Ep 2. The Fake First Shot

The second episode of Fate/Zero's first season is called "The Fake First Shot." It begins with a flashback to Kiritsugu Emiya's childhood, where he was trained as a mage by his father who also taught him to value the survival of humanity above all else. In the present day, Kiritsugu is one of the seven mages summoned to participate in the Holy Grail War, a battle to the death where the winner is granted a wish.

Kiritsugu meets with his servant, Saber, and they discuss their strategy for the upcoming war. Saber is a legendary knight from Britain, and she is concerned with how Kiritsugu's methods align with her own beliefs of chivalry and honor. Kiritsugu is being secretive about his plans, but he assures her that they are on the same side and that their ultimate goal is to save humanity.

Meanwhile, Rin Tohsaka, the daughter of one of the mages participating in the war, is attempting to follow in her father's footsteps by winning the Grail. She meets with her servant, Archer, and they discuss their objectives. Archer is confident in his abilities and believes that Rin can win the war as long as she follows his lead.

Back at Kiritsugu's base, his former partner in assassination, Maiya, arrives to assist him in the war effort. She brings with her a roster of all of the mages participating in the war, as well as intel on their strengths and weaknesses.

The episode then shifts to a battle between two other mages, Kayneth and Sola-Ui, and their servants, Lancer and Rider. The fight is interrupted by an unexpected attacker who is using advanced technology to disrupt the battle and kill the combatants. The attacker, who is revealed to be working with one of the mages, disappears after firing only one shot, leaving chaos in its wake.

The episode ends with Kayneth and Sola-Ui meeting with Kirei Kotomine, the overseer of the Grail War, to discuss the attack. Kotomine reveals that the attacker has advanced weaponry that is far beyond what any mage is capable of creating. The group agrees to work together to find the culprit and stop them from disrupting the war any further.

Overall, "The Fake First Shot" is an action-packed episode that sets the stage for the battle to come. The viewer is introduced to several new characters and their respective servants, and the stakes are raised as it becomes apparent that there are external threats to the war that the mages must face. It also delves deeper into Kiritsugu's mysterious past and his motivations for entering the Holy Grail War.