A Name, a New Life

Six months had passed since Thaddeus had opened his eyes in this new life. He had learned a lot in those few months—at least, enough to sit up on his own for short periods, though crawling was still a struggle. His tiny limbs trembled with effort, but he was slowly getting the hang of his new body.

Flora, his mother, often smiled down at him with a look of pure love, while Alexander, his father, kept a watchful eye, always offering help when he saw Thaddeus struggle. The two of them were patient, kind, and made sure he was well taken care of. They never seemed to notice the frustration in his baby eyes—the frustration that stemmed from the fact that despite his newfound life, something was missing.

The power.

It was as if it was locked inside him, just out of reach. He had tried and failed countless times to bend even the simplest of objects. No swords made from his rattle, no bending of the blanket he would tug on with his tiny hands. Everything remained as it was.

But he knew it was there. The potential to bend the world to his will was buried deep within, waiting for the right moment to emerge. When would that be?

Thaddeus sat in his small wooden crib, his eyes focused on the world around him, trying again and again to make something—anything—happen. His fingers twitched, but nothing moved. The frustration built in his chest, but he didn't show it.

Flora entered the room, her gentle voice carrying warmth as she spoke to him, "Little one, sweet boy, how are you today? Still playing with your toys?"

She smiled as she walked toward him and scooped him into her arms. "I think it's time we name you officially, don't you think?"

Thaddeus blinked at her in confusion. Name? Hadn't he already been given one? But then, he remembered—he hadn't been named when he first woke up. His parents had been so focused on his health, that they hadn't thought about it.

Flora gazed lovingly at him, as if waiting for something. "How about Thaddeus?" she suggested, her voice soft with affection. "Thaddeus Lore, a strong name for a strong boy. Does that sound good to you, little one?"

Thaddeus stared up at her, his baby face filled with wonder. Thaddeus. It wasn't the name he remembered from his previous life, but it felt right. Thaddeus Lore. Yes, I like it.

"Thaddeus Lore," Flora repeated, smiling as she held him close. "I'm glad you like it."

As she continued to cuddle him, Alexander entered the room. He smiled at the two of them, his hands resting on his hips. "I see you've given him a name," he said with a chuckle. "Our son, Thaddeus Lore."

Thaddeus couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth flood his chest at the sound of his name. Despite everything, despite the frustrating lack of progress with his powers, he was home.

But His parents didn't know that he could bend anything, though he had tried—over and over again—to make something happen. They only saw him as a baby.

As he lay in his mother's arms, trying to focus on anything, the familiar buzzing sensation filled his mind again—the same sensation that always came when he tried to use his powers. But still, nothing.

What am I doing wrong? Thaddeus thought, frustration beginning to bubble up inside him. Why can't I control it?

But for now, there was only the name. Thaddeus Lore. It was a new life, a new chance.