Riddle 017: The Dominoes Fall

[questionauthority]

[First, a public call, filtered from drones and the like.]

First we're told not to drink the milk. It's poison, they say. Now, apparently, we aren't to be drinking the water, either? Believe me when I say that my childhood isn't something I was particularly happy to return to. Not at all. 

[He lets out a low sigh before filtering the call to Pokey Minch.]

Were you able to discover anything about the Smiths that could come in handy?

[And another filter, to Ema and Scout:]

Well, my partners-in-crime? Clear your schedules for the weekend. It's time to put our plan into action.

Comments

[Filtered]

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

Zilch. From everything I could tell, they just act normally. No outward abnormal activity that I could catch at all.

Okay. So what's up with the water. I haven't heard this yet.

[Filtered]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Last weekend, it appears as though those who ingested it became younger. I can't be entirely sure that the water is the absolute cause, but I'm having difficulty considering anything else that could have brought this unexpected phenomenon about.

[Filtered]

[godisachild.livejournal.com]

That's what did that this time?

...Could've been one of the residents here again, is the thing, and not the town.

[Filtered]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

...true. Oftentimes, it appears as though certain residents here bring about bizarre happenings. I recall inhaling some fumes in the fall, courtesy of another resident, that gave me hallucinations and delusions of grandeur.

[So filtered]

[glowing-science.livejournal.com]

I can imagine, considering your own childhood.

[HIS PARENTS ARE DEAD as far as she knows, anyway. She doesn't press the issue, instead moving on.]

We should discuss everything in person. I don't trust the phone lines to talk about it here.

[Filtered]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[He much appreciates that. Dead parents or abusive parents, neither outcome is one he really feels like elaborating on. Anyways:]

Very well. Where shall we convene, then?

[Filtered]

[glowing-science.livejournal.com]

Someone's home. Not mine.

[Schuldig would totally ruin their plans just for fun. :| ]

[hungry-monster.livejournal.com]

[Oh hey guess who's finally showing his face again after being absent from your life for no reason at all....and by face I mean voice.]

Oh I don't know. You didn't look miserable when I met you.

[Lies.]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

[Oh god, why you do this to him?]

...I was.

[hungry-monster.livejournal.com]

[He wasn't even trying this time.]

Why so miserable?

[Filtered]

[freakinblur.livejournal.com]

Yeah man! You bet! We should be goin' over some plans 'r somethin' for this first, right?

[Filtered]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Certainly. Meet me at my place in one hour.

[filtered] > [action]

[freakinblur.livejournal.com]

Ya got it, pally.

[It'll probably be a bit longer than an hour. Scout's never very punctual. But there'll be a knock on your door, and he's brought booze!]

Yo!

[phone]

[saturniapyri.livejournal.com]

Is there something wrong with the water here, too?

[phone]

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

One would imagine. Unless, of course, they did something to the air here.

[Mumbling to himself.]

Re: [phone]

[saturniapyri.livejournal.com]

[He leans into the phone to try and hear better. He manages to catch the first part.]

The water tastes fine though...

[crazyclownwoman.livejournal.com]

You were such a cute kid though!

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

...I was not cute.

[crazyclownwoman.livejournal.com]

Yes you were!

[ultimatexshield.livejournal.com]

Ain't it a bitch? Fuck, I really miss having that option to eat or not at times like this.

But what's up with the water, now? 'Sounds like I missed a juicy bit of information.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

I can't be entirely sure it's the water, but it appears as though those that ingested it last weekend reverted to a younger status, both in body and mind. Myself included.

[ultimatexshield.livejournal.com]

Huh. So how exactly does your mentality revert? [ Good thing Homunculi are created as-is, and never age. With the exception of manga!Wrath. ]

Try talkin' to an Alchemist, they're pretty damn good with the whole chemistry bit. If it is somethin' in the water and it's still there, they'd be able to figure it out.

Edward Elric'd be your best bet, if it's possible, anyway. [ Luckily, Greed had no problems with the kid, and didn't want to use him as some sacrificial lamb. Therefore, he had no problems with suggesting the talented little half-pint. ]

[Phone]

[greatestmanll40.livejournal.com]

Oh goody.
Please, do tell what new trap this warping hellhole has in store for us.

[puzzlerprince.livejournal.com]

Not much of a trap any longer, Lex. It happened last weekend. You may have noticed an increase in the child population here in Mayfield?

[greatestmanll40.livejournal.com]

Indeed I have... that Goldstein werewolf girl tried to steal my wallet while she was a toddler.