Chapter 7 - An Execution Thwarted

Dawn had come, and Suzaku Kururugi was to be executed on national broadcast. As part of an agreement, Britannian broadcaster and former Black Knight Diethard Ried had abandoned Britannia and Second Prince Schneizel el Britannia, and immediately defected to the Planet Trade Organization, becoming Frieza's servant. He still carried his broadcasting rights with him.

"On this day, Prince Frieza has planned to execute Knight of Seven, Suzaku Kururugi, in front of the former spot of Britannian capital Pendragon, on his ship," Diethard announced.

A defeated and helpless Suzaku hung his head in shame, his arms and legs shackled on a plaque.

"Well then, Sir Kururugi," Frieza said, approaching him, you should at least be thankful for coming this far. Unfortunately, your little plan to avenge plain little Euphy has been in vein. But don't worry."

With that, he placed his blue scouter over his left eye. "Historic records will say that you have died a hero."

"What do you plan on doing with that device of yours?" Suzaku asked Frieza.

"This scouter will make doubly sure that your plan to escape will never work.

The Geass Canceller sygil had activated, and Lelouch's order for Suzaku to live had permanently dissipated.

"No,"Suzaku thought. "He took Lelouch's order to live away from me. I'm going to die for sure."

"Now then," Frieza continued. "Hold still so I can..."

"Wait!"

Euphemia, now wearing the helmet over her eyes, got everyone's attention.

"Allow me to murder Kururugi for you, your highness."

"Euphemia," Frieza thought in confusion. "You plan on killing your knight for me? This is unexpected."

"Very well, Kreeg," he said aloud. "I'll let you handle the execution."

With that, Euphemia readied her gun, stepped downward, and faced her knight.

"Oh, Suzaku," she thought, sadly, "I hope you can forgive me for this."

As Euphemia aimed her gun at Suzaku, his eyes had formed tears.

"Forgive me, Euphy," he whispered, voice breaking. "I am so sorry."

Euphy was suddenly taken aback by his words.

Just then, Jeremiah Gottwald, after self-destructing his Knightmare Frame, knocked the gun out of Euphemia's hands, thwarting the execution.

"Remember this, Prince Frieza," Jeremiah said to the alien. "The name of the man who has defeated you."

"Spare me your declarations, Jeremiah," Frieza replied, unimpressed. "Just finish me off already so that you can be declared a hero."

"Oh, I'm not going to finish you, Frieza."

"But we are!"

Frieza was taken aback by Lelouch's words when he saw the Britannian emperor and Goku land in front of him.

"Goku!" Frieza shouted. "I should have known that you would be involved in this. But joining forces with the person who murdered the previous emperor to claim his title?"

"That's right, Frieza," Goku replied. "Now you and your new force are no match for our combined forces."

"Oh, really?" Frieza replied, crossing his arms. "And how are you going to beat my forces with three against five? You're outnumbered."

"You think so?" Kallen Kozuki, half-blooded Japanese/Britannian former Black Knight, said, appearing behind him.

Frieza was surprised when he saw both her and Kaname Ohgi, also a former Black Knight, behind him.

"You two?" Frieza gasped. "But how? I thought you betrayed Lelouch last month."

"We settled our differences, Frieza!" Ohgi shouted. We'd rather join forces with the emperor than let you take over both Japan and Britannia!"

"So, you would rather reclaim your former christening than let me take over, huh? Very well." Turning to Goku and Lelouch, he continued, "This is going to be quite the epic battle."

"Yes, it is," Lelouch thought, grinning agreeably.

"Now," Nunnally began to her big brother, "when Euphy readies her gun at Suzaku, you must take action against Frieza and his teammates. And I have a feeling that you aren't going to do this alone."

"What are you talking about, Nunnally?"

"She's referring to us, Lelouch."

Lelouch was surprised when he saw both Kallen and Ohgi before him.

"Kallen? Ohgi? But I thought..."

"That we betrayed you?" Kallen finished. "Not a chance. We Japanese do not want to let Frieza or his men get their hands on the entire world. Especially not Britannia."

"Therefore, our allegiance is once again with you, your majesty," Ohgi added.

Lelouch was glad to hear those words coming from two former Black Knights.

"It's good to have you back, guys," Lelouch replied.