"JULIA," Derek bellowed.  "NO!  GET OUT OF HERE!"  He
couldn't bare the thought of anything happening to her
or the baby.  Not to mention the implications if the
being got it's  hands on the key.

Determined blue eyes met his for the briefest of
moments but there was  no mistaking her complete
refusal as she stated "Not without you."

"Son, you can help me!"  the creature called out to
Bryce.  "Get me that key from her and we'll reconcile.
 We'll be together again, just like the old days."

Bryce looked to Julia.  All he had wanted for the past
few days was a  chance to reuinite with his father,
and to make peace with him.

"Do it, son," the thing goaded.  "She's defenseless."

Before Bryce knew it, he was moving twards Julia, hand
reaching out for the key that she helfd in her fist.  
It was as if he wasn't even completely in controll of
his actions.  Catching himself, though, he was able to
stop himself in his tracks.

"Don't do it Bryce." Julia said, looking at him.  If
he tried, she'd feel bad about it, but she would do
what had to be done.

Do I really want to do this? Bryce asked himself
through the confusion in his mind.  Am I really
prepared to injure a pregnant
woman to patch things up with my dad?

The Being, noting Bryce's hesitation, grew impatiant.

"Do it, now!" he said loudly.  "Hurry up and get the
key you weak, stupid bastard!"

Finally Bryce came to his decision.   "I'm...  sorry
Julia..."

"...He almost had me fooled."  Stepping away from
Julia, Bryce looked  at the 'man' who had tried to
manipulate him.   "I don't know who the hell you are,
but you damn sure aren't my dad."

"And." Julia said, her gaze moving back to the Being
"Think I'm defenseless?"

She spared all of two seconds to Bryce, saying two
words sharply but with enough promise behind them that
if he didn't move she would MAKE him move behind them
"Get out."

Bryce turned around, not giving his parental imposter
another look.  He walked back to where the others were
standing and leaned against the smooth rock wall of
the cave.  it would take him a while to absorb what
had just occurred.

Soulchaser, on the other hand took this as a cue to
step foreward.  His eyes glowing vibrantly as he
unsheathed his blade.  He stood at Julia's side and
looked the Demon right in the face.

"Defenseless?" Soulchaser said with a slight smirk
"This Demonic Jack-in-the-box doesn't know you very
well does he?"

Julia kept her gaze on the Being, turning the key in
her hand to draw Its attention to her but also to get
a better grip on it.  As long as she had the key he
couldn't physically hurt her.  She stepped sideways,
and moved her head sideways once to the ones chained
up and Philip "Get them outside."

=====


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