Author's Note / A follow-up to "Barking Up the Wrong Tree" originally written for LJ Comm Iyhedonism for their "Gifts" prompt with 350 word limit. The title "Sisterhood is Powerful" is a popular 1970s U.S. feminist slogan.

Sisterhood is Powerful

"So you see," Ayame stammered, fighting back angry tears, "we have both been made fools of."

Kagome's soulful brown eyes grew wide at the ookami's words. She could not help but think this was a trick—another game to steal from her a suitor she did not really want in the first place. Yet, she could feel the sincerity in Ayame's aura. The hot-tempered, fire-haired beauty's chest heaved and her voice quavered. No, there was no denying it: Kouga and Inuyasha were lovers. "I'm sorry," she mumbled.

The apology made Ayame's ire burn even hotter. "What have you got to be sorry for? I'm not some pathetic loser—at least no more than you are!"

"Why are you taking this out on me?" Kagome snapped. "It's not my fault Kouga seduced Inuyasha!"

Ayame snorted. "Are you kidding? It's the dog who's to blame. Those furry ears, that flowing hair, those sparkling amber eyes? He's prettier than both of us put together, especially for a wolf that's spent far too much time among the menfolk!"

Kagome ground her teeth. First Ayame had blamed her for Kouga's infatuation and now she was insulting Inuyasha. Wasn't it enough that both of their happily-ever-afters were disappearing into a pile of canine hormones? She reached out and struck Ayame across the face.

Ayame snagged Kagome's wrist. "You little bitch."

"You're the bitch," Kagome huffed. Why didn't everyone have subjugation beads so she could punish them properly!

Who knew the miko could lash out so? thought Ayame. A plan quickly formed. Twisting Kagome's arm sharply behind her, the ookami pulled her in for a deep, hard kiss.

Kagome was too shocked to resist.

"Imagine how Inuyasha will feel to smell me all over you," Ayame murmured, then licked Kagome's mouth.

Kagome flushed from head to toe. "Like…Kouga will to find my scent on you?" she whimpered.

Ayame grinned as she reached under that absurdly short kimono to find the treasure that would bring their little gift of retribution to fruition.

Kagome moaned and surrendered to Ayame's skilled embrace. Oh, girls were so much cleverer than boys.