Where Darkness Leads

Chapter 12

On the roof of Sunnydale High night had fallen as Joshua looked out at the wide landscape.

"So what are we doing here on the roof?" Matthew asked standing beside him.

"Planning."

"Planning what?" he asked. "You have told me nothing."

Joshua started to think back in his mind to a time long past. He soon realized after he started dabbling in the black arts he was a quick learner. At first he could do simple stuff until he was able to attain and perform much larger spells.

One day during the spring a man had come to visit him. He was another colonist like himself who came to him asking for help. The man knew he was aware of his activities but had promised to keep his nefarious hobby a secret from others if would perform a single act for him.

He asked to be appointed the town judge. If made judge he would be respected and revered among his peers as holding a position of authority. Joshua found it would be an easy task to influence all of the constituents involved so the the deal was agreed upon. However, Joshua didn't perform for anyone if he wasn't going to get anything in return. Since he was thankful for his assistance he had agreed to anything he would ask for. It was assuming Joshua would ask for something that was within the realm of reason.

When Joshua came to him again asking for his compensation the new judge denied his request from having grown arrogant and a large ego. Joshua became infuriated with him having been shut out. In a heat of anger Joshua started to cut the air from his throat.

The judge begged for mercy struggling to breathe in the room where he handed down his sentences upon the guilty. As the man was near death Joshua reprieved him and offered him a away he could repay him for his efforts.

Joshua asked that his daughter be handed over to him one day. The judge had tried to argue that their daughter was his and the wife's only child but he knew his mind was made up.

Joshua intended not to let small trivialities like then get in his way now.

From exploring Sunnydale Joshua felt the strongest source of supernatural energy emanating from this spot.

"This place is powerful."

"How can you tell?"

"I can sense energies."

"Do you even know what we're standing on?"

"No I don't but you do I believe."

Matthew gave a slight grin glancing down towards the library skylight.

"You happen to be standing on the Hellmouth."

"Hellmouth?"

"It's a gateway to hell. The whole place is one big one."

Joshua's eyes looked to Matthew lit up with fascination and curiosity.

"How interesting, he said. "Has it ever been opened?"

"Only once that I am aware of, so when do we steal this book of yours?"

"There are those who have gotten in my path."

"Do you want the grimiore?" another voice spoke.

Joshua turned to see the same black cloaked man standing before him.

"Because I can finally give it to you."

"Who are you infidel?" Joshua questioned.

"Someone who wants the Slayer destroyed as much as you."