Chapter 20
Farnsworth
Damn it.
Right before my eyes, the Horror slipped inside Borja, and now I’ve got twice as much trouble on my hands.
Of course, I’ve heard of this happening, but I’ve never had this experience myself. I could try my handbook, but I think I need to call in backup at this point. It’s time to summon my guide.
If anyone can give me a clue as to what to do next, it’s her.
I call out for my spirit guide, Elina, waiting for her to appear.
As the air in the room shifts, I look around frantically for her, and as she appears, a sense of calm spreads through me.
“Thank you for coming.”
“Of course, you know I’ll always come find out what ails you.”
“The Horror is inside of Borja.” I point to him lying lifelessly on the couch, skipping any small talk. “It happened so quickly I wasn’t able to stop it. I don’t know what to do. I’ve never had to banish a Horror that’s taken over the living.”
“Borja is not exactly living, is he?”
“What? Well, no, he’s a Chaser, but—”
“But that matters.” She smiles gently at me. “He can’t be harmed the same way a mortal can.”
“No, he can be harmed worse if I do the wrong thing. He can end up in the Below.”
“Yes, that is a problem.” She nods. “Well, let’s see. We have a few choices, don’t we?”
“Do we?”
Elina nods. “I suppose the first one is that you could finally tell him. Now is the time to accept what he is to you. That will help.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Oh, Farnsworth, you’re being rather thick for such a smart man. You knew from the beginning that this was his destiny, to be paired with you as a Chaser, yes?”
“Yes, and?”
“And if it’s his destiny, then it’s also your destiny, silly.”
“Fine, but why would we be destined to work together?”
She gives me a flat look, like a disappointed mother to her child. “You really are dense, aren’t you? Your destiny isn’t about work, Farnsworth. It’s about love and companionship.”
Her words startle me, and I open my mouth to object, but I’m too speechless to do so.
“It can’t be,” I finally mutter. “That doesn’t make any sense.”
“Why doesn’t it?”
“Why would we be…? Who decided…? Well, I mean…” I blow out a breath as I realize I’m unable to speak clearly. “Why?”
“Why what?” she asks.
“Why would I be given such a thing? I’ve been faithfully committed to my position for centuries now, and I don’t believe I’ve done anything disappointing or wrong.”
“What a strange conclusion. Why would you think you’ve done something wrong?”
“Why else would I be given the distraction of a love interest?”
“Distraction? Oh, goodness. You really have spent too much time down there alone.
You poor dear. You’ve forgotten what it looks like to be rewarded.”
“Rewarded?”
“Yes, of course. You’re right—you have been loyal and faithful for several hundred years down there in the dark, leading the troops, restoring the balance of the Above. Why wouldn’t it be a nice thing to make sure you get to be loved as well?”
I’m stunned as her words sink in. “You mean we’re fated? I don’t have to say goodbye to Borja?”
“Just the opposite. It looks different for you. He’s a Chaser too, you know, so no love bond required. All you have to do is admit your love to each other.”
“But we hardly know each other.”
“Does that mean you don’t have feelings for him?”
“How could I? We’ve only just met and…” The words fade on my tongue as the truth of my emotions settles over me. “I suppose I’m rather fond of him.”
“Rather fond of him?” she repeats, smiling. “You don’t have to play coy with me, Farnsworth. I know your heart. I know the things you’ve told him and shared with him, because he makes you feel safe, doesn’t he?”
“Yes,” I admit. “He does. You shouldn’t be spying on me though.”
“Merely doing my job.” She pats my shoulder. “He’s meant for you, Farnsworth. You deserve this.”
“I didn’t expect it. I thought it was just a mission and it would all be over.”
“But now you know, which makes getting him back all the more important, doesn’t it?”
“Yes. Do you know where he is?”
“He’s right there in front of you.”
“I meant spiritually, Elina.”
“Oh.” She giggles. “Sure. He’s in the astral plane. I don’t recommend you go there though. The Horror is hoping you’ll do exactly that, and he’s very committed to not going back. You’ll need a different approach.”
“Right. I need a plan that will get the Horror to let go of him so I can banish it and save Borja, correct?”
“It’s easier than you think. You’re looking in all the wrong places, dear boy.
Trust your heart and your instincts. You’re not just some guy.
You’re not the leader of the Soul Chasers by chance.
You got there through your expertise. You may be a little rusty, but you can do it.
Believe in yourself, believe in him, and everything will be fine.
But do hurry. The Horror is motivated, as I’m sure you know. ”
“Yes, I know. Thank you for coming.”
“Of course. Oh, and here’s a tip to get you started. There’s a witch called Calex. He’ll be able to help.” She smiles warmly. “Do invite me to the wedding. I just adore weddings.”
I shake my head. “I’m hardly in the mood to think of wedding planning.”
“It’ll be here before you know it.”
She’s gone before I can say anything else, leaving me a bit gobsmacked.
All this time I was supposed to meet Borja and fall in love with him. The plan must have been set in motion the moment he died. The things we’ve done together have been by design, not by accident. We were meant for each other, meant for this.
It’s an overwhelming thought, one I can’t give in to right now if I ever want to see him again.
Right now, I need to focus on the task at hand, and that means finding this witch and consulting my reference material. One thing I have that the Horror doesn’t is the entire arsenal of the underworld.
I’m sure I can figure this out and get Borja safely back to me, and then, well, then I guess I’ll tell him what we are to each other and hope he feels the same.