"Good evening, Mr. Mustang. I do hope you enjoy your stay here in the Alice Academy. If you need anything, you can always give me a ring! I know where the extra pillows are, the best place to brew a cup of coffee, the best blankets…all you have to do is call me!"

"Right," muttered Roy, staring at the room he had been given in the faculty section of the Alice Academy dormitories. It was spacious, and obviously well-stocked with everything he would need during his few weeks' stay, but the prospect of actually spending several nights and more in the Academy remained just a little disconcerting to him, especially as the fact that he was a substitute teacher was still sinking in.

And nobody mentioned that the caretaker wasn't even human, but a moving bucket of nuts and bolts.

"Now then, is there anything you need right now?"

"No, no…you can just leave." Roy waved the robot away, and she – well, the voice sounded rather high and feminine – rolled away, leaving him to shut the door of his quarters behind him and flop onto the huge, four-poster bed, staring up at the ceiling. With a swift gesture, he undid his tie and tossed it unceremoniously on the side table, next to the mushroom-shaped lamp.

So…I really am a teacher at the Alice Academy, at least for a few weeks, huh?

And even though it had only been his first day on the job, Roy was already bummed out. After he had finished checking the essays of Elementary Class B – not to mention the essays of the other elementary classes he would handle as well – for a moment all the hastily-scrawled sentences and red marks and comments were etched into his vision. It was like paperwork, all right, but he had to admit, it was much more fascinating reading each child's essay and knowing that each one of these students had a certain special ability.

Of course, many of their abilities often surprised him and left him baffled, especially as he walked through the corridors of the Academy and passed by different kids (and teachers) with different powers.

Ah, I'll get used to it pretty soon. After all, I've only been here for a day.

Stifling a yawn, Roy pulled himself off the bed and decided to get ready for a night's well-deserved rest. He hadn't even taken his shoes off yet. But before he could do anything else, the phone next to the lamp on the bedside table started to ring, the noise so piercing in the quiet solitude of his room that when he picked up the phone, he started wondering how he could send his alchemy through the line to burn the ear of whoever would call this late at night.

"Hello, Roy Mustang speaking…substitute English teacher and homeroom teacher for Elementary Class B, Alice Academy. How may I help you?"

"There you are, Roy!"

Somehow, Roy already knew he would call – Lieutenant Colonel Maes Hughes, who worked in the investigations division of Amestris military, and also his best friend.

"You picked a wrong time to call, Maes. I was about to have a good night's sleep. Don't tell me you're burning the midnight oil again. And how did you know what number to use?"

"Oh, I have my sources. You know me and my work. And you know this desk job isn't a piece of cake," was the reply on the other end. "I thought I'd like to know how you're doing, teaching at this so-called academy. Lieutenant Hawkeye was kind enough to inform me, and I would just like to know – can I enroll my daughter there? I mean, if that's a school for special, gifted students, Elysia's special and gifted, she'd fit in just fine!"

Roy rolled his eyes. "She'd have to be an Alice."

"What? They only teach students named Alice there? Hmph, what kind of school is that?"

"No, I meant she has to have a special ability of some sort. They call them Alices here – that's why it was called Alice Academy. And apparently my alchemy passed off as an Alice, so they hired me to fill in for a guy called Narumi. It's a long story, actually…"

"I have time!" Hughes chirped merrily on the phone. Roy wanted to know how his best friend managed to stay up and alert even past ten in the evening. "Besides, these are just some stupid court files…not even due tomorrow but once they're out of my hair, I can spend the coming weekend with my wife and kid!"

"Then shouldn't you be starting work now instead of wasting your time talking to me?"

Hughes laughed. "It's called multitasking, Roy. So, how did the school take you, anyway?"

"This was supposed to be my day off, right? Apparently, they had been looking for a teacher for a long time…so when they saw me and how I could do alchemy, they hired me to replace Narumi, who supposedly had important business elsewhere, as the homeroom teacher of Elementary Class B. Then there's Serina Yamada, who teaches English. I'm also filling in for her because she has to watch Narumi. I've just had my first few classes today…"

"How do you like them so far?"

With a grin, Roy replied, "Oh…it's pretty interesting. You don't see kids like these everyday. Although I did have some trouble with a few…but that's to be expected."

"I see. All right then, I guess you need a good night's rest for tomorrow. It wouldn't make a good impression to start falling asleep while teaching, right?"

"Finally, you're speaking my language, Maes. Good night."

"Good luck, Roy. Of course, if you need any help handling children, you know who to call!"

"Yes, yes…I have to go to bed now. Get back to work. That's an order."

There was a chuckle, and then Hughes hung up.

---

From: The Alice Academy Administration

To: The Amestris Military, Eastern Division

To whom it may concern,

We would like to inform you that Colonel Roy Mustang will be spending at least the next four weeks teaching here in the Alice Academy, a school for gifted students. We have been looking for a substitute teacher who would be willing to pitch in and handle Elementary Class B and teach English to all elementary classes for a long time, and we were lucky to find a man like Mr. Mustang.

Please understand. The Academy thanks you for your cooperation in assisting the succeeding generation.

We will keep in touch, and we hope you do the same. If you have any further comments or queries, feel free to ask.

The letter from the Alice Academy was on a table, with five men clustering around to read it, and one woman standing by to retrieve the message after everyone had read it.

"Well…it looks pretty official," said Falman, nodding. "That must be their seal…and the signatures from the administration and the student representatives. It must be one ritzy school, this Alice Academy, especially as they only take in 'gifted' students…although I've never heard too much about it until now."

"But Elysia's gifted, wouldn't you agree?" asked Hughes excitedly, suddenly shoving a photo of said girl under Falman's nose. "Look at her, isn't she cute when she draws like that? I think she's drawing a picture of me and Gracia, what do you think?"

The warrant officer was saved from hazarding an answer when Riza suddenly said, "A month…anything could happen to the Colonel during that time." Her face was contorted into an expression of concern. "Should we go see how he's doing?"

"Don't be so worried, Hawkeye," Hughes assured her. "Roy can handle anything, even teaching young geniuses in a prestigious school!" He put an arm around her and steered her towards the empty desk that was usually occupied by their superior, well out of earshot.

Then he whispered, "I talked to him last night. He sounded pretty fine to me. You already know that he was only discovered during his day off, right? And the Academy was desperate for a substitute teacher. Still, why would they be that desperate, fishing random people from the streets to fill in for someone else temporarily? And could it be a coincidence that they happened to fish out the Flame Alchemist?"

"Unless the Alice Academy is much more than a school for special students," Riza practically took the words out of his mouth.

"Hmm…maybe, but whatever happens, I think Roy can take it. And he'll tell us when something's amiss."

"I highly doubt that, sir," she answered tersely. "You know the Colonel."

"Just like you – like the back of my hand," said the Lieutenant Colonel, leaning against the wall.

Riza sighed. "Still…"

"Maybe we can drop by for a visit…but not now," suggested Hughes. "Allow him to adjust to his new work and environment…you know, get into the teaching vibe, something like that…"

"I guess so, Lieutenant Colonel. You're right."

"Like I said, don't worry so much about Roy. And he probably wouldn't like it if he finds out you're not concentrating on your work because you're too busy mulling over what he's doing at the moment."

Riza managed a small smile. "Thank you, sir. You do have a point." She gently drew back the curtains shrouding the window behind them, and squinted as the beaming morning sunlight streamed into the office, seemingly promising an equally bright prospect for her and the military, and Roy.

---

"Anyway, Jinno was pointing his wand at me, and I could see the lightning forming on it. He would have charred me, if I hadn't charred his wand first. Unfortunately, he wasn't fast enough, and not only did I reduce one of his lightning rods to ashes with my Alice, I ended up burning his hand a bit…"

"Oh dear!" gasped Mikan. "Was he all right?"

Roy grinned. "They were only first-degree burns, Mikan. Just run them under some cold water, I told him, but of course, he was still burning mad after that…"

The students of Elementary Class B were all ears as their substitute teacher used the first few minutes of their class to tell the full (and somewhat sensationalized) story of how he had made a fool out of Jinno, as he had been satisfied with all their essays. Of course, Roy never told them who got the highest mark or the lowest mark, but simply said just about everyone did a very good job with an approving grin that made some – many, actually – girls' eyes sparkle and excited squeals bubble in their throats. Not even Sumire, the self-proclaimed president of the Natsume and Ruka fan club, was immune to Roy's natural charms.

Needless to say, one boy was definitely not listening, his nose buried in a graphic novel. His seatmate shook his head disapprovingly, but was ignored.

"Natsume," Ruka warned. "He could use his Alice on you again…"

"Like I care," was the gruff answer, punctuated by a turn of the pages. "It doesn't hurt, anyway."

Ruka didn't know whether Roy knew that Natsume wasn't listening, but had this feeling that he had more tricks up his sleeve in case he decided that Natsume was being a pain in the neck again.

"So," Roy concluded his story, "I kept my promise. Did you like the story?"

The room echoed with mumbled and proclaimed affirmations alike, accompanied by a few bouts of laughter and some comments. Mikan in particular was eagerly sharing her reactions to a rather uninterested Hotaru, who made gestures as though resisting the urge to whip out her idiot gun.

Mikan had no idea that someone at the very back of the class was watching her.

"She likes him too, doesn't she?" muttered Natsume, finally putting down his book.

"Yeah, I think Mikan's becoming rather fond of Mr. Mustang," said Ruka, sounding just a little bit jealous.

His friend grunted, crossing his arms. "What's there to like about him, anyway? He's a show-off, a bastard, and – "

"Now I want you all to bring out a single sheet of paper each, and a pen."

"What for, sir?" asked Yuu.

"Actually, I told you that story so I can test you on your listening skills," said Roy, picking up a notebook from his desk and his gold pen. "I will ask you five questions, and you must answer them in complete sentences. After this, we'll officially start our first lesson. I hope you've all been listening well – it's a pretty simple story, so I bet a lot of you, if not all, will be getting a hundred percent."

"Like I said, he's a damn bastard," whispered Natsume to Ruka.

But Natsume wasn't looking at Roy – he was surveying Mikan up front, eagerly jabbering away to Hotaru as they got everything they needed for the test. When her materials were laid out carefully on her table, Mikan eagerly raised a hand and waved it about, catching Roy's attention. She seemed to be saying something to him, asking a question, most probably, and he said something else in turn to answer whatever was on her mind. When he walked away to watch the rest of the students, Mikan instantly turned back to Hotaru, smiling brightly and whispering something to her.

"A damn bastard," Natsume stressed.

"Okay, everyone, here's your first question. What was the color of the cloak I was wearing while I was walking outside the Alice Academy, before Mr. Narumi found me?"

Ruka said nothing to Natsume's further comment, as the next test had begun. The room was silent in between questions, filled only with the scratching and tapping of pens and pencils, padding of anxious feet, and rustling of paper, among other tiny noises.

---

"He's only been our teacher for two days, but I like him already! He's really nice, sort of like Mr. Narumi, and he has the same Alice as Natsume!"

Misaki Harada was listening closely to Mikan's stories, along with other girls from the middle school and also in the Special Ability class. She was perched on a table, while her doppelganger occupied the chair – or was it the other way around?

"This Mr. Mustang guy sounds like a good man," the Misaki on the table commented. "Isn't he the tall black-haired one, with eyes that look black but are actually a very dark blue?"

"Yup, he's the one," answered one girl, twirling a lock of her brown hair dreamily. "Have you seen him? He's really good-looking. Mikan's pretty lucky to have him for a teacher…I wish I could see how he teaches. Plus, I love his tie, the one that looks like it's on fire. He's got good fashion sense. Maybe I could somehow drop by during one of your classes…"

"Hey, don't you make a move on him, he's mine!" another girl said suddenly, standing up and pointing at the one who had just spoken. "Even his name has a nice ring to it…Roy Mustang…"

"What do you mean, he's yours?"

The two Misakis traded a look and sighed together. Mikan glanced at them and shrugged as the girls started arguing among themselves. Tsubasa Andou walked towards them and leaned against a nearby table, watching Mikan and Misaki.

"What's going on?" asked Tsubasa. "Oh, wait, stupid question. I bet this is about the teacher subbing for Narumi back at the elementary school."

"How did you guess?" Misaki and her doppelganger chorused.

"Hey, Tsubasa!" Mikan greeted him cheerily. "You've heard of Mr. Mustang already? He's our homeroom and English teacher!"

He nodded, ruffling her hair and rolling his eyes. "Yup, news about him spreads like wildfire, especially among our classmates, huh? After only a couple of days, even. Next thing you know, there'll probably be a Roy Mustang fan club…"

"That's a good idea!" a girl with long red hair and an unusually high voice interrupted. She turned back to her friends and declared, "I hereby declare myself the official president of the Roy Mustang fan club!"

"Damn it, no fair! We need an election!"

"Election, schmelection!"

"Hey, everyone!"

The girls instantly stopped fighting, several hands stretched out to pull each other's hair, or maybe eager to start a catfight. Noda, the handler of the Special Ability class, had just come in, but there was someone lurking behind him…

"Hi, Mr. Mustang!" crowed Mikan, jumping up and down and waving. "What are you doing here?"

"Hello there, Mikan," Roy gave a little wave back. His other arm was full of books and folders.

Noda smiled. "Mr. Mustang was kind enough to help me out with a few errands before I got here. That's why I'm a bit late." He turned to Roy, taking his load. "So, Mikan's one of your students?"

"Yes, she is. Anyway, I have to leave for my English class with Elementary Class A. See you."

"And Mr. Jinno said he was a pain – I don't think so," said Noda, more to himself than anyone else.

While he walked up to the front of the class and got things ready, the girls started whispering excitedly again about creating a Roy Mustang fan club, and how he had graced them with his presence, even for just a few minutes. Misaki's doppelganger was gone, and now she traded a look with Tsubasa. That left Mikan to brace herself as the fangirls started assaulting her with questions about her substitute teacher and random ravings about him.

"So, how does he teach?"

"You're soooooooo lucky!"

"Did he say if he has a girlfriend?"

"I'm still gonna be president of the club, right?"

"Dream on!"

"He's all right, his classes have been fun so far," said Mikan, trying her best to answer each query. "Well…"

But she didn't have to answer them all, as Noda got everyone's attention again. "I see Mr. Mustang already has fans even after only two days of teaching?"

"Tell me about it," said Misaki and Tsubasa simultaneously, and grinned at each other.

"Well, you'll have a lot of time to discuss him later on. But first, we'll have a little discussion and more practicing of our Alices…"

Mikan raised her hand. "Mr. Noda, do you think if I work hard, I can nullify Mr. Mustang's Alice?"

Noda chuckled. "I've seen his Alice, and it's pretty powerful – maybe even more so than Natsume Hyuuga's. Hmm…maybe, but for now, let's start small. But why would you want to nullify his Alice?"

For a moment, she thought of Roy's Alice, which was indeed impressive. But then she also thought of Natsume. Would he truly be all right? And what if he tried to create fire again and Roy rendered it useless yet again? Would it affect Natsume's life span? Hotaru, Yuu and Ruka had reassured her that Natsume would be fine, but she couldn't be so sure…and somehow, she had this feeling that she may have to learn how to nullify Roy's Alice.

"I don't know…I guess I just thought of it," said Mikan with a shrug.

"Like I said, it's better if we start from the bottom and work our way to the top. Now then, I think it's about time we begin our class, because I might suddenly disappear again…"