So I haven't written for ghibli in a while, but I'm working on it. At the start of the film, Kiki is 12, which would make her 14 in this story three years later, meaning she should be in middle school when she comes home.
So whatever happens later you can leave up to the imagination, lots of fluff and feels
Please follow, favourite and review
Kiki pottered around her room absentmindedly, everything faded into the background as time slipped away, existing rather than living. A heavy weight bearing down on her, breaking her from the inside out. this didn't feel real, she wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming. How had time passed so quickly? It had felt like a wonderful dream and she couldn't believe it was over. The scent of freshly baked bread, pastries and more wafting from the kitchen and waking her from sleep. Never growing sick of the smell of how delicious everything seemed. She'd begged Osono to give her some of the recipes to make at home, which she happily shared. She'd knew this day would come when she left home for her witch training, now it was time to come home and show off her skills, to impress people with the skills she had learned to develop.
But her life hadn't been the only one to change after all this time. Asano had given birth to a healthy baby boy, born on the same day that Kiki had saved Tombo from the falling blimp. Kiki hadn't learned this until she came home, Osono being exhausted while cradling her son in her arms and introducing him to Kiki. He had green eyes like his mother and thick curled black hair like his father. He was quiet, hardworking and introverted like his father, but had his mothers warmth, smile and cheerful disposition, always eager to help in the bakery and learning his family skills quickly. Though he enjoyed sneaking treats occasionally, much to his mothers chagrin. Despite speaking few words and being bashful, he was a loving child, his future ahead of him and the world was his oyster. It had been 3 years since then, 3 years since she came to this seaside town. Asano's son became like a little brother to her, sometimes she would take him flying on her broom, sometimes they would sit and eat breakfast together. Much like Tombo when they met, he adored Kiki and was in awe of her magic, calling her sissy and cuddling Jiji whenever possible.
She'd become very close with her nomadic artist friend Ariel, visiting her cottage whenever she felt low or needed inspiration, going into the woods where she could be away from it all. Picking flowers, learning about herbs and medicines much like her mother, which she could forge into cooking. Giving her needed headspace from her problems, focusing on her self care until she needed to recuperate and regain her confidence. Ariel always looked out for Kiki and never let anyone bully her or push her around, understanding when Kiki didn't want to talk about her problems. Always able to read her moods better than anyone. She had even become close friends with the crows after apologizing to them for scaring them, she no longer felt alone, she no longer felt like an outsider. Tombo had become her closest friend and confidant, but then he had been from the beginning, becoming obsessed with her since she flew into town on her broomstick. They loved to fly together, her on her broom and him in his plane, soaring through the sky together.
But she had responsibilities she couldn't ignore anymore, as fun as this place was, part of her wished she could stay here forever but her homesickness would never allow it. She needed her family, she missed her old room. She was twelve when she came to the village, leaving home to grow her skills and become a stronger witch, she was fourteen now, her three-year training trip was over. She would be attending middle school when she returned home, her old friends would be waiting for her, running to her with open arms and tears. Being able to hug her father, her mother, how she had missed them, realising how far the distance was now that she was here. But she could open her part-time delivery service at home, she could expand her skills to make her families business bigger. For now, she started with baked goods from Asano's bakery, but she could bring medicine and potions to her mother's clients. She couldn't wait to show off, she couldn't wait to become the delivery witch of her hometown, nobody had ever heard of one before which would be even more impressive. The first flying delivery service, she had so much to explore.
She turned to her furry little familiar with a sad smile "You gonna be ok Jiji?" she questioned gently, she knew the sacrifices me was making by leaving. He was a father now, he had birthed a litter, three years prior, all the babies were grown up now, no longer small. He'd found a mate with whom he had become attached and happy with, but he had to leave her behind with only the memories. It hurt them both to say goodbye, but it was part of life, they could always visit whenever they wanted to.
"Yeah, I guess" the black feline huffed sadly, just when he had become happy, he had to say goodbye again.
Kiki reached out to stroke his head affectionately to which he purred in comfort, sensing his sadness. They had both made a lot of new friends and even regular customers at the bakery. Always dropping by to say hello, always asking how she was doing and asking for her help. But it was time to say goodbye, she had left Osono the address of her family home, so they could always write or visit if they so wished. Suddenly, there was a gentle knock at the door, disturbing their train of thought. Asano standing in the doorway, she had become so used to the attic storage room being a small flat. The kettle, the bedroom, the scent of porridge and honey, Kiki's little hideaway that would soon become empty, perhaps when he was older it could become her son's room. "Do you have everything you need?" Osono asked gently, part of her had wished Kiki could stay forever. She was like the daughter she never had. She knew Kiki would ride on the train she arrived here on, at least some of the way before she flew the rest of the way home, saving her energy.
Kiki stiffened, she would miss Osono terribly, she had been a strong maternal figure to her while here, helping her through every up and every down. She never got angry or upset, she was simply understanding. She had been the first person to accept her, showing kindness and patience through all the chaos Kiki had experienced. A stranger in a bustling seaside town, but she had left a strong impression, one that had earned the loyalty of Osono. She turned to Osono with a forced smile "Yep, plenty of snacks for the flight home".
"It's gonna be awfully quiet around here without you, I've gotten so used to your company. The little one has too" she sighed, her son had become so attached to Kiki, she knew he would sulk endlessly after she left. She had been part of his life for three years, she'd been part of theirs for three years, they had practically adopted her. They would have to visit Kiki when they could manage, this couldn't be goodbye forever.
Kiki sighed sadly, hearing Osono say it aloud made it even harder, despite trying to keep a brave face despite her sadness. Osono had taken her in when she had nowhere else to turn, her closest friend, she would miss her terribly. She approached Osono, enveloping her in a tight hug, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall, sniffling against her chest. "Bye Osono" she mumbled, her voice wobbling as her courage wavered, she never thought saying goodbye would hurt so much. She never thought she would become so happy leaving home, how much she would grow and change because of it.
Osono softened, stroking Kiki's back "You write you hear? Folks will be really sad to know you're gone" she reminded her, she had helped many people here, created a whole new family of people who had met a witch. She'd become the town treasure, their little witch, the magical little girl who flew in from far away. She wouldn't easily be forgotten, people would be talking about her for years to come.
Kiki nodded against her chest "You bet" she promised.
Kiki perched on the roof dreamily, admiring the town as she prepared to leave, this place had been her home for three years, it felt bittersweet to be leaving. A new chapter of her life coming to an end, so a new one back home could begin. Making sure she had gathered everything she needed, all of her clothes, her trinkets, but her frying pan and other belongings remained in the attic flat. She no longer needed them and they would be dead weight. She would never forget this place, glad she had taken pictures with everyone using the portable camera Ariel had given her as a gift. "You ready Jiji? It's a long way home?" she smiled.
Jiji nodded as he remained perched on her shoulder, he wasn't the same cat he was before, though stubborn and sassy, being a father had softened him. Everything was different, he was different, a sad expression in his eyes as he gazed at the horizon. He didn't want to leave his children or his mate, but he knew they would be safe and happy, maybe someday they would be adopted by another witch. "It just passed so soon" he sighed.
Kiki nodded, everything had passed by in a flash, she was abandoning her childhood behind for her teens. She was changing, her life was changing, soon she would be focusing on not only her witch studies but school studies. "I know what you mean" she agreed, it was the last time they would ever see this town. The giant clock tower with the old man who cared for it, the first person who recognised her as a witch and she often talked to. Sometimes she would bring him sweets from the bakery and a thermal flask. He was getting frail so he wouldn't be able to care for the tower much longer. She would need to pass by before she left, to say goodbye.
"Hey! Are you leaving already?!" a voice yelled in protest, anxiety laced in their tone, he thanked whatever luck had been on his side for him to make it in time. He would have never been able to forget this moment knowing he had passed this opportunity. Thank god Osono had called him, warning him that he needed to hurry. Was she planning to leave without saying goodbye? Hell, he didn't know their time together would be cut short so soon. He remembered the day she appeared, flying over the town square with a proud smile on her face, Jiji on her shoulder.
Kiki flipped her head to spot Tombo appearing on his bike, leaping off and scrambling towards her like a madman. He'd grown up so fast and yet he was the same dork she knew from her childhood. Puberty starting to kick in as he grew taller, his body becoming broader, his face less chubby and his cheekbones becoming defined. She could see it now, how handsome he would become. She wondered if he would forget her, find a prettier girl in his local town and get a girlfriend. Tell everyone about the witch he befriended. Kiki blushed, shifting on the roof as she gripped her broom tightly "Yeah, I got all my stuff" she babbled.
Tombo gave her a disheartened expression as he climbed onto the roof to join her, she was always so prepared and organized, making him feel like a fool. She'd known this day would come, while he had simply wanted to avoid it. He'd always thought this place was her home now, that she belonged here, but he'd learned from Osono that her official witch training only lasted three years. Eventually, she needed to return home, she was simply passing through, like a storm cloud or a rainbow. He bowed his head sadly, mustering the strength not to cry, he didn't want to embarrass himself by acting like a child "Your… your family will be waiting for you huh?" he asked. He had so many questions he wished he had asked her, but he never thought it polite. Was her mother a witch too? Did it run in her family etc?
Kiki smiled, she couldn't wait to tell her parents and friends all about Tombo and his plane, all the fun they had shared over the summer. "Uh-huh, it's been so long" she hummed, everyone had seen her off that night, praying her a safe journey. She then sighed to herself, rummaging in her satchel thoughtfully, before she handed him a crumpled note with her address. "Here, it uh… it's pretty far but it's my home, mum and dad love visitors so you don't have to worry about being unwelcome…" she trailed off. She could already imagine her parents embarrassing her if he ever did visit, how awkward it had been when she got sick and he tried to visit her.
Tombo blushed, he'd thought this would be the end, that they would cut ties, causing her to become a mere memory. But this would further link them together, meaning they still had a bond. Her home, where she came from, he could still visit her whenever he wanted to, this wasn't goodbye after all. "I can fly over" he grinned, he knew that plane would come in handy sometime, now he could see the world from her view. Maybe he could take her friends for a spin too.
Kiki giggled in amusement, some things never changed, he meant well, he had a good heart, but her village didn't have the same wind as his did. She didn't live near the sea, but in the countryside, their air currents weren't strong enough for him. She used magic to fly, he needed wind and engine power. "I think the train would be safer" she giggled, he could appreciate more views that way. She then hesitated bashfully, she had nearly forgotten, she closed her eyes bravely, hoping this wouldn't change or ruin anything. She slowly leaned across to kiss Tombo's cheek softly "Thanks for everything, I'm sorry I was such a jerk to you in the beginning" she apologized. She'd been antagonistic, moody and short-tempered with him, avoiding him at all costs, snapping at him when she was annoyed or upset, blaming him when others were cruel to her. But he never deserved any of it.
Tombo blushed, how come he never had enough time? How come everything was always so messy with them? He'd had so many chances to tell her how he felt, but now of all times he found the courage? He'd liked her since day one, he'd been crushing on her since she arrived in the town on her broom and her black dress. How magical and mysterious she looked. He'd been teased relentlessly by his friends for it, but he truly liked her, wondering why he liked the weird witch. She was unlike any girl he'd ever met before, she never tried to impress him like everyone else did. He wanted more than anything to be her boyfriend, he couldn't let her say goodbye without telling her his feelings. "I…. listen Kiki, I… how do you feel about long-distance?" he babbled, Kiki blinked in surprise, where was this coming from? Tombo averted his gaze, fixing his glasses nervously and biting his lip "I… I know this is bad timing and all, but… I've had a crush on you since we were twelve. Like day one you showed up here, it was like you cast a spell on me. I tried all sorts of dumb ways to tell you, to get your attention. The deliveries, boasting about you to my friends. So uh… would you maybe?..." he took a deep breath before forcing out the words DOYOUWANTTOBEMYGIRLFRIEND?!" he rambled. There, he'd said it, he couldn't take it back, he couldn't pretend it never happened. He'd taken the leap and now the agonizing wait for her reply occurred.
Kiki felt her cheeks darken in embarrassment, she hadn't expected such a sudden outburst of feelings from Tombo, at first confused as she tried to piece together his words. Before she felt them sink in and understood the depth of what he was trying to convey to her. Clutching her broom to her chest like a lifeline, her stomach tingling with butterflies, a different kind of magic filled her. Now it all made sense, everything she was blind to before, all this time she had believed he was making fun of her. Taunting her for being the outsider, calling her miss witch and making her feel like a joke, knowing the judgement she faced from locals already. But no, all this time he'd been proud of her, the truth had always been that he had a crush on her. Tombo was in love with her, she was his shining star in this town. She couldn't believe she had been so stupid, storming off every time he tried to get close to her or believing nobody could possibly like her. Deep down she had repressed it and denied it, trying to focus on her work, but she had a crush on Tombo too. Even Osono had seen it and teased her relentlessly about it, something about his endearing dorkiness made her smile. She quickly snatched back her address, scribbling her family number on it, he wouldn't be able to afford to visit for a long time, not being able to speak to him felt sad. They had so much they needed to talk about that they couldn't say all at once. "It's… it's pretty far but… we have a phone… so if you ever need anything" she pressed, he could call her whenever he wanted to.
Tombo blushed, he knew Kiki had a fiery temper and could be awkward about a lot of things, so these gestures meant a lot. She was trying to reach out, in her own way she was telling him she cared about him too. But he couldn't stop smiling like an idiot, she was trying to tell him yes, that she felt the same way. Abruptly scooping Kiki in his arms, causing her to shriek in surprise, it was the cutest thing he'd ever seen. Spinning her around on his feet and laughing "My girlfriend is a witch" he boasted proudly, he would never get tired of telling people that. Kiki bit her lip before she erupted into amused giggles, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Kiki soared into the endless blue sky until she climbed higher towards the wispy clouds, the sound of gulls growing louder as the bakery grew smaller and smaller. The pain in her heart growing more painful as she distanced herself further away from the town, it was going to be a long trip home. Her vision becoming blinded as she focused on her concentration, repressing the urge to break down into tears. She felt tears sting her brown eyes but she bit them back, a lump forming in her throat as she began to sniffle all over again. But this time she didn't have Osono to hug for comfort, she couldn't turn to any of her friends for help, because she was going home. She promised herself she would never forget them, this place had been her home for three years. This had been the roots of her training to become a witch.
"Kiki? Are you ok?" Jiji questioned gently, he had always known she had a soft spot for Tombo, no matter her stubbornness. Kiki had developed a crush on him as shown by her bashful awkwardness around him. As much as she tried to avoid him, somehow they always ended up running into each other. He knew Kiki was awkward, she'd been semi popular back home but paid boys no mind, but finally she had learned about crushes. So this had to be strange for her.
Kiki smiled sadly, she would cope, they both had their own lives to lead and perhaps someday they would cross paths again "Yeah Jiji, I'll be ok, thank god for phones" she laughed. Jiji climbed off her bag and crawled up her shoulder to perch himself closer to her, rubbing his soft furry face against her own, trying to comfort her.
Tombo watched Kiki from his place on the roof, wishing he could soar beside her into the sky, the same magic he felt the day she appeared. She'd captured his attention from the moment she arrived, using his mischief to get her out of trouble and try to get her attention. But everything he did seemed to make her mad. But over time they had warmed up to each other, she learned to trust him. But now all he had were the memories and this last vision of her flying away. She was as amazing as he remembered, it would be so odd without her presence to keep him company.
"That's her off huh?" Osono laughed, it felt quieter already, she'd overheard Tombo and Kiki talking outside so she gave them some privacy. She'd known the two had feelings for each other for the longest time. Given how adamant Tombo was at finding ways to spend time with her, but Kiki being too awkward to admit she cared about him. She knew Tombo would be lonely without her, they had truly bonded and he was the second person to accept her. He was fascinated by her magic and always tried to uplift her. Tombo nodded stiffly, tears welling up in his eyes, he'd tried so hard not to cry in front of her, but now he couldn't stop. Growing up without Kiki around felt too lonely, too strange. Osono approached Tombo, gently placing a hand on his shoulder, this wasn't the end, it was just another chapter of their lives before possibly reuniting. He could always contact her if he wished, he could always communicate with her, effort was needed. But she could happily give Tombo the push he needed to start "Y'know we have a spot opening up for a delivery boy, that way you can save up for a train ticket" she winked. Since Kiki had started working there the place became busier, everyone crowded around to see Kiki, they still had her baked decoration in the window. Their son was too small for the room in the attic, he would still be living in his nursery for a while, but they had a spare room and they needed extra hands around the bakery. Tombo had a bike which would come in handy for speedy deliveries, living in Kiki's old room would feel strange, but he would learn the ropes. They couldn't pay him a large wage, but he would make a living. Then he would be able to earn enough wages to plan a trip.
Tombo perked up, his eyes wide with excitement, he didn't know much about baking, but he could ride a bike and he knew they ran a delivery service. He doubted he would be as popular as Kiki but it was money he couldn't say no to. The sooner he made enough, the sooner he could see Kiki again "YES MA'AM!" he yelled eagerly.
