#kelani johnson

[grizzledyoungimpact]

Pairing: Brandon Cutler/Kelani Johnson Quote: After all, waking him up in the middle of the night. Wouldn’t you be grumpy too? Verse: Pokemon

This reunion was not going the way that Brandon Culter had expected this reunion to go. He had expected to surprise a woman he cared about deeply after hours at the Pokemon daycare she owned. What he had not expected, however, was to have the large turtle-like Pokemon slap him to the ground with one of its strong fins.

Not that Brandon often made smart choices.

It was true he was book smart. Brandon had gone to trainers school, even if he didn’t prefer training. The only reason he had taken the classes to be a better trainer was to work for his best friends gym, even if it was unaccredited. No, to Brandon the joy wasn’t in training to work for the Jackson brothers, Matt and Nick, but instead it was in photography. He loved traveling the world to take photographs of the different regions unique creatures. Not only pictures, but Brandon also loved getting video evidence.

But common sense?

If Brandon had any common sense, he wouldn’t have tried visiting a friend of his in a region that he barely knew alone. He had grown up in Castelia City, after all. He was a Unova boy, a city boy through and through. The wilds of a place like Alola, specifically a city as quiet at Seafolk Village, were not a place he was familiar with. Surprising his friend in her home region, this was dangerous.

Hence the Carracosta ready to attack him yet again.

The turtles' strong jaws could easily break his arms if it wanted to, Brandon knew that much. The orange camera emitting the blue glow that he held in his hands, his Rotom, was his only defense. “C’mon big guy. You don’t want…”

The light of the small building further up the lawn clicked on, different than the lights from the houseboats he could see from the top of the hill. The Carracosta turned to face the light, waddling towards the door where there was a woman’s voice, “Whattya doing out here, Crush? Everything okay?”

Brandon shakily stood, a small smile on his lips. Even in the dim light, he could see Kelani Johnson for what she was. His friend had a warm presence, strong but not overbearing. After all, her bloodline had a presence all its own. They were trainers and gym leaders who others both revered and acknowledged as some of the most powerful in any region. Kelani had never chosen that life, that power, and that impressed Brandon. 

“He thought attacking Rotom and I was a better thing to do,” Brandon chuckled as he moved up the walkway. He watched as Kelani looked up from her crouched position, scratching under her Carracosta’s chin.

“You probably scared Crush. He’s a big softie, really,” the woman protested, a small and impatient huff to her voice, “After all, waking him up in the middle of the night. Wouldn’t you be grumpy too?”

Brandon sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, though his ribs were still in pain. “Guess that was on me. I just came to see you, Lani. I shoulda waited ‘til morning.”

Kelani stood, wrapping her arms around him tightly. He could smell the coconut from her shampoo as his face pressed into her shoulder, “You’re awful clingy, Cutler, but I’m glad you didn’t wait. I missed you.”

He pulled back, hands on her shoulders as he looked her over with a gremlin-esque grin, “Missed you too. Thought maybe we could go on an adventure. Whattya say?”

#aew imagine #aew #brandon cutler imagine #brandon cutler #original character #kelani johnson #character: brandon cutler #character: kelani johnson #verse: pokemon

[blkgirlwrestling]

More women's history month icons.

Free to use ❤

#jade cargill #ava raine #lash legend #jacara Jackson #kelani jordan #meta four #nxt #wwe nxt #simone johnson

[baskinginthatglory]

1.      “Some things start out big, and some things start out small. Very small. But sometimes the smallest thing can make the biggest changes of all.”Brandon said with a soft smile.

Kelani cupped his cheek, a small smile on her face, "You aren't a small thing, Brandon Cutler. You have never been a small thing."

#muse: kelani johnson #muse: pebble

[pocthiccnessimagines]

Who I Write For:

Actors/Actresses: 

Theo James

Aaron Johnson

Sebastian Stan

Chris Evans

Tom Holland

Tom Hiddleston

Greyston Holt

Rami Malek 

Jason Momoa 

Ben Barnes

Jake Gyllenhaal

Idris Elba 

Pierce Brosnan

Zendaya

Dev Patel

Avan Jogia 

Priyanka Chopra

Shah Rukh Khan

Hrithik Roshan

Chad Michael Murray 

Characters: 

MCU :

Loki

Thor

Tony Stark 

Bucky Barnes//Winter Soldier 

Captain America//Steve Rogers

Pietro Maximoff 

Wanda Maximoff

Clint Barton

T’Challa

Erik Killmonger

M’Baku 

Supernatural: 

Sam Winchester

Dean Winchester 

Castiel

John Winchester

One Tree Hill: 

Lucas Scott 

Gossip Girl: 

Chuck Bass 

Serena van der Woodsen 

Nate Archibald 

Dan Humphrey 

The Covenant: 

Chase Collins 

Caleb Danvers

Pogue Parry

Tyler Simms

Reid Garwin 

Aaron Abbott

The Fallen:

Cam Briel 

Daniel Grigori 

Twilight Series:

Jasper Hale

Edward Cullen 

Jacob Black 

Dr. Carlisle Cullen 

Alice Cullen 

Billy Black 

Embry Call 

Benjamin

Bitten: 

Clayton Danvers 

Nick Sorrentino

Paige Winterbourne 

Ruth Winterbourne

The Vampire Diaries: 

Damon Salvatore 

Stefan Salvatore

Bonnie Bennett

Alaric Saltzman 

Jeremy Gilbert

Tyler Lockwood

Enzo

Niklaus

Elijah

Kai Parker

Musicians: 

Pierce The Veil

Kellin Quinn

Austin Carlisle

Charlie Puth

Justin Beiber

Harry Styles

MGK 

Ed Sheeran 

Chris Motionless 

Alex Gaskarth

Jack Barakat

Kelani 

Ben Bruce 

Zendaya

Black Veil Brides 

Bruno Mars 

THIS IS JUST WHO I COULD THINK OF CURRENTLY BUT ASK AND I CAN ALWAYS RESEARCH MORE ABOUT THE CHARACTER OR PERSON AND I CAN WRITE IT. I WRITE POC CHARACTERS REGARDLESS OF GENDER BIAS, SO I CAN WRITE FEMALE OR MALE OR GENDER NON-BINARY IMAGINES. 

#who i write for #supernatural #supernatural fandom #supernatural imagine #twilight fandom #twilight imagine #MCU #mcu imagines #black veil brides #black veil bride fandom #black veil bride imagine #musician imagine #motionless in white #miw imagines #the fallen fandom #the covenant #the covenant fandom #bitten fandom #bitten imagine #harry styles imagine #ed sheeran imagines #Harry Styles #ed sheeran #justin bieber #justin beiber imagine #gossip girl imagine #gossip girl fandom #gossip girl #one tree hill #one tree hill imagine

[thescoutguide]

EDITOR PICKS: HILL COUNTRY, TX | How do you make the most of a visit to Hill Country, Texas? According to @TSGHillCountry editor/owner Francie Mannix, “The Hill Country is a vast area of winding roads centered around Fredericksburg, Texas. Give Fredericksburg Realty or Absolute Charm Realty a call to book a B&B or stay at The Lodge, Inn at the Creek, or Hofman Haus. Eat and browse at Vaudeville, and explore the art galleries along Main Street. Visit some of our favorite shops, including Simple Goods + Design, Blackchalk Home and Laundry, Haberdashery, and Los Cazadores, your one-stop source for all your hunting and ranching needs. Go to Caliche Coffee for a delicious cup of coffee and avocado toast, enjoy contemporary German cuisine at Ottos, and catch Improv night every Wednesday night at Tubby’s. There are a plethora of breweries and vineyards all over the Hill Country. Take in the 290 wine trail to Johnson City and stop at Signor Vineyards for a great rosé and outdoor seating with live music each weekend. If you travel west to Kerrville, stop by Augusta Vin for wine tasting and Schreiner Goods to shop. If antiquing is your cup of tea, check out Shopping with Siobahn or 8th Street Market. Boerne is close to San Antonio and offers shopping at Laurie Saunders LTD and Kelani yogurt, which serves healthy smoothies as you take in the Boerne Mile. New Braunfels hosts Wurstfest for 2 weeks in November, but we like getting bratwurst year-round at New Braunfels Smokehouse. The auction at Lark Mason and Associates offers antiques and artifacts from around the world. Head up to Gruene and hear live music at Gruene Hall, and don’t forget to grab a hat at The Gruene Hat company. Buda is a little further north towards Austin, but is worth the stop to shop at the Mercantile at Mill + Grain for a classic collection of home and kitchen goods, upscale apothecary lines, apparel, and accessories.” Find more ways to connect with Francie and @TSGHillCountry here: https://thescoutguide.com/hill-country/editors/

#the scout guide #hill country #texas

[teamusaatpanamgames2019]

DAY 10 - RESULTS!

Badminton:

Men's Doubles Final: Phillip Chew/Ryan Chew fell to Nyl Yakura/Jason Ho-Shue of Canada (11-21, 21-19, 18-21).

Women's Doubles Final: Jamie Hsu/Kuei-Ya Chen fell to Kristen Tsai/Rachel Honderich of Canada (10-21, 9-21).

Basketball:

Men's Team fell to Puerto Rica (84-87). They're 2-1 and will face Argentina in the semi-final.

Boxing:

Men's Bantam (56kg) Final: Duke Ragan fell to David Caballero of Cuba.

Men's Light Welter (64kg) Final: Keyshawn Davis fell to Andy Cruz of Cuba.

Women's Fly (48-51kg) Final: Virginia Fuchs fell to Lorena Valencia of Colombia.

Women's Middle (69-75kg) Final: Naomi Graham fell to Jessica Caicedo of Colombia.

Canoe Slalom:

Evy Leibfarth finished 1st of the Women's Extreme Slalom (K1) Heat 3.

Track Cycling:

Team USA finished 1st of the Women's Pursuit.

Diving:

Sarah Bacon finished 1st of the Women's 1m Springboard Final.

Brooke Schulz finished 2nd of the Women's 1m Springboard Final.

Steele Johnson/Benjamin Bramley finished 4th of the Synchronised 10m Platform Final.

Equestrian:

Team USA leads the Eventing Competition after Dressage.

Handball:

Men's Team fell to Chile (24-34). They're 1-2 and will play placement.

Field Hockey:

Women's Team def Peru (8-0). They're 3-0.

Racquetball:

Men's Singles Preliminary: Jakob Bredenbeck def Sebastian Franco of Colombia (2-0).

Women's Singles Preliminary: Kelani Lawrence fell to Paz Munoz of Ecuador (0-2).

Women's Singles Preliminary: Rhonda Rajsich def Montserrat Mejia of Mexico (2-0).

Men's Singles Preliminary: Charles Pratt fell to Coby Iwaasa of Canada (1-2).

Men's Doubles Preliminary: Charles/Pratt/ R.O Carson III def to Coby Iwaasa/Samuel Murray (2-1).

Rythmic Gymnastics:

Evite Griskenas finished 1st of the Women's Individual All Around and Qualifications Rotation 1.

Camilla Feeley finished 4th of the Women's Individual All Around and Qualifications Rotation 1.

Evita Griskenas finished 1st of the Individual All Around and Qualifications Rotation 2.

Camilla Feeley finished 3rd of the Individual All Around and Qualifications Rotation 2.

Team USA finished 3rd of the Groups All Around Final and Qualifications Rotation 1

Shooting:

Christian Elliott finished 5th of the Men's Skeet Qualification - Day 1.

Philipp Jungman finished 7th of the Men's Skeet Qualification - Day 1.

Nathalia Granados finished 9th of the Women's 25m Pistol Qualification - Precision.

Lucas Kozeniesky finished 1st of the Men's 10m Air Rifle Final.

Timothy Sherry finished 5th of the Men's 10m Air Rifle Final.

Kimberly Rhode finished 1st of the Women's Skeet Final.

Dania Vizzi finished 3rd of the Women's Skeet Final.

Surf:

Candice Appleby finished 2nd of the Women's SUP Race Final.

Connor Baxter finished 1st of the Men's SUP Race Final.

Women's Longboard Repechage Round 3: Tiare Thompson fell to Fernanda Maria Reyes of Peru.

Men's SUP Surfing Main Round 3: Daniel Hughes fell to Tamil Martino of Peru.

Women's SUP Surfing Main Round 3: Candice Appleby fell to Vania Torres of Peru.

Tennis:

Women's Singles Quarterfinals: Usue Arconada fell to Nadia Podoroska of Argentina (4-6, 4-6).

Women's Doubles Quarterfinals: Usue Arconada/Caroline Dolehide def Alexa Guarachi/Daniela Seguel of Chile (7-5, 6-3).

Women's Singles Quarterfinals:  Caroline Dolehide def Daniela Seguel of Chile (7-5, 7-6).

Volleyball:

Men's Team fell to Brazil (2-3). They're 1-2.

#teamusa #gousa #us #usa #panamsports #panamgames #lima2019 #sports

[nirvnabj]

Bolaji Alonge with Orlando Julius in his Ilesha country home

Bolaji Alonge with Orlando Julius in his Ilesha country home

https://www.mixcloud.com/raymondbolabrowne/best-of-orlando-julius-selected-by-eyes-of-a-lagos-boy-and-mixed-by-dj-ray-bee-browne/

Orlando Julius is a legendary Nigerian musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He has graced the Nigerian music scene for six decades and is still going strong. OJ fuses traditional African rhythms, highlife with American soul, pop and R&B with captivating showmanship, keeping his audience on the dance floor. A playlist of his songs selected by Eyes of a Lagos Boy and mixed by DJ Ray Bee Brown is added for the reader’s pleasure.

Born on 22 September 1943 in Ikole-Ekiti, South West Nigeria, he grew up between Ekiti and Ilesha in Osun state where his mother was born. Orlando Julius can be described as one of the forerunners of Afrobeat, he started out in 1960 with the great trumpeter Eddy Okonta’s band.

OJ spent years in the United States and collaborated with artists including Ambrose Campbell, Hugh Masekela, Lamont Dozier and many others. His 1966 effort, Super Afro Soul, made him a national celebrity in Nigeria and even went as far as to influence music in the United States. Carlos Santana personally selected Orlando and his Nigerian All-Stars to accompany him to Hawaii to play at a festival in 1992.

By 2001, UK label Strut Records reissued the 1966 album ’Super Afro Soul’ before other labels including Soundway and Vampi Soul released his Afro Sounders recordings, all spreading the word on OJ’s pioneering influence. He recorded movie soundtracks for Wale Fanu’s ‘Owo Blow’, Tunde Kelani’s ‘Saworoide’ and Tunji Bamishigbin’s ‘Eku Ida’ among many others. Passionate about reviving highlife music, he recorded albums with Nigerian legends including Fatai Rolling Dollar and Alaba Pedro, Roy Chicago’s guitarist. Some of his evergreen classics are; ‘Adara’, ‘Ololufemi’, ‘Colombia’, ‘Ope’, ‘Ise logun ise’, ‘Jagua Nana’ amongst many others.

Orlando moved to Ghana in 2003 after playing a concert at Panafest (the long-running Pan-African Historical Theatre Project). He set up a studio in Accra and recorded his album, ’Longevity & Reclamation’. He moved back to Nigeria in 2008 and started touring  the world with UK band Heliocentrics in 2013. Orlando Julius now lives in Ilesha, Osun state with his wife, dancer and back up singer Latoya Aduke Ekemode.

Who is Orlando Julius Ekemode?

To me he is still this young guy, a musician. I have been playing music for a long time and I have traveled to a lot of countries in the world. I am so glad that most of those shows were sold out. I promised to tell you anything you want to know, from my beginning till the end – I mean till the middle of the beginning.

Can you please tell us how you got into music?

My professional music journey started when I recorded my first single, ‘Igbehin Adara’ in 1960. I was already playing shows, travelling up and down South-West Nigeria. I loved playing music, singing and drumming from childhood. My mother was the one who really pushed me, she liked to sing as she worked on yarn – she produced Aso-Oke (a hand-woven cloth created by the Yoruba people of West Africa) and when she sang I got my sakara drums, sat with her and sang along. We both loved to sing together, sometimes she would walk with me as we sung all the way to my school gate before she went back home. My mother gave me clothes to sell and my father had a shop in Ikole Ekiti, but I wasn’t interested in helping them to sell clothes. My father had two wives and my mother was the second wife, both wives were from Ilesha and I saw how they helped my father carry fabrics from Ikole to Ijebu, about 285km. From when I was a child, I knew music was the way for me.

Do you remember your first show and when was it? 

I was an apprentice with other big names,  one of them was Eddy Okonta, a hero trumpeter. He started playing at Premium hotel in Ibadan where I visited regularly in 1960. I also played with the Flamingo Dandies because of my love for Afro soul and I had previously been playing highlife music too. I started with the saxophone in 1964. I played with IK Dairo, Tunde Nightingale, Chris Ajilo, Bola Johnson, St. Augustine, Ojoge Daniel, Dele Ojo, all of blessed memory.

So you started in 1960 and when did you travel to the US?

My musical adventure led me to the US in 1974. I was fixated on playing and teaching music because I could play the saxophone, drums, maracas and the keyboard so well. I could play with any group unrehearsed and still do great music. People liked my music and they invited their friends to listen and dance, there was a high demand for Afrobeat, Afrosoul in the diaspora, from the 1970s till now. Life in the US was great. I co-produced an album with Hugh Masekela titled ‘The Boy is Doing It’ and one of my tracks ‘Asiko Lo Laye’ became a hit. My song ‘Isedale’ was also a hit in the US and it won a Grammy Award when it was sampled by Odyssey, ‘Going Back to My Roots’ in 1981.

There is a classic picture of you and the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, in a deep conversation, what was that encounter like? 

James Brown came to play in Ibadan in 1970, he had performed previously in Lagos but I didn’t see the show. I too was playing at Paradise hotel in Ibadan around the same time and we had to rehearse. One of those nights some of Brown’s band members came to watch and that was how he heard about our music. He sent a message he wanted to meet me, I replied that I would also love to meet him.  We had a great time together, Brown asked me about my art and we talked about everything, exchanged pleasantries, signed autographs and created a friendship, we went on to record ‘James Brown Ride On.’ From then on, it became the flagship song they played in clubs and parties, people would spray us with cash at performances.

Orlando Julius with James Brown, Ibadan 1970

What about your relationship with Fela Anikulapo Kuti?

When Fela came back home from the United Kingdom, I was already performing. I met him at Ibadan Independence Club, where my band, Modern Aces, performed around 1963/64.  He was playing his trumpet with the mute (capped trumpet) off stage, I welcomed him on our stage to join us.  The ladies loved him and my musicians as well. A few of them followed him to start his Koola Lobitos band, a very good band. I was told he asked one of my guys if I would join him and his band. Of course my band member told him that is not possible,and he would never ask me such. I can say we had mutual respect for each other, but our paths were different, we really did not spend time together, hang out or anything of that nature, besides, I left Nigeria for a while.

How did you meet the flamboyant dancer – your wife Latoya Aduke Ekemode.

I met Latoya through the late Ambrose Campbell, who was a father figure to her.  We became friends and her understanding of my music swept me off my feet. Naturally, she became a member of my band. We tour the world together. I am very happy she came along, so many good things have happened since she joined my band, my music has also grown.

We are in Ilesha where you live, about five hour away from Lagos. Why did you leave the bustling city life to settle in sleepy and beautiful Ilesha?

Ibadan is quite close. We decided to leave the go slow and overcrowded big city to settle here in Ilesha, to be closer to nature and sharpen our creativity. Remember I am also from here.

Orlando Julius and Latoya Aduke Ekemode with the Heliocentricsat the Paradiso Amsterdam 2016- Photo by Eyes of a Lagos Boy

Orlando Julius Ekemode, Paradiso Amsterdam 2016 – Photo by Eyes of a Lagos Boy

Orlando Julius and Latoya Aduke Ekemode with the Heliocentrics at the Paradiso Amsterdam 2016- Photo by Eyes of a Lagos Boy

Orlando Julius and Latoya Aduke Ekemode with the Heliocentricsat the Paradiso Amsterdam 2016- Photo by Eyes of a Lagos Boy

Orlando Julius and Latoya Aduke Ekemode with the Heliocentricsat the Paradiso Amsterdam 2016- Photo by Eyes of a Lagos Boy

Orlando Julius and Latoya Aduke Ekemode with the Heliocentricsat the Paradiso Amsterdam 2016- Photo by Eyes of a Lagos Boy

Orlando Julius and Latoya Aduke Ekemode with the Heliocentricsat the Paradiso Amsterdam 2016- Photo by Eyes of a Lagos Boy

Orlando Julius and Latoya Aduke Ekemode with the Heliocentricsat the Paradiso Amsterdam 2016- Photo by Eyes of a Lagos Boy

Do you think people today appreciate Afrobeat?

Nigerians love and appreciate Afrobeat, they are into it. It is really good to write and compose and see people from other countries dance even without understanding the language I speak. Fortunately, Afrobeat/highlife is still growing, many young people  appreciate it and dance to it, even as they are coming up with different styles to modernize it.

How many albums have you released?

I released 11 albums and have done several EPs and singles. Some I can’t even remember. My first music video, Adara, was recorded at the Osun shrine along with Ise Logun Ise and Dance AfroBeat. Tunde Kilani on camera was great, Wale Fanu on sound, an excellent production.

You are touring the world with the band Heliocentrics for some years now, can you tell us about your cooperation?

Heliocentrics is a cosmic band, my music is organic, together we do great music. We met in 2013 when we did a show in France. Our friend and label owner, Quinton Scott, thought it would be a good combination. Julien LeBrun of Hot Casa Records invited us, he re-issued my song ‘Disco Hilife,’ a song I first recorded in 1975 at Ginger Baker’s studio in Lagos, with Dora Ifudu singing and Gboyega Adelaja on the keyboard. ‘Disco Hilife’ became the song every DJ plays every weekend since 1976.

He (LeBrun) invited me to perform with his Latin band Setenta, it was a great performance and Quinton suggested I try something with Heliocentrics. Our first show was great, like we already worked together for years. Professional musicians give me happiness in the studio and on stage. When on tour, we have become like a family. Our album, Jaiyede Afro, was released on K7 Records and got to number 13 on the World Charts.  We have toured on that one album since 2014.  We traveled most of the globe with Heliocentrics and additional musicians, great adventures, great music, great memories. No stress, mutual respect, no run-aways, no wahala. All I had to do is perform, no stress of logistics.

It’s been a tough year for artists because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowing you as a frequent feature at shows in Europe and the Americas, how have you been holding out?

Yes this virus has really turned every upside down. I was set to perform in New York in March, also to record a new album in the U.S and do a few more shows in Europe and South America, but all that did not happen. We lost a lot of income, just as other musicians and creatives. I have been taking things very easy, isolated, here in Ilesha. Fortunately, our royalties are keeping us afloat.

What is next for Orlando Julius?

What’s next? Well, I am still working on music, I want to finish this album for my label. We are also completing our new house and venue, here in Osun State, Ijebu Ijesha to be precise. It will feature audio and visual studios and serve as a venue for shows and events. It has been a long quest to open the Ojahh Orlando Julius Afrohouse of Highlife. It is finally becoming a reality, with hard work. But I wish I had come to Osun State, to build on my land much sooner.

What is your advice to the young people of today’s Africa?

Young people around the world are different, but music remains the same and it has brought us closer together. Young African musicians should do music right, they should be able to take it beyond the continent and do more traditional music to show the world the deep roots of our culture.

Interview: Orlando Julius Ekemode, back to his roots Orlando Julius is a legendary Nigerian musician, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He has graced the Nigerian music scene for six decades and is still going strong.

#Afrosoul #Heliocentrics #Highlife music #Interview #Latoya Aduke Ekemode #Orlando Julius Ekemode #travel

[musicalng-blog]

Oba Akiolu was chosen by the gods – Olumegbon

Oba Akiolu was chosen by the gods – Olumegbon

By Abdulwahab Abdulah and Jane Echewedo The Olumegbon of Lagos, Chief Fatai Olumegbon disclosed Tuesday before an Ikeja High Court that Oba Akiolu was chosen by Ifa, the gods of divination.

Oba Akiolu

Olumegbon and Prince Adebayo Kelani who testified after one another before the court also informed the presiding Judge, Justice Candide Johnson that there was nothing like 90 days rule in crowning…

View On WordPress

#LYK

[grizzledyoungimpact]

Pairing: Keith Lee/Kelani Johnson Quote: You must set your sights upon the heights. Verse: Mafia Mentions of character death

Keith Lee just wanted to make the world a better place. In his youth, he had thought that would be as an officer of the law. But, he had seen how the law could turn against the neighborhoods he wanted to protect. Instead, Keith had become a private investigator. He could take the cases that he thought to be important, protect the community that he wanted to protect.

Like the young woman who currently sat in his office.

Everyone knew about Dwayne Johnson. He may have been a mob boss, but he was one of the good ones. Dwayne protected the community, donated money to causes he thought were worthy. It was a surprise, then, when Dwayne had been found dead in the manor home he lived in uptown. His son, Aleki Johnson, was missing and the confusion was that his daughter Kelani Johnson was adamant that she hadn’t done this. Keith knew the cops did blame Kelani but had been unable to find the thread to arrest her.

Someone in the office of the NYPD, probably his friend Mustafa, had pointed Kelani in Keith’s direction.

“Thank you for seeing me on such short notice,” Kelani’s voice was soft, but still full of life. Her mess of black curls seemed to bounce with every movement of her head. Soft brown eyes seemed to shimmer with tears, her voice on the edge of breaking, “I…”

“It’s alright, ma’am,” Keith gave a warm smile, his voice low but smooth as silk, “You’ll tell me at your own pace why you came to my office.”

Kelani dotted her eyes for a moment, silent as she watched the gentle giant. She wondered how he would have treated her before her father’s untimely passing, treated the bright-eyed girl she had been. Instead, she had become more fragile, more hopeless. “I…I know who killed my father. I…I was there. The…the officers don’t want to listen to me.”

Keith leaned back in his chair, a bemused smile on his face, “Well. This is an unusual turn of events, Miss Johnson. Do you mind walking me through the events that took place?”

She took in a deep breath, fidgeting with the handkerchief in hand, twisting and turning it in her grasp, “You won’t believe me if I tell you. And…and even if you do believe me, not a thing can be done about it.”

“Miss Johnson, I will have you know I believe everyone who walks through my office doors until they prove me otherwise,” Keith tutted, shaking his head, “Since the moment you have come into my office, I was willing to believe you. But, I will ask a few questions, if I may?”

Kelani gave a nod of her head, taking a deep breath, “I’ll answer any questions you have, sir.”

“Splendid! First things first, however. Please, call me Keith,” the investigator chuckled briefly, before pursing his lips, “I will be quite honest, Miss Johnson, that I believe I also know who murdered your father. Let’s start with what you remember of that night, yes?”

Keith noticed the hesitation the young woman seemed to have, noticed the tight grip on her handkerchief. She was scared. “I…well…I…”

“Come now, Miss Johnson-“

“Kelani.”

Another smile spread over Keith’s face, “Kelani. Beautiful name.”

“It means the heavens. Daddy always said I was a gift from them,” Kelani murmured, drawing in another sharp breath. “I…I want to tell you. I…that’s why I’m here. But…there are dangerous people out there…”

Keith stood, crossing to take Kelani’s hands as he knelt in front of her, “For one named for the heavens, you must be brave. You must set your sights upon the heights. You can tell me whatever you need to tell me.”

Kelani squeezed Keith’s hands, giving another deep breath, “I…I had just gotten home from a friends, my half-sister Angel’s, and saw Aleki go into my father’s office with our cousins Alipate and Hikuleo. There was arguing and…and then a gunshot. I…I saw Aleki leave first. His shirt was bloody and he…he looked beat up…”

“You think your cousins shot your father and your brother ran, Kelani?” Keith questioned, brow furrowed. He remembered the details of the case. Dwayne had taken the bullet to the back of the head. It was possible that her brother, Aleki, had fought to protect his father.

But, of course, mob-related cases were never that easy.

“I…I thought maybe that was the case too…but…” Kelani took another deep breath as if she were trying to calm herself.

“Kelani, I know this is undoubtedly hard for you,” Keith urged, “but if you expect me to help you, I must know everything you remember.”

“Aleki holstered a gun as he left,” Kelani admitted, closing her eyes tightly, “My brother Aleki killed our father.”

#aew imagine #aew #keith lee imagine #keith lee #original character #kelani johnson #character: keith lee #character: original character #character: kelani johnson #verse: mafia

[nofomoartworld]

Art F City: Next 50 People to Buy an AFC Goth Benefit Ticket Get a Limited Edition T-Shirt!

When: April 18, 2017, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Where: Collapsable Hole, 55 Bethune Street, New York, NY Tickets: $75-$2000

    Good news readers! If you’re one of the next 50 people to buy a ticket to the Art F City Goth Benefit, you get a limited edition t-shirt out of the deal. This isn’t any ordinary t-shirt. We worked with designer Phillip Niemeyer to produce this design, which pairs the famous logo of the Bauhaus School of Design—later, appropriated and popularized by the goth band, Bauhaus, with the Art F City Goth Opera logo. Perfectly balanced, this design represents the brave spareness within the best Modernist work, with the courage imbued within goth culture and the art world at large. But act fast. There are only 50 t-shirts and they won’t be available for long.

Whether Bauhaus has been on your playlist since before iTunes existed or you’re a black-lipstick virgin, the April 18th Art F City Goth Benefit is an event for you. The more black you wear, the better your night.

We’re deadly serious. Those who come coupled, and in full goth garb will receive a $50 discount. Show up at the door together, and we’ll hand cuff you for an additional $25. We’re not going so far as to offer neck leashes, but anyone who has had a rib removed for better corset shaping gets in for free.

That’s important because we want the setting to be dark and romantic for Joseph Keckler, who will perform a 20 minute set of some of his greatest goth opera masterpieces. (Get your stage side table ticket for two, for the full date night experience.) It will be a show you won’t forget. While there, artist and Instagram star Sean Fader and crew will take your photo and print it out for you.

Coming to this event should feel good. It means supporting Art F City, one of New York’s most storied online publications—a brave voice in these challenging times, unafraid to take hard positions and lay out what’s at stake. And ultimately it’s this sensibility that’s driving this event. It’s not just that the goth aesthetic has taken over the art world (though it has), but that goth culture, with all its sensitivity, with all its courage, is what’s needed. Surely that’s something to celebrate.

Art F City is a 501c3 and non-profit registered in the State of New York. Your donations are 100 percent tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Benefit Committee

Chair: Marisa Sage. Committee:  Robin Cembalest, Meryl Cooper, Nicholas Cueva, Matthew Deleget, Amanda Devereux, Robert Dimin, Purdy Eaton, Carla Gannis, Sarah Landreth, Matthew Leifheit, Elissa Levy, Lisa Levy, Danielle Mysliwiec, Kelani Nichole, Marsha Owett, Paul Skiff, Michelle Vitelle, Jaimie Warren, Jessica Wessel, Helena Willner.

Auction Committee

Co-chairs: Danielle Mysliwiec and Paddy Johnson. Committee: Joshua Abelow, Tim Doud, Marc Handelman, Rod Malin, David McBride, Adrianne Rubenstein, and Jessica Wessel.  

Promo image: Jaimie Warren

Graphic Design: Northern Southern

from Art F City http://ift.tt/2oaYezB via IFTTT

#IFTTT #Art F City

[baskinginthatglory]

“I want you to be proud of yourself. I want you to believe that you’re good enough because you are. You’re so amazing.” said Brandon

Kelani wiped her eyes, shaking her head as Brandon tried to give her a little pep talk. No. No she didn't feel amazing. She didn't feel good enough, letting down the Best Friends time and time again. She felt useless.

"Ruby's right. The Outsiders are right. I should have just stayed gone..."

#muse: little pebble #muse: kelani johnson

[grizzledyoungimpact]

A Busy Day

Whumpuary 2024 January 11-12th, 2024 Exhaustion/Blindfolded/Old Injuries Brandon Cutler/Kelani Johnson (OC)/Samoa Joe

Disney days were always her favorite days, but gosh did they tire Kelani Johnson out so badly.

The trip had started out early as most trips usually did. Kelani had wanted so badly to take Brandon and their new partner Joe to her favorite restaurant on property, Ohana, which was conveniently located at the hotel they had managed to book. Brandon and Kelani had both been prepared for an early morning breakfast. Joe, on the other hand, still looked blurry eyed and not put together. Maybe it was the life of a champion, Kelani supposed. As tired as he was, Joe had enjoyed the pineapple coconut bread and the Lapu Lapu drink he had ordered.

After breakfast, which seemed to invigorate Joe, the trio had made it over to Magic Kingdom for park open.

The excitement of the parks always made Kelani's energy buzz. Maybe it was the joy of the character meet and greets. Maybe it was the joy of the rides, be if the exciting romp that was Tron: Lightcycle Run or her favorite ride in the Jungle Cruise. Joe even seemed to enjoy Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Space Mountain, which made Kelani happy. Brandon had always enjoyed being in the parks, even if his exhaustion usually caught up to him midday. As boring as it was, Kelani usually pulled the duo into the Hall of Presidents just so Brandon could get in a quick nap.

Between snacks and character meets and the rides, Kelani had felt her battering draining and draining until the end of the day.

The trio had managed to get in one post fireworks ride on Seven Dwarves Mine Train before trudging back to the monorail. There they sat, Brandon on one side of Kelani and Joe on the other. She adjusted the floral Minnie ears she wore, the print on the ears themselves reminiscent of the dress Moana wore. One hand played gently with the pin lanyard around her neck and the other gently squeezed Joe's hand. He let out a chuckle and a pressed a kiss to the top of her head, "Rest up, darling."

Kelani stifled a yawn but shook her head, "I'm not sleepy."

"Don't lie to yourself," Joe laughed gently, "you had a full day."

"Wanna get a dole whip at the hotel," Kelani mumbled as she laid her head on Joe's shoulder. She let go of his hand and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, "You have a good day?"

"Princess, I had the best day," Joe whispered low in her ear. Next to Kelani, Brnadon let out a deep snore, causing Joe to chuckle, "by the sound of it, so did B."

#whumpuary2024 #whumpuary 2024 #aew imagine #character: samoa joe #character: brandon cutler #character: original character #character: kelani johnson

[grizzledyoungimpact]

Whumptober Day 9

Prompt #9: "You're a liar." Pairing: Brandon Cutler/Kelani Johnson (OC) Mentions Of: The Elite, Jay White, Angel Micheals (OC), Nolee Angle (OC), Cassidy Cabana (OC) Verse: Slight Main AU

The pain of realizing that her half-sister Nolee was behind the attack on Jay White wasn't even the part that hurt Kelani the most. Did it hurt her to see that Nolee had been able to hurt their half-sister Angel so badly due to her attack while the rest of the Elite were hiding behind that stolen devil mask? Oh, absolutely. Kelani was soft when it came to acts of betrayal and this was certainly no different.

Especially not when she realized that her Brandon had been the one holding the camera during the attack.

Brandon Cutler had been Kelani's first, well, everything. When she had been working with The Best Friends against The Elite, Brandon had given Nolee her first kiss. Granted, it was so she would drop Trent Baretta during a battle royal, but it had been her first kiss none-the-less. After that, Brandon had given Kelani both her first real date and then her first real relationship. She loved Brandon with all of her heart.

What she didn't love was how Brandon's "friends" treated him.

Kelani didn't like hearing Matt and Nick tell Brandon to shut up. She never liked to hear the Jackson brothers call him Landon. They were his friends, his closest friends, and in Kelani's eyes they needed to treat him better. Brandon simply smiled and shrugged it off. These were his friends, after all. The things the boys said were just jokes in his eyes. The way they worked him so hard between on-and-off camera work was just how it was because of the two contract situation.

All Out 2023 had been where it all began, or at least that weekend. Friday night Kelani and Brandon were supposed to meet up for a dinner date. She had sat at the table for almost two hours before she realized that he wasn't coming. It broke her heart and dinner was consumed in tears, but she told herself it was fine. All Out was for AEW like WrestleMania was for WWE, and she had experienced enough of those with her father to know how busy they could be. When Brandon didn't meet her the next day to go to the StarrCast even, Kelani again pretended not to let it get to her.

But this?

This was proof that he had been colluding to get rid of AEW Champion Cassidy Caban for a while, all alongside Nolee and The Elite.

Kelani was half done packing when the hotel door opened up. She refused to turn around, afraid to look Brandon in the eyes. Was this the man she had fought against the BCC with, side-by-side, bound together in their own bloodshed? Was this the man she wanted to spend forever with?

"Kelani...I..."

"You're a liar," she sniffled, moving to get into the bedside nightstand for her hairbrush and medcase, "I trusted you and you lied to me."

"You wanted me to be taken seriously, didn't you?" Brandon rubbed the back of his neck, almost sheepishly.

Kelani quickly turned to face him, "Of course I did! But you blew me off on dates for weeks. You continuously lied to me! I know The Bucks suck at relationships, but I never thought you'd take their advice."

Brandon looked at his feet, daring to look upset about his own lies and the situation he caused, "I know I had to be sneaky sometimes and I'm sorry. I'm...I'm tired of being the joke everyone wants you to leave."

"You lied to me! YOu lied to me and that hurts more than anything else! You stood me up and made me feel like an idiot, all the while you've been planning with the rest of the Elite," Kelani slammed the suitcase on the bed shut.

"Where are you...Kelani please..." Brandon's gentle nature seemed to shine through as he placed a hand on her shoulder, "Stay."

"I can't," Kelani refused, hands trembling as tears streamed down plump cheeks, "I won't."

#kays whumptober 2023 #whumptober 2023 #character: brandon cutler #character: kelani johnson

[grizzledyoungimpact]

Pairing: Eddie Kingston/Kelani Johnson Quote: Nice to meet ya! Verse: Super Hero

There were heroes, there were villains, and then there was Eddie Kingston. Eddie walked a thin line between doing what was right and doing what was legal. When the villain known as The Buzzsaw rampaged in the state of New York, Eddie had used the righteous anger of his victims to break the man’s neck. Was it legal? Absolutely not. Murder was still murder, after all. Did his crime seem to go unpunished by the heroes who patrolled the streets? Well, he knew the fury felt by the two women who had accompanied him to the scene, The Medusa Complex, had been righteous for a reason. He hadn’t seen jail time because of that. That was Eddie’s power, after all. The angrier that those around him were, the stronger it made Eddie. It often got him into trouble as a young man growing up on the streets. He was a natural fighter, a man who’d rather fight his problems down than talking about them. The older he got, the more reserved Eddie got. That didn’t mean he didn’t fight for the causes he deemed worthy, just that he chose more and more causes to fight for. A once-promising villain who had heroes trembling at his name had chosen to fight for those who needed him most. Tonight that just so happened to include the commotion in the back alley. He had heard the grunts of a fight before he ever saw the combatants, though once he followed the noise he immediately recognized the two assailants. The tall, muscular man dressed in a black tank top and jeans called himself Neanderthal, a being from another time period. Neanderthal’s anger was what drew him in, Eddie could almost smell it bubbling up through the man's hair-covered skin. Neanderthal was super strong, but not the brains of the operation. That distinction went to the man at his side, Marshall. He was good at strategy, thinking ahead with that super brain of his, but less angry than his flunky. It was the third figure that he didn’t recognize. He could tell the large figure was feminine, painfully so. A green spandex suit covered her body, paired with boots and gloves of an earthy brown. The figure's hair was a mass of black curls and a brown mask sat on top of caramel skin, though allowing honey brown eyes to shine through. The strangest thing was that he couldn’t sense an ounce of anger from this figure. Not towards the two men the hero, he assured she was a hero, was fighting off. Perhaps not towards anything. “Now I know ya two fucks ain’t pickin’ on a woman,” Eddie called the attention of the two men. Neanderthal was the first to divert his attention, a low growl from the man’s throat. Eddie had expected him to charge and braced his feet, that’s why what happened had shocked him so much. The woman stomped on the pavement as she raised a hand. There was a low rumble before a section of the ground rose to encase Neanderthal’s legs in rock. He fought to free himself, but the sheer amount of rock stopped that. Marshall turned to run, but the woman stomped again, this time a wave of rock knocking the receding man over. Eddie watched in bewilderment, raising his hands with a chuckle, “Who are you?” she questioned, ready to fight Eddie. “Ain’t gonna hurtcha, ma’am,” Eddie chuckled as he stepped forward. Even now he could only sense fear and adrenaline, no anger. “Names Eddie. And ya are?” “Pebble,” the woman responded with a wide grin, “Nice to meet ya! I…I’d stay but these two…” “Neanderthal and Marshall are petty criminals. Harmless mostly. They hurt ya, Pebble?” Eddie questioned, ignoring the snarls and curses that left Neanderthal’s mouth as he passed, “Cuz I can make ‘em-“ “I’m fine, Mr. Eddie, honest,” the enthusiasm in the young girl's voice was infectious, “Cops should be here for them soon and these two aren’t going anywhere. Maybe I’ll see you again?” As she rose on a pillar of rocks, carrying her away as if she were flying, Eddie wondered how much effort it would take to see her again. He could help her, he could fight her, Eddie just wanted to see Pebble again.

#aew imagine #aew #eddie kingston imagine #eddie kingston #wrestling imagine #wrestling #character: eddie kingston #character: original character #character: kelani johnson #character: nick comoroto #character: qt marshall

[grizzledyoungimpact]

Febuwhump Day 17: Hostage Situation

Febuwhump 2024 February 17th, 2024 Hostage Situation Samoa Joe/Kelani Johnson (OC) Super Hero Verse

Kelani Johnson had always loved the powers she was born with.

After all, greatness ran in her family name. She had affectionately been called Pebble since she was old enough to start manifesting what she could do. It had started with the sand in the box in the backyard, simply building sand castles with her father, a man who used the name Rock when out in the field. She had always assumed it was just childhood games. Looking back, she recognized it as the early days training her to join a distinguished bloodline.

She had not been prepared to know the family she had been trained to join were the bad guys.

The night that her father had attacked the cities favorite hero, a man who had been primed for the position of a story book hero by his own familial ties, was the night Kelani had decided she needed to keep her own name. Pebble was who she was, after all. It was a reminder that she was not the rest of her bloodline, save for her brother Aleki who had left that night as well. It wasn't long before the duo left a corrupt family working for a corrupt mayor to join a life of heroics.

It was a feat easier said than done thanks to men like the monster who stood across from them in the bank right now.

HIs outfit was an emerald green and black, a hood over his head. Kelani had thought robbing a bank was rather cliche, but these people seemed very scared. Kelani took a deep breath, hands on her hips. "Put that bag down! Let these people go!"

The man looked over her and raised an eyebrow, scoffing. "Don't think I'll be doing that, princess."

Kelani's brown eyes shone beneath her mask as she widened her stance just a little. She drew her fists into her side as she spoke, "Let. Them. Go." She raised a foot, bringing her black boot down hard to send a shockwave towards the hooded man. It was a move she had perfected during training, able to control it to a point where it effected only one person.

The man turned, raising an eyebrow as it seemed that the shockwave did nothing. He laughed, "Cute. Real cute. My turn."

The other man copied her movement, stomping down to send a shockwave of his own her way. Kelani was caught off-guard, falling backwards. She had never seen another geopath who wasn't a part of her family. Aleki, who stood next to her, tried his best not to laugh. "Not funny, Vai," Kelani shouted at her brother, using the codename he used in the field, "stop him!"

"Right! Sorry! I-"

A crash was heard before either sibling could react, the beast of a man having broken through the wall. Kelani let out a little cry of anguish, trying to stand. Being a hero wasn't going to be easy, she was aware of that, but this was too much. "Stay here with the people, okay, Vai? Take care of them."

She brought up a pillar of rock, riding towards the man who had gotten away. She waved a hand, causing a barrier to rise in front of him, "Man, princess, you do not give up."

"Stop calling me that!" Kelani huffed, "Give back the money you-"

The stranger laughed, surprising Kelani, "Money? Oh no, no, no. I didn't take money."

"If you didn't take money, what did you..." Kelani trailed off, realizing that he had stopped running. This man was powerful enough that his shockwave could knock her off her feet. Surely if he wanted to go, he could have left by now. "Why do you keep calling me princess?"

"You're Rock's daughter," he spoke as he removed the hood he wore. The stern face of the man beneath the hood was befitting of his commanding voice, but not unattractive. He raised the bag he held in his hands, "and this is gonna help take down your bloodline. I'm gonna make the bloodline submit to a new world."

#febuwhump 2024 #febuwhump2024 #aew imagine #aew au imagine #character: samoa joe #character: original character #character: kelani johnson

[grizzledyoungimpact]

Kay's Whumptober Day #31

Prompt #31: Setbacks/I thought I was getting better Pairing: Samoa JoexKelani Johnson (OC) Mentions Of: Guilia, Brandon Cutler, Athena, Colt Cabana Verse: Main

Kelani Johnson couldn't help the tears that spilled from her eyes as she headed past the curtain back into the backstage area. Everything had been going so well until a few days ago. She had been on a winning streak. She had even been crowned the first NJPW Strong Women's Champion. For the first time in a while, she felt that she was worthy of the legacy that ran through her veins.

The first bit of bad luck had happened when she dropped that title in her first defense. She hadn't been ready for a talent like Guilia, no matter how much she told herself that she was. Kelani supposed there were worse talents to lose to, but it hadn't been easy. Her Brandon had tried to cheer her up, had tried to make her feel like she had managed to make him proud, but it had been for naught. The only bright spot that she looked forward to was her ROH Women's Championship match at Death Before Dishonor.

Everything had been so exciting. Kelani would have her mentor Colt Cabana in her corner in the main event. It was her first main event, the biggest match of her career. Everything had to go perfect. It just...𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐧'𝐭. No matter how much of a fight she had put up against Athena, she hadn't been able to win, hence the tears currently flowing freely.

She had almost made it to the locker room when a hand to her shoulder stopped her in her tracks, "Colt, I'm not-"

Kelani was surprised when she turned around not to see Colt Cabana, but instead to see Samoa Joe.

"Why are you crying, Johnson?" asked the man who Kelani had found herself crushing on for years. Joe was not only a handsome man, he was a man dedicated to his craft in every form. He was someone Kelani looked up to.

"Uh...just..."

"You gave a good showing out there. Athena was better," Joe spoke, his voice even and measured. He squeezed her shoulder with a nod, "It's not a shame. It just is."

Kelani wouldn't look at Joe, crossing her arms over her chest with a huff, "Wow, Mr. Joe, that was so comforting. Just, perfect."

"Hey, I never claimed to be the best at this. Just telling you the facts," shrugged Joe with a rough chuckle. Kelani supposed it was part of his charm, never sugar coating anything. "And the fact of the matter is you did so damn good. Stole the show."

"I thought I was getting better, Mr. Joe," Kelani ran a hand through her messy curls, "but it seems like every match is just another failure in a long line of failures..."

"It's only a failure, Johnson, if you stop fighting. And you, well, you don't strike me as the kind to stop fighting."

#kays whumptober 2023 #whumptober 2023 #character: samoa joe #character: original character #character: kelani johnson