The Third Party

3rd Person's POV

Ken finding himself in the body of a baby, panicked him, flinging words after words complaining to the white ball about his situation, but being a baby as he is now, baby gibberish just went out of his small, cute mouth, cries echoing inside the room and the hut alerting the parents, Ken's parents.

The couple hurriedly went to the room where their baby is nestled, ignoring their task moments ago, they look at the scene before them, and their worried expressions eased as they stare lovingly at their crying/wailing son at the crib, taking a slight glance at each other.

The mother approached slowly at the crib, and once coming to view with her child, she slowly reached out with her arms to hold and cradle the baby to her chest protectively.

"My dear sweet child, are you afraid? Don't worry, mommy's here now for you" she rocked the baby side to side effectively soothing her child, and soon the baby's cries turned to soft in takes of breath.

While still rocking the baby, slowly looked at her husband by the doorstep, who in turn had leaned by the doorway, knowing fully well that his wife would take care of the matter.

The father slowly walked to the side of his wife and gently and slowly wrapped his arms in both his son and wife, he looked first at his child and then to his wife, he pecked his wife at the lips and then on her forehead, he relished the moment that he get to hold his wife and his son in his arms.

Ken as panic stricken as he is long ago, started to feel at ease looking at his parents in his kind of state in, he feels confused but at the same time calm, happy, and content, even though he thought its awkward thinking that he is stuck in a baby's body with a mentality of a 19 yr. old,

But nonetheless, he could not help but notice the way his parents act towards him. But because he is naive towards this emotions, let me just say it clear, he felt love, true and genuine love... from the persons in front of him, we all call, parents.

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(1 yr. Old and 6 months)

'Huh?.... I still can't believe I'm back to being a kid, or to be more specific, a baby, basically close now to a toddler' Ken looks at the ball of white, trying to convey what he is thinking about.

'Oh, is that how you feel?' The ball of white asks, both talking telepathically Ken resting on his baby crib.

At first he never thought that, talking to the ball of white in his mind would bring nothing and, just kept running his mouth, thinking that his thoughts would be conveyed to his companion,

They did though, but it turns out, he also alerted his parents, making them hurriedly come to his side, asking whether he’s alright or that he needed something.

Ken was confused at what his parents were acting, until the ball of white spoke to him, saying that he has been speaking gibberish alerting his parents to come to him seeking if there was something wrong with him, but turns out they were just worried for Ken, thinking that he was in pain or hungry,

Upon realizing what he did, he tried to act cheerful, no acting mixed, just pure cheeriness, because who would not be delighted to know that someone is worried for you, but also because his parents didn't stop asking questions, and worrying to the point of almost being enraged.

But with a laugh the worrying ceased, sporting warm smiles across their face, felt relief now that they know that everything is alright, and since that day whenever Ken wanted to talk to the ball,

Thinking of what he wants to say, gets directly transmitted to his companion.

'Yes I do, but it’s nothing, I'm just about complicated things - that ends me being confused, hehe, me and my silly mind -' thinking about these nonsensical stuff are bad for a 1 and a half year old baby.

While deep in thought, he suddenly heard a chime, something that resembles that of bells ringing on a church, or chapel, he looked around as far as his body would allow him, but could not find the source in which it originated… something caught his eye in a corner.

He turned to the right and he could see the ball of white appear to be shaking, wait, since when did the ball ever showed himself to him? Shouldn’t communicating through their minds be enough? Not that Ken needs to impose or anything.

'Oh I have always been here beside you, and as to answer your question of how I didn't show myself to you, I went out of town on the day you were born and scouted the Kingdom of Ithel, to gather information for your quest here in this land.' Ken stared dumbfounded at the ball.

'But how can you still communicate with me even though you're afar, or to be fair, pretty far, considering there are the mountains and you went to the Kingdom' is that even possible?’

'That is only because I am a part of you, just as you are a part of me'

'Huh?!?! but how???' *mentally shows a shocked face*

'It happened when you accepted my offer, you could say it was a merging pact between the two of us, like you're my vessel and I'm your second personality, that has its own, mind' silence crept to the both of them because, honestly, Ken cannot even form any reasonable thoughts right now, him? a part of me? As much as I am a part of him? As is his thoughts running wild.

'Okay, that sounded awfully weird, then lets settle it to this statement, the moment you accepted my offer - wow, I just repeated what I had just said - I merged with you because making myself a part of you leaves no room for secrets or even harboring negative lasting thoughts,

And it's like basically giving birth to a personality for your inner voice, I'm your light, guide, and friend whenever you need me, this is also due to the reason of the creator of your plane of reality, it was lonely on its first time being separated from others.

So when it created that plane of reality, it bore an oath, that once that plane of reality chooses someone to bear its fundamentals and values, that person would bear with them a companion, and that's me.' Ken stares dumbfounded again at the ball.

'But why did you tell me just now?!' He exclaims, furious as to why the ball didn’t tell him this back then.

'Uh... that's because I had forgotten to tell you this because of me telling you of the story on how the plane of reality came to be, although I did get the feeling that I was missing something to explain to you about that plane of reality, and its fundamentals and values,

I just let it shrug, and never minded about it anymore, but now that I had remembered it, I feel ashamed, excuse me.' replied the ball.

‘Seriously, if he was a mortal like me, and a boy at that, I swear he would be scratching the back of his neck, ugh!!!!’

*HMPH!* Ken flicks his head to the left and cross his arms to indicate how displeased he is, but having the attention span of a child, he waved it all off and played with his toys,

'So what info. did you gather from the Kingdom? Considering the time you were away, I'd like to say you were observing for a long time, or you just went out to other places as well, oohh are there other Kingdoms too? Considering the fact that you have introduced me to only one.' Ken asks, curiosity getting the better of him, all the while his hands are working.

'You're right on two things though, Yes I observed the kingdom for a long time, presumably 1 year or so, trying to know whether the Kingdom would go in a state of chaos knowing full well that the prince is missing.

I was about to take action and give the royal couple a message, when they took matters into their own hands and summoned an oracle to the palace to know what situation their son is in,

The oracle arrived the next day and as fate would have it, the oracle relayed to the couple that their son is in good hands and safe somewhere in this vast land, presumably here in this village -but we're the only ones that knows-,

The King and Queen's hearts were set at ease upon hearing the message, but still can't help to worry about what will happen to their son in the future, the oracle also said that in time, their son will come back to them, because it was their son's destiny,

To go through this kind of situation, and to give back the kingdom something it had lost in the past, something that ties the kingdom to how it had originated.' explained the ball.

‘Oooh, mystery, I like it, now that seriously catches my attention.’ Ken replied.

'And the second thing is that again, yes, I did went to other places to know the places you will be able to travel with the protagonists of this place, so I pretty much summed up all the places here at the Kingdom of Ithel,

So if you ever need to know where you will be going to or what place you will be encountering in your journey, fill free to ask, but I'm afraid I still haven't explored the further parts of this planet,

Although I know there are other Kingdoms as well, but I can't remember their names, it has been a long time since I've browsed, or learned of the things here at this planet, but we can still visit those other kingdoms too, we just need to travel for a long time.' Ken nodded in excitement.

'Okay, thank you, for doing that for me, it would be very helpful in the future.' he says gratefully, thinking of the long time the ball has been away gathering information for him.

---

The day went by smoothly, after talking with the ball of white for awhile the two came to the conclusion that the other will not be leaving anywhere without Ken anymore, finding it kind of lonely without the ball beside him.

Just like any other companion of relative greater power than others, the two were safe when it comes to communicating with one another since Ken’s parents cannot see his companion, indifferent to their surroundings, except Ken.

Ken’s mother went to pick him up on the floor and put him back on his crib, he hadn't noticed that it was high noon, meaning he had to eat, so that's what he did, he was fed milk, and once he was done, tucked him back on the bed.

His father then turned up to play games with him, and then proceeded to smooch him with cuddles and kisses all over, Ken laughed and shouted happily, because who wouldn't be happy in a situation where both parents are happily spending time with their child.

The family shared tons of laughter that afternoon, Ken will surely treasure this moment of his life, one that he hadn’t felt for a long time now.

Once they saw that their son was yawning, they concluded that it was enough fun for the afternoon, and tucked Ken back unto his bed, they gave him good night kisses, and to his astonishment and joy, told me that they love him, and sweet dreams,

‘Can a guy ever anticipate the love of their parents? If not then sue me, I like this, and I'm not gonna let anyone ruin this moment, hehe, don't mind me I'm just spewing nonsense.’ bashful feelings and shyness enveloping his warm heart.

Ken went to sleep, with a thought in the back of his mind, that the moment he had his parents all contentedly beside him, he slept peacefully and happy.

By night came his mother woke him up for my breastfeeding and once he had his full, she tucked him back on his bed and walked to her husband on their bed, situated beside his crib, and went to sleep.

Without much to discuss for the day, Ken slept soundly, the ball of white watching closely.

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*The Next Day*

Ken woke up to the rays of the sun, he looked to his left and noticed that his parents are still sleeping at their own bed, he looked at his right and found that the ball of white was still where he was, just beside him,

Not really beside him beside him, just there probably an arm’s length distance, a baby's arm length distance.

'What are you staring at?' effectively catching Ken of guard, he finds it hard to find his words.

'I uhh... I'm... Uh... good morning! I was just wondering whether you are awake or not.' that little startle subsiding down as Ken’s heart calmed.

'Good morning to you too Ken, as for your question, I have been awake for a long time, because I do not take a rest.' replied the ball.

'Why is that so?' Ken asks curiously.

'That's because I do not have a body that gets tired, as you can see, I am a ball of white.' Ken nodded as it does seem reasonable.

While deep in a conversation with the ball of white, he didn't notice his parents waking up and walking to his side, he heard a gasp and turn to its source, and looked that it was just his parents, looking at him worriedly but his mom's face quickly turned to that of a pout, his father looking at his wife with raised eyebrows.

"Awwww, our baby woke up before us, I mean honey look at him, he's wide awake, I bet he must have been waiting for us to wake up too, awww poor Kenny, where you waiting for a long time?

Here let me cradle you and give you your milk for this morning." Just as she had said, she reached out with both of her arms, to which Ken reciprocated with both arms reaching out for his mother as well, making those grabby features.

He notice at the corner of his eye that his dad was getting busy, wondering what his father could be busying himself for?

"Me and your mother will be taking you out to meet our friend at their house just by the fields, I'm sure you will be delighted to be there because our friend also has a kid, and they’re the same age as you, aren't you excited?" said Ken’s father excitedly, that Ken could not help as well but to laugh and squeal in delight while breastfeeding.

The thought of having a new friend was very exciting.

"Now now sweetie, we can't have you going to our friend’s house without having your fill or you won't have the energy to play with your soon to be new friend, so let's go back to drinking shall we?" said Ken’s mother, caressing her child.

---

The family dressed up with plain clothing and had went out on their way, recalling that this was not Ken’s first time outside, remembering that time when he had his first birthday and his parents had invited every people on their village.

They may not have been many but their night was filled with cheers and joy nonetheless. Ken giggling all night long.

"Kenny did you remember that time when you turned a year old? Our friends where there, and the people that we are visiting today were also there, although we didn't get to introduce you to them though they had also brought their son with them,

because I kind of got lost in the moment and didn't get to introduce you to them and to their son, I know you will not be able to remember our friends names, but I'm sure you will become familiar with them because they're a very lovely couple, and today you will be getting to meet them and their son." said the father, to which Ken squealed and nodding vigorously.

On the way he kept smooching his son with cuddles and kisses, when Ken got a bit annoyed he pushed his father’s face back and showed an annoyed face, his father just laughed and explained to him that now that he was holding him, he just can't get enough giving him love and kisses,

Like when he can't get enough of giving cuddles and kisses to his wife whenever he hugs her, Ken showed him an unimpressed face, what happened next shocked him, his father gave him puppy dog eyes!!!...

‘Who does that?! Apparently my father does’ that sulky face unyielding with its assault on the poor little boy, eventually giving up and letting himself go with what his father wants, happily cuddling again with his son, showering kisses all over.

By the time they had arrived at the house of their friend, Ken could feel that his face was wet from all that smooching, him frowning at his father.

Of course the parent was at a loss, and looked at his son confusion clear on his face, his wife noticed that he wasn't knocking at the door and gazed lovingly at this father and son duo.

Noticing the distress signals of her son, she took out a handkerchief from her pocket and wiped Ken’s wet cheeks gently.

Delighted with the treatment, Ken made grabby hands at his mother, she leaned closer to her son getting caught off guard as her son touched her face with those soft cute hands and gave her a soft kiss on her cheeks,

But later regretted his actions when the action was reciprocated ten-folds unto him, smothering him with more cuddles, but this time without the wetness on her cheeks.

When she retracted from her son, she looked at his frozen state and laughed but wiped the excess wetness on her son’s cheek.

Noticing the commotion from outside, the tenants of the small house opened the door to find them in front of a family of three. A man looking to be on his early 20’s with that young but masculine face and physique.

The man looking to be almost the same age as Ken’s parents, beside him was a woman cradling a boy, only the boy was facing the inside of the house and not on their three guests. The man smiled at Ken’s father and the woman exclaimed.

"Alfred, glad you and you're family are here, come inside, please be at home" Alfred obliged and went inside still holding Ken, followed by his partner, the couple led their guests to the living room and offered to take a sit.

"Thank you for welcoming and inviting us here to your home Lorna and Erick." Alfred said.

"No please, you guys are very much welcome here at our house, especially your son." The woman, named Lorna, replied.

The adults went into deep conversation, catching up and making small talks, Ken’s mind drifting in and out of thought.

" en... Ken... KEN..." a loud voice pulled him out of his thoughts, Ken looked up and was met with his father's face directly above him showing a concerned face.

"We've been calling you for 5 times, are you okay buddy? Does it hurt somewhere?" He ask, concern lacing on his words, Ken shook my head to show that he disapproved of his statement and gave him a smile to reassure him that his son was alright.

"Are you sure you're okay? Okay, so now it's time to meet your Aunt and Uncles son, Wilbert Talon." Alfred exclaimed, Ken looked around and rested his gaze at the boy his aunt Lorna was currently holding, not budging on the slightest.

Ken tilted his head to the side, looking intrigued and anticipating the boy to at least move, or do something, the other just sleeping soundly.

"Will, wake up now, we're introducing you to our friends son." The boy named Wilbert stirred awake and gently and slowly looked around and him and once he get to look at another kid, he rested his eyes at the new face.

In that spur of the moment, Ken noticed a slight glow on the figure of the baby in front of him, the more he observed the more he noticed that the radiance was growing brighter.

'It means, you have found the main and first hero of this story.'

'Oh, okay…Wait what?! Really?! I found the first Hero?!'

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