The Teresa/Clare arc is turning out to be much better than the Raki/Clare arc, not to say that I don’t like the latter, but the relationship between Teresa and Clare is much more interesting than that of Raki and Clare. My only complaint is that no hint was given that this was a flashback arc, if it hadn’t been for comments from manga readers, I would still be under the impression that this is a parallel arc happening at the same time with a different Clare.

Episode Rating: 10/10

With their destination town over the horizon, Teresa and Clare prepare to camp out for the night. After Clare falls asleep, Teresa confronts armless-kun from the group of bandits that she fended off shortly before. Teresa says that she will not hesitate to fight back if her life is in danger, despite the rule about killing humans. But armless-kun has something else in mind, despite having the mangled body of a Claymore, he plans on raping her, supposedly bringing her shame.

However, his plan is stopped by Clare, whom he then starts beating for interrupting him. Teresa grabs his knife and threatens him with it, stating that even though there exists a rule against killing humans, it is ultimately her choice whether to abide by it or not, armless-kun runs off. Then, surprisingly, Clare comforts Teresa, saying that despite her calm demeanor, she always looks lonely and in pain. Teresa realizes that it is not only her that is comforting and protecting Clare, it’s mutual. Clare has experienced the same pain and hardship as Teresa and offered her sympathy, all the while wanting the same in return.

As usual, Teresa wastes no time in dispatching the yoma upon reaching the town. After her job is done, she makes her request that someone take care of Clare, despite her desire to continue traveling with Teresa. But Teresa knows that her life will be much better if she lives and dies as a human among other humans, so as soon as someone obliges, Teresa leaves town.

On her way to the next town, Teresa notices the bandits charging towards the town she just dropped Clare in. Suddenly it hits her, the bandits were targeting the town and the only reason they weren’t able to attack was because of the yoma, which she just killed.

By the time she gets back, the raid is well under way. In the midst of the chaos Teresa spots what she’ looking for, Clare being dragged off by armless-kun. No sooner than he starts running his mouth, Teresa cleaves him in half, breaking the supposed iron clad rule. At this point there’s no turning back, she kills every last bandit, much to the surprise and dismay of her onlooking handler.

There are no exceptions to the rule, even for the Teresa of the Faint Smile, the strongest Claymore in the organization. Five other claymores are gathered to execute Teresa. But after the exchange, it is the five other claymores who lay wounded, and Teresa unscathed. Apparently she’s not ready to die just yet, having found a reason to live, from now on she will live for Clare.

Teresa’s handler cannot let this slide, he orders for the dispatching of claymores, rank 2-5, with the objective of Teresa’s execution.

Thoughts

I never expected this much drama in what I thought was going to be primarily a shounen series. With this episode, Claymore firmly establishes itself as my favourite anime this season.

The relationship between Teresa and Clare is better established than that of Clare and Raki. Clare, who first appeared to be clinging onto Teresa because she saved her from the yoma, had a much deeper meaning in her attachment. Not only was she seeking comfort in Teresa, she was offering it as well. Having gone through the pain of losing all that is important to her, Clare was able to spot the same suffering in Teresa, and wanted to let her know that she’s not alone.

However, this brings up another issue in the Clare/Raki pairing. First of all, it sort of cheapens it because Raki chose to follow her because he can’t stand how she is looked down on by other humans, one could say that’s bordering on pity.

But more importantly, did Clare accept Raki out of obligation? Did she feel compelled to offer the same treatment to one in a similar position as she was as a child, in a deranged sense of karma. If that’s the case, then I can’t say it’s a fitting partnership, being based on feelings of pity as opposed to Teresa and Clare’s bond of mutual support.

I’m guessing that’s only the beginning though, many relationships start off the same way, but as the people involved begin to realize how much they care for each other, it becomes genuine.

As for what happens next in the Teresa/Clare arc, your guess is as good as mine. Teresa now four next strongest claymores after her head, I somehow doubt she’ll survive. My best guess would be that she manages to fend them off, but she has to rely on her yoma powers in order to do so, which she will be unable to control thereafter. The only logical progression after that would be that Teresa asks Clare to kill her while she still has her human consciousness, which would be a perfect buffer for Clare joining the claymores. But then again, my crackpot theories have been wrong time and time again, that’s just an educated guess, we’ll find out soon enough!

Aside: Was I the only one who was really creeped out by armless-kun’s voice? He sounded like a deranged pedophile with rabies.

~ Shirukii ~