It was their final day in Barcelona. The day of the dancing competition. It seemed like half the world arrived in the city, since Jack and Ash bumped into someone every other step on the way to Felipe's. The Spaniard had cleaned up the place by now, and upon seeing them, frowned and looked them up and down.

"Please tell me you will not be wearing that to dance in."

They looked down at their clothes, then at each other, then back at Felipe.

"What else should we be wearing?" Ash wanted to know.

Felipe began to spout off rapid-fire Spanish that even Jack had trouble keeping up with. Something about there not being enough time...

"Okay, you both will be owing me much for this!" Felipe said seriously, stomping away.

Ash looked up at Jack, confusion written all over her face.

"What just happened?"

Jack's head was tilted to one side as he stared after Felipe, frowning slightly.

"I have no idea," he answered.

Felipe pulled a few strings, and by the end of the day, had them both dressed in proper attire for dancing in a competition.

"I certainly hope you two know what you're doing. It would be a shame for all of my efforts to go to waste," Felipe grumbled.

"I uh, I think we've got this," Ash said, "Renzo has been working with us constantly... he's – "

"An Italian has been teaching you traditional Spanish dances?" Felipe asked, stunned, "You expect to win with that sort as a teacher?"

He started speaking Spanish again so quickly that neither of them could keep up, even pacing back and forth a bit. At last, he turned to them.

"Well, it is in the hands of God now, yes? Let us pray for a miracle!"

He stormed past them to the carriage waiting at the front of the house. After exchanging glances, Jack and Ash followed him. Ash was decidedly nervous the entire time, and after a few minutes of her fidgeting, Jack took her hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She smiled at him weakly in return. Felipe hustled them inside when they arrived, leaving the driver to move along with the carriage.

"Do you see Don Leonardo?" Ash whispered.

Using his height advantage, Felipe craned his neck and scanned the room.

"Yes, he is here. No pressure," the Spaniard muttered back.

Indeed, Ash thought snidely.

"And so are the authorities," Jack said tensely with a nod in the direction he was looking.

Sure enough, there was a cluster of uniformed officials in one corner, eyeing them like hawks.

We don't have to win, Ash reminded herself, Just don't trip over your own feet. Just do well enough to get the Don's attention.

She had to have a drink to steady her nerves. Funny how people shooting at her didn't bother her, but dancing in front of a room full of people was what made her anxiety shoot through the roof. Felipe angled off to mingle with the crowd, while Jack and Ash made their way to the refreshment table. There was her favorite fruity Spanish wine there, which Ash sipped on gratefully. Jack made a disappointed face at the lack of rum, but picked up a piece of fruit and popped it into his mouth, chewing contentedly. After a few minutes, Felipe wound his way through the crowd toward them and told them they would be fourth to perform. That was good, Ash decided. Not first, but not last, somewhere in the middle. Now she could stand back, relax, sip her wine, and enjoy watching the other contestants.

She was wrong.

There was no relaxing over the next few dances. These people... they were amazing. Ash found she had to close her mouth after just the first couple. The way they moved... they were so fast, but their movements so clean and elegant at the same time. There was no way she could move like that, ever. Not even in her dreams. They were doomed. All too soon, she had to set down her glass and take Jack's hand. He led her onto the dance floor, which was empty now except for the two of them. Ash glanced around nervously, wondering who exactly was judging this thing, but Jack pulled her attention back to him.

"Oi, focus on me," he whispered, "It's only us right now."

Swallowing to try to help her suddenly dry throat, Ash nodded as she looked back at him. And found his eyes were nearly on fire with the intense focus he had in them for her. That look sucked all the breath from her lungs and made her head spin. And they weren't even moving yet. She forced herself to take a few deep breaths quickly as the music started and her head miraculously settled. She didn't know how it happened, but something was different all of a sudden. Before in her lessons with Renzo, she definitely struggled. But now...

Maybe it was just because this time, she was dancing with Jack. But she felt something that wasn't there in her previous dance attempts. Renzo had constantly stressed how this dance was about passion, but for some reason Ash had never understood what the crazy Italian was talking about. But now, here, staring at Jack as they moved across the dance floor, Ash felt it. There was a tight, white-hot coil of tension between them. It smoldered and sizzled in the air between them, around them. For the first time, and likely the last time in her life (when she wasn't drunk), Ash could admit to herself that for this dance, she was moving the way she was meant to. She flowed from one step to another, her limbs graceful and smooth, her footsteps sure.

She was surprised when the dance ended, and Jack had hold of her tightly in a rather scandalous position, with one of her legs hiked up high around his waist, his hand on her upper thigh. Their eyes met, and Ash saw a promise there. A promise for what was coming for her that night. She grinned widely, unable to stop it, and let out a breath, resting her forehead against his chest. She was suddenly aware she was out of breath and her heart was pounding. But it had been a glorious couple of minutes. It was dead silent for a few terrifying seconds. Then, out of nowhere, applause burst forth from the audience. Ash sighed, relieved, and Jack released her. They bowed to the audience, and stepped off the dance floor together back to the refreshment table.

Felipe was beside himself.

"That was stunning!" he exclaimed, "Amazing! How did you – I mean, it was far from technically perfect, but good lord! The passion! The heat! I felt it all the way from over here! Now that I think about it I'm sure many single ladies have also felt it... please excuse me."

Ash choked on her wine at the last bit, but Jack laughed heartily and seemed to encourage him. Scowling, she swatted him on the arm. She was shaking her head and turning away from him when a tall, handsome man stepped in front of them.

"Good evening," he said gravely, "I am Don Leonardo. I wanted to convey my admiration of your dancing."

"Thank you," Ash replied, "We are – "

She paused, thinking amateurs probably wasn't the right word to use, as it might get around they had never done this before, and put truth to the lie they had told to the authorities.

"New to this," she finished after a slit second.

"That is clear," the Don responded, "But still... it was impressive. The two of you have very good energy together. No doubt if you continue practicing together you will win many competitions. In fact, I wonder if you would like to attend a party at my mansion tomorrow night. There will be dancing there too. More opportunity to practice, yes?"

Ash smiled. If she was religious, she would praise whatever God she kept for this stroke of glorious luck.

"You are too kind, Don Leonardo. We graciously accept."

"And perhaps, senorita...?"

"Ash. And this is my partner, Jack."

"Perhaps your partner would be so kind as to surrender you to me for a dance or so?"

Jack didn't speak, but inclined his head graciously. Don Leonardo smiled in return.

"Excellent! I shall see you there!"

They watched him walk away, and Jack turned back to the food. Ash watched the remaining contestants dance, finally relaxing now that she got her performance out of the way. They ate, drank, watched the dancers, and generally made merry for the majority of the night. Then the winners were announced. One by one, places were announced, applause tore through the room. Then...

"For first place... Don Juan and Lady Rosalinda!"

The audience went wild. Ash smiled and clapped along with everyone else. She didn't expect to win, after all, and had fun. But to not even place at all was a surprise, based off of how the audience seemed to like them. Perhaps that had no bearing on it at all. Oh well.

"Officially, you have not done well," a voice said.

Ash turned and saw the main officer that had imprisoned them upon their arrival swagger up to them, two others flanking him. Beside her, she felt Jack go tense and guessed his fingers were twitching in anticipation of going for a weapon.

"But unofficially, you are to be congratulated, so it seems," the official continued.

Jack and Ash exchanged a quick glance.

"So... we are free to go, then?" she asked.

The man's upper lip curled.

"I am sure Don Leonardo would have something to say about it if I detained two of his guests."

Ash smiled. Ha ha, she thought, You can't catch me.

"Ah, water under the bridge then," she said cheerily.

The officer's eyes narrowed on her.

"For now. Until you next go against Spain."

He turned sharply on his heel and strode away. Ash was tempted to poke her tongue out at his back, but restrained herself. He couldn't prove anything. And he wouldn't be able to in the future.

"Does that mean we can go now?" Jack said in her ear, "I for one am looking forward to getting you out of that dress."

Ash hesitated, looking around for Felipe.

"We can't just leave Felipe here..."

"'Course we can, he has the carriage to get him back home."

"And us?"

"If you're not up to the walk back to the ship, I can always carry you."

A wry smile stretched her lips.

"Oh? And how would you do that? In your arms, against your chest, like a storybook prince? Or over your shoulder like a rouge stealing away a sack of gold?"

"Whichever way you prefer," he all but growled.

Ash's eyes danced and she felt the laughter swelling inside her.

"Hmmm," she hummed thoughtfully, "I suppose option number two would attract too much unwanted attention. I'll walk with you back, and you can have your wicked way with me when we reach our cabin. Do we have an accord, captain?"

"Aye, love. That we do."

It was a lovely walk, and a beautiful night. Ash woke in Jack's arms the next morning warm and happier than she could ever remember being. They laid about in bed for a while before rising and going to get food. They walked to Felipe's house after they had spent a few hours in town and had some lunch at an eating house. Felipe didn't have a guest, and welcomed them into his home with gladness, as last night had gone well for all of them. They caught him up on what happened with Don Leonardo after he went in search of a companion for the night. Felipe then fretted about what they would wear to the party.

"Can't we just wear what we wore last night?" Ash asked, confused.

"Absolutely not. Ah, you will be owing me more I see."

Jack only smiled and drank the rum he was given. They were fitted for new outfits, and the seamstresses Felipe hired had to sew like the devil was breathing down their necks for the second time. Ash was certain they were praying for Felipe's swift and painful death. By nightfall, they were outfitted in the latest Spanish fashion and driven in the carriage to Don Leonardo's abode. Jack frowned at the excited look on Ash's face as they entered the house.

"We're here for work, remember," he reproached.

"I know. But we can have some fun too, can't we?"

He sighed as she ran off to the food and wine. He liked to see her happy and enjoying herself, but worried she would enjoy all of this too much and not want to leave with him when the time came. Jack told himself he was being a fool again and followed her. By the time Don Leonardo came over to them, Ash was rosy cheeked with the wine and had a slight glaze in her eyes.

"If I may have the honor?" he asked, extending his hand.

Ash's eyes shifted uncertainly to the dance floor. This wasn't the same sort of dance she had practiced with Jack. She was suddenly remembering she didn't know any Spanish ballroom dances other than that one. And if it had been the passionate dance she'd learned with Jack, she would have refused to dance it with this man. Don Leonardo seemed to guess what was making her nervous and smiled.

"Worry not, senorita. I shall guide you."

Smiling to cover her nerves, she took his hand and let him lead her onto the dance floor. Watching intensely, Jack swallowed a mouthful of rum, feeling it burn it's way down his throat. As Ash and Don Leonardo began to spin around the dance floor, she found she had to look into his eyes or risk getting so dizzy she'd stumble or fall over.

"Where is it you are from, senorita?" the Don asked her, "You are not from Spain. Neither is your Jack."

"We're... from all over, I suppose you could say."

"How interesting."

"Indeed. We meet the most fascinating people."

"Oh? Like who?"

"Why, like you, Don Leonardo. This house is lovely by the way, and I must compliment your taste in wine. I'm finding myself to be quite partial to Spanish vintages. But truth to tell, there is one certain individual we are searching for with some urgency. I believe you know him."

"If I do, I will gladly introduce you. Only name him."

"El Sombreador."

Don Leonardo's face went suddenly blank.

"I do not know such a one."

"You are a horrible liar, Don Leonardo."

His gaze boring into her got a bit sharper.

"I am sure you understand, El Sombreador has many enemies."

"And we are not among them."

"How do I know that? By your word? You are a woman, but a lady? I think not. A stranger, certainly. Forgive me for my frankness."

"None taken. I prefer to speak frankly when the matter at hand is so dire. I understand your reluctance to take me at my word. But what can I do to convince you?"

"I have nothing specific in mind, I do not know. But if you could help the people of this town, perhaps the masked defender will reveal himself to you."

Ash frowned, irritated.

"Everyone wants my help in order to prove myself, it seems. Just once, it would be nice if someone could help me. Is that not what El Sombreador does?"

"You make a fair point. I shall consider it, and inform you of my answer presently."

"We do not have long," Ash warned as the dance came to an end, "The authorities here are eager to see us on our way."

"I wonder why that might be? Why would someone in trouble with the law want the help of the noble El Sombreador?"

"It was a misunderstanding," Ash said simply.

That wasn't a total lie. It was Jack and not Ash that technically was in control during that whole spice stealing venture.

"I see. Well, I shall consider your request and give you my answer in due course."

He bowed to her as the music ended and strode off. Ash returned to her place near Jack and took the glass in his hand, downing the rum in it in one go.

"Oi," Jack protested.

"Oh, stop it. There's more."

Ash drank more than he did that night, and left eager to rant to him about her run in with Don Leonardo. He only nodded and didn't try to offer suggestions to fix the problem, which she appreciated. She didn't want him to try to solve anything, she just wanted to vent her frustrations and have him agree with her that Don Leonardo was a pain in the ass. Felipe was once again absent, so they were walking.

"Halt!" a voice commanded abruptly.

Jack and Ash both froze. They knew that voice. Turning, they saw Fitzwilliam some paces behind them with his men, all aiming guns at them.

"Fitzy!" Jack and Ash exclaimed in unison.

"Come with us now, and we will not have to harm you," Fitzwilliam declared.

Like hell, Ash wanted to snort, going for her daggers.

Then she realized that in this dress, there was no place for her weapons, and she had left them, along with her cumbersome rifle, on the ship. Jack didn't have his pistol, and was armed with only his cutlass.

Shit. She hadn't been expecting this.

She started to look around for some rocks to throw at Fitzwilliam, her head sluggish from the alcohol she'd indulged in, when Jack caught her hand. Puzzled, she looked up at him, and saw him give the tiniest shake of his head.

Not the opportune moment, he seemed to say.

Ash frowned, but realized he was right. They had been caught by surprise, were both drunk, and one of them was completely unarmed while the other only had a sword. She didn't want to give in without a fight... but she recognized it would be best.

"Step away from each other," Fitzwilliam ordered, "Put your hands up where we can see them."

Ash was glaring at him as she did as he said. To her surprise, he approached her first instead of Jack.

"I will not underestimate you this time, witch."

"Wizard," she spat.

"Put her in chains."

Jack's hands and feet were bound in irons, while Ash had not only her hands and feet manacled, but then chains were wrapped around her from shoulder to ankle, locked with a large and heavy padlock. They had to carry her to the prison. The Spanish officer that had been bothering them since they arrived was all too pleased to see them and allow the English guests to use the jail to cage their captives. Neither Ash or Jack acknowledged him, but kept to their stony silence. Ash was put in one cell, and Jack in another.

"We thank you for the temporary use of your facilities," Fitzwilliam told the Spaniard, "We shall be out of your hair by morning, good sir, as soon as the tide allows."

The door was closed, and footsteps and their talking faded away. They were left alone with a guard who sat on a chair with his back to their cells, the moonlight gleaming off his armor.

"How we going to get out of this one?" Jack asked into the silence.

"Tag, you're it," Ash responded sullenly.

She was out of ideas. It seemed Jack was too, because hours passed. The guard shifted, then yawned on his chair. Ash's eyes immediately focused on him and narrowed. Her lips opened, and a soft song flowed from her. It was soothing, and Jack found himself nodding off. He jerked himself awake suddenly, shaking his head, and realized what she was doing. She was singing the guard to sleep. Catching Jack's gaze, Ash nodded toward the guard, to the ring of keys on his belt, within arm's reach beyond the cell Jack was in. All he had to do was reach out his arm between the bars...

And he got it. Ash kept singing as Jack freed himself as quietly as he could, then sneaked over to her cell and let himself in to then free her of her chains. She silently took the sword from the guard's sheath as he slept, and only stopped singing when they were out of the room. They slipped out of the jail house and were on their way when soldiers came from every direction, armed with spears all pointed in at them. Jack and Ash immediately got their swords up, preparing to fight despite being completely outnumbered. Ash's head was cleared now, and she was beginning to feel more confident about her abilities to take them down.

"Surrender! You're clearly outnumbered!" Fitzwilliam shouted.

"Ah, that's true," Ash smirked, "But you are clearly outmatched!"

There was a loud, sharp snap. Then, as if from out of no where, a man dressed in black from head to toe, wearing a mask and armed with a rapier, appeared in their midst. Pandemonium ensued. The three of them fought in tandem, taking on more than one foe at once. At last, their enemies lay on the ground, defeated. Ash turned to the masked man.

"El Sombreador, I take it?" she asked.

"Indeed, senorita."

"I thought I was going to have to jump through hoops to get an audience with you."

"In normal circumstances I might insist on that. But someone has vouched for you."

"Don Leonardo?"

"Yes. But first a man called Felipe said to him you were trustworthy. Apparently you saved his life. That is good enough for me."

Finally. A stroke of luck. Ash did indeed owe Felipe a great debt. Maybe one day she would actually pay it.