The possession story is told in full on the subsequent pages, detailing every episode each week. If you're looking for a summary that's not so detailed, visit Marlena's Possession: The Story in Short.

The Players

Major Characters:
Mike; Celeste; Stefano; Marlena; John; Caroline; Father Francis; Kristen; Tony; The Three Scholars

Major Supernatural Participants:
God, The Devil/Satan; Fiend Curtis Reed; Gabe, the angel; Isabella; 3 Evil spirits haunting Marlena; Vision of Samantha; Marlena: as Kristen; as Black Panther; as Creature of Hell

Minor Characters:
Gina; Lexie; Laura; Abe; Peter; Shawn; Sami; DA Pat Hamilton; Belle; Father Jansen; Bishop Andrews; Shawn D.; Bo; Billie; Carrie and Austin; Jack

Salemites who Also Took Part:
Kate; Jonah; Alice; Jennifer; Lucas; Mickey and Maggie; Vivian; Jamie; Charles, Tony's personal driver

Aiding Characters:
Boy Kevin; Cop/Guard Chuck; UH Nurses: Nancy and Sandy; Dr. Andrews; Marlena's buliding super, Ralph; Paul, Father Francis' assistant; Sarah, blind beggar-lady; Lt. Hank Dawson, sharpshooter; Robert Perry, suicidal jumper; Servant and people of the Opera; Lawyer bailing out Stefano; Couple on Smith Island

Background / Opening:

"Queen of the Night" / Desecration

Sometime after Mike returned to Salem, we found out that Stefano was the one behind the deal Mike made in Israel. He was the one Mike owed. In return to confiscating the arms and bombs, Mike was ordered to get close to Marlena Evans. Marlena confided in Mike and gave him the number to her security system, which John had installed at the penthouse. Threatened by Celeste, that more people would die if he didn't give her the security system number, Mike finally gave her the number and Celeste gave it to Stefano. During that time, there was a lot of noise from the penthouse next to Marlena's. One evening, Stefano came into Marlena's apartment, using the code and roamed her place. When he got to her bed, he sat on it and sniffed Marlena's nightgowns. He addressed Marlena, telling her he'd soon be in her life and her bed. Mike knew someone would try to harm Marlena, so he decided to camp outside Marlena's apartment to protect her. Only when he decided that, Stefano was already inside Marlena's place. Marlena went to sleep. Then Stefano emerged from her bedroom closet (where he hid), wearing a long red cloak and a mask. He set next to a sleeping Marlena. He patted her head, telling her he came for her to be his. Marlena then awakened and seemed to be hypnotized. She asked the masked man who he was. Stefano replied she'd soon find out. He then asked her to trust him and put her hand in his. Marlena did. She rose up and kept asking Stefano who he was, telling him his eyes were familiar to her. Stefano asked her to go into her dressing room and get dressed. Marlena came out of the dressing room, wearing a beautiful long white dress, with her hair pulled up. Stefano told her they were about to take an amazing adventure together...

Adventure one - 'Masquerade'

Stefano opened Marlena's bedroom closet doors. Tender scarlet light came out of it. He asked Marlena to trust him again and they stepped into the closet. Suddenly they emerged into a beautifully decorated ballroom. People in masks were standing there, clapping as Marlena and Stefano stepped inside. As Stefano and Marlena stepped to the center of the room, the people bowed as they passed them. "Why are they bowing?" asked Marlena. "Well, you are their Queen and I am you're King," replied Stefano. They then started waltzing, spinning and spinning. Suddenly, Marlena woke up in a startle in her own bed. She told herself that was probably a dream and went back to sleep. Aside, hiding in the closet, Stefano addressed Marlena, telling her he'd return to continue their adventure.

The following morning, Marlena woke up feeling exhausted. Kate came to visit her that morning to tell her about Billie calling her Mom for the first time. When Kate asked Marlena why she was so tired, Marlena told her about the dream she had--dancing with a masked man in a ballroom. Kate smiled, but Marlena didn't. She told Kate that she didn't know why, but the dream had a sense of evil to it.

Stefano met with Celeste and told her what wonderful time he had with Marlena that night. Celeste asked, "Are you in love with Marlena?" "Call it what you will," replied Stefano, telling Celeste there was no greater feeling than the feeling of power he felt that night. He explained to Celeste that Marlena "was under the influence of her own sub-conscience impulses, drawn by the power of his emotions." He also told Celeste that he was closer to Marlena than ever; "You see, Celeste, I am Marlena's new neighbor..." At Celeste's hotel room, Stefano was looking at diamonds to give to Marlena. Celeste asked him who the diamonds were for and he told her "they are for Marlena, my Queen of the Night." Celeste then read Stefano's tarot cards. Dismay and horror attacked her when the Death Card appeared. She warned Stefano harshly that if he did not stop his plan for Marlena, there would be Evil. Determined to have Marlena, Stefano replied, "Marlena will be mine. Let there be evil, but Marlena will be mine!"

The next day, Marlena met with John. She told him about the dream she had, and John remarked it sounded romantic. Marlena told him, too, that it was not romantic, but evil. Inside, Stefano was sitting with Celeste and eavesdropping. When Marlena told John she was going home to rest, as she was tired, Stefano addressed her, telling her to get some sleep as he'd come again for her that night. Later, Stefano entered Marlena's apartment again through the closet and prepared a diamond tiara and necklace for her. He waited until Marlena went to sleep and then emerged from the closet again, wearing the cloak and mask.

Adventure Two - 'A Night at the Opera'

Stefano awakened Marlena. He told her that she was under his spell and wouldn't recognize him. He told her they were going to a special place. He gave her the diamond tiara. Marlena was dressed in a magnificent black gown. Stefano placed the tiara on her head and the necklace on her neck. Marlena was amazed. Marlena told Stefano that everything was so unreal and mysterious. Stefano told her that after that night's adventure, nothing would be the same again. He added that when the time was right, he'd reveal himself to her.

They stepped into the closet again and later we saw them sitting in a private box at the Opera. There, during intermission, Stefano told Marlena that night would have a great impact on her life. Three people appeared and kissed Marlena's hand and bowed before her. They said they had been waiting a long time to meet her and yelled, "Long live the Queen of the Night!" throwing tinsel at Marlena. Marlena had a smile of happiness on her face. The three people took Marlena for refreshments a bit later, down stairs. Meanwhile, Stefano told a servant that he would not reveal himself to his Queen, yet. He explained he wanted Marlena to come to him on her own volition. He wanted her to fall in love with the kind of life only he could give her. When Marlena returned, she told Stefano that world was scary and weird. Stefano asked Marlena to come with him, to live that life. Marlena replied she couldn't leave her family and Stefano told her that her children were already adults and didn't really need her. He begged her to join him at his world, but Marlena thought it wrong. "There's a feeling of evil in the air," she told Stefano, although he tried assuring her there's no evil. He told her that she was afraid because that world was something new, something she had never experienced before.

The second act started, just as Marlena asked Stefano if she dreamed him up. She repeated she had a sense of evil and Stefano just told her to surrender herself to him, as the music got louder and louder. Then, Marlena abruptly awakened in her bedroom and told herself it was all a dream. Stefano was hiding in the closet. Marlena went back to sleep and dreamed of the masked man. She woke up, reassuring herself, again, that it was all just a dream. But then she found tinsel and confetti on the dresser next to her bed. She asked herself how could those have gotten there, unless she really was spending the night with the masked man.

Later, Marlena was walking through Salem Place. When she opened her wallet for some change, she found confetti in it, too. She told herself that she had a feeling her dreams had a certain hidden meaning and that she felt like she was in danger. She then bumped into a Salem Place Christmas ornament and tinsel fell onto her. She reassured herself that that was where the confetti came from. She then bumped into Carrie. Carrie came to tell Marlena about Sami not wanting to testify against Alan at his trial (for kidnapping and rape). She told Marlena she didn't want to let Sami down again and that she was afraid Alan's lawyer would twist her words around again. Marlena deviously smiled at her and said, "Well, maybe you shouldn't worry about telling the whole truth..." Carrie was shocked hearing Marlena of all people saying such a thing. She asked Marlena what has gotten into her, but Marlena replied she was just worried about Sami.

Aside, Stefano was observing Marlena, promising her she would soon be his queen during the daylight also. Carrie and Marlena went to the Pub. There, they were trying to convince Sami to testify. Sami told her mom that she didn't want her at the trial, as it would make it hard for her to tell what Alan did if she was there. Sami left and Marlena asked herself what kind of a world is this that a girl like Sami has to suffer so much. She then silently remarked, "Sometimes I wish I was living in a dream world." Then, the Pub's door was abruptly thrown open by a strong, strong wind that sent a chill up Marlena's spine.

Marlena went back to her apartment. There she told herself she was afraid to go to sleep, because she might have another one of those strange dreams. She then said that she felt a strong sense of evil surrounding her. "As though someone or something were trying to take over my life," she told herself and left the apartment in a hurry.

Near the big Tom Horton Memorial Christmas Tree, Alice was telling Gina how much the tree meant to her and the family. A strange character, wearing black gloves (we only saw the hands) lit a match and set fire to the big tree. The tree burnt down to the trunk. Everyone was shocked and disappointed. After a short inspection, Abe told everyone that it was arson. In Stefano's limousine, Celeste was reading the tarot cards again. The Death card appeared again and Celeste told Stefano that the evil would hit everyone. She added that she told him that his plans would bring evil, but "It's too late. It's too late, Stefano!"

Adventure Three - 'DockLand'

A few days after, John arrived at Marlena's apartment. He came to show her a priest collar Father Kyle gave him. Marlena told John she didn't see him in it and added it was unnerving to her. She remarked the same when John showed her a cross Father Francis sent him.

Marlena went to sleep. We saw her in bed and suddenly on of Salem's river docks. Stefano was calling her name, but Marlena didn't see him. He then appeared, wearing the mask and the cloak and pointed behind her. There stood a beautifully arranged dining table. He showed Marlena the moon and told her that if she came with him to his world, she would rule the night the same way the moon rules it. A strong breeze came from the river and blew through Marlena's hair. Suddenly, Marlena awakened in her bedroom with Stefano hiding in the closet.

Marlena left the apartment and arrived at the docks. Caroline was there. Sensing something's wrong, Caroline asked Marlena to go home, remarking it was cold outside. Marlena oddly replied, "I was cold before, but I don't feel the cold anymore."

The next day catastrophe attacked again when Alice arrived in her living room to find the floor covered with shreds of Christmas decorations. When the mysterious gloved hand torched the Christmas gifts that the Horton Center was collecting for children everyone was shocked at the wave of incidents of desecrating things connected to Christmas. "What's happening to this city this Christmas...?" exclaimed Caroline.

Aside, Celeste was watching and answered Caroline's question, "Something much worse than you can imagine." When Stefano appeared he asked Celeste if she torched the gifts. Celeste replied she didn't and added, "I know who it was, and God help the people of Salem if he's in their midst!" She warned Stefano to stop with his plans, as they were drawing evil into Salem. Stefano didn't listen and assured himself more than Celeste that there's nothing that can stand in his way.

The next day, Father Francis got a wooden box by mail. His assistant, Paul, brought it to him. Father Francis told him he has been getting strange items in the mail lately that he thinks were somehow connected to the "research" he's conducting, as he put it. Father Francis opened the box, but we didn't see what was inside. We only saw the expression on his face and him exclaiming, "Oh, My God," which made us understand what was inside was pretty fearsome. Later that day, Celeste was praying to God to the light of candles, asking him to watch over everyone from this evil, before someone got seriously hurt...

Adventure Four- 'A thousand and One Night'

That night, Marlena went to sleep. Stefano appeared in her room again. He awakened her, telling her that that night's adventure would be different from the others, as if she came with him, there would be no turning back. Marlena followed him into the closet. They emerged at the other end to a room decorated in an Arabic motif: carpets, curtains and golden decorations. Stefano called for two servants and they escorted Marlena to a large bath. Stefano told Marlena to immerse herself in the warm water and think about things that make her happy.

After a while, Marlena told him she thought of him. After Marlena came out of the bath, Stefano laid her on a sofa and revealed his face to her. Marlena did not recognize him. Stefano told Marlena that he wouldn't come to her again. He told her the next time she would see him, would be when she called him. Then, Marlena awakened in her bed and wondered how she could summon the masked man again.

The following morning, John came to see Father Francis at his church. Father Francis confided in him that someone in Salem was in danger. Thinking out loud, Father Francis asked, "Why Salem is the place where the evil has come?" John didn't understand and told Father Francis he read he (Father Francis) was once into heavy-duty mysticism. Father Francis told John that he also used to be involved in that area and added he was fairly good at it and had an aptitude for it. Father Francis told John that Evil is a powerful opponent, one he hoped he didn't run into again. John asked him what did he mean "again", but Father Francis just told him he was expecting material from Cairo, Egypt that he hoped would have the solution to the problem.

A little later, Father Francis received three ancient sealed scrolls. John asked Father Francis to read what was written on the seal. Father Francis loosely translated it as "The one who opens this should be ready to join the battle against Evil." John didn't pay much attention to it and left. Once alone, Father Francis unsealed the scrolls and after translating them, was amazed and shocked. He said he must warn everybody and picked up the phone. Only then, the power went down and it became dark. Father Francis cried out, "Oh, no! Please, God. No, not again. Not again..."

Meanwhile, in Salem, Bo and Abe found a matchbox with "Brady Fish Market" logo on it at the site of the gifts arson. They were all shocked, as the market had been destroyed two years earlier.

At Billie's, Kristen was calling Father Francis to ask him to marry Billie and Bo. The connection was very bad, so she came over to his church. When she arrived, she found a dark room and Father Francis choking on the floor. She kneeled down beside him and tried to calm him. Father Francis had difficulties talking, but he managed to say a few words, "I tried to warn you...I tried," whispered Father Francis softly. Kristen came closer to him, "What is it, Father?" she asked. "Satan...in...in...Salem...Satan in Salem..." said Father Francis abruptly and fainted.

In another part of town, John was praying at the church. After he left, the mysterious character wearing black entered the church and with a hammer knocked down a statue of a saint. Kristen called Paul, the assistant, and he called 911. She told him about Father Francis saying that Satan was in Salem. He showed her the scrolls. He then noticed Father Francis unsealed the big one and Kristen said they should see if they could read them. Paul recognized the writing as Aramaic. Paul couldn't read the scroll, but he told Kristen, "I can only make out one word--evil."

Kristen hurried to the hospital with the paramedics and asked Father Francis what he meant about Satan. Father Francis couldn't talk and only pointed in the direction of his wallet. Kristen picked it up and found a piece of paper inside with John Black's number on it. She wondered how John was connected to the incident.

In her hotel room, Celeste kept praying to God, to the light of candles. Stefano appeared and told Celeste to stop her silly voodoo witchcraft. Celeste repeatedly warned Stefano to stop his plans, as he was tempting the evil to come. Stefano only replied he wouldn't stop until Marlena was his and blew out the candles. Celeste horrifyingly told Stefano she was lighting candles to keep the evil spirits away. She begged Stefano to abandon his plans, but Stefano did not listen and told Celeste that Marlena would soon be his. He remarked he could have made love to Marlena the previous night and added Marlena would soon come to him on her own free will. He then ordered Celeste to stop with her voodoo superstitions and follow Marlena. Celeste told Stefano she wasn't talking out of jealousy, and told him he had to stop. Stefano, again, simply replied, "Marlena will be mine!"

John was sitting at Brady Pub when Marlena came in. She told John about her latest dream. She told John about the man removing his mask and added that she was attracted to him. When she told John the man reminded her of Stefano. John told her she couldn't be attracted to Stefano, no way. John took Marlena to the church, where they found the desecrated statue. They called Abe and he snooped around until finding a key. He told John that the key is not for an apartment, but that if they found to what it belonged, they might find their man.

In her room, Celeste was again reading the tarot cards. She re-lit the candles. As the Death card appeared, the flame of the candles suddenly vanished and a horrified, Celeste cried out, "Oh, no! He's here!"

At her apartment, Marlena was getting ready for bed. She addressed her mysterious dream man and asked him to come to her again, whoever he was. In the closet, Stefano was hiding and smiling satisfactorily. The following morning, Marlena awakened feeling disappointed, as she didn't dream of the man that night. She told that to Gina, who at the time was there taking care of Brady and Belle.

Bo arrived to ask Marlena to put together a psychological profile of the Desecrator. Marlena showed him her notes and said that the man was someone very unhappy; He felt life turned on him and he didn't get what he wanted out of life, so he's trying to make everyone else unhappy as he was. Bo asked if he had anything against religion directly and Marlena replied religious people would say he had the Devil in him. She explained to Bo that the Devil hates mankind and wants to make them all suffer. Bo said the man sounded like Stefano, but Marlena said it wasn't Stefano's style, as he liked hurting individuals, like her, John and Roman. Gina came down and told Bo before he left that she was going to look for Celeste, as she may be the only one who knew her past.

Later, at Salem Place, Marlena told Abe and Bo she felt the Desecrator's next violent reaction would be a very severe one. At her hotel room, Celeste was packing to get the hell out of Salem. Stefano stopped her, telling her they couldn't leave until Marlena was his. He told Celeste he needed to wait until Marlena was totally obsessed with him and only then could he make his final step. Celeste warningly told Stefano about Evil blowing out her candles while she was laying out the tarot cards.

Later, Celeste was walking through Salem Place. Gina saw her and followed her. She ended up at the church, seeing a character wearing black enter it. Thinking it was Celeste, Gina stepped into the church. She cried out Celeste's name, but there was no response. The character in black stood behind her, lifting a book up, just as Gina asked herself who it could be, if it wasn't Celeste. The character then hit Gina with the book over the head and Gina fell to the floor.

Outside, John and Kristen met to decorate the church. Caroline arrived and as Kristen started telling John about Father Francis being in hospital, Caroline stepped inside the church and screamed. John and Kristen hurried in to find the walls all paint sprayed and the chairs and the altar a mess. Then they found Gina passed out on the floor. They picked her up and called Abe. Marlena arrived also. When Abe asked Gina why she came to the church, she replied that she thought she saw Celeste. John said he thought Stefano was the Desecrator. Kristen said she didn't think so and told John that Stefano never killed him because he was a priest, hence, Stefano won't hurt anything that had to do with religion and the church. Marlena agreed. Abe asked her to keep putting together the psychological profile.

Later, everyone arrived at Salem Place for the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony, hoping nothing would go wrong. Marlena told Mike she was going home to work on the psychological profile.

Abe heavily guarded the area. He put a guy near the tree's lighting fuse box and gave him a password- "Santa." The Desecrator was hiding behind a bush and heard this. He then stole a walkie-talkie and whispered something into it. We didn't hear him say anything, we only saw the fuse box's guard say Santa was the password and he walking away. The Desecrator approached the fuse box and opened it. Mickey and Alice made a short speech and Alice switched the switch to light the tree, but the lights didn't come on. Everyone was disappointed.

John and Abe went to check on the fuse box, which was smoky. They didn't know what to do. Abe went to call the city's electrician. A homeless guy appeared and suggested to John he hooked up the tree to the TV crew's generator. John turned to look at it and when he turned back, the guy was gone. He hooked up the tree and the lights came on. Everyone rejoiced and started singing Christmas carols.

Marlena appeared minutes after and told Mike she couldn't stay away. Sami approached her and after Marlena wished her a Merry Christmas, Sami gave her a big hug, which made Marlena cry. Kristen and Abe asked John how did he light up the tree and he told them about the homeless person's idea. He suddenly realized he had already seen him before, a year ago. He told them the guy's name was Gabe. Shawn D. appeared and said he knew who Gabe was, "He is an angel. Just like the one at the top of the Christmas tree." John knew that would explain Gabe's disappearing all the time. Aside, a TV crewman told Abe he didn't know how John got the generator to work, since it died on them a while ago. A bit later, John was looking for St. Luke's' keys in his pocket, but couldn't find them. He told Kristen to go alert Abe there might be trouble, and hurried to the church. The Desecrator unlocked the doors and entered the church. He lifted a hammer to start desecrating again, just as John arrived and jumped him.

Meanwhile, at Salem Place, Stefano and Celeste approached Tony. Stefano started asking Tony about Kristen, but suddenly Celeste felt a chill going through her. She told Stefano "he" was there. Tony asked her what did she mean, but Stefano told him to pay no attention to her. Tony replied he didn't want anything to do with it and left. Celeste told Stefano that she had warned him. She begged him to stop his plans about Marlena before it'd be totally too late. Stefano simply replied, "Never!"

At the church, John and the Desecrator started fighting. Strong as John may be, the Desecrator was stronger and John couldn't handle him. The Desecrator ran off, just as Abe and Kristen arrived. John told them how powerful the guy was and suddenly noticed grease on his hands. Abe remarked the person painted his face commando style.

We then saw a gloved hand opening a make up removal cream tube. Then the camera moved up and we see blonde hair. The person with the blonde hair started rubbing the cream on her face and as she turned, we saw it was Marlena!!!

At the church, Abe and John found a hammer, with the initials "SB" inscribed on it. John recognized it as Shawn Brady's. The Bradys arrived and started redecorating the church for midnight mass. They worried the Desecrator might be connected to the Bradys. John and Kristen decided to hurry over to Marlena's to get some information from her psychological profile. When they arrived there, they knocked and knocked but Marlena didn't hear. After a few minutes, Marlena opened the door, looking really awful. John told Marlena about fighting with the powerful Desecrator and asked her if he was simply insane. Marlena told him that he wasn't. She explained the Desecrator was someone tortured and sad. He lost all hope and felt alone and isolated and his only way to get to people was by hurting them. Then, Marlena got up to make tea and almost fainted. John grabbed her and told her she was burning up. They put her to bed and Marlena remarked she was so cold. Kristen turned the heat up. John brought Marlena sleeping pills and Marlena took them. She kept saying she was so cold.

Meanwhile, Stefano and Celeste arrived at the church. Celeste told Stefano the only thing she had left to do is pray. At Marlena's, John and Kristen got ready to leave. Since Marlena would miss the midnight mass, John gave her a St. Michael medallion. After the two left, Marlena got up and smashed the medallion to the floor.

John and Kristen arrived to the church and John started giving midnight mass. Marlena was sleeping in her bed comfortably, as suddenly the bed started to shatteringly rock from side to side...At the church, John concluded the mass by saying that doing God's work would help Good to prevail over Evil and Light over Shadow. Aside, Celeste was hiding and silently she remarked, "It's not the end, John. Not by a long shot..." In her bedroom, Marlena's bed kept rocking roughly and Marlena cried out to John. Everyone started singing "Silent Night" at the church, as Marlena's bed stopped rocking abruptly. She lay peacefully with a slight smile stretched on her face. Suddenly, she started raising in the air. Marlena was levitating above her bed...

The Story:

Week One

After finishing levitating, Marlena fell asleep. She dreamed of everything that she had done to Salem: The lighting of the tree, the knocking off of the statue, the torching of the children's gifts. She woke up feeling very cold, even though the thermometer indicated it was 82 degrees. She suddenly saw the medallion on the floor. She picked it up and it burned her hand. She threw it to the floor, wrapped herself in a blanket and went down to her living room. There she caught a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. "What is happening to me?" she exclaimed. She turned to the sofa and sat down. Suddenly she heard a noise coming from upstairs.

At the hospital, Father Francis mumbled to himself that he knew who "he" was after. The nurse called Paul and he phoned Kristen and John. When they arrived there, Father Francis wasn't able to talk. All he could manage to say was "victim". He pointed to the direction of the wooden box he got by mail. John opened it and found a piece of paper in it with a pentagram painted on it. He asked Father Francis who sent it, but he couldn't answer. Then, John asked him if it was connected to the Desecrator and Father Francis nodded his head, yes. John, Kristen and Paul left the room and John remarked that he thought Father Francis was just confused, since he had a stroke.

At her apartment, Marlena slowly went up to her bedroom. The shutters slammed back and forth due to the wind, so Marlena closed them. She got into bed and as she lay there, the bed started jumping up and down again, rocking from side to side...John decided to pay a visit to Marlena, only when he arrived there, he knocked and knocked on the door, but Marlena didn't hear him, as she was up in her bedroom, up in the air, levitating again. After a few minutes, she came down and awakened, wondering what was happening to her. She obviously didn't remember the levitating. She got up and suddenly, the door slammed shut and the lock turned itself. Marlena was shocked and afraid. She went over to the door, but her chest of drawers suddenly started moving on its own, too, blocking Marlena's way.

After a while, John phoned Marlena. We saw the phone off the hook in her room. The room was totally trashed. Clothes and furniture all over the place--one big mess. John decided to go over to see Marlena, as her building's super called him, telling him about banging noises coming from Marlena's apartment. John hurried over and unlocked the door with his key. He went up to Marlena's bedroom and unlocked it too, but couldn't open the door as the chest of drawers blocked the way. He pushed it and entered the messy room. Marlena was on the bed. He touched her and she was freezing. He called Mike at UH and told him to send an ambulance to Marlena's. Mike worried, as John told him it seemed someone had broken into Marlena's place.

Later, Mike checked Marlena, but couldn't determine what was wrong with her. John asked Mike how could anyone enter Marlena's apartment, unless they knew the security system number. Meanwhile, Maggie and Alice were sitting at the lobby of the hospital. Maggie saw that Alice seemed to be a thousand miles away. She asked her what it was and Alice replied, "I just got the feeling things in Salem aren't as they should be..."

Kristen arrived at the hospital to visit Father Francis. She entered his room. Father Francis tried to say something, but couldn't. Kristen gave him a rose and a crucifix- "To protect you from whatever that is you're afraid of, " said Kristen and exited the room. Then, the crucifix moved on its own and dropped to the floor.

In Marlena's room, she was starting to come around. Mike and John were in the room. John asked Marlena what happened. "Someone was in my apartment," said Marlena, crying. John asked her who was it, but Mike asked him not to push Marlena. Suddenly Marlena told them she knew who it was. "He had...he had red eyes and...and an awful gruffly voice. He was laughing..." said Marlena. Mike and John were puzzled. John told Marlena they both know no one has red eyes. Marlena insisted he had red eyes. "He tried to attack me. He jumped at me," said Marlena. "Did he hurt you?" inquired John. "No," replied Marlena, "He went through me..." Mike and John were even more puzzled and let Marlena rest. After a few minutes she started screaming that "he" was there. She tried getting out of bed. Mike and John both tried to restrain her to bed. Marlena was fairly strong for the both of them. A nurse came in and gave Marlena a heavy sedative. Mike called in a specialist. He checked Marlena and told John and Mike he thought Marlena had a violent allergic reaction to some pills she was taking at the time. As Mike was telling John that the sedative should knock Marlena out for at least three hours, Marlena stepped out of her room and asked them what was she doing at the hospital. She demanded to go home. John took her home.

When Mike arrived home, he told Laura he didn't understand how one drug made Marlena act out and another didn't even affect her. He also wondered where Marlena had such strength that it took both he and John to restrain her. When John and Marlena arrived back at her place, John asked Marlena to wait outside her room. Marlena told him it was her home and went inside. She was shocked at how trashed the room was. "Who did this?" She asked. "Well, you did it, Doc," replied John. He put Marlena to bed and started tidying up the room. He found the St. Michael's medallion on the floor and placed it on Marlena's bed-side table. He told Marlena he'd go turn the heat up and make tea.

After he left, Marlena turned her head to the camera and had terrible big green eyes. She then addressed John and told him in a low, distorted and evil voice, "You won't win!" She got up and picked up a pair of scissors. She held them close to her chest, as John came in with the tea. Marlena stood with her back to him, holding the scissors, eyes green. John asked her what was it and what she was doing, as she turned to him looking normal, eyes normal. She suddenly said Belle could have found the scissors. John took them from her hands and put her to bed. He wanted to kiss her on the forehead, but Marlena turned her head away from him, telling him she didn't want him to get sick, if she had a virus. John left and Marlena's eyes turned green again. Suddenly, a frightening black figure with awful red eyes appeared in the room. Marlena said in the distorted voice, "Yes, I know that you are here. I can hear you..."

At Alice's, the girls were giving Billie a bridal shower. Alice went outside to throw the garbage and heard noises. She asked who was it, but there was no response. Behind a bush, green eyed Marlena was hiding. She then came out from behind the bush, looking normal again. Alice invited her in. Inside, Caroline and Kristen were talking about Father Francis. Marlena stood near them and listened. She heard Kristen telling Caroline that the crucifix she gave the father vanished from his room. "Who would still a minister's cross?" asked Kristen.

Meanwhile, at the Pub, Bo's bachelor's party was going on. John told Abe he'd go by St. Luke's later to check around. Marlena, dressed as the Desecrator (Black clothes, face painted commando style) entered St. Luke's. Eyes green, Marlena asked, "Tell me what to do." We didn't hear anyone say anything, but Marlena kept acknowledging, so it was obvious someone was talking to her. Then she looked up to the big wooden chandelier. She then remarked, "I know what to do." She then went up the stairs to the church's attic. There, she kneeled near the chandelier's bolts and nuts. She started loosening the nuts. John entered the church and stood right under the chandelier. In the attic, Marlena kept loosening the nuts, saying, "Yes, It will fall and just at the right moment." The chandelier started swaying above John's head.

The next day, Marlena dreamed of the levitation, the desecration of the statue and the loosening of the nuts. John arrived and woke her up. She got up to make some tea and suddenly Marlena noticed she had two nuts in her hand. John told Marlena that if she wasn't feeling well, she didn't have to come to Bo and Billie's wedding. Marlena got up, said she was feeling better and said she would go. Her eyes were green again and she hid the nuts in the pocket of her pants.

Meanwhile, Stefano and Celeste were outside St. Luke's. Celeste showed Stefano the article in the paper, announcing the wedding. When Stefano asked how it could be, Celeste told him that it happened because he was too busy with his plans for Marlena and neglected his other plans. Stefano said they must stop the wedding. Celeste told Stefano he was asking for a miracle, but "You're in no position to ask God for favors, not after all that you have done, Stefano."

Meanwhile, Marlena was looking at her Christmas tree. She picked up an angel ornament and eyes green, she smashed it to the floor and trampled it. Sami arrived and Marlena's eyes turned normal again. Sami came to give Belle her Christmas gift- a guardian angel. Marlena looked at it oddly. Suddenly Sami noticed a nut on the floor and picked it up. She asked her mother where it came from. Marlena said she didn't know and took it from Sami, placing it in her pocket. She came closer to Sami to hug her, but Sami was wearing a cross and seeing it, Marlena backed away from Sami. Sami left to get ready for the wedding.

Later, Marlena was on her way to the church. On the way, a big dog started barking at her. Marlena got scared and the dog's owner apologized and tried calming the dog, but he kept barking loudly at Marlena.

Aside, Stefano and Celeste were hiding. Stefano again remarked the wedding had to be stopped. Celeste replied, "Someone else wants this wedding stopped. Someone even more powerful..."

Meanwhile, at University Hospital, Lexie was checking on Father Francis. He was very agitated. Father Francis again pointed to his wallet. Lexie opened it and took out the piece of paper with John's number on it. She phoned John and told him Father Francis is very anxious to see him. John hurried to the hospital. When he arrived there, Father Francis tried to say something to him, but again, couldn't speak. Lexie asked John outside and told him the father's condition was getting worse by the minute, as he gets more and more upset. Inside his room, Father Francis reached for his bible, but it suddenly fell to the floor and the pages started fluttering, as the fearsome black figure with red eyes appeared in the room. "Don't try to fight me, Francis," said the figure in a very evil voice.

Meanwhile, Marlena entered the church. Stefano was observing her from the side, remarking that she looked beautiful. Celeste agreed, but added, "There's something very strange about her, something about her eyes."

Shawn D. appeared and greeted his Auntie Marlena. He told her how nervous he was about being the ring bearer. He then walked over the grail of holy water and told Marlena his Grandpa always told him blessing yourself with the water helps. He smeared some on Marlena's hand and she suddenly screamed. "What is it, Auntie Marlena?" asked Shawn D. alarmed. "I don't know. I really don't know," replied Marlena, puzzled as well. The wedding began and Marlena stepped inside the church. As Austin was walking Billie down the aisle, Marlena's eyes turned green again.

Meanwhile, at the hospital, Lexie was rushing to get over to the church. She stopped to check on Father Francis. She entered his room, which was a mess and approached the Father. He turned to her, eyes green, too, and started strangling her.

At the church, Marlena looked up to the chandelier and it started to fall. As the chandelier fell, Bo pushed Billie out of the way. The chandelier smashed to the floor and luckily no one got hurt. Everyone was amazed and shocked and considered postponing the wedding, but Billie insisted the wedding had to go on. They started cleaning up the church. John, Marlena and Abe discussed the possibility the chandelier's falling was the work of the Desecrator. Abe moved aside to check some things. "What is happening to this town?" exclaimed John and moved aside to check on Bo and Billie. Marlena was left alone.

At the hospital, Father Francis kept choking Lexie. Jonah heard noises from his room and went inside. Immediately, he grabbed Father Francis's hands and tried to release Lexie from the father's clutch. He managed to and yelled to Lexie to get a sedative. Lexie did and Jonah stuck the syringe in the father's arm. Father Francis immediately passed out. Dr. Roger Hunt was called in and he checked on the father. Lexie and Jonah told him the father attacked Lexie unexpectedly. They wondered where the father got his strength from, as it was hard to fight him off and the room was a mess. Then, Lexie told Dr. Hunt the father's eyes were glowing yellow. He suggested it was due to jaundice. When Jonah told the doctor he sedated the father, Dr. Hunt got angry with him, saying he could have killed him, but after checking Father Francis, Dr. Hunt apologized to Jonah, telling him he acted correctly and saved Lexie's life. Lexie and Jonah exited the room. Lexie told Jonah it couldn't had been jaundice, because Father Francis' eyes were supernaturally yellow. Jonah agreed. They wondered where Father Francis got his strength. Jonah suggested the drugs the Father got might have affected his adrenaline. They both couldn't get over the father's yellow eyes and wondered what was going on.

At the church, the wedding resumed. Just as Alice got up and said the wedding couldn't go on, a chilling wind blew through Marlena and shivering, she asked, "What is happening to me?"

Week Two

(A side note: When the summary says, "said the Devil", "remarked the Devil," etc, it means that Marlena is speaking in the altered voice, with the Devil in her. He speaks from her throat. If the case is different, it is explained. Like if the both of them are in one room- one Marlena and one Devil, etc.)

After Father Jansen announced that he couldn't marry Bo and Billie, the guests started to leave. Abe picked up some rubble that fell from the ceiling along with the chandelier to send to the lab. John told Marlena he thought she should go home, so Marlena did. All the way home, Marlena couldn't stop thinking about the chandelier falling.

At Celeste's hotel room, Stefano was getting an update from Celeste, who had just returned from the church. She told him the wedding had been called off. Stefano rejoiced, as his plans for Salem could go on now. Celeste asked him if he was responsible to the chandelier falling. Stefano replied he wasn't and Celeste replied that things are far more severe than she thought. Later, Stefano was getting ready to go to Marlena again. Celeste asked him not to go, but Stefano told her, "Tonight I will lead her to her final destination...Me." Celeste begged him again not to go, reminding him there was something evil going around. Stefano blamed her of being jealous of Marlena and left. After he did, Celeste told herself she'd lay out Marlena's tarot cards. She lit candles and started laying out the cards.

Meanwhile, Marlena arrived home. On the floor, she found the trampled angel ornament. She picked it up and looked at it wonderingly. She then found a nut on the floor and looked at it the same way. She placed it on a dresser and went upstairs to her bedroom.

Celeste laid out the cards. One card showed Stefano's plans were long, difficult and full of danger. The Death card appeared again. Aghast, Celeste added, "and evil..." Meanwhile, Stefano was hiding in the closet, as Marlena got into bed. He waited a while and then exited the closet. He approached Marlena, but all of a sudden, she rose up. Stefano quickly withdrew back to the closet. "What is the matter with me? Why can't I sleep?" asked Marlena. "Something is wrong," remarked Stefano in the closet. "Is it possible?" he suddenly asked, "Celeste is right? Perhaps things aren't in my control..."

The next morning, Billie was screaming in her sleep. Bo rushed to her room and woke her up. He held her and she told him she dreamed of something she hadn't dreamed of in a long time. Bo asked her what was it and Billie told him Curtis appeared in her dream again.

At St. Luke's, John and Abe kept looking around. John found a nut on the floor. Abe placed it in a plastic bag. Caroline came in. As John started talking about the Desecrator, referring to him as a man, Caroline suggested the Desecrator might be a woman.

Marlena woke up, feeling exhausted again. She went downstairs to get some coffee. On the floor she found another nut. The doorbell rang and John came in. He asked Marlena about the possibility the Desecrator was a woman. Marlena replied it might be and said she'd add it to her psychological profile. Abe phoned and asked John to meet at the church. John asked Marlena to come with him, but she had a reluctant expression on her face. John asked her if she was troubled at what happened last night and Marlena said she was. A bit later, they arrived to the church. John took Abe aside. Marlena looked around at the crosses, the saint statues and the holy book and felt very uneasy. Caroline asked what was it. Marlena told her she felt uneasy and unwelcome at the church. She tried to explain, "Things are happening that I should tell people about, but can't." Caroline told her she'd been through a lot and should pray for strength. She suggested to Marlena that she light a candle. Marlena did so, but the flame blew out instantly. Appalled, Caroline and Marlena stood there, staring at the candle. Then, John and Abe entered the church, and still shocked, Marlena told Caroline the candle probably blew out due to the draft from the door when Abe and John entered. Abe told the two that the chandelier falling was definitely vandalism. Marlena suddenly said she remembered she had an appointment and started walking out. "Who on earth could this person be?" asked Caroline. "Only one kind of person is capable of these actions," answered John. "What kind?" inquired Caroline. "Evil..." added John. Marlena heard that and exited the church rapidly.

Meanwhile, Lexie was checking on Father Francis at the hospital. Dr. Scott entered. Lexie told him the father kept mumbling to himself. She told him he said "his victim." They came closer to the father and gasping, he mumbled slowly, "savvvve." "Save whom, Father?" Lexie asked, but Father Francis could not answer. At the church, John told Abe he thought he knew someone that might have the answers to everything.

A bit later, Marlena entered Father Francis's room, smiling at him. She told him she didn't know why, but she felt compelled to come. "I know who you are," said the father softly. Marlena told him they never met and introduced herself to him. "Not talking to you, Marlena. I'm talking to him..." he said. "To whom?" asked Marlena wonderingly. "The...Devil." Marlena became stupefied and didn't understand. "Stop hiding behind her...I'm talking to you," said Father Francis in a semi-menacing voice. Suddenly Marlena started twisting awesomely. She lifted her head up and laughed a horrible, evil, diabolical laugh. Father Francis lifted his Bible up to her. "No!" yelled Marlena in the evil distorted voice and knocked the Bible from the father's hand. "You're too late to save her," said the Devil, talking from Marlena's throat- "She doesn't even know that I'm with her..." "Good always wins over Evil," stated Father Francis loudly. "Not this time," said the Devil. "You may talk all you want, they'll just think you're crazy," warned the Devil disdainfully, "but if you talk too much, they might begin to listen. I can't have that, Francis!" Outside, John arrived and asked Lexie how was the father doing. Inside, evil-eyed Marlena started suffocating the father with a pillow. Father Francis tried to resist, but eventually his hand dropped and he passed out. John came in, asking Marlena what was she doing there. Marlena turned to him, eyes normal. She placed the pillow behind the father's neck and told John she just came in to check up on the father. She added she saw that his pillow had slipped, so she adjusted it for him. John told her he came to ask Father Francis questions. He told her about the father being an expert in mysticism and also about the father telling him he once was into the paranormal, too. Then he found the Bible on the floor. He picked it up, placed it under the father's arm and they exited the room. John left. After he did, Marlena asked herself what was she doing in the father's room. "What was I doing over Father Francis with a pillow...?" she asked.

A bit later, she bumped into Laura. Laura noticed Marlena was nervous. She asked her about it and Marlena told her she wanted to meet with her, as she was having gaps in time lately. Laura told her they should meet and asked Marlena if she was coming to Bo and Billie's party. (Peter decided to throw them one to lift their spirits) Marlena acknowledged and left.

At the party, John told Marlena they had to catch the Desecrator before he did more harm. Marlena agreed. John remarked, "Together, we can catch this guy, Doc." He moved aside and then, Marlena's eyes turned green again, as she remarked in the evil voice, "I know exactly how to help you, John!"

Week Three

John and Kristen are kissing in St. Luke's. Tony walks in on them and yells at John that it is entirely his fault. He blames him of being immoral. He tells him that when everyone learns that Father John Black has been fooling around with a married woman, it'll rock the church and it will undermine people's faith in the church. Aside, Marlena stands with the Devil in her. Eyes green, the Devil says from her throat that is exactly what he wants and then laughs diabolically-- Marlena woke up from this dream, eyes green. Devil in her, she said, "That's what I've got to do to get that priest, John, off my back..." and then laughed again. She fell a sleep right after that, and woke up from the sounds of someone knocking on the door. She wondered if she was dreaming, and why didn't she remember anything. It was Caroline at the door.

Marlena brought Caroline up to her bedroom. She apologized for not answering the door, saying she must have been in a deep sleep. Caroline came to get some clothes for Belle. She noticed something was up with Marlena and told her she had her support, as she still was a part of the family. Touched, Marlena thanked her, telling her it meant a lot to her. Caroline told her she knew she had been through a lot and Marlena said she had lost all that mattered to her- Roman and Sami. "Maybe I'm just a bad person," said Marlena as she got up. Caroline told her she wasn't and remarked thinking bad thoughts only makes the situation worse. She explained she felt that way after her affair with Victor. Marlena asked her how she overcame everything and Caroline told her she went away on a religious retreat, where she got reconnected with her spiritual self and her God. She offered Marlena to go as well and Marlena replied that might just help her.

A bit later, Caroline brought some food up to Marlena and told her she had phoned the retreat and told them she was coming, but Marlena told her she had changed her mind. When Caroline asked why, Marlena said she just couldn't get away. Caroline left, telling Marlena she'd be seeing her later. After Caroline exited the room, Marlena's eyes turned green again, as the Devil remarked, "Yes, you'll be seeing me again, Caroline. I'm not letting go of Marlena so easily. I have work for her to do. Work that will discredit the church and destroy people's faith..."

Caroline arrived at the Pub. They had a "clothing drive"- collecting winter clothing for the homeless. The place was packed with homeless persons and lots of winter clothing. A truck carrying many extra clothes on the way to Salem got stuck somewhere along the way and John was informed of that. He was folding clothes, as Gabe approached him again:

John: "Hi, I know you. Gabe, that's the name. I ran into you at the park last year. Sat on your bench. You gave me some good advice. What is your story, popping up like that?"

Gabe: "Don't you know me?"

John: "I met you in a park. How would I know you?"

Gabe: "Sometimes you have to know yourself before you know me."

John: "Yeah....I've been thinking about you. Found any work yet? I offered you a job at the park last year. It's still open if you want it. "

Gabe: "You're a good man, John."

John: "Yeah, well, not always. I've done some things in my life I'm not too proud of."

Gabe: "Sometimes people are put through tests. Those tests make us stronger and prepare us for the battles we have to fight."

John: "I fought enough battles."

Gabe: "There are all kinds of battles, John."

John: "No, Gabe, the big one- I have already fought. There is no greater battle than the one I've already fought"

Gabe: "Believe me, John. There is..."

John: "You're wrong, Gabe. Nothing could be worse than what I've already gone through."

Gabe: "All of everything you've experienced will pale in comparison to what you're about to face..."

John: "You don't know the pain and loss I've had in my life. I've been through hell!"

Gabe: "Maybe you had to get through that pain and loss in order to get stronger. Someone is going to need your strength..."

John: "Who...? [Gabe doesn't answer] You're one odd duck, Gabe, but I should be used to surprises in my life. Since I talked to you in the park, I found out I was a priest."

Gabe: "I know. Ever wondered why of all times you found out you were a priest now?"

John: "Why don't you tell me? You seem to know everything."

Gabe: "Every man has a role in God's plan. A role no one else can play- I feel that is yours...You'll understand soon, Father. I'm sure you'll do what you were meant to do..."

In her bedroom, green-eyed, Marlena looked at a picture of John and Belle. It started moving on its own and fell to the floor. "Marlena, you know what you have to do. You have to get rid of that priest..." said the Devil.

At the Pub, John was telling Gabe about the truck breaking down. Gabe told him to have faith. Caroline approached them then and asked John to help her unload the truck. Amazed, John asked her what truck and she told him about the truck filled with clothes, outside. "You have to have faith, John. No matter what lies ahead, hold on to your faith," said Gabe looking penetratingly into John's eyes. John went to help Caroline with the clothes. When they reentered the Pub, John asked her if she knew who was the man next to the counter, whom he talked to. Caroline looked over to the counter and said, "What man? There's no man there, John." John looked amazed at the empty counter.

Meanwhile, Kristen arrived at St. Luke's. She prayed to God, to forgive her for taking birth control pills and lying to Tony. Marlena, dressed in black and green eyes, entered the church. She poured some liquid on a cloth and then grabbed Kristen from behind and chloroformed her.

Later, John and Caroline arrive to St. Luke's. Before they entered, John told Caroline he couldn't get over what Gabe said about him have to face some battle. He told her that deep down inside, he had a feeling Gabe was right, although he didn't know what he meant. Caroline told he might be his guardian angel, because Gabe always showed up in times of crisis. She told him about her mother believing in guardian angels. John replied he didn't think so and said it was only coincidence. Caroline told him she saw it was still hard for him with all that religious stuff, but added she saw a change in him since he began working at St. Luke's. John replied that might be so, but he is in love with Kristen. He wondered who was it that needed his help, like Gabe said.

Inside the church, Marlena stripped naked the passed out Kristen. Then she started to paint something on her bare back. She looked at the paintbrush as the Devil said, "An artist is only as good as his material, his tools and his canvas", as we saw a big pentagram enclosed in a circle painted in blood-like color on Kristen's back.

Outside, John also asked Caroline how could he prepare for the unknown. Caroline just told him she found answers for everything in praying. John said that might be a good idea and Caroline left. John unlocked the door.

Marlena finished painting other satanical symbols on Kristen's body and painting her fingernails red, as she heard John entering. She cuffed Kristen to the altar and snuck out. John started to say his prayer: "Until recently, you and me haven't been on a first name basis. I guess things are different than in the past, huh? Different than when I was in seminary...? But I don't remember that. I got married, I had kids, but you know all that, don't you? You know also that I'm in love with a beautiful woman and want to be a husband to her and have a family with her, but I remember something Caroline told me. She said one couldn't always find happiness by following one's plan. Had to figure out what God planned for you. I guess that's what I'm finally coming around to accept. I want Kristen and believe that's what you want for me, too. If you want me to work on this priest thing first, all right, I'm yours. And if there's something else you want me to do, some battle you want me to fight, fine, you got that, too. One thing I need in return- you on my side..." He turned to leave, but then heard a moan. It was Kristen. John asked who that was, but there was no response. He turned to leave the second time, but heard another moan. He stepped up to the altar and found the naked, cuffed Kristen.

Meanwhile, Stefano arrived at Tony's. Tony was upset Kristen had deceived him and took birth control pills (Kristen took them in front of him, thinking he couldn't see her, but Tony did). Stefano asked him what it was and Tony burst, telling him about Kristen taking the pill. When Stefano asked why would she do such a thing, Tony yelled that she did it, because she was seeing another man, and "it won't be hard to figure out who the lucky man is!" Stefano tried calming him, telling him Kristen couldn't be unfaithful to him, but Tony yelled he had lots of reasons to believe the opposite. He said his wedding vows were sacred to him and who ever violated them, would be punished, severely.

After Stefano left, Marlena arrived. Tony opened the door and Marlena said "hi, Tony." He immediately said her name and she told him he recognized her so quickly. Tony made up an excuse, saying losing one sense betters the others. The Devil told himself in Marlena's head, "I know that you are blind. You can't fool me." He asked Marlena in. She took off her coat and waved it in front of Tony's face, but he didn't budge. She told him she was holding her coat and Tony took it. She beat around the bush for a while and then asked where Kristen was. Tony didn't know and then Marlena "let it slip" that she saw Kristen's car outside the church. Tony said to himself he knew she was with John and the Devil said to himself, "Very good, Tony. And I hardly had to lead you at all..." in his oh so disdainful way. Tony got up, told Marlena he had something to do and excused himself out. After he exited the room, Marlena's eyes turned green again, as the Devil remarked, "Go, find John and Kristen together. Cause the biggest scandal this town has ever seen. Bring down that damn priest, and that way, no one will ever be able to bring me down!" Marlena again laughed the hideous laugh.

Stefano set out to find Kristen before Tony did. He searched for her. He arrived to the church. Inside, after Kristen came to, she was horrified at the paintings on her body. John tore off his shirt and wiped the paint off her back. Kristen was very upset and afraid. John tried to pick the lock of the cuffs, but no use. He told Kristen he was going to get help, but she asked him to hold her. He did, as Stefano approached the window and saw the two embracing inside the church and acquired a disappointed expression on his face.

Outside, Tony just arrived, angry than ever. Marlena was hiding behind a statue. The Devil satisfactorily remarked, "Oh, boy, oh boy! Now is when the fun starts. Now is when all hell breaks loose!" laughing insanely again.

Week Four

Possessed Marlena was still hiding behind a statue, as Stefano kept watching John and Kristen through the window. Shocked and most of all, disappointed, he cried "No" four times and added, "Even if John was no longer a priest, he couldn't, he'd never...in God's house? It can't be true, but I see it with my own eyes. What has possessed them? How could they?" He suddenly realized Tony was on his way and rushed to the front of the church. There, Tony tried opening the doors, but they were locked. Stefano told Tony it was late and asked him to go home, but Tony insisted Kristen was inside the church and the doors' being locked made him believe something strange was going on. Stefano kept trying to convince Tony to leave, but Tony wouldn't. He yelled he didn't trust Kristen and that she lied to him. Stefano replied "A man, who lives in a glass house, should not cast stones" and explained to Tony he was lying to Kristen as well about his eyesight. Tony replied he had doubts and now that those doubts were confirmed, he was going to do something about it. When Stefano asked Tony what was he planning to do, Tony told him he was planning on replacing Kristen's birth control pills with identical sugar pills.

Inside, Kristen was still shaken up. John tried to pick the lock with his belt buckle and finally managed to. He got Kristen up and they sat on a bench. John asked Kristen to see a doctor, insinuating she might have been raped. He looked at her, as though he tried to say she could get pregnant, but Kristen assured him she couldn't get pregnant and when John asked why, she told him about taking the pill. John was amazed, telling her she always told him the church saw it as a sin. She replied she knew, but that she had no choice, adding Tony didn't know about it.

Outside, Stefano told Tony to think before going along with his plan. Tony stood by the door, as we saw Marlena closing her eyes. Suddenly the doors' lock turned on its own and aghast, Tony entered the church with Stefano behind him. They entered the church, but there was no one there. Stefano told his son Kristen probably had car trouble, got a ride with someone and was waiting for him at home. Tony exited the church, as Stefano took a long, big sigh of relief. Outside, the Devil became enraged and remarked angrily, "Damn you, John, for spoiling my plans, but I'll just come up with another plan."

In the back room, John was trying to call Abe but there were strange noises on the line, gruffly noises. John replaced the receiver and went to get his car phone, but Kristen told him she was feeling better, saying she'd like to go home. She told John she didn't want anyone to know, as she felt humiliated enough. She added she wanted whom ever that done that caught, as "they aren't only sick, but they're evil."

Outside, the Devil left Marlena and her eyes turned normal again. She opened her eyes and wondered where she was and how she'd gotten there. She stepped inside the church and John was there. He told her about what happened to Kristen and Marlena worried. He asked her to talk to Kristen. At the back room, Marlena told John she thought it was the Desecrator's doing. Kristen wondered how would she tell Tony about it, but Marlena advised her not to, claiming Tony was very vulnerable right then and could feel guilty for not being there to protect her. Kristen agreed and angrily remarked, "Just another secret I'll be keeping from my husband."

At home, Stefano begged Tony to forget about switching the pills, but Tony wouldn't. Stefano left and Tony switched the pills, saying that if he couldn't keep Kristen just like that, he'd keep her by her being pregnant. When Kristen arrived home a few minutes after, she told Tony her car had broken down and she got a ride to the Horton Center and delivered more toys. She then opened up her birth control pills and took one.

Stefano was at the pier, wondering what was happening-- "What's happening in Salem? It's almost as if I am...my power is being usurped from me. I feel I'm being manipulated like the people I have manipulated in the past. But who? Who? Who is pulling the strings...?"

John locked the church and walked Marlena home. After they left the church grounds, the fearsome black figure with red eyes appeared and remarked in the evil voice, "Both of you are going to lose. I have just begun!" as the diabolical laugh was heard again.

Two days later, Celeste was again packing to leave Salem, hoping Stefano wouldn't catch her, but as she opened the door, he stood there. Celeste begged Stefano to let her go, but he told her he couldn't, as he needed her help in reassessing the situation and marshalling his troops. He told her all hell had broken loose, with Tony and Kristen and with Marlena, saying something strange was going on with her. Celeste told him she had said that would happen. He asked her if he could trust her and Celeste told Stefano he knew there was nothing she wouldn't do for him. He then remarked he needed someone else he trusted, that had the trust of the people of Salem, to help him with his plans.

Later Stefano secretly revealed himself to Peter. He told him he was back in Salem to complete his plans and needed his help, but Peter told him he couldn't help him, as he was with Jennifer now and didn't want her to find out what kind of person he was. Stefano made it clear he was not asking, but making an order, but Peter replied Jennifer was too important to him and moved aside. After he did, Stefano addressed him, telling him he would help him, if he didn't want to lose Jennifer.

Meanwhile, at home, Marlena dreamt about a hand painting pentagrams on Kristen's back. She woke up from knocking noises, which were made by John. She opened the door for him and told him about her dream about Kristen. John told her they had to catch that guy and left. Marlena phoned Laura and asked her to see her. Laura told her to come right over. Marlena went upstairs to get dressed, as the black figure with red eyes appeared in the living room.

At their meeting place, Stefano managed to convince Peter to help him, promising him that he would not bother him after he helped him that time.

Later, John arrived at Kristen's to help her deliver toys to a homeless shelter. Outside, John asked her how she was doing and told her Abe was on the case. Kristen said she was O.K. now. Tony came outside to give Kristen her coat and the two left for the shelter.

Marlena arrived at Laura's office. Laura asked her to tell her what was wrong. Marlena told her she felt afraid and alone. She also told her about the sleepless nights and the nightmares that she'd been having. When Marlena mentioned the time gaps, Laura asked her to tell her about that and Marlena told her she just found herself in one place and then another, without knowing how she got there. Laura asked her to check herself into the hospital and let Mike exam her. Marlena acknowledged and went to get the paper work. The black figure then appeared in the room and told Marlena, "No hospital for you, Marlena. You are mine tonight and we have work to do." When Laura returned, Marlena's eyes were green, and she stood with her back to Laura. Laura handed her the forms to sign, but Marlena said she changed her mind and left rapidly, leaving Laura wondering what was up.

Stefano and Celeste surprised Tony at the garden. They told him they were worried about him and Kristen. Tony said something was wrong with Kristen and added he wanted to know if she had an affair with John Black. He said he'd go call the shelter to check if Kristen was really there, but Stefano stopped him, telling him not to spy on Kristen. Tony replied he didn't want to, but he had no choice.

Marlena arrived home, eyes still green. She walked over to the mirror. She looked at her reflection, as the Devil said, "Tonight I achieve my final goal- the destruction of John Black and all that he stands for!" Marlena closed her eyes and suddenly her face started altering. Her face then re-formed to the shape of Kristen's!!! She looked at "her" reflection in the mirror and blew a pleasingly kiss to the reflection.

On the way to the shelter, Kristen's car broke down and died on her. At the same time, John met Abe at Salem Place and told him it was Kristen that was attacked at the church. Abe replied the guy was sick and said he'd put it on top priority.

"Kristen" arrived at John's loft. Before entering, she took out a small mirror and in it we saw the reflection of Marlena with green eyes.

A message was received on Tony's answering machine. Someone with the evil gruffly voice left a message to Tony that if he wanted to know what his wife was doing, he should go over to the loft.

"Kristen" knocked on John's door. He opened it, wearing his priest outfit. He was amazed to see Kristen and asked her in. "Kristen" told him she just had to see him, stepped to the center of the room and removed her coat. She was wearing nothing under it, but a pink little slip...

Week Five & Week Six

"Kristen" started coming on to John, really strong. She told him she wanted him and asked him to remove his priest collar. John stepped away from her and told her it wasn't like her to be like that. He picked up a cross and looked at it, as "Kristen's" face changed to Marlena's again. When John turned back to her, she was "Kristen" again. "Kristen" drew closer to John and started kissing him, telling him she wanted and needed him. She removed his collar and dropped it to the floor. John moved away from her again and said he couldn't. Then, "Kristen" took off the slip and stood there naked. John told her to get dressed, but she wouldn't. She asked him to make love to her, reminding him of all the times they made love-at Alice's cabin, in the woods, etc. John found the collar on the floor and picked it up. While he bent over, Marlena's face appeared again. When he got up, it was Kristen again.

At home, Tony heard the message on the answering machine. He got upset and smashed the machine to the floor. He yelled he had to go and Charles drove him over to John's. They left the house, and just as they closed the door, the real Kristen phoned the house to let Tony know she was stuck with the car somewhere.

John asked her to leave, but "Kristen" said no and started to kiss him. As "Kristen" was in John's arms, kissing, Tony angrily burst in. He yelled at John to get his hand off his wife. John was amazed Tony could see. He yelled at them that they had played him for a fool, but John tried to calm him down, telling him nothing had happened, but Tony didn't believe that. John put on a chain with a cross. Tony called John a liar and added he was a disgrace to his church. He tore off the cross chain and held it up to "Kristen." She screamed and quickly ran out. John tried going after her, but Tony punched him in the face. They started rustling, as Shawn and Caroline arrived. Tony yelled at John that he was a hypocrite. Shawn broke them apart and asked what was going on. "Why don't you ask the Good Father?" said Tony contemptibly. John explained Kristen came over and acted strange. Tony said his wife was a virtuous woman and probably fought him all the way. "You're a disgrace to the church and to life itself!" yelled Tony, as Shawn told him he must be wrong. Tony simply replied, "The world is going to find out what kind of man you are and what you represent. And no one is ever going to trust you again!" and exited angrily, promising him he would pay. Shawn and Caroline were shocked. "Oh, my God, Tony can see..." exclaimed Caroline.

On the road, Kristen called the auto-club, but suddenly a truck approached her and she told the man on the phone never mind, as the man arrived. She got out of the car and the man who came out of the service truck was none-other than Gabe...

"Kristen" arrived at Marlena's. Happy the plan worked, she commented, "Now, there's no need for two Kristens in Salem" and her face changed back to Marlena's. Her eyes were green. She approached the mirror, as the Devil remarked, "Poor Marlena. Girlfriend, you are a mess! You need some rest, but I wouldn't count on that. Not while I'm around," as he deviously laughed again.

Kristen's car was working fine. She thanked Gabe and asked him how much she owed him, but he said he'd follow her home and she could pay him there. Kristen got into her car and drove. Gabe said, "Be strong, Kristen. Your faith will be tested tonight."

When she got home, she learned the man wasn't following her and entered the house. She called the auto-club, but they told her a truck wasn't sent over to her that night. She then saw the smashed answering machine, thanked the man and hung up. She picked it up and wondered what had happened. When Tony arrived home, he yelled for Kristen. When she came down and kissed him on the cheek, he pushed her away, calling her a lying slut. Kristen was amazed. He told her he couldn't believe what he saw and she became doubly shocked Tony could see. She asked him what was he talking about and he told her about seeing her naked in John's arms. Kristen didn't understand what he was talking about and asked him. Tony yelled at her to drop the sympathy act. John arrived and Kristen asked him to tell Tony she wasn't with him. John said he couldn't lie. He said she was with him, at the loft. Kristen was at a loss. Tony looked at her and she swore she was not at John's. "If it wasn't you I saw naked in John's arms, then who was it?" asked Tony.

Marlena fell asleep on her living room couch. When she got up, she didn't understand how she got there and why. She got up and approached the mirror. Horrified by her appearance, she asked, "What has happened to me?" She started swinging and fell to the floor. She silently cried out for help, but then fainted on the spot...

Kristen replied she didn't know who it was and told the two about her car breaking down. Tony picked up the phone and said he'd phone the auto-club to confirm. Kristen told him that wouldn't help, as they had no record of a truck being sent out to her.

Still passed out, Marlena dreamt of the transformation to Kristen. She came to and looked at the mirror. She saw Kristen's reflection in it. She arrived at Tony and Kristen's a bit later, just as Kristen went upstairs angrily. John told her what was going on, including Tony regaining his eyesight and Kristen denying being with him. Upstairs, Kristen showed Tony her mud-dirty shoes, saying they were proof she was out on the road, as she got them dirty, when she stepped out of the car. Tony replied that he needed more proof, as she could have gotten them dirty in the garden on her way in. They returned downstairs and Kristen hugged Marlena asking her to believe her. John remarked he might have a solution. He told Tony about Kristen's attack at the church and suggested the chloroform wiped out her short-term memory and that was why she didn't remember being at his place. Marlena said that might be possible. Kristen insisted it wasn't so, stated she was not at John's and moved aside. Tony walked Marlena out. Near the door, he told her he didn't know what to believe and added that after she told him of Kristen's being at the church, he went there, but didn't find her. He went inside and Marlena wonderingly asked herself, "I told Tony Kristen was at the church...?" She didn't remember that at all. John left, too and Kristen asked Tony to believe her. She remarked she was happy he regained his eyesight and he deceivingly said it just returned like that not long ago.

John arrived at St. Luke's. He told himself he knew Kristen's kisses, but still didn't understand what was going on. "I can't help feeling we're all headed towards an apocalyptic event," he remarked and prayed to God for help.

Marlena arrived home. The Devil entered her body again, as her eyes turned green. The Devil's voice was then heard (It wasn't Marlena speaking, but the voice was just heard in the space); "With your help I scored a victory tonight. Soon, you'll belong to me completely. You won't even know you're an instrument I use to destroy that priest and the people of Salem, forever!"

Two days later, Kristen met Peter at the Pub. She told him what had happen and again said she was not at John's loft.

Meanwhile, Stefano and Celeste arrived at Tony's. Tony told them Kristen knew he could see. Stefano rejoiced, but Tony killed his happiness when he told him the whole story about Kristen's attack and seeing her in John's arms. Stefano and Celeste were shocked. Tony told them they thought it was the Desecrator that attacked Kristen, telling them about the pentagrams that were painted on Kristen's back. "Pentagrams? That is a sign of the Devil," cried out a horrified Celeste, but Stefano shushed her. Tony told them about Kristen claiming that her car was stuck and him not believing that. He then accused Stefano of being responsible for the whole thing. Amazed, Stefano told him he would never ever go against his own family, especially him and Kristen and their relationship. Tony remarked he wanted to know whom it was that left the message on the answering machine. He told them about it and added someone is after the DiMera's. Stefano replied someone had planned this whole charade in advance. Tony said it might be John and his way to cover up his and Kristen's affair. As Celeste silently remarked it was no charade, Tony stepped aside, saying he'd to where Kristen claimed she was stuck at, to check things out. "I told you, Stefano," said Celeste after Tony exited the room. "This is all the work of Satan!" she added. Stefano told her he had had enough with her superstitions. He wondered who it was that orchestrated the whole thing and when Celeste insisted it was Satan again, he remarked, "Even if it was the Devil himself, I would fight him to the death for those I love!" "You must not say that, Stefano," replied Celeste worried, as the figure with red eyes appeared outside...

Marlena dreamed of the transformation to Kristen again. John awakened her. She told him she dreamt of Kristen, but didn't remember what she dreamt. John showed her a picture he took of Kristen's car's tires and said he'd go where she said she was stuck and see if there were any tire marks on the ground. He phoned Laura and asked her to come check out Marlena. He then left and Marlena fell a sleep on the bed. A bit later, Laura arrived. She checked out Marlena. Marlena told her about her nightmares. She told her they were of Kristen and that they abruptly faded to black in the middle of them and when she woke up, she didn't remember them. Laura asked her to rethink checking herself into the hospital. Marlena asked her what did she mean "rethink" and Laura told her about her changing her mind about checking into the hospital when she came to her office. Marlena remarked she didn't remember that. Laura asked her to go to the hospital, but Marlena said she couldn't right then, as people needed and depend on her. Laura asked her to get a lot of rest than and suggested she read a book. She handed her a book she had just finished reading, titled "The Bridge to Faith". She left it with Marlena and left.

John arrived to the site. He saw tire marks on the ground and compared them with his pictures. Kristen arrived and asked him what was he doing there. They discussed the whole affair and John told her about the woman knowing many intimate secrets of them. Kristen asked him if he loved her. John replied she knew he did and she told him that if he did, then he had to believe her. He told her he also knew she wouldn't try to seduce him while married to Tony. He showed her the pictures and said the tire marks on the ground match. Tony suddenly appeared and told them he knew he'd find them together again. John explained they arrived separately. He told Tony about the tires and the tire marks matching. Kristen again stated she was there. Tony said he needed more proof. John remarked he knew Kristen wasn't lying and added he'd figure this thing out. He then left and Kristen asked Tony why was that that John had more faith in her than her husband did...

Still at Tony's, Celeste told Stefano there was Evil in Salem. She rebuked him she told him that trying to capture Marlena's mind would unleash evil. Stefano replied he had to have Marlena and phoned Peter, telling him to meet him at the pier. They later met and Stefano handed Peter an envelope with instructions. Peter told his father he wouldn't do that, saying he didn't want to jeopardize his relationship with Jennifer. When Stefano replied he would do what he asked, Peter accused him of not knowing what it was like to love a woman so strongly. Stefano loudly yelled he sure as hell knew what it was like! He told Peter he loved a woman dearly even before he was born. He also confessed there was another recent love in his life. When Peter asked whom, he told him it was Marlena. Peter was shocked, and asked Stefano to release him, but Stefano told him he could not, just yet and left.

Marlena picked up the book and opened it, as she suddenly heard someone calling her name. She thought she imagined it and turned the book's page. "Marlena, you can't fight me, you're mine now," the gruffly voice was head again, as a minute after, Marlena's eyes turned green again and she fell a sleep.

Stefano and Celeste were on Stefano's side of Marlena's bedroom closet. Celeste begged Stefano not to go into Marlena's room. She warned him she felt there was evil in there. Stefano tried opening the closet's doors, but they were stuck. "You see? It's a sign, Stefano," said Celeste regarding to the jammed door. He then managed to open the doors and told Celeste they were just stuck. He ordered her to keep quiet and entered Marlena's room. He approached the sleeping Marlena and caressed her hand and hair. He approached her cheek and kissed her, as Marlena opened her eyes. Dismay and amazement attacked Stefano when he saw Marlena's green eyes. Marlena reached up to his neck and started choking him.

Kristen met John on his way to Marlena's. She told him she wanted to go with him, but John yelled at her not to, adding he thought she should stay away from him, as he felt all the evil that was going around revolved around him, since everyone effected was connected to him somehow. Kristen thanked him for wanting to protect her, but told him she was going with him to Marlena, as she had a feeling Marlena would know what was going on.

Green eyes and an evil expression on her face, Marlena choked Stefano. He was gasping for air. Celeste was trying to get into the room, but the doors of the closet were stuck again. Marlena kept choking Stefano, as Celeste managed to open the doors. She immediately ran over to Stefano, but Marlena pushed her away with one hand and kept strangling Stefano with the other. Celeste fell to the floor and yelled out emotionally, "Dear God, help me! Help me, God!" Marlena instantly let go of Stefano and fainted. Stefano panted. Celeste came closer to him. They couldn't understand what had happened. Stefano couldn't get over Marlena's incredible strength. He tried to awaken Marlena, but she wouldn't. He asked Celeste how could that be that Marlena could have the strength of five men one moment and be lifeless the other. Celeste was at a loss too, but begged to leave, as someone might come. Stefano wouldn't budge and kept caressing Marlena. Downstairs, John and Kristen arrived and unlocked the door. John called out for Doc and upon hearing him, Celeste dragged Stefano back into the closet. John and Kristen entered the room and found the unconscious Marlena. John called an ambulance and Kristen picked up the bedroom lamp Stefano dropped while he tried fighting off Marlena. John deduced there was a fight.

Later at the hospital, Marlena came to and asked where was she. Mike and John told her she was at UH and John told her about him thinking she was attacked again. Marlena didn't remember anything. Mike drew blood and went to take some tests.

Meanwhile, Kristen visited Father Francis. She set by his side and told him something frightening was going on in Salem. She said she knew there had to be a reasonable explanation to what was going on. Father Francis opened his eyes. Kristen rejoiced. "Tell me, father. Please tell me the evil has gone," she said.

John told Marlena about Kristen's car's tires matching the tire tracks out on the road she said she was at. Marlena asked him to let her help him, but John said he wanted her to rest. He added he and Kristen would be on the case and keep her updated.

Stefano and Celeste returned to Marlena's bedroom. Stefano tried to understand what had happened. He didn't understand how someone so sweet and loving like Marlena could be capable of such violence. Celeste replied, "You had her in a trance, Stefano." She told him Marlena would react the same if she were to find out her mystery dream man was the man she despised the most. She suggested that was what happened, but Stefano replied it wasn't, as "The Marlena I saw tonight was not the Marlena I know."

Mike looked at Marlena's blood samples through the microscope. He was shocked at what he saw and told the lab technician it couldn't be...

Father Francis could not talk. He looked behind Kristen and the black figure with red eyes appeared behind her. It suddenly turned cold in the room and Kristen got up to turn on the air conditioning. Father Francis kept horrifyingly looking at the awesome figure.

John told Marlena he was going to look for Kristen. The lights in Father Francis's room suddenly turned off and as John passed by the room, a horrible scream was heard.

Continued on next page

Thanks to Tzach Ben-Jossef for writing this story. Thanks to Stacy for providing some pics for this page.

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