Xander and Wintermoon sat in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by their family and friends. Their tiny vale had grown in the two years since they'd been here. Tarlac, his mate and their two children moved to the valley as soon as the baby gryphons were fledged. Karal and Natoli came to visit and never left. Now they were expecting their first child. Altra watched Natoli like a hawk. Sometimes Xander thought the FireCat was more excited about the baby than the parents to be. The boys had learned how to shift into FireCat form just moments after meeting Altra. The FireCat wasn't really impressed with his impersonaters. No other creature could make their affronted dignity so obvious without saying a word.

Others had stumbled upon their valley and most decided to stay. Their community was now comprised of Hawkbrothers, Shin'a'in, Gryphons, Hertasi and people who had no home or people of their own. They'd even been joined by other change children that were welcome nowhere else in these lands. Life was good, and now they gathered together to celebrate the fifth anniversary of Xander and Wintermoon's bonding.

Gifts were given, a feast was prepared and everyone ate much too much. A wonderful time was had by all. Kal'enel and Vkandis' arrival made their day complete.

Xander knew something was wrong, his adopted parents kept smiling at him, but their smiles were rather sad. As soon as he could, he and Wintermoon led them to a quiet part of the valley.

Xander got comfortable and stared down the Gods standing before him. "Okay, what's wrong? And don't try to deny it. I know you both too well."

Kal'enel sighed; she'd really hoped to put this off for a day. "Xander, do you remember the demon that was trying to link this world with his own?"

Xander groaned. "Yeah, I remember. Is there another one?"

"Not exactly. The demon is not on this world, but he is trying to link his world to ours."

"So how do I kill him if he isn't even here yet? And where is this world?"

Kal'enel and Vkandis exchanged identical looks of concern, the Sun God finally answered their son. "It is your world, Xander. The one you came from. This demon is using the power of the Hellmouth to open the gate. If he succeeds, both worlds will be destroyed."

Wintermoon clenched Xander's hand tightly in his own. He'd always feared this day would come. Xander squeezed back, "Wintermoon, this is my home now. This valley, you and our children. That other world means nothing to me now."

Kal'enel felt a pang of relief; she too had been worried about Xander leaving them for his old home. "Xander, your father and I can open a gate to your world. Our worlds are close enough together now. But Xander, on your world, time passes differently, only a year has passed there. We can keep the gate stable for one week. Any longer than that and we might loose you in the transfer."

Ghost and the boys stepped out from behind an out cropping of rock. "Daddy," she said. "We have to go with you. Wintermoon too. If you go alone, you'll die."

Xander started to protest, but Vkandis cut him off. "She is right, my son. Ghost had a vision of this time many years ago. Before you and Wintermoon were ever bonded. It is important for them to join you. If you go alone, you will fail and all will be lost."

**********

Xander checked his pack again. They were leaving in the morning and he didn't want to forget anything. Wintermoon had packed for himself and the children with his usual calm confidence. His family was more than a little excited to go to Xander's home world. They'd heard stories about the things Xander used to take for granted. Things like chocolate. He hadn't had chocolate for five years and it was probably the one thing that he truly missed.

Oh, he missed his old friends sometimes, but he had new friends now. Friends that never thought he was incompetent or worthless. People looked up to him here and they liked having him around. This evening's meal made that obvious. Everyone in the valley found time to stop by to say hello and wish them luck on their journey. It was a good feeling for someone who'd always been thought of as a 'Zeppo'.

Xander was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't hear Wintermoon come back into their room. His mate took his pack and set it by the door. "You have packed that thing six times already. I think that is enough." Wintermoon hugged Xander from behind and rubbed his face against the inky black feathers of his wings. "Have I told you lately how much I love your wings? They're so soft."

Xander leaned back against Wintermoon's chest and relaxed. "I think you've mentioned it a time or two." The two men stood there quietly for a moment, just happy to be together. Xander eventually turned in Wintermoon's arms and kissed his mate gently. "Are the kids ready to go?"

Wintermoon laughed, "Oh, yes. More than ready. Firesong finally broke down and made them all go to sleep. He claims he was only trying to preserve his sanity."

Xander smirked, "So they're all asleep? And if I know Firesong, they won't be waking up until dawn. Whatever will we do with ourselves til then?"

Wintermoon shook his head sadly, "If you don't know, I haven't been paying enough attention to you lately."

Xander laughed and moved towards their bed, tugging a very willing Wintermoon along with him. "I have been feeling neglected, but I'd be willing to let you make it up to me."

Wintermoon tumbled him down onto the bed and kissed him very seriously. "I was hoping you'd say that."

Next Part