Chapter 1
The image that we have of a hero is of a muscle-bound man who can carry three victims in one arm while firing a machine gun with the other. The word hero makes us think of a man with a strong chin, chiseled features, and steely eyes. Sure, some heroes are the big strong manly types such as described in stories and portrayed in movies. Of course, we also think that heroines are attractive hard-body types who have studied martial arts their whole lives. From the media presentation of heroic figures, one would think that it would be easy to spot heroes and heroines walking down the street.
The reality is that heroes and heroines come in all shapes and sizes. There are heroes who are short and wiry, others who are big and tall, and still some who are of average build. Some heroes are bald. There are heroines who are plain looking and even a few who are just plain ugly. Believe it or not, some heroes and heroines have pot-bellies. Heroism isn't a physical characteristic.
Despite our expectations to the contrary, heroes and heroines do not always act like heroic figures. The man who staggers out of a bar drunk as a skunk may be a hero. The unmarried woman yelling at the two kids hanging off the shopping cart in the middle of the discount store may be a heroine. That doesn't mean that they haven't done something heroic in the past or that it prevents them from doing something in the future.
Heroes and heroines are people first and foremost. They face the same problems of life as everyone else. They aren't exempt from adversity. They have bad moods, bad habits, and bad days. There is not a special power that makes a hero or heroine different from everyone else. They are not comic book characters with costumes and super powers.
A hero does the right thing at the right time. A hero acts when it really counts. He walks into the middle of chaos and emerges having saved others. They might be terrified during the entire ordeal, but they still do the right thing. That is the true nature of heroism.
The heroic act is not flashy. There are no great scenes before the act in which the hero gives a speech about doing the right thing. There isn't a sound track that plays in the background. When things go crazy, the hero walks into the middle of that chaos and, using knowledge that is available to everyone, saves someone else.
Some may consider this to be a disappointing vision of heroism. The idea of plain people doing one thing right just doesn't seem to have the glamour of the Hollywood image. Rather than view this image with dismay, one should see it as a hopeful vision. It means that each of us could one day be the hero of our imagination.
Take a moment to look in a mirror. The face reflected back could be the face of a hero or heroine. It is much easier to prepare to be a hero than one might think. Learn CPR, first aid, how to use a fire extinguisher, or how to jump start a car. That little piece of knowledge could be the difference between being a hero and being a bystander. It is not that difficult; with just a little effort everyone can have the potential to be a hero.
Oscar strode towards the Carter Glade at a few minutes before noon on Midsummer's day. Birds flitted from branch to branch. Butterflies filled the air with bright splashes of color that contrasted with the deep greens of leaves, the dull grayish bark of the oaks, and the blue sky above.
As he stepped into the glade, the air around him shimmered and he was transported to a path that passed through the woods. There were flowers blooming, birds singing, and young animals learning the rules of life from their parents. The contrast was a matter of degree than difference.
A naked fat man, leaning against a tree, was waiting for him. He stepped away from the tree to look at Oscar with approval in his eyes. His rolls of fat shook with each move and breath. Looking over at Oscar, he said, "You have come. That is good."
The fat man waved a hand, his fat fingers shaped like sausages, in a follow me gesture. He turned and strode down the path. His ass jiggled in an obscene manner as he walked. Oscar followed, afraid of what would happen to him when they reached their destination.
They came to a meadow and the fat man turned to face Oscar. He asked, "Will you serve us by doing a service to the other Gods?"
Oscar answered, "I shall serve you in what ever manner you ask."
The man's features turned feminine. Oscar looked down and noticed that the cock had disappeared and had been replaced by a very oversized vagina. He could have put a fist in it with room to spare. The woman asked, "What if it means your death?"
"If it serves you, then my life is yours to do with as you need."
The woman stepped forward and hugged him to her. The pendulous breasts, fat and huge beyond beauty, nearly suffocated him. He hugged back, not knowing anything better to do. There was a touch of sadness in her embrace. The fat woman said, "You have done well."
Oscar stood there facing her, not understanding what was happening. She kissed him. His body reacted and he kissed her back. Her mouth opened and her tongue forced its way into his mouth. Her arms encircled him as her tongue probed deeper and deeper. He felt like gagging when her tongue entered his throat -- blocking his windpipe and making it impossible for him to breathe. Her tongue probed deeper, entering his lungs. The urge to cough ripped through his upper body, but his chest didn't work right.
He started to struggle, but her grasp was too tight. The world around him started to dim, his knees weakened, and his fingers went numb. Struggling to remain conscious, he tried to bite or do anything that would cause her to stop this kiss. The world slowly faded to black as he thought that this must be what it was like to die. In his oxygen deprived mind, the idea of being killed by a kiss seemed humorous. It was too bad that he couldn't laugh.
Oscar awoke lying on the ground. The world was fuzzy and he had a headache that slowly cleared. His lungs burned and his throat was raw. He sat up and took a deep breath. The world slowly spun, but the spinning stopped after a moment. The fat man slowly came into focus. He stared up at him.
The fat man looked down at Oscar and asked, "Will you accept William's ability to see the future?"
"I will not take anything that is not offered willingly," Oscar answered believing that the loss of William's talent would destroy his friend.
"He knows that you need it and he offers it willingly," the fat man said.
"He will need it for his service," Oscar said.
"You need it for your service, Oscar. His service will not begin until yours ends," the fat man answered.
"I will accept it," Oscar said. The words were barely out of his mouth before the Two-Sided One had spun him around. He felt a hard point pressing against his rectum for just a second before the Two-Sided One thrust into him. He screamed as his rectum stretched. It felt as if his head was about to burst. He lost consciousness.
When Oscar opened his eyes, the fat man was holding a gold medallion. The light from the sun reflected off it as it spun in the breeze. It was the prettiest thing Oscar had ever seen and he longed for it around his neck. As if reading his mind, the Two-Sided One placed it around Oscar's neck. The weight of the medallion was heavy and pressed against his chest. His hand went to it and fondled it.
The fat man stepped away by taking three steps backwards. The God appeared by stepping out from behind the fat man. A woman's figure shimmered in the air and solidified on the other side of the fat man. It was the Goddess. Oscar's eyes got wide at seeing the three of them together. The Two-Sided one shifted into male and female joined by their hands. Arrayed before him were the Gods and Goddesses. The sight took his breath away.
The God said, "Oscar, you have done well in the war against terrorists."
The Two-Sided One said, "However, the war as it is being fought does not solve the underlying problem."
The Goddess said, "If the underlying problem is not solved, then all life on this planet shall disappear."
The God said, "The worshippers of three other Gods have forgotten their Gods and now make war on each other in the name of their Gods."
The Goddess said, "Their worshippers have fragmented into cults and the Gods can not favor one cult over another because none of them are completely correct."
The Two-Sided One said, "The other Gods are angry. They need an outsider to set things right."
The God said, "The extremists know you and respect your strength as a warrior."
The Two-sided One said, "You have all the tools needed to succeed."
The Goddess said, "We have chosen you to be the outsider that sets things right."
The Two-Sided One said, "This is dangerous. People are more protective of their religion than their lives."
The God said, "You shall have to go unarmed except for a knife."
Oscar asked, "Unarmed?"
The Two-Side One said, "You can still choose not to do this."
Oscar answered, "My life is yours. I shall serve you as you ask."
The Two-Sided One said, "Go forth and seek the houses of Yahweh, Jehovah, and Allah in the lands of their birth. Knock upon the doors that glow and ask for entrance. They who dwell within shall talk to you."
The God commanded, "Now rest, you have much to do."
The Goddess hugged him. His body was suffused with loving warmth. As he fell asleep, he heard her say something but lost track of what she was saying. "Do not worry, there shall be no..."
Oscar woke in the middle of the Carter's Glade taking comfort from the weight of the medallion around his neck. He sat up and looked at the medallion. There were two circular plates fused along a single side. There were pictures of the male and female organs on the two full medallions respectively. There was a third of a circular plate below the two discs fused to them along its edge. The third piece was blank of picture. There was no writing on either side of the medallion.
He stood and walked to the Druid College knowing what was going to happen. William's foresight guided his steps. Catherine was standing outside waiting for him. She approached as he made his way to the door. He stopped and nodded to her. In a worried voice, she said, "You were gone a week."
In a deep rolling voice that sent chills down her spine, he replied, "It did not feel that long, Catherine."
Catherine starred at him for a moment realizing that his medallion had three parts rather than the two she had expected. Wide-eyed, she handed him the staff that she had fashioned. She said, "This is yours. I have gray robes for you, but I shall get the brown robes."
Oscar examined the staff. It was styled in the fashion of a shepherd's staff with a hook on the end. It was the same height as him. The weight and heft of the staff felt right in his hand. Little designs were carved along its length. He turned to her and said, "Thank you, but the gray robes are the correct robes. This is perfect. You have served the God well."
Catherine found herself getting sexually excited just listening to him talk. She said, "Wow. You have a voice. Better put a damper on it or I'll be all over you."
They went into the Druid College together. When they reached the building, Georgia came running to him. He saw her and, spreading his arms wide, said, "My love. I hope you weren't worried."
Georgia couldn't believe her ears. His voice had tickled every nerve in her body. She felt like she could come just by listening to him. She threw herself into his arms, gently crying in relief that he had returned. She had understood that he might be gone for as many as three or four days, but an entire week was beyond anyone's expectations. Once she recovered her composure, she said, "Oh, I like your voice."
He held her gently and whispered in her ear, "As soon as Debbie gets here, let's go to the bedroom of your house."
Having heard the news that Oscar had walked out of the glade, Debbie came running down the hall with tears in her eyes. Oscar called out, "Over here, Debbie."
The deep resonate voice shocked her. She tripped over her robe and landed at his feet. Looking up at him from her prostrate position on the floor, she said, "Wow. I think I came."
"No need to grovel at my feet," Oscar said chuckling at her awkward position. He knelt down and helped her to her feet with a grin.
Rather than be embarrassed by the comment, Debbie giggled. She said, "I think that voice of yours will permanently make me weak in the knees."
"Really?" Oscar asked not hearing any difference in his voice.
She shivered as she answered, "I could come just from you reading poetry to me now."
"You can say that again," Georgia said with a giggle. She imagined the three of them lying in bed with him reading poetry while they writhed in orgasm.
A similar vision filled Oscar's imagination. He chuckled at the image and led them away. Oliver watched the three of them walk away. He shook his head at the idea that Oscar had totally ignored him. Being the Grand Druid didn't seem to command the kind of respect given the Pope. Chuckling, he said, "This job is a lot like herding cats."
When Oscar and his girlfriends reached the bedroom in the Biggers House, Georgia seductively stripped out of her dress. He was not surprised by the fact that she didn't have anything under it despite the fact that it was very unlike her normal mode of dress. He pulled his robe off and then held her tightly to him. Debbie slipped out of her robe and hugged Oscar from behind.
They moved back to the bed until Georgia's knees hit the edge. She sat down and then lay down on the bed. He climbed onto her as his need for release swept through his system. He kissed her, but his passion rose extremely fast. She could feel it growing within him and the strength of it scared and excited her.
His swollen cock leaked pre-come. His kisses became hungry and demanding. His hands, as they touched her, were strong and forceful. Her legs parted in eager anticipation of being taken fully by her warrior. His penetration was forceful, but she was ready for him. He began to thrust into her, driving his hips with masculine force. He took her as a master takes possession of his property. He was driven by his need. He spoke his need in grunts.
Underneath him, subject to his desires, she responded in accordance to an age old pattern of a woman willing to be taken by her man. This was about him taking his pleasure from her and her giving it to him willingly. Her arms locked around his back. Her legs locked around his ass. He thrust into her with total concentration on his need.
He drove relentlessly towards his orgasm, knowing that he would last long enough for her to come. His need urged him on. She beat him, coming first and loudly. He had answered a deep-seated need within her. She couldn't believe the words that came out of her mouth as she reached her orgasm. She screamed, "Fuck Me O' Man Of Mine!"
"Will you be mine forever?" he shouted. Debbie's eyes went wide at the question.
"Yes, I'm yours forever!" Georgia cried out. Deep in the throes of orgasm, she would not remember his question or her answer.
As he came, he grasped her tightly to him, so tightly that she couldn't move and could hardly breathe. He screamed his orgasm out in just as surprising a form, "You are mine, woman!"
When the last spurt of come was ejected into her, he rolled off and lay beside her. With Debbie clinging tightly to his other side, the bed seemed as if it barely had room for the three of them. His eyes were glazed and stared into the distance as he slowly returned to himself. He slowly recovered his breath. As a final shiver went through his body, he turned his head to look at Debbie.
Like a bolt of lightening, his passion returned just as strong as before. Debbie's eyes grew wide as he climbed over her. She moaned when he began to kiss her. Normally gentle with Debbie, Oscar was rougher than usual. Debbie enjoyed his treatment of her. She had seen him claim Georgia and knew that he was going to claim her.
He mounted her forcefully and she responded. Her body accepted his; knowing at the physical level that any resistance would be overcome. There was no resistance and no desire to resist. She accepted him as women throughout time have claimed their men. He increased his pace; slamming into her like a jackhammer. She met his rhythm readily. With a cry, her entire body tensed and she came. She yelled, "I'm coming!"
"Will you be mine forever?" he shouted as his excitement rose towards orgasm. Georgia's eyes went wide at hearing the question. She was not in a mental state to remember that he had asked her the same thing less than ten minutes earlier.
"Yes, I am yours forever!" Donna cried out. Like Georgia, she would not remember the question or her answer.
On hearing her expression of love, he came. Even as his come entered her, he shouted, "You are mine, woman!"
Oscar, covered in sweat, rolled off of her and collapsed on the bed between the two women. Breathing heavily, he put an arm around each woman and held them close to him. He moaned and said, "I love you both."
Georgia shifted her position so that her head was resting on his chest. His arm held her to his body. Debbie was staring up at the ceiling recovering from his passion. It took her a minute to recover, but she was soon positioned with her head on his chest. The two women looked at each other and shared smiles of satisfaction. Debbie said, "We were so worried by how long you stayed in the Glade."
"I'm sorry to have worried you," Oscar said knowing that the time spent in the glade was outside of his control.
"I love your voice," Georgia said unable to believe the deep resonant voice produced by that small body.
"I don't hear anything different," he said and then fell silent. He was dreading the discussion that was about to follow.
The three lay in bed recovering from their exertions. Almost half an hour passed before the silence was broken by Debbie. She sighed and said, "I'm going to miss you both."
"It is not going to be that bad," Oscar said although their separations would be more than he would like. He could feel the wet of tears falling on his chest. Georgia was crying. He said, "We will not be separated as much as you think."
"I understand why you think I should stay here," Debbie said. Her education was about to come to an end. It was her sixth year and she had an internship to serve. That could have been postponed, but that wasn't the reason she was staying behind. Georgia and Oscar were going to be living a very rough life once he left the school.
Looking at Debbie, Georgia said, "I'm going to miss you."
"I'll visit as often as possible," Debbie said.
Oscar said, "You won't be too far from us starting in September. Oliver is going to tell you that your internship will be in Israel."
Debbie rose onto her elbows and looked him in the eyes. Surprised by his announcement, she asked, "When did he tell you that?"
"He hasn't told me, yet," Oscar answered with a smile. William's gift allowed him to know that they would soon be entertaining a visitor.
"What do you mean?" Debbie asked wondering if he was playing with her.
"We are about to have a visitor," Oscar said.
Suspecting that she knew the answer, Georgia asked, "Who?"
"Oliver," Oscar answered. Knowing that his warning would be ignored, he said, "We better get dressed. He'll be here in a minute or two."
Debbie settled her head back onto his chest and said, "I don't want to move."
Georgia ran a hand over his stomach and said, "Same here."
"Ladies, we are going to have company in a minute," Oscar said giving them one last chance to get dressed and knowing they wouldn't take advantage of it.
The doorbell rang and Georgia shouted, "Go away."
Raising an eyebrow, Oscar said, "He is the Grand Druid. Don't you think that he just might have a reason to be here?"
Debbie groaned, but climbed out of bed. Without dressing, she said, "I'll get the door."
Georgia shifted and sat up. Watching Debbie leave the room to get the door, she grumbled, "He just couldn't wait another hour or three. I was looking forward to round two."
Laughing at the obvious unhappiness of his girlfriends, Oscar sat up and said, "You'll want to hear what Oliver has to say."
"You sound rather sure of yourself," Georgia said. She thought about his announcement that Oliver was coming and realized that there was no way he should have been able to know that. Eyes wide, she said, "You can see the future, just like William."
"I was given William's gift," Oscar answered feeling guilty about it. He knew that William must be miserable at the moment.
"Poor William," Georgia said.
Not wanting to talk about it, Oscar said, "Let's go see what Oliver has to say."
Stepping out into the living room, Oscar looked over at the Grand Druid. The leader of the Druids looked over at Georgia realizing that it was the first time that he had seen her nude. Georgia held onto Oscar's arm and said, "Hello, Oliver."
"Hello, Georgia. I won't keep you from celebrating Oscar's return for too long. I just have three simple announcements and then I'll go back across the road," Oliver replied. He looked over at Oscar and noticed the unusual configuration of the medallion. Although Catherine had warned him, he was still surprised by the sight. He asked, "You serve all three?"
"All three were there, but my service is to the Two-Sided One. It is a little complicated," Oscar answered.
Oliver looked puzzled and then realized that Oscar wasn't going to tell him any more about what had happened in the glade. Accepting that the topic was over, he turned to Debbie and said, "My first bit of news is that I've arranged for an internship in Israel. It was the only way I could find to get you close to Oscar during the upcoming year."
Debbie said, "I know. Oscar told me."
"He didn't know," Oliver said looking over at Oscar. After a second of thought he said, "Maybe he did."
"So what is the second bit of news?" Georgia asked.
"The artists are here to see Oscar," Oliver said watching as Oscar grimaced at the thought of posing again. The first time hadn't been much fun.
"Okay," Oscar said. He looked over at Georgia and Debbie with a smile suggesting that he knew something that they didn't know. Both looked at him with doubtful expressions. He said, "Tell them the third bit of news."
"The wedding will take place at the end of the semester. The guests have all said they would be there," Oliver said.
"Who's getting married?" Georgia asked looking over at Debbie confused.
Oliver stared at them and answered, "You are."
Debbie hugged Georgia and said, "Congratulations, Georgia. Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't know," she answered.
Oliver was laughing and said, "I meant to say both of you are getting married."
"That's news to me," Georgia said turning to glare at Oscar.
Debbie's expression wasn't much happier. She said, "You could have proposed to us!"
"I did," Oscar said.
"When?" Debbie asked.
"About an hour ago, I proposed to Georgia. Then a few minutes later I proposed to you. You both said that you'd be mine forever," Oscar said with a smile. The expressions on their faces were priceless.
He was hit from both sides as the women shouted, "That's not fair!
We're supposed to be able to remember it!"