Dearka's flight down to Earth was fine. He forgot how long it was when he wasn't in a ZAFT vessel. He boarded another flight to the Kingdom. Once there, a man in a black suit stood out in the crowd with a board stating Dearka's first initial and last name. Dearka never had this kind of treatment before. He was enjoying this a bit. He made sure not to have a smile as he came off the escalator heading towards the chauffer holding up the sign in the foyer of the airport.

The chauffer led him to a sleek black car. The chauffer opened the door for him while taking his luggage to the back end of the car. When the chauffer got back into the car, he drove Dearka to an estate. It wasn't a mansion or castle, he was thinking. Not even a hotel. The chauffer explained to Dearka that he would be staying at a private bed and breakfast. They let him rest for the day due to the jet lag from traveling. His first official day for the week wouldn't start until the next day.

Everything felt comfortable to Dearka. He had to refrain himself from thinking he was on vacation but it did seem a little like that. The people weren't anxious of a possible third war. Hardly any soldiers in sight. People just enjoying the peace of living. Neutrality was pleasant but Dearka wanted this for the PLANTs. That's where he was born and raised. The chauffer was back to drive him to the estate where Yzak was staying at.

Dearka wore his dark grey jacket over his black and white shirt. The same outfit he wore to escort Athrun in PLANTs with Yzak. The car pulled off to a gate which was in front of a forest. The gate opened when the chauffer showed his card. Dearka saw only trees for a while until they reached a clearing. It was a circular driveway. He stared in awe of the mansion that awaited him. The car parked at the entrance. The chauffer explained that he would pick him up when he was done. Dearka left the car to head towards the elaborate entrance. He turned back around to see the car had already went back. Dearka was about to knock on the door when it opened by the butler.

"Good morning, Mister Elsman," the butler greeted. "We've been expecting you, do come in." Dearka stammered out a greeting while entering. It was luxurious and opulent. The butler closed the door behind him. Dearka had stopped in the entry way, trying to take it all in. He didn't notice the butler starting to walk up the stairs. "This way, Mister Elsman. Please follow behind."

"Oh right," Dearka took a few strides to get to him.

The butler started to walk up the stairs again. "You will be able to meet with Mister Joule soon enough. Please don't venture or snoop in places you're not allowed to be in. I'll show you to the common area. You will be able to spend as much time as you want. You have been granted a week to visit. From there you will need to put in another request to grant your visit." Dearka nodded trying to keep up. "If you need to use the restroom, please call for us, we will escort you to one available."

The butler showed him the waiting common area. A tea set with morning snacks were laid out on a table. "Mister Joule shall be arriving soon, please make yourself comfortable." The butler shut the door as he walked out.

Yzak did not know there was a guest for him. He was about to go for his morning routine when he noticed Mikael was standing by the door for the waiting area. Yzak stopped to notice him.

"Good morning," Mikael greeted. Yzak greeted him back. "You have a guest." Yzak was slightly confused. "Don't worry. It's the good kind. Before you enter, please remember that you cannot speak about things until they speak about them." Mikael reminded him about Sven and his mother. "We're letting you meet with them for a week. Any funny business and well, I'll let your imagination come up with the rest." Yzak nodded to Mikael. He understood the severity of it. "Good. The door will lock behind you. You can only use the restroom when the guest wants to use the restroom. The door will become unlocked once the guest leaves for the restroom. When you reenter the room, the door will lock behind you again. That way, we can keep both sides true." Mikael walked away from the door. "Take as much time as you need."

Yzak headed to the door. He wondered who would be on the other side. Mikael was out of the way, so no one on in the other room could see him. Yzak entered the room, shutting the door behind in one move. He knew right when he caught a glimpse of who it was. He would recognize that person anywhere.

When Dearka heard the door opened, he turned around to see Yzak. The door closed as soon it was opened. Dearka rushed over to him. He placed his hands on either side of his shoulder. "It is so good to see you again!" Dearka started to tear up.

Yzak felt a tug at his heart. His eyes starting to get watery. "I haven't been gone for that long." The two embraced for a quick hug. Dearka didn't want to hurt him as he was still recovering.

"It's been at least two weeks," Dearka reminded him. "I was frantic when you didn't show up to work. Shiho was disagreeing with me on knowing where your whereabouts were. It wasn't a great feeling, not knowing where my best friend and commander was at." Dearka still had his hands on his shoulder. Yzak gave him a small smirk. Dearka pulled him back into a hug. Usually, Yzak would complain about Dearka's hugs from time to time but he let it go this time. Yzak did worry about how they would react when they knew he was gone. Dearka let go. His arms dropping to the sides. "You're still healing right?"

"Getting better," Yzak informed him. "I have a whole gym, pool, sauna, and other amenities to myself. It's getting easier to flex and move again."

Dearka let out a whistle. "I bet. This place is grand. The butler and the chauffer said it was a private mansion."

"It is," Yzak went over to the couch to sit down. Dearka trailed behind him. Still taking the room in. "It's Selena's." Dearka almost tripped. Yzak saw the horror and surprise on Dearka's face. "You're not really here to visit me, are you?"

"No," Dearka sat down. He glanced away.

"I can understand why you came." It wasn't hard for Yzak to figure out. "Besides knowing that I was gone, how did you find out?"

"Lacus showed us the document the Kingdom gave to her," Dearka took a snack. He was a bit nervous this morning. He didn't have a full breakfast. "Kira kept looking for you when you didn't arrive with me. Everyone was in shock. Lacus wasn't, but that's because she already knew. I'm guessing your locked up here."

Yzak grimaced but it was the truth. "They won't say why, but it's basically the truth. You're probably not allowed to tell me how the outside world is doing?"

Dearka knit his brows. "Are you saying you're not getting all the information from what's going on outside?" Yzak stared at him. "You are being held hostage then." Dearka started to get angry but let out a sigh. "You're comfortable here, though?"

Yzak nodded. "Besides all the comfort, I'm confined to this wing. I'm not allowed certain information. I can access the internet but my access to information is limited. I don't dare do anything extreme."

"Speaking of extreme," Dearka took another snack. He had already eaten the first one. "Have you seen Selena?"

"No," Yzak looked away. "I was told she was busy but I would see her soon."

This made it hard for Dearka. He couldn't tell him about what they had found out about her. He looked away from Yzak.

"From your reaction, it may be similar to mine," Yzak spoke up. Dearka looked over to him. "I have found something out about her that I cannot share. It seems the same goes to you."

"Do you think she's an enemy like Athrun says?" Dearka watched his friend struggle with an answer.

"I don't know," Yzak let out an exasperated sigh. "I was told that I was wrapped up in this and not to start unraveling anything yet. They asked me if I saw her as a villain, a liar." Yzak looked away. "She did disguise herself as a ZAFT engineer. She did steal from ZAFT even though ZAFT was stealing from Earth Alliance and LOGOS. She lied about a lot of things. With good reason, without good reason." Yzak stared at Dearka. "I don't know."

"Well, it seems you can't quit her for now," Dearka gave him a small smile. "Even if you're a hostage, you're being pampered. Almost like a caged bird." Yzak frowned a bit but had a small smile too. "Maybe, she wants you all to herself, especially since both of you are older now. Easier to kidnap you when you have experience. She doesn't feel so guilty about taking you away from your dreams when you've already met them." Yzak rolled his eyes. The two continued to banter back and for. It was a nice visit.

The butler came to escort Dearka out after lunch. Since the two would see each other again tomorrow. Dearka followed the butler. He was about to go down the stairs but the butler kept walking straight ahead.

"Follow me, Mister Elsman," the butler called after him. Dearka picked up his pace once again. "Her Highness has granted you a special treat. Before we enter this room, anything in this mansion, must stay in this mansion, do you understand?" Dearka nodded. "Good. When you enter, please take as much time as you would like. If there is anything that becomes inappropriate, this treat won't be available until a certain time. Please do mind your manners." The butler stopped in front of a closed room. "Again, when the door closes, it will be locked. If you need to use the restroom, call for a servant, we will escort you. Mister Elsman, before you enter, please, as stated by Her Highness, please enjoy this."

Dearka nodded slowly. He didn't understand as he opened the door until he saw the two figures inside it. He held his breath as they were familiar. Tears started to fall from his eyes in disbelief. Was this real? He stopped just inside the room, too frozen to move anymore. The butler grabbed the door handle and slowly pulled it close.

"My son!" Tad called out, moving to him quickly.

"Dearka!" His mother called out keeping up the pace with her husband.

Dearka started to move again. The three collided in a group hug, sobbing, and clutching each other close. All those letters Dearka had sent, the private investigators, and his own digging, only to finally leading him here. If he had known they were here all along, he would have gone sooner. It was a while before the three broke apart. They moved to the lounging area his parents were sitting at earlier.

Tad and his wife sat across from Dearka. They wanted to take continue to take him in. He had gotten more mature from the last time they saw him.

"I got every one of your letters," Tad spoke first. His voice gentle and soft. Dearka started to tear up. There was a box of tissues on the table before them. Dearka took one to try to stop the tears. "I'm glad you never gave up. It's good to hear that lots of our children and family never gave up on us."

"Lots of us had choices if we wanted to follow our loved ones," Dearka's mom added. "Not all of us were given the chance, just the immediate ones. Others like you, in your situation, they couldn't ask. We knew that you were strong enough; that even if something did happen to us, you could continue on." She gave him a small smile. "It was a tough choice, but the alternative at the time well, it seemed easy."

"Alternative choice?" Dearka placed down the crumpled up tissue.

Tad and his wife glanced at one another. "Gilbert threatened those who were a Zala Zealot. If they didn't comply with him, his so called threat of house arrest was a ruse. There was a worse punishment. He told us possible death. We didn't know that we actually had been saved instead," Tad explained. "Her Highness saved all of us." Dearka was shocked. "We were all ready to meet our maker when we showed up here instead."

"All of us had to go through rehabilitation," his mother continued to add on. "Some of us got out of there sooner than others, but it was something all of us had to do. We all became citizens of the Kingdom. Your father is back to doing what he enjoys without constraints and is really making a difference." She squeezed his arm that she was clutching onto. "We've all gotten accustomed to this place. I can see why the neutral nations wanted to keep it that way."

"Larayah is right," Tad patted her hand he was holding. "PLANTs will forever be a special place in our hearts but the Kingdom is our home now. It's a place where we actually got a second chance. We're very thankful to Her Highness. Even now. We had no idea you were coming here, until recently. We couldn't say a word to you even though we were alive and well. None of us could. Her Highness will allow us when the right time comes."

"Right time?" Dearka looked between them.

"That's one of the stipulations," Larayah explained. "Even thought your father and I were more neutral or at least becoming neutral during the First War, we still got thrown in with the rest of them. We agreed to go through with it, since it was better than the alternative, but there was a catch. We couldn't contact our loved ones, family members, or friends until Her Highness gave us permission."

"Its been years!" Dearka exclaimed.

"We know," Tad was somber. "Thankfully, she worked with us. The High Chancellor is the one who allows us to receive information on our loved ones. Every letter may have been sent back to you, but I have a copy of each one in our house. I reread them when times get tough. I get information about your service in ZAFT."

"It really scared us when they had talks about coming down on you and Yzak," Larayah jumped in. "Its supposed to be a volunteer military but they still carry out the harsh rulings. All you did was follow orders, and when orders became morally wrong, they punished you for having the courage to go against them! Ugh!"

A maid knocked upon the door, entering. The three looked over to her. "Dinner is served. Please follow me." She turned around to head back out.

Dearka looked back to his parents. The two smiled. "What?" Tad stood up. "Do you really think we were just going to just sit and speak with one another all this week? Her Highness has granted us more than just meeting up like this. We can have meals together as a family, once again."

Dearka started to tear up again. His thoughts about Selena being the enemy started to become hazy. He didn't want to think about that now. He only wanted to be back with his family. Larayah came over to him. "My little Diakka!" She wiped away his tears. "Grown up to be a great man. Strong build, great mentality. So handsome! How come you don't have a girlfriend?!"

"Mom!" Dearka started to blush.

"We heard you dated a lady who had just lost her boyfriend in the First War," Tad shook his head. "I applaud you for your courage but you still have a lot of growing up to do in some aspects."

"D-dad!" Dearka flinched. Tad and Larayah laughed.

"When you can, come visit us more," Larayah wrapped her arm around her son's arm. She stared at him with her bright, golden eyes. "I bet you will find a lovely lady here to be your girlfriend."

The three followed behind the maid to head downstairs to a private dining room on the same side of the wing. The three enjoyed meeting up once again. After dessert the three parted ways as they knew they would be able to meet up once again the next day.

When Dearka came the second day, he was led to the same room. Yzak was already there, lounging on the couch reading a book. Snacks and tea were already placed upon the table. The two didn't greet one another even when Dearka sat down.

Yzak kept reading his book. "I had them bring cucumbers and ice."

"Thank you," Dearka took them. He laid down on the couch, placing two slices over his eyes. "How did you know?"

"I may be locked in this place," Yzak explained. "But I can still look out windows. You left really late. And if you were given the same treatment as I was, then I know you must have had a nice reunion."

"And now I can see why you don't want to unravel anything," Dearka let out a sigh. He wasn't in formal clothing this time. He was wore a brown puffer vest with lots of pockets over an orange t-shirt with two stripes running from one shoulder down to the opposite hip. One stripe was a light blue the other was blue. He had on green cargo pants and brown lace up boots to match is vest. "It's conflicting."

Yzak had a small smirk. "Almost like paradise."

"Almost like she's the Snow Queen," Dearka mused. "Didn't Sven used to call her that?"

"Since Athrun and the rest believes she's a villain, fitting, isn't it?" Yzak flipped a page.

"Do you really believe she is?" Dearka asked.

"If we keep trying to figure it out, we'll get headaches," Yzak spoke from experience. "Instead, enjoy your time here. I don't know what's going on with the rest of the world but from your demeanor yesterday, it doesn't seem good."

"And you?" Dearka asked.

"I'm not unraveling anything as of yet," Yzak smiled. "But I am trying to gather more information."

"What's the information you have so far?" Dearka grabbed one cucumber. He bit half of it. He placed it under his eye. He did the same to the next one.

"Black chess set will always win," Yzak informed him. "A game has never been lost." Dearka didn't respond to hearing that information. Yzak didn't know if he knew Selena was the one who threatened Lacus and Kira. "I don't know what I will do when it comes down to the wire. I would like to think that I will choose the right decision."

Dearka glanced over to him to see his face. He noticed the book he was reading. It was a book about psychology and warfare. Dearka turned his head back. "That's an interesting choice."

"If I am to be locked inside like princess in a fairytale," Yzak explained. "I might as well make use of it."

Dearka let out a chuckle. "I wonder which fairytale she likes the most? My guess is a mixture of them."

Yzak paused. When he was allowed access to the library by Sven, he had thought the same. Sven had informed him that Selena was not allowed to fairytales like that unless required such as performing the ballet to them. Instead, Selena grew up with the original fairytales and legends. Sven had become somber when recalling that fact. Yzak read all of those books first. He wanted to know what it was like, seeing if he could glimpse into a part of her life she hardly revealed to others.

Dearka wanted to ask Yzak this question while he saw him again. "If Selena married someone else, how would you react?"

"Hm?" Yzak looked over to him. He saw that Dearka was eyeing him. Yzak went back to looking at the book. They had been over this before but for Dearka to bring it up again, he must have been concerned. "Gatlin and I both agreed that if Selena had the choice to love and marry someone, we wouldn't interfere. Gatlin and I also agreed that if was just between the three of us, we wouldn't fight for her love. If we did, we would no longer be thinking of her and instead our egos. Her feelings are just as important. Him and I both know that whoever becomes her fiancé, she would try giving him a chance, hoping she could love him."

Dearka thought about Yzak's words. He wondered how Yzak would take it if he knew who Selena was engaged to.

Later on, Dearka met with his parents once again. Dearka never brought up that Yzak was in the other wing. He concluded that they didn't know he was there. It was best to keep thing separate. Yzak knew about them as he stated having a similar reunion. Dearka did the same as Yzak. He stopped trying to think is Selena was good or evil. He just kept going with the flow.

Over the week, Yzak and Dearka caught up on everything that they could willingly speak about. Yzak wished Dearka the best of luck since he would still be in charge until he returned. The two hugged since they didn't know when they would see each other again. The two wouldn't be able to contact each other. Dearka's last meal with his parents was just as teary as his reunion. His mother had a bag of gifts for him. Tad gave him a couple gifts as well. Dearka didn't have anything but his parents soothed him. Meeting like this again was the best gift of all.

Dearka's flight back to the PLANTs was cancelled. He had been flown to Orb instead due to an emergency Terminal meeting. Dearka didn't know about the skirmish between the Minerva and the mysterious Archangel.

He sat around the meeting table with Andrew, Athrun, Cagalli, Murrue, and Mu. On the screens was Lacus and Kira. They informed Dearka about the recent attack and how the crew were doing. Dearka was stunned about the skirmish. He was looking over the pictures and documents while they discussed the casualties and what could happen next.

"It's good to have you back Dearka," Athrun looked to him. "How is Yzak doing?"

"He's doing fine," Dearka explained, looking up occasionally. "He's basically a hostage but he's getting the best treatment for his injuries. Almost fully healed."

"Did he see the princess?" Athrun asked the next question all of them were wanting to know.

Dearka shook his head. "No. He's been told that she's busy but he will see her soon." Dearka didn't like where this was going. He could sense that this was only confirming that Selena had become the enemy.

"Where is he being held at?" Andrew asked next.

"A private estate," Dearka didn't lie. "Hidden in a forest."

"Then that confirms it," Athrun spoke again. He took the picture of the silvery white ZAKU. He tossed it to the middle of the table. "Selena was the one piloting."

Dearka jerked his head up. "How does that confirm anything?!" He looked to Athrun, questioning his accusation. The rest of the group flinched back. "We've only seen pictures of her engagement. We've seen pictures of the clone pilot. How do we know that Selena actually piloted that ZAKU?"

Athrun wondered about Dearka's trip to the Kingdom, if it had affected his emotions. "It's the most likely answer."

"But there is no evidence," Dearka wasn't going to point the finger at Selena unless there was proof.

"Did you forget why you went to the Kingdom?!" Athrun countered. "You and Yzak both have not seen Selena. There are pictures of Selena becoming engaged with the enemy. I don't like it either, but that's how it's becoming."

Dearka scoffed. "You have been making her the villain this whole time."

"Give us examples when she hasn't been the villain," Athrun rebuffed. "Tell us all any evidence you have that makes Selena on our side?" Dearka looked away. He couldn't say anything. "Exactly." Dearka hated this feeling. He looked back to Athrun, glaring. Athrun was surprised but then glared back. "It seems that you have strong feelings about this. Care to explain yourself."

What could Dearka say? He glanced away. "You're right," he looked back to Athrun. "I do have a lot of strong feelings about this, biased actually. You can put me on a need to know basis." The group was confused on where he was going. "I will continue to support ZAFT and the PLANTs but during my stay in the Kingdom, I took a bribe." Dearka spoke the truth. He also did not want to continue an argument with Athrun.

There were gasps and shocked expressions. "What was the bribe?" Mu asked.

"I cannot say," Dearka explained. "However, I wasn't the only one who took the bribe, Yzak did too." It was a delayed echo of the same gasps and expressions. "Say what you will, but I don't regret taking the bribe, and neither does Yzak."

Athrun was perplexed. Andrew was curious. The rest were still in shock.

"The bribe was that good that both of you took it, huh?" Athrun couldn't believe the two would do that.

Dearka smirked. "What was it that Commander Le Creuset liked about Yzak and I? Oh yeah, its because we weren't model soldiers."

"And that's what you have to say in response?" Athrun hated that Commander Le Creuset preferred Yzak and Dearka over him and Nicol.

"It is," Dearka nodded. "If you were in the same situation, you would have chosen the bribe as well."

"No, I would not!" Athrun rebutted. "You were supposed to go to the Kingdom to do recon, and you took a bribe from the enemy instead!"

"She's not the enemy!" Dearka raised his voice.

"ENOUGH!" Andrew yelled over them to stop their bickering. "Athrun's right on this one." Dearka felt shock before defeat. Athrun gave him a smug look. The rest were curious as to why Athrun was right. "I hate that it has come to this, but Athrun's right on all the evidence is pointing to that the Princess is now our enemy. She is the one piloting the ZAKU. How I know? I'm the only one who has been beaten by her multiple times." Andrew stared at the picture. "I had been beaten by her through a simulation. Each time I lost; she would try a weaker machine. The last simulation, I was beat by a tank. From there, I wanted redemption. I read every book on warfare, psychology, tactics, you name it. I rewatched those simulations. Picking it apart. Tried to gather information on her battling others. I became the Desert Tiger due to my infamous war tactics. Priming myself to be a better tactician, just to win against her once. When Kira came along and I found out he was similar to her, I got cocky. I thought it was time. If I could beat Kira, someone similar to her, I could beat her then. Look where it got me." The rest of the group stayed silent. "That's the Princess. She has become our enemy."

The group continued on about details and information they still needed. They all agreed to have Dearka sit out on the rest of the Terminal meetings due to his recent actions. After the group dispersed, Andrew was waiting outside for Dearka.

"Hey," Andrew looked over to him. "Can we talk?" Dearka nodded. He followed him to a little outdoor patio. Andrew sat down. Dearka sat next to him. "I know you and Athrun don't get along from time to time. So, you took a bribe from the Princess?" Dearka looked away, waiting for the scolding. "Must have been a damn good bribe." Dearka looked over to him in surprise. "She has good bribes. I probably would have taken it too." Andrew looked over to him. "I know how it looks, but the Princess is different. Athrun's right on her being the enemy. All evidence is pointing to that. However, I know enough to know that something is fishy going on. I studied her tactics as much as I can. So, why don't you tell me what you can between you and Yzak, along with your visit to the Kingdom." Dearka was silent for a bit. "I have my own thoughts on the Princess and what she's doing. You can trust me."

Dearka explained the whole story to him of what he could tell. Andrew only listened until he was finished. There was silence between the two of them for a while. Dearka looked around his surroundings, waiting for Andrew to speak. It was a lot to take in.

"Hm, so Yzak was told not to unravel anything," Andrew finally spoke. "Sounds fair." Dearka looked at him with confusion. "It was a good choice for you to take a step back." Andrew grabbed something in his pocket. It was a note. He gave it to Dearka. "This is a secure line." Dearka was surprised as he took the paper. "All three had connections to PLANTs. Princess Anita had Gilbert. Princess Selena had the most but Rau was her main connection." Andrew started to get sentimental. "Prince Sven had me." Dearka was taken aback. He had no idea. "It was Prince Sven who introduced me to his twin. It was there that she beat me through the simulations. It was Prince Sven who showed me the side of the Berserkers. Prince Sven only wanted to protect his sister." Andrew looked over to Dearka. "Somehow, I get the feeling you and Yzak want to do the same." Dearka flinched. "Your secret is safe with me. I don't know if Rau rubbed off on you two but it was the same with Rau." Dearka scrunched his eyebrows. "Rau had a bit of obsession but that didn't mean he wasn't protective of her either. The Princess is leading us. We need to follow her." Andrew stared at Dearka as if the two were back as acting supervisory commander and a red suit. Dearka nodded.