Her words silenced the group. Other then those who had been at the vineyard, no one knew about the fates of the slayers.

“What do you mean, Buffy’s gone?” Louise asked.

“I mean, she’s gone!” Kennedy snapped back. “One minute she was there, next she was gone and all these uber-vamps and bringers appeared. She’s probably dead!”

The potentials took a collective, shocked gasp.

“Well it’s true!” Kennedy continued. “And Faith isn’t looking too hot either so like it not, we’re pretty much on our own now!”

Many of the girls huddled together, hugging and comforting one another.

“That’s not entirely true.” Louise spoke up once again and received a steely glare from Kennedy.

Getting to her feet, Louise faced Kennedy and tried to still her pounding heart. “There’s still Tara. She’s just as skilled a fighter as Buffy and Faith!!”

Many of the other potentials nodded in agreement. Morale picking up within the room almost instantly.

“No!” Kennedy snapped. She had seen this as her chance to lead the group, she had trained and helped each of the girls at one time or another and believed that she was entitled to lead them into battle.

“No what?” Willow asked. She had made her way down the stairs to fetch a dishcloth, as they appeared to have run out of bandages.

“We think, given that Faith is so badly injured and Buffy, well Buffy seems to have disappeared momentarily.” Louise spoke up, walking towards the redhead. “We think…” she continued, gesturing with her hand to the other potentials. “… that Tara should take over as the leader. At least until Faith is feeling a little better?!”

Kennedy glared coldly at the group and slammed herself down in a chair.

“Oh!” Willow said, clearly surprised by apparent consensus of the group. “Well, I think we need to speak to Tara about that!”

“Speak to Tara about what?” As if she knew she was needed, Tara appeared on the stairs, peering over the banisters and being met by expectant and hopeful eyes.

“We think you should take over as leader!” Louise announced.

“Whoa!!” Tara exclaimed, holding up her hands in front of her. “I’m not a leader, not really!” she said, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson at the joint approval and acceptance she saw in their eyes.