System of Moons

Y'know, when Marc went to bed, comfortable in his sarcophagus. He hadn't expected he'd wake up with the Avengers staring at him…

A small recap of things, before getting to the actual meeting…It was surprisingly simple, really. An artifact thief saw him carry the sarcophagus into his motel and stole it during the end of the night, oblivious to its particular occupant. So hauling it and Marc off, he ended up in a warehouse full of artifacts. Which, just so happened to be the one he'd been informed about that night, though he had been missing the address. Now, however, he was brought straight to it without any trouble. And typically he wouldn't be that mad about it, since he was led effortlessly to them, by them. But the Avengers were a different story…Mostly because of their first meeting…

Okay, now we can continue.

Marc had awoken in the dark, the sounds of a fight outside of his resting place. Which is also when he noticed he was standing now instead of laying down, his brows furrowed, thankful he still had his suit on. Decidedly waiting a few minutes, he was finally able to make out some voices outside.

"What do you think is in this thing?" One—male— said.

"A mummy?" A more robotic filtered response came.

"Well, yeah…But what if it's not just that?"

There was a sigh and someone else spoke, "What else would be in a sarcophagus , Clint ?"

"I don't know, that's why I'm proposing the question. C'mon, let's just peek a little, maybe they're hiding more artifacts inside?" There was another sigh before the lid started moving.

Marc's eyes quickly adjusted to the light as he glared at the group. Iron man, Captain America, Hawkeye, and Black Widow stared back at him. Stark stepped closer, leaning into Marc's space and hummed.

"The glowing eyes are…different…is it just me or does it look like it's glaring at me?" He turned to look at the others.

"It's rude to interrupt someone's sleep." He growled out, visibly startling the others.

"Jesus!" Iron man exclaimed as he backed up.

Marc bit back his chuckle as he stepped out into the open warehouse, looking around when his eyes landed on Khonshu sitting on a crate in the far left corner. The bird beckoned Marc, who complied, walking over as the bird appeared next to him in front of the box. Tearing the top off, he looked over the artifacts, noting the vibrating ones and collecting them.

"Umm, mummy man. You mind telling us why you were in that sarcophagus, and why you aren't in fact the dead type that's supposed to be inside one of those?" Stark crossed his arms, "Also, why are you taking those artifacts. And why are they vibrating?" The man had endless questions, it reminded Marc of Steven.

Although he preferred Steven's ranting…Turning towards the group, he spoke in an uninterested tone.

" Sleeping . What else? Also, I'm not a millennia old, nor am I Egyptian. And these —" He slightly jostled the artifacts in his arms. "—belong to their rightful owner."

"But that outfit and the sarcophagus are Egyptian." Black Widow spoke up and Marc turned his gaze to her, nodding.

"Indeed."

"Why were you sleeping in a sarcophagus?" Captain America asked.

Rolling his eyes, Marc turned towards Khonshu as he rearranged the artifacts in his grip and responded. "Well, there's hammocks, sleeping bags, and some vampires like sleeping in coffins. They're all just different makeshift beds." He shrugged while handing the artifacts over to Khonshu who took them gratefully.

The Avengers watched the peculiar scene with confusion and apprehension. They watched the artifacts float in the air before disappearing.

"What the hell? Where did those go?" Clint—Hawkeye—gawked.

"To their rightful owner." Marc said as if it was obvious before moving to the sarcophagus.

"Hold on a second! You haven't even said who you are or why you're here! We need you to come back to the tower with us." Stark stepped forward and placed a hand on Marc's shoulder.

Exhaling loudly, he looked over at Khonshu with a questioning gaze.

They will not hurt you my son, they protect travelers just as you do. I will be here regardless to give you strength if you need. They may yet prove useful to you.

Nodding, he turned around to face them. "Grab the sarcophagus at least." Marc walked past them, stopping at the large open door to look behind him. "Well? Lead the way." He gestured outside as the others quickly moved.

….

He placed the sarcophagus beside the receptionist's desk before looking around the spotless building, every surface was squeaky clean and provided plenty of reflections. Bringing him awareness of Jake watching, the other seemed to have just "woken up" confusion on his face as he looked at Marc.

'Dios mío Marc, ¿qué has estado haciendo?' 'My god Marc, what have you been doing?' Jake huffed out a disbelieving laugh.

'Not a lot, actually. Although I'm still kinda working that one out myself.' He thought to the other while following the others on auto-pilot.

'En serio, quito mis ojos de ti y de Steven por un minuto y ustedes dos se encuentran en problemas. De los que tengo que sacaros, idiotas.' 'Seriously, I take my eyes off you and Steven for one minute and you two are in trouble. Which I have to get you idiots out of.' He huffed.

'Hey, you find trouble too. Don't act like me and Steven haven't had to help you out of situations as well.'

Jakes's reflection passed over surface after surface as the group entered the elevator, which provided even more space for the other to move around and view everything from.

'Cállate.' He muttered and Marc bit back a chuckle as Jake threw a half-hearted 'Pendejo.'

The ride up was extremely awkward, everyone was quiet as they threw a few glances at him throughout the passing seconds. The elevator eventually stopped and dinged as the doors opened, everyone making an exit as he followed them to what Marc assumed to be a conference room. Taking a seat at the far end of the long table, keeping some distance between him and the group.

'¿Por qué estamos aquí?' 'Why are we even here?' Jake looked at him through the metal table.

'They "asked" us to come, and Khonshu said they could be useful.'

He glanced over at Khonshu who sat comfortably in the chair beside Marc, wearing his three piece suit he had for special occasions.

Jake raised an eyebrow, '¿La paloma dijo que podrían ser útiles?' 'The pigeon said they could be useful?' He laughed, disbelieving '¿De verdad, estos imbéciles más santos que tú?' 'Really, these holier-than-thou assholes?' Jake gestured his head in the Avengers direction.

'Vaya, me habían engañado.Pensé que no valdrían su peso en utilidad, con sus actuaciones anteriores.' 'Boy, had I been fooled.I thought they couldn't be worth their weight in utility, with their past performances.'

'Jake…'

Marc pinched the bridge of his masked nose, someone cleared their throat and he was reminded that he couldn't simply speak in his head for everyone else. He looked across the table, suddenly having everyone's attention, Marc glanced over at Khonshu for help. The bird shook his head in amusement.

They asked who you are, my son.

Ah, that explains all the sudden attention. Marc placed his arm on the table and leaned his head on his hand.

"Moon Knight."

He didn't know why he hadn't noticed sooner that Stark had removed his armor, but he kind of appreciated the ability to actually see the man's facial expressions. This time it portrayed intrigue as he held up an eyebrow.

"Alright Moonpie, got any other explanation for us? Like why were you in that warehouse and where did those artifacts you took go?"

Marc looked at Khonshu again, he himself had no clue how he and his sarcophagus ended up in the warehouse.

The bird glared at Stark for a moment before turning to Marc. Those cretin saw you with the sarcophagus and broke into your room with the intent to steal it, I decided it best that they be the ones to take you straight to them and the artifacts. And I had not been wrong, do not worry, you were not in danger my son.

' Great , and you couldn't have at least told me?' Marc grumbled as the god tilted his head thoughtfully, although it was merely a show.

You needed the rest, and it went better than if you were to be moving inside while they moved you.

Marc rolled his eyes, when Cap cleared his throat this time. 'Shit.'

"Moonpie? You there?" Stark's eyebrows were furrowed, everyone else sharing the sentiment of wary confusion.

"Yeah, I had been looking for their warehouse for a while and knew they'd be looking around for artifacts. So I baited them with my sarcophagus, they took it, as you saw. I just hadn't expected you guys to show up." He bullshited, Jake cackled in the headspace as Khonshu looked at him with amusement.

The group shared disbelieving looks.

"Alright…so where did those artifacts go? You basically held them out to thin air and they floated before disappearing." Stark motioned his hand for Marc to start whatever explanation he had.

Marc sighed, bored and tired, he had only managed a little under an hour of rest. "To their rightful owner."

Stark rolled his eyes, "Ugh, yeah. You said that, so who's the rightful owner?"

Marc glanced at Khonshu again, just silently staring at each other for a moment. Then he turned his attention back to the others.

"Khonshu."

The group blinked, Stark raising an eyebrow. "Gazuntite?"

Marc was the one to roll his eyes this time, "Khonshu, Egyptian god of the moon and vengeance. I am his Avatar, his fist of vengeance." He saw the bird nod appreciatively.

The group shared looks with each other before Cap looked at him with an apprehensive expression. "So, Egyptian gods exist as well?"

Marc raised an eyebrow "As well? Well, yeah, I suppose. Most gods exist, there aren't really religions without godly ties to be based off of. The worship of followers is what helps give the gods power and status, though they're plenty powerful even without it."

He looked at Khonshu again who nodded, The Egyptian Pantheon, the Asgardians, Ahau, Akua, Amatsu-Kami, Annunaki, Apu, Aboriginal gods, Daevas, Dievas, Diwatas, Inua. That is hardly half, the list is long and ancient.

Marc blinked a few times, returning his eyes to Cap. "Yeah, the list of existing deities is long.

The soldier hummed, "So, Jesus exists as well?"

A quick glance at Khonshu provided nothing but a shrug. So he returned the gesture "No clue, but I'm sure that if majority exist, then he probably does, or did ." He mumbled the last part.

Cap appeared slightly alarmed, clearly catching his last words. " Did ?" He sounded choked up.

Marc rubbed the back of his neck and looked away, "Yeah, well…Even gods aren't safe from death…" Jake frowned at him.

'Está en el pasado, hombre.' 'It's in the past, man.'

Marc closed his eyes and shook his head, looking back towards the group. "So, Khonshu . What does it mean to be his… Avatar ?" Clint questioned.

"I carry out his wishes, and protect the travelers of the night."

"He was the one that told you to get the artifacts?" Black Widow spoke up.

Nodding, Tony grabbed hold of the conversation again. "Does your god give you powers then?"

Marc nodded again, already figuring out the next question. Agreeing only a little with Jake's shouts of not telling them shit, he agreed not to tell them too much.

"I have some enhanced capabilities, among a few other things."

They all nodded when he felt the moon's power wane slowly, turning around, his suspicions were met with the orange glare of the sun slowly rising over the buildings. Turning back around, he interrupted Stark.

"I have to go."

Standing up he pulled the small notepad he kept on him, it was something Steven had come up with after too many times fronting with no idea where he was. He and Jake agreed, and it definitely helped in a few complicated situations. Like when he would front while the other two were in the middle of their respective jobs, vice versa. He wrote down the number for his burner phone and tore the paper out, folding it before passing it to Stark. The man took the paper and opened his mouth, intrigue covering his face as he glanced out of the widows back at the rising sun. Marc didn't let the man get a single word in before he was striding down the hallway into the lounge, pressing the elevator button, he glanced at the kitchen. Pausing as he stared at the child stuffing a slice of pizza into his mouth, a child that happened to be wearing a familiar costume.

'Mierda. ¡La araña es un niño!' Jake gaped.

The elevator eventually dinged, causing the kid to startle as he choked on the pizza and fumbled to shove the mask halfway over his face. Only for it to end up backwards on his head, the poor kid pulled it off and looked petrified as his eyes sent Marc a silent plea.

Marc half-sighed half-groaned as he closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose, "I'm too tired for this." He mumbled, opening his eyes and looking at the kid. "You're fine kid, although you should slow down. You'll choke eating that fast."

The other blinked a few times, relief making his body relax, but his expression was still guarded. Marc placed a hand over one side of the elevator door to hold it open.

"As far as introductions go, this is the most unexpected. Call me Moonknight, also, you look like shit. Get some sleep, I know I will…" sighing, he threw a slight wave to the kid before entering the elevator and pressing the lobby button.

"Jake." He mumbled, eyes growing heavy as he drifted into the back of the headspace and pushed the other forward.

"Estás bien, ve a dormir. Nos llevaré a casa." 'You're fine, go sleep. I'll get us home.' Jake's voice slowly faded out.

….

Jake rolled his shoulders a few times, cracking his neck as he adjusted to being in the body. He decidedly kept the suit on, it wouldn't be a good idea to go commando in the Avengers tower. They may not care much about their identities, but there were too many complications if they did and a switch happened. It's easy to explain the change as someone else when they only see the suit, but seeing the same face under both would mean too many questions that he does not want to answer. And who even knows how many cameras there are in this elevator alone.— Stark, that's who —He didn't hesitate once the elevator doors slid open, making a swift beeline for the exit. When someone called out to him, stopping, he turned around to look at the receptionist who pointed helpfully at the familiar sarcophagus.

' Fantástico .'

He huffed, walking over and lifting the stupid thing up. Finally walking out of the building, luckily he had a cab stashed nearby. He didn't want to carry this thing the entire way to their motel, the body was tired enough without the extra exertion. He didn't usually front unless the others were in danger, but Steven was still 'asleep' and he wasn't going to wake the man just to hand him a tired body. No, they still had a couple of hours before Steven had to wake for his job at the library. So Jake was going to get them home and safe.

It was 6:58 by the time Jake let the body fall onto the uncomfortable motel bed; Steven didn't like waking up in the sarcophagus, It brought back uncomfortable memories for him. Jake groaned as he slid into the back of the headspace to sleep as well. He hated getting the body when it was exhausted…

….

Marc wasn't entirely surprised when he got a call from the Avengers two days later, he wasn't jumping for joy though either. He had expected them to call at some point; he just expected it to take longer than two days, they are the Avengers. There's always some earthly crisis happening. Though Hawkeye had been the one to speak with him, what worried him most was the tense tone the other spoke with. It didn't help his anxiety when the man said they needed him at the tower asap, he had hardly gotten a word in before the other hung up and he was sprinting out the door. He took to the roof, it would be easier and quicker to run across them then take to the streets. The bandages wrapped around him, cape whooshing behind him as the tip of his hood fell into view.

Making a long jump across multiple buildings, it took him less than ten minutes to reach the building.

'What's the rush Marc?' Steven chimed in, presence growing as he moved to co-host.

'Avengers called, said they needed some help.'

He caught sight of Steven blinking in a passing window, 'What?' he squeaked.

'I'm not repeating myself.' He rolled his eyes, but his brows furrowed. 'Did Jake not tell you we met them?'

'Neither of you bothered to tell me that we met the bloody Avengers! When was this!?'

Marc grimaced, 'Two days ago…'

'….Two days!? Mate, you had two entire days to tell me we met the Avengers, and you wait until—Holy shit, we're walking into the bloody Avengers tower!' He walked around across different mirrored surfaces, staring in awe as his anger and annoyance dissipated.

'I'm sorry, alright? I didn't really think about it…I had hardly gotten any sleep at the time.' Marc sighed as he grabbed the key card offered to him by the receptionist, before making his way to the elevator.

Steven's eyes softened, 'Yeah, alrigh. I forgive you, but you owe me the full story later.'

Marc nodded in agreement, a smile tugging at his lips as he hit the button next to the elevator, a few seconds passed as he watched it descend the floors before it dinged and the doors opened. He pressed the keycard against the scanner as a very human sounding ai spoke.

"Welcome, Moon Knight. Mr. Stark is waiting for you in the Avengers lounge."

"Alright, thanks." He pressed the button and waited.

'Are we part of the Avengers then?' Steven stared at him with excitement.

'No, we didn't really get to the recruitment part. Besides, me and Jake agree we'd rather help them once in a while. And if we joined the Avengers we wouldn't really be able to help the travelers of the night like Khonshu wants.'

The other sighed woefully but nodded, 'Yeah, alrigh. That's fair.'

The seconds passed in silence before the elevator came to a stop and the doors slid open, readying to take a step only to pause as multiple weapons pointed at him. He blinked a few times as his gaze landed on a worried looking Spiderman, the kid peaked over Stark's shoulder. Giving Marc a wave and apologetic grimace.

" Khonshu , are you guys going to move before the doors shut or am I going to awkwardly descend for another five minutes?"

They looked at each other before nodding and moving back, weapons still at the ready as Stark held up a protective arm between him and the kid.

'Ugh, Marc? What's happening mate? I thought we were friends with 'em?' Steven asked, voice filled with worry and anxiety.

'I have an annoying feeling it's because of the kid…' Marc sighed as he turned and walked over to the couch to sit down.

'What? Why? You and Jake didn't do anything stupid did you? Bollocks Marc, you are not ruining our reputation with the Avengers .'

'Calm down, I didn't do anything. The kid wasn't wearing his mask when I found him in the kitchen stuffing his face with pizza.'

Steven's brows furrowed, 'Mask?'

'Yeah, the kid's Spiderman . They're probably just worried we'd tell someone, not that we have any idea of who he actually is.'

'Hold on, hold on. Spiderman !? The bloody Spiderman, is a child !?'

Marc rubbed his temples through the cloth, 'Yes, now please. Let's focus on resolving this first?'

He looked at the group, tilting his head "Will you put your weapons away? Seriously, it's nice you all are gettin' so pissy over the kid and his identity. But I frankly couldn't give a shit, I don't even know his name outside of the suit."

"Peter." The kid chimed in with an anxious smile as the others facepalmed and lowered their weapons, caution still present in their defensive postures.

'Bloody hell.' He saw Steven in the coffee table's reflection as he placed a hand on his forehead with a look of disbelief on his face.

Marc chuckled and shook his head, "Marc, and I worry how many times this has happened."

The kid—Peter, wore a sheepish expression as he rubbed the back of his neck. Marc would find it astonishing that the entire city doesn't know the kid's identity, though he wouldn't be surprised if people just didn't say anything.

The others seemed to relax after the interaction, "So, you aren't going to reveal Peter's identity?" Stark asked, disbelieving.

'Over our dead body, not that we would permanently be dead anyway, but still.' Steven huffed seriously.

"No, Stark. I'm not going to endanger a child by revealing their secret identity." He rolled his eyes, watching as Peter pouted, crossing his arms and plopping down onto the opposite side of the couch.

The group started splitting off, everyone moving to do their own thing now. "Is that all you guys called me for??"

'It's kinda cute.' Steven smiled.

Stark diverted his eyes, whistling as he walked over to the bar. Cap simply shook his head and sat down beside Hawkeye, who had pulled out his phone to act busy. Black Widow looked thoroughly uninterested but kept side-eyeing him, making her way down the hall to what Marc assumed was the bedroom's.

"Well, now is the perfect time to invite you to the mission tomorrow at 10 pm. Illegal alien tech being transported at the docks." Stark spoke over his shoulder as he made himself a drink, Marc nodded and leaned back in the chair.

'Might as well stay a bit, no point in leaving early after hurrying here.'

'I have so many questions, mate, how aren't you freaking out!? They're the bloody Avengers!' Steven gawked.

'Yeah, you said that. I'm just not a big fan, Steven. But you fanboy all you want.' He smiled.

"You say Khonshu instead of "Christ"? Is it a jealousy thing for gods?" Cap questioned suddenly.

"Yeah, basically. I don't know about other gods, but Khonshu…"

He pointedly looked at the bird sitting on the back of the couch beside Hawkeye before leaning closer to the star spangled man, placing a hand beside his mouth to act as a muffler, not that it mattered.

"He's really insecure." Marc snickered as Cap's brows furrowed with concern.

"Is it alright for you to say that about your god?"

"Yeah, he secretly loves u-me. Besides, the most he'd do is have a little tantrum." He watched as the god did just that, wind blowing harshly and startling the others.

"Like right now?" Stark spoke up, annoyed as he cursed and fumbled for the rolling glass.

"Yeah." He smiled at the bird, lifting an eyebrow as the god huffed and sat back down.

"So how does it work? Being Khonshu's avatar?" Hawkeye questioned.

Marc looked at him, "How do you mean?"

"Like, can you see him? Talk to him? Does he control you?" Everyone's attention was suddenly on him due to the questions.

Blinking, he glanced over at Khonshu who was perched quietly on the edge of the couch. "Ughh, yeah, I can see and talk to him. Just depends on if he's around or not, and I'm sure he'd have entirely less difficulty if he could just control me into doing what he wanted."

Khonshu raised and tilted his head at him, I would never my son, and I cannot. Even as my avatar you have free will, I could not make you say yes to me. I can only ask and use other means, if I truly want you to do something you do not wish to do.

" Well that's comforting ." Marc said sarcastically while rolling his eyes.

'Communication is the best method! We will typically agree as long as the request is within reason.' Steven chimed, pointing a glare at Khonshu.

"What is?" Hawkeye suddenly asked.

"Oh, Khonshu was just being himself." He waved it off, also pointing a glare at the bird.

I do not appreciate your glares, I said I would not. And I do not plan to, you are my son. I will always take your feelings about situations into account, besides. You listen well enough, and compromise is always possible.

Their glares lightened up as Marc nodded. Focusing on the eyes staring holes through him.

"Is he here right now?" Peter questioned whilst spinning his head around.

"Yeah, and you're looking in the wrong directions." Marc chuckled before pointing at the bird.

Everyone stared at the spot, unable to see the god.

"Can he like, I dunno, show himself?" Hawkeye glanced at Marc.

"That depends on him." He watched Khonshu look around at the others before shaking his head.

Now is not the time, my son. Now, the travelers of the night need you. He raised his staff, pointing it at the windows out at the city.

Marc sighed before standing up, "I guess not today, looks like I'm needed out there. I'll see you guys tomorrow then." He moved towards the elevator when Khonshu interrupted him.

No, that takes too long. Go through the window.

"What?' Him and Steven questioned, the latter squeaking out the response as Marc spun around to look at the bird.

You heard me, my son, through. the. window.

Jake suddenly showed up, busting out into hysterical laughter.

"Ugh, Mo—Marc? You alright?" Stark questioned, raising the glass of alcohol to his mouth.

"Fine." Marc sighed.

'Marc? Mate, don't tell me you're actually going to do it?' Steven asked anxiously.

"Fine, but I ain't takin' responsibility for your decisions Khonshu. As far as I'm concerned, this is on you."

'No, hold on. Bollocks, Marc don't you dare !'

'¡Adelante, Hombre! Maldito loco, El idiota de hierro tiene suficiente dinero para las reparaciones, ¡destroza todo lo que puedas!' 'Go for it man! You crazy bastard, Iron idiot has enough money for repairs, shatter as much as you can!' Jake cackled.

He pointed at the bird before shaking his head and running straight towards the window, he braced his arms in front of him. The glass shattering around him as his cape bellowed and slowed his descent, Stark's upset shouts drifting in the wind as he landed on a rooftop.

' Marc !' Steven shouted, making Marc wince.

"What? It was Khonshu's idea."

'Doesn't mean you had to! Bollocks , you had better apologize to Iron man.'

'Y una mierda lo haremos, ese gilipollas de hierro puede besar mi culo. Tiene suficiente dinero para reparaciones, en todo caso, deberíamos haber roto más.'

'Like hell we are, that iron asshole can kiss my ass. He's got enough money for repairs, if anything, we should have broken more.' Jake huffed.

'Real helpful, mate, might as well just throw our already somewhat rocky relationship with them away. Because clearly we need everyone to bloody hate us.'

"Steven…" Marc sighed as he jumped across the gaps of alleyways. "Fine, but I ain't bowing or pleading forgiveness."

Steven smiled 'Yeah alrigh, I didn't really expect you to. Thanks.'

'No me metas en esto, no me disculpo con los bastardos egoístas.' 'Leave me out of this, I don't apologize to selfish bastards.' Jake tutted.

"Wasn't counting on you apologizing Jake. You'd probably just end up picking a fight instead." Marc chuckled and shook his head.

'Ovbiamente.'

. . . .