Nikki: Cloud Sparrows
Designer's Reflection: Cloud Sparrows
Obtained: Memory Stairway
Rarity: SR
Attribute:
Awakened Suit: Pavilion Sparrows
Story - transcripts from Designer's Reflection
Chapter 1 - Swallows Between Beams
Chapter 2 - Travel on a Boat
Chapter 3 - Return with Spring
Story - summarized
While sketching at her desk, Nikki spots a couple of swallows flying outside. The birds chirp and soar, coming back to their birthplace for the spring. It reminds Nikki of another springtime that was made special by the swallows.
It was her first time volunteering for the Cultural Festival. Her job was to take photos of the guests and guide them around the town. A lady and a little child asked Nikki to be their tour guide... but as they rode the boat along the river, Nikki noticed that the lady didn't need any help pointing out the landmarks.
One of the last stops was at a market. One of the crafters was a paper cutter, and he quickly made a red swallow for the child. The mother gazed nostalgically at the paper bird. But Nikki never got the chance to ask more.
Finally, she made it home. As she told her family about her first day volunteering, she spotted the Cultural Festival being featured in the news on TV - and the lady was the first one they interviewed! She had grown up in that town, and she came back to show her child where the mom grew up.
Connections
-Another Reflection that takes place in spring and involves a homecoming is Yexiao's Spring Forest. Back when she lived in the village of Banyan, she met a boy named Fei, and they would paint together under the banyan tree. Years later, after the village was destroyed, Fei spots Yexiao painting in a greenhouse in the city.
Fun Facts
-Despite this Reflection being titled "Cloud Sparrows," the story is actually about swallows. The two birds differ in appearance, diet, and location. You can learn more here.
-Swallows aren't the only animal to return to their birthplace. Salmon, sea turtles, and puffins are examples of other animals that partake in natal homing.
-It's interesting that the mother got the red paper swallow at the festival, since red is traditionally associated with luck and the New Year in China.