Ep 23. Okeanos

Background: Fate/Zero is a Japanese anime series based on a light novel written by Gen Urobuchi. The show revolves around a battle amongst seven mages, known as Masters, and their respective Servants, who are powerful familiars based on historical and mythical figures.

Episode 23: Okeanos

The episode opens on a conversation between Waver and Rider, where the latter reminisces about his past and how he saw the world differently when he was younger. Rider speaks about his experiences on the high seas and how the vastness of the ocean made him realize the triviality of human desires.

Meanwhile, Kiritsugu and Saber have a tense conversation, where Kiritsugu reveals his plan to destroy the Holy Grail, which Saber sees as a betrayal to the principles of the Grail. Kiritsugu justifies his actions by revealing the true nature of the Grail and how it is merely a corrupt object that uses the desire of humans to instigate war and destruction. Saber sees through Kiritsugu's plan and contemplates her own desire for the Grail.

At the Einzbern Castle, Kirei and Gilgamesh discuss Kirei's motivations and how he has gained power through the events of the Grail War. Kirei reveals that he has found satisfaction in the pursuit of power and how his destruction is now a form of amusement. Despite Gilgamesh's objections to his immoral actions, Kirei remains resolute and mocks Gilgamesh's arrogance.

The scene then shifts to the entrance of the Grail, where all the remaining Masters and Servants have gathered for the final battle. Kirei and Gilgamesh make their way into the Grail while Kiritsugu prepares to execute his plan. As the battle unfolds, the Servants are pitted against each other in fierce combat, some falling to their death.

In a particularly poignant moment, Saber fights against a Servant who resembles her old ally and friend. As she fights, she reflects on the past and how she has striven to protect her ideals, even if it meant sacrificing her own happiness. In the end, Saber emerges victorious, but her victory is short-lived as Kirei and Gilgamesh reveal themselves to be the final obstacle.

With Kirei holding Irisviel hostage, Kiritsugu is forced to confront Gilgamesh in a one-on-one battle. The two combatants clash with ferocity, each using their respective skills and experience to gain an advantage. Despite being heavily outmatched, Kiritsugu manages to gain the upper hand by using his unconventional tactics and manages to shoot Gilgamesh.

However, as Kiritsugu is about to claim victory, Kirei stabs him from behind, revealing that he had been immune to Kiritsugu's bullets all along. With Kiritsugu lying on the ground, Kirei proceeds to kill him, but not before Kiritsugu activates his plan to destroy the Grail. As the Grail begins to self-destruct, Kirei and Gilgamesh are consumed by the magical energy, and Saber is left at the mercy of the blast.

The episode ends with Saber, having survived the explosion, standing alone in the desolate wasteland that was once the battlefield. She contemplates on the sacrifices she made and how her ideals led her to this moment. As the camera pans out, a hint of a smile crosses her face, and she realizes that her journey has come to an end.