OVA
Description
Mariemaia Barton-Kushrenada, also known publicly as Mariemaia Barton prior to the Mariemaia Rebellion, is a central figure in the sequel story Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz. Born in the year After Colony 189 on Colony X-18999, she is the daughter of Treize Khushrenada, the former leader of the Organization of the Zodiac, and Leia Barton. Her mother died when Mariemaia was only two years old, and she was subsequently raised by her maternal grandfather, Dekim Barton. Dekim indoctrinated her from early childhood with the belief that, as Treize's daughter, it was her destiny to become the ruler of the Earth Sphere. In truth, Dekim viewed her as nothing more than a puppet to be used for his own ambitions, planning to rule through her as a figurehead.
At the time of the rebellion in December AC 196, Mariemaia is just seven years old. Her upbringing has given her an extremely confident and prideful demeanor that is unusual for a child her age. She acts in a dignified, imperious manner and often gives the impression of looking down on others. However, this facade is not entirely complete, and her childish side occasionally slips through, revealing the vulnerable child beneath. She has no memories of her mother, but she deeply treasures a music box that Leia left her as a Christmas present, always keeping it on her person. This attachment to her mother's final gift provides a glimpse of her genuine emotional fragility.
Mariemaia's motivation stems entirely from the manipulation she has endured. She genuinely believes that she is fulfilling her father's wishes by leading the Mariemaia Army to conquer the Earth Sphere and install herself as world sovereign. She has no awareness that Dekim is using her as a tool. During the rebellion, she publicly reveals her identity and declares war against the Earth Sphere Unified Nation, ordering the occupation of the ESUN capital of Brussels. She orchestrates the kidnapping of Vice-Foreign Minister Relena Darlian, viewing Relena as an obstacle to her rule. When Relena challenges her ideals of total pacifism during their confrontation, Mariemaia dismisses her, insisting that she herself is destined to be the victor and that history will change with her ascension.
Her key relationships are defined by manipulation and eventual redemption. Dekim Barton is the primary influence on her life, but his care is entirely conditional and instrumental. He raised her specifically to be a political puppet. When she hesitates and shows doubt during the final confrontation, he attempts to shoot Relena, and Mariemaia takes the bullet meant for Relena, collapsing with a serious wound. Dekim callously remarks that he created her and could simply make another, revealing his complete lack of genuine affection. His subsequent death at the hands of his own soldiers ends his influence. Relena Darlian serves as a moral counterpoint. Relena slaps Mariemaia to shock her out of her indoctrinated state, telling her that now that she knows fear, it is time to realize her mistakes. Mariemaia ultimately protects Relena at great personal cost. Lady Une becomes a maternal figure after the rebellion, rescuing Mariemaia from the collapsing shelter and ensuring she receives medical treatment. In AC 197, Une takes Mariemaia to visit Treize's grave, helping her understand who her father truly was and providing the maternal care and guidance that Dekim denied her.
Mariemaia undergoes significant development over the course of the story. She begins as a confident, manipulated child parroting her grandfather's rhetoric. As Heero Yuy fires on the presidential shelter with the Wing Gundam Zero, her composure cracks and terror seeps through. After being shot and rescued by those she considered enemies, she fully recognizes the errors of her ways. She apologizes to Relena with genuine remorse. Heero Yuy offers to set her free by pretending to execute her with an empty gun, declaring that Mariemaia is now symbolically dead and freed from her grandfather's manipulation. Following her physical recovery, she survives her wound but is left reliant on a wheelchair. She becomes much more humble when dealing with others, freed from the false destiny that was imposed on her and able to live as a child rather than a political tool.
Mariemaia has no combat or piloting abilities; her role is purely as a political figurehead and symbolic leader. Her most notable abilities are her skills in public oratory and her ability to command loyalty from former OZ soldiers who still revere Treize's name. Her primary influence comes from her lineage and the emotional manipulation that has shaped her worldview. Ultimately, her arc reflects the tragedy of children used as instruments for adult ambitions and the possibility of breaking free from that manipulation through genuine human connection and painful experience.
At the time of the rebellion in December AC 196, Mariemaia is just seven years old. Her upbringing has given her an extremely confident and prideful demeanor that is unusual for a child her age. She acts in a dignified, imperious manner and often gives the impression of looking down on others. However, this facade is not entirely complete, and her childish side occasionally slips through, revealing the vulnerable child beneath. She has no memories of her mother, but she deeply treasures a music box that Leia left her as a Christmas present, always keeping it on her person. This attachment to her mother's final gift provides a glimpse of her genuine emotional fragility.
Mariemaia's motivation stems entirely from the manipulation she has endured. She genuinely believes that she is fulfilling her father's wishes by leading the Mariemaia Army to conquer the Earth Sphere and install herself as world sovereign. She has no awareness that Dekim is using her as a tool. During the rebellion, she publicly reveals her identity and declares war against the Earth Sphere Unified Nation, ordering the occupation of the ESUN capital of Brussels. She orchestrates the kidnapping of Vice-Foreign Minister Relena Darlian, viewing Relena as an obstacle to her rule. When Relena challenges her ideals of total pacifism during their confrontation, Mariemaia dismisses her, insisting that she herself is destined to be the victor and that history will change with her ascension.
Her key relationships are defined by manipulation and eventual redemption. Dekim Barton is the primary influence on her life, but his care is entirely conditional and instrumental. He raised her specifically to be a political puppet. When she hesitates and shows doubt during the final confrontation, he attempts to shoot Relena, and Mariemaia takes the bullet meant for Relena, collapsing with a serious wound. Dekim callously remarks that he created her and could simply make another, revealing his complete lack of genuine affection. His subsequent death at the hands of his own soldiers ends his influence. Relena Darlian serves as a moral counterpoint. Relena slaps Mariemaia to shock her out of her indoctrinated state, telling her that now that she knows fear, it is time to realize her mistakes. Mariemaia ultimately protects Relena at great personal cost. Lady Une becomes a maternal figure after the rebellion, rescuing Mariemaia from the collapsing shelter and ensuring she receives medical treatment. In AC 197, Une takes Mariemaia to visit Treize's grave, helping her understand who her father truly was and providing the maternal care and guidance that Dekim denied her.
Mariemaia undergoes significant development over the course of the story. She begins as a confident, manipulated child parroting her grandfather's rhetoric. As Heero Yuy fires on the presidential shelter with the Wing Gundam Zero, her composure cracks and terror seeps through. After being shot and rescued by those she considered enemies, she fully recognizes the errors of her ways. She apologizes to Relena with genuine remorse. Heero Yuy offers to set her free by pretending to execute her with an empty gun, declaring that Mariemaia is now symbolically dead and freed from her grandfather's manipulation. Following her physical recovery, she survives her wound but is left reliant on a wheelchair. She becomes much more humble when dealing with others, freed from the false destiny that was imposed on her and able to live as a child rather than a political tool.
Mariemaia has no combat or piloting abilities; her role is purely as a political figurehead and symbolic leader. Her most notable abilities are her skills in public oratory and her ability to command loyalty from former OZ soldiers who still revere Treize's name. Her primary influence comes from her lineage and the emotional manipulation that has shaped her worldview. Ultimately, her arc reflects the tragedy of children used as instruments for adult ambitions and the possibility of breaking free from that manipulation through genuine human connection and painful experience.