Rising Dynasties of the Silver Millennium

Excerpt from Volume 11, Chapter 3

Following the great uprising against the dynasty of the corrupt Selenity X, many of the kingdoms of the Solar System were left shattered and in a chaotic state. The rulers which had followed Selenity X of the Moon Kingdom had for the large part either fled or were disposed and those nobles who had remained loyal during the revolution had in some cases purposefully sabotaged what had remained of the governmental structure, though much of this is shrouded in myth and legend. After The Shadow Years (which will not be covered in this writing), a new system of courts and kingdoms would arise from the ashes. To these, the newly crowned Queen Serenity gave responsibility to those who had fought alongside her, the nine princesses who in turn would become known as The Founders of The Silver Millennium or The Nine Great Founders. Blessed by the Light of Ginzuishou, these women would set about creating a legacy which would last till The Fall.

The Nine Founders

Maia of Mercury

Maia (Mercurian: 10+3-12-3/1) was, like many of her people, driven by a near slavish attachment to the world of science and logic. Her people were renowned for their great talent in the construction of magi-tech so complex as to seem like miracles. It was said in the legends of the great uprising that Maia helped in the destruction of the great magiks which Selenity X so slavishly relied on. Though to some, she was regarded as a cold figure and many were turned off by her very deliberate manner of acting, she was still highly respected among her peers, if only for her immense intelligence, even compared to many Mercurians. In fact, the Moon Computer which would so serve for many years was of her design. Yet still, she showed great affection towards her daughter, for whom she would raise to embrace a far looser and warmer behavior then she herself would ever display.

Nike of Mars

The youngest of the founders, Nike (Martian: Nike) was a woman of fiery spirit with a soul forged in battle itself. It is said that she was the last survivor of a great purge of the noble houses of Mars and that during the uprising, she strode into battle armed with a blade made for her by one of the surviving ancients of the Ice Warriors, though this blade has never been found again. Out from the ashes, she remade Mars into a world dedicated to the martial arts and soldiers which would guard the kingdoms of the moon, and it is said that those who trained under her watchful eye would rise to become the greatest of all warriors. At the same time, she was one who was very spiritual and dedicated to Serenity, and it is said she never would speak an ill word against her if she could help it.

Chie of Eden

Chie (Edenian: Cheea) was a gentle soul who only wanted to do good for the Sol System. While she was not naïve enough to believe in pacifism, she avoided the fight if possible, but was prepared to fight if necessary. She believed in the power of her people and the holy calling that was bestowed upon them: the power to heal. It was said that Juniper Aki's parents were actually of a noble family of Eden with the healing gift, which that Chie also possessed (albeit no where near as strong), and that they were asked to assist Chie’s friend Shinju and serve the Jovian royal court as their healers. This was something she did for all the other founders, so that they may have a dedicated healer family in case Eden was unavailable. She was well-liked among her peers and not considered belligerent. She abhorred the tyranny of Selenity X and celebrated the benevolence of Serenity I, so it was no surprised she was willing to assist her friends despite her normal reservations.

Shinju of Jupiter

Shinju (Jovian: Shinju) was a refined woman with a samurai spirit. A believer of honor and duty, the Pearl of Jupiter was able to balance two acts well: a warrior on the battlefield and a dignified lady of the court. While Jupiter was not known for having the martial upbringing of the Martians or the power of the Saturnians, Jupiter boasted the largest forces, loyal and willing to fight...just like their queen. Shinju was willing to try to play peacemaker, but when provoked, was prepared to restore honor, even at the tip of a blade. She really enjoyed flower arranging and took time to help calm her nerves in a feng shui type of environment. She can sometimes be a little haughty towards Thetis, but generally gets along well with her fellow founders.

Veruka of Uranus

Veruka (Uranian: Varuca) was a woman who embodied the very ideals of a hero. It was even stated in some legends that she was a member of the Star Paladins, three royals who fought against corruption and evil in secret during the reign of Selenity X. Out of all the Outer monarchs she in many ways was seen as an unofficial leader among them, working hard to guard the solar system from all outside threats, as well as proving to be an inspiration not only to her fellow rulers but also her own people, driving them to be better then they were in all things. To her people, she was best known for her attempts to restore the environment of her kingdom after the heavily industrialization which had nearly destroyed its atmosphere. While caring in nature, she was also decisive in action, striking out against any manner of injustice that she saw. She would pass on many of these qualities of strength and a strong will to her daughter.

Thetis of Neptune

Thetis (Neptunian: Tetis) of Neptune was a monarch of whom it was often said by many to be blessed with grace and intelligence. Compared to many of her fellows, even in the court of the Outer Realms, she was not as talented in war, but like her fellow founders, took up arms to fight against the tyranny of Selenity X and her court. At the same time, there were many who had often felt that she was unfortunately touched by a sense of arrogance and haughtiness, which had been rumored to often lead to some tensions among her fellow rulers. Still, these were tempered by her loyalty to Serenity and a great spirit towards helping others, if only through a sense of royal obligation.

Minerva of Quinox

Minerva (Quinoxian: Mi'nava) of Quinox was a woman of contradictions. At once graceful and stately and at other times fiery and passionate, she was a woman shaped by a harsh and distant world. Like her people, she was frightfully independent, viewing herself in some ways as less of a servant of the Moon Kingdom and more of an equal partner. It could not be said, though, that there was no one who was ever more dedicated to guarding the edges of the Solar System. Like Veruka and Thetis, it was rumored that she was once a member of the legendary Star Paladins, though she never spoke of such a thing. She was one for whom it was always nessicary to remain in good standing with, as her strength of spirit meant she would not tolerate any insult towards those she cared about.

Inazumi of Nemesis

Inazumi (Nemesian: In-a-zumi), known as the Lady of the Shadows, is often the most mysterious of the founders. Her planet has shaped her viewpoint and abilities, leading some to believe she would fight for Selenity X instead of Serenity. Only Inazumi knows truly what she has planned, however, and an unchecked Selenity X was very bad for her. However, the puppetmaster of the shadows respects what the others were trying to accomplish and plus her friendship with Chie, Nike, and to Shinju helped ensure she would support the cause of Serenity. That's not to say she wasn't beyond spying on her friends, because she knew the truth better than anyone: today's friends can become tomorrow's adversaries. While she may seem distant, she rewards loyalty and friendship in kind.

Legacy of the Founders

Throughout the span of the kingdoms of the Moon, many monuments had been raised to honor the founders, some even at their own behest. The most notable ones include The Nine Pagodas of Mt. Yue on Jupiter, the Great Obelisk of Mars, and The Stone of Des'ka on Quinox. As well, many legends and texts have grown around these figures, most famously the Venusian epic known as the Titanomachy. It is important, however, as historians, to recall that much of what we know of these rulers have also become wrapped in legend and myth. There is very little of their past, especially during the uprising, which any of the founders were willing to discuss at length, and some, such as Minerva, were quick to dismiss such things as reflecting on things long gone. It is through these forgotten actions, though, that these nine women would found what would ultimately be looked upon as one of the first true golden ages of the Solar System, and while it is true that such things would not be possible without an equal exchange of conflict and tragedy, and while it is also true that in the end, their carefully created kingdoms would eventually fall (see Volume 2 for information on The Fall), we cannot deny that what they did create was something that should be looked upon with admiration due to its near success.