Chapter 2- Requiem for a Dream

Vision slowly returned to Trey's eyes, as his eyes slowly flickered open. All around him, he saw white walls, heard a variety of beeping sounds, and felt warmth. He rose up, finding himself lying on a white hospital bed. Trey grunted as he rose into a sitting position, moaning as his entire midsection radiated with pain.

"You'll want to stay lying down." A doctor said, bringing over some medication.

"Where am I anyway?" Trey asked lying down.

"You're in the Ikaruga, sir. We found you alone, and severely hurt and dehydrated."

"ugh, what happened anyway?"

"Our intelligence told us that a FLEIJA was launched, they completely destroyed Pendragon."

"What! But then that means," Trey paused for a second to compose himself "Did you see any kids around? I was travelling with some orphans…"

"I'm sorry, Mr Faulkner, there was no one there."

Trey's heart seemed to stop. Everything he'd ever known, from Cinkerman, to his home, to the only thing he had that could be considered a family, was gone. It was all taken away from him by the Britannians, and the emperor, Lelouch.

"Well, what do I do now?" Trey asked.

"You might want to go to the Bridge, there are a few people who would like to see you."

After Trey spent a few more minutes recovering and getting ready, he made his way to the Bridge. Upon arriving, he saw a variety of soldiers, leaders, and important looking people.

"Aahh, Trey Faulkner! We've been expecting you." A man said directing him to the main area of the bridge. "I'm Kaname Ohgi, and I'd like to welcome you to the flagship of the Black Knights."

"Thanks" Trey said, shaking his hand. "I have to say, I wasn't expecting this kind of reception."

"Well, you are the only survivor of this disaster, so we figured you'd be able to tell us everything you know about it."

Trey was taken to a briefing room, where he recounted his story. He told them about the light, the death, and of course, all that he had lost. After he had poured his heart out to them, Trey sat back, and let his mind wander. Why did Schneizel bomb his own capital? Why would he consciously slaughter all of those people? Either way, Trey had a reason to live now. Before, his life was so hollow. His desire to help people seemed so faint, so inexistent. But now, seeing his own people slaughtered, seeing his loved ones die, Trey was adamant that he would not let anyone else feel the pain that he did.

Meanwhile, Ohgi, listening to the interview, let out a grimace as another man took his place beside him. In all of the time that he had known him, Ohgi was still taken by his appearance. His hair was quite long, reaching down to the middle portion of his back, tied in a traditional way expected of the Chinese Federation. He wore dark blue and purple clothes, fitted to represent a battle suit. Xing Ke took his place beside Ohgi to hear the account of Trey's Events.
"So, it seems like Schneizel is rising up against Lelouche, huh?" Xing Ke remarked, looking in on the briefing room.

"Yeah, it seems that way. What should we do?"

"Most likely Schneizel will call on us to help him with the assault. Either way, I think it's in our best interest to join up with him. That way we can call on their forces, as well as our own."

"Sounds good I guess. I can get the troops ready to move in a few hours."

"You do that. In the mean time we need to decide on what to do with Mr Faulkner here."

Inside Trey' mind, a war was going on. Countless questions were flying through his mind. He had no clue what he should do, to leave and find his own fate, or ally himself with terrorists.

"it's you, I found you. I…"

Trey looked around in confusion. A girl's voice just resonated around his mind, filling his very consciousness. Her voice sounded scared, and alone.

"What's the matter?" his interviewer asked.

"Didn't you hear that?"

"Hear what?"

Trey knew it was pointless. A voice like that, most likely he'd find it soon.

"Look, I've told you everything you need to know, unless you have any other questions?"

"No, it's fine. We don't need to know anything else." As the interviewer left, Trey was still thinking. If the voice he heard was real, then that means that someone needs him. Trey knew what he needed to do.

"I'd like to join the Black Knights!" Trey announced to Ohgi and Xing Ke.

"Wait, what?" of course they were both quite stunned.

"I have skills to offer. I'm a talented strategist, I can pilot a knightmare with some proficiency, and I'm a talented engineer. You could use me!"

Xing Ke thought for a second. If this was true, then the black knights could use him against Lelouch, at least in the Engineering Corps. "Fine, I'll give you your chance. Meet up with Rakshata in the Engineering Corps, it's on the lower levels."

"Thanks sir, I won't let you down!" Trey said, heading off to the Engineering Corps.

"Xing ke, what was that?"

"I can see something in him. He's a warrior."

"How can you tell?"

Xing Ke looked back, and smiled. "Because he's like me."

Trey entered the Engineering Corps, and was greeted by the sound of screwdrivers, buzzsaws, and many other tools. The Black Knights sure had a good selection of tools. He could see the best brands, and high quality performance tools, and decided that he'd have fun here. "So, you're the new recruit, right?" a voice inquired from behind him. A startled Trey spun around only to see a young, Indian lady, dressed in a whiter labcoat, over a red blouse and ordinary jeans. "I'm Rakshata Chawla, and I'm hoping that you'll be able to keep up." At that, Rakshata led him over to the Guren Eight Elements and gestured to it.

"Ok, newbie, answer a question for me then. The Guren is processing a Class D resonation failure. The Sakuradite spread through the limbs is reacting to the Gefjon Net seated in the Guren's left gauntlet. How do we reverse the polarity of the discharging Gefjon particles and therefore stabilise the system's energy output?"

"Jeez, start off with an easy question, huh?" Trey paused just that amount of time needed to see Rakshata raise a quizzical eyebrow. Then he continued. "Look, all you need to do is set the Gefjon control field's output settings to 3.675 % output, then increase the Sakuradite flow through the right gauntlet. The flow will start a chain reaction, producing Sakuradite-Oxide, which should provide an opposite reaction to the Guren's left gauntlet, re-establishing the balance.

"Wow, impressive. It seems like you may have a future here in Research and Development. The knightmares you'll find in the top wing, any tools you require can be found in the chest over there, and in case you need any help, please ask me, or anyone in my team.

Three hours later, Rakshata returned to the workshop, only to find something quite unexpected. She looked into the workshop to see a custom Burei, one of the older generation versions, with many parts of its internal structure pulled out and on the ground beside it. She looked over to see Trey ripping it part and taking various parts of it to the workbench, where he was working. Trey peered over from where he was working and saw her.
"oh, hey Rakshata! Just working on a little project. I figured out a new algorithm for the Radiant wave system, as well as a new way to distribute Sakuradite through the frame. I'm using to make a new Knightmare out of scrap."

"Hmm, interesting. How have you figured out the Resonance problems?"

The interview continued for quite some time. Slowly, Rakshata was seeing Trey's brilliance. The new knightmare he created broke all of the limitations of previous generations, and could only be described as incredible.

"The best part is, this is only a quick prototype. I implemented some new technology onto an old Burei, but if I get some more time, I'll be able to make an all new Knightmare, which I will implement all of this new technology on."

"Well, I must say I'm impressed. Where did you find these parts?"

"I asked around for stuff people weren't using. Some of them I made myself. I'm gonna finish up building, then ask Xing Ke if I can join the fighting."

"Wait, you're going to fight in this thing?"

"Yep, she looks ready to go."

Rakshata smiled. His energy, his love for research and science, it reminded her so much of her education days. She gave him a smile. Good luck then, Trey. I hope you don't die, we have lots of work to do if this design's going to work."

A few hours later, the Black Knights started to move towards Mount Fuji, to begin their assault against Lelouch. Xing Ke was overlooking the movement when…

"Hey, General Xing Ke!" Trey shouted, running up to him.

"Hey, Mr Faulkner, what do you need?"

Trey led him to the engineering Corps, where he showed him the new Knightmare. "Master Xing Ke, I'd like permission to fight using this Knightmare, which I have called "Laminas", the Blade of Britannia."

Xing Ke considered, then he spoke "Trey, I like you, I really do. In you, I see that you have a desire to help people, and your soul is strong. Therefore, I'll support you fighting for us. Just promise that you'll stay loyal, and I'll back you."

"Thank you sir!" Trey said excitedly, packing up his stuff and following the convoy.

The next day, everyone was in position, as the battle was about to begin. As they reached Mount Fuji, that's when they saw it. A great battle was raging between Schneizel and Lelouch.

"Let's back him up, Black Knights!" Xing Ke shouted, beginning the battle. From the south face of Mount Fuji, the Black Knights began their charge. They ran in as a supreme force crushing the resistance of Lelouch's soldiers. At the spearhead of the attack stood Kyoshiro Toudou and Li Xingke. As Trey prepared his Knightmare for flight, he heard the sound of war, the crushing sounds of death. He knew that now more than ever, he needed this Knightmare to perform perfectly.

"Energy Output?" Rakshata checked, using the control station.

"Check."

"Alternative VARIS rifles?"

"Armed and Ready"

"Ok, everything seems right. Prepare the float system."

The knightmare hummed as its energy began to flow through its frame.

"Knightmare frame: Laminas… now launch!"

At that, Trey inserted the key, and he was off. The immense energy from the Hybrid Sakuradite core surged through, giving an energy output more powerful than any Burei. The float system started up, ad he launched from the pad at such a speed. In a flash he was out into battle, and he was taking every opportunity he got.

C.C.'s POV

As I launched out in my Lancelot Frontier, I began to fight against Schneizel's forces. His infantry were no match for our troop's undying loyalty, and slowly, we pushed to tide of the battle back. My knightmare hummed with power as I ripped through the infantry. Then, the black Knights appeared. I could see Xing Ke's Shen Hu, and decided it would be for the best to avoid that Knightmare. Then, I saw it. A knightmare unlike anything I'd ever seen.

It had the frame of a Burei, but it was altered to such an extent, it didn't even show. It had no float system, but rather a set of grooves running down the knightmare's body, and from that, energy poured out, keeping it afloat. Replacing the float system's pack on its back were two automated VARIS rifles. It had 10 slash harkens, rather than the usual two, 4 around the chest area, 4 evenly spaced around the back, and 1 on each wrist. It also seemed they all had Harken Boosters, allowing for extra control over the harkens. In its hand, it held two energy swords, glowing a dark red colour. The Knightmare was painted black and red, and seemed dangerous.

In a flash, the knightmare dashed forward, the VARIS rifles firing at enemy knightmares, lightning fast. At the same time, the pilot was controlling the harkens to a great effect, spinning them in a circular motion all around him, giving him much more space and crushing any knightmare within a 10 metre radius of it.

Who was that pilot? How could he be able to control that many functions at once, and at the speed he was going? The only pilot I'd seen with that kind of hand eye coordination was Lelouche, when he was using the absolute defense system on the Shinkiro.

Either way, my Knightmare is much stronger, I have to destroy that threat.

Trey's POV

"Sorry I'm late everyone. The Laminas is here!"

At once, I launched forward, spinning in a manner I gained from the Four Holy Swords, and made my Slash Harkens assume the spinning Life or Death formation. At the same time, my comrades were under attack, so I used my other hand to control the VARIS's shots. To be honest, I have my eye on that Pink Lancelot frontier frame.

At once I retract my Harkens and spin, aiming a kick at the Frontier's face, only to be dodged.
"Perfect" I say, as I launch the 4 chest harkens to wrap around the frontier.

Neutral POV

C.C. grunted as the Harkens struck the frontier. Trey brought it in, and started to crush it. That was when the Frontier spun, breaking out of the Harken's grip.

"You're strong, I'll give you that! However, you won't hold me here. I've come to save my friends."

"No! I won't let you break through! I can't let you kill Lelouch!"

Trey was shocked, that was her first thought? He admired her, very much. Unfortunately, She stood in his way, so whether he likes it or not, he has to break through.

"Well then, let's see who's stronger!" Trey says, joining his two swords together to form a Dual edged Sabre, which he poised straight at the Frontier. At once he lunged in, Blades swinging, sparks flying the two did battle.

C.C put up a good fight, but Trey was always just that little bit better. Slowly, he pushed her back. Then, something unexpected happened. As the two knightmares made contact one last time, C.C.'s powers involuntarily activated.
"w, What? What's happening?" she asked, scared for the first time in a while.

The strange part was, Trey could hear what she thought as well. "w, What's happening?" Trey heard, in a voice that was strangely familiar. It's the same voice he heard in the interrogation room, the voice in his head.

C.C. paused in wonder. This man, this man is the next…

At once The Lancelot Albion came straight back around, and charged at the Laminas.

"No, not now!" Trey said, breaking out of his trance. However, it was already too late, as the sheer power of the Albion knocked the Laminas with an amazing amount of force, smashing it off course.

"Suzaku's knightmare is truly something." Trey revelled to himself, regaining control. "If I'm going to beat it, I need to really focus!"

The Laminas lunged forward, Harkens swinging, blades ready to do some serious damage. He lunged into battle, swinging his blades at the Albion, only to have it zoom backwards at an incredible pace, then fire energy bolts from its energy wings.

Trey cursed as he was forced to dodge the devastating attack. As fast as could even be thought of as possible, the two flashed past each other, attacking and fighting. Indeed, they could be seen as equal. However, Suzaku had the clear advantage, as Trey's custom Burei slowly began to fall apart.

"Damn it, the frame isn't suited to this kind of aerial warfare!" He cursed, as Suzaku's blade struck the burei at that last critical point, forcing him to fall out of the sky. He could feel the air rush past the holes in the Laminas, the incredibly damaged knightmare all but destroyed.

"Damn it, I lost…" Trey said regrettably, pulling the ejection switch. As he hit the ground with a heavy thud, he closed his eyes, and surrendered his consciousness.

While he was unconscious, he could feel his mind being touched again, by the same girl from before. He was connected to her, and her to him. That's when he found it. He scrolled through her mind, and found the idea behind what Lelouch was trying to accomplish. He knew that if if he acted this way, betraying the whole world, he could focus the hatred of the whole world on him, and then he could make Zero a hero to the world, by having "Zero" assassinate him. THAT was the Zero Requiem. The plan Lelouch had to finally usher in an era of peace.

Trey awoke to the sound of a familiar explosion. He saw a massive ray of purple light, as well as the explosions and destruction of knightmares.

"That's not possible!" Xing Ke exclaimed "If Lelouch used a FLEIJA, then that means…"

"Attention entire world! I am Lelouch vi Brittania, emperor of the Holy Brittanian Empire and your ONLY ruler. Schneizel had surrendered to me. This means that I have the control of both the Damocles and the FLEIJA weapons. Should anyone try to resist my supreme authority, they shall know the devastating power of the FLEIJAs. Those who could prevent my military rule have been destroyed, and even the Black Knights no longer possess the strength to oppose me now. Yes, from this day, from this moment on, the world belongs to me. Lelouch vi Britannia commands you, obey me, subjects! Obey me, world!

Trey could see everyone raising up to celebrate the victory, so the damaged and afraid pilot could only escape out of sight, knowing he could only run, hearing the sounds of the roaring Brittanian army : "All hail Lelouch! All hail Lelouch!"

3 months later

It was that day. The day when Emperor Lelouch was scheduled to execute the prisoners of war. This was also the day when the Zero Requiem would occur, according to C.C.'s memories. All he could do was sit and watch. He was pretty bashed up after that crash, so he'd been recovering for the first month. Ever since then, he'd been on the run, avoiding the Brittanians, waiting until today.

It was that day. He watched the whole thing. He saw the prisoners being walked towards the execution grounds. He saw Zero appear. And he saw him kill Lelouch with his blade. The people rose up as Viceroy Nunnally held her dying brother in her arms, and cried in all her sorrow. Trey ran down to help free the prisoners. As he ran, he stopped in front of Nunnally. Her heart was broken he could tell, and yet there was something else. She knew what he had done, Trey was sure. He gave her a smile from behind her back. "Your brother was a great man, Nunnally. Never forget that."

Nunnally turned to see who had spoken. But there was nobody there.