That Old Black Magic Chapter 4, a kim possible fanfic

That Old Black Magic

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: The Battle

…

A small Cherry red car drove down a road through a forest. "How many more minutes till we get to this secret place of yours?" Ron asked impatiently.

"Any second now," Tara answered soothingly. "We're almost," she paused in mid sentence. "Here we are." Tara hit the breaks as her car reached a small cabin a few feet ahead of them.

"Nice little cabin Tara." Ron commented sincerely, his brown eyes observing it and the forest that surrounded it.

Tara smiled sweetly at him. She and Ron opened their car doors and got out.

"You know," Ron told Tara frowning, "I don't normally go out doors. No video games, no TV and such," He looked thoughtful. "But on the bright side, this is certainly no Camp Wanna Weep."

Tara put her keys in the door as she looked at Ron with a smile. "Don't worry Ronnie," she cooed lovingly. "This isn't going to be anything like that camp we got stranded at."

Unlocking the door, Tara walked through followed by Ron into a dark room. "Wait here darling," she told him sweetly, "I'll switch on the lights."

"O.K." Ron replied as he stood in the den, observing the dark room.

He watched as Tara walked farther into the room, and hit the light switch. Then she moved over to a nearby couch and sat down. She gazed over at Ron, and gently patted the seat beside her. Ron hesitated, feeling a little bit guilty about breaking up with Kim.

Tara smiled up at him. "Ron, don't be afraid." she said with an enticing smile. "I won't take advantage of you, I promise." she promised, her blue eyes glittered with a pale light for a second.

Ron frowned; half convinced he'd seen Tara's eyes flash for a moment. But then the guilt and memory of Kim vanished.

"Sit down darling." Tara cooed lovingly, gesturing to the seat beside her.

Ron walked over to where she was sitting, and joined her on the couch.

"Ronnie?" Tara began softly, swallowing nervously. "I have a deep dark secret to tell you."

Ron frowned as he stared at the petite blond female next to him. "Oh?" He asked suspiciously.

"Yes dear," she replied, moving closer to him. "Don't be scared Ron."

"OK," Ron replied uneasily, imagining a half dozen possible secrets Tara might tell him and thousands that he was sure he couldn't guess.

Tara cleared her throat, rubbing her knees as she prepared herself. "I'm a witch." she blurted out quickly.

Ron eyed Tara in stun disbelief. "Is this a joke?" He asked uneasily. "Because if it is, I think I'm falling for it."

"Ron, don't be scared." Tara said slowly, and then focused on her right hand; her eyes soon glowed with a violet light and a wand appeared in her hand.

Ron jumped off the couch quickly, and stared at her in shock. "You're a Witch?" he exclaimed in a loud voice. "A spell casting witch like in the stories?"

Tara's hand glowed and the wand she was holding vanished. "Sit down darling." She encouraged sweetly, her eyes flashed with a pale blue light for a second.

Ron felt his fear vanish, followed by light headedness. "You put a spell on me?" he asked slowly, trying to clear the fog that had enveloped his brain. "I know I should be scared of you, and yet I'm not," He stared at Tara with dazed eyes. "You did something to me." He rasped.

"Ron, please," Tara begged holding her hands up defensively. "I've never hurt anyone with my powers and I would never hurt you." Her pleading eyes bore into him. "Please don't hate me because I'm a witch." Tara waved her hand, and Ron could feel his fear and skepticism returning. He was sure he wasn't under her spell anymore. "Feeling better Ron?" Tara asked uneasily, hoping she didn't drive him off.

Ron stared at Tara. She was so small, fragile and beautiful. The fear and longing was genuine. Ron winced, feeling guilty for being biased toward Tara.

"I'm sorry Tara," He apologized, as he calmed down and went back to the couch and sat down again. "I overreacted." Tara hesitated and held out her hand waiting for Ron to take it, quiet fear in her face. Ron hesitated, and then took her hand, a wave of exhilaration surged through him. Then he cleared his throat as he tried to decide what to do next. "So," he asked carefully. "How long have you been a witch and how did you become one?"

"I was born with these powers," Tara explained, taking Ron's other hand and staring intensely at him.

"So it's a genetic thing?" Ron asked curiously.

"Yes," Tara answered. "My mother was a witch and she passed the powers on to me. I've been practicing witch craft since grammar school." she said sadly, remembering her mother.

"So your mother taught you everything you know?" asked Ron, not wanting to press the issue but still curious.

"No," Tara answered sadly. "She passed away just a month after I was born."

Ron winced in sympathetic pain. "Oh, I'm sorry." he apologized.

"It's alright." Tara replied regaining control of her emotions. "Everything I know about mom I learned from her old journal. She even wrote down the spells she used so I learned my spells from her journal."

Ron was silent as he processed this. "You know what the irony is?" He asked turning his head. "I have magical powers too and I was scared of you."

Tara stared at Ron in surprise. "You're a wizard?" she asked in amazement.

"No," Ron answered, gesturing with his left hand. "A while back I had a run in with a power mad monkey ninja named Monkey Fist. I was exposed to a magic called Mystical Monkey Power. It gives me abilities similar to a ninja."

Tara eyed him. "You keep it a secret too?" she asked leaning forward.

"No," Ron answered in a low voice. "It just comes and goes," he shook his head. "I can't control it."

Tara nodded understandingly. Then she pressed her hand into his head. "Oh my," she said jumping to her feet. "What a terrible hostess I am! Here Ronnie, let me fix you a drink."

"Uh... O.K." Ron replied unevenly, not having anything better to say. "What do you got?"

"It's a surprise," Tara told Ron kindly. "You'll love it."

Ron shrugged kindly. "O.K." he answered patiently.

Tara rushed out to the kitchen. She quickly grabbed a cup, went to the sink, and filled it with water. She looked around to make sure that Ron wasn't watching. The she quickly went to a cabinet where a chest was. She gestured, and the lock unlocked. Opening it, she grabbed a small vial from it. Removing the cork, she poured the contents into the cup of water. The water turned purple, and wisps of pink steam came out. She reached for a spoon from a drawer.

Then with a wave of her hand, a musical tune began to surround her. As she, she began to sing.

"That old black magic has you in my spell, that old black magic that I weave so well.
Those icy fingers up and down your spine

She started stirring the potion in the cup.

That same old witchcraft when your eyes meet mine.

As she sang, pink little hearts began to float out of the cup.

The same old tingle that you feel inside, and then that elevator starts its ride
And down and down you go, round and round you go, like a leaf that's caught in the tide.
You should stay away, but what can you do?
You hear my name and you're aflame"

She stopped stirring and stared at the hearts floating out of the cup as she continued singing.

"Aflame with such a burning desire...

She raised her hand as it glowed with pink energy.

...that only my kiss can put out the fire.

She shot a spell into the potion, causing a puff of red smoke as she continued singing.

For I'm the lover you have waited for, the mate that fate had me created for.
And every time your lips meet mine, darling, down and down you go, round and round you go
In a spin, loving the spin your in, under that old black magic called love."

Tara sighed as she finished her final treatment to her mixture. "Well Ron," she whispered lifting up the cup till it was eye level with her. "One cup of love potion # 9 coming up."

She turned and walked back to the living room where Ron was waiting.

"What is that?" Ron asked, curious about the drink she was giving him.

"A love potion Ron," Tara answered with a smile, holding the cup towards the blond freckled faced boy. "You'll love it."

Ron hesitated, but one gaze at Tara's lovely form and all doubt vanished from his mind. "Thanks Tara." He answered, taking the cup and drinking it. Soon a pink light shined in Ron's eyes.

"Ronnie," Tara cooed softly, a smile on her pretty face. "How do you feel?"

"I feel wonderful my love," Ron replied gazing lovingly at her. "Why do you ask?"

"Just making sure." Tara said, smiling evilly.

Minutes later,

At the Rockwaller residence, all was quiet and unassuming. Bonnie Rockwaller was lying on her bed, reading a Club Banana magazine, enjoying herself. Suddenly, she yawned. "Oh, what's going on?" She murmured as she stretched her arm above her head. "I suddenly feel so sleepy." Bonnie put the book down and curled up in her bed.

Suddenly in a flash of light, a figure in a cloak and hood walked over to Bonnie and stared down at her. 'Well that's funny,' Ann Possible thought to herself 'I'm not feeling any power at all from her, Voodoo or otherwise. Could Kim have been mistaken?'

Ann frowned. She went over to the bed and touched the young cheerleader's forehead; glowing with mystical pink energy, she created a telepathic link between herself and the sleeping brunette as she entering into her dream.

Bonnie's Dream

Ann found herself in a swirling purple mist (the essence of Bonnie's mind). Ann focused, accessing Bonnie's thoughts, emotions and memories relating to Kim, trying to figure out this alleged curse Bonnie put on Kim.

The mist cleared and Ann found herself in a room, and the first thing she spotted was a golden throne, surrounded by pillows, and on it was Bonnie. She wore royal robes that were the color of purple. On her head was a silver Tiara, and in her hand, she held a silver scepter. Surrounding Bonnie were six or seven teenage girls and also six or seven teenage males.

Ann gasped when she noticed something about the girls; they were identical to her daughter, Kim Possible. They were dressed in tiny pink skirts, sandals and a white sleeveless top and circlets on their heads which were buzz-cut, diminishing their beauty. The Ron's wore pink shorts and sandals, their bare torsos were tattooed with purple stripes, and had clown-faces painted on their faces.

One of the Kim's and one of the Ron's were fanning Bonnie with palm leaves in their hands, while others were standing around her, their backs straight; their faces etched in misery.

"More grapes slave!" Bonnie demanded, pointing a finger at one of the Ron slaves.

"Yes, oh queen." One of the Ron slaves responded, running off to get the grapes.

Bonnie looked at the Kim maiden closest to her."And you, hand maid, enjoying the Smarty Mart costume I forced you to wear?" she asked, smiling sinisterly.

"No my queen." The Kim slave replied submissively, a forlorn look on her face. "It has no style.

"Good," Bonnie said, clutching her scepter. "You never deserved style, Kim."

Ann felt anger grow in her. "This may only a dream but it is a hateful one." She murmured to herself. "Well I'm going to end it" Ann waved her hand.

Suddenly, there was a bright flash, blinding Bonnie. "What is going on?" She groaned trying to rub her closed eyes and to her surprise was unable to move her arms that were outstretched from her sides; her wrists felt like manacles were on them.

The intensely light dimmed and Bonnie was able to see again, she discovered that her back was against a stone wall, her hands were outstretched and were chained, making her barely able to move. Her crown was gone, her hair felt like a mess. Her royal robes were gone, replaced with a tunic of rough material that came to her knees and her feet were bare.

"Let me go!" Bonnie shouted indignantly, struggling against her chains, but to no avail. "I am Queen and I command to be free!" she cried shrilly.

Suddenly a figure in a long dark hooded robe appeared in a flash of light; it's face unseen beneath its hood.

"Who are you?" Bonnie demanded, struggling against her chains. "Let me go!"

"If you don't answer my questions, you will not be free," the cloaked figure said in a feminine though raspy voice. "And don't think you have powers to resist me because you don't."

Bonnie glared at the figure, but the glare faltered when suddenly a pair of glowing red eyes appeared in the blackness of the hood. "What do you want?" She asked, her voice defiant but fearful.

"I want answers," The figure said. "Did you curse Kim Possible with bad luck and cause her to break up with her boyfriend, Ron Stoppable?"

Bonnie stared in stun disbelief. "What is this?" She asked defiantly. "What is Kim to you?" The figure suddenly glowed with a bright green light; her hands held two red balls of fire, Bonnie lost her nerve. "DON'T HURT ME DON'T HURT ME DON'T HURT ME!" She pleaded shrilly, turning her closed eyes away from the intimidating figure.

The flames and green glow vanished and the figure relaxed its posture, though the glowing red eyes were still burning. "Then answer my questions and don't lie to me." She said simply.

"Yes, I did it," Bonnie confessed, her eyes darting nervously. "Please don't hurt me, I told you the truth."

The figure sized Bonnie up with her glowing red eyes for several moments. Then the glowing red eyes vanished, leaving only darkness within the hood. "I will let you go now Bonnie," The figure said, her voice low and menacing. "But I'll give you a warning, change your ways or else you'll suffer the consequences."

The figure vanished. Bonnie gasped in surprise as the chains vanished. She examined her wrists and then became aware that her raggedy dress was replaced with a simple blouse, trousers, belt and her feet had shoes.

Bonnie's room

Ann blinked her eyes as she disconnected her mind from Bonnie. She looked down at the sleeping girl. She was sleeping soundly, though her face was damp with sweat, probably from the nightmare she gave her. Ann raised a hand and transformed into light and fluttered out of the room and outside. Resuming her human form, though she become ghostlike, to avoid being noticed. No one was present, but it wouldn't do to have an unseen human notice her. Looking around the seemingly deserted town, Ann walked off.

"OK," Ann murmured thoughtfully to herself. "Bonnie isn't a witch yet she claims to curse my daughter with bad luck which seemed to work," She paused as she tried to comprehend it. "Which leaves one question: what is really going on?"

In the Forest

Kim drove her sloth through the forest. Rufus was standing on the seat next to Kim.

'This is incredible," Rufus said in wonder. 'You are a witch."

"Yeah, that's the story," Kim said grimly, her mind still preoccupied with finding Ron to be enjoying her story.

Rufus was silent, trying to decide what to say. Kim looked ahead and saw a small cabin at the end of the road. Not far from it was Tara's cherry red car. "Well, this is the place." Kim stated calmly. "Oh Rufus," She continued, looking down at her best friend's pet. "Ron can't know about my powers."

'OK," Rufus squeaked, nodding understandingly.

Kim opened the car door and got out. Looking she held out her hand. Rufus jumped into Kim's hand and Kim gently put Rufus in her hip pocket.

Kim moved toward the cabin, suddenly stopped. "Huh?" She exclaimed, looking around in shock, a strange feeling jolted in her, and then stopped. Kim eyed her surroundings and tried to reach out with her magical powers, but couldn't pinpoint what caused the jolt she felt. "Guess my nerves are getting to me." She said with a shrug.

Kim walked up to the cabin. Opening the door she walked inside; it was completely dark inside. "Ron?" She called out to the darkness. "Ron, where are you? I'm here to apologize."

"Your not taking Ron from me, Kimmie." A familiar voice tinged with menace declared in the darkness. Suddenly the lights came on and Kim grunted as purple bands suddenly appeared around her arms, torso and waist and made her float in midair.

Kim eyes looked around and saw Tara several feet in front of her, her hands posed in front of her as if she would shoot lightening at Kim; an uncharacteristic scowl on her face.

"Tara, what is going on?" Kim demanded indignantly as she hung in the air. "What are you doing?"

"Stopping you, Kimmie," Tara answered angrily. "Ron is mine."

Kim gazed over at Ron sitting on the couch and noticed the blank look on his face as if he was drugged or hypnotized. "Ron, please help me!" She pleaded strongly.

"It's no use Kimmie," Tara teased with an evil gleam in her light blue eyes. "He can't hear you," Then she shrugged. "Or to be more precise, he hears you very well. But he only listens to me now not you." And as if to prove this, she turned to face Ron. "Go wait in the bedroom my love. I'll be finished here soon."

"Yes my love." Ron replied in a dull sounding voice, getting up and turned toward the bedroom.

"Ron, please NO!" Kim screamed pleadingly. "I need your help here, PLEASE!"

But he didn't even turn around. He went straight to the bedroom, and shut the door. Rufus poked his head out of Kim's pocket, a worried look on his rodent face when he saw what was happening.

Kim turned to face Tara with a sudden realization. "It was you?" Kim gasped her body numb. "You broke me and Ron up?"

Tara turned to face Kim, her glee replaced with annoyance. "Yes Kim, it was me," She told the redhead bitterly. "You have really complicates things now." Then she shrugged. "At least I have ways to deal with you."

Kim's face twisted with rage, her eyes glowed, the energy bonds exploded. She outstretched her hands at Tara, generating an energy ball at Tara. Tara caught the energy all with her hands and it dispersed, creating a shock wave that sent Tara flying to the wall and Kim out the door. Kim grunted sat up, and noticed that Rufus was lying on the ground next to her.

"Rufus are you all right?" Kim asked worriedly.

Suddenly there was a flash, and Tara flew out of the cabin door, surrounded by a glowing pink orb, her hands had purple fire balls.

"You can't beat me, Kim." Tara declared, and stretched her hands outward, generating a stream of purple fire.

Kim caught it and dispersed it; her eyes glowing brightly. "Your going down, witch!" She snarled and shot two pink balls of energy at the young blond, but Tara raised her hands and they stopped several feet in front of her and with a swing of her hand, sent them flying away.

"Ho-hum, Kim." Tara sneered. "You know Kim, for someone with a karate belt, and all those killer moves, your magic leaves a lot to be desired."

Kim growled, her body glowed as she attempted to access as much of her magic as she could; her body glowed with a pink light, tinged with red. "Try this!" She shouted, generating a burst of scarlet flame at the blond witch.

Tara just stood where she was and allowed the magical flame to hit her. Her eyes glowing brightly the flame vanished, leaving no stings. "Jeez Kim," She said tauntingly. "You're not even trying. Here, let me show you how it's done." and with that Tara threw out a bright blue Power ball.

Kim jumped sideways, landing on her feet, the ball missing her. Kim ran at Tara her fingers hooked like claws, her face twisted with rage. Tara created two new blue orbs in her hands and threw them, Kim jumped, did a somersault, the energy balls missing her, she swung her fist to hit Tara (her knuckles a foot from her cheeks) and grunted as Tara shot a blue energy blast which hit Kim right in the stomach. Kim sunk to her knees, her stomach ached, her arms and legs felt like lead.

"Now that is how you defeat your rivals." Tara told Kim critically, a sly grin on her face. "Now it's your turn, Kimmie." she playfully told the young redhead.

Kim grunted as she put her hands to the ground and tried to push herself up and to her horror, couldn't push herself up. "Aw, what's wrong Kimmie?" Tara asked scornfully, her soft attentive face full of malice. "Did I hit you too hard?"

"Just wait till I get up!" Kim growled as she got to her feet, her body shook as she tried with painful effort not to fall.

"Oh wait a minute," Tara exclaimed in mock shock. "That wasn't a Power ball I hit you with, it was a strength sapping spell. Now your body is about as weak as a baby," an unbearable pout came on her face. "Little baby going to cry?"

Kim gasped as she sank to her knees, her body too weak to stand, her mind full of rage. "I hate you!" She snarled her breathing raspy, her eyes flared with a pink light, before flickering and returning to her normal green colors.

"So naughty," Tara said, shaking a finger at her. "Oh well." She shrugged and touched Kim on the forehead. With a gasp, Kim fell on her face, motionless. Tara leaned over and put her face near Kim's ear. "Don't worry," She whispered softly into Kim's ear. "That spell merely immobilized you. You may be an amateurish witch, but I can't risk getting overconfident with you."

Tara's body glowed with a pink light as she enhanced hers physiology. Then she grabbed Kim by her torso and with a ease, tossed Kim over her shoulder as if she was no heavier then a doll. With a sigh, Tara hovered into the air and flew off into the forest, carrying Kim on her back. "I guess it's better this way," Tara said conversationally. "This way I don't have to seriously hurt you."

Unknown to either Kim or Tara, a dark hooded figure was watching the whole scene in silence.

Tara reached a tree. Kim glowed with a pink light as Tara levitated Kim into the air and set her up with her back against the tree. Keeping her straight, Tara gestured with her right hand and with a pink flash, a rope glowing with a pink light appeared, floating in the air. With a subtle gesture of her hands, Tara directed it to surround Kim, tying her against the tree. Tara sat down on a rock nearby and stared at Kim, waiting for something.

Kim groaned as she regained consciousness. "What happened?" She murmured as the haze around her brain lifted and suddenly became aware that she was tied to a tree by a rope.

"I defeated you, remember?" Tara asked scornfully.

Kim turned and glared at the blond cheerleader. "Tara!" She exclaimed in shock and then struggled to free herself. But as she struggled, the rope seemed to tighten.

"Uh, Kim, I suggest you stop struggling." Tara suggested sweetly. "You see that rope I tied you up with was enchanted by Me." she said with a hint of a grin. "The more you struggle, the tighter that rope will get. But if you stop struggling, it will at least go back to being comfortably snug."

Kim grunted as the tightened rope became too painful, and relented, the rope loosened so it didn't hurt anymore.

"Why, Tara?" She practically snarled at the blonde cheer leader. "Why are you doing this?"

The playful smugness on Tara's face suddenly vanished, replaced with an icy resolve. "You know Kim," She began coldly as she rose from the rock she had been sitting on. There was a time, not too long ago when I envied you." Tara walked around the tree as she spoke, checking the tightness of the enchanted rope. "You were the head cheer leader, you were a hero, and to top it all off..." She stopped walking when she was in Kim's face, and looked right into her eyes. "You had the perfect boyfriend who would do practically anything for you."

Kim's defiance faltered, startled by the anger, jealousy and pain in she saw in Tara's eyes. She had always seemed such a docile person, without ambition or rivalry.

"Yes Kim, for years, I wanted to be like you," Tara said bitterly, as if reading Kim's thoughts. "I wanted to be head cheer leader, I wanted to be looked up to by little girls, and I wanted Ron for myself," She looked away from Kim as pain filled her soul. "But I was too meek and small to ever compete with the other cheerleaders, let alone you." She muttered sorrowfully.

Kim looks at Tara, unsure whether to pity her or be angry at her. "Tara," She began evenly. "Why did you have to resort this all this?"

"If I had asked, would you have given me Ron?" Tara demanded coldly.

Kim's face grew cold. "He made his choice." She told Tara evenly. "He choose me."

Tara glowered at Kim with pure hate. "Not for long," She told her venomously. "You see Kim, I found my mother's old journal, and discovered that she too was a witch."

Kim gasped audibly, not believing what she just heard.

"Come on Kim," Tara said sullenly. "Where did you think I got my magical powers?"

"At least half a dozen possibilities," Kim retorted irritably. "Talismans, idols, charms, comets, inter-dimensional entities, take your pick."

"Whatever," Tara retorted impatiently. "But unlike you, my mother died before she could teach me her spells. Luckily for me, she wrote down every single spell she learned, including one that allowed me to enter into your dream," she smiled broadly at the confusion in Kim's eyes. "Properly disguised of course." She added.

"My dream?" Kim exclaimed, shock, horror and rage filled her. "That was you!"

Tara smiled slightly. "That's right Kim." She said. "I entered your dream, disguised as Bonnie just to see how far I could push you. I was testing your wits, resolve, and you threw your worst at me."

"Bonnie's voodoo didn't work." Kim murmured thoughtfully, beginning to put the pieces of the puzzle together."

Tara sighed. "Of course not Kim," She retorted bitterly. "I can't completely control another person's mind, but I can manipulate thought and emotion. Through my spells, I gave her the idea to curse you so she would take the fall if anything went wrong."

"And you used the same power to break me and Ron up?" Kim snarled, anger and indignation clouded her mind.

"Exactly." The blond girl replied simply. "You know, you're pretty susceptible when it comes to mind games."

Kim's anger knew no bounds. "Why you dirty little..." She shouted hatefully.

Tara snapped her fingers, a gag appeared on Kim's mouth the moment she snapped her fingers. "Now, now Kim," She chided mockingly. "Such foul language for a hero to millions of little girls is so not like you." Then she shrugged. "Anyway, I read my mother's journal, and also learned how to make a love potion. You've seen its early effects."

Kim's eyes widened in horror, she struggled against the rope, which tightened till it hurt..

"That's right Kim," Tara told her grimly. "Little more magic, and soon Ron won't even remember you," Then she paused. "Or to be precise, he'll only remember you as an old acquaintance. And the only woman in his life will be yours truly." Tara smiled happily as if everything was about to turn right. "But don't worry Kim, you won't remember him either." Tara staring into Kim's fearful eyes. "I'm going to cast some spells on you, to make you forget you were close."

Kim struggled painfully against the magical rope which was tearing into her body. She tried to plead, but it was muffled by the gag.

"Look at it as a favor, Kim," Tara said almost kindly as she raised a glowing pink hand. "You can't miss a soul-mate if you don't remember him, right?"

"Tara, stop." A male voice shouted from a distant.

Kim & Tara both looked at the direction of the voice, seeing someone wearing a black robe and hood standing a short distant away.

"Who are you?" Tara demanded.

The robed figure removed his hood, revealing the face of Josh Mankey, Tara and Kim stared in stun surprise.

"Josh!" Tara exclaimed in shock, taking a step back. "What are you doing here?" She demanded.

"I'm hoping to talk you out of what you're planning," Josh told her quietly. "You don't have to do this."

"Aaah!" Tara screamed in rage, her eyes glowed with a violet light as she swung her right hand, sending purple fire at Josh.

Josh, raised his hands, creating a force field around him, blocking the attack, though it knocked him backwards. Throwing his robe off, Josh got to his feet, in a fighter pose.

Tara snarled and ran at Josh; her hands glowed with reddish balls of flame, similar to Shego's. Josh's own hands glowed with a sliver light. Tara reached Josh and swung a glowing fist at Josh who blocked with his own glowing hands. Tara struck again and again, forcing Josh to back away to back away. Suddenly Josh generated a magical tentacle from his silver glow which wrapped around Tara's waist, taking her by surprise. Josh turned and swung his arm, causing Tara to go flying over his head.

"Aaah!" Tara screamed in surprise as she went flying into the air, but used levitation to slow her fall before she hit the ground. She got to her feet, her face contorted with rage. "AAAAHHHH!" She screamed her body glowed with dark purple light, which turned into shock wave which grazed the trees, knocking Josh off his feet.

Kim winched as the shock wave struck her. Blinking she looked and saw Tara running at Josh, throwing balls of red energy at Josh, who blocked one, two, but then turned and ran, Tara ran after him. Tara lacked Shego's strength, agility and aggression, but her anger combined with her magical abilities still made her a tough adversary.

Kim mumbled, unable to speak through her gag. She tried struggling again, but the magic rope wrapped around her tightened, cutting into her arms and neck. She relaxed (the rope loosened).

'I need to think this through if I'm going to get out of this.' She said to herself.

Focusing her powers on the rope, she tried to imagine her powers, interfering with Tara's spell. The rope tightened slightly, Kim strained her thoughts. She imagined Tara's spell like iron ropes, and her counter-spell was living fire trying to melt the iron ropes. The magical rope trembled and then Kim felt Tara's magical aura on the rope vanished as the rope fell apart and also vanished. Kim grunted, rubbing the bruises where the rope cut into her arms chest and shoulders.

She ran in the direction Josh and Tara headed toward. Then she heard a loud explosion, and saw a bright red light a head. Moments later, she found the battle.

Tara was floating in the air, her body glowed with a violet light, she was had a ten foot whip of red flame in her hand and swung it at Josh. Josh glowed with a dark gray light; he had an energy shield around his arm, blocking the fiery lashes (creating red flashes).

Kim's eyes glowed pink as she accessed her powers. Generating glowing pink magic balls, Kim threw them at Tara. Tara was so focus on Josh, she wasn't aware of them till they struck her in her head and shoulder.

With a grunt, Tara fell to the ground, her magical whip vanished. Tara got to her feet and glared at Kim, her face twisted with fear, confusion and rage. "You can't beat me!" She screamed, throwing energy blasts at Kim, and then at Josh who tried to attack her with an energy blast.

"AAAh!" Tara screamed as purple lightening surrounded her and went off in all directions; striking Kim, Josh and random parts of the forest.

Kim grunted painfully, falling to her hands and knees, weaken by the attack. She looked up, determined to resist Tara's next attack. And to her surprise, the attack didn't come.

Tara stood where she was, inside a burnt patch on the ground. Her body swayed like a tree in the wind. Her clothing and hair scorched, her breathing heavy, her face angry but wearily.

Josh got to his feet with an effort and generated two dark gray beams of magic at Tara, who screamed and fell to the ground dazed.

Kim got to her feet, her breathing quickened, staring at Josh who went over to Tara's motionless body. "OK, your obviously have the Gift like me and Tara," Kim said quickly. "But how do you fit into all this?"

Josh looked up, his face grim. "Tara and I used to date," He explained grimly. "Around the time you dated your sidekick."

"I remember," Kim said distantly. "Bonnie told me."

Well it didn't last," He said, his voice laced with bitterness. "I guess she never got over her crush with your friend, and eventually decided to end our relationship. We kept in touch, but then she became distant, secretive and seemed too focused on something else." Josh straightened up. "When you and Ron broke up, I knew something was wrong. It's not uncommon for seemingly loving couples to break up, but I couldn't accept it."

Kim nodded as her mind reviewed the previous days. Her anger seemed so rational, so justified. Now she sees that the whole thing was silly.

"Anyway," Josh continued. "I knew you were a witch by sensing your aura. And I could sense another magic at work, but I couldn't pinpoint its source."

Kim stared at Josh in disbelief. "Why didn't you tell me that I was being tricked?" She demanded.

"I didn't want to tip off the conspirator," Josh told her. "Besides didn't think you would have believed me, if I told you that someone was messing with your head."

Kim opened her mouth to argue, but her words died there. She recalled how angry hurt and stubborn she was. She turned back to Tara lying on the ground, her anger returning.

"Kim, don't." Josh said, half warning, half pleading.

Kim glared at Josh, her eyes glowing pink orbs. "Why shouldn't I?" She asked bitterly.

"Because you're Kim Possible," Josh told her, touching her shoulder. "Your better then that. And because I'm asking you."

Kim sighed, startled by the pain in Josh's eyes. Tara had hurt him too, but he still didn't want harm to come to her. She took several breaths.

"OK," She said with effort. "I still have to find Ron!" Kim exclaimed, recalling that Ron was still in that cabin under that Tara's spell.

"You do that," Josh said as he knelt down, near Tara' body, stroking her blond hair. "I'll see that Tara is alright."

xxx

Next chapter Epilog (What do you think of this chapter's name?)

Kim made her way back to the cabin, to find Ron. "Kim," A familiar voice shouted from her side. Kim turned and was surprised to see her mother running up to her.

"Mom?" Kim exclaimed in surprise. "What are you doing here?"

"It wasn't Bonnie who broke you and Ron up," Ann Possible explained anxiously. "It was..."

"Tara." Kim finished quickly. "I know already," Then she eyed her mother curiously. "But how did you find us?"

"I stopped at Ron's place when I went to find you," Ann explained gravely. "Ron's parents told me you took off in this direction. I simply used my powers to track you."

"Oh, right?" Kim murmured, still unused to her mother's powers.

"Now what is all this about Tara?" Ann asked, looking confused. "What has happened exactly?"

"Tara is a witch like me," Kim explained slowly. "She used her powers to damage my friendship with Ron so she could get him for herself. She also gave Ron a love potion so he listens to her alone."

"Oh dear," Miss Possible murmured, disturbed that magic would be used so deviously.

"Anyway," Kim continued. "We fought, but she..." She paused, her face twisted into a scowl. "She outmatched me," She finished bitterly. "She would have won if Josh didn't show up."

"Josh?" Ann asked, puzzled by this new information.

"Josh Mankey," Kim explained quickly. "He has is powers like us too. He aided me. He is in the forest, guarding Tara now. I went back here to find Ron."

"Hmm," Mrs. Possible murmured, putting the pieces together. "Where's Ron now?" she asked curiously.

"Follow me." Kim replied, running off back to the cabin to find Ron, her mother close behind.

They quickly reach the cabin. "Tara told him to wait in another room." Kim explained as she headed to the door Tara had directed Ron. There on a bed laid Ron. He sat up and looked at Kim and her mother, his face blank.

"Ron, it's me, Kim," Kim shouted, running up to Ron, taking his hands, looking intensely into his eyes. "Don't you remember me?"

Ron blinked his eyes. "Have you guys seen Tara?" He asked in a raspy voice. "I need to tell her how much I love her."

Kim gasped; her heart felt like it would break. "Allow me, dear, "Mrs. Possible said, gently pushing Kim aside as she focused her blue eyes on Ron's face, giving him a quick examination.

Kim waited anxiously, hoping that whatever Tara did to Ron was reversible. After looking him over, and making sure he's alright, Ann turned to face Kim. "I can heal Ron of this so-called-love potion," She told her simply. "But first we need to discuss what happens afterward."

"What do you mean, what happens next?" Kim demanded in disbelief. "Ron is free and hopefully I can restore our relationship!"

"I mean Kim," Mrs. Possible replied stiffly. "We're going to have to figure out how to explain to Ron what happened without revealing our little secret."

Kim stared at her mother like she was crazy. "Even if I wanted to, how are we going to do that?" She demanded in a low angry voice. "Everyone knows what happened between us, and he is in front of us now listening?" Kim gasped in shock. "You're going to erase his memory so he won't know?" She asked, pain and horror surged through her.

"No Kim," Ann answered sharply. "Reordering a person's mind is an evil thing. But Tara's magic has muddled his memories of current events, making them a blur, like a dream. We just need to decide what to tell him without revealing ourselves." She added in a softer voice.

"Mom," Kim growled softly. "I don't want to lie to Ron."

"Do you think I enjoy lying to your father?" Mrs. Possible asked just as angrily. "I would never result to dark arts to keep our secret safe, but we have an option. He won't remember any of this very well and he won't have to know," She stared intensely into Kim's face. "Do you understand?"

Kim gazed over at Ron. She loved him and didn't want to lie to him. But as her mother said, it was the only way. "Very well," She said reluctantly. "What do we tell him?"

"Just a minute," Ann Possible said as reached out and took Ron's hands, he offering no resistance.

Ann's body glowed with a pink light as she utilized her powers and channeled them into Ron. Kim waited anxiously. Suddenly, Ron dozed off and fell backwards on the bed he sat on; his eyes closed, a goofy smile appeared on his face.

I have purged all the magical drugs from his system," Ann explained cheerfully. "And induced a deep sleep in him," She looked at Kim. "I want you to take him home."

"What do I tell his parents, or anyone?" Kim asked skeptically. "A lot will wonder what happened since we broke up."

Ann looked thoughtful as she considered Kim's question for several moments. "Just tell them this," She said at last. "Some criminal with mind control powers ruined your relationship and stole Ron from you and you were able to drive her off and rescue Ron. That way our secret is safe and you didn't lie."

Kim looked at Ron's sleeping form uneasily. "Will Ron remember Tara?" She asked unhappily.

"Doubtful," her mother corrected. "He won't remember anything clearly and you will fill in the blanks." she said with a grin.

"Will he remember the fight we had?" Kim asked, throwing a glance at Ron.

"Vaguely," Ann confirmed grimly. "But all you have to do is patch up your relationship. You can do it, Kim. And if Ron is a good friend, he'll forgive you."

Kim sighed. "OK mom." She conceded. She went to one side of the bed and grasped Ron by his arms, while her mother Mrs. took his legs.

Together they carried Ron out of the room and back out the door to the sloth. "Drive carefully now dear." Mrs. Possible said, hugging her daughter again.

"Yes, Mom." agreed Kim, climbing into the drivers seat. "And thanks again." Then she paused. "Wait," She exclaimed, looking perplexed. "What will happen to Tara?"

"Leave that to me dear," Ann assured Kim calmly. "I'll see to it she won't cause trouble anymore."

Kim eyed her mother in wonder. "What will you do?" She asked skeptically.

"Don't worry, Kim," Her mother assured her. "I won't harm her in anyway."

"Alright," Kim said, wondering what her mother planned. Setting the keys in the ignition, the Sloth started. "Bye, Mom?" She said before driving off.

"Bye Kim," Ann called out, as her daughter drove off.

Mrs. Possible turned in one direction. Accessing her powers, her eyes glowed. She rose foot off the ground flew through the forest like the wind. Locking on another's Magical Aura, she headed toward the source. Moments later, she saw Josh Mankey up ahead, carrying in his arms a still unconscious Tara.

"Miss Possible?" Josh exclaimed in surprise, stopping in his tracks. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm here to help," Ann asked as she moved closer to the two teens. "How is she?"

"She'll be fine." Josh explained, once again looking at Tara in his arms. "She used up her strength in her rage-driven attacks, weakening her. I induced a deep sleep in her to keep her under control."

Mrs. Possible watched him very closely, seeing the feeling he put into examining Tara. "You love her don't you?" She asked knowingly.

Josh looked up at Miss Possible, his expression taut. "Is it that obvious?" He asked, hanging his head sadly.

"Only to one who's been around as long as I have." Ann replied smiling sweetly; but then she became grave. "But, I'm afraid, we got a problem."

Josh looked at Tara. "Yeah," He conceded sadly. "She likely won't give up after this defeat. But what can we do?" He asked.

Ann stared at Tara, feeling very tense. "Put her down." She told him grimly.

"OK," Josh said, gently placing the blond teen on the ground. "What happens now?" He asked, looking confused.

Ann's face winched before speaking. "We're going to have to take away her powers." she said sadly.

Josh stared at Ann in stun disbelief. "Take away her powers?" He asked dubiously. "I've never heard of such of thing, its impossible"

"I assure you Josh, its possible," Ann told the blond teen seriously. "It's a rare, but feasible spell."

"How is it possible?" Josh demanded skeptically. "I mean isn't our powers an essential part of our being, like our mind or body?"

"You are correct," Ann agreed thoughtfully. "Our magical Auras are essential parts of us. They even have their own defense-mechanism, fighting whatever tries to attack them directly." Her face grew grave. "The tricky part is bypassing Tara's defenses-mechanism without harming her. It's a complicated process that only a few know how to do," Ann explained slowly. "And even then, it requires at least two witches to perform it safely."

Josh stared at her, and then his face went pale. "Don't tell me that you need me to help you perform this...spell?" He asked distastefully. "Can't Kim help you do this?"

Ann sighed. "She already left," She told Josh sheepishly. "She had...issues to deal with so I let her leave. I'm Sorry." She apologized. "I didn't think this through."

"Can't you wait for her to come back?" Josh asked hopefully.

"We are on a time frame," Ann told him grimly. "Every minute we wait is a chance something will go wrong." Her face grew sober. "Will you help me?"

"Very well," Josh conceded. "But, she's gonna hate me for this." He reminded Miss Possible, while gazing lovingly at Tara.

Mrs. Possible stared at Josh sympathetically. "Does she know how you feel?" She asked, gently placing a hand on his shoulder.

"We dated once," Josh answered softly. "I told her that I loved her," He scowled in bitterness. "But my words meant nothing to her. She says she loves Ron."

"I'm so sorry, Josh," Ann Possible said, regretting what she was asking Josh to do. "But too much is at stake to risk delay. Please help me."

Josh lowered his head. "I understand." He conceded sadly.

Ann Possible walked over to the young blonde cheer leader. She looked sadly down at the long time supposed friend of her daughter. This was very hard for her to do. She knew it would cause at least two people great pain. But she also understood that it must be done. She and Josh approached the unconscious girl.

"So what do I do exactly?" Josh asked frowning.

"Take my hand," Ann explained. "Then focus on Tara's Aura," She continued after Josh complied. "I'll do the same. I'll reach into the essence of her powers and suppress them. You just follow my lead."

Josh nodded. Closing his eyes and reaching out, his senses became extrasensory. Though his eyes were closed, he felt like an overwhelming bombardment of smells, sounds, colored imagery he couldn't identify. Concentrating, he began filtering out the excess sounds, smells and imagery and focused on Tara's Aura. Her Aura glowed like a tiny pink sun inside her body. He sensed Miss Possible reaching out with her own power and interconnected with Tara's Magical Aura. Tara's inner power reacted defensively, blocking Ann's access. Josh enhanced his concentration, linking with Ann's mind, and guided his own powers in perfect synchronization, overpowering Tara's inner defenses. Following Ann's lead, Josh began suppressing Tara's powers and placing barriers around them, rendering them in inaccessible. Josh felt Ann redraw her connection from Tara; he did the same, opening his eyes wearily.

"It's done." Ann stated gravely, letting go of Josh's hand.

Josh looked down at Tara, knowing the pain Tara was going to experience. "I just hope she can forgive me." He replied, gazing sadly at Tara.

Ann looked at Josh, wishing she could comfort him, but knowing that nothing she said would take away the pain he was in. Ann and Josh were startled by a groan, in front of them. Looking down, they saw Tara awakening from her unconsciousness.

"Huh?" She uttered looking around inordinately.

"Are you alright, Tara?" Ann asked gravely, looking at the blond girl.

Suddenly, Tara scowled. "Aaah," She grunted, getting to her feet and raised her hands defensively.

"Tara, calm down," Josh gestured her uneasily. "It's over now."

Tara suddenly frowned as she became aware of... something different about herself, something that felt unnatural, and wrong. "What is going on?" She asked a panic rising in her voice. "What did you do to me?"

"We removed your powers Tara." Mrs. Possible explained calmly. "You can't use them to harm or control anyone again."

"What?" Tara shouted in horror and disbelief. "You're lying!" She declared and waved her hands and grew numb when nothing happened. She looked at Josh then at Mrs. Possible, tears filling her eyes. "How could you do this to me! She demanded looking around wildly. "WHY!"

"You gave us no choice." Ann Possible replied gravely.

Tara's tearful gaze suddenly blazed with hate and indignation. "I was never going to hurt your daughter," she declared angrily, glowering at Mrs. Possible. "You didn't have to do this!"

"Not hurt my daughter?" Ann Possible demanded indignantly. "You were going to steal her boyfriend, who is also her best friend and partner, you call that not hurting my daughter?"

"She wouldn't even have remember him!" Tara yelled fiercely. "I was doing her a favor!" she added angrily. "She could never love him as much as I do!"

Ann scowled, resisting the urge to strike this irrationally irate young woman.

"And you!" Tara said shrilly turning to face Josh Mankey. "Why would you do this do me?"

Josh sighed. "Tara," He began uneasily. "I am your friend, but-"

"Lies, all lies!" Tara screamed angrily, her tear-filled eyes glowered. "A friend wouldn't do this to me?"

Josh suddenly scowled, hurt by Tara's false accusation. "Now wait a minute, Tara," He snarled indignantly. "You are in no position to talk about friendship after what you've done."

"What?" Tara demanded, not believing what she was hearing.

"I tried to be your friend and I hoped you would remain my girlfriend," He crossed his arms as he glowered. "But I was nothing to you. And then you try to ruin Ron and Kim's relationship so you can steal Ron and -"

"Enough!" Tara screamed, too angry and hurt to be reasoned with. "Ron was mine! I saw him before Kim realized his potential! I deserve-"

Tara suddenly grunted as a gray energy field surrounded her and suspended her six feet in the air. She tried to scream but wasn't able to, as magical energy suppressing her vocal-cords. She looked down in fear, seeing Josh with one hand outstretched, a cold expression in his eyes.

"I've had it with your arrogance, Tara," He told her bitterly, pain fueling his rage. "You think you-,"

"Josh," Ann whispered, gently touching Josh's shoulder. "I know you are hurt, and I don't blame you," She said sympathetically. "But don't do something you'll regret."

Josh glared at her and back at Tara who was too scared to defy him (and unable to scream to due to her induced silence). With a sigh, he gently put Tara back on the ground, the rage he felt toward Tara faded into icy calm.

Tara glanced at Josh and Ann, angry, but scared. "What are you going to do with me?" She asked sullenly.

"Due to our need for secrecy, we're letting you go, Tara," Ann said at last. "But I suggest you don't tell anyone about us and what has happened. They'll either disregard you as a fool or worse, they'll believe you and you'll be convicted for your actions by the Law."

Tara glowered, angry, hurt and very fatigued. "Very well," She answered bitterly, turning and walked off.

Ann and Josh watched her stomp off in the woods. Josh grimaced as the anger and bitterness he felt towards Tara reverted into sorrow and regret. "Well I guess that's that," He said sadly, as he began walking off in one direction.

"Where are you going, Josh?" Ann asked sympathetically.

"First I'm going to get my cloak," Josh told her slowly. "I left it in the woods. Then I'm going home to get some rest. One thing's for sure," He said sadly. "Tara won't want to see me anytime soon."

Josh walked off. Ann felt her heart break, wishing she could help the poor boy.

…

Kim drove down the highway, back to Middleton. As she drove down a highway, she glanced at her rear view-mirror. Ron was buckled and lying on his side; his eyes close, his breathing normal. In the back, Rufus stood on the seat next to Ron's head, his heart heavy. Looking sadly at his owner, Rufus patted Ron's head with his paw; it vanished in Ron's thick messy blond hair.

"Oh Ron," She whispered, half to herself. "Please still love me." ' She continued driving, her mind drifting back to her battle with Tara. "Why Tara,"She murmured sadly. "Why did you have to do all this?"

Just then, she heard a small moan from the backseat. Kim looked at her rear-view mirror and to her relief, saw Ron awakening, next to Ron, Rufus squeaked in joy. "Kim!" He shouted joyfully. "He's waking up!"

"Thanks for the update, Rufus." Kim replied softly. She pulled off to the side of the road.

Suddenly her joy was replaced with fear. Fear that Ron wouldn't forgive her or simply not be interested in her anymore. Taking a deep breath, she braced herself. Unbuckling herself, she turned and climbed in backseat next to Ron who was sitting upright and yawning.

"Kim!" He exclaimed, surprise snapped him wide awake. "What's going on, what are you doing here, where is Tara," Ron frowned in disbelief. "And how did I get inside your car?"

Kim's face tightened as fear, guilt and sorrow swelled inside her. Determined not to cry, she faced Ron; her eyes moist. "First Ron," She began apolitically. "I need to apologize for yesterday. But it wasn't my fault, well not completely. An evil enchantress messed with our feelings and caused our break up." She touched Ron's hands, her face pleading. "Please don't blame me for what happened."

Ron pulled his hands away and stared at Kim in disbelief. He tried to remember what had happened. He knew he and Kim got into a horrible disagreement (though details were missing). He fell in love with Tara. And something about spending time with her, witches and Kim and Miss Possible, but it was it was foggy like a dream. "Why don't I remember any of this?" He asked irritably. "I know we broke up over…something. I dated Tara, or at least I think I did," He added uncertainty. "And it's so full of holes that I can't make sense of it. Was Tara real or not?"

"Ronnie, please listen," Kim began tenderly, grasping his hands and looking earnestly into his eyes. "You have to trust me; it's for the best that you don't remember everything. As to Tara..." She paused, trying to think of a lie that would help her and not hurt Ron. "Ron this isn't going to be easy," She said at last. "Just don't go near her."

"Why?" Ron asked, more confused then angry.

"Let's just say that trouble will happen," Kim explained impatiently, hating that she was misleading Ron. "I can't go into why, but you have to trust me."

Ron stared at Kim suspiciously. "Does it have something to do with that enchantress I don't remember," He asked irritably.

"Yes," Kim answered, a cover-story forming in her mind. "Tara was mixed up in it like we were and you must trust me when I say that you shouldn't go near her."

Ron stared at her. Kim seemed uneasy and defensive. He felt that she was hiding something, and yet, somewhere deep in his heart, he knew he could trust her. He wasn't sure what really happened, but he was fine with that.

"Uh…Kim," He asked uneasily, still confused. "What happened to the Enchantress who tried to break us up? Will we meet her again?"

Kim smiled, feeling relief. "Let's just say that she's been dealt with, O.K?" She answered joyfully.

Suddenly, Ron felt like his heart would break He reached forward and wrapped his arms her body hugging him tightly, his eyes grew moist. Kim returned the hug, tears poured from her eyes as she also lost control of her emotions. Then she withdrew herself. "Ron," She started to say, apprehension in her eyes. "I hope you can forgive me, for all the awful things I said, because, I'll never be able to forgive myself if I lose you," She rubbed her eyes before continuing. "I never realized until now how important you are to me, and how much a part of my life you are." She looked at Ron pleadingly. "Please forgive me."

Ron rubbed his eyes. "I'm sorry Kim," He told her softly, guilt twisted in his body like a knife. "I'm sorry I hurt you with…whatever I did in that fight."

"It wasn't your fault Ron," Kim assured him tearfully. "I should have been a better girlfriend, stronger then any witch."

"Lets just forgive each-other and try not to do that again," Ron suggested offhandedly. "OK?"

"I like that." Kim agreed in relief.

"Boohya!" Ron exclaimed excitedly as he stopped to think about all this. All his questions had not been answered, but the important thing was that he and Kim were back together.

"Do you want to sit up front with me?" Kim asked sweetly, as she moved back to the driver's seat.

"On one condition..." Ron told her as he began climbing out of the back seat.

Kim braced her self for another question about Tara. "Yes?" she asked calmly.

"Can we stop at Bueno Nacho, because I'm starving?" Ron asked gleefully.

"Of course Ron." Kim agreed, happy to have her Ron back. "Your wish is my command." she teased, as she started the motor.

"Boohya!" Ron shouted enthusiastically, as Kim stuck her keys in her car and started it up.

Just then there was a tiny squeak from the back seat. "Yes, Rufus." Kim agreed sweetly. "A double cheese chimerito for you."

Rufus stared wide eyed at Kim, while Ron stared at her with an open mouth. "How did you know what he just said?" asked Ron curiously.

Kim thought fast, trying to think of a lie that Ron would believe. "Well," she began, watching the road as she drove off. "Isn't that what he always orders?" she asked hopefully.

Ron looked down at the little mole rat. "She's right little buddy, you do always order that." He commented frowning.

Kim threw a knowing glance at Rufus and Rufus caught the look. They both had to be careful in their communications from now on.

THE END?

Well Friends, that's it for this year.

If we get enough good reviews, we'll put together another Witch Kim episode for next halloween.

Untill then, thanks to all who have read and reviewed so far.

God Bless you all, and Have a Happy and safe Halloween.