Chapter 5 is up and what a great read it is! Great chapter, Steve!

Excellent chapters, Please Cody do not quit your job, Probably a cool gig, think Eric will save his job or something.

and another cliffe, something tells me him and Julie have broke up or they cannot hang out as much or cannot flirt anymore.

Looks like im going to start reading cj's story soon.

Great chapter Steve

I loved it. Overall I think it was the first chapter where I wasn't left wondering if Cody was OK. It appears that he had a very good weekend, and that is even without the minor cliffhanger at the end with Joe. What is the worse that can happen, Cody has to decide who to pursue, Joe or Damon ?

The chapter was really interesting in the fact that we got to share an experience between two character, Cody and Eric, from different POV's. I felt that the experience was more significant for Cody, where as to Eric it was just another experience chalked up to Tequila.

I do believe CLiF has nothing to worry about, where as SPICE may have a grievance or two with Cody feeding Eric more tequila.

One thing that kind of PO'd me , was Julie's reaction when Joe stepped out of the shower and realized Julie was there and not Cody. "Should I get tested" is about as ignorant statement that could have come out of her mouth. I'm glad that Joe was offended at it for what it was intended. If she is now gone out of Joe's life (only you know), then good riddance.

Lot's more to discuss, but will save some for later.

Thank you very much for this chapter

Steve

Drewbie, our paths have crossed in a manner of speaking. I have been reading Let the Music Play by C James and, when I finished the latest chapter, I was so intrigued by the character Cody that I had to read all five chapters released of Dreams and Clipped Wings. It is a great story which I will be following from now on.

I think you will enjoy LTMP; it's totally different from this story. I assure you Eric is a cool guy. I believe he really is straight but he does get bent a little by tequila.

I am impressed that Shadowgod and C James collaborated on their stories and that much of the dialog and action in their current respective chapters meshes so well. Shadowgod's earlier chapters also lead flawlessly to chapter 5 in revealing Cody's infatuation with Eric.

Happy reading!

Cody's temp job as security is over for now; the band is moving on to the next city on their tour so it has to be. I definitly agree that Cody shoudn't quit the bagelry! That's becoming a home for him in many ways, as well as a huge part of his finances.




AHHEM! Wildone, please, don't ask questions like the highlighted one! Asking "what is the worst thing that can happen", in a Shadowgod story, is QUITE LITERALLY tempting the Devil Himself!

I think I agree with you about Julie... To me, she came across in a poor light, especially, to me, for stringing Joe along until she finds someone new (and she's clearly out looking).

My own personal theory on the CLIFFHANGER is that Joe found something on Cody's computer.

And ahhh, what might have happened had Cody heard Joe's invite to the shower?

It was interesting seeing Damon again... Cody seems to be interested too.



The collaboration was fun! It was Shadowgod's idea, from quite some time ago. However, we had to wait until LTMP got to San Francisco. LoL.

Oh, I've got to remark on the name of the club Julie went to: The Petting Zoo! ROFL!

Hrmm, I loved the bater between Cody and Joe, but Cody's brief encounter with Julie was my favorite. Cody was twisting her tail but good. LoL. The regret that he hadn't wet his hair was hilarious.

If you have read FTL, you read a mention of another one of Shadowgod's stories. In fact, I would go as far as to call it his best! You owe it to yourself to read LiS. It remains one of my favorites. I need to read it for the second time.

As always, a gem of a chapter... I would not like to compare, but I must say that I enjoyed this viewpoint much better than the LTMP, for the only reason that here, the plot advanced quite quickly!!

Dang! Julie did walk in a the wrong time! And Damon is sooooo cute!! Such a hot kiss!! double

I think I need to take a cold shower!!



Cliffhanger at the end was soooo mean!! But that just makes me scream, I WANT MORE!!

BeaStKid

Don't forget the ice.

Cliffhangers are wonderful actually. I don't know why people complain about evil cliffhangers. I personally only use them rarely, but I have grown to appreciate them.

...........Clffhangers are great, they (people) only complain because it makes them want more chapters....NOW

Just wanted to say I think you did an awesome job collaborating the different POV's. Can't wait for the next chapter.

Heartily seconded! Shadowgod's Living in Surreality is superb!

Oh, BTW, for those that are unawares of the coincidence, Blackheart is one of Shadowgod's prior names. It is also, quite coincidentally, the name of a character in my story For the Love.



I am glad to see that I am not alone in declaring a CLIFFFHANGER in this chapter!

Indeed, I have to admit, I very much enjoyed this chapter, more so than LTMP 34; seeing my own characters through someone else's eyes was a unique experience for me. His Shadowyness also did his usual superb job!



Thanks Lissa! It was a blast!

Now, hrmmm, WHAT is going on at Cody's apartment? What what what?!?! Joe seemed very serious so I doubt it is any sort of good news.

I think the Cody Liberation Front should look into this matter! Cody has suffered far too much already; the last thing he needs is more stress!

Well, there may be other coincidental appearances of the name elsewhere.

And yes, LiS is definitely superb. Anyone who has not read it should definitely do so like right now!

.........I think Blackheart will rise from the ashes in LTMP II

I do believe that Blackheart is alive and well, writing stories on the internet living in California . But it would be interesting to have LTMPII Revenge of Blackheart.

So a couple of questions I have regarding DnCW so far, I may have missed the answers, so help me out if you can...

Johnathan - his name comes up a couple of times in the story so far, but who is he? Why does it seem that everyone dislikes him?

Damon - so we know he is a H/S wrestler with a great bod, and really wants Cody's attention. Where did they meet? Was it at the rec centre and he is one of the underprivileged kids that Cody is helping out?

Val - we got a glimpse of her when she was talking with Julie. Is Val supporting Julie in her breaking up with Joe? How close of friends are they? Was she with Julie at the Petting Zoo when Julie was dirty dancing?

Julie - what kind of person is she really? We know that she isn't being totally faithful or honest with Joe, but seems to come over for some loving when she wants it. Also, she seems to have a few derogatory comments about Cody, and it seems to be more than just a little dislike of him. Is she homophobic, or is it just Cody that she doesn't like?

Saul - so far a hero based on the fact that he dealt with a mangy goat, that tormented him from Arizona. Also possibly acting as a father figure, without stepping over the line. He seemed comfortable enough asking about the possibility of Damon, so he must be comfortable with Cody. But does he know anything about the demons in Cody's life, and will he step in if Cody follows a self destructive path?

Well those are my observations so far and the questions that I have currently.

Any ideas?

Steve

Sorry, Blackheart will be back, but in FTL II
Yes, last we heard, he was brain-damaged due to flying off a cliff on a motorcycle, and was living in California writing stories on the internet. There was also a reference to one of them in LTMP: Brandon was outed to his parents becuase he was reading a story about a guy and his dirt-bike... (Shot of Bourbon, the early chapters of which were posted on the net by Blackheart) .

QUOTE

Cody's sorta-boyfreind in the beginning of the story. Hyper possessive, seemed a bit unbalanced to me. Bad news IMHO. We don't know if he'll be back in the story or not.



Good question... I think it might have been at the bagelry, but, cody's question about the phone number belies that. I don't know...



Good question! I wish I knew the answer! My guess is that Val knows Julie, but might have met Joe but not often. I don't think she knows that Cody exists, or that he's THE Cody Jacob knew.


My guess is that Julie is at least a little homophobic, based on the "queeny" remark and the "should i get tested".



Grrrr

Yes, he seems very OK with Cody's sexuality. I don't know if he'll step in or not, but its clear someone will need to.

Possessive is definitely not a good thing. As a matter of CLiFf I must state firmly my objections to Cody being with a possessive jerk.

Well, Julie does have a right to be somewhat concerned. There are guys out there who cheat. Joe does not seem to be one of them, but that type of thing can be devastating. I actually addressed such devastation in a story recently (though in the context of the story, it was not actually "cheating"). Getting back to the topic at hand... Julie is not a nice girl, and Joe should drop her and go after Cody instead.

Geesh, where has the time gone?

First I have to clear up something that the goat stepped in, and trailed through-out the thread. The Petting Zoo is the name of the club Damon's friend was playing in, not the club Julie was at.

in other musings



That is going just to far goat! I didn't realize you made reference to Blackheart, I thought it was just a reference to Shot of Bourbon. What is it you keep saying about people wrongly attacking you; labeling you with undeserved titles and such?

Other then that, this convergence in place and time of the story-lines was a blast! There was some talk equating Cody with jerry, but I think that is just going too far as well. The two characters definitely had different intentions. Jerry (from LtMP) just wanted to rape Eric for information. Cody on the other hand just wanted to... lets say, get to know Eric better. Yeah I'm going with that set-up.

He almost succeeded too! Helen however, had to do what she does best and stick her pointy finger in the middle of it. Shame on Helen!!

Julie, yeah Julie had a snide remark. Can you blame her though? what with Cody's passive-aggressive commentary in the stair-well? I don't agree with her assertion that he got "queeny", after all there was no finger snapping, or scathing looks. He did come off less then friendly towards her in the exchange. Add to it twice (that we know of) she has walked into a suggestive comment obviously not intended for her, how would any of you react given the situation? Sure the tested remark was a little snarky, but I don't think she was too off base in relating her fears. Communication in relationships is, after all, key to their longevity.

...........Well his Shadowynees has given us some insight of more to come, still haven't heard from his brother, whom I feel is a good guy in all this. Can't wait for anothe chapter of "Dreams and Cliffed Wings" Thanks!!

Yes indeed, I did mess that one up! Ooops... <blush>
Ah well, at least I didn't make a truly horrendous goof, like putting The Castro in the waterfront financial district or something. LoL



It was a reference to Shot of Bourbon, BUT, what was the name of the author when the first two chapters of Shot of Bourbon were posted? That would be Blackheart.



ROFL!!
Yes, indeed it was a blast. I'll also mention that all Cody did was to suggest a kiss. And I take objection to the use of the word "rape" regarding Jerry's tequilaing of Eric... That makes Jerry sound like a monster! All he was doing was digging for a little information.



Helen was mainly upset by te tequila. Cody, however, didn't know that. Poor Cody, caught AGAIN.



Hrmmm, I hate to admit it, but His Shadowyness might have a point. People do say unkind things when upset, and she was clearly perturbed by the comment from Joe, again. Also, Joe's unease the first time it happened would sure as heck make her wonder.



Indeed! Very much looking forward to Dreams & Cliffed Wings 6 here too!!!

I'm wondering what is up with Benji... Now we know that he was unaware of the money theft by Cody's Mother (Whom I think has to be the most evil character I've yet encountered, though Catherine Harris is some damn tough competition for that "honor")

BTW, given the eeevil Cliffhanger at the end of chapter 5, it's plain to see why the story is called Dreams and Cliffed Wings!

you guys keep up with this cliffed wings business.... someone may have an accident, thats all I am saying. A goat may fall for a precarious perch or something.

I never called it that at all. I still call it by it's true name. Maybe that makes me a bit of a brown-noser.

...........Ah, which goat is that? The one hanging around a cliff? Or the one hanging on a wll at a bagel shop? BTW, I'm innocent, just a bad speller

ACK! He's threatening his characters! That's EEEVIL!! See? I keep telling y'all that he's evil, and here's further proof!

I'll also say that as this threat could well be directed at Cody, the Cody Liberation Front should address this issue forthwith!

I'll also mention the His Shadowyness put Cody in a perilous, life-threatening situation in DnCW5! Surely the Cody Liberation Front must act? (I'm referring to Cody almost getting garroted, though His Shadowyness only alluded to it in DnCW 5; the road boss reaching into his pocket (which is where he keeps his garroting wire).

So, what sayeth the members of the Cody Liberation Front regaring these outrages? Save Cody!



But that can't mean me; Everyone knows that I'd never have anything to do with a cliff!
Yes, His Shaddowyness must learn to be more tolerant of typos. He's so unreasonable over little things like that.

...........I'm sure his comments were not directed at you CJ and you should never be ashamed of being a cliff dweller. BTW when is the next chapter of "Dreams & Cliffed Wings due out?

Life-threatening? I think that is an exaggeration. Cody should have been able to go further with Eric, but you are to blame just as much as Shadowgod for that.

.........True, his Shadowyness could have had a better exit for Cody

Okay, so, it's hard to jump in on the discussion here, because I haven't read LiS yet (I will, though!), but here goes...

So, personally, I think Joe is all wrong for Cody. I mean look how he lets Julie walk all over him! Joe had the perfect opportunity to end things with Julie, but he didn't! So, is he falling for Cody or not? If so, he's gotta end things with Julie first. Cody was right about that. Kudos to him! (or was that foreshadowing?)

I'm all for Damon and Cody! Even Cody seems to think that, too! We may find out that Damon's personality isn't right for Cody, but isn't that the fun of a new relationship? I hope Cody goes out with Damon in the next chapter. Yes, yes, I'm ignoring the nasty conversation Joe and Cody are cliff'ed to have. Not expecting anything positive to come out of that anyway... way too early in the story yet!

..........It is way too early in the story, I still see Joe as a concerned friend, a little confused about Cody, but if they get together I see nothing but trouble.

There is plenty of misdirection here. All we can do is guess who he is going to be with from this point forward. I do know that both Damon and Joe like Cody, but whether or not either of them will end up with Cody is anyone's guess. We may not know for a long time. The Dark One tends to make us wait a while before revealing such things. Maybe we won't find out until the end.

...........And his Shadowyness has yet to bring in the other characters as this saga unfolds. Who knows what evil lies in the hearts of......never mind!

Well, he likes to create an atmosphere of intrigue. The motivations of the characters can be somewhat mysterious. Look how long it took us to find out what Joe was thinking. All I know is that I need my fix. I wonder how Chapter 6 is progressing.

..........Didn't he say two weeks from the last chapter?

I agree. It's early in the story yet, so I suspect that we are seeing only a tiny fraction of what His Shadowyness has to reveal. One of the things I love about Shadowgod's stories is the way he paints the picture; we were kept guessing about Joe, but now we've had a major serving of info. In other worde, he seems to use varied pacing, and does so very well indeed.

So, any more guesses regarding what that EEEvil cliff'ed between Cody and Joe was about? It could be something utterly different to what we expect. Trouble paying the rent?



Yes, he probably did, but do remember, His Shadowyness is EEvil like that. ;-) My prediction is that DnCW 6 will appear either on, before, or after April 22nd. I'd be willing to bet money on that, too!
CJ

How very astute of you to narrow down the time frame like that CJ, I may have mentioned I'm trying to keep a two week posting average, as 5 was posted with in a week of 4, I think have room to stretch my legs a little bit.

6 is, however, about 1/4 finished going by normal chapter word counts.

the ending of 5 was a surprise, I must admit. I originally planned on playing the next twist in DnCW but as I started the new chapter, I figured it was a little too early in the story for that, So I had to scrap the original intention. That left me in a pickle as what to do with the ending of Five. I know utility bills are mudane, but if it fixes a literary mis-step why ignore it?

I'm still sticking my my prediction of a timeframe. I know how much you enjoy proving me wrong, but I doubt you shall this time.

If you do use utility bills as the explanation for the CLIFFHANGER, there's nothing at all wrong with that. It will merely prove that you love cliffhangers and are skilled at crafting them. Also, perfectly okay from a literary perspective too. HOWEVER, there is one aspect that is definitively NOT ok; if you have, indeed, spoken truthfully (doubtful, as Satan is known as the Father of Lies ) then you have just give a SPOILER! And seeing as the Echidna is still about occasionally, and furthermore will be back from his holidays in a week or so, he will likely find out. And you know that that means... You shall become a pincushion! Muahahahaha!

Very much looking forward to D&CW 6!!!

All jokes aside, I have no doubts that it will be superb.

I'm still holding to my theory; Joe using Cody's computer was no coincidence, and is involved in some way with the cliffhanger.

Well it could be Joe went online and discovered that Cody hasn't paid the utility bill in a couple of months?

Cody should be able to clear this up in no time with the extra grand that Eric sent his way.

Viola, problem solved

This is true! Cody does have an extra grand coming, plus the check he wasn't expecting.

However, considering the eevil that his His Shadowyness, I suspect the "let's talk" was far more ominous. This is, after all, a 100% authentic Shadowgod EEEvil Cliffhanger, and those are always, always evil...

pesky payroll mess ups, too bad Cody is an honest guy...

If you don't let Cody keep that money, you are being horribly mean to Cody! I think I detect a job for the Cody Liberation Front!
This injustice to Cody cannot stand!!!

..............I have to agree with the Goat on this, that was money well deserved

Hmmmm... this looks like an attempt to deflect attention from evil being done to Eric.

........At least it looks like Cody will live to spend it!! What of Eric's vacation plans?

The question is, will His Shadowyness allow Cody to have it? Or rather, turn Eric's kindness to evil in some way?

Nah, don't think shadowgod would do that, Cody earned it, esp giving eric a good experience

Well, part of that is dependent upon you. You let them survive Chapter 38, but what if you have decided to let Eric die?

.......Well Eric#1 (EVIL) is still alive, I think the goat likes his Erics, so I suspect they will survive. Scar maybe the first evil character the goat kills off, with the exception of the Piedmont Sheriff and deputies (evil group) that were killed I can't think of any other evil characters (Blackheart is still alive) that have been killed!!

You're forgetting CJ's love of irony here. I would never assume that all events in LTMP will mirror FTL.

......Actually I'm not, I strongly suspect Scar's plans will be ruined, but I see him riding into the sunset, or hiding in the jungle with some tribe.

I think it will be that way too. That's because I suspect the goat of being doing something EEEvil to ruffle our feathers a bit. That's not something I would ever do though.