Sage was alive. More like, it looked like he was dragged back from the dead. He was that weak.

Manigoldo just stared at his master, his forhead pressed on the bar. Everything was messed up in his head. He needed time to think.

Manigoldo died with Thanatos' human body. Then everything went black. And now he was here, locked in the cage.

Has Sage failed? His master, Grand Pope Sage? Was it possible? Thanatos was God, of course, but it seemed very unlike.

Sage prepared more than two centuries. Thanatos lost his body, Sage could have burn his soul. Still confused, Manigoldo questioned Thanatos.

" What have you done to my master? "

" Nothing. "

" Bullshit. "

With his normal arrogant smile, Thanatos explained everything to Manigoldo. What happened after their death, how they ended up here, and even about contracts by pomegranate. Then he offered a deal. Sage will be free from Thanatos, if Manigoldo would be his.

Manigoldo's answer came immediate. " Fuck you. Do you think my master would like it? "

Thanatos shrugged. He stood beside Sage, stroked his hair very slowly, feeling thin silver strands slip through his fingers.

" Yes. I can see that. He treasures you very much to sacrifice your peace for his. " Then he paused. " But can you sacrifice his life for your peace? "

" What? Wait, wait. Damn you, Thanatos! I said WAIT! " Manigoldo screamed in panic, seeing Thanatos' hand firmly placed on Sage's bare neck.

" Thanatos, don't you dare to hurt him! Wait! " All Manigoldo could do was shouting. Slowly Thanatos closed his grip and immediately Sage groaned in pain and lack of air.

" Why should I? You rejected my offer and I have no use of him. "

" I will do what you say. Thanatos! So stop! " Sage was everything to Manigoldo. His pope, his master, his father. Now he was going to be killed. Again.

Thanatos stood up straight, looking rather excited, like a child with new toy. " Say that again. "

" Leave him be. I will... be yours. " Manigoldo whispered. His face was red with anger.

" Wrong. "

" I will be your servant. So please, leave him alone. "

" Wrong. Again. " Thanatos looked down at him with chuckle. Pandora was sitting far away, her eyes closed. Cheshire even pitied the Cancer saint.

" ...Let me serve you... as my master. All I wish for my service is.. my tutor's peace. I beg you. " Manigoldo was crying in despair and humilliation. He never felt this hopeless before. Even when his villiage was slaugthered.

Thankfully, Thanatos decided not to push further for this time. He casually opened cage and ordered.

" Come out. But don't walk. Crawl on your fours. "

Manigoldo obeyed without a word. Thanatos patted him on the head like people do to their pets.

" Good boy. Icelus. Lock him in the Phobia. "

Manigoldo's eyes were fixed on Sage and slight bruise on his neck. To everyone's surprise, he smiled before Morphia's gate close behind him. Thanatos knew that smile. It was same smile with the one he showed before his death with Thanatos' body.