Only A Child

Only A Child is the second and final mission in Serval and Gepard's Companion Mission chain. It is part of the Slices of Life Before the Furnace chapter that takes place on Jarilo-VI.
==Acquisition==
After reaching Trailblaze Level 32 and completing Companion Mission Time Express, read the message received from Gepard.
==Steps==
#Meet up with the Landau siblings at the Overworld cable car
#Head to the Boulder Town clinic
#Listen to the meeting between the Silvermane Guards and Wildfire
#Leave the clinic and see what's happening
#Talk with Serval and head to the Great Mine
#Eternal Freeze Aftermath
##Talk with Gepard about the state of the battlefield
##Move deeper into the battlefield and help the refugees on the way
##Look for the little girl and other miners
##Keep moving forward and look for miners who have been separated from the others
##Keep pushing deeper into the battlefield
#Return to Boulder Town clinic and report to Natasha
#Speak to the miner siblings who were saved
#Leave the clinic and listen to what Serval has to say
#Wait for the Landau siblings at Everwinter Hill
==Gameplay Notes==
*Upon completing this mission, Gepard and Serval will appear as visitors on the Astral Express.
==Dialogue==
===Receive a message from Gepard===
:
===Meet up with the Landau siblings at the Overworld cable car===
;(Talk to Gepard)
:Gepard: (Trailblazer), you're here. Thanks again for agreeing to this.
: Sorry to keep you waiting.
::Gepard: Don't be, I only just arrived myself.
: You look like you only just got here...
::Gepard: You're not wrong, it's only been a few minutes.
: What about the rest of the Garrison?
::Gepard: They're behind us. If negotiations go well, then Dunn will lead them down into the Underworld.
::Gepard: He's a very capable sergeant — upright, plainspoken — a model Silvermane Guard.
::Gepard: ...I assume you remember him? You and Serval ambushed — uh... subdued him in the Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone. I think he was out cold for most of the action.
:: It was an accident...
:::Gepard: The conflict was a product of the situation, I understand.
:::Gepard: Not to mention... he wasn't in bad shape when we found him. Thank you for holding back.
:: Sometimes fights lead to friendship!
:::Gepard: The conflict was a product of the situation, I understand.
:::Gepard: Not to mention... he wasn't in bad shape when we found him. Thank you for holding back.
:: What was that "bygones" thing you said again...?
:::Gepard: He wasn't in bad shape when we found him. Thank you for holding back.
::Gepard: Don't worry, the hard work is already behind us.
:Gepard: The highest priority for today is establishing good negotiations with the chief of Wildfire — I'm about to get that process underway. Serval was a little delayed on the way over, but that doesn't affect our schedule. Let's set off.
: Alrighty.
::Serval: Hold up, I wasn't that late...
: Huh, classic Serval.
::Serval: Huh? Hold up, I wasn't that late...
::Gepard: You weren't that early, either... Still, I don't blame you — you hadn't seen Mom and Dad in a long time... I'm glad you managed to speak to them.
::Serval: We didn't speak all that much... You know how it is, I can only talk to Dad for so long before I start losing it.
::Gepard: I know how it is alright. Put that to one side for now... We need to get going.
:Gepard: Negotiations will be held in the Boulder Town clinic. Serval and I are newcomers, so you'll have to lead the way, (Trailblazer).
===Head to the Boulder Town clinic===
;(Arriving in Boulder Town)
:Gepard: The Underworld... isn't exactly how I remember it.
:Serval: ...Feels like we're not getting many friendly looks, huh.
;(Talk to Oleg)
:Oleg: Well, well, well! I don't think our little clinic has ever played host to an occasion like this!
:Gepard: We meet again, Mr. Oleg.
:Oleg: Hahaha, Oleg will do, son. Oh, (Trailblazer), you probably won't know... Our young Silvermane friend here and I had the pleasure of speaking to each other at a certain guardian's succession ceremony — we're not complete strangers. But as for this young lady...
:Serval: The name's Serval. I'm, uh... an ex-engineer from the Technology Division and... Gepard's sister. Pleasure to meet you, chief!
:Oleg: Likewise, miss! The more the merrier!
:Oleg: And it's good to have you here again, (Trailblazer) — it bothered me and Natasha that we never arranged a formal welcome for you. Once we're done talking, you must all join us for a meal.
:Gepard: We'd be honored. But to your point, Oleg — let's finish our discussions first.
:Oleg: Quite right. Let's head inside — too much commotion out here.
===Listen to the meeting between the Silvermane Guards and Wildfire===
;(Talk to Natasha)
:Natasha: ...So she's your sister. The Landau family is full of talented young people I see.
:Oleg: You're worried that Underworlders might still hold a grudge against the Silvermane Guards, so you want to show your solidarity with the Trailblazers to build some trust. Seems like a sound strategy to me.
:Gepard: Rebuilding trust between the two worlds has always been a priority for Lady Bronya.
:Gepard: People here must have felt abandoned by the Guards after the passage was sealed off. If we were to simply "take over" the Underworld in the name of the supreme guardian... I can only imagine how people would react.
:Oleg: Seems like you have a good handle on the situation. I see now why you made captain at such a young age, haha!
:Natasha: So... you're also saying the Guards want to work with Wildfire and use our reputation to win back people's support, correct?
:Gepard: ...I wouldn't use those exact words, but that is more or less what we want to achieve.
:Natasha: If that's the case, I've got a question for you:
:Natasha: Since this offer comes from those who left us to our fate for more than a decade... how would you react if Wildfire refused? Hmm? Would you use force?
:Serval: Uh... she's not trying to be diplomatic about it, is she?
: Natasha won't back down easily...
::Serval: Who is she anyway...?
: Starting to worry about your brother?
::Serval: Hmm... Choose your words wisely, Geppie...
: Fight! Fight!
::Serval: ...Stop stoking the fire!
:Gepard: ...
:Gepard: The barrier between the surface and the underground was the product of the former supreme guardian's misjudgment and the policies that resulted from it. The people of Belobog should have stood together, but instead we were made to blame and hate one another...
:Gepard: Lady Bronya wants Belobog to heal, so the Silvermane Guards need to regain the people's trust. But we won't achieve that by kicking doors open and policing everyone around.
:Gepard: As a grassroots organization, Wildfire did an extraordinary job maintaining order for over a decade in the absence of the Guards. I can only imagine how much work you put in to protect the Underworld.
:Gepard: I can assure you that the Guards are not here to seize power. If it takes time for the people to trust us, so be it. We're willing to take small measures and serve as an auxiliary force to Wildfire to help maintain peace.
:Gepard: I hope you can see that everything we do, we do to rebuild trust and make Belobog work for all.
: He thought of everything! That's a true captain for you.
::Serval: I swear he never used to be this emotionally intelligent...
: Lil' Geppie has grown up...
::Serval: I've never really seen this side of him before... the more you learn.
:Natasha: ...That's an answer I can accept. Oleg, what do you think?
:Oleg: Haha, I think there's no need for the guessing game to continue. It's obvious we share the same goal.
:Oleg: With the help of Bronya, Serval, and Gepard, we're one step closer to rebuilding a united Belobog.
:Natasha: I agree. Tell Bronya that Wildfire will work with the Silvermane Guards on security matters. However, things aren't simple down here — please also tell her to draw up plans in case the situation demands—
:Voice outside the Clinic: M—Monsters! Monsters from the Fragmentum!
:Voice outside the Clinic: They're swarming toward the town!
:Oleg: Not good... Stay here, Natasha — the patients need you. The soldiers and I will handle this.
:Natasha: ...Understood. We'll be counting on you.
:(Trailblazer): (Everyone rushed outside... I should probably see what's happening.)
===Leave the clinic and see what's happening===
;(Talk to Miner)
:Terrified Refugee: P—Please, help my friends!
: What happened?
::Terrified Refugee: Th—The monsters invaded the mine! Please, you have to save my friends!
::Terrified Refugee: Otherwise, those things will t—tear them apart!
: Why don't you finish your story first?
::Terrified Refugee: I—I'm sorry! I didn't mean to scare you all...
:Gepard: Don't worry, the Silvermane Guards are trained for these situations. Where do we find them?
:Terrified Refugee: The Great Mine! The one with the b—big ore vein...!
:Gepard: Understood. I'll send my men to set up a perimeter and start the rescue operation right away.
:Gepard: Mr. Oleg, please entrust the Silvermane Guards with the rescue.
:Gepard: The defense of Boulder Town will need Wildfire's expertise. Watch out for ambushes and be ready to receive wounded soldiers.
:Oleg: Ha, you're a natural-born commander. Understood, leave It to me, son.
:Oleg: Your troops will be unfamiliar with the layout of the mine — I‘ll send some of my men to be your guides.
:Gepard: ...Thank you. In the name of the Preservation, I promise we'll do everything we can to save lives.
:Gepard: I'll go on ahead and lead the troops to the mine. (Trailblazer), Serval, catch up to us when you can.
===Talk with Serval and head to the Great Mine===
:Serval: ...I couldn't get a word in while they were talking.
:Serval: A duty-bound soldier and a resistance leader... It's hard to be rock 'n' roll in front of people like that.
:Serval: Y'know... maybe I need to out my "inner struggles" in a broader context, hehe...
: People walk on different paths.
::Serval: ...You're right. I've probably been idle for too long — it's easy to get stuck in your own head.
: Rock 'n' roll means choosing your own way of living.
::Serval: My "own" way... Ha, I don't even remember what kind of life I want.
: Mental health is always important...
::Serval: ...I know. Anyway, don't worry, I'm doing fine.
:Serval: It's just... I see people fighting for their lives and here I am thinking about how to escape... I feel guilty about that.
:Serval: Wait a minute, was that Gepard's plan all along? Use guilt to make me stay!?
: He doesn't strike me as the type...
: Surely he couldn't have foreseen a monster invasion?
:Serval: Hmm, that's true. Anyway, since he asked for help, it's time to give those monsters a shock!
:Serval: You know the way to the Great Mine, right? Let's catch up with Gepard when you're ready!
: I'm ready.
::Serval: That's all you needed to say! Let's go.
: One second.
::Serval: Need to take stock? Just say the word — we'll head over together.
===Eternal Freeze Aftermath===
===Return to Boulder Town clinic and report to Natasha===
: Doctor Natasha, we're back...
:Natasha: I see... Thanks for bringing me up to speed. The clinic has been busy while you were gone. We've treated many people — soldiers and civilians alike.
:Natasha: All in all, I owe everyone a big thank you. It would've been much harder if Wildfire had operated alone.
:Natasha: Thanks to Captain Gepard, we managed to keep our losses to a minimum. I'm sure people will begin to appreciate the Silvermane Guards after this battle.
: What about me?
: Serval helped too!
:Natasha: Haha, how could I forget about you two? We couldn't have done it without your help.
:Serval: You're too kind, they deserve the real credit. I doubt I'd have come back in one piece without them.
:Natasha: Sounds like you went through a lot of danger... Are you hurt, Miss Serval? I can have a look if you like.
:Serval: I'm alright, don't worry! Everything worked out eventually. Let's wait for the rest of them to get back...
:Gepard: Miss Natasha. we've returned.
:Serval: Is that Gepard?
:Gepard returned and reported to Natasha what happened on the front line...
:Gepard: ...Mr. Oleg has a pretty good handle on what's needed in the mine.
:Gepard: He's arranging for rescue teams and supplies to be sent over. He won't be back for a while.
:Natasha: Looks like you guys have the situation under control. Thank you.
:Natasha: *sigh* I'd love to sit down and chat with all of you, but I still have a backlog of patients to see.
:Natasha: Oh, there was a girl and her brother who said you saved their lives. You might want to check on them and see how they're doing.
===Speak to the miner siblings who were saved===
;(Immediately after dialogue ends)
:Gepard: Natasha's right, we should make sure those children are alright.
----
;(Talk to Rescued Girl)
:Rescued Girl: C'mon, drink it up and you'll feel better.
:Rescued Boy: But... there's smoke coming out of it...
: How are you guys feeling?
:Rescued Girl: Ah, It's you! You saved us from the monsters in the mine You guys are... Silvermane Guards from the Overworld, right?
:Rescued Girl: If you hadn't been there, we would've...
:Rescued Girl: I—I'll think of a way to repay you! I'll get a job, and—
: Saving lives doesn't need repayment.
::Rescued Girl: Th—That's very kind of you... It Mom and Dad were still here, they'd want us to return the favor...
::Rescued Boy: Mom and Dad went somewhere far away a long time ago — haven't come back yet!
::Rescued Girl: ...Mm. They'll come back one day, Zino.
: Don't hesitate to let us know if you need anything.
::Rescued Girl: Thanks! We can manage our daily expenses...
: ...Where are your parents?
::Rescued Boy: Mom and Dad went somewhere far away a long time ago — haven't come back yet!
:Serval: ...So you're looking after your brother on your own? That must be hard.
:Rescued Girl: Mm, not really — it's my responsibility as a sister. I'm just worried that with all these monster invasions, maybe one day I won't...
:Rescued Girl: My brother is too young to survive in the Underworld. To think he might have to live on his own...
:Gepard: The misjudgment of the former supreme guardian isolated the Underworld for more than a decade. With that isolation, came tragedy...
:Gepard: But under Lady Bronya's leadership, the Silvermane Guards will atone for past mistakes and bring relief to the people. From now on, you don't need to worry about the safety of your family.
:Rescued Girl: Captain Gepard...
:Gepard: Taking care of yourself is hard enough under these circumstances. let alone if you have a brother to look after. I know it can't have been easy.
:Gepard: ...Zino, right?
:Rescued Boy: Yes, Mr. Captain!
:Gepard: You're still young, so you need to stay under your sister's wing. But when you grow up, remember to use what you've learned to protect her.
:Gepard: Be there when she needs you, and listen to her when she feels vulnerable. She'll do the same for you.
:Serval: ...
:Rescued Boy: O—Okay sir! I'll protect my sister when I grow up!
:Rescued Girl: Thank you, Captain Gepard. Zino and I will remember your words.
:Serval: Y'know... we're pretty good at turning a happy reunion into a tear fest. Let's call it a day and give them some room.
:Serval: If you're not too tired, Gepard, can I talk to you for a moment?
 
===Leave the clinic and listen to what Serval has to say===
:Serval: What you said back there... did you really mean it?
:Gepard: Of course I did. And it wasn't some last-minute speech cobbled together. It's how I've always felt.
:Gepard: We can't always face problems alone and build walls to keep people out... We need to learn to rely on others — especially those we care about the most.
:Serval: I know what you're up to, Geppie...
:Gepard: ...Huh? What do you mean?
:Serval: You made it sound like you were talking to those kids... but you were talking to me.
:Serval: Who's building that wall now?
:Gepard: ...
:Gepard: Well, a Landau just called out a Landau.
:Serval: (Trailblazer), Gepard, I changed my mind.
: Changed your mind on what?
: You mean...
:Serval: Change of plan. I‘ve decided to stay in Belobog.
:Gepard: Serval, I... I just want you to know that I would've supported your decision no matter what you chose. I wasn't trying to force you to stay.
:Serval: I know that, Gepard. Don't worry, I've thought this one through for a change.
:Serval: What you said was the last piece of the puzzle for me. I suddenly realized that my decision to leave was just me trying to run away from my problems... Wasn't a mature decision.
:Serval: I've always found it hard to handle complex relationships... be it Cocolia or my family.
:Serval: The first thought I have when things don't work out is to run away. Starting from today, that's no longer the case.
:Serval: After all... I'm not doing this on my own, right?
:Gepard: Right.
:Serval: If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have had any idea about the hardships people were going through in the Underworld. It made me feel like... maybe I could help a little, and make Belobog a better place.
:Serval: Gepard, (Trailblazer), I have one last thing that I might need your help with.
: Let's hear it. Always glad to help.
: Not again...
::Serval: I'm so sorry! This is the last one, I promise!
:Serval: I... want to see the Stellaron. I want to see the place where Cocolia sacrificed herself.
:Gepard: ...Say no more. We'll go with you.
:Serval: Oh, but before that. I need to go back to the workshop and get something. (Trailblazer), why don't you head north first and we'll catch up with you.
:Serval: It's alright, I've got Gepard with me — We'll be safe. See you in a bit!
===Wait for the Landau siblings at Everwinter Hill===
;(Approach designated location)
:(Trailblazer): (I'll wait for them here...)
----
:Serval: Brr... it's cold here...
:Serval: Is this... the Stellaron Imprisonment Device? They had such advanced technology back In the day... Impressive.
:Gepard: ...This is where Madam Cocolia died.
:Serval: ...Mm. She gave something back, in death.
: Is there anything you want to do here?
: Did you come here to pay tribute?
::Serval: I think I'm mostly here for myself. Still...
:Serval: I wanted to come here to perform for Cocolia. To say goodbye...
:Serval: ...I'm glad you guys are here to witness it.
:Serval: Not the nicest spot for a show, and the equipment could be better... sorry about that.
:Gepard: The stage is yours, sister.
:Serval: ...
:Serval: Look at me, Cocolia! Don‘t you dare look away...
:Serval: Because I...
----
;(Cutscene plays)
::Serval: will no longer...
::Serval: live...
::Serval: in...
::Serval: your...
::Serval: shadow!!!
;(Cutscene ends)
----
:Serval: ...
:Serval: ...
:Gepard: ...happy?
:Serval: ...Happy. I just wish I could've seen the look on her face.
:Serval: Shame.
:Serval: Well, that‘s all from me... (Trailblazer), Gepard, thanks for sticking by my side with me throughout all of this.
:Serval: As for tonight... let‘s go to Old Goethe's place and have a big feast to celebrate!
:Gepard: So... you're getting the tab?
;(Mission complete)
:;(Visitor Verification)
::;(Serval has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Serval when you return to the Express)
::;(Gepard has become a visitor to the Express. You might come across Gepard when you return to the Express)
:;(Obtained )
:;(Unlocked Achievement Serval's Faithfull: An Autobiography)
===Post-Mission===
;(Talk to Serval)
: How are things these days?
:Serval: Hmm? Why are you asking me that all of a sudden?
:Serval: ...Ah. you mean that thing back at Everwinter Hill?
:Serval: I did the growly voice and smashed up my guitar... It wouldn't be very rock 'n' roll if we just hid in the shadows and said nothing, right?
:Serval: Whether it's family or friendships... In the face of setbacks, all I used to know how to do was escape. I never thought about trying to fix the root of the matter.
:Serval: But everything's different now — thanks to you and my bro's support, I've finally made the decision to make myself better.
:Serval: As for the city of Belobog, I can put my knowledge to lots of different uses. I'll use my talents to help people around me, and put aside for now any thoughts of escape.
:Serval: But then again, I'm not faking it when I say I love travel — I hope once the time's right that I can go out there and trailblaze together with you!
----
;(Talk to Gepard) 
: What's Serval up to these days?
:Gepard: Same old, same old. Hunkered down at her workshop, either working on orders or dragging Pela and Lynx to rehearsals.
:Gepard: But, after that trip to Everwinter Hill, I don't think I‘ve noticed her looking all glum anymore. I reckon she's sorted her troubles out.
:Gepard: And this was all thanks to your help, (Trailblazer). I thank you on my big sister's behalf.
: We're friends, and that's what we do.
::Gepard: Humility is a virtue. And with your courage and kindness... if we had someone like you among our ranks, it would be Belobog's utmost honor.
::Gepard: As for me... I am immensely honored to have known a friend like you.
: It was your companionship that changed her.
::Gepard: ...Perhaps so. It heartens me to see her go back to her usual carefree self.
::Gepard: In any case, I am truly thankful and honored to have such a friend as you.
: It looks like you really care for your big sis!
::Gepard: ...I don't.
::Gepard: I'm merely performing the base duty required of a family member.
:: Whatever you say.
:::Gepard: Thanks for understanding.
:: Aww, stop deflecting.
:::Gepard: I... This...
:::Gepard: Ahem, I'm not deflecting. 
:: Stop making things so awkward!
:::Gepard: Why do you say the same thing as Big Sis... How am I making anything awkward?
::Gepard: Regardless, us siblings have received much hospitality from you... it is truly an honor to have a friend such as you.
==Gallery==
Companion Mission Only A Child - Serval Smashes Her Guitar
==Other Languages==
==Change History==