Laura: I'm sorry you had to find out about your father that way.

Nikolas: Well, he just wanted us to be safe. I mean, he let Gia and me go, he didn't have to, but he did.

Mac: Laura? Scott? You're next.

Laura: We'll talk, all right? When you feel ready.

Nikolas: Absolutely. {Laura walks away and Taggert walks over to Gia}

Taggert: Sis? Can we have a moment?

Gia: Now?

Taggert: Very much now. {They step aside}

Stefan: {Walks over to Nikolas} Nikolas, I know this might not be the most appropriate time, but I want to tell you how proud I am of you.

Nikolas: I love you, uncle. I'm just glad that things are -- well, you know what? I shouldn't say that they're back to the way they used to be because nothing is like it was anymore.

Stefan: Listen, you are still the heir. That is as it should be. This family has never needed you more.

Nikolas: Uncle, that is the one thing that has not changed. I want nothing to do with this family.

Stefan: I know something that might change your mind.

~*~

Nikolas: Uncle, I have seen and done things I never thought I was capable of, and it changed me. I saw what they did to my father, and I -- I won't let that happen to me.

Stefan: Nikolas, don't you see that it's that very experience that has prepared you to reclaim your place? You can change this family. You take the Cassadine name and make it stand for something. You don't have to run from it anymore.

~*~

Taggert: You pull one more stunt like that and I'm going to handcuff you to my wrist to keep you out of trouble, ok? And as far as that little rich brat kid --

Gia: Ok, you know what? Not another word about Nikolas. Nikolas believed in me when no one else did, when I didn't even believe in myself. You know, in fact, I think I've been away from him for just a little bit too long. {Grabs handcuffs and goes over to Nikolas}

Taggert: Gia -- excuse -- ahem.

Nikolas: {Gia handcuffs herself to Nikolas} What's -- what's this about?

Taggert: I -- I don't know what it's about, but whatever it is, it's going to take a while because I have no idea where the keys are to those cuffs. {He walks off}

Gia: Fine by me.

Nikolas: {Smiles} I'm not complaining.

~*~

Gia: {Taggert is trying a few different keys to get the cuffs off} It was a joke. I mean, you all know that, right? My heart was in the right place.

Taggert: Yeah. But the key isn't. Apparently, neither is your brain when it comes to little prince charming here.

Gia: Did you listen to anything that I said?

Taggert: Every word. Oh, I especially love the part about the demented father using an alias to track you for months to find out information about Nikolas. That really reassured me.

Gia: But I am fine now. Nikolas saved me.

Taggert: I'll make you a deal. I'll keep looking for the key, you keeping for a little common sense.

Nikolas: See you, Taggert. You know, we don't need handcuffs to stay together.

Gia: Well, I'm just making sure.

Stefan: Nikolas, the commissioner is working on dismissing all charges. In the meantime, I'm free to go.

Nikolas: Well, it's about time.

Stefan: {Sees the handcuffs} If you're free --

Nikolas: Yeah.

Stefan: I have someone I want you to meet.

Nikolas: Listen, uncle, it's late and I'm tired and I'm not quite in the mood.

Stefan: Listen, just bear with me. In the midst of all this chaos, Alexis shared something with me. It was an unexpected gift, you might say. I'd like to share it with you.

Nikolas: What are you talking about?

Stefan: Alexis and I have a sister. Her name is Kristina.

~*~

Gia: {On her cell phone} I promise Nikolas and I will come back the minute you find the key. Just call me on my cell, Marcus. {Turns to Nikolas} He's still looking for the key. I'm sorry.

Nikolas: It's ok. I've been in worse situations.

Stefan: Nikolas, I realize you're dealing with a lot right now, but our family is changing for the better. And I hope that when you meet Kristina, you'll see that.

Nikolas: So what's she like?

Stefan: I've only met her a couple of times myself, but -- she's kind. She's intuitive. You judge for yourself. Come on. {They walk inside the gatehouse}

Gia: Well, it seems like she knows a lot of people in town. Which one is she?

Stefan: Alexis?

Alexis: Kristina is trying to get me to loosen up. You're next.

Stefan: Oh, I don't think so.

Nikolas: You're hot. What can I say?

Stefan: Where is she?

Alexis: Right there. Kristina. Woo.

Stefan: Hello.

Kristina: Hi. {She hugs Stefan}

Stefan: Oh, hi. How are you?

Kristina: I'm good.

Stefan: There's someone I want you to meet. This is your nephew, Nikolas.

Kristina: Nice to meet you.

Nikolas: {Shakes Kristina's hand} You, too, aunt Kristina, I guess --

Kristina: Oh, no, no, no, no. It's just Kristina. It's like if would call you Nicky.

Nikolas: Oh, I see.

Kristina: Come here. {She hugs him}

Nikolas: It's great to meet you.

Gia: And I'm Gia. I'm with him.

Kristina: What, are you his arresting officer or his girlfriend?

Nikolas: A little of both.

~*~

Gia: Are you sure she's related to you?

Nikolas: Hey, I am extremely musically inclined. I mean, you know --

Gia: No, it's more than that. I mean, Kristin's happy, she's up, and, well, she obviously has a sense of humor. She just seems completely normal, and doesn't fit the Cassadine profile.

Taggert: {Comes in} Ahem. I found the --

Gia: Oh, thank god. You're the best.

Taggert: You first. {Unlocks the handcuffs}

Gia: Hey! Ow.

Taggert: You and I -- we're going to have to have a talk about my sister, Mr. Cassadine, real soon.

Nikolas: I'm ready when you are, Taggert.

Alexis: Everyone, could I have your attention, just for a minute? Thanks. I just wanted to propose a toast. To some very heroic people, a few of whom I have the very good fortune of being related to, and to some others who never gave up hope. I wouldn't be here without you. So -- to a new era of Cassadines, to a good and loving people, and to light and to hope. May the curse of darkness that has shadowed us for so long be lifted forever.