Not All Dogs Go to Heaven

I have suddenly opened my eyes and saw that I am floating amongst stars up in space. Such beautiful sight made me smile bitterly. Seems I have died for sure and this time I won't make it out like last time. Why I am sure that I have died? I have been here before when I went through clinical death after one very bad day on front. Heh, interesting will I go straight to hell or at least be allowed mercifully just dissolve in great void?

"None of this will happen to you." - I heard someone behind my back.

When I turned around I have seen ball made of crimson light, but in next few seconds he changed into a man dressed in full plate armour. He looked like a hero that come out of stories of old.

"You are truly a great warrior that was forged on anvil of war and battles. You deserved righteous death in battle surrounded by slain enemies hearing victorious roar of your brothers in arms and to be remembered."

Yes, I am true dog of war and I have never thought about other death than in combat. But things don't always go the way we want.

" For me it was great disappointment that you have died from hands of coward that never baptised in blood of his enemies. That's why I decided to give you a second chance."

" What do you mean and who are you?" - I asked puzzled by his words

" I am known under the names of Hachiman, Chiyou, Mars, Týr and many others. I am supreme aspect of war and deity of warriors. And you proved to be one of those few great warriors who I wanted to see amongst my ranks. But your death didn't allow me to take you with me. So I decided to give you another chance and reincarnate in a new world. There you will have last chance to prove your worth and join me."

" Hah another world where I can fight and enjoy the heat of battle? Lead people in combat and win despite the odds? I am totally in!"

" Words of a true warrior! Your speech proves that I wasn't wrong to choose you. As supreme god of war and warriors I will give you three blessings"

" First blessing is Eye of Commander, it will allow you to oversee warriors under your command. You will be able to see their status and skills"

" Second blessing is Brand of Eternal Warrior, it will allow you to master your skills of a warrior be it swordsmanship or archery. But if you stay idle for too long it will start to burn and may turn you into ashes as you are expected to fight and not live as a layman"

" Final blessing will be Faith of Warriors, sharing hardships with your soldiers and leading them to victories will make them trust in their leader, however should you show sign of weakness and hesitation warriors will start to turn their backs on you. Only true warrior can lead them while cowards despised."

After I heard what gifts I will be given wide smile appeared on my face. Now I can truly live life of a warrior and fight in great battles over and over again. Perfect for person like me who lived only by war.

" And what about the world where you will sent me? Will it be the same as my previous world?"

"No, it will be completely different, it will be the world where warriors face each other in a good old way of direct bloodshed. World where wars fought with fire and sword!"

" Haha, I should have expected that there will be a catch, but I am more than happy as I always favoured fighting in close combat."

" I was right to choose you" - roared he with laughter.

" Now you must go Askar, we have wasted enough time here"

He waved his hand and send me flying downwards. This was last thing I remember before I closed my eyes and my mind falling into darkness of unconsciousness.