Week Nineteen

But nothing happened. John returned and told Kristen to drop this crazy idea. "As you can see I'm not affected by the holy water," Marlena said, as she raised her hand and showed it to Kristen. "Any more test you want to try?" she asked. John said no and Kristen apologized. Marlena told her she betrayed her and added jealousy is powerful. She told her she was jealous of the love John and her had for each other. Kristen said she wasn't and told Marlena she always knew she and John had a special bond. John acknowledged, telling Marlena Kristen accepted that, even when they were together. Marlena said she couldn't deal with it and turned her back to them. Kristen went back to the cabin. "Do you think that I'm Evil?" Marlena asked John. John said no and told her it was a closed deal now. He went to talk to Kristen. Suddenly Marlena closed her eyes and shifted her head. The Devil left her body.
The Devil: [His voice was now heard in space and Marlena listened] "You passed the test because I dumped the holy water and filled the vial with water from the well. Now I can concentrate on John."
Marlena: "No! I won't...I won't let you take John."
The Devil: "You can't stop me now, Marlena!"
Marlena: "Yes, I can. I will not let you take my soul. I will not let you take John's soul."

John entered the cabin. He and Kristen started arguing again:
Kristen: "How is Marlena?"
John: "Now, how would you be if someone accused you of being possessed?"
Kristen: "I know you think I went too far and I don't care. All the evidence points to possession. I had to do something to save you and Marlena."
John: "How did you come to this conclusion?"
Kristen: "Because, John, you know a possessed person wants to take another person's soul with him to damnation, and if it's a priest's one, than all the better."
John: "You don't have one shred of evidence to back up this crazy accusation."
Kristen: "You know like I do that demonic possession does exist."
John: "She is not possessed. Stop it."
Kristen: "Why are you here?"
John: "Because she called me and told me she was here. In our conversation, she screamed and the line went dead. I rushed right over. I was concerned about her."
Kristen: "Why was she screaming?"
John: "Because she said she saw a huge bug and was frightened. The line went dead. There's nothing sinister about."
Kristen: "'Saw a huge bug'?! The Marlena I know would not swim in front of you, naked."
John: "We were husband and wife, remember?"
Kristen: "What difference does that make? Does she usually walk around naked in front of you?"
John: "She was hot. She didn't have a swimsuit, for crying out loud."
Kristen: "John, she was trying to tempt you."
John: "Kristen, stop it."
Kristen: "What is this about her drowning? Marlena is an excellent swimmer."
John: "Yes, she is. She's a very strong swimmer."
Kristen: "Yes, she is and that proves my point. She was trying to seduce you."
John: "She was a very sick woman in the last few weeks. She hasn't regained her strength. She went swimming. She got caught in the current, it's as simple as that."
Kristen: "Why won't you believe me? I just wish you'd try to believe me."
John: "Kristen, if Marlena was possessed, the holy water would have burned her, right? There, she passed your big test, with flying colors. So, please just, stop this craziness. She has been through enough."
Kristen: "No, you stop. I can't explain why she didn't react to the holy water, but what if I'm right about her?"
John: "You are wrong."
Kristen: "Are you willing to let her soul go to the Devil? Because I'm not. I'm not giving up on her."

The Devil: "How are you going to stop me, Marlena?"
Marlena: "I don't know, but I'll find a way."
The Devil: "You can't save your soul, or the priest's soul."
Marlena: "Oh, no, please, please, don't hurt John."
The Devil: "Maybe I'll go after your children next."
Marlena: "NO! You will not take my children!!!"
The Devil: "I will not let you win, Marlena!" All of a sudden, a very, very strong wind started blowing (really strong). Marlena screamed "No!"

Kristen and John ran to the door and looked outside. They were surprised by the sudden storm. John said he'd go look for Marlena. "Do you hear that wind? What is that?" asked Kristen. The wind sounded strange growling high-pitched sounds. John said it was the wind brushing against the leaves. Kristen knew it was more than that.

"Give in, Marlena! There's nothing you could do to stop me!" the Devil yelled. Marlena was holding on to a tree, so she wouldn't fall. "No!" she screamed repeatedly. "I have taken over you! Accept your fate. Give in," the Devil told Marlena, as she fell to the ground. The Devil now laughed again. "I won't let this happen," Marlena said and got up. She opened her palm and the St. Michael medallion was on it. "No. Throw the medal away," the Devil ordered Marlena. Marlena screamed out to John. The strong wind kept blowing and blowing. "If I leave, John and Kristen will be safe then," Marlena deduced. She started at the direction of Kristen's boat. John and Kristen arrived after Marlena stepped aside and called out to Marlena. They looked around but didn't find her. Marlena got to the boat. "I've get to get away. I won't bring danger to John and Kristen," said Marlena. Kristen pointed at the direction of the boat. They saw Marlena getting into it. Marlena started the engine and sailed across the wavy stormy water. "God, help me," screamed Marlena, on board of the shaking boat. On shore, Kristen and John called out to Marlena. Suddenly, the wind abruptly stopped. "As fast as that storm came on, it's gone," John said. They didn't see Marlena and didn't hear the motor. "Something's happened to her," said John and yelled out her name. Kristen told John the storm went away just as Marlena left. "Something so powerful and so strange is going on here," she told John. John said he only cared about Doc's safety. "God is the only one who can keep her safe, John," Kristen added. John told her to drop it! Kristen yelled at John to open his mind and try to believe her. He refused to believe Marlena was possessed. John said he'd go find another boat and help Doc.

The couple who loaned Kristen the boat saw Marlena coming off it. As Marlena set foot on land, the storm followed her. She yelled at the couple to stay away from her- "Stay away from me! It's after me!"

Marlena ran and ran. The strong wind followed her where-ever she went. Suddenly, three white awesome spirits/ghosts with evil faces appeared out of no where and attacked Marlena. They surrounded her. Marlena screamed, "No! Stay away from me. No! I won't let you do this!" Marlena hit the ghosts with her St. Michael's medallion and they evaporated. Marlena stumbled across her car. She got in behind the wheel. "You can't run away from me, Marlena," the Devil was suddenly heard (we didn't see him, only heard him). "You're mine. I won't let you go!" he said. "No! No!" screamed Marlena repeatedly, as she started her car.

Two nurses were standing next to Father Francis. They checked his pulse. He was dying. "There's nothing more we can do for him," said one of the nurses. They went to get a priest to give the father last rights.

There was no boat to be found on the Island. John was about to jump into the water, as the couple arrived with their boat. The man approached Kristen and John. He told them about the other woman taking the boat. He said he never saw anyone so scared. "And that windstorm..." he added. "Windstorm? The windstorm reached all the way to the mainland?" John asked. The man acknowledged. He said it arrived the same time the woman drove up with their boat. He said the woman said she was being followed. "It's like she was being chased by a terrible force," the man said. Kristen looked at John, but he said he didn't even want to talk about it. The man gave them a lift to the mainland.

"Help me, somebody help me," said Marlena desperately, as she drove her car. "The St. Michael's medallion!" she said, as she looked at it, clutched in her palm. "Only God can help me now! I got to get to God!" Marlena deduced- "Only God can save me!" she repeated, as her car jerked aside and went off the road.

When John and Kristen and the man arrived at the pier, the storm was gone. The woman said it went away as that lady drove away. "Call me crazy," the lady said, "but it looked like the storm was following that poor woman." "That is not crazy at all," Kristen told the woman. "That is exactly what happened," she said, as she looked at John. The woman told them Marlena was driving into town, and John and Kristen hurried off.

Marlena banged her forehead against the steering wheel. When she came to, she wondered what happened. "I can't stay here," she said. She tried starting her car again, but it didn't. "I've got to find a safe place," she said, as she addressed God and begged him to save her. "There's no use, Marlena! You can't escape me," the Devil said, as Marlena stepped out of her car. Marlena started running away again, as the Devil's laugh was heard echoing about.

A strong pure white light hit Father Francis's face. "Francis, awaken, my son," a heavenly voice was heard commanding. Father Francis opened his eyes and looked up, with joy. "I have need of you. A soul is in danger," the voice said. It was God(!) himself talking to Father Francis. "How can I help?" asked Father Francis- "I can hardly move." "Have faith. Go and find my troubled child, you will know what to do," the voice said, as the light subsided. Father Francis prayed God and thanked him for his grace and mercy, asking him to protect him. He crossed himself, as he ripped out all of the tubes connected to his body.

Kristen and John got into his car and looked for Marlena. John remarked it was pitch dark and wondered how the tornado went away so quickly. "That was no tornado," said Kristen. John insisted it was. They suddenly saw Marlena's car off the side of the road.

"Shelter, I must find shelter," said Marlena, as she came across a holy statue. She realized she was standing in front of a church. "Church! I'll be safe there!" she rejoiced. The wind sounded awful scary noises, of evil spirits haunting Marlena. She ran towards the church. "Safety at last!" she said, and ran towards the church, as she abruptly halted. We saw a pair of legs, wearing snakeskin boats stepping closer to Marlena, as she yelled, "No! Not you. Not you!"

Father Francis got dressed. The nurse came rushing into his room, amazed to see him up and about. "You were dying!" she said with amazement. Father Francis told her he felt better than he had in years. She checked his pulse and it was normal. Father Francis said he had a mission and rushed outside.

John and Kristen found Marlena's abandoned car. John found blood on the steering wheel. "We have to find her," Kristen said. They started to frantically looking for her.

The person wearing snakeskin boats approached Marlena. It was none other than dead Mr. Curtis Reed. Pale as a ghost, glowing red eyes and all. "You're Billie's father, Curtis Reed," Marlena said. "You raped your daughter," Marlena told Curtis. "Guilty as charged," Curtis said. "But...you're dead," Marlena added. "Right again! I confess," he said. "I'm dead and I was sent up from hell. Wanna know why? He wants you down there with him, Marlena. What He wants, He always gets!" Curtis said, as he laughed evilly. "No!" screamed Marlena and attempted to run at the church's direction, but Curtis pushed her aside, telling her they had a job for her to do. "You're going to use that pretty little body to take care of that priest for us," he explained. Marlena refused to hurt John. She refused to listen to Curtis. Curtis wouldn't take no for an answer. "You're coming with me!" he ordered Marlena, his red eyes glowing. "No!" Marlena yelled again and held up the medallion to him. It didn't frighten Curtis and he laughed at her, telling her it was too late- "It's time for you to come with me to your new home, Marlena." Marlena again attempted to run away, but Curtis grabbed her, telling her no one could stop them. Suddenly, the church's doors threw open and Father Francis emerged from within, holding up a crucifix, yelling, "I can!!!" He told Marlena to walk away. Curtis let go of her and told her she wasn't worth being saved, as she destroyed her family. He was trying to get to her and succeeding, as Marlena told him he was right. Father Francis told Marlena not to listen to him and come to him. Marlena began crying, as Curtis told her Sami was probably selling herself on the streets now because of her. "You belong to us," he said. "Come to me," begged Father Francis. She quickly pushed Curtis away and ran with Father Francis inside the church. Father Francis told Marlena she was safe inside the church. He assured her God would protect her. Marlena told the father she was not worthy of his protection, as she did terrible things, like Curtis had said. She was well aware now of all the desecration acts she committed and counted them. Father Francis tried relaxing her- "The Demon wants to shatter your faith. Stay calm, don't listen to him. You are worthy." Marlena was very afraid, she knew He was still out there, waiting for her. Father Francis told her not to be afraid, as that what He wanted. He told Marlena to fight, but Marlena responded she couldn't. Father Francis told her not to listen to him when He counted her sins. Marlena replied He was right, as she had done those things and hurt the ones she loved. Father Francis told her all she had to do was pray for God's forgiveness. Knocking noises suddenly were heard. Frantic and scared Marlena said it was Curtis, trying to come in. "No, that is...that's the Evil one, trying to confuse you," Father Francis explained. He asked Marlena to remain calm while waiting for him to return to the church. Marlena begged the father not to leave her alone, but he said he had to get help. The father explained to Marlena that she had to be vigilant- "You still have the evil in you, and we have to exorcise it, but until then, the Demon may emerge once more and your soul will be lost." He went on, explaining he had to get John's help for the exorcism. Marlena gave him the St. Michael medallion, to protect him. The father left, reminding Marlena, "Whatever happens, you must not leave the church!" He exited and suddenly, fire broke outside the church. Marlena noticed it. She turned to God and asked him to protect her. She got down on her knees and begged his forgiveness. The flames outside the windows suddenly vanished. "Thank you! Thank you, God, thank you," rejoiced Marlena. She reminded herself she just had to stay in the church and then she might be save. On his way to get John, a pole let loose in the street and hit Father Francis on the head, knocking him out.

Kristen and John arrived at UH. They told Alice and Mike about the incident on the Island with Marlena. Kristen said that when Marlena was found, she'd need special help and asked Mike to see Father Francis, but he told her about the father's leaving. They were shocked, as he was practically paralyzed. Kristen remarked she was sure the father's miraculous recovery had something to do with Marlena. Still reluctant to believe Marlena was spiritually ill, John countered the remark, saying they had to find Marlena. Abe arrived and said he had cops looking for Marlena all over town. They left to look for Marlena. Alice looked up and asked God to please, help Marlena and keep her safe.

On their search for Marlena, John and Kristen and Mike and Gina found the passed out Father Francis. Mike checked him and said he was still alive. At the church, the wind had blown over and Marlena wondered if it was safe to leave the church, but then recalled Father Francis's instructions. "As long as I'm inside the church, I'm safe," she assured herself. Suddenly, she heard Sami, calling, "Mommy!" Marlena ran to the doors and opened them. Across the courtyard Sami was standing.

Father Francis was starting to come to. Kristen suddenly saw the St. Michael's medallion in the father's hand. They gathered the father saw Marlena that night.

"Sami? How did you get here? Where were you?" Marlena yelled. "I need you, mom, come to me," said Sami sobbingly. Marlena took a step forward but then halted, telling Sami to come to her, inside the church, but Sami said she couldn't. "He won't let me," Sami explained, as Curtis appeared again, calling out, "I'm back!"

He grabbed Sami and told Marlena he couldn't stop touching her. Sami cried out to her mom, saying he was hurting her. Marlena screamed at him to let Sami go. "If I can't have you, I'll settle for your daughter. She's such a sweet little thing. Come on, Sami, let's party!" he said, full on sexual innuendoes.

Father Francis started to come around. "Danger..." he managed to mumble. "Who's in danger?" asked John. "Marlena...Curtis..." he added. "Marlena...Curtis...Danger..."

Curtis kept groping Sami. She kept crying, begging her mom to help her. Marlena yelled at him to stop, as she ran towards them and pushed Curtis off of Sami. She hugged Sami tightly, but she just disappeared from her arms. Marlena was shocked, as Curtis laughed.

"The only Curtis I know, is Curtis Reed, Billie's father, but he can't be talking about him, the man's dead," John said. They pondered if the father might be hallucinating. Kristen suddenly realized they were close to St. Luke's. As the ambulance arrived, Gina and Mike help getting Father Francis into it and John and Kristen started at the church's direction.

"You tricked me into leaving the sanctuary of the church," realized Marlena. "We've won and you lost and there's no more hope for you," declared Curtis. "I won't accept that," countered Marlena. "I'm going back into the church." She started walking towards it, but the wind suddenly became even stronger and resisted Marlena's walking. Curtis kept maniacally laughing. She made it to the door and hang on to the door handle. She wasn't inside the church yet. She asked God to help her and give her strength. Curtis yelled at her no one will help her, as she had sinned. "I confessed and God forgave me," she declared, almost triumphantly. "But can you forgive yourself?" Curtis asked the fatal question. Marlena couldn't hold on any longer and fell to the ground. The wind stopped and Marlena, resting on the ground, started laughing the devilish laugh again. She opened a pair of green eyes...

She got up and approached Curtis. "Well done," the Devil told him. "I guess your work here is finished." Curtis thanked him and vanished into thin air, too. Stepping noises were heard, as the Devil said, "Oh! Perfect timing," and took the pair of contact lenses out of the Marlena's pants' pocket. Kristen and John arrived and Marlena fainted in John's arms. They sat her down and she came to. John asked her how did she get to the church. Marlena said she left the Island because of what Kristen had done to her. When John asked about the trashed car, Marlena deceivingly said a tree-branch fell onto it and she swerved off the road to avoid it and ended up in the ditch. "I started walking and the wind got worse. I went inside the church for sanctuary and that's when you found me," she concluded. "The storm just stopped right before we found you," Kristen remarked. Kristen suggested they'd go inside the church to bandage Marlena's bruised forehead, but Marlena said she'd rather go to the hospital, as it might be serious. They got up and walked away.

At the hospital, Kristen asked Marlena if she saw Father Francis during the storm. Marlena answered she did, adding he was acting very strangely, as though he was hallucinating. They told her about them finding him unconscious. "That poor man," Marlena tried sounding sympathetic. She walked away to get a drink of water and John told Kristen to lay off Marlena. Mike arrived and told them Father Francis was going to be all right, adding he had no idea how he recovered suddenly and that it was truly a miracle. He went to attend to Marlena. After a few moments, he came back and told John and Kristen Marlena was O.K. and just needed rest. He suggested they did the same. Again, Kristen reopened the subject of Marlena being evil, but John refused to believe it. They started fighting over it again, as from within a room near by, Marlena listened and smiled to herself, hearing John telling Kristen he was starting to wonder about her now. He wouldn't believe this "Demon nonsense". Kristen said Father Francis did. At that point, Marlena came outside the room and asked John to take her home. They said good night to Kristen and left.

"Evil...fight you...not over..." mumbled Father Francis in his room. Marlena and John passed by. The Devil of course, heard the father. "Make all the plans you want," he addressed him in Marlena's mind, "but before you awake, I'll have my way with John and his priest's soul will finally be mine!" "I'll do whatever I have to do to save John's soul," said Kristen looking at Marlena, suspiciously. "You may have won this round, but it's not over yet," she added surely.

Week Twenty

Summary currently unavailable. We hope to provide it soon.

Week Twenty-One

Summary currently unavailable. We hope to provide it soon.

Week Twenty-Two

Summary currently unavailable. We hope to provide it soon.

Week Twenty-Three

Detailed summary unavailable. The short summary is available here.

Week Twenty-Four

John sat at home alone, telling God how hard it was for him seeing and feeling Isabella, when Kristen arrived. John was very upset. Kristen tried calming him, telling him Isabella was at peace and in heaven. She told John the Demon had really gotten to him.

At Salem Place, Carrie told Shawn about John sending her away from Marlena's apartment. She said she was worried about Marlena. Shawn told her to focus on her wedding and phoned Caroline, telling her about Carrie. Caroline told him they had decided not to tell the family about Marlena. The Devil heard Caroline talking to Shawn. "Carrie..." he said to himself. "I've almost forgotten about her. Now that I've taken care of John, maybe it's time I did something 'nice', for her as well." Caroline started praying to God, asking him to protect Marlena and watch over poor John. She also asked him to look over Carrie and Austin as they approach their wedding day. The Devil heard the prayer and promised himself he would take care of Carrie.

John tried being strong. Kristen told him to let his feelings come through and then handle it. As John said he was handling it, Father Francis arrived and said that might not be good enough. He told John exorcism could be most exhausting and demanding:
Kristen: "What if what happened with Isabella was just the beginning?"
Father Francis: "She's right, John."
Kristen: "You can't deny it, you're still upset by what happened. You could be in very grave danger and if you don't have the strength to handle whatever the Demon confronts you with, your sanity is at stake here, John."
Father Francis: "And your life is at stake, John, and your immortal soul."

Speaking in Marlena's voice, the Devil asked Caroline to bring him the sunglasses. "No. You are not Marlena. It's probably another trick," Caroline rejected. "Maybe, but they are Marlena's eyes, you wouldn't want to destroy them," the Devil said in his own voice. Caroline fetched the shades and put them on. She dimmed the lights and exited the room. "Pretty soon Carrie will be here, and we can really have fun," the Devil said, as downstairs, Carrie let herself in with her key. She entered Marlena's room. Carrie asked Marlena why were she in bed and wearing the sunglasses, as she thought she was doing better. Marlena relaxed her, saying she was, explaining she was just resting. Carrie told her about her coming over last night and John not letting her in. Marlena said she was sleeping and added it was sweet of John not wanting to disturb her.

John: "Well, don't worry, father. I'm pretty sure I can handle whatever the Demon throws my way."
Kristen: "If what that happened yesterday was any indication..."
John: "Why don't you just forget what happened yesterday, O.K.?"
Kristen: "Why don't you just hear Father Francis's warnings?"
John: "All right, let's cut to the chase here: what are the two of you driving at?"
Father Francis: "It might be best for everyone if you were to excuse yourself from the rest of the exorcism."
John: "You want me to remove myself from the exorcism?"
Kristen: "You have been through a very difficult time ever since Satan conjured up Isabella."
Father Francis: "And the Devil will come up with worse tricks!"
John: "I can handle it. Look, no one will fight more for Marlena's soul than me. She is very dear to me."
Father Francis: "That is the problem. You are too emotionally involved. The Devil is going to use that against you. Your sanity, maybe your very soul is in danger, as well as Marlena's."
Kristen: "He is right. The risk is just too grave. This is one fight you have to walk away from."

Carrie told Marlena she wanted her wedding day to be beautiful. "Honey, I'm afraid there isn't going to be any wedding," Marlena told Carrie. Carrie asked Marlena what was she talking about. "Sweetie-girl, Austin is seeing another woman," she told a shocked Carrie. Carrie didn't understand. "The other woman, the one Austin had slept with, is back in his life," Marlena told Carrie.

Stefano and Celeste barged into Tony's. "I want to know what's going on with Marlena and want to know right now!" Stefano demanded of Tony.

John: "I am on to all the Devil's tricks now. I won't be taken in a second time."
Kristen: "John, there must be innumerous ways that he can use that relationship you have with Marlena, that bond, against you."
John: "No, I believe God chose me to fight for Marlena's soul precisely because of that bond! No one knows Doc like I do. I know her strengths. I know how to tap into those strengths to help her fight this Demon."
Kristen: "You must consider the risk you're taking."
John: "There's nothing to reconsider. She's the mother of my daughter. She is worth any of these risks!"
Father Francis: "Now, you brought up a very good point, John. Marlena is the mother of your child. What happens if, God forbid something happened to her? Her children will be left with only one parent."
John: "Nothing is going to happen to her."
Kristen: "What are you talking about? Something could happen to her, and it can also happen to you and then Brady and Belle will be left without parents. Have you thought of that?"

"That's not true, Marlena, you're wrong," Carrie told her. Marlena replied she wished she had been wrong, but she wasn't. "It's true, the woman is back, he's with her right now," Marlena said. "He would never cheat on me," Carrie tried. "He did before and he's doing it again. If you don't believe me, go and find out for yourself, you'll see that it's true. I've already told you, you and Austin will never be married." "I won't listen to this," said Carrie and hurriedly ran away crying. The Devil was very pleased.

Tony told his father to leave, as Marlena was not his concern. "She is my concern, she is the woman that I love," said Stefano, "and I will not be left in the dark about her condition!" Stefano said he had to know. "I have never in my life begged for anything!!!" yelled Stefano, "but I'm begging now." He asked Tony to use his influence to ask John and Kristen to let him see Marlena.

Upset Carrie hurried back to Salem Place. She told Austin someone told her something and she couldn't believe it was true. Austin had a lip lipstick mark on his cheek. Carrie saw it and said, "Oh, my God, I can't believe it is true! She was right!" She accused Austin of being with the woman he slept with. Austin explained Billie had been there and kissed him good-bye. Carrie ran away, crying again. At home, the Devil laughed contentedly. "So much pain for Austin and Carrie," he said. Caroline came in and took the glasses off. "What are you laughing at? What are you up to?" she demanded of the Devil. "Nothing," he said, "just a little private joke! A good little private joke." To himself he added, "Francis, Kristen and John are so determined to stop me, but look at me now, I'm spreading my evil everywhere and where are they? If they're too afraid to fight me, who else will dare?" as he laughed again.

John: "Nothing is gonna happen to either Marlena or me."
Father Francis: "Think about it, John. Next to taking your soul, there's nothing the Devil would like more than depriving two little children of their parents. He will work very hard to make that happen."
John: "And I will work very hard to make sure that never happened, father."
Kristen: "There's no question about that, but what makes you think you saw the full extent of his evil?"
Father Francis: "Yes, the worse may lay ahead of us."
Kristen: "I know that it bothers you. You want to be here and help fighting to save Marlena."
John: "Wait a second, what if this is what the Devil wants...?"
Kristen: "What? What?"
John: "If I'm right, if God did chose me to fight this battle, wouldn't it be in the Devil's best interest to have me not fight it? And if that's true, my not being there, might make the Devil's hold of Marlena even stronger."
Father Francis: "I haven't thought of that, but it is possible, John."
John: "Wanting me to give up this fight might be just another one of the Devil's tricks."
Kristen: "It's a good point, but the fact remains that the lives of four people are on the balance depending on your decision- The life of Marlena, yours, Brady's and Belle's."
Father Francis: "The decision is yours, John."
John: "Yes. I need to take a walk. Has a lot of thinking to do. A lot of praying to do."
Father Francis: "I will pray too, John. I will pray that God gives you the wisdom to make the right choice." And with that, John left the apartment.

"John will not allow it," said Tony. Stefano picked up the phone and dialed Marlena. Caroline picked up the phone. She was enraged to hear Stefano's voice. He begged her to tell him how Marlena was doing. "Don't you ever call here again!" Caroline yelled at him. Tony grabbed the receiver away from Stefano, apologized and told Caroline he'd make sure Stefano wouldn't call there again. "I have no use for Stefano," told himself the Devil, after Caroline hung up. "Now, Tony...There's an interesting man," he added. "Why is he so hostile with his father? Of course, he's no saint himself...Just the kind of man I'm looking for," he said and laughed yet again.

John sat on a bench at Salem Place, asking God to give him a sign. Just then, a tearful Carrie passed by. John stopped her and asked her what was wrong. She told him about Austin. Austin arrived and John asked where did she get this crazy idea. Carrie said someone she loved and trusted told her that. "Carrie? Have you been in to see Marlena?" John asked, starting to realize what was going on. Carrie acknowledged. Seeing the rough situation, John told himself he knew what he had to do. He told Carrie, "The woman you talked with, was not the Marlena we know." And asked, "Do you know what the term 'demonic possession' means?" After he explained, Carrie and Austin were shocked. When Carrie asked what could she do, John said to keep loving and praying, because that is the best thing to fight Evil with. He headed back to Marlena's.

Tony headed towards the door, saying he was going over to Marlena's. Stefano said he was coming, too, as he had to see her. Tony refused, telling him he'd call him with details. Stefano insisted he'd stay at the house, to wait for Kristen. Tony again refused, but Stefano refused to leave. Tony left the house angrily. "Hmm..." Celeste hummed. "Tony...I picked up a feeling from him right now, something very unsettling," she told Stefano. Stefano said Tony was like that most of the times when he is around. "No, this is something else, something is very troubling here," Celeste said wisely. "More of your famous ESP?" Stefano mocked her. "My feelings have been right before you know," she said and gave him an I Told You look. Stefano could only care about Marlena. He said he had to help her. Celeste told him the people that could help her now, were the people he had made his enemies. Stefano refused to stand aside and do nothing. "I am going to do something," he declared, "and I am going to do it right now," he added, marching to the door.

John arrived at Marlena's. Kristen and Father Francis were waiting for him. "Have you made a decision?" asked him Kristen. "Yes, I have," he answered and went upstairs to Marlena's bedroom. Kristen and Father Francis followed. They entered Marlena's room. "Hello, priest," greeted him the Devil. "You have an important decision to make, don't you? Especially concerning Belle and Brady," he told John, knowing everything. "I am well aware of the risks involved," John said. "I just saw Carrie. Seems like you're trying to spread your evil everywhere, no?" he went on. "I won't let you do that. I am the man who's gonna stop you. I will free Marlena of you and I will send you right back to hell, where you belong," he heroically announced. The Devil laughed some more and said, "I wouldn't be so sure, maybe you're going to hell yourself." John replied he was willing to take those risks, but will see this battle right through the end.

Later, in Marlena's living room, John told Kristen and Father Francis he felt he had made the right decision, as he had asked God for a sign and he had given him one. "If you feel that you have been led by God's wisdom, John, then you have made the right decision," said Father Francis. They discussed putting off continuing with the exorcism, as Marlena seemed weak. John said he'd go ask Caroline what she thought. He went upstairs and asked her. Caroline said Marlena seemed weaker. They said it would be better to wait a while. John exited the room. Caroline sat down and continued praying. The Devil damned John, saying he was always in his way. He was sure seeing his beloved Isabella would shatter John's faith. "I have to teach him a lesson, a painful lesson," he said. Downstairs, Tony arrived. Sensing Tony was there, Marlena looked up at the bag of infusion. It was half full. A moment after that, Caroline got up and looked at the bag. It was empty. Caroline remarked she was sure it was half full when she last checked. She opened the box of IV bags, but there weren't any. She again remarked she was sure Mike gave her lots of bags. Tony entered the room at that point. Caroline told him Kristen went out to dinner with Father Francis and John. She asked Tony to keep an eye on Marlena while she went to the hospital to get more IV bags. She warned Tony not to be taken in by the elusive Demon. Tony assured her he wouldn't. Caroline thanked him and left. Marlena opened her eyes. Speaking in Marlena's voice, the Devil asked Tony to come closer. Tony said he knew it wasn't Marlena speaking and so he wouldn't be fooled. The Devil said he knew he wouldn't be, adding he liked him and that was why he wouldn't try tricking him. "What's that suppose to mean?" asked him Tony. "Do you want to know the truth?" the Devil asked. "If you do, come closer to me."

Walking through Salem Place, John suddenly halted and told Kristen and Father Francis he had a hunch the Devil had his eye on another target. At Marlena's bedroom, the Devil told Tony it was about his wife and her lover, John. Tony refused to listen. Still speaking in Marlena's voice, the Devil told Tony to come closer, as he had something to show him. "The truth. It's right here," he said. "Where?" asked Tony. "In my eyes...Look into my eyes, see the truth," told him the Devil. Tony leaned towards Marlena and looked into her eyes. He saw John and Kristen making love.

Tony told the Devil Kristen would never be unfaithful to him. He told him they had renewed their vows. "She was saying words, Tony, she didn't mean them," the Devil said (still speaking to him in Marlena's voice). "She was lying, she was thinking about John. She wants John, she doesn't want you." Tony didn't want to listen, but the Devil kept at it, telling Tony they were lying to him, telling him he was a fool, telling him to look into Marlena's eyes again. Again, Tony looked. Tormented, he saw Kristen and John making love, again.

Stefano and Celeste surprised John and Kristen and Father Francis at Salem Place. Stefano demanded of John as well to tell him something about Marlena. Kristen told Stefano they had started the exorcism, but that the Demon was still firmly entrenched. Stefano was very worried for Marlena and accused John of risking Marlena's soul just so he could play the hero. Kristen assured Stefano Father Francis is an expert when it comes to exorcism and the father acknowledged they were only trying to save Marlena's soul. Stefano apologized, explaining his love for Marlena made him speak too bluntly at times. Stefano asked to see Marlena. John wouldn't hear of it. The three walked away.

The Devil kept trying to persuade Tony John and Kristen were lovers. Tony told him it was just another one of his tricks. The Devil wouldn't give up, telling Tony he knows things other people do not. "We are so alike, you and I, you belong on my side," told him the Devil and ordered him to look into his eyes again. "You will see I marked you. Kristen has goodness, yes, but I have the power. With time, her influence will fade and you will be mine!" the Devil assured Tony. Tony seemed dazed, almost like in a trance. He kept staring into Marlena's eyes, seeing John and Kristen in them. Caroline suddenly came into the room. She called for Tony, but he did not hear her at first.

Kristen, John and Father Francis came back. Kristen saw Tony's keys on the desk and wondered what was he doing there. Upstairs, Tony snapped out of it. Caroline apologized for taking so long. Tony asked her what did she mean and Caroline explained she'd been gone over an hour. "Strange...It seemed to me like you were gone only for a few minutes," he said. He obviously didn't remember speaking with the Devil. "I supposed I was just lost in thoughts of Marlena," he told Caroline. "No, Tony," addressed him the Devil in Marlena's mind- "I'm the reason you lost track of the time. But you won't remember that, not until I decide the time is right." Kristen came in and hugged Tony. She told Tony she didn't like his being there, near the Demon. Tony said he was fine and the Devil smiled to himself.

Stefano and Celeste returned to Tony's. Stefano kept at it that he had to find a way to save Marlena. Celeste started to tell him there was nothing he could do, as she suddenly felt a chill. "It's a warning. Marlena...She is not the only one at risk here. You see, the Demon- he has a way of finding a person's weaknesses and anyone with a dark side is at danger," she told Stefano. At Marlena's, Father Francis and John got ready to continue with the exorcism. Tony wished everyone good luck and left. He seemed very distracted. Tony exited the room and the four approached Marlena. "Go ahead, do what you think you have to do," the Devil addressed them in Marlena's mind, "but I have someone on my side now and the best part is, he doesn't know it."

Tony returned home, where he found Celeste and Stefano and asked them to leave. Celeste sensed something was up with Tony. Tony poured himself a drink and stared into the mirror. He saw the same picture of John and Kristen making love in it. Celeste and Stefano called his name, but he did not respond.

"You're wasting your time. You won't win this battle, priest," the Devil told John after he finished another verse from the prayer. John took a cloth and poured holy water on it. He then placed the cloth on Marlena's forehead and the Devil let out a horrible scream. John removed his hand, seeing Marlena suffering so much. "Continue!" ordered him Father Francis, "The Devil is weakening!" John said Marlena was suffering so much. "She will suffer more if we don't save her," replied the father. John replaced the cloth on Marlena's forehead and the Devil horribly screamed again. "Damn you! Leave me alone," the Devil told John. Marlena was getting weaker. Father Francis suggested a break for now. Everyone went downstairs except for Caroline, who stayed with Marlena. Outside Marlena's bedroom door, John told Kristen he had a feeling he was missing something. "You are missing something, John," the Devil told himself. "But you won't find out until it's too late. It'll be too late to stop the plan I'm setting into motion. A plan that will destroy you and everyone you hold dear."

Stefano asked Tony what was it. Stefano asked him if it was bothering him that Kristen was spending so much time with John. Tony said they were together, helping Marlena. He offhandedly added they might be there all night. Stefano got worried, saying that an all night session might kill Marlena. Tony threw Stefano and Celeste out. Celeste told Stefano there was a strange look in Tony's eyes. Stefano said he had to see Marlena. Celeste warned him to stay away, as people dealing with the Demon must be good and close to God, but "the two of us- we have too many faults. If there is darkness in you, the Demon will see it and use it and you will be in danger, grave danger." Inside, Tony kept seeing John and Kristen making love inside the mirror. "You won't remember it in your conscious mind, but your heart will remember," the Devil was heard saying. "I am telling you the truth about your wife and that priest, Tony, believe what you see with your own eyes. Believe in me, Tony!"

The following morning, Tony dreamed of Kristen and John making love. He woke up in a startle, calling out Kristen's name. She was not next to him, so he called out for her. Kristen came rushing in.

John came to the Pub. Carrie and Austin were there. John gave them an update, telling them he knew the real Marlena was still there and that he wanted to get to her. Carrie asked if that was possible. John promised her he'd do his best to let Marlena know they were fighting for her. He got some food from Shawn and hurried back to Marlena's.

Kristen asked Tony if he had a nightmare. Tony replied he didn't know. Kristen told him he was probably just worried about her, because she was helping with the exorcism. She assured him she'd be O.K. She hugged Tony and he said that for some reason, he couldn't shake that uneasiness he was feeling. "The image of your wife in John's arms is burnt into your mind and your heart," the Devil addressed Tony from Marlena's bed. "Soon it will turn to anger, an all consuming rage and then you'd be ready to do my biding."

John arrived at Marlena's and awakened a sleeping Caroline. She told John Marlena had been quiet. Caroline told John he needed some rest. He said he was O.K. and that he had a promise to keep. Caroline asked what promise and he told her about him telling Carrie he'd try connecting to the real Marlena. Caroline remarked it seemed the Devil had taken complete possession of Marlena. John said he had to try, for all of them and especially Marlena.

Kristen told Tony about the Devil trying to cause unhappiness to Carrie and Austin. They hugged and Kristen told Tony she loved him. Tony kissed her and asked her to never stop loving him. Kristen assured him she wouldn't. Later, Tony came to the Pub and met up with Carrie and Austin. They talked about their problem not finding any flowers for the wedding because of the heat wave. Tony told them he had an idea and excused himself for a moment.

John kneeled next to Marlena and beseeched God to cast this Evil one away and let Marlena hear him. "Doc, it's me. Can you hear me? It's John," he said. Kristen came inside and told him Caroline had told him what he was doing. She kneeled beside Marlena, too and joined John. John told Marlena to be strong and fight. He told her to think about all the good things and the wonderful things in her life, like her children. "Send us a sign that you are still with us," he begged.

At the Pub, Tony told Carrie and Austin he had arranged for flowers to be flown in from out of state for their wedding, as his wedding gift to them. The two thanked him dearly. At Marlena's, John asked Marlena to tell him she heard him. "John...John..." Marlena said in a faint voice. "Fooled ya!!" said the Devil and laughed. "Damn you," John got enraged. "No, no, it'll be your precious Marlena that will be damned. She's gone. Nobody's here but me," the Devil told John. John told him he wouldn't win, as he tried ruining things for Austin and Carrie, but it didn't work for him, as they were still getting married. "Oh, no, they're not. I won't have to stop them, there are people in Salem now that are working very, very hard to make sure they don't get married."

A bit later, Kristen and John told Caroline about their vainly attempt to contact Marlena. They also told her about the Devil saying there were people in Salem who would stop Carrie and Austin's wedding. John said they had to do everything in their power to see that wedding did take place. Caroline suggested they might try praying in the church, as the stifling atmosphere there might be weakening their prayers. John agreed and they suggested he and Kristen go there now and pray for strength to continue the exorcism that night. They left and Marlena called out to Caroline. Just then, Tony arrived, carrying flowers. He said they were from his greenhouse and that they were probably the only flowers left in Salem that were still lively blooming. "Yes," agreed Caroline. "Everyone thinks it the heat wave and the drought, but we know the real reason," she said referring to Salem's current condition. Tony said the flowers were a symbol of life that would help Marlena. Caroline said she'd take them up to Marlena's room and that she hoped the real Marlena would appreciate them. Marlena called for Caroline again. Caroline said she dreaded facing that monster again and Tony suggested he'd go up instead. Caroline thanked him and warned him to be careful.

Kristen and John arrived at St. Luke's and prayed God to send him a sign Marlena was still there, waiting for them to save her. They prayed for strength to face this evil enemy. They prayed for protection and the power to resist the Demon. At the same time, Tony entered Marlena's room. The Devil greeted him, this time, in his own voice. Tony told him he had brought some flowers with him, the only ones he had not killed. "I brought them here as symbol of light, of all that you can not destroy, especially Marlena's soul," he told the Devil. "We'll see. We'll see how indestructible Marlena's soul really is," the Devil retorted. Downstairs, Caroline placed the flowers in a vase and turned away. The moment she did, the flowers immediately withered away and died.

Kristen beseeched the Virgin Mary as well to protect anyone who came in contact with that Demon. At Marlena's, the Devil suddenly started screaming "NO!" a number of times. It wasn't clear why he had done that, probably John and Kristen's prayers were getting to him. He apologized to Tony and said he was tired. He asked Tony, in Marlena's voice, to get him some water. When Tony refused, he said in his own voice that it would be Marlena's body that would dehydrate, then. Tony poured a glass of water and approached Marlena, holding the glass up. "I'm sorry, Tony, but as you can see, I'm a bit Tied up," the Devil jokingly said. "Don't worry, I rarely bite," he told Tony. Tony looked away, as the Devil yelled at him to look at him. "Look at me, Tony! Now!" he ordered. Tony turned his head to Marlena, as she looked piercingly at him.

Continued on next page

Thanks to Tzach Ben-Jossef for writing this story.

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