The Grail of the Nine Worlds Chapter 1: 1: Welcome to Valhalla, a fate/stay night fanfic

The Grail of the Nine Worlds

I must warn You – I mix legends of Sigurd and Siegfried. On purpose. I was raised in a country where people say Siegfried but think of Sigurd. Maybe Wagner is to blame, or maybe the fact that they are the same person?

I'm explaining my point of view at the end of this chapter to not bore You to death at the beginning. If You are interested, feel free to check it (warning: contains Fate/Apocrypha spoilers ).

This story is (only a little) connected to my other fic – Firestone. For those who didn't read it there's an explanation at the end. You may ignore it, because these are two separated stories.

1: Welcome to Valhalla

"The rules are simple. You will travel all Nine Worlds, spend a week in each one, performing special tasks and fighting each other. At least one member of a team must reach the gathering point the last day before sunrise, otherwise you will be considered defeated."

"Long time no see."

Siegfried sighed, watching a distant figure of a majestic eagle on the cloudless sky. He got used to be observed by this particular god, but had no time or desire to speak with him, now or ever.

He could hear a rustle of feathers when the eagle landed on the stone behind his back, and a sound of dispersed magic, when it transformed into the one-eyed old man.

A tip of Balmung stopped an inch before his face.

"What's wrong, Child of Nature?" Although it was the sword that managed to break his undefeated spear, Gungnir, Odin did not look disturbed at all. "Why are you so nervous?"

"I'm not nervous, Allfather. If I gave in to my emotions, I wouldn't stop the blade." Siegfried put down the weapon and got back to saddling his stallion. Grani moved his ears, like checking if everything is all right. "Whatever you want from me the answer is 'no'. I have no time for your intrigues anymore."

It was not a typical way to speak with the head of a local pantheon, but the Dragon Slayer did not care. Due to Odin's past machinations, his fate did not belong to gods anymore, even the Norns have long lost the power over the thread of Siegfried's life.

"I thought you want to summon her again."

"Huh?"

That was unexpected. Siegfried turned around and stared questioningly at the father of gods, who met his gaze with a mysterious expression.

"That woman in red cloak. The demon witch, who fought for you like an entire army of Fafnirs."

"What about her?"

Odin made a dramatic pause, probably only to irritate his companion.

"The Grail of the Nine Worlds will summon new Servants soon. And I'm giving you a chance to become a Master."

To say that Siegfried was surprised would be an understatement. The fragment of horse harness fell from his hand and hit the ground with an annoying sound.

"What? You have your own Grail War here? Since when?"

"Since magic appeared in Asgard, boy." The Allfather seemed… amused by Siegfried's reaction. "It's only a matter of nomenclature. Every powerful magical core can be called a Grail, that woman already explained it to you. I must admit that her story inspired us to change the rules of the summoning, but… What's wrong? You're not interested?"

Siegfried tensed. Rin had told him a lot about the Grail Wars and he was sure that nothing good would come from participating in one. He wasn't even a magus, runes refused to obey him, and he couldn't really hold any spell without destroying himself or changing into a strange reptile.

I guess it doesn't truly matter when a dragon heart beats inside your chest, he thought, shaking his head.

"No, I'm not interested. Sorry." He turned around to pet Grani, a little too forcibly, visibly fighting with his own desires. If he agrees it will be like betraying all his ideals.

But it was the only wish he has ever had…

"If summoning her is a miracle, I will deserve one," Odin said after a long, tensed moment. Siegfried turned around again, visibly angry. "Your own words, am I right? And what is the Grail War if not a way of deserving miracles?"

"There's no guarantee that the summoned Servant will be the one I wanted." Although Siegfried tried to sound decidedly, he was already defeated. The temptation was just too great. "Besides, a Servant is only a copy…"

"But if you win, your wish will be granted, you forgot about it?"

Siegfried didn't forget. He lost the ability of forgetting things the day he tasted dragon blood. Along with many other things, like hope and, partially, even his sanity.

"You're not afraid that, if I win, I would wish to undone every shady deal I had with you?"

"You won't." Odin did not hesitate even for a moment with his answer. "You're way too honorable to do such thing. I wouldn't let my daughter marry a man who can't keep his promise."

A heavy silence fell between them. It was not fair to bring up such painful memories, but Odin never played fair with Siegfried, did he?

Not that he ever truly hurt him either.

"Allfather, if you really consider me your family, please be honest. Why do you want me to participate? What will you gain from this mess?"

"I'll double my chances of winning. Asgard and Midgar are allies, after all. Besides we gods, too, need some fun, so we place bets."

"I see." Siegfried chuckled, completely lost. Of course Odin did not reveal all his motives, but this one was definitely true. "No sane deity would bet for Midgard, when other participants are gods, elves and giants."

"I will bet on you." It was not a joke – the single eye of Odin, full of the primordial, cosmic emptiness, pierced Siegfried, right through his heart.

But he did not avert his eyes. Immortal dragons are not afraid of such things.

"Why is that?"

"It's just like that woman once said – no man will ever surpass your legend here, Child of Nature. Other races underestimate humans, but I know how strong you can be… when motivated enough."

Siegfried was not sure what Odin truly wants to say – was it a threat? Or maybe a praise? He had no time to think about it, because the Allfather already changed back into a golden eagle.

"It begins with the feast in Valhalla," the bird said, spreading its wings.

"How will I get to Asgard?"

"I'll send a valkyrie for you."

And he flew away, leaving Siegfried with his head heavy of suspicions. Yet one feeling was stronger than any doubt: hope that his almost forgotten wish may finally be granted.

"You were right, Rin." He hopelessly shook his head. "Years passed, but I'm still only a stupid, stubborn brat."

Even in his wildest dreams, Siegfried would never expect that he'll visit Valhalla, not as a dead man, but as one of Odin's honored guests.

The Allfather sent for him not one but two valkyries – his old friends Thrud and Mist. They haven't seen each other since the fatal battle with king Lygni, almost two years ago.

It was a really strange feeling for Siegfried – to sit among gods, giants, elves and dwarves, enjoying delicious food and happy songs. Still, even in such company his dragon horns and crest seemed out of place.

At least he has already seen things no living man had a chance to see. The hall of Valhalla looked even more magnificent than described by skalds and Bifrost, the rainbow bridge to Asgard, was simply marvelous. A part of Siegfried – that reckless, adventurous part – was ready to admit that joining the tournament was worth the risk, even if only for those sights.

He wondered why Brynhildr was nowhere to be seen. Her sisters ignored all questions, but Siegfried couldn't resist and kept looking for her among visitors gathered in the hall. Was she not allowed to see him? Or maybe she didn't want to?

"Welcome to Valhalla, mighty champions of the Nine Worlds!" Odin hit the floor with his staff, demanding attention. The entire hall went silent, waiting for the official instructions. "The time has finally come! Tonight we feast and perform the great summoning."

"Skál! Skál! Skál!" Horns full of mead were raised in the air to celebrate the beginning of a long-awaited ceremony.

Siegfried politely joined the toast, although he was not in the mood for drinking. He wondered why the Allfather bothered to explain everything personally. A cheerful sparkle in the only eye of Odin told him everything – the mightiest of gods just had a lot of fun tonight.

This sudden discovery somehow made Siegfried more suspicious than ever. His last experiences with the gods who 'are having fun', especially with Loki, were not the most pleasant ones.

The Dragon Slayer frowned, thinking of traps and possible difficulties. Every team will have an advantage in the realm of its origin. What's more, even the weakest duo, if it comes up with a good plan, can avoid fighting and focus only on blocking the path to the gathering point.

It all depends on the nature of these 'special tasks', though, but possibilities seem endless.

"Now, let's meet the participants. First the champion of Vanaheim – Skadi!"

Siegfried blinked. Everyone heard about Skadi - the beautiful giantess from the snowy mountains. She was a fierce huntress, some even says that she's an embodiment of destruction itself.

"Oh? The gods of Vanir are getting serious this time." For the first time since the beginning of the feast, Thrud seemed truly impressed.

"No surprise, I guess." Mist, the valkyrie in blue, smiled meaningfully. "Last time they were knocked out at the very beginning by an old necromancer from Helheim. It's a matter of honor now."

"Hmmm." Siegfried listened carefully, well aware that any scrap of information may be useful, even crucial for his survival. He stared at the famous huntress, trying to analyze her combat capabilities. Her skin was so white, that seemed almost blue – it could mean that she may suffer from higher temperatures. She was not as tall as other giants, but had stronger legs and back, as expected from someone who runs with bow through the highest mountains of Vanaheim. No matter how much Siegfried tormented his sharp dragon senses, he couldn't see any obvious weakness of this fearless creature. Skadi was truly a dangerous adversary.

"Now please welcome the champion of Asgard. Stand up, Gná, don't be shy."

The petite blonde, who seemed too young to be even allowed in the hall, hesitantly obeyed. She bowed slightly to the guests and sat down again, trying to hide her embarrassment behind a smile.

Some guests whispered meaningfully, not able to hide their discontent. Gná was nothing more than a servant goddess of Frigg, a simple messenger with almost no combat abilities. The girl was known mostly from her cheerful attitude and carelessness, which caused many troubles to the members of Aesir. It looked like the gods did not take the tournament seriously…

Siegfried tilted his head, thinking what Odin wanted to achieve by putting such strange pawn on the chessboard. Most likely this greatest cheater among gods has seen something in their future. The Dragon Slayer only sighed, not even trying to suspect what could it be.

"The next one is Dainf, the champion of Alfheim."

A tall, handsome black-haired elf greeted them with a slight bow of his head. Siegfried tensed, not even knowing why. The guy was a mage, no doubt, with an aura somehow similar to that of Rin, but also a skilled warrior, judging from two magnificent swords hanging at his belt.

"This one is dangerous," Siegfried whispered, sensing nothing but troubles from this elegant non-human figure.

"No joking!" Thrud hiccupped, fighting with her fellow valkyrie for a drink. "Last time he reached the final and failed only because his Servant betrayed him. Well, at least that's what people say."

"Better be careful, sister." Mist smiled, but she wasn't really in the mood for jokes. "He's famous for killing everyone who dared spread rumors about him."

"He may try…"

Siegfried did not listen to her anymore, focused on further presentation. From his place at the table he had a limited view at the rest of potential Masters, but still tried his best to know his enemies.

The champion of Helheim, the Land of the Dead, was clearly not completely alive, but for now it was impossible to say anything else about him. Sindri, the dwarf from Svartalfheim, looked rather like a blacksmith than a warrior, at least at first glance. And the champion of Jotunheim…

Siegfried swallowed when Bergelmir, known as the most honorable of all ice giants, stood up to greet them. He was the embodiment of everything humanity feared and admired in the jötnar. The tip of his head reached the ceiling, the hilt of his sword was almost as tall as Siegfried.

He could match Fafnir in terms of size. The Dragon Slayer smiled at the view. There was a kind of noble aura around that magnificent figure. If something similar to knights exists in the land of ice giants, Bergelmir is certainly one of them.

His fire counterpart from Muspelheim, a wild creature with a strange name that begins with 'S', seemed much more terrifying. Even more than the primordial one, Yrmi from Nilfheim, land of mists and creatures which remember the creation of the Nine Worlds.

"And, for the first time in history of our tournament, let me present to you the champion of Midgard: Siegfried the Dragon Slayer."

The hall filled up with whispers and, mostly unfavorable, comments.

'He's not a human, it's cheating.'

'He really thinks he can defeat the immortals?'

'Have we fallen so low to invite mere humans?'

'Who cares? He'll be the first to die.'

Although Siegfried, still a little ashamed of his dragon features, did not like public appearances, he stood proud under the weight of their judging gazes. He represented here not only the desire of his own heart, but also a determination of the entire human race, the willingness to sacrifice everything to achieve the goal.

Because of that he was sure that he won't ever lose to the ones like them.

Thoughts on Sigurd and Siegfried

I used to think of The Nibelungenlied as of an AU fan fiction of The Völsunga Saga: let's make the greatest hero of the Northern Europe more knightly, so he would fit to the Christian ethos and popular genre chansons the geste (which can be translated as 'songs of heroic deeds'). Let's say he's from the Netherlands, so it wouldn't look so awful when Germans kill him in the end. Let's forget about supernatural elements, it's 12th century already, no one believes in Odin anymore. But the dragon must stay. Without Fafnir Siegfried wouldn't be a hero anymore, right?

Well, there's a little problem with this legend: without supernatural elements it doesn't make any sense. The most epic European story (even Arthurian Legends took a lot from those sagas, really) would turn into a boring romance… That's why the second version seems somehow fake, at least to me.

Let's take a look at Siegfried and Sigurd from Nasuverse perspective. Sigurd as Heroic Spirit is much older than Siegfried, so he should be more powerful. As descendant of Odin, he would gain Divinity bonuses. He knows rune magic, can be summoned as Saber, Rider, Lancer, Caster or Berserker. His character - a bold, arrogant jerk - would place him somewhere between Cú Chulainn and Achilles (just kidding!). He's invincible, so (considering his fame) he would be at least equal to Achilles, right?

But they still chose Siegfried, not Sigurd, to be a part of Fate/Apocrypha. Why?

Because Sigurd probably wouldn't give a damn about some random homunculus, he would charge into battle for the pure joy of battle… and would destroy the entire Trifas fighting Achilles as his chosen nemesis.

Actually, I would be happy to see their duel but… where's the moral? Who would love humanity and show Jeanne the right way before the final fight of the story?

That's why we needed Siegfried. For his heart (literally in case of Sieg) of a true Hero of Justice. That's also why the author and readers of The Nibelungenlied needed him. Because they needed a more likeable, selfless hero to believe in good deeds. In short: because Christianity. Paradoxically, that's also why in Wagner's version the pure, innocent 'child of nature' is not called Sigurd.

After all, a cross on the hilt of Balmung is there not without reason…

Well, this is my opinion, You don't have to agree but it would be nice to discuss it. ;)

Notes

I will add character profiles of Masters (and maybe Servants) later. I just don't want to throw all info at You at once. I can also prepare a glossary if You want to.

More notes

This story is connected to one of my older fics - "Firestone". It's possible to enjoy it without reading the previous one, but You must know that this version of Siegfried:

- has no weak point on his back;

- is slowly turning into a dragon;

- sucks at magic and runes but magical energy, gathered from the earth itself, can flow freely through his circuits;

- keeps destroying himself, trying to summon Heroic Spirit TOHSAKA.

Last Notes

I made it because I love Norse mythology and I wanted to see Siegfried as a Master. Thus I regret nothing.

Nasuverse characters belong to their rightful owners. Mythological characters and creatures belong to us all.