By Amanda Pizzolatto (alias Aurora Mandeville)
Word count: 1314
Rating: G (suitable for all audiences)
Summary: Divine inspiration is just a game–but a really intense game.
“Well folks, welcome back to our Inspireball Championship! Jonah Godwin is back at the throwing mound; Joshua Godwin’s Angels are taking their places while Stan de Ville’s Demons are lining up with them. Things are starting to get tense out there, folks, as Jason Godwin raises his hand; everyone is itching for the signal! And for those in the stands, get ready for those Inspireballs! For those who have just arrived, those balls look worse than what they actually are. The flames will not harm you, I promise. You can ask any of the old-timers if you want to clarify.
“Oh, that was the signal! And Jonah has thrown the first ball! It’s going good! So far, no Demon has touched it; the Angels are keeping it safe. It’s landed! Hang on, folks; I’m getting the name of the lucky catcher. Why, it’s an old-timer, none other than Charles Dickens himself! What a relief, I’d hate to see that ball land in the lap of one of Stan’s crowd. What’s this? Oh my, this just came in, folks; Jason Godwin just informed everyone that that was Charles Dickens’ last ball. So sad to see him leave, but it’s time to give someone else a chance at the game. Besides, Charles gets to go to the Gardens, how cool is that!
“Alright, Jason gave the signal to resume the game and Jonah is scanning the crowd for his next catcher. I wonder who the lucky person is? Will it be a newcomer or an old-timer? Guess we’ll find out in just a minute because Jonah is going to throw! Alright, so far so good, it’s staying on track! What the…? Oh, no! A Demon intercepted! He’s gotten it to someone in the crowd; the name is being brought to us. I do hope that whoever got that ball can distinguish between the truth and lies. Alright, I’ve got the name, it’s Charles Darwin. Oh, I do hope things will turn out alright; that was a particularly special ball Jonah threw.
“By the way, for you newcomers, the colors of the balls represent what kind of inspiration it is; red is for art, orange is for literature, yellow is for theology and morality, green is for politics and law, blue is for history, and purple is for music. That was an indigo ball, a science ball that Charles Darwin caught. I just got a new report; Charles Darwin was supposed to get that ball. His ability to distinguish between truth and lies will determine whether he will go to the Gardens or to Prison. Only time will tell. Ah, Joshua Godwin has called for a timeout—looks like it’s time for a plan to counter Stan and his Demons. We’ll be back in a bit to see what they come up with. Knowing their group, it should be good, so be sure to stay tuned.”
“Raphael Powers here. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you know what that means—time to get gifts for the love of your life. If you’re at a loss of what to get, check out the floral arrangements of Therese Martin and Rose Flores; tell them what your girl likes and they’ll surprise both you and her with their artistic bouquets. Get in when you can at the Little Flower’s Shoppe for a treat none of you will forget. And now, back to your regular show.”
“Welcome back, folks; it looks like the Godwins have a plan as Jonah Godwin is stepping back onto the pitcher’s mound. It looks like Jonah is going to throw another indigo ball. No, wait, it’s orange! Oh, oh folks, this is amazing! It’s a completely new ball, a mix of orange and indigo! This is a first, history in the making! I wonder . . . oh, Jonah has thrown it! Ha-ha, Stan and his team were so surprised that none of them even lifted a finger! That gave the ball a clear path, no interference! The ball made it! Wherever it was going, guess we’ll find out in just a bit here. Wow, just wow! That was an amazing play by Jonah Godwin! Right past the Demons! The crowds are just wild over that play! Oh, here’s the name, ladies and gentlemen, the name of the lucky owner of that special ball is . . . Jules Verne! Oh, another old-timer, what a relief! Well, it looks like Stan and his Demons are over their surprise and look ready to kill. Well, at least ready to intercept the next ball; they are pretty furious over that last play.
“Alright, Jonah is getting ready for another pitch. It looks like he’s going to throw a regular one-colored ball, a purple one this time. And it’s away! The Angels are in a mad scramble to keep the Demons away from it and are doing a pretty good job; no Demon has gotten remotely close to the ball. And it’s safe! Another score for the Angels! Hooray! A good play; well planned by the team’s captain, Michael Powers! Always such fun to see them in action! Oh, good, the name of the lucky catcher has arrived. Why, it’s none other than an old favorite, Johan Sebastian Bach! I wonder what song will come out of that ball? Mr. Bach works really well with Jonah, so it should be good.
“Oh ho, what’s this? Jonah is turning around and facing Joshua, who’s coming to the batting mound. Looks like Joshua wants to direct the ball to someone specific in his crowd. Oh, and Joshua’s mother, Lady Miriam, is stepping up to take a turn after her son. Whoa, things are really getting intense as Stan is getting his team revved up to intercept. Alright, Jonah is waiting for Joshua to finish getting ready to bat. Joshua has hit the mound a couple of times and is now raising it to his shoulder, letting Jonah know he’s ready. Jonah nods his head and glances around at the Angels in place. He has thrown the ball! It’s speeding towards Joshua. He hit, and now it’s speeding towards the stands! The captain of the Angels, Michael Powers, is taking special care of this ball. He’s giving those Demons a run for their money; they don’t stand a chance! And it’s safe! The crowd is going wild and they’re chanting Michael’s name!
“Michael just takes a simple bow. Now he’s heading back to the dugout for refreshments. Ah, here is the name of the owner of that yellow ball, Thomas Aquinas! Somehow I get the feeling we’re going to see that name more as the game continues. Alright, the crowd has quieted, waiting eagerly for Lady Miriam’s turn. She raises the bat and Jonah nods. He glances at the Angels, making sure they’re in position. He throws the ball, and Lady Miriam swings. She hit it, and it’s racing to the stands! The Demons are trying harder than ever to get that ball, but the Angels are trying just as hard, if not harder, to keep that ball safe. And it’s landed! Another successful play from the Angels, ladies and gentlemen! They really came through after that one ball the Demons got a hold of. The Demons are going to have to do some major planning to get past the Angels’ defenses, but I’m sure Michael has them ready for anything. Ah, here’s the name of the owner of that second yellow ball, it’s Louis de Montfort! He must have done something extraordinary to earn the favor of Lady Miriam. Oh my, time sure has flown! Jason just gave the signal to end for the day. Well folks, things are sure to heat up as the Championship continues, so be sure to tune in tomorrow to see how the game turns out! Today’s score was Angels – 14, Demons – 1, and this is Gabriel Powers, signing off. Good night!”