Fate/strange Fake Episode 10: Gold and Lion

The episode opens in a maelstrom of shouted orders, 'Operation cancelled! Retreat!', a desperate cry piercing the darkness. We see Saber, bloodied and wide-eyed, lying on the ground, reflecting a glimpse of danger in his pupils. A group of grim officers stands ready, their gray-haired commander shouting into a device as a monstrous Berserker breaks free. The ensuing chaos is swift, powerful energy sweeping through the officers, leaving destruction in its wake and a lone blonde officer amidst the rubble.

From the shadows, a mysterious man in a pinstripe suit, his face obscured, watches the unleashed Berserker. His eyes glow red, and he casually clicks his fingers, observing the raw power. He remarks on Berserker's chaotic strength, prompting Berserker to defiantly question his humanity. The man's glowing red eyes intensify as he accepts the challenge, offering a cryptic apology to his Master before the scene shifts.

The setting shifts dramatically to a ruined cityscape where Saber stands, surrounded by swords piercing the ground like grim monuments. Above him, Gilgamesh floats, framed by golden energy portals, radiating immense power. Saber, his face determined and eyes glowing red, raises his sword, a small cut on his forehead the only sign of prior struggle. He prepares for what is clearly a fated confrontation.

After a vibrant opening sequence, we find Ayaka Sajyo in darkness, holding a red book and her phone. A whispering voice intrudes, speaking of a Master mark branded within her and an inescapable command to participate in the Holy Grail War. The voice's ominous tones make it clear that refusal means being devoured by the mark itself. Ayaka sits isolated in a vast, empty church, her hand clutching the glowing red mark, a silent gasp escaping her as she whispers 'Saber...'

Saber demonstrates remarkable speed and agility, leaping between skyscrapers, running vertically up walls, and kicking off to soar through the night sky. Golden energy trails his movements as he dodges Gilgamesh's relentless golden projectiles. Meanwhile, Tine Chelc, Gilgamesh's Master, observes the escalating chaos from a balcony, asserting her duty to watch over her powerful Servant.

Saber confronts Gilgamesh directly, launching himself into the air and gathering golden energy around his sword. He unleashes his signature attack, 'Excalibur!', in multiple powerful beams of light. Gilgamesh, with an air of arrogant confidence, effortlessly deflects each blast with a golden shield. The city endures their destructive power, buildings exploding around them as their clash continues to rage.

The fierce battle abruptly cuts to a quiet church interior, bathed in warm light, an ornate chandelier hanging overhead. Ayaka sits alone, looking confused and concerned by the sudden shift in surroundings. Kirei Kotomine approaches her, his question about her well-being feeling more like an interrogation than concern. He presses her about her identity, his eyes intent, leaving Ayaka startled and disoriented.

In a dark parking lot, Flat Escardos points out a room to a cloaked figure, True Assassin's Master. She gratefully accepts the information and bids him farewell, but Flat, against his better judgment, insists on accompanying her. Suddenly, bladed weapons rain down, embedding around them as True Assassin's Master shields Flat. From a rooftop, Jester observes, smirking at Flat's decision.

Jester descends with a maniacal grin, blood spattering from his forehead as he outlines his twisted views on loyalty. He would have crushed Flat for abandoning True Assassin's Master, yet he also despises Flat for daring to stand beside his 'beloved'. His fangs are visible as he rants, blood dripping from his head, his fury and obsession palpable. Flat, despite his gun, seems stunned by Jester's intensity.

Archer's Master approaches the restrained Berserker, while Jack, the mysterious man, lies injured nearby. He explains his plan: channeling Berserker's Noble Phantasm through a Command Seal, confusing the flow of magic to break the chains. With a resolute 'Breakdown', Berserker's restraints shatter, and he flexes with newfound, blue-glowing power. Archer's Master asserts his unique ability, declaring 'Game over!' for his formidable Servant.

Near a glowing fountain, Archer's Master and Jack discuss the implications of Berserker's power. A theatrical voice interrupts them, introducing himself as Alexandre Dumas. He reveals himself as the famous author, pleased when Archer's Master recognizes him from various adaptations. Dumas, however, questions Archer's Master's resolve, his eyes glowing red, hinting at a deeper game of sacrifices and goals.

Berserker, now unchained but poisoned, lets out a guttural scream as green venom spreads across his body, his mask falling away to reveal a monstrous face. He unleashes a powerful green blast, throwing officers back. Gilgamesh, enraged, realizes his own arm is afflicted by Hydra's poison, his golden armor peeling away to reveal a venomous, festering wound. Archer's Master mocks Gilgamesh, calling him a 'pathetic hero' reliant on human-made power. Gilgamesh, consumed by fury and pain, vows vengeance upon Archer's Master and even his own Master, Tine Chelc.

Gilgamesh unleashes destructive golden projectiles across the city, yet inexplicably, Saber reappears, launching a final, desperate 'Excalibur!' The city explodes in a climactic clash, and Gilgamesh screams as he falls into a church. Ayaka rushes to Saber's side, only for him to declare his exhaustion and vanish in a flash of light, leaving her heartbroken. Then, Gilgamesh reappears, obliterating Tine Chelc and then Ayaka herself, who repeatedly disappears in flashes of light and anguish, her screams echoing. This entire sequence repeats several times, an endless loop of death and destruction.