Bido sat beside the island counter of the stone kitchen with a glum look on his face. Master Greed was out searching for more leads to the one called Father. He had left Bido and the other three chimera at the base to watch over the prisoner.

Apparently Roy Mustang had almost killed Greed despite the fact he was a mere human. That alchemy magic was fearsome indeed, but the General was powerless so long as he didn't have one of those patterned circles to draw power from. The thought still terrified Bido.

Master Greed had always seemed so powerful and indestructible... to think there were those out there who were strong enough to kill him. It made Bido wish, more than anything that Greed would come home.

Normally the small lizard-man wouldn't think such selfish thoughts. He would understand that Greed is entitled to his will and that as his slave, Bido must obey. But ever since Greed confessed that Bido was his favourite, their bond had strengthened somehow.

Maybe it was just Bido who had changed, but he found himself constantly worrying for his immortal master. Constantly longing for his return. The chimera released a sigh, and knew that allowing his mind to wander on impossible fantasies was dangerous.

So what if Father destroyed Central? Couldn't we just run away to another land and be happy together? Bido knew that Greed would never age, but so long as he was young enough to not repulse his master Bido wanted to spend his time safely with him.

Not dealing with all this drama.

A door opened and Martel walked inside. Bido stared at the woman with the short blonde hair nervously. He was certain she had overheard Greed telling him that he was Greed's favourite.

Now the snake-woman seemed to harbour a severe loathing for him. Not long ago they had been friends, now Bido only tried to ignore her petty jealousy. Martel walked by without so much as looking in his direction.

Bido's tail lowered. He understood she might be frustrated but this kind of behaviour is ridiculous! Martel opened their cooling machine and pulled out a plate of chicken pieces from the night before. Not bothering to reheat them she started devouring the pieces and dropping bones back on the plate.

Bido put his head in his hand and looked away from her awkwardly. Wiping her face with the back of her hand, Martel dropped the plate back inside and closed the fridge.

"It's your turn to take care of the prisoner." She spoke harshly without turning around.

Bido blinked at her back. "He hasn't been given anything to drink today."

"I thought Dolcetto was supposed to be caring for him?"

Martel went to leave the room and Bido thought for a moment that she wasn't going to answer.

Just before vanishing she spoke over her shoulder.

"He and Roa went out."

After she was gone Bido stuck his tongue out in her direction, feeling only a little childish.

Getting onto his feet he went to the cupboards and had to stand on the tips of his toes to reach the glasses. Filling it with water he made his way to the prisoner's room.

It was dark, Mustang raised his head slightly but said nothing. Bido swallowed, and tried to hide his nervousness. The alchemist lowered his head, he must have seen from Bido's silhouette that he was someone new, but didn't care enough to speak.

The small bald man walked forward, into the dim light. The attractive raven-haired man narrowed his eyes at him, registering Bido's lizard-like features.

"I have water. Drink it slowly and don't choke." The chimera instructed.

Mustang raised his head and Bido carefully tipped the water into his mouth. He drank it all in one go and Bido stood there afterwards, wondering if he should offer to get him another.

"Hungry."

"Pardon?"

"I'm hungry. Don't you have anything to eat?"

Bido thought of the chicken pieces that still remained.

"I don't think you can eat in your current position without choking."

"Well that's great." Mustang's head hit the table with a thonk and he stared at the ceiling. "I don't even have my alchemy, it's ridiculous that I be tied up like this."

Bido couldn't help mentally agreeing, but responded anyway.

"It's Master Greed's orders."

"Yeah, yeah." The attractive man spoke angrily. "Stupid chimera..." he muttered under his breath.

Bido turned away from him and headed back out of the room. As he closed the door behind him he turned and noticed Dolcetto standing in the living room beyond the kitchen with Martel. Roa's great muscles were straining as he replaced the massive slab of rock over the only exit into the sewers.

Only him and Greed were strong enough to move the slab that kept them isolated. If not for them the rest of the chimera would remain trapped in here.

"Roa! Dolcetto!" Bido shouted with glee, happy that he would no longer be stuck here alone with the spiteful Martel.

"Hey, Bido." Dolcetto greeted, hands on his hips. Martel looked back at Bido with narrowed eyes. Roa heaved the slab the rest of the way over and panted, slapping the dust off his hands. It was much harder for him to move it than Greed.

Stepping towards them the grey-haired muscle giant gave his report.

"We recieved word from Master Greed, the prisoner is to be released but watched at all times."

Martel sighed in aggravation.

"I don't like that, what if he tries to get the drop on one of us?"

"With four against one?" Dolcetto replied. "He has no way to get out of here without Roa to clear the exit."

The ox-man made his way past me towards the prisoner's room, and I watched him with a wary curiosity. After opening the door and making his way inside Bido followed and peered around.

Mustang stared at the knife in the big man's hand with apprehension, then confusion as he severed a leather strap that bound his hand. Roa moved around the table, severing the straps and Bido stepped forward.

"Does this mean I'm free to go?" The young alchemist asked.

"No," Roa answered sternly. "Greed is permitting you to move around our base, but you can't leave."

"I'm a General in the Amestrian military." Mustang began as the last strap around his leg was cut. "Once people realize I've been kidnapped they'll start looking for me. My lieutenant Riza will be worried sick, at least let me write her a letter to say I'm alright."

I was almost swayed by the poor man's pleading, but Roa remained firm.

"Nice try, alchemist. But we've been instructed to not let you near writing tools under any circumstances."