a decent few meters away from the arena, they send a message to Sam via their iCoffin and continue on towards the lab where the robotics club usually meets.

Midway their left leg got completely stuck at the knee point resulting in more limbing and a slower pace. Luckily most monsters aren’t around right now, either at home, at the arena or some place else that isn’t the halls of a school way past class and clubs time.

By the time they arrived at the lab, Sam had already spread his tools as well as some extra parts out on one of the tables. He was rearranging them again and again, seemingly unhappy with the order he had them in. Punz’s sensors also picked up the smell of oil. 

“Hey Sam,” they greeted him before he could get spooked by their sudden appearance behind him.

The sphinx turned around, nearly seeming to light up. “Punz! Hi! Are you alright?” Punz walked a bit closer and Sam’s eyes near instantly went to their stiff leg. “I thought you said you oiled your leg?” He pouted, expression resembling a cat so well, Punz felt the need to squeeze him from the cuteness.

“I might have trained instead.”

“Punz.” Sam whined as he already grabbed a can of oil.

“I helped get us to victory though so worth it.” Punz settled on the examination table with only a bit of a struggle, stretching their leg forward so Sam could reach their knee easier.

“Congrats on the win. But I’m sure you could have taken some time off to take care of yourself. How did Dream not notice?”

“It only stiffened once the race was already done and over. He did notice then, which is how I even managed to sneak away.”

Sam sighed. “Still. Please take better care next year? What if it stiffens in the middle of the race?”

The robot looked away at that. 

“Punz…”

“Listen, it was fine. I just needed to bang against it a bit and it worked till the end,” they argued.

“You’re getting pampered tomorrow,” Sam threatened.

Right as the last word left his mouth, a notification chimed from Punz’s phone and they could see Sam’s phone light up on the tool table. They both check and see a message from Dream in the group chat.

:) :  @Punz honey or lemon flavoured cookies? :) : if you don’t answer you’re getting both :) : i saw that limb, you are not moving an inch tomorrow

“Gods, you two are so annoying.” Punz complained. The grin on their face showing how annoyed they truly were.

“You love us.” Sam smiled and kissed the top of their head, only able to reach due to standing on the table with his front legs.

Punz didn’t reply, opting instead to just simply kiss Sam back and sending a message to Dream.

It started with a knife in the ground.

Or rather, it started with them both getting hurt while escaping their old town. Hurt to the point that it slowed the progress they made once the adrenaline of the chase left. In the need for supplies, they entered a town instead of passing it like all the ones before.

The store clerk was admittedly weird. A monster with a skele-ton of puns. Not that Punz minded much. Puns were usually something he quite enjoyed. However his mind was focused on other things. Such as his friend whose nose had started bleeding. Quickly, they paid and were about to head out to a dark corner when a white furred lady approached them.

She looked concerned, not that Punz trusted it to be truthful. Toriel, as she had introduced herself, found the sudden bleeding concerning and suggested going to the hospital. She insisted.

Punz still wanted to refuse. Unsure of how safe it would be, but then a weight on Punz's side increased as Dream leaned against them. His eyes were half lidded, a far away expression in his eyes. His horn looked duller.

So he agreed.

Toriel accompanied them on the way, staying until Dream was settled in a hospital bed and Punz covered in probably the cleanest bandages they've ever seen.

From then on, it was waiting till they got released. 

Despite how the hospital clerk seemed rather static, she really did not like seeing Punz and Dream attempt to continue onwards without having properly healed up. The poison was still messing with Dream's body to the point that he couldn't move his legs anymore.

It left plenty of time to fill.

Luckily Punz was allowed to leave for up to two hours each day and they made use of that whenever Dream was awake and alert.

They bought some more food and supplies when the store was open which was random it seemed. One day the skeleton just stood in front of the door, unmoving while the sign said "clopen". It was certainly strange.

The only other area Punz usually went to was the library. Signing up for a library card was surprisingly easy and quick. The blue bird that was working there was certainly arrogant but dealable with and soon Punz was walking out with different books on the town's history and other useful topics.

He read them while next to Dream.

It was in one of those books that he found something that might help. 

Dark worlds. Worlds that exist in the darkest of darks.  Despite them being described as fictive in the book, there are documented cases of an actual influence on the real world. Personified objects, so called Darkners, when killed in the dark world will be broken in the light world. Lightners, those who live in the light world, seem to be similar in that sense. Severe damage in the dark world can cause wounds in the light world to show up. So it would only make sense that the same could be done with healing? Additionally, dark world food seems to have healing magic imbued in them. So if Punz could get Dream into a dark world and get him healing food, then…

Looking at the sleeping figure that was his friend, he knew what to do.

With a knife in hand and intent more than clear, he raised the blade and stabbed the earth.

Shadows rose like smoke out of the wound and Punz only hoped this would work as they consumed everything.

-

You open the door intending to visit Noelle's dad when shadows greet you instead of the usual front room.

A dark world has been opened in the hospital.

You feel your face change, brows furrowing in what you guess to be concern.

Beside you, Susie stiffens. "The hell? A dark world in the hospital? When did the knight create this? Wait. Noelle!" Susie grabs you by the arms, shaking you back and forth. "Noelle went here just an hour ago to visit her dad. Come on, Kris."

Without waiting a beat, Susie switches to just holding your hand and drags you down into the shadowy depths.

Down until you hit a grassy field full of white flowers with a patch of green here and there. You pick one of the flowers, hold it near your face and sniff.

It smells... clinical. Like disinfectant. 

You see Susie pick one too and eat it. Her face twists. "Tastes like yucky medicine."

You both look around.

"Woah." Susie exclaims from your left. You follow her gaze to a white gigantic structure that can be best compared to a fortress or a castle or something of that kind.

You stare at it for a few more minutes before Susie shakes her head. "Alright. Let's go. We've got a fountain to seal."

You stand up and start making your way to the stronghold together.

--

Punz stared at Dream's figure on the bed. The shift in environment had luckily not woken him. He'd need the rest. Though it did make it harder to tell if the healers so far made any progress.

The healers were interesting. Based on their appearance, he guessed they were bandages in the light world. Their bodies here were strands of bandages.

Other darkners had also made their presence known. Knights with scissor, scalpel and other tool-like bodies took his orders to guard the place in case of intruders.

“Minor Angel,” one of the healers spoke “we are making good progress, however our TP is used up. We need to recharge before continuing further. Permission for a break?”

“Permission granted.” Having them rest would get their TP back faster and thus sooner back to healing well.

They saluted before heading out, closing the big doors behind them. Punz stared at the door for a second more before his gaze returned to his friend again. 

“I hope this will actually work.”

Punz settled next to the bed and took his friend's hand in his. The fur had changed in hue slightly. As did his feathers and skin. It’s fascinating how the dark world works. Very interesting.

Maybe they can explore it more in the future.

---

You wander through seemingly endless halls and explore different rooms with Ralsei having joined a bit ago. 

Together, you come across a library, a kitchen, a weapon and armour room and more. Plenty of enemies stand in your way. Familiar faces as well as new ones. Recruiting them is easy and gains you more of this place's story.

You learn about the angel who had built this place. The mayor angel who now guards the sickly deer and his daughter. The angel intended this place as a sanctuary, a safe place from danger, a place to heal in. Such a place needed defending and the knights were more than happy to help to defend against hostile enemies.

(You feel glad to have not fought physically so far.)

Recently, another angel joined. The minor angel who guards the unicorn in another tower, the highest of both. They, much like the mayor angel, ordered the knights to defend the stronghold against any foes.

You wonder what enemies existed in the past to lead to such defenses but none are willing to answer your question.

“Only the major angel may share the dark past in detail,” whispered one Bibliox you found in the library.

You continue on, finding a basement door with two locks in front. One has a silver design with many details engraved like wings, halos and antlers. The other is more simple but encased in gold with wings and a singular horn.

“What do you two think could be behind that door?”  Susie asks as she inspects the lock. 

“No idea. But if there's two locks, someone really wants to make sure it stays closed.” Ralsei replies.

Susie stares some more at the locks and chuckles. “At least it’s pretty obvious who has the keys. Let’s visit some angels.”

You agree and make your way to the top of the stronghold.

----

Dream was awake. His eyes observed their surroundings with confusion clear on his face. It’s a good sign. Enough energy and awareness to put an effort into facial expressions.

“Punz, where are we?”

“To summarise: in a kind of mirror world called a dark world.”

“How did we get here?”

“I created one. I read about how magic exists here. Healing magic exists. Should hopefully speed things up so we can get the hell out of this town.”

“Huh. Good plan. Any potential side effects?”

“Not from what I could read. Can you feel your legs?”

Dream took a second to reply, probably feeling for said body parts. “Not really. Faintly, I think. But with a bit of a disconnect?”

“Hm. At least somewhat of an development. I hope the healers will be recharged soon.”

Dream slips one of his hands into Punz’s, gently brushing his thumb along.

-----

After meeting the Major Angel, getting its key and talking a bit with Noelle and her dad, you make your way to the second tower’s top where the Minor Angel is supposed to be.

There you find yourself in front of another giant set of doors. It looked the same as the other. A teal hue with golden handles.

With your friend’s help, you open the door once more and quickly find yourself at the sharp end of a sword. Holding said sword is a figure with wings, ice blue eyes and hair in the same shade. Blue feathers cover the humanoid face in some places. The skin beneath is blue as well. If it wasn’t for the more human than bird shape, you’d suspect them to be related to Berdly. But this monster’s style was different too.

More cool. 

“What the heck, dude?!” Susie exclaims, axe out and already shoving the sword away.

“No intruders allowed. Leave,” the person tells them sternly. Their sword extents and with a swish it changes to a whip.

“Not without the key to the basement.”

“What do you need it for?”

“To close the shadow fountain that's behind the locked doors. This dark world can't exist.” Ralsei bows while saying this.

“No. Leave.”

“Not without the key.” Susie insists.

“If you won’t listen, I will make you listen.” Without another word, the battle begins.

Punz stands in your way.

Your enemy doesn’t waste a moment to whip at you. You barely manage to dodge the many lashes aimed at your soul.

You use check.

The final knight of this world, guarding what is most sacred to them.

2000 HP  20 AT  5 DF

Punz briefly looks confused before shaking it off and once more attacking with their whip. You manage to dodge, only to run into one of the icicles that falls down and shatters apart.

You try to reassure Punz, that you are not here to hurt their friend, only to seal the fountain.

“Unfortunately for you, I need that fountain for a bit longer.”

“What do you even need it for, dude?” Susie asks.

“Confidential information.”

Punz’s whip shortens to a sword again before he attacks with quick swings of said blade, making you lose more HP.

You try asking what his goal is.

“Nothing you need to concern yourself with.”

“Considering it’s what’s stopping us from sealing the fountain, it very much is,” Susie insists.

“What do you even care about the fountain?”

“Its existence unbalances the universe and might cause the end,” Ralsei throws in.

Punz falters shortly. They mutter something under their breath before attacking again, lashing out multiple times.

You ask Susie to heal you, noticing how low your HP has gotten.

“You sure?” she asks, looking unsure. You nod and so she does with a small green ball floating to you and getting your HP up again.

Ralsei meanwhile, still tries to talk with Punz who seems to stare at where the green ball just went. “What could be worth destroying both worlds?”

Punz doesn’t comment. They lash out with their whip again. Instead of pulling it back though, bits of it disconnect, shooting out in all directions before returning back to the handle. 

You ask if it’s for his friend behind him. They ignore you. 

“Did you make the fountain to heal your friend?” Ralsei questions.

Susie looks at him, perplexed. “Wait what?”

The dark and fluffy prince twists his hands around. “Well, his friend is obviously not doing well and dark worlds can have some influence on the light world if severe enough. You did say Tenna was a bit damaged and fixed up after the Knight had slashed off his arms.”

“Right.”

“And food can heal here. Magic, healing magic exists.” Ralsei summons a small bit of sparkle to emphasise his point.

Punz looks impossibly more guarded.

“Then I’m guessing we will only get the key when their friend is healed up.” Susie comments. “Isn’t that right?” She glances to the angelic figure. 

“Yup.” Punz agrees, as they wrap their whip around your soul, pulling it up and down with you barely having enough energy to dodge the icicles aimed at you.

You bring your shield up for the next attack.

“Then why won’t you let us heal him? We got two healers in this group.” Susie points out, wrapping an arm around Ralsei as she does.

“Why should I trust that you will actually heal him?”

“Cause it will let us seal the fountain quicker, duh. Additionally, softy here prefers to be kind over mean. And as someone who used to tick the other way, he does have a point.”

Punz seems to contemplate it for a bit before lowering their whip sword mix. “If you dare to hurt him in any way, you won’t wake up.” They don’t completely put their weapon away. You aren’t surprised.

They softly grab the sleeping person’s arm and gently shake while placing a kiss on his forehead. “Dream, come on, wake up.”

Slowly, green eyes open, moving over you before settling on Punz. He moves to kiss them. They let him.

“What’s up? Are more of the lil cute guys here?” His voice is groggy as he sits up slowly.

“Nope. Got two new healers that wanna try.”

“Ah.” Dream looks over to you three as Punz nods both healers over.

Unshaken by the previous threat, Susie walks next to the bed with Ralsei following along unsurely. Both close their eyes as a ball of green grows in Susie’s hands and light surrounds Ralsei. Susie shoots the sphere at Dream while Ralsei swings his hand up, causing Dream to glow a mix of yellow and green shortly. 

He blinks, already starting to move his legs before Punz can even begin asking how he feels. His first attempt at standing up lands him in Punz’s arms though there does seem to be some control over his limbs.

After a few more tries, he does manage to properly stand up while only slightly leaning on his friend.

You can notice the lift in the mood.

A second later, a key gets thrown to Susie. A golden one. She catches it easily.

“Here. View it as payment for the help.” With that Punz helps Dream walk outside, telling him that there’s some flowers he might like to see.