Author's Note: Thanks to Nitrofrost2, Noella50881, and Riptide2 for reviewing the last chapter! Enjoy and I own nothing but Tallie and Allie
Chapter Nine: A Little Blackmail
Tallie wasn't sure how much longer she could hold out. Each breath was a heavy rasp that made her throat burn and her vision was blurry. That was when a familiar voice, as familiar as her own, announced, "Look what I have."
"The matrix," Tallie heard Ratchet said but she was only focusing on holding on.
"Just a few more seconds," a voice whispered. Allie. Cool hands held her up and a damp cheek rested against her own. Tallie forced a surge of power from her chest into Optimus just as the matrix was returned to his spark. The result threw everyone around back a few feet. Tallie blacked out for a few moments and when she came to Allie's tear streaked face was hovering blurrily in her vision.
"What's wrong?" she asked but Allie shook her head.
"The Prime is fine," she said. Tallie reached for her twin unconsciously and felt the flicker of something that it took her a moment to identify.
"What about Soundwave?" she asked softly, sitting up. Allie's face told her everything she needed to know. "I'm sorry," Tallie said.
"I'll make it through," Allie replied with a grim smile. "Now let's go get rid of that nasty machine."
"Umm, one problem. How are we gonna get there on time?" Tallie asked as her twin helped her up. The expression on Allie's face told her that her twin had no idea how they were gonna manage that. "I have an idea," she said suddenly with a wicked grin, glancing at Sideswipe who was standing not too far away. "Hey 'Sides."
"What?" he snapped and Tallie motioned him over, unable to push the smile off her face.
"I need a favor," she said. "One that could potentially get us in trouble."
"No," Sideswipe replied. "Whatever you're gonna say the answer is no."
"Then I'll inform Jazz it was you who helped me get here," Tallie said just as he had turned to leave. The frontliner froze and Allie snickered softly.
"You wouldn't," he said, sounding horrified.
"Oh most definitely," Tallie replied.
"Fine," he sighed, turning back to them. "What do I need to do?"
"We need to get to the pyramid," Allie said and Sideswipe glanced at the massive shape in the distance. "Fast."
"Fine," Sideswipe muttered again, checking to make sure no one was watching and shifting into his alt mode. "Get in." They obeyed, fighting off triumphant grins.