AN:

So... this fic has actually been in my head for awhile. Ever since we learned Rebbecca was conning Nikolas I have wondered 'How would Helena react?' No doubt Nikolas' grandmother is crazy but in a good way. Well as long as you don't hurt Nikolas. From that this fic was eventually born.

It's going to be a little dark in places. (hence the title) I actually like the dark brooding Cassadine side of Nikolas. I also like Elizabeth isn't scared by it.

This fic picks up during early August 2009. Nikolas and Elizabeth have kissed several times but it hasn't gone any further. Ethan never told Lucky about him and Rebbecca. And as always let me know if you have questions.

Hope you enjoy!


The Dark Side

Prologue

Elizabeth did not know why she was here. Nothing. Absolutely nothing good could ever come from this meeting. If Elizabeth had any sense at all, she would turn around and go home. Of course, she did not intend to do that. To start with, she had initiated the meeting. How would it look if she didn't show up? That brought her to the next reason; Helena Cassadine was not someone to be messed with. Elizabeth knew that better than most people did.

Why? Oh, why had she thought this was a good idea? Nikolas. He was the reason Elizabeth had set up a meeting with Helena. The woman was crazy and possibly evil but there was no denying she loved Nikolas.

Damn Rebecca and Ethan! If it were not for their stupid actions, she wouldn't be here. When she found out about their con, Elizabeth was shocked. Well for a moment. Perhaps it was the reason Elizabeth could never fully trust Rebecca especially once she started dating Nikolas. No. That was not completely true. She hated Rebecca more because Nikolas wanted to be with her. Something Elizabeth herself secretly longed for.

Who knew that a few stolen kisses would turn everything upside down? She should know better particularly after Jason. Elizabeth never wanted to go down that road again. And not with Nikolas. She didn't want to lose their friendship. However, that didn't prevent her from thinking about him.

The door opened slowly pulling Elizabeth from her thoughts. "Miss Webber, Madame is quite anxious about your meeting."

"I'm sure she is." Elizabeth mumbled not waiting to think about what an anxious Helena looked like. She looked around the lavish suite. Elizabeth had to admit Carly and Jax really went all out when decorating the rooms.

"Baby's Breath it is so nice to see you again." Jerry said pouring himself a drink at the bar.

Elizabeth shook her head at the older Jack brother. "Now why am I not surprised you're working with Helena?"

"Because unlike some people she recognizes genius when she see it."

"More she found out what you did to Nikolas and is making you pay." Elizabeth countered doubting Jerry's story.

"I always knew you were a bright girl." Helena said entering the room. The conversation she had walked in on caused her to smile. Ms. Webber it seems had grown in to a fine woman. Not only that but she still seemed devoted to her grandson. Perhaps she could use this situation to her advantage. "Now what is this about?"

"Nikolas." she answered simply.

"Of course it is." Helena said waving Elizabeth's first answer. "You wouldn't come here otherwise. What has my dear grandson gotten himself into?"

Elizabeth took a deep breath before answering the woman's question. "I'm sure by now you heard about Emily's twin sister. She and Ethan, Luke's son, their conning Nikolas."

"You seem quite sure about this."

"I should be I overheard them talking." she said with a shrug. Elizabeth did not want to imagine what would happen if Helena thought that, she was lying. The older woman could be deadly under the right circumstances.

"This con artist Rebecca Shaw, she's the one Nikolas is cavorting around with?" Helena asked thrilled when Elizabeth nodded. "Then that must be the reason Nikolas didn't believe you."

"I never said that," she denied immediately.

"You didn't have to. We both know you wouldn't be here if Nikolas was thinking clearly." Helena pointed out to the younger woman. She could not help but wonder why her grandson has such horrible taste in woman. Once this mess was properly dealt with that would be her next project.

"I don't want him hurt."

"Of course not." Helena agreed enjoying the display of loyalty. Maybe it was time to shock Ms. Webber just a bit. "Although I do have to wonder if you are not motivated in part by your feelings for my grandson."

"Nikolas is my friend..."

"No dear I meant the kisses you shared."

"How did you..." Elizabeth started to asked chocked that anyone let alone Helena knew about that. That was until she realized something important. "You already knew about all this."

"Of course. I was simply waiting on Jerry here to provide me with the details. Which you have just done."

"What happens now?" Elizabeth asked suddenly feeling sorry for Rebecca.

"Why don't you leave that to a professional Luv?" Jerry told the young woman in a sinister voice.