Chapter 16: Valentine's Day

The world is a fine place and it's worth fighting for, and I hate very much to leave it.

- Ernest Hemingway


Early in the morning, the apartment was enlivened with the sound of breakfast cooking in the kitchen. Laura sat at table with her laptop open and typing swiftly and prolifically while Marina was occupied with the cooking.

„Mm that smells good Marina, what are you cooking for us?" asked Laura enthusiastically.

„I'm making us omelettes," answered Marina, holding the frying pan in her hand and smiling. Marina banged the spatula repeatedly at the rim of the frying pan and scooped the omelette on the plate, then she prepared to make a second one.

Footsteps were heard in the corridor as a tall slim figure entered the kitchen, it was Olivia. Her eyes were bright red, and her hair was in a mess, she looked like she was recovering from a hangover.

„Morning Olivia," greeted Laura cheerfully.

„Morning," mumbled Olivia, sounding glum, walking to the coffee machine.

„You want breakfast?" asked Laura with a warm smile.

„No thank you," responded Olivia dolefully.

„Are you alright Olivia?" worried Laura, frowning suspiciously at Olivia looking gloomy.

„Yeah I'm fine," responded Olivia, still sounding gloomy.

„You sure you don't want anything to eat? I'm making omelettes, you can have mine if you want," offered Marina benevolently, with spatula in hand, ready to scoop the omelette onto the plate.

„I'm fine thank you," snapped Olivia petulantly, which made Marina jump.

„Olivia are you sure you're okay, is something wrong?" pressed Laura.

„Look, I really do appreciate the offer, it's just I'm feeling too sick to eat at the moment," lied Olivia, taking a cup of coffee in her hand, and marching out of the kitchen; desperate to get away.

Laura shrugged her shoulders, feeling confused about Olivia's behavior, and Marina promptly dished the omelette onto the plate. She garnished the omelettes and brought them to the table. Laura closed her laptop, moved it away to make room for the plate, and got ready to eat her omelette.

„Thank you Marina," thanked Laura.

„You're welcome, anything for my princess," flirted Marina.

Laura laughed and gibed, „Oh Marina stop, it's not Valentine's day."

„Well you might not have noticed, but Valentine's day is less than a week away," reminded Marina removing her apron and sitting at the table.

Laura grabbed her phone resting on the table to check the date, and read the displayed date on the screen, noticing it's the 10th of February. „Oh yes it is, just four days left to go… got anything planned sweetie?" coaxed Laura with flirtatious looking eyes and a wide keen smile.

„Well I have some ideas in mind," confirmed Marina, brushing her hair behind her ears and proceeded to eat her omelette.

When Marina cut a piece of her omelette, she watched Laura fork the first piece of her omelette into her mouth. Marina smiled curiously to catch Laura's reaction to how her omelette tastes.

Laura nodded and astounded, „Marina this is so good, love the texture and the way you seasoned the omelette."

„Thank you," replied Marina softly, enjoying seeing her girlfriend eat and enjoy her cooking. „I think for Valentine's day we should have dinner together," suggested Marina.

„You got to cook us dinner. I think I've had enough of restaurants for a while, besides, I want it to be just us," persuaded Laura with a mouthful of her omelette.

„Whatever my little angel wants, she gets," enraptured Marina with Laura briefly looking up at Marina with a bashful smile, before continuing to eat her omelette. „The question is, where should we have our private dinner?" wondered Marina.

„I'll see what I can do," said Laura with ambition in her tone.

„I just hope our friend from Berlin will give us an update before Valentine's day," hoped Marina.

„If he does, please surprise me," requested Laura with a smile before they both continued to finish their romantic breakfast.


Marina's Research (part 3): Witchcraft in Prussia and the Fall of Prussia

Even after the fall of paganism and with Christianity installed as the official religion, witchcraft was dabbled.

In other parts of Europe, witches were hunted down and were executed in their numbers. Many of these witch hunts took place in the Holy Roman Empire and even in the Baltic region, but Prussia became a refuge for witches, mainly because Witchcraft wasn't outlawed in Prussia.

One of the famous executions was a Polish lady living in Prussia called Barbara Zdunk, who had a fondness for magic. It all begun when the Prussian town of Rösel (now called Reszel, Poland) went up in flames, and Zdunk was accused and tried for witchcraft and arson. She was eventually found guilty and sentenced to death to be burned at the stake in 1811. It was later theorized that it was all a conspiracy, and the real culprits were Polish soldiers, who used Zdunk as a scapegoat.

Prussia would thrive and grow strong over the centuries as a military power, which would survive many wars. It was until the German Empire (under Prussian rule) lost the First World War, and resulted in the Kaiser's (emperor) abdication and ended the era of the Prussian monarchy. Prussia lost power and land and became a free state under rule of the new German government, the Weimar Republic. Eventually in 1932, the free state of Prussia was seized and occupied by the Nazis, this was known as the Preußenschlag.

After the Nazis were crushed, and the Second World War ended, the allies blamed Prussia for the war; so they decided to destroy Prussia once and for all. On the 25th of February 1947, the Allied Control Council met to sign the Abolition of Prussia.

Germans who lived in the free state of Prussia, had to evacuate and relocate to Germany's new borders under allied control.

East Prussia's territories were annexed by Poland, and cities were repopulated by Poles and given Polish names. North of East Prussia (once known as Sambia) was transferred to the Soviet Union and renamed Kaliningrad Oblast, and today is an exclave of the Russian Federation.

This once mighty nation, is now a name that echoes in European history; and a symbol of German power and glory.


Marina's Diary 12th of February 2017

With all the research I could gather, from books in my local library and from surfing the web, I could never get the answers I was looking for. Only part of the mystery had been solved, Laura and I were destined to meet, but what is the meaning behind Laura and I? Is there a prophecy behind it and what are we both fated for? Will it be a happy ending between us or will it be another tragic end for us? Are we both cursed to repeat the cycle for all eternity, or is there a way out of it?

With each day that passed, this new concern I had got more intense, it worried me to the point I was distracted from all other affairs and everyday precedences. I could only wait so long until I would receive another update from James, and I don't know if he would deliver me results before the day of our redemption.

Desperate for an answer, I turned to the one who would give me answers, and was prepared to make sacrifices if necessary.


„Are you there, it's me Marina, show yourself," demanded Marina sternly looking at herself in the mirror.

Subsequently, the demonic looking figure Marina always identified appeared before her, looking pleased to see her. „Well well well, what a surprise, you summoned me because you need me for a change; am I right?" asked the demon in the mirror smiling arrogantly.

„Yes, I need to know what the connection between Laura and I is," clarified Marina.

„You've come to the right person, because that information I can give you," said the demon smugly.

„I'm ready to cut a deal if I have to," offered Marina.

„No deals necessary, because I would be happy to reveal all to you, maybe afterwards you would understand what has to be done," assured the demon showing its sharp looking teeth.

„Please tell me what I want to know, I'm listening," asked Marina as nicely as she could to the demon, who she still despised and wanted out of her life.

„Please step into my office Marina," requested the demon backing away from the mirror with an image of a dark wooded area appearing.

Marina licked her lips and swallowed, she fixed her eyes into mirror and before she knew it, she found herself transported into the dark barren woods. There was the sound of thunder and the flash of lightning, which illuminated the whole area white, it was enough to frighten Marina as she always was scared of lightning.

Marina jumped when she saw the demon was by her side, noticing that she looked less demonic and more human. The difference was, her skin looked as hard as leather and her face was wrinkled with a puckered expression. She had long dark greasy hair, which hung down her shoulders like branches from a willow tree.

„So here we are, this is Masuria, where your ancestors and people came from. Before I tell you the whole story, I think it's time I identified myself. My name is Naidiya, and I'm the high priestess of your village, which was hunted down and destroyed by the Teutonic Order," explained Naidiya.

Marina and Naidiya observed what looked like a reconstruction of a Prussian village being attacked. Many of the village people took arms and resisted, but they were no match for the superior forces of the Teutonic Knights. While the villagers who resisted were easily overpowered, the knights even burned their huts and demolished their religious artifacts and wooden statues. The villagers who didn't resist, were rounded up and subdued, while there were a handful who retreated and evaded captivity.

Marina found herself on a horse, riding with Naidiya by her side as she continued to tell her story. „Those who could escape, retreated into the most secluded and isolated areas of Masuria, where we hoped the lake terrain would provide us sanctuary from further raids. We did indeed remain safe, we bought ourselves enough time to rebuild and recover. When we were ready and strong enough, we launched covert operations to strike back at the enemy. We attacked high ranking officials, and we also liberated prisoners, who refused to convert and conform to the new law.

The Teutonic Order would eventually learn of our existence and would assemble special extermination units to find our hide out and wipe us out permanently. We succeeded in fending off these attacks and remain hidden, until we were pursued again.

It seemed that we were untouchable, and soon we would rally other resistance groups, who would join our cause and liberate our stolen lands. This gleam of hope was lost, when this one little girl came to our tribe, who we thought would be the key to our success," expounded Naidiya. Both Marina and Naidiya found themselves in an urban environment, which looked medieval and was well populated. It soon occurred to Marina that she was in Königsberg. Naidiya gestured her head to where two little girls stood face to face with each other.

These two girls looked the same age, one had light brown hair and the other had jet-black hair. The light brown haired girl had small thin eyebrows that stood out, and she had small full lips, which Marina gasped when she recognized it was Laura. Marina knew by looking at the dark haired girl that is was her ancestor, who has just met Laura's ancestor for the first time. Laura's ancestor had a pastry in her hand, she broke a piece off and handed it to Marina's ancestor, who took the piece of pastry that was offered to her; and happily ate it. They had a conversation where they learned each other's names as they shook hands, to Marina's shock they were also called Laura and Marina.

Marina would then see the two girls run in an alley together, acting playful like all kids their age do. Once in the alley where there were no pedestrians about and was quite and isolated, one of the Prussian resistance members slipped a sack over Laura's head and dragged her away.

The resistance member carried Laura to the river where a boat was waiting. Laura was thrown in the boat, where Marina and the resistance member who abducted her boarded. Along the journey, Laura cried and begged to be taken back, and Marina comforted her and tried to allay her crying.

Marina would also see both her ancestor and Laura's ancestor bond together, and how Laura integrated into Marina's pagan way of life. It seemed that she grew happy and became very sisterly with Marina's ancestor. Marina would witness them having fun together and exploring new wonders of the wilderness of Masuria, even witness them sharing their first kiss. It was revealed that they were embarrassed about it at first, and would keep their distance from each other. Eventually it got to the point where they could not deny their feelings for each other any longer, they became close again and begun a secret romantic relationship.

There were meetings led by Naidiya, who planned how to use Laura to manipulate the Teutonic Order. During one meeting, Naidiya divulged a discovery. A weapon, which could guarantee their victory and reclaim their land. This would include substantial sacrifices to be carried out, and the sacrifice of Naidiya and her sister Kaitya, who was also a priestess. It would also require Laura and Marina to be sacrificed in the same ritual.

Kaitya would refuse to go along with the ritual, and was planning to defect to the Teutonic Order. She would even plan to take Laura and Marina with her, even flee to Mazovia (South-East Poland) to ensure safe passage to Königsberg.

Kaitya got both girls, and was ready to flee with them to the Mazovian border, but they were captured by followers loyal to Naidiya. Against her will, Kaitya was going to be sacrificed by immolation, along with Laura, Marina and Naidiya.

Before the ritual could be carried out, Laura experienced the horrific and heartbreaking scene of seeing her captured father being sacrificed, being strung up and drained of his blood. When it was time to perform the ritual, and the sacrifices were about to be burnt, a surprise attack from the Teutonic Knights ensued.

Naidiya succeeded in burning herself with Marina, with Laura crying in grief and devastation seeing her lover burn and turn to ashes. Kaitya carried Laura away to safety, avoiding the conflict. She was able to escape with Laura and take her back to Königsberg, where she could be reunited with her mother. Kaitya decided to stay in Königsberg and convert to Christianity, abandoning her pagan ways. She became Laura's mentor and a friend of her family.

Marina's mother on the other hand, survived the onslaught and joined the other survivors, who regrouped and built their own small coven. They devoted themselves to completing Naidiya's ritual, and seeking revenge, revenge against the Teutonic Order.

In order to complete the prophecy that Naidiya failed to execute to the full extent, Marina's mum was subjected to another ritual, which would begin the cycle of miracle births. Kaitya would sense what was going back in her old community, and decided she had to do the same if she wanted to stop her sister's dying wish. Privately she carried out her own ritual where she infused Laura with cycle of miracle births. With both Laura and Marina's family subjected to the same ritual, to birth miracle children, the odds would either turn in Naidiya's or Kaitya's favor.

„So that explains everything, why Laura and I were suppose to meet," exclaimed Marina, having witnessed what she witnessed. It seemed all her questions were answered, and she knew what her destiny with Laura was.

„Indeed, you were both made for each other, this is why you are both here today," affirmed Naidiya.

„We are suppose to be a weapon of mass destruction, our love was only to cause devastation and world domination?" questioned Marina, expressing shock and distress.

„Not quite, your love was meant to be, you are meant to be with Laura. The only obstacle that stands between you and her are those who want to prevent that," explained Naidiya.

„Who are they?" asked Marina.

„The same people that burned down your mother's residence and killed the other members of her coven," answered Naidiya.

„Do you know who those people were?" asked Marina, desperate for an answer.

„Religious fanatics, maybe the Vatican, could even be anyone who was that determined to wipe out our clan once and for all. You are the last surviving member of our clan, you alone have the choice to continue our legacy and serve our god," revealed Naidiya.

„I just want to be with Laura, all I want is for us to love," cried Marina.

„That's what I want, I want you two to be together. You must understand, I'm trying to stop those who want to destroy us, and the only way is to wipe out our enemies," convinced Naidiya.

„But I don't want to hurt anyone, I don't want people to die, I just want Laura to be safe," wailed Marina with tears streaming down her cheeks.

„Your safety might not be your concern, but the chances of Laura being hunted down by the same pursuers is high," warned Naidiya.

„You mean they are after her too?" concerned Marina.

„They certainly are, you two are connected, which means they are ready to destroy whatever connects you both to our clan. You need to understand, they don't want you two to unite, I do, which is why you must convince her to join us before it's too late. I can protect you, I'll do the fighting, and you two have to sit back and wait for peace to come," convinced Naidiya.

Marina went silent, then she broke down in tears and dried her face with her hand. In her mind, it seemed that there was little to no choice, Laura's safety for compliance with Naidiya's revenge. Unable to make up her mind, she sniffled, „Can I have time to think about it?"

Naidiya stared at Marina feigning sympathy for Marina's sadness and answered, „Sure, but don't take too long."

„I just want to celebrate Valentine's Day with Laura," mumbled Marina.

„You should do that, give her the most romantic night of her life, then come to me when you're ready," suggested Naidiya, still with sad eyes fixing on Marina.

„Sure, I'll do that," agreed Marina, looking down at the floor.

Naidiya backed away without saying a word, and Marina found herself back in the bathroom looking into the mirror. She saw the eyeliner around her eyes was smudged with a mixture of tears. She washed the eyeliner off her eyes with water, and dried her face with a towel. She inspected her look in the mirror and put on a happy face, ready to exit the bathroom and act normal and cheerful towards anyone she would encounter.


Marina's Diary 13th of February 2007

Valentine's Day is tomorrow, and I have a vague idea of how I want to celebrate the day with Laura. However, the day will not only be romantic, but also a sad day where I might have to say goodbye to Laura.

After meeting my demon and learning her name for the first time, I reflect on her revenge plot she tempted me into participating. I decided stubbornly that I'm not going to go ahead with her offer, and let her have mine or Laura's soul. My only other alternative to secure Laura's safety and insure she has a good life, I must die. Whoever it was who devoted their lives to destroying all traces of my heritage, lie with me. One must live, and one must die, and that person must be me.

Why me? Why does it have to be this way? Why can't Laura and I be left alone to love? We both have a life, with our own choices and the right to bask in all the pleasures life has to offer.

Like what Tyler said, I might have to let go of Laura someday if things didn't work out between us, and that was something I would have to do. I love Laura, I love Laura so much, I'm ready to let her go in order to do what I have to do which is best for her.


„Really Laura, you're giving me a spare key to your mum's house?" questioned Marina, looking at the spare key Laura held in her hand.

„I sure am, I want you to surprise me, which is why I'm giving you access to my mum's," said Laura.

„Okay," accepted Marina, taking the key from Laura's hand and looking down at it in her open hand, but then saw Laura's hand drop onto hers.

„Trust," whispered Laura with an alluring smile.

„Trust," repeated Marina, who smiled too.

Laura and Marina kissed as Laura closed Marina's hand with the key in. They both got off the bed, and were about to get ready to go out to college, but needed to take care of one little detail.

Laura got out a tube of hand-cream and unwittingly squirts too much on her hands. „Oh dear, I've got too much on my hands."

Marina scooped some of the cream off Laura's palm with her fingers and quipped, „Well now I have enough for me."

Laura smiled and rubbed the still excessive amount of cream on her other hand as Marina did the same. Then the two joined hands and massaged the cream into each other's hands as Marina widened her mouth, seperated her lips and bantered, „We share the same chapstick, we share the same hand-cream."

„We share the same lipstick," whispered Laura with teeth gleaming and strands of hair dangling over her forehead. They both kissed, tasting the moist lipstick that had recently been applied on their lips, before holding hands and exiting the bedroom.


Marina's Diary 14th of February 2017

Well today is the day, today is the day of love, which some choose to celebrate with their loved ones. Some, even other couples just see it as any other day, which I don't see as any reason not to celebrate a holiday that comes only once a year.

The plan is that I will be cooking dinner round Laura's mum's house, just us two having a romantic dinner, which I will cook. Afterwards we will spend the rest of the night keeping each other entertained, and living out the rest of the night as the loving couple we are.

Then I will sneak out and make my way to the factory, which I have known and took a momentous fascination in since childhood. This would be where I will commit suicide, where I will disappear and hopefully never be discovered.

This factory was where I planned to commit suicide, while performing the ritual where I would offer Naidiya my soul; and thus my abandoned revenge plot on Laura would've commenced.

What a terrible course of action I would have to take, and how much it would break Laura's heart should she ever find out, but I'll do what I have to do to ensure no one will get hurt because of me…


Laura and Marina ended their lessons at college, then they went their own separate ways and promised to meet back at Caroline's when they are ready.

Isabel arranged to have her hair done by Marina, who was already experienced in hairstyling and cosmetics. Her plans were to go out to dinner with Gustavo, but was insecure with how she will look when they meet for dinner. She's always been less confident when applying her own make up, she always got Olivia or Laura to do it for her.

Isabel and Marina parted ways with a hug and a kiss on the cheek, with Isabel completely unaware that this will be the last time she sees Marina. The way Marina kissed and hugged Isabel was very affectionate, as if she was about to see her for the last time.

When Isabel turned her back to Marina, Marina begun to cry and whispered, „Goodbye Isabel."

It was unknown what Olivia, Kobe and Tyler will be doing for Valentine's Day. Olivia did not say, becoming more secretive and withdrawn recently. Kobe didn't mention any of his plans as he's probably one of those not in the mood to celebrate. Tyler would be alone for Valentine's day, which was confirmed when he met Marina. She visited him and gave him a friendly Valentine's Day card, just to brighten his mood and make him feel loved.

When Tyler and Marina parted ways, Marina hugged Tyler the same way she hugged Isabel. She even kissed Tyler on the cheek, which was a long kiss with a smack of the lips as she removed her lips from his stubbled cheek. The second kiss he received from Marina made him smile, and he return, kissed Marina on the head.

Marina then paid a visit to the beauty salon where Laura took her to have her makeover done, where she had booked an appointment with Sabrina. Sabrina was happy to see Marina again, and Marina was happy to see her.

During Marina's appointment they both had a conversation and shared their Valentine's Day plans with each other. Sabrina was in awe of hearing what Marina was planning for Laura, and admitted that her plans with her boyfriend were less exciting in comparison.

When Marina's appointment was over, and she was spruced up with a new hair style and makeup, she was prepared to say „goodbye" to her beauty consultant.

„Well good luck with your plans with Laura," wished Sabrina.

„Thank you, and good luck with your plans with your boyfriend, you don't need to tell me his name," thanked Marina.

„Thank you," answered Sabrina, showing how flattered she was hearing Marina's kind words.

„I guess it's against policy to hug customers," assumed Marina.

„No it's not," confirmed Sabrina shaking her head.

Marina smiled and instantly opened her arms for Sabrina, which she also did and the two acquaintances hugged for luck. Marina knew it would be more than luck, it would also be a gesture of farewell, which Sabrina was unaware of.


Marina travelled to Caroline's house and let herself in, and went into the kitchen to begin cooking dinner, where all the ingredients were available in the fridge. While she was cooking, Caroline came back from work and saw Marina in the kitchen, still occupying herself with the cooking. They both greeted each other and Caroline offered to help, which Marina gladly accepted.

While Caroline was getting into the cooking, she realized that she was behind schedule and had to prepare herself for her Valentine's date. Marina was once again left alone in the kitchen, which didn't bother her too much, as she was excited to give Laura the romantic dinner she was working so hard at. She saw cooking as an art, getting into the activity, getting it done and feeling proud.

When Marina was seasoning and marinating two salmon fillets, she heard the front door open, which she assumed to be Laura.

Laura was looking glamorous with her cocktail dress, high heels and jewelry, but she still had more touchups, which she intended to do at her mums. She took the opportunity to peek behind the kitchen door to see her girlfriend completely engaged with the cooking. She didn't get to see Marina looking her best, because she had a hairnet over her hair and she wore an apron.

Laura went upstairs to her mum's bedroom, and as usual would give her mum a warm hug and tender kiss. Both mother and daughter helped each other beautify their appearances, and even posed together in front of the mirror, projecting and capturing a depiction of their mother and daughter bond.

„You look so beautiful greenbean," complimented Caroline warmly with her daughter's arms around her.

„So do you mum," said Laura, as she kissed her mother on the temple, „Your date is going to fall head over heels for you."

„Oh greenbean, stop being so patronizing, you're the one in a real love-filled relationship," declared Caroline.

„But mum, just because Marina and I are in a relationship and are completely happy, doesn't mean you don't deserve to be happy too," asserted Laura.

„Laura, I'm only seeing him, no guarantee there will be a relationship between us. However, if everything on the date goes well, I'll get Marina to cook us dinner, where we can have a double date," proposed Caroline.

„Oh mum, that's a wonderful idea, too bad you can't have some of Marina's cooking tonight," mourned Laura, putting on a sad face.

„No greenbean, I'm very tempted to try Marina's cooking believe it or not, it's just this romantic dinner that Marina is cooking is for you two," insisted Caroline, getting on her feet, looking at her daughter and kissed her while holding her face, „Mummy can wait, just enjoy yourselves."

„Sure mum," conceded Laura.

„Good, lets go and see Marina," suggested Caroline as they both went downstairs.

Marina was taking the two marinated salmon fillets out of the casserole dish, as Caroline entered the room. She looked up to see Caroline looking glamorous, wearing a crimson dress, big gold earrings and makeup. Her jaw dropped seeing how beautiful her girlfriend's mother looked as she approached her and took her hands.

„Oh Caroline, you look so pretty," praised Marina, looking into Caroline's eyes and watch her blush.

„Thank you Marina, so are you," thanked Caroline, as she would remove the hairnet from Marina's head, and flick her hair out. „You need to get out of that apron and meet your date, Laura is eager to see you," incited Caroline.

„I'm eager too," said Marina, smiling and untying her apron swiftly and clumsy.

Marina and Caroline walked into the hallway where Laura stood in front of the stairs. Laura and Marina's eyes met and they could not take their eyes off each other. Marina opened her lips apart, feeling something sliver down her throat and revealed her wide sharp smile with dimples. Laura stretched her lips wide into a smile, but could not resist the urge to laugh in astonishment.

„Marina," said Laura softly.

„Laura," responded Marina softly.

They both advanced towards each other, took hands and kissed. „Happy Valentine's Day sweetie," whispered Laura.

„Happy Valentine's Day my princess," responded Marina, giving her girlfriend gentle pecks on the lips.

„Picture time you two," alerted Caroline with her phone in her hand. Laura and Marina instantly clung together and posed for photographs, they wrapped their arms around each other and joined their heads together. „Now kiss you two, this one's going to get a lot of likes and comments on Facebook," bantered Caroline trying hard not to laugh.

„Mum," simpered Laura.

„It's Valentine's Day you two, get into the spirit," encouraged Caroline.

Marina tickled under Laura's chin and down her neck to incite her as Laura turned to look at Marina then back at her mum. „Okay, one for Facebook," acquiesced Laura as she turned to face Marina and joined her lips with hers. After the clicking sound of the phone, Laura and Marina drew their lips apart and smiled at Caroline who quickly took a photo of their smiling faces.

„Well I have all the photos needed," said Caroline putting her phone in her purse. „Group hug?" offered Caroline throwing out her arms and approaching Laura and Marina, who both wrapped their arms around Caroline as she kissed them both. „Enjoy your night you two," beamed Caroline as she prepared to turn towards the door.

„Thank you, enjoy your date mum," thanked Laura, as Caroline turned to wink at her daughter.

Marina watched Caroline open the door and close it behind her, and she took a moment to reflect on the kiss that Caroline gave her, which was still moist on her cheek. She knew that this would be the last time she would see Caroline, but was satisfied that she got to experience a moment of love from her.

„Is dinner still on?" asked Laura.

„Sure is, just got to cook the salmon and dinner will be ready," confirmed Marina.

„Okay, I'll get the table ready and pick out a wine for us," offered Laura.

Marina glanced at Laura's lustrous lips and kissed them, which Laura was taken completely by surprised. They kissed for half a minute, before Laura tried to pull herself away.

„Whoa Marina, we can't let the food go cold," cautioned Laura.

„I know, I better get back in the kitchen," agreed Marina, as her and Laura gave each other three short kisses before breaking away, and tending to their duties.


Laura was in the dining room, laying the table with wicker dinner mats, silverware cutlery and wineglasses. She entered the kitchen to see a smiling Marina dishing up the food on the plate as she selected a bottle of wine in the wine rack.

Marina followed in the dining room with the food, and served Laura's first. She sat opposite of Laura, while Laura was pouring the wine.

„Cheers," toasted Laura.

„Cheers," responded Marina, as the two clanged their glasses and commenced eating.

The food Marina cooked was seared salmon with lentil salad and a slice of lemon on the side. Marina observed Laura cutting a piece of salmon, forking a piece into her mouth and savoring the taste. Laura nodded and commented, „Marina, the salmon is cooked perfectly, well seasoned and melts in your mouth."

„Thank you Laura, I took cooking lessons from Gus, he told me one of the key expressions of love is through good cooking," lectured Marina, while tasting the salmon and savoring the texture. Laura smiled and her eyes sparkled as she took another sip of her wine to sweeten the taste in her mouth.

For dessert, Marina baked a raspberry pink velvet cake with raspberry cream cheese frosting. After Laura took the first mouthful of the soft delicate cake, she liked the taste and texture so much, she went through the whole piece quickly; and was tempted to have another piece.


After dinner, Laura and Marina cleared the table and washed up the dishes, then went into the lounge to watch movies. Laura was not very picky with movies, and didn't have any films in mind, so Marina picked the movies for her.

Marina picked Heavenly Creatures, which Laura agreed to rewatch and give it another chance. During the viewing, Laura and Marina were cuddled up together. They even treated themselves to some varda truffles and tried to finish the rest of the wine.

When it got to the ending where the two lead characters Pauline and Juliet were about to commit matricide, Laura was showing signs of nervousness and anxiety. Her lips were apart, her eyes were wide open and she was shaking.

„Laura, come here," concerned Marina, taking Laura into her lap. Once Laura's head was cushioned on Marina's lap, Marina took the remote and muted the TV. „Close your eyes baby," whispered Marina while stroking Laura's head.

Laura closed her eyes and they both both lay on the sofa and kissed while the murder scene played on the TV screen. Once the screen faded to black, Laura and Marina stopped kissing and looked at a more pleasant sight on the screen, which was the postscript. „I never liked the murder scene either, I never liked seeing the brutal murder they committed and seeing them separate," confessed Marina tearfully, as tears leaked from her eyes.

„Marina please don't, I'm happy I watched it again, watched it with you," soothed Laura, using her hand to wipe the tears from her eyes. She pulled Marina towards her and the two kissed until the whole room illuminated in a bright light emitting from the TV, which was the main menu.

They took out the DVD and then inserted the second film they planned to watch, which was "The Crow", which was recommended by Kobe and he let Marina borrow it. Laura poured Marina and herself another glass of wine, as Marina sat back down and cuddled up next to Laura.

„The Crow" was a revenge film about a betrothed couple, who were murdered by four gangsters. The fiancé comes back from the dead with supernatural powers, and uses his powers to stalk and kill the four gangsters. Laura and Marina found the film to be dark and violent, but also have some humorous moments, especially from the protagonist played by the late Brandon Lee. They both laughed at his punchlines and quirks, including other parts in the film, which weren't intended to be funny.

When Laura and Marina watched the scenes, where the protagonist and his fiancée are shown to have had a happy loving relationship, it induced their urge to kiss and lavish forms of physical intimacy. There were even scenes that made Laura cringe and Marina was there to alleviate her, she even let Laura lie on her lap where she stroked her hair.


After the film had finished and they both praised the movie for its combination of horror, action, comedy and romance, they went upstairs to conclude their romantic night together.

Once in Laura's bedroom, they both had a quick wash in the ensuite bathroom, and changed into their silk gowns. Laura lit red scented candles that were in round bulging glass vessels, which gave a bright red light. Marina took out the poem she wrote for Laura, which Laura did not expect. The poem read:

Oh Laura my darling, oh Laura my everything, oh Laura my love

You are the sun and I am the moon

And what beautiful little spectacles in the sky we loom

You are the sun, the brightest star of them all

You give life to everything, big and small

You warm up the day and you are far away

Oh how you shine, oh how you radiate, oh how you give light

When day turns to night, you descend on the horizon, and the sky turns red

Oh what tears many would shed

I am the moon, and just like the you, I am gone so soon

I am the mysterious of the mysterious, cold and alone

I maybe nothing, but to many, I am something

Some nights I'm crescent, some nights I'm half, but on some nights I'm whole again

If we must be separated, I rotate around the world, lost but not aimless

Waiting for our reunion, so we can become one again

After fruitless orbiting around the world, eventually our world also becomes their world.

And the whole world gathers to celebrate our reunion with us

We draw so close, we fly so close, we become what we want the most.

Our lips touch, our bodies touch, we missed each other so much.

Our souls ignite, oh what a sight, says those who saw the light

We are together as one, we are one, we are eclipse

„Oh Marina that's so romantic, I can't believe you you could write such touching poetry," applauded Laura, clapping her hands and smiling blithely.

„Thank you Laura, glad it has touched your heart. I kind of based it on an Old Prussian folk song," implied Marina.

„Oo tell me about it," bubbled Laura as she slapped her hand down on the bed, beckoning Marina to come and sit next to her. As Marina sat next to Laura with another surprise for her, Laura poured the rest of the wine in the two glasses and handed Marina hers.

„Well it's based on a Lithuanian or Sudovian mythology, which depicts the marriage between the sun goddess named „Saule" and the moon god „Menulis". Menulis had an affair with the goddess of the Morning Star „Ausrine". As punishment, Perkunas the god of thunder separated the sun from the moon for this act of adultery, that's why the sun and the moon come out at different times of the day," narrated Marina.

„Marina that's really fascinating, no wonder how you come up with such material for your creativity," smiled Laura.

„Well I have another surprise for you," announced Marina.

„Oh what is it?" asked Laura.

„Come here," instructed Marina moving, her face close to Laura's who closed her eyes before Marina.

In an act of cunning and swiftness, Marina held Laura's plush kangaroo (which she got from Tyler) in front of Laura's face. Unwittingly Laura's lips met something fluffy, which made her jump back in shock and open her eyes. When she saw what she just kissed, she shrieked upon identifying the kangaroo, which she recognized as her favorite toy from childhood.

„MARINA, YOU FOUND ROO," crowed Laura, taking the kangaroo from Marina's hands and held it in front of her face like it was a diamond she lost but recovered.

„I got it from Tyler, you must have forgot about it," revealed Marina.

„Oh thank you Marina," thanked Laura, wrapping her arms around Marina.

„What's the story behind you and Roo?" asked Marina.

„Well basically I have relatives from Australia, from my mum's side of the family. I visited there with my parents and that's how I got Roo, he looked so cute I begged my parents to get him for me," divulged Laura.

„This is my precious possession from childhood," showed Marina, as she pulled out a old looking dolly and held it in front of Laura.

„Oh Marina it's so cute, does he or she have a name?" wondered Laura, patiently waiting for an answer.

„Alycia, named after Alice from Lewis Carol's Alice in Wonderland," answered Marina.

„Does Alycia have any siblings, pets or friends?" asked Laura playfully.

„No, I don't think she does, think I'm her only family," answered Marina.

„Well," said Laura, moving the kangaroo towards Marina's doll, „You think Alycia and Roo can be friends?"

„I think Alycia would love to be friends with Roo," assumed Marina jovially, drawing her dolly towards Laura's kangaroo.

„Yay," exulted Laura, rubbing Roo's nose on Alycia's, „Look I think they like each other."

„No, I think they love each other," objected Marina, as they both laughed and kissed.

„I think Roo is tired," assumed Laura.

„Yeah I agree, I think it's bedtime for them," said Marina.

Laura got up, went into her closet and fetched out what looked like an empty shoe box. „I think this should be their bed," laughed Laura as Marina laughed too. Once they put Roo and Alycia in the box, they shoved it under the bed and wished them „goodnight".

Laura and Marina began kissing and getting intimate, while still in their silk robes, trying to warm themselves up for lovemaking. This would be the second time they made love, ever since they had their first time on Christmas Day.

„Do you think we'll wake up the kids?" joked Marina.

„No we wont, they are fast asleep under the bed," ensured Laura, as she kissed Marina on the forehead, hugged her head and pressed it into her chest. „Come, lets get naked," enticed Laura as both her and Marina took off their robes and lay on the bed.

Their lovemaking was gentle and passionate like it was last time, but this time it was a little more audacious, and they experimented a little to arouse more acute levels of pleasure. When they climaxed, they were exhausted and relaxed in each other's arms.

„Wow this has been the second time we've done it," chirped Laura breathing heavily.

„This time I'd say was a little more magical," deemed Marina.

„Well last time was our first time, so there wasn't much inclination to experiment," implied Laura.

„Lovemaking is lovemaking, can't be too critical about each time we make love," smiled Marina, kissing Laura on the cheek, who was gazing up at the ceiling.

„You're right Marina, lets not be critics," agreed Laura, turning her head to face Marina and kiss her slowly and softly on the lips, „Lets just be each other's valentines."

Marina smiled and so did Laura as they kissed and cuddled until there was a feint sound coming from downstairs, which sounded like a door opening, it occurred to Laura and Marina that Caroline was back from her date. Laura and Marina decided to relax and not be concerned if Caroline entered the bedroom drunk and wanting to chat with them. Waiting for that possibility to happen, Caroline's footsteps faded into silence, she was upstairs and walking into her room.

„Laura?" asked Marina.

„Yes Marina," answered Laura.

„Do you still think about your birthday last year, when you didn't invite me, do you regret it sometimes?" wondered Marina.

„Marina, of course I do, I regret that I lied and I hurt your feelings. I do think back and predict what would happen if I invited you, but that is the past, we can't keep pondering what could have been or should have been. We have to focus on the positives and enjoy the moment," confessed and lectured Laura.

„You're right Laura, I just hope I'm invited to your next birthday party," hoped Marina.

„Sweetie, of course I would invite you, why wouldn't I? You're my girl, and you belong to me," guaranteed Laura, stroking her girlfriend's bare slightly damp skin.

„Well my birthday is not that long away," announced Marina.

„Are you going to invite me to your birthday?" asked Laura with a smile already knowing what the answer will be.

„Laura, of course I'm going to invite you, you're my girl. Plus, I'm not a revenge type of person," assured Marina.

„You're a good girl Marina, with a big heart. You've learned that it's better to forgive rather than hold onto anger," praised Laura.

„I know, anger has done nothing but poison me and made my life hellish. I don't need anger, I need love, your love," asserted Marina.

„Marina, I need your love too. Ever since we started seeing each other, I've never felt more free and sure of myself, which is why I'm so happy you came into my life," revered Laura.

„Laura, you have restored my faith in humanity, you have given me something I never had before. Without you, I would have never realized my true potential and capabilities. Because of you, I am proud to be me. I am so happy to be alive. I just hope every time we kiss, I wish it would never be the last," cherished Marina.

„Then kiss me, so it will never be the last," suggested Laura with a large smile and eyes closed. Marina kissed Laura, and valued every second. The memory of how big and soft Laura's lips are and how it infused the wonderful feeling called love into her heart. She knew that this was more likely going to be the last kiss she would ever get given by Laura, so she placed her hand on Laura's face to show more affection, and hoped the kiss would never stop.


Later on that night when the candles burnt out, and the whole room was dark with only the moon being the only source of light, Laura was asleep. Marina herself wasn't, as she tried her best not to fall asleep. Because tonight was going to be the night she chooses to make the ultimate sacrifice, which she assumed would save Laura and all those that could get hurt.

Marina was in Laura's arms and close to her face, but she was able to slowly pull herself away and climb out of bed without waking up Laura.

Marina stood at the side of the bed gazing at how peaceful Laura looked when sleeping. The moonlight that shone through the window, illuminated her entire figure, and showed the still smiling face; which Marina made possible by sharing their night of passion and love. The moonlight made Laura look so beautiful, it was enough to make Marina cry, knowing this was going to be the last time she will see Laura in the flesh again.

Marina had the urge to treat herself to one last kiss (or even touch her), but she didn't want to risk waking Laura up. With tears streaming down her eyes, she mouthed without a whisper, „Goodbye Laura, I will always love you."


Marina's Diary 14th of February 2017 (continued)

Here I am, in my resting place. Ready to commit the act that would separate my soul from my body. I knew that someday I would die, but I didn't want it to be so early, especially when I started to enjoy life; and was with the woman I loved and always will.

In an act of heroic sacrifice, I will show Naidiya that I am not like her, and I will not carry out her wish for revenge. I no longer care for my heritage and the honor of my tribe, the tribe and its morals and honor was obliterated centuries ago. Naidiya revived what she could, and shaped it to suit her own purposes, and used others just to achieve her selfish cause. It was always about her and never anyone else, Laura and I would be used. Others would die, those that are not guilty of Teutonic Order's wrongdoings, and that was not something I wanted Laura and I to be a part of. When I am dead, Naidiya wont be able to get me, and I alone have foiled her plans. That way I would give Laura the joyous and prosperous life she deserves.

Before I take my own life, I should conclude this last entry in my diary about my wishes, and last will to my friends and my dearest Laura.

Tyler, my first ever male friend. You have given me hope, taught me social skills and have restored my faith in men. Please try all you can to be happy again, whether it involves finding love to fill the hole in your heart; or just doing whatever makes you happy.

Kobe, I really valued our friendship and the way we bonded over common interests. With all the silly things you got me into. I truly am thankful for, and understood that in order to enjoy life you need to be a little experimental and flirt with things that are dangerous.

Gustavo, without you I would not have been able to cook such a romantic meal for my precious love. Your quirks and quips I would never forget, as they always brought a smile on my face. Out of all the men I have ever made friends with, you are the first male friend who I felt secure with, and brought out the audacity in me.

Isabel, you are the first platonic female friend I've had, which was a friendship I originally wanted. All the fun we had, and all the experiences we shared and reveled in, I will always cherish and hold close to my heart. I hope your knight in shining armor Gustavo will give you happiness and love, which you will both carry until death does you part.

Olivia, I know you may not be too fond of me or even dislike me, I just want you to know that I do not blame you. Laura was your close friend, and you felt that I stole her away from you, which made you jealous. You are not a bad person for being jealous, I was like you one time, which means we both shared the same insecurity. Now that I'm going to depart this world, Laura is now all yours again, you now have your close friend back. All I can say to you Olivia is please be happy, please know that Laura always did care for you despite you felt you were being neglected by her. Don't take things personally, you are only hurting yourself, life is too short to be bitter and dwell on your own misfortunes all the time. Take care Olivia, my dear friend.

Caroline, even though we are not blood related, but when you embraced me for the first time; I experienced what it was like to feel a mother's love. You invited me into your home, fed me and treated me to other hospitality, which I don't think I can ever repay you for. When Laura wakes up and realizes I'm gone and will never return, please be there for her and comfort her, and help her mend her fragile broken heart. Look after my angel, my precious precious love, who I wish nothing more than for her to be happy and be the best she could be.

Laura, what can I say what hasn't been said? My angel, my sister, my princess and all the names I can give you to express how deep my love is for you. I know that upon knowing what I'm about to do to myself would shatter your heart, and would leave you heartbroken and severely traumatized. Please understand that this has to be done. The demon that lies within me will not stop until she has both our souls, which she would use to raise her undead army, which would sweep the entire world and destroy everything in its path.

When I'm gone from this world, know this, I will be watching you and will live forever in your heart. Please go on living and become a psychiatrist, and follow in your father's footsteps. Continue your father's work and help lonely troubled people find themselves, and help them understand that life really is worth living.

The kisses we've shared, the fun we've had together and all the things we had to look forward to, had to come to an end some point when one of us departs this world. I wish it would never end. I long for one last kiss, the chance to see you again and the chance to tell you how much I love you, and see your smiling face. All I can do, is write it in this diary, which will be in permanent text. Laura, I love you, I love you will all my heart and I hope one day we will be reunited in the aftermath. See you in heaven my love.

Anyone who discovers my corpse and finds this diary, please show it to all those who I've acknowledged, when you have to deliver the tragic news. Please make sure they get all the support they need in coping with my death, knowing that I did not mean to hurt them. I love life I really do, but now I know that to be a hero, I must make the ultimate sacrifice for the good of humanity.

Farewell my dear friends, the world and the future is yours.


Marina takes one hard look at her last sentence she'll ever write in her diary, until she closed her diary shut and puts it down.

Alone in this empty room in a long abandoned factory, Marina isolated herself in a small narrow room, which was dark and desolate. There was a chair and above the chair hung a noose, this would be her method of suicide. There was no laptop, which would have been used to carry out the black mirror scrying ritual. This however was just suicide with no ritual, so the laptop wasn't required.

Marina climbed onto the chair and placed the noose around her neck, and tightened it to make sure the noose would successfully choke her. Her heart started to beat as she prepared to step off the chair and dangle herself in the air, until the noose cut off her air supply until she passed away.

The room itself wasn't Marina's ideal place where she wanted to die. She wanted to die in a nice warm bed with Laura by her side, but she knew this would be where she would die and hopefully never be found.

With everything Marina needed to take that one step to death's door, she tried to find the spur and courage to take that one final step. Breathing in and out slowly didn't work, and neither did closing her eyes.

As a last resort to find that needed spur, Marina thought of a Genesis song she would like to have played if she had the chance to play one last song. One thing she always admired about the band, was how their albums always ended with a powerful and eloquent track. She chose the track on the album „Duke" which is titled „Duke's Travel's" where there's a reprisal from the track „Guide Vocal". She played the instruments in her head, the beating drums, the agile and adroit keyboard playing and the howling guitar. While playing the instruments in her head and preparing to sing the lyrics, she decided to direct them to Naidiya in regards to her unceasing grudge and hunger for revenge and power. Licking her lips and filling her lungs with air, she begun to sing:

I am the one who guided you this far,

All you know and all you feel.

Nobody must know my name

For nobody would understand,

And you kill what you fear,

And you fear what you don't understand.

I call you for I must leave,

You're on your own until the end.

There was a choice but now it's gone,

I said you wouldn't understand,

Take what's yours and be damned.

To be continued…