He is seventeen when his life changes.
Perhaps it was completely on accident that the two met. Perhaps there is more truth in his father's twisted concept of destiny than he'd like to admit. Regardless of the reason, he finds himself trapped in the terrorist's truck, unable to escape when the military catches up to them.
It turns out that Suzaku is not the same boy Lelouch knew when he was eleven.
Suzaku may have joined the military and turned his back on his old life, but that doesn't stop him from allowing himself to be shot, buying the time Lelouch needs to escape with the contents of the truck.
Hardly ten minutes later, though, it looks as though he would have been better off letting Suzaku shoot him.
He's slammed up against the wall of the warehouse, facing the barrels of the Royal Guard's rifles. It's over now, and both he and the captain know it.
Suddenly, however, he has a chance.
The contents of the container fly into his hands, and he can hear a voice in his head.
"If I gave you the strength to keep fighting, could you go on?"
He does not reply, not verbally, but the presence in his mind can sense his determination, and he gets the distinct impression that it's nodding.
"I see. Allow me to lend you my strength!"