Kidnapped

I grunted as I tried my best to break free of the ropes, however, they were on so tightly I couldn't muster any force. I could also feel the ropes wrapped around my fingers, further restricting my movement and adding to the discomfort. Heck, even the gag was tied tightly to the point that I couldn't slide it off my mouth. What had me most concerned though was that there was no sign of Tal. My hope is that she's just being held in another location as the alternative... No, that would be very bad.

As I began searching around for anything I could try to use to cut the ropes, Ami slowly opened her eyes. "Mmph... Ngh? MMPH!? MMPH NGH!"

It was understandable she'd be so distraught, but now that she was up, maybe she could free us with magic.

I turned my backside to her and grunted as I wiggled my hands, however, I was met with a series of distressed moans. Turning back around, I could now see Ami beginning to tear up.

Oh no, that probably means she can't use magic.

I attempted to try and communicate with Ami, but thanks to the gags, only muffled moans and grunts were exchanged. Ami did at least roll over to show me her ropes, giving me an idea on what my own bindings might look like as he wrists and fingers were both bound tightly with rope.

It also tells me that whoever kidnapped us are professionals, as your average bandit never ties anyone up this extensively. Heck, even the knights don't tie anyone up like this, but for now, I think we need to worry more about getting freed first.

I've actually trained on how to break free of ropes and even metal shackles, but the big problem here is how tight the ropes are. I can't muster any power to bust out of the them, nor can I even attempt to untie Ami thanks to my fingers being tied together. I really hope Ami has something up her sleeve, otherwise we're gonna have to hope someone's coming to rescue us.

Though Ami was still trembling and crying, she did appear to be doing something as she began thrusting her head up and down. I couldn't figure out what she was doing, until we hit a bump, causing her hat to fly off. As it landed, something that looked like a badge appeared to fall out of it.

That must be how we escape... Except, nothing happened.

Ami also appeared distraught by things as her breathing picked up and her eyes became wider. She frantically squirmed her way over to the badge and upon reaching it, smashed her head into it.

"MMPH!" I cried as I hurried over, but Ami wouldn't stop bashing her head against it.

"Mmmph?" I asked as I swung my feet over to the badge.

Ami stopped bashing her head and made eye contact before nodding her head and rolling out of the way.

No clue what this thing does, but I'm guessing breaking it is our key to breaking out. Even with my ankles tied, I can still slam my feet down with enough force to shatter a rock. And with Ami's enhanced sneakers, my power should be even greater than it was before.

Raising my legs up as high as I could, I swung my feet down on the badge. I did hear a slight crack, but when I rolled my feet off, the badge was still intact. Guess it needs another go. One more wasn't enough though so I went for a third, a fourth, a fifth, a sixth, then finally on my seventh attempt... the force of my swing caused a large hole to form in the bottom of the wagon, sending the badge tumbling out.

Ami let out a muffled cry, and I almost did too, until I realized that even though the hole wasn't big enough to escape out of, there was splintered wood along its edges, meaning I had something I could use to cut the ropes. However, when I tried to, something on the ropes appeared to block it from being cut, almost like an invisible barrier.

I turned to Ami, who only looked more distraught now that her plan had failed and we couldn't even make use of the splintered wood to cut the ropes. It's not over yet though. If I can make a hole, I can make it bigger.

But as I attempted to go for another strike, a tiny paw popped up out of the hole, causing me to abort my swing and kick my legs down to the side.

Ami's face slowly lit up. "MMPH!"

I couldn't understand what she said, but soon figured it out as a white ferret crawled up through the hole and over to Ami. With how relaxed Ami's expression was, I assumed this little ferret was affiliated with her. Now the question is how it can help us. 

I got my answer as the ferret got behind Ami and appeared to be fiddling with the ropes. Considering the splintered wood couldn't cut them, I had little faith the ferret could, but to my surprise, Ami's hands were free a minute later.

"Don't worry, this here's Kati, a ferret I created in my lab from scratch. She'll get us free," Ami smiled as she pulled off her gag and wiped away her tears.

I let loose an affirmative grunt.

Once Ami's legs were free, Kati approached me and began undoing the ropes on my hands.

"Those aren't ordinary ropes. They're called sealropes, and are capable of both sealing magic and preventing things from cutting them. However, Kati here was specially made to be able to untie them with ease," Ami explained as she undid my gag.

"Are the gags special too?" I asked.

"Seems like it. I can sense the same type of energy from them as the sealropes, though at least they're easier to untie. Probably were made in a church workshop just like the sealropes."

"A church?"

"Yeah, the Church of Sirupus, the dominant religious institution of the Empire of Ova Sfongia."

My heart thumped. I knew exactly what this meant.

"Inquisitors..."

"Yeah, that means we gotta be careful, especially since I can't use magic."

"But aren't you freed?"

"I am, but I still can't muster any magic power. I'm guessing this wagon we're in is custom-built to include magic seals in it, which would explain why Kati couldn't come out of her badge, as she needs to use a little magic to break free. However, when her badge fell out, it must've ended up out of the wagon's range, meaning Kati could break free," Ami frowned as she picked up her hat and put it back on.

"So is she fine even though she's back within the seal?"

"Yeah, she's an artificially created organic life-form, so the seal only prevents her from using magic. I specifically designed her to act as a last resort if I ever found myself captured, however... I didn't account for a scenario like this..."

I frowned as Ami's whole body began to shake and tears began to well up in her eyes again. "Are you alright?" I asked as Kati finished untying the last of my bindings.

Ami shook her head. "LaNorne... I... Can I hug you?"

"Yes, I warmly smiled as I walked over and hugged Ami. Even in my arms, Ami continued to tremble, but slowly, she began to calm down.

"Save me... mommy," Ami mumbled.

"Huh?"

Ami's face went red as she quickly shoved me aside. "N- Nothing... Ahem. I'm calm, thanks. Now, let's bust out of here. Oh, almost forgot about the duchess. You seen her?"

"No, it was just you and me here when we I woke up."

Ami scowled and shook her head. I bet she's imagining the same worst-case scenario as I did.

"Anyway, think we can bust out through the hole you made?"

"It was my first thought, but since we're free, I feel like it might be a better idea to just bust out from the back. Oh! Kati! Did you see if this was the only wagon?"

Kati hissed at me.

"Ah, she's really attached to me and only listens to me. So, Kati, tell me everything you saw," Ami smiled.

"Sure, master. When I emerged from the badge, I saw but a single wagon pulled by two horses. I saw not who was at the front, but none seemed present elsewhere on or around the wagon," Kati nodded.

My eyes bulged as I slapped my hand over my mouth to prevent a scream from coming out.

"Oh? Are you surprised she can speak? Of course she can. Who do you think created her?" Ami proudly huffed.

Seeing Ami acting all proud quickly calmed me down. "As expected from the great witch of amethyst. Now, since things seem clear, how about we bust out the back, partner?" I smiled.

"Kick away, partner," Ami smiled back as she pulled out her flintlock.

I nodded and charged for the door and kicked it as hard as I could, sending it flying off.

"WH- What was that sound!?" a male voice shouted.

Both me and Ami tensed up as we recognized the voice. It was that slime ball baron who tried to rob us at Golde dungeon!