GUNDAM 00

Celestial Revival

A.D 2366

Setsuna woke up gasping for air as sweat trailed down his face. He had another nightmare about his past. Even if he was an Innovator and an ELS hybrid, he still got scared sometimes. He sat up on the bed and pulled on his black shirt. The Innovator looked towards the wall, focusing his vision on the calendar. "12th of June. It all begins here." He walked out of his room and down the stairs, towards his kitchen. Opening the fridge he grabbed some milk and poured it into a glass. He gulped it down, slamming the glass back onto the table. "Setsuna F Seiei. Gundam Meister of Celestial Being, reporting for duty." His eyes glowed and he sent out his thoughts to Jake Vashti, who passed them onto the Sixth-Generation Gundam Meisters.

Setsuna sat down on the couch. It had been fifty years since the ELS war. Fifty years since he had anything to do with Celestial Being. He had assumed the Gundam Meisters he worked with had all died or moved on with their lives. He decided not to see them again. But this time, he would be working with complete rookies as the unofficial leader of Celestial Being. He, Tieria and Veda would work together to revive the organization. They had planned for two years through the terminal on the 00 Qan[T]. Through Veda, he had sent plans to Jake to construct new Gundams for the new pilots and a new mothership. The most advanced Gundams yet.

Setsuna walked out of the house, taking only his jacket and a framed photo of the Ptolomey crew. He walked through the quiet city. It was always quiet at dawn. He had been conflicted all these years. Was he an Innovator or an ELS? One thing he could be sure about was the fact that he was no longer human. Setsuna stood on the beach, looking at the stars. There was one star that stood out though, it appeared to be a shooting star but Setsuna knew it was no star at all. In fact it was Celestial Being's mothership, Juno.

He stepped back to let the ship land. Slowly the noises stopped and the sand stopped blowing past Setsuna. The door opened slowly, allowing him to board the ship. He took a deep breath and walked onwards and boarded the ship. Setsuna walked to the bridge where he met the crew. A total of nine people, fairly young. He would be responsible for their actions and lives from this point onwards. He could feel the awkwardness coming from all but Jake Vashti. Suddenly a mini Tieria hologram popped up beside Setsuna.

"Members of Celestial Being. This man is no other than Setsuna F Seiei. The one who has saved us all many times. He is the leader of our organization and you will follow his command. Setsuna, I'll talk to you later." He dissapeared. Setsuna smiled a little bit to ease the tension.

"So! I'm Summer. Captain of this ship." They shook hands. "I know you know Jake, so this is Annie, Tom, Clancy, Warmonger, Lust, Rey and Ash. The last four are our pilots. Jake can show you around in the hangars. You four go with him." They nodded and Setsuna followed them towards the hangars.

He could feel someone's eyes on him as Jake talked. He looked back to see the one called Ash staring at him. Their eyes met and Setsuna saw the same expression he himself had when he was younger. Warmonger reminded him of Tieria, Rey reminded him of Lockon and Lust reminded him of Sumeragi. Setsuna gave Ash a small smile and looked back in front of him as they entered the hangar.

He marvelled at the four Gundams. "What're they called?" He asked Jake. To answer his question, the Meisters stood in front of their machines as Jake pointed and explained.

"That's Temperance, piloted by Rey. Striker is piloted by Lust. Seraphim is piloted by Warmonger and Valor is piloted by Ash." Jake finished speaking and Setsuna nodded his approval.

"Roger that. I'll be in my room." Setsuna walked out of the hangar as the ship took off into the early-morning sky.

Ash huddled together with the other Meisters, discussing their new leader while Jake chimed in occassionally. Rey nodded in agreement with Warmonger. "He does seem rather.. distant. What about you Ash?"

Ash blinked. "Huh? Oh. He's alright. I'll be in my room." He exited the hangar. Walking through the halls of the ship, Ash couldn't help but wonder. "Just who is this Setsuna anyway. He looks like a ghost." He entered his room and sat down on his bed. Ash sighed. Everytime he closed his eyes the memories played. The Azadistan Conflict. Two years ago..

The boy made his way through the battlefield of Azadistan, running as fast as he could. Screams were heard as buildings collapsed and parts from mobile suits landed everywhere. Sweat rolled down his face, his heart pounded in fear of death. He jumped to the side, avoiding a rolling car that tumbled past him, killing two people. He tore his eyes away from the sight and continued running. The Earth Sphere Fedaration had been disbanded because of arguments between leaders, forming two major factions, the Federation and the Union. What had happened to the teachings of Celestial Being three years ago? It was believed that humanity would live in peace and ascend past race or religion, yet here they were again.

He reached the Royal Palace where he saw a gunfight between the Union and Azadistan soldiers. The boy hid behind a wall for cover and looked around for a way to escape the city. Finally he slumped down and hid his head between his knees, crying. Just then an explosion happened close to him, forcing him up into the air to land right back on the rough ground. His eyes flickered for a few moments and saw he was behind some rubble.

His eyes opened. He clutched his head with one hand and felt something warm and wet. His arm was cut and so was his right leg. But his hearing came back and he realized that the gunfire had stopped. Slowly he rose and walked around the city noting the corpses and mechanical parts that were scattered throught the city. The boy fell to his knees and looked down. Everyone had died and those who had survived had left. Suddenly he heard the familiar noise of a mobile suit's GN drive whirring. The boy looked to his left to see a large group of GN particles emitting from the mobile suit. It turned around and stared right at him, like it pierced his soul. The machine was a Gundam, like those who had appeared three years ago.

He widened his eyes in fear and awe as he stared back at the weapon. The Gundam then flew higher into the sky, before flying full speed overhead. The boy looked back in amazement. "Gundam.."

Ash's eyes opened instantly as the flashback ended. He yelled in frustration and fell backwards onto his bed. "Setsuna F Seiei.."

Summer sipped her soda as everyone did their job. Tom monitered the radar, Annie handeled the data, Clancy flew the ship. She yawned from boredom. "Who knew being a Captain would be so boring."

Tom chuckled. "Get over it. It's not like you do any real work."

"You just sit there watching that screen all day." She retorted. Tom was about to reply but Annie cleared her throat, stopping the two from fighting. "Yeah yeah, whatever." She rested her face on her fist, pushing her cheek upwards as she drank her soda.

Setsuna and Tieria were in his room/office discussing the new members of Celestial Being.

"What do you think of them Setsuna?" The purple-haired hologram asked.

Setsuna sighed. "They're young. Some of them are as young as I was. Tieria I'm regretting not speaking to the others upon my return. Now I may never have the chance to." He gazed at the photo.

"Setsuna. I'm not sure if they're still alive or not. But what I do know is, Lockon said something to you before he died. And I'm sure his brother, Allelujah and the others wouldn't want you to give up." Tieria replied, causing Setsuna's mind to trigger Lockon's words.

"Setsuna, do you understand? You're trying to change from who you were. You're trying to change with the Gundam, from the past to the future... I'm a failure. Back then, time stopped for me. No matter how much I changed the world, I never tried to change myself. I was imprisoned by the past... So you change. Change, Setsuna... 'Cause I couldn't."

Those words brought tears to the Innovator's eyes. Setsuna wiped them away and nodded. "I understand. Thank you Tieria. Keep me notified." Tieria dissappeared. "Lockon.."

Ash was approached by Setsuna while staring at Valor. He turned around to face the leader of Celestial Being. "Setsuna F Seiei. What's up?" Setsuna simply stared at him. He was only sixteen.

"Ash Haybasa right? I just want to say welcome to Celestial Being." He smiled.

Ash nodded. "Thanks. So what's your story?"

"My story.. it's a long one." Setsuna replied with a soft expression. "But I'll tell you sometime later." He looked at the Gundam. "Is this yours? Valor?"

"My pride and joy. It sounds silly but..."

Setsuna chuckled. "No, I understand. When I was younger I too idolized the Gundams. Exia.. 00.. 00 Qan[T]. I believed that Gundams had the power to eradicate war. I myself, wanted to become one. To embody a Gundam was a dream of mine."

Ash nodded. "These are the things.. that strike fear and awe at the same time into people's hearts. These Gundams have stopped conflicts, almost unstoppable monsters." Setsuna smiled but at that moment he clutched head and yelled in pain as Ash caught the falling Meister.

Setsuna was the only who could hear the sounds of the ELS inside him, the only who could feel the pain it brought. Eventually the pain subsided, leaving Setsuna panting in Ash's arms. With a voice that was hoarse from screaming, he excused himself and ran out of the hangar. "The pain.. it's gone. Just what was that.."

Summer exhaled from boredom as they flew over the ocean. "Tom, land this ship on the water not in. Let's all relax." She took off her suit to reveal denim shorts and a white Minus the Bear t-shirt. "It's too hot." Summer left the room.

"Attention everyone, we're going to land on the water to take a break." Warmonger growled in annoyance at the announcement. "I hate not doing anything. It seems like a normal day." He leaned against the wall with folded arms and one leg raised behind him.

"That's because it is a normal day idiot." Lust replied. "There's no war or conflict going on. We can only watch for now. But it really is hot, so I'm going to enjoy the break." She took off her Meister uniform to reveal short denim shorts and a white tanktop. Warmonger glanced at her and looked away with a blush. She noticed this and pressed against him. "Something wrong Warmonger? I was starting to think you didn't have feelings.." She moved her hand up his leg.

Warmonger grunted and pushed her away, then exited her room in anger leaving Lust to burst into laughter.

Ash leaned against the railing on the ship's deck. He stared out into the ocean, noticing how every wave shimmered in the sunlight. He could see and hear seagulls splashing in the water and making noises. The wind blew past him and his hair fluttered. "What's up?" He smiled and looked to his left.

"Not much." Summer replied. "Kinda bored. How about you?"

Ash looked up at the sky. "Ah not much. I'm itching to actually pilot my Gundam."

"I know what you mean. I hate waiting." Summer sighed and rested her head on her fists. "But that's the only thing we can do." Just then Annie snuck up on Summer and splashed her with a glass of water. The screaming girl burst into laughter and chased Annie as Lust joined in. Ash was joined by Rey and Warmonger in staring at the three girls.

"That's kinda hot." Rey commented and Ash nodded. Warmonger only scoffed. "Come on, admit it."

The silent Meister begrudgingly agreed. Lust ran towards them and grabbed Ash and Rey, dragging them towards the water fight.

Setsuna walked into the bridge and noticed how only Tom and Clancy were there. "Where are the others?"

"They're on the deck Setsuna. They were bored." Tom shrugged. The Innovator walked up to the deck and watched as they splashed each other with water from cups. Even Warmonger had joined in, even if he was doing it half-assed. Setsuna chuckled and his gaze drifted towards the sky where he could see the Desert Flower. "That was because of me. My thoughts saved us all."

Just then the holographic Tieria appeared next to Setsuna. "Setsuna! You're needed at the bridge. There's something important on the news right now! You kids get down there now!" The Meisters nodded and ran with Setsuna down to the bridge, bursting in as Tom, Clancy and Tieria watched the screen.

The screen showed Earth Sphere Federation mobile suits and ships being shot down near Tokyo. The attackers seemed to have GNX-type MS and two large ships, all equipped with GN Drives. Setsuna watched the unknown attackers dance around their opponents and shooting them down with relative ease. The remaining ESF ship attempted to escape, but one of the large ships fired a large cannon which seemed to emit GN particles and wiped out ten Flags and half of the ship. The remaining ESF forces were massacared. "Unbelievable! They wiped out the Federation... in only ten minutes! Jus-" The reporter was cut off as a gold GNX landed in front of her, crushing the ground, cars, stalls and people beneath it. It pointed a finger at the camera.

"Celestial Being!" Setsuna's eyes widened. "We are Ascension. We come down from our space colony and onto this rock to begin a hostile takeover! If you intervene we will crush you like we did with these soldiers. Stay out our way Celestial Being!" The GNX flew up and back towards the ship, which was now far away from Tokyo and in the clouds. Setsuna's expression turned grim.

"Just what the hell happened?" Tom asked. "Who the hell are those guys?"

Clancy shrugged. "Who knows? Guess we'll have to fight now." The others murmured in agreement. He turned to Setsuna and Tieria who were standing beside each other. "What is it?"

Setsuna shook his head. "Nothing. Tom and Clancy, find out all you can about Ascension. I want to know where they'll attack next and find their headquarters if possible. Annie from now on you'll have to start maintaining the Gundams. Summer, get serious. As for you four.." He turned to the pilots. "I want you Meisters to stay in top condition. We could attack or be attacked at any time. Understood?" Everyone nodded and Setsuna left the room.

A.D 2366 Unknown Location

A brown-haired boy smashed his fist against the locker. His Innovator eyes glowed as he yelled in fury. His eyes then returned to their normal violet color. "Damn that bastard! He jeapordized the mission.." To his right a brunette giggled.

"Chill out Cameron. So he screwed up?" This comment earned the girl a dirty look from the one called Cameron.

"We weren't supposed to announce our story to anyone yet Stella!" He yelled at her. Just then both of them turned their heads toward the opening door. It revealed two male pilots, one with blond hair and one with black. "Blaze you idiot!" Cameron lunged for Blaze, but was held back by the black-haired male. "Josh!"

"That's enough you two. We're a team, wether we like it or not, so we have to learn to work together. Not rip each other apart. If I see anyone fighting I'll break their bones into twenty pieces." He shoved Cameron away from Blaze. "Zero wants to speak with us." The mentioning of the name seemed to gain everyone's attention. They nodded and followed Josh up the stairs of the headquarters and into the office of their summoner.

A silver-haired man with tanned skin turned around and motioned towards the four seats in front of his desk as they all sat down. "You came. Good. The pilot of the gold GNX.. that's you Blaze I assume?" Zero stared at the boy as he nodded. "You compromised the plan."

"Exactly. He should be killed!" Cameron's outburst awarded him a glare from Zero.

"He should not be killed. He did nothing wrong. In fact he speeded the plan up. True we weren't supposed to announce our story until our next appearance, however Blaze's actions have helped the plan. Now we can skip to phase three."

"What is phase three, Zero?" Stella asked.

"Phase three, Stella, is the attack on an ESF base in Black Forest, Germany."

"But are we even sure they'll show up?" Josh inquired.

"I know they will. They have to. If they don't, then people won't listen to them anymore." Zero stood up and so did the four pilots. "But enough about that. You have been piloting those GNX models for two years. Two years too long. Follow me." The group walked across the halls of the base and eventually outside, where they came upon a hangar. Zero pressed the code into the panel and the door rose, granting them access. As they stepped inside the lights came on behind them but not in front of them. Suddenly the lights came on one by one as Zero called out names.

"GN-0013 Redemption.
GN-014 Phoenix.
GN-015 Shooter.
GN-016 Gallant."

The four pilots stared in awe. Zero nodded. "These four machines.. are the ones who will change the world. You four have been entrusted with Gundams."