Odin's Palace

A feast was in progress as Thor, Loki Sif, and the Warriors Three sat amongst the gathered Asgardians. Thor was in the middle of recounting their battle with the Destroyer.

"...and then, with a mighty bellow, I flew at the great metal beast and laid it low..." Thor said.

Frigga sat nearby, lost in thought, her face betraying the sadness she struggled to conceal. Thor noticed, approached Frigga, bowed his head.

"Mother. What ails you?" He asked.

Frigga took Thor's hand appreciatively.

"We did all this to ease Loki's pain," Frigga said. "And now he is worse off than ever; having once again had everything he ever wanted and then having it taken from him all over again."

"How is he?" Thor asked.

"He mourns for her." Frigga said. "He will need his friends and family now more than ever."

"I will always be at his side." Thor said.

Frigga understood, put her arm around Thor gratefully.

Palace Balcony

Loki stood alone on the balcony, lost in thought. Odin walked up behind him.

"You'll be a wise King." Odin said.

"I thought Thor was to be King?" Loki sighed.

"I do not recall making a decision one way or the other," Odin said tactfully.

"There will never be a wiser king than you. Or a better father." Loki said. "Very few can trick me. But you did and I thank you for it."

"I have much to learn. I know that now. But some day, perhaps, I will make you proud."

"You've already made me proud." Odin left, Loki consoled by his words.

Rainbow Bridge

Out of the broken, jagged Rainbow Bridge flows the Bifrost energy, drifting off into space.

Loki walked out to its edge, where Heimdall stood watch.

Loki stared out at the stellar void.

"Can you see her?" Loki asked.

Heimdall turned, gazed into the void. "Her light still burns brightly somewhere in this Universe. Fear not Loki. Your beloved will be reborn as she was the first time."

Selvig Labs

Through the window into Rei's lab, there is an enlarged illustration from her father's notebook pinned to a board. There is a computer terminal displaying a program clearly inspired by the illustration. The lab has been transformed into a well-funded research facility, abuzz with activity.

SHIELD scientists and agents work with impressive, state-of-the-art equipment.

Selvig orchestrated the process, giving instructions to the scientist. Rei was sitting at the front of the roof, working at a small, improvised workstation, notebook at hand, as always. She sets up an impressive, high-tech-device before her, which bore the "Stark Industries" logo.

The doorbell rang.

Rei slid down the roof and met with the man waiting at the door. "You're here in response to my resume."

"Yes I am," the man answered. "It was very persuasive, Miss Selvig. I would like you to continue your research at my lab as my new assistant."

"Thank you Mr. Stark," Rei said.

"Please, call me Tony." Tony laughed a little.

"Only if you call me Rei." Rei said seriously, shaking his hand.

Deep Space

Kuri ran through the black space. "I've gone so far... Where am I? It's dark, and cold... I'm running through deep space... This is scary. I should go back."

A figure appeared before here, all in white, pale as death. "Well..." she said. "Look who's come all the way out here... Seems you're lost."

"Who are you?" Kuri said.

"The spirit of light, the spirit of all that is good... Without saying farewell to your world, you can't come here to the end of the universe."

"Yes...I have said farewell to my world," Kuri said. "I am alone, lost and betrayed."

"I am what you have been seeking... I need you... Come with me." The pale figure held out her hand. "Come..." Kuri slowly reached for it. "Take my hand, and come with me."