Nine

Five-year old Wendy dragged a four-year old Morton Jr. into her room. She made him sit at her table and placed a flowery hat on his head.

"I don't wanna! You can't make me, Wendy! Stupid head!" he complained.

"I played tennis with you earlier!" Wendy dropped a teacup set on the table in front of him. "So, you're going to play house or else!"

Morton shivered.

Gently smiling, Wendy pretended to pour tea from a kettle. "Would you like four sugar cubes, Mr. Morton?"

Turning his head, Morton heard Bowser grumbling in the hall and bolted out his seat. With an ear-splitting yell, Wendy pursued him. The two slammed into Bowser's leg, who was deep in thought. The irritated king stopped and looked down to demand who dared to touch him. Wendy and Morton froze, still not used to their grumpy uncle. But Bowser lightened up once he realized who they were. The two relaxed, recognizing that they could talk to him.

"Why are you running in the halls?" He asked.

Morton showed Bowser the hat. "Wendy is forcing me to play tea party with her! But I told her no and she said she would kill me! She would freeze me, drag me outside, tie me up, and let the buzzards …."

Unfazed by the morbid things coming out of a four-year old's mouth, Bowser interrupted. "It is only a few minutes. Why won't you play with your sister?"

"Tea parties are for sissies!"

"Are you implying Wendy is weak!?" Bowser roared.

Morton shrink back. "UMMM…"

In that moment, Wendy began to cry. "None of them besides Ludwig want to play with me! And Ludwig is studying!"

Usually, Bowser told anyone crying to suck it up. Only weak things like toads cry. But he hated seeing Wendy upset. Her tears over her parents' death still haunted him. Bowser sighed and grabbed Morton. "I have a few minutes. Come on Morton, we're having a party."

"But King Dad…"

"No buts! A true man makes time for family…"

Morton, arms folded, sat sulking while Wendy 'poured' tea for her guests. Bowser wore a frilly hat.

"Would you like four cubes, Mr. Bowser?"

"Make it six."

Wendy giggled and pretended to put cubes in his cup. An idea came to her at that instant. "I want a sister!"

Bowser started coughing and a blush creeped up on his face. "Y-you have your brothers…"

"They outnumber me! I want a sister so I can dress her up and playhouse!"

"Oh…" Bowser laughed sheepishly. "But she may not like doing those things…she may like other activities."

Wendy smiled. "I don't care, I just want one!"

"That's unfair!" Morton injected. "If the other kid can be excused from playing house, why can't I!?"

Bowser ignored Morton's whining. He stared at his cup, contemplating Wendy's words.

"….."

Modern day Wendy is ice skating through the halls of her snow tower. Minions are giving her thumbs up as she gracefully exits a window. Waiting outside is Ludwig's airship and she lands onto it.

"We have Wendy! You're clear to take off, Iggy." Ludwig shouts while Wendy unexpectedly hugs him. "You're chippy today."

The ship makes an ascent as Wendy is shouting in joy, "How can I not be!?"

W-what happened? Why am I on the floor?

"Bowser! HEY! Bowser! …. It's no good Peachy, he's out cold…help me Waluigi!"

Daisy?

"Don't expect me to do mouth-to-mouth!"

You better not come anywhere near me, flagpole!

"How does he smooch without biting your face off, toots?"

Hey! Watch it, Wario! My Peach says I'm good kisser! W-wait…. Peaches? Right! I remember! She's …...!

"Yoshi, please wake him up!"

EWWWWW!

Bowser jumps up, shoving Yoshi's tongue away from his cheek. Opening his eyes, the koopa realizes he is surrounded. Daisy is shaking her fists up and down, a broad grin on her face. She turns to Toadette and gushes with her about exciting news. But not all are celebrating; Toad is sulking in a corner. And Wario and Waluigi shake their heads while looking down at Bowser.

"Why did you faint?" Wario deadpans. "Didn't you want a kid!?"

Bowser gives a dazed smile and Lilac chuckles over his expression. "Well, I suppose the father is happy over the news."

"Father? Is it true?" Bowser spots a worried Peach behind the crowd, still in her bed.

"B-bowser…are you okay with …?"

Immediately, the king rushes past the group and gathers the queen into a hug. He then presses his mouth against her ear and murmurs, "Is it true…?"

Peach gently runs her fingers through his mane. "Yes."

Bowser's vision blurs and he feels his eyes sting. He tightens his grip on her as his heart does back flips. Having a child with Peach had been one of his lifelong dreams. Besides his cherished eight, he will now be welcoming a new little one. One from the love of his life. Tears stream down his face as he pulls away to look intently into Peach's eyes. In response she reaches for his cheek to caress it.

"Bowser? You're crying…"

"I'm not crying…" He lies. Toadette walks up and offer a handkerchief. He wipes his eyes and refocuses on Peach. "I love you so much…."

Now glassy eyed herself, Peach melts into his embrace.

Wario shuffles over to Lilac whispering, "I didn't think it was possible."

Lilac adjusts her glasses. "Interracial marriage is common in Sarasaland. Sentient beings have minor difference between them besides physical appearance and abilities. It is like an extra-terrestrial being marrying a human in your world."

"I see."

Approaching Peach and Bowser, Lilac continues. "The child will inherit the race of one parent while having a few cosmetic features from the other."

Dreambert gives a weary smile and takes a seat. "I'm just glad we know what is going on."

"I agree…" Peach sighs and pets Yoshi on the head. "And you knew and were looking out for me?"

Yoshi beams in response. "Yoshi!"

Still hugging Peach, Bowser leans to glare at the dinosaur. "Yoshi, why did you not tell me my wife was pregnant!?"

"Yoshi? Yoshi! Yoshi!"

"What do you mean you thought King Penguin was the father!?" he yells.

Peach strokes Bowser's head to calm him down. "Bowser…don't ruin this happy moment."

Bowser eagerly turns to stare at her. She is right. They have a lot of planning to do and he is already planning to build her a new castle. But then Bowser realizes Peach would think he is spending too much. Lilac clears her throat to catch the king's attention. "There are a few things you need to know, King Bowser. Peach will give live birth. And if she is like a Sarasaland human, she will carry the child for about twelve months."

"It's around nine where we're from." Waluigi notes.

"I see, so it may be a small difference. But the baby will be soft and helpless at birth."

Bowser rubs his chin, deep in thought. "Helpless huh? I was already walking after hatching. They say I threw the doctor out the window because he wouldn't give me his sandwich." Lilac cringes but Bowser smiles. "On the other hand, Junior was an absolute sweetheart…." The koopa takes out his wallet and shows Daisy his baby pictures of Junior. One picture was of the little guy wrapped in bundles, sucking on a pacifier and surrounded by Bowser's celebrating minions. Another was Bowser proudly cradling his son.

Daisy coos, "Mugs of Easton! His cheeks were so red and chubby! I would have pinched them off!"

"Isn't he adorable?"

"Let's hope the child is like Junior then…" Lilac admits and hands Bowser a couple of books. "And you need to learn all you can about human babies."

"I'll read them from cover to cover!" Bowser declares.

Her face now stern, Lilac pokes a finger at Bowser. "This is Peach's first birth. And I fear for her health. Do not stress her out."

"That's going to be hard." Waluigi jokes. Not looking at him, Bowser points at the door. Getting the message, Waluigi immediately runs out of the room. Bowser then places a hand on his heart. "You have my word. I will cater to her every need and want!"

Not liking that, Peach pouts and folds her arms. "Bowser, I'm not going to be sitting around doing nothing. I have a baseball tournament to host in Acorn Kingdom. The sporting events have really helped with bringing people together."

"Within reason, you can still go about your daily affairs. But you must be careful, Peach." Lilac says.

Bowser implores Peach with puppy dog eyes. "I would never want to hold you back! But Peach, I was so scared when I got that call about you. I'm worried about you and our child. I just want you to be safe. That's all. Promise me you won't take unnecessary risks!"

Daisy sits on the bed to hug Peach. The blonde leans against her friend. "Okay…"

The best place for Peach to give birth is in the Mushroom Kingdom. The environment was ideal for a human child, compared to the eternal night of the Darklands. Before leaving Bash Skull Islands, Bowser left the general and the Wario Bros. in charge.

"I'm needed elsewhere. But keep training everyone. Yoshi will stay with Peach."

The general gleefully salutes while the Wario Bros look worried. "He's gonna try and kill us!" Wario complains.

Toadette glares. "Not on my watch! I have a duty to watch over Prince Dreambert but I'm keeping an eye out for trouble!"

The koopa and toad angerly make eye contact but then blush and look away. Bowser whispers to Koopa General, "You won't get too distracted, will you?"

"N-no!"

"Good." Bowser rests his hand on Peach's shoulder. She then speaks to the crowd.

"Do your best everyone, but I better not hear about any of you using war machines of death!"

The Koopa General and Mouser agree reluctantly and the others breathe a sigh of relief.

"Thanks mom." Waluigi jokes.

Giggling, Peach looks up at Bowser and he returns her loving gaze. "Ready?"

Peach feels a nervous flutter in her stomach at hearing that word. But she tries to ignore the feeling. "I'm ready, Bowser."

Peach found herself trapped under a layer of silk sheets on a large comfortable bed. Behind her was an mountain of pillows.

"Hello? Anyone there? I can't move!" She cries out.

Immediately, her koopa maids rush in and pull the covers off. Adjusting her blue gown, Peach grins and attempts to get up but the koopas push her back down. They put a new layer of sheets on top of her.

"Forgive us for being late, Your Loveliness! Here are your new linen!" One maid declares while tucking Peach in. Another maid presents a platter of expensive foods and chocolates while one brushes her hair. Other maids are scanning Peach's vanity table, choosing makeup to use on her.

This is too much.

Peach frowns when she hears Bowser outside the door giving orders to the head maid.

"I want her to get massages twice a day. And for milk baths use the rose petals, lavender, and honey I've provided. Only the finest for my darling. Oh, and books! She'll need tons of books!"

Peach squirms under the covers and call out to her husband. "Bowser!"

"I'm on my way, Honey Toast!" Bowser rushes in. "Is something wrong?"

"Yes! This is too much!" She complains.

Peach suddenly feels bad seeing Bowser's hurt expression. "I… I mean I appreciate everything you are doing, but I have duties to perform. Yoshi is willing to bring me wherever I'm needed if I get sick again."

Bowser loosens up; he grins softly. "But I want you and our baby to be safe…"

"….."

"Peach?"

Peach looks toward her window, reflecting on recent events. This is her first-time giving birth. She was excited for the event but ….

"Alright… I'll admit it. I'm a little scared."

Bowser shoos the maids out and approach her. "What has you scared? I'll beat it up."

Peach chuckles. "Will I be a good mother?"

"Peach…" He lays on the bed next to her while loosening the sheets to free her. "You'll do great. You're already a good mother to my kids."

"But they're older…"

"My point still stands."

The queen wants to mention something else. Another fear she has but she refrains from saying it. She can see Bowser studying her. From his expression, she knows he knows what she is thinking. He leans over her and makes eye contact with Peach. She shudders. He now looks like the tyrant she met years ago.

Eyes aglow, he darkly whispers, "I won't let anyone harm you or our child…I would tear the universe apart and make it anew if it was to protect you…"

"Please don't…"

Bowser laughs lightly but she knows he meant what he said. To her relief his eyes returned to their earlier gentleness. Overwhelmed Peach turns her head. With a sigh, Bowser gently presses his lips against her jawline. Their moment is interrupted by a loud crash outside. Soon they hear shouting in the halls. Bowser rolls his eyes and Peach snickers over his reaction.

"What is the meaning of this!? You parked it right in front of Her Highness' castle!"

"Sorry Chancellor! You wreck my airship, Iggy!" Ludwig yells.

"You told me to park close!"

"Is that a Yoshi!? Why is he napping in the hallway?"

"Forget that! We must see Peach!"

"Is Mama, okay?"

"Of course, she is!"

The koopalings burst in and Junior makes a leap for Peach. "Mama!"

But Bowser catches Junior. "Whoa there! You must be careful with your mom! No more tackling hugs." Bowser sets Junior on the bed and Peach squeezes him in her arms. "Junior! You're going to be a big brother."

Confused, Junior looks on as his parents exchange warm looks. But Wendy jumps up and down. "It must be a girl! It must be a girl!" she yells. "I'll finally have a little sister!"

Mortified Larry cries out, "No! You'll have her side with you in every fight we have!"

Roy and Iggy shiver over the possibility. Wendy will not be dissuaded. "But you boys outnumber me!"

Larry desperately turns to Bowser. "Come on King Dad! I know you want another boy!"

Bowser holds Peach's hand, smiling with his eyes downcast. "I…would like a girl…"

Feeling betrayed, Roy and Larry turn to Ludwig as their last hope. "Come on Ludwig, take our side!"

"I want a sister too." Ludwig admits. The koopalings then break into factions arguing over the child.

"We'll welcome the baby no matter what!" Bowser declares silencing the rowdy teens. "And you guys are not to be wild around Peach."

Agreeing, Ludwig lines up his siblings and then talks to Peach's stomach. "Welcome, little one. I'm Ludwig the eldest and a music prodigy."

Peach covers her mouth to hide her amusement. Lemmy pushes Ludwig out of the way. "I'm Lemmy!"

Roy flexes his arms while Iggy peeks around him. "Roy and I'm the strongest in the world."

"Iggy…. UMMMM…. I like a good monster movie….and I raise chain-chomps."

Wendy hugs Peach as part of her greeting. "And I'm Wendy, your big sister! I can't wait to meet you!"

Morton then puffs his chest out. "I'm Morton! I cook and bake; I make seriously delicious chicken wings. King Dad can't get enough of them! And I'm the two-year champion of the annual koopa cook out. And I'm the strongest of our family! Everyone knows how smart I am … And…"

"The kid doesn't need to hear your autobiography, son. And I'm the strongest!" Bowser rebukes.

Finally, Larry introduces himself. "I'm Larry! Just Larry."

Peach turns to Junior, waiting for him to introduce himself. Junior looks up at her wide eyed and back at her stomach. "I'm Bowser Junior…."

He watches as the other koopalings surround Peach. They begin discussing what they need to get for the newborn. Junior studies Peach's happy expression as she talks about the baby. He frowns and hops off the bed. "I gotta go to my room."

"You don't want to plan with us?" Ludwig inquires.

"I'm good."

"Well, I'll read you a story latter, sport." Bowser announces. Junior smiles and leaves the room. In his own room, Junior draws pictures. He pauses when he finishes a portrait of Peach. Junior sniffles and wipes his nose. His parents are often busy with their duties but they set aside time for him. And Junior enjoys the attention he gets. The knowledge of a new sibling angers him for some reason. Not understanding as to why he is upset, Junior rips up his picture.

For the past few weeks, Bowser has engrossed himself in caring for Peach and reading human books. And he is worried. Human childbirth sounds painful! And lately, Peach had started showing signs of discomfort. She was suffering from back pains and other aches. Her ankles had swollen up slightly. Peach had even gained weight, not that Bowser minded her wider curves…. But honestly, he felt guilty about wanting a bunch of kids with Peach. Look at what one was doing to her! However, Peach was happy and determined to manage her royal duties. And Yoshi was a huge help carrying her around.

Thinking about her, Bowser swears to do his best to take care of his wife. But the king groans as he glances around. Peach tended to leave the bed early while he was asleep (a habit that annoyed him to no end), so he lost track of her already.

"I had her in a bear hug! How did that woman slip out of my grasp!?"

But he finds Peach in the furnished baby room - sitting in a rocking chair. She gently sings a lullaby while folding onesies. Slowly rocking back and forth, she rests her hand on her small bump. Enamored, Bowser grips the door and watches. After admiring her for a minute he enters.

"I'm going to lock that door next time!" he jokes.

Peach stops her singing and frowns. Bowser gets on his knees next to her. "Did you feel a flutter kick again?"

Peach is now smiling at him. "Yes."

Excited, Bowser places a hand on her stomach. But Peach laughs. "You won't really feel it right now, silly!"

Bowser groans in disappointment.

"I'm due for a visit with Lilac in a few weeks. She'll be at the Mushroom Hospital to tell us the gender."

Bowser flashes his fangs. "I can't wait!"

At that moment, Junior comes running. "Mama! I want to play outside!"

Bowser sighs and rubs his son's head. "Sorry, sport. She hasn't been feeling well. Her and the baby are staying in today."

"How about we color together?" Peach offers. Junior pouts and grabs a coloring book. Bowser watches as the two moves to a table. "Teddy Bear, can you get us some snacks?"

Bowser comes out of his trance. "Y-yeah! I'll tell you what, I'll go shopping myself!" He beams over the idea of going to the store like a regular father. "What do you need?"

Peach purses her pillowy lips in thought. Bowser feels tempted to steal a kiss from her but he restrains himself. "I want some ice cream, some chips - really salty chips, chocolate bars, gummy candies, and a bucket of lava."

Bowser doodles a list onto his palm with a pen. "Okay, salty chips, chocolate…wait…. LAVA!?"

Peach stares at him innocently. "I'm craving it."

The king folds his arms. He is putting his foot down. "I don't care, Peaches! I'm not buying you that!"

Peach chucks a pillow at him in response.

In the convenience store checkout line, Gold stares awkwardly at Bowser in front of him holding a basket of snacks. Bowser turns and sticks his tongue out.

Finally, the day arrived for Lilac's visit. Once finished, Bowser escorted Peach out of the medical room. His face was glowing with joy and he began whispering sweet nothings into Peach's ear.

"Bowser! Stop, that tickles!" Peach laughs. As the two teased each other, the koopalings ran up to them.

"So?"

"It's a girl." Bowser declares.

"YEEEEESSSSS!" Ludwig yells and falls to his knees. His siblings jump over his sudden display of raw emotion. "Years…years of enduring rough housing! Please let the child take after Peach!" He begs.

"We weren't that bad, Ludwig! Were we?" Roy complains.

"Alright, another one!" Lemmy declares and hugs Peach's leg.

Bowser turns to a stunned Wendy. "Well, my little princess, you got your wish…"

Wendy suddenly screams. She proceeds to a window and jumps out of the third floor!

"WENDY!?" Bowser howls in horror. He and Ludwig dash to the window, only to see Wendy lying on the ground. Toads are walking around her, staring like she is crazy. Wendy spins in circles gushing over having a sister.

Bowser wants to holler at her for scaring him, but he turns to see Peach celebrating the news with the boys. He feels his eyes tear up again and Bowser quickly wipes them away to avoid Peach noticing.

Everyone is so happy they fail to notice Junior's response. He is celebrating too but there is sadness in his eyes. He doesn't want to share…

The next day, Yoshi accompanies Peach for a walk into Toad Town. Junior comes along with them too. Excited over her presence, the toads close shop to greet Peach. Many are eagerly talking to her about the upcoming delivery.

"It was just yesterday that she was a baby!" Ms. Truffle comments.

Vert nods in agreement. "They grow up quick, don't they?"

As the toads speak of giving gifts to the baby, Junior begins to feel ignored. And Peach's attention has been split between him and his new sibling. She and Bowser spent a lot of time decorating the baby room. Inheriting his father's short temper, Junior feels his rage boiling over. Wanting Peach's undivided attention again, Junior flips over several fruit carts. Immediately, Yoshi prevents him from overturning anymore. The toads and Peach paused, stunned over his actions.

"Junior!" Peach reprimands. Junior fiddles with his fingers in response. He knows he is in trouble and feels terrible for upsetting Peach but it got her attention. Trying not to yell, Peach has him put back the carts and assists with picking up the fruit. The queen then apologizes to the toads and returns to the castle. Once they enter, Peach tells Junior to go to his room.

"But I want to be with you!" He cries.

"Junior…. You caused property damage! Your father is going to hear about this!"

Junior glares and runs upstairs. Once he does Peach crashes on a sofa. Tired and in pain again she was not up to arguing. She couldn't figure out why her sweet Junior was suddenly acting out. So, Peach waits for Bowser to return from his kingly duties. When he arrives, Peach tells Bowser what happened.

"Wait…." Bowser snaps his fingers and immediately look ashamed. "Oh wow…. I was so busy I forgot about that…"

Peach sits up. "What's wrong? You know more about children then me."

Bowser shakes his head. "It happened with Morton and Larry when Junior was born. You see Junior was the baby of the family. And his position is suddenly gone. He's jealous and is looking for attention."

"Oh…"

"You did right to give him a time out. Can't have the Darkland's prince terrorizing his allies. BWAHAHA!"

Peach stands up. "But what do we do? I don't want him to think I love him less."

"I know you love him." Bowser reassures. "I have an idea. We must let him feel included in the baby's life."

After a long discussion, Peach calls for Junior. He nervously comes down expecting a scolding from his father. But Bowser doesn't do that. "Junior what do you have to say to your mother?"

"Sorry…"

Peach bends to hug him. Tearing up Junior wraps his arms around her. "I'm sorry Junior you feel left out. I love you so much. All of you have a special place in my heart. Just because you are having a sibling, does not mean I will love you less now."

Junior begins sniffling. "Okay…"

Bowser folds his arms. "Your mother and I had a talk. And we decided to let you help with naming your sister."

Junior perks up. "R-really!?"

"Yeah. I was thinking Bowser the Third but your mother threatened to assassinate me. I think you can come up with something else."

Junior begins hopping up and down. "I can do that!"

"And it can't be anything like hamburger or steak fries, you got it?"

His son laughs in response.

Night has fallen on the Mushroom Kingdom. A content Bowser sits near a fireplace with Peach on his lap, his hand resting on her stomach. They quietly enjoyed each other's presence while listening to the crackling of the fireplace. Soon Bowser nuzzles the top of Peach's head. "I felt the kick again…" he whispers.

"She's really active today." Peach comments and snuggles against him. Bowser then calls for Junior. When he enters Peach directs Junior's hand to her stomach.

After a pause, Junior's eyes widen and he grins at Peach. "Oh!"

Laughing Bowser picks up his son and places him next to Peach. "Make sure you look after your sister, son."

Junior leans his head against Peach's stomach. "I promise."

Pleased with his response, Peach rubs Junior's head. "Junior, did you figure out a name for her?"

"Oh yeah, I wanted to name her after a fruit like you, Mama!"

She tilts her head. "Fruit?"

"Apricot!"

The king laughs and Peach thinks for a bit. "Apricot?"

Bowser Jr. shakes his head aggressively. He was confident with the name. Peach smiles at Junior while Bowser kisses her forehead. "Well, Apricot it is!"

The vacant town of the blue planet burned. On a hill nearby, Antasma throws clothing, books, photos, records, and anything he can find into a bonfire. He pauses once he reaches a children's book. It is a fairy tale about a princess and a talking star. Inside the cover is a small note: To our Amora.

During his time in this world, Antasma learned the fate of this civilization. Humans vary from place to place. Earth humans are normal but adaptable. Most Sarasaland humans are unusually strong. But humans here can interact with stars. And that gift was their undoing. On that fateful day they sent a call for help to one of their own. But help from the caretaker and her allies arrived too late….

Eventually, the humans were avenged and the dead buried. And the heartbroken caretaker returned to space. Her location is unknown to Antasma but she will never return. Which works for him. This is a planet hidden from other more advanced civilizations. Antasma only knows of this planet due to his former connection to Peach. He chuckles and quickly scans the storybook, filled with adorable illustrations. He then throws it into the fire. Now pleased, he studies his handiwork. Peach held onto a dream of returning to this world. To learn something about herself and her parents. But every trace of Peach's former home is now gone. And the other survivor of this world is on the other side of the universe. If Peach wants any information, she will have to go through him.

Antasma begins to hug himself as he feels a sudden rush of anxiousness. He wants to get on with the rest of his plan but he must be patient.

Patience brings the best results.

Shortly, Antasma hears a buzzing noise and lifts his wrist up. No doubt a message from the ship waiting for him in the atmosphere above. "What?"

"We've spotted the quarantine zone, Emperor Antasma."

Antasma's eyes spark with delight. "Finally. Give me the coordinates."

The location was a distance from the town in a mountainous region. Grateful for levitation, Antasma travels the rough terrain. He cautiously approaches a glowing crater. Suddenly, it is hard to breathe in this area. If not for the physical enhancements he had given himself, Antasma couldn't remain here. Something evil and malevolent was sealed down there.

Antasma descends deeper and eventually the light is no more. He then painfully floats right into a shield barrier. Rubbing his head, he strains to investigate past the obstacle. He can hear something trying to communicate with him inside his head. But he can't understand it. If Peach were here, she would know what it is saying.

Finally catching a glimpse of a form, Antasma gleefully laughs. He has definitively found the being he saw in Peach's hidden memories. Beyond the barrier rests a shattered black form in a orb:

The Dark Star, a creature of great malevolence.

It's eyes stare blankly at the bat, studying him and still attempting to communicate. Long ago, a space explorer had an encounter with the creature in deep space. Driven by destructive instinct, it followed him back to the blue planet and laid waste on it. This being is responsible for the annihilation of Peach's people. And Antasma intends to use it.

"It's fractured…. A shadow of its former self. But I can work with this!"