Chapter Text
The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the kitchen where Marc stood, flipping a vegan pancake with practiced ease. The scent of fresh berries and maple syrup filled the air, a comforting backdrop to the morning routine.
As he plated the pancakes, Marc couldn't shake the feeling of energy coursing through him, a stark contrast to the exhaustion that should have followed the events of the previous night. He glanced at the clock, noting the early hour, and wondered how he could feel so good after such little sleep.
Just then, a familiar voice broke the silence, as Steven appeared in the reflection of the fridge, sleep rumbled and rubbing his eyes.
“Morning.”
“Morning, Steven,” Marc answered, and handed over the body so Steven could enjoy the food. He loved Marc’s cooking and Marc took any chance to make up for all the years Steven had to eat take out.
Marc had contemplated if he should clue Steven in to the event of the night, wanting to keep him away from how close they had come to dying. But he knew Steven would only be angry if it came up, and he found out he had been kept in the dark. And it would come up at some point, as Marc was sure other followers of Harrow would come after them.
So he told Steven about the events of the previous night, from the woman, the ambush in the abandoned building to Khonshu's unexpected intervention. Steven listened intently, his expression shifting between disbelief and worry.
“I can't believe Khonshu would help us like that,” Steven remarked. His relationship with the god still strained.
Marc nodded in agreement, his mind still reeling from Khonshu's actions. Especially since he had not just saved Marc but also took him home and tugged him into bed. He didn’t understand why. Keeping Marc alive made sense, since Khonsu would have to go through the trouble of finding a new avatar otherwise. But bringing him home? That was weird. With his attacker's death, Marc would have been fine to stay where he was. Not comfortable but safe.
He could ask Khonshu about it, but he doubted he would get a straight answer.
Steven had just finished their breakfast, when there was this intense feeling that made Marc snap to the front, kitchen knife in hand and ready to defend their body against an attacker. But the only difference was the faint glow coming from behind their bathroom door. Marc's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the familiar energy, sure this was a portal, a summoning from the Ennead.
He didn’t want to go, was sure something terrible would happen if he did, but he had no power to refuse. He was after all just a single avatar. Well, not completely alone, since he could feel Steven’s panic swapping over into his own mind. His alter war terrified of what would happen to them now.
“It’s alright Steven. I won’t let anything happen to you. You don’t have to go through this again. Just go to sleep.”
But instead of the agreement he had hoped for, Steven huffed in anger. “I told you, you don’t have to shoulder everything on your own. We are a team now. You promised! No more secrets, no more hiding.”
“I know, but this is my fault. You shouldn’t have to suffer for it.” Another angry huff as Steven started pacing in the reflection, cursing about Marc’s stupid self-sacrificing tendencies. Accepting that there was nothing that could change the other's mind, Marc steeled himself as he stepped through.
The sensation, just like the first time, was disorientating, and he regretted the pancakes which were now heavy in his stomach. Stepping out, he looked around the stone chamber. Different, but just as imposing as the one the last meeting had been held in. After the events with Harrow and the death of the avatars, he couldn’t blame them for choosing a different location.
Steven was rather quiet, not going on a rant about the architecture and historical significance of their surroundings. It worried Marc and he gently pushed at his altar, but made sure to stay quiet, as he didn't want to make a bad impression. Or an even worse impression than last time. At least the new avatars hadn't seen that mess.
'I can't be 100%, I don't believe this place is open to the public, or at all, touched by humans. But I think from the markings this could be a hidden chamber in the temple of Karnak. It is dedicated to Amun-Ra.’
Hering Steven go on about the Egyptology he loved so much, soothed his nerves, in a way only Steven could. The man didn't give himself enough credits, for just how important his existence was to keep Marc sane. With all the guilt and pressure, he would have gone off the rails a long time ago if he couldn't find rest in Steven's light-heartedness.
Before his eyes the room started to fill as doors appeared letting in people he didn't recognize. They looked at him with curiosity and in some cases disdain. It looked like they had been informed just why they were all called here.
With a deep breath, Marc squared his shoulders, steeling himself as he met the gaze of every last of them not wanting to reveal any weakness. If he wanted to get through this he had to be strong, or at least appear that way. Last time he didn't and it had marked their downfall as everyone had taken Harrow's side.
He had no illusion that him being right, and even stopping the Ammit would sway the opinion in his favor. No, seeing how dangerous he could be for another god, the consequences for Khonsuh's interference with mortal affairs would be even greater.
"Marc Spector, chosen avatar of Khonshu," the eyes of a young man standing to Marc's left rolled back and the voice of Ra filled the room. "You have been summoned before us to answer for the actions of your divine patron. Khonshu's interference in mortal affairs has disrupted the balance of the cosmos, and we demand an explanation."
They weren't the only ones desperate for answers. Marc himself would like to know why Khonshu had acted this way. Why had he decided to risk imprisonment just to save Marc? It would have helped come up with a suitable defense, anything beside the truth he had to offer. Saving his life would not be good enough as an explanation.
"What explanation?! He broke the sacred law and interfered directly with the mortal realm! There is a reason why such a law exists and he knowingly broke it! Now he should face the consequences. He should never have been freed after we bound him to stone the last time!"
"Silence!" Marc shivered as control over the body was taken from him when Khonshu took over. It felt nothing like relinquishing control to Steven. "Wasn't I right? Didn't Ammit come back, threatening the balance and killing your avatars?" Oh no, even if Marc secretly agreed, Khonshu losing his temper and throwing the incident into the other god's face didn't help their case. "Many died because of your decision that day! But here you stand judging me for my actions!"
A figure stepped forward, commanding attention with his regal bearing. "Khonshu, the laws we uphold are not arbitrary decrees but ancient rules that have maintained cosmic order for millennia. The very fabric of existence relies on our restraint and adherence to these laws."
Khonshu's eyes blazed with defiance. "Your ancient laws have proven flawed. When Ammit returned, your adherence to these laws nearly led to catastrophe. I acted to preserve the balance you claim to protect."
"And yet, Khonshu, your actions undermine the very order we are sworn to uphold. But even then we let it pass because of our goodwill, ready to move on. Yet today we are here because of you toppling said balance, and taking a human soul."
Gasps of shock as avatars realize just what Khonsu was accused of, their shock turned to anger and their eyes blazing as they looked at Khonsu in Marc's body. It would have made Marc's throat close up if he was in control, because it was his fault. If he hadn't been too weak to protect himself, if he hadn't walked straight into the trap Khonshu wouldn't have had to step in. It was his fault. All his fault.
Marc suddenly found himself back in control as Khonshu retreated. His presence pressed close until Marc was steady.
“Tell me Khonsu as to why you saw such action necessary. What higher cause do you want to name that would justify such action?”
Marc braced himself expecting for Khonsu to take over and defend himself, but nothing. Reaching out, just like he would for Steven, he felt Khonshu, the presence surprisingly warm. But besides that nothing happened.
Crack! He couldn't suppress the flinch at the loud noise so close beside him, dark memories crawling into his mind. Looking at the furious woman, god, standing there, fist still resting on the stone, his stomach sank. He didn't understand why it affected him so badly right now when he was just standing there.
He had been in fights, bodily harmed and injured constantly in Khonu's service. Here he hadn't even been touched.
Because you are weak. You are useless, just a waste of space. Everyone would be happier without you.
No. No. NO!
The body stumbled, as Marc pulled back violently, hiding in the deep of his mind. Khonshu didn't take over, leaving Steven as the only one able to take on the rains. Being here was much different than watching the happenings from the sidelines and he blinked around, trying to get his bearings.
"Hey, hello. I'm Steven. With a v. '' He waved awkwardly before realizing how much more out of place than usual it was and dropping the arm again, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Steven with a v," the speaker was very unimpressed with him. A reaction Steven was more than used to. People never were impressed with him. "We were in the middle of a conversation, so if you would please step aside." Steven nodded just too eagerly as being the center of attention like this always made him squirm. Only Marc didn't react when he reached out, making Steven gasp with the wave of dark emotions coming from the other. Reaching out towards Khonshu he found nothing. Not too surprising, they weren't on the best of terms, and technically speaking it was Marc who was the avatar not Steven.
"Umm, sorry to disappoint. But it is just me?"
"What is the meaning of this?!" Geeze what crawled into her oats this morning? There was no reason to be so rude about this.
"Well I mean, Marc, how do I say it? He is gone? Well not gone, gone, thank god he isn't. Oh sorry. Is that offensive? To you guys I mean since you are gods? I'm new to all of this." He gestured through the room not knowing himself if he meant talking to gods or Moon Knight in general. "I'm rambling. Again. Bad habit. What I mean is that I can't reach Marc? He is there but unwilling to come out. I would get Khonshu, but the big bird is not listening to me so..."
Okay that was it, Steven had officially ruined any chances of getting out of here intact. But to be fair, he had not expected to suddenly be in control and having to deal with a room full of gods and their avatars.
"He is not willing to come out?! We are god's members of the Enneard! A mere mortal refuses to bow to our will? If that's so, we will leave him no choice!" The man who stormed towards Steven was a whole head taller, towering over Steven, who flinched away from the hand going towards him. He had no idea what the god was planning, but it couldn't be good. But what could Steven do to defend himself?
Before the avatar could touch Steven, the air crackled with a sudden surge of energy and a raging storm whirled up the dust and made everyone shield their eyes. Once it had settled Khonsu stood in all his skeletal glory in front of Steven, looming high over the avatar who had dared to get too close. His staff had been rammed into the ground, leaving cracks in the stone.
Pure fury filled the air. Steven should be afraid. Khonsu was unpredictable on the best of days. And now with so much anger, he was a loose cannon waiting to go off towards whoever was stupid enough to get to close.
He knew all that, so why was he filled with relief? Why were his knees going weak from all the tension falling off? Why were the tears he had desperately held back now streaming down his face?
Before anyone could do anything Steven stepped forward, making contact with the others back, nearly disappearing under the others cloak. It would be okay. Khonshu would not hand him over. All Steven had to do was wait for Marc to wake up again.
"How are you here, Khonshu? You should be too weak to do anything besides speak through your avatar!" one of the gods exclaimed, astonishment clear in his voice.
"You dare touch another's avatar?!" Khonshu completely ignored her question, his voice boomed through the chamber, echoing off the ancient walls. "You preach about laws and upholding the peace but are willing to harm another's avatar. Is it so easy for you to go against your own words?!"
The god, who had nearly touched Steven, stepped back, shocked by Khonshu's words. The other members of the Ennead murmured among themselves, clearly unsettled by the accusation.
"Khonshu, this is highly irregular," Isis said, her voice a mix of concern and authority. "Your presence here in physical form shouldn’t be possible."
Khonshu's form glowed before settling, looking even more solid just to spite them. The gods of the Ennead exchanged uncertain glances at that.
“You dare question my presence? When your inaction when it came to Steven’s safety was what made it necessary? You when you were fine letting the old laws be violated as long as it was not done by me? Wasn’t it this very council which scared Marc into hiding?”
Steven stared up at Khonsu in shock at the protective fury. He hadn’t thought Khonshu cared, least at all so much.
“I will not stand by while my avatar is threatened. Marc and Steven are under my protection, and I will do whatever it takes to ensure their safety. And if that meant going up against every last one of you, so be it."
"Khonshu, you have overstepped your bounds," Horus interjected, his eyes narrowing. "You killed a human in the mortal realm and now you stand before us, prepared to fight your fellow gods. Have you lost all sense of reason and restraint?"
Khonshu's glowing eyes flared brighter, but before he could respond, Bast spoke up. "We are bound by ancient laws for a reason, Khonshu, whether we like it or not. If all of us started to do as we please there would be chaos. The mortal realm would be turned into a battleground and the rivers would be filled with blood."
Steven could not just stand by and listen to the gods talk to Khonshu like this. He and Khonshu had their differences in the past, and for some time he had thought the god was evil. But seeing this now it was no wonder Khonshu had no idea how to win their trust. Every time Khonshu tried to do the right thing, to help, he was called here and repermented.
"Look, I don't know all your ancient laws and whatnot, but Khonshu...he was protecting us. Marc and I, things have not been easy for us. And for once, it felt like someone cared about us. That means something, doesn't it?"
When the gaze of every god turned on him Steven’s mouth shut with a click and he sunk into himself, regretting his actions. How stupid of him to speak up here, he should have stayed quiet. Before he could start apologizing for his actions, a low growl rang out and Khonshu reached back, pushing Steven even more behind himself and hiding him from the other god.
Isis was allowed to step closer by Khonshu, her tone gentle as she addressed him. "Mortal, we understand your perspective, but Khonshu's actions lead to consequences far beyond your understanding. Letting you die, as harsh as it sounds, would have been the right thing to do."
Khonshu's voice cut through the murmurs of agreement. "You may protect your complacency rather than the once devoting their life to you. You rather see them slaughtered by a madman than lift a finger. But Marc Spector and Steven Grant are mine!"
Whatever Khonsu meant by this must be well beside Marc being his avatar as the chamber exploded into a fury of activity and antic language Steven didn’t even try to keep track of. Especially since he felt a tug in his mind. Marc was starting to stir.
Marc’s voice, though weak, echoed in Steven's mind. ‘What's happening? Is Khonshu really defending us?’
Steven mentally nodded. ‘Yeah, mate. He's actually standing up for us. It's...weird, but in a good way.’
Encouraged by Steven's thoughts and Khonshu still standing in front of them, Marc slowly pulled himself back to the front, Steven handing over the body willingly to him.
As the shouting calmed down the gods switched back to English, for Marc's benefit he was sure. "And what do you propose, Khonshu? You’ve killed a human, broken our sacred laws, and now you challenge us. Shall we just let this slide?"
“As if all of you haven’t done much worse to protect your children!” Khonshu’s eyes flared with anger as he threw examples in their faces. "Osiris, didn't you manipulate the floodwaters of the Nile to drown an invading army, causing countless deaths to protect your domain? Bast, how many times have you unleashed plagues to save your followers from enemies? And Isis, your very intervention in the affairs of mortals has led to wars that decimated entire regions!"
The chamber fell silent as the gods absorbed Khonshu’s words, their previous indignation replaced with a mixture of guilt and defensiveness. Marc was shocked at the words. Had Khonshu really just called them his children?
"Avatars are not akin to family. They are vessels, tools for us to exert our influence in the mortal realm. To compare them to our divine offspring is absurd!"
"Indeed," Set chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Avatars are expendable, replaceable. They are not deserving of the same consideration as our true offspring. Your sentimentality blinds you, Khonshu."
Khonshu's gaze hardened, his jaw clenched in defiance. "You may see them as mere vessels, but Marc Spector and Steven Grant are more than that to me. They are my charges, my responsibility. And I will not stand idly by while they are threatened. They choose to side with me even after everything. After no one else believed me! After you all abandoned me!"
The breath got stuck in Marc’s chest at the others words. He had never expected to hear something like this. All this time he had always seen Khonshu as the one holding his chain taking and taking and taking from Marc. All while Marc was just a convenient tool, a weapon who couldn’t complain and had to obey. But now here he was defending them and even saying how much he valued him and Steven. He could have never imagined that this would ever happen. It brought tears to his eyes.
All Marc had ever wanted all his life was to be good, do something right. To have someone be proud of him, to care. That was all he had ever wanted as a child, and something he could never have. His mom hated him, his father let it happen, indifferent to his suffering.
When he had joined the army he had worked hard, pushing himself to his limit to make a good impression. He had thought it was working, but in the end they had just seen his use and not him and definitely not Steven. And then Buschmann had thrown his loyalty in his face by shooting him.
And now when he had already given up, accepting that it was his fault for not being good enough, Khonshu did this.
But Marc could never have anything nice in his life. That was just a fact. Everytime he fucked up or the universe took it from him. And just like that the moment ended as the gods spoke up.
"We cannot allow this to continue," Isis said. "Khonshu, your attachment to these mortals has clouded your judgment. Marc Spector has become a liability, and we must remove him to restore balance."
An ice cold shiver ran down Marc's spine at that. Remove him? How? Just as Khonshu’s avatar? Or would they kill him outright? Although without Konshu’s protection and Harrow's followers after him, was there even a difference between these options?
"No!" Khonshu's voice echoed through the chamber. “He has done nothing but serve faithfully. If our connection is the issue, take me instead of him. Just leave him alone.”
Set sneered, "You would willingly take his place? Stop lying. You have never cared about anyone but yourself. If we try to punish you instead you will get out on a technically. We are not that stupid to fall for your games.”
“What must I do for you to believe me? Must I swear on my mother’s name? Is that what it would take?!”
Whatever that meant, suddenly everyone froze and stared at Khonshu. Khonshu who was serious, who was not trying to play a trick to get out of this. Khonshu who was willing to face punishment if it meant Marc and Steven would be safe.
No he couldn’t let that happen. Not when he had finally found someone who cared about him and Steven.
“No,” Marc said firmly, stepping forward. “I won't let that happen. Don’t you dare take him!”
He knew his protest was useless, that he had no say in this, but he just couldn’t stand by and watch this.
He reached out, desperate to do something, anything, to protect Khonshu. His hand made contact with Khonshus back. As he did, an unfamiliar sensation flooded through him. It was a surge of adrenaline and heat. It was like every fiber of his being was suddenly alive and filled with power. The sensation grew until it felt almost overwhelming.
The strange warmth filled his chest and spread outward, through his limbs, floating through his arm into Khonshu. He could feel his heartbeat syncing with something larger, something more powerful.
Khonshu's eyes widened, sensing the change. "Marc, what are you doing?"
"I don't know," Marc replied, his voice trembling with the intensity of the energy coursing through him. "But I'm not letting them take you. We're your partners. I will stand by your side!”
As the words left his mouth the room was floated in brilliant light, as the power inside Marc surged and rushed into Khonshu. Steven’s presence melded with Marc's, their combined will amplifying the power even further the power growing into a raging river.
The gods of the Ennead watched in astonishment as Khonshu's form began to change. The skeletal visage filled out, becoming more solid and majestic. Feathers appeared over smooth flesh. He grew taller, his presence more commanding than ever before.
"Impossible," Set muttered, taking a step back. "How can a mere mortal transfer such power?"
As the light began to fade, Khonshu stood before them, fully restored. His once-weakened form was now radiating power. He looked down at Marc and Steven, his expression one of deep gratitude and pride.
"Thank you," he said, his voice resonant and strong. "You have given me back something I had thought was lost forever."
The gods of the Ennead were stunned into silence. Thoth finally spoke, his voice tinged with awe. "It seems we have underestimated the bond between Khonshu and his avatars. This power... it is unlike anything we have seen."
Osiris nodded slowly. "We cannot deny the strength and loyalty they have shown."
“Does that mean…” Marc didn’t dare to hope. But maybe just maybe for once things were turning out alright.
“Separating you now would be unwise. We can’t approve Khonshu’s actions, and if something like this happens again we will have to act, but for now you are free to go while we look into this.”
A bright smile filled Marc’s face as he could hear Steven cheer inside his mind. Khonshu inclined his feathered head into a nod, the warmth of his hand noticeable even through Marc’s clothes as he guided him to the door they had stepped in from.
This time the sweeping sensation when passing the portal was less disorientating, with Khonshu never leaving his side, steading him. Blinking into the light of their apartment, it finally clicked with Marc that they were back. All of them. They had made it home whole.
It was the same old table, the stain Steven had put in it that just wouldn’t come off, the same organized chaos of books and trinkets. But to Marc it now looked different, as he appreciated it more than ever before. But that was not the only thing that had changed. He could feel Khonshu. Not like the weak link he had before that let him know the god was there and lent him power. It was a vibrant connection not unlike the one to Steven, a steady present in the back of his mind. Steady enough that he could even feel emotions spilling from it when he leaned into it.
Wonder, awe and such warmth, it was overwhelming. Marc had never been able to tell with Konshu’s emotionless skull how much he felt, not that the new form was any better as the bird skull was staring blankly forward. But the emotion didn’t lie. It spoke of care, of gratitude and dare he say it even of love.
There was not a doubt in Marc's mind that Khonshu cared for them, and would gladly have accepted the gods punishment if it meant he and Steven would have been okay.
Steven was too caught up in his excitement to notice the change yet. “We did it, mate!” Steven exclaimed. “We really did it!”
“Yeah, we did,” Marc looked up at Khonshu, who now seemed more alive than ever. The god hesitated for a moment, his doubt echoing inside Marc’s mind before he was filled with determination. Marc pushed down the impulse to straighten up, poll into himself, prepare to be hurt. Khonshu had just proven he was trustworthy. There was no reason to let his past experience cloud his judgment. Still he appreciated how slow and careful Khonshu was as he leaned in and pulled them into a hug.
“Marc, Steven, we are bound by more than duty,” Khonshu said softly. “You are my avatars, my warriors, but also my family. And I will protect you as fiercely as you have protected me.”
Marc leaned fully into the hug, something deep inside him settling as he finally had found the place where they belonged. All his life he had felt like an outsider, but it looked like all it took was a moon god to find his home.