Chapter 8: Peaceful Once Again

As the townspeople of both Jack's world and the people of Maria's village parted on good terms, Jack pulled Maria into a hug that she instantly accepted. "Thank you, Maria," he said. "If you hadn't been here, I can't imagine what could have happened."

She smiled. "I'm glad I was here to stop a war and help our worlds be more at peace," she said before taking his hand and guiding him towards the tree stump again. "Help me up, please?"

He instantly did so, and she then handed him her IPod once more. "It's already set," she said. "Would you please press the 'play' button?"

Jack nodded and pressed the 'play' button and as the music began, he noted that it sounded familiar and then looked up to see Maria dancing the steps he recognized as part of…,

"The Friendship Dance," he said softly. The Friendship Dance was only used to seal the friendship between two people and was like a solemn vow to never break that friendship. He remembered when the first Peace Dancer had done the same Dance and how a few of Maria's ancestors had done the same dance over the years.

Now, Maria was doing it, and he watched as she performed it gracefully and flawlessly, not embarrassed to have him watch her dance. Jack then set the IPod aside on another tree stump and gracefully stepped up onto the tree stump Maria was dancing on and joined her smoothly, making her smile as they danced together, Jack matching each of the steps perfectly and Maria trusting him fully.

As the song finished, Jack dipped Maria down into a dancing dip before gently righting her. She smiled and gently grabbed his shoulders, giving a small tug. He kneeled to her height and she affectionately kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you for believing in me, Jack," she said with a smile.

He smiled back and kissed her cheek in affection. "I hope you'll come visit me," he said.

"I will," she said. "I promise."

He smiled and hugged her again and she returned the hug, resting her head on his shoulder and he heard her sniffle a little and he gently pushed her back a little to look at her and saw a few tears running down her face. He gently wiped them away and smiled at her.

"I'll see you soon, Maria," he said.

She nodded, smiling as her tears stopped. "You can bet on it," she said as she watched him go through the doorway back to his world. He waved goodbye to her before disappearing. She returned the wave and smiled again. "See you soon, my friend," she said.

Rosa came up behind her and placed a hand on her shoulder, making Maria turn to her and hug her. "Maria, I'm so proud of you," she said. "You did it."

The young girl nodded. "I did, with a lot of encouragement from you and Jack," she said.

Rosa nodded before looking serious. "Maria, will you promise me something?" She asked.

"Yes, Grandma?"

"When you gain a granddaughter, please be sure to teach her the peace dances," Rosa said, smiling now.

Maria nodded. "I will, Grandma," she promised with a smile.

She would make sure the legacy of the Peace Dancer would not die with her.

And that concludes "The Dancer". I wish to thank all of my readers and reviewers for reading this story. You guys made it possible. :)

Please leave a review, but no flames!

GoldGuardian2418