Rainy Pickup Story 4: Bird Feeding
Overview
- Stage Cost: None
- First Clear Rewards:
S-Chip x100
Guide
- Hover to view spoiler content.
Script
You: We're down to just one last challenge to complete the event!
Holding Vyn's hand, you walk a few steps in front of him before turning to face him.
The sun shining through the leaves casts a dappled pattern of shadow and light upon Vyn, enveloping his entire person in a soft, gentle glow.
Vyn: Did you have a good time?
You: Yeah. Trying new things with you is really fun.
He nods. It seems as if he wants to say something else, but the sound of birds chirping interrupts him.
Vyn: It looks like we have reached our last stop.
Pet Birds Store
This shop is rather different from other pet bird stores. Instead of being kept in cages, the birds are hidden amidst lavish plants.
Perhaps due to living in such a free environment, the sound of their chirping is gentle instead of being loud or shrill.
Vyn: I already spoke to the shop owner, and he said that there is nothing we need to help with. We can take a look around, and then feed and play with the birds.
You: Wow, that's too easy!
All of the previous places you visited had shop challenges, but the last location is the only one where you can finally relax and have some fun.
You take some birdseed from Vyn and lightly scatter it around. A few birds quickly fly over, their songs crisp and pleasant.
You: This parrot is so pretty.
Vyn: Yes, it is very well-behaved too.
When Vyn lifts up his hand, the parrot flies over obediently and lands on his palm.
You: That parrot isn't afraid of people at all. Looks like the owner already recall trained it.
Vyn: You know about recall training?
You: This is our second time at the Four-Gate Market, so I picked up on some of the terminology.
Recall training refers to teaching parrots how to fly and land on one's hand when shown a specific gesture.
But it usually takes quite a long time for a trainer to get familiar with the parrot and help it understand their intentions.
You: This parrot may have prior training, but why did it fly straight to your hand the first time it saw you?
Vyn: Because of this.
Vyn seems to have expected your question. He opens his slightly closed palm to reveal some birdseed in his hand.
Vyn: I just got it from the owner. It is this parrot's favorite.
Vyn: The same type was also used to attract and motivate it during training.
You: (Vyn was only gone for a moment, yet he already knew so much?)
As you watch the parrot hop around his palm, you are reminded of an interesting incident from earlier. You can't help but want to give it a try.
Vyn: Do you want to try it?
You: Yeah, it looks like a lot of fun.
Vyn makes a slight movement with his hand, and the parrot on his palm flaps its wings and flies away.
He pours out some birdseed from the bag into your palm. However, he notices that you are a little nervous, so he holds your hand gently.
Vyn: What is the matter?
You: Its talons look a little sharp...
Vyn wasn't expecting that answer. He chuckles softly.
Vyn: ...Do not be scared. Parrots can pick up on human emotions, and they need to trust you completely before they will fly to your hand.
Vyn: If you are panicking, it will not feel safe and will not fly over.
You: Okay...
The mention of its talons looking sharp was just an offhand comment, but when Vyn stands behind you and lifts your hand...
You slowly open your palm and reveal the birdseed to the parrot. Your heartbeat becomes faster.
The parrot flutters its wings in the air, and its tail feathers draw a beautiful arc as it lands gently in your palm.
You: !!!
Although the talons look sharp, they only tickle slightly when the parrot lands on your palm. This is in complete contrast with the strong beating of your heart as you watch it land.
You: Vyn, look!
Vyn: Yes, I am watching. You did a great job.
He slowly removes his hand, letting you hold the lively parrot yourself.
Vyn: It trusts you, just like I do.
The parrot's feathers shine with a dazzling brilliance under the sun. However, as you gaze into the bright, clear eyes of the person in front of you, you find yourself unable to look away.
The birds are adorable and intelligent, and there are so many ways to play with them that time flies by in the blink of an eye.
It isn't until the sun is setting that you realize it's already time to leave.
Since there were no other requests at this stop, you have naturally completed the challenge.
You're somewhat reluctant to go as you walk out of the shop. Vyn can see right through you and takes your hand, lightly tickling your palm.
Vyn: We can come visit them again the next time we get another day off together.
You: Yeah. Right, the most important thing now is to figure out what the secret prize is!
The sky is gradually dyed by the light of dusk, and even the distant mountains have taken on a reddish glow. The two of you walk back to the clothing store where you started from.
Summary
