Fate/Zero (2011 - 2012)

Seeking the power of the Holy Grail, something that can make miracles occur, seven different mages summon seven Heroes, and fight until the last man remains--a battle of epic proportions, the Holy Grail War. In preparation for the war, various participants are chosen from all over the globe. Eight years ago in Einzbern Castle in Germany, a girl named Illyasviel is born. Her father, Kiritsugu Emiya, embraces her knowing he will be part of the battle, as well.

Kiritsugu and his daughter Illyasviel stroll through the Einzbern woods. As Saber watches the happy parent and child, she ponders why Kiritsugu has not spoken to her since she was summoned. And in Fuyuki City, the battle ground where the Holy Grail War will be fought, the seventh and final hero is summoned.

As Saber and Lancer continue their battle, Kiri and Maiya continue the search for Lancer’s master. What they discover is shocking…

Rider suddenly appears just the battle with Lancer reaches its climax, much to Saber's consternation. Undeterred, Rider calls out to the many people observing the fight from within the shadows...but it seems he's not the only heroic spirit drawn in by the battle.

A car screams down the moonlit streets of Fuyuki City, with a very happy-go-lucky Irisviel behind the wheel and a slightly unnerved Saber sitting next to her. The evening takes a bad turn when a mysterious shadow darts in front of them. The person claims to be Saber's loyal retainer, yet Saber has no memory of them...

The rules of the game have changed and the Masters have a chance to earn an extra command spell. All they have to do is find Castor and kill him.

Battle rages throughout Einzbern Castle: Kayneth's magical mercury sphere versus Kiritsugu's formidable gun arsenal, Saber and Lancer join forces against Caster in the forest, and Irisviel detects a new enemy as she and Maiya make their escape.

Kiritsugu and company are wrapping up after the assault on their castle, and the Einzbern Master decides to ignore Saber's desire to pursue Caster, instead leaving on his own to finish off Kayneth. But Kayneth, after being saved by Lancer, has awakened to find himself bandaged and strapped to a bed. Sola-Ui explains the hopelessness of his current situation, and offers a shocking proposal...

The mystery of the mass kidnappings in Fuyuki remains unsolved, with more kids disappearing daily. When Tohsaka Rin can't get in touch with her friend Kotone, she braves the darkness and enters the city on her own to search for her. That's when she spots a strange man leading two kids around and decides to follow him...

Rider, Saber, and Archer sit down for a drink and discuss what makes a King. The talk turns to violence when Assassin interrupts…

Hidden in a Fuyuki hotel, Kiritsugu tries plan his next move, but is still at a loss trying to understand Kirei's motives. Elsewhere, Iry and Saber have moved to a new hideout, a traditional Japanese manor. But while Iry seems excited about their new location, Saber senses something is amiss...

Rider and Waver make a trip into town, and stop in a bookstore along the way. There, Waver reads a biography on Rider's life and learns why he aimed to conquer the far east. Meanwhile, Caster and Ryuunosuke return to their destroyed base. A conversation with his Master leads Caster to an epiphany, and with insanity in his heart, the mad magician begins casting a certain spell...