Protecting with Heartbreak: The Plight of Suletta in Gundam

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There is a common theme in fiction where a character intentionally hurts their loved ones in order to protect them. For example, Sanji from One Piece left the Straw Hat crew during the Whole Cake Island Saga, and Eren ignored and even said hurtful things to Armin and Mikasa in the final season of Attack on Titan because he didn't want them involved in his dangerous actions.

While this decision may seem logical, it can be argued that it is ultimately a bad choice. Pushing away someone who loves and cares about you will only make them more determined to uncover the truth behind your behavior. This is precisely what happens in both One Piece and Attack on Titan, and it's likely to continue in the next episode.

The result is a more polished and refined version of the original content, highlighting the theme of intentionally hurting loved ones to protect them is a common trope in fiction.

In the previous episode, Miorine colluded with Guel to defeat Suletta in an official duel and strip her of her Holder title, thus nullifying their engagement. However, since Suletta is too powerful, Miorine had to resort to cheating by adding a program that instantly shuts down Aerial's system. Miorine's betrayal of Suletta was driven by her desire to protect her from Prospera and the violent path that she would have had to endure.

In this episode, Suletta and her friends from Earth House decide to confront Miorine about her betrayal. However, before they can meet with her, Suletta encounters Aerial and her mother in the cockpit. It is there that she discovers the truth about Ericht Samaya and the fact that she herself is nothing more than a clone of Eri.

As the shocking truths continue to unfold, Aerial takes matters into her own hands and forcefully ejects Suletta from the cockpit while coldly stating that she no longer requires her presence. Prospera echoes the sentiment, stating that Aerial's newfound power renders Suletta obsolete. Once again, Suletta is left feeling betrayed and abandoned by those she loves. Despite their intentions to protect her and offer her a better life, her heart is shattered once more as she finds herself alone in the vast emptiness of space.

Breaking your loved one's heart to protect them may seem like a logical choice, but it ultimately leads to more harm than good. Your loved one will inevitably confront you about it, and if you haven't taken their thoughts and feelings into consideration, they may end up getting hurt in the very ways you were trying to prevent. It's better to be honest and work together to find a solution that benefits both of you.

Despite its flaws in real life, this trope persists in fiction because it creates an immediate conflict between the protagonists. Viewers are forced to choose which side they support and reconsider the dynamics between the supposed "good guys". This one action can raise many questions about the characters and their motivations, making for a more compelling story. When the actual antagonist is introduced, the story becomes even more complex. It's amazing how much can be achieved with one simple storytelling device.

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Suletta Mercury has been stripped of everything she once held dear. Her first friend is gone, as is the first guy who professed his love for her. The living machine that was always by her side has vanished, and now her mother, a constant guidepost, is gone as well. The only ones left in her life are the few friends she has in the Earth House. With so much loss, what does the future hold for Suletta? What will her life look like going forward?

Suletta's future is uncertain, as there are several paths her story could take. She could retreat back into her shell, living the life of a broken-hearted student. Alternatively, she could try to reconnect with Miorine or plead with Prospera for forgiveness and acceptance back into their lives. It's possible that a combination of these paths could emerge, with Suletta attempting to move forward with her studies while also being pulled back into the world of piloting by either Miorine or Prospera. Regardless of which path she takes, the road ahead looks difficult for Suletta Mercury.