Weeks Later
SHIELD Analytical Room
In TV news montage about The Avengers, there were various reports of what happened. Some people agree that the avengers did good, protecting the city. Others believe it was their cause.
"Superheroes? In New York? Give me a break!" An old man said.
"These so called heroes have to be held responsible for the destruction done to the city. This was their fight. Where are they now?" Senator Boynton said.
"What? That this was somehow their fault? Captain America saved my life. Wherever he is, wherever any of them are, I just wanna say thank you." The Waitress said.
Central Park
Loki was getting ready to leave. The two kissed, and the green and gold magic swirled around them, reigniting their bond.
"How long will you be over there?" Kuri asked.
"Only a year," Loki said.. "It might be a little longer."
"I see..." Kuri said. "A year, huh...You have to return to Asgard to accept punishment for breaking the taboo. That's really awful, Loki. I was thinking of sending you off, but..."
"Kuri." Loki hugged her. "I'll visit," he said, another Loki appearing in front of her.
Kuri looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "Someday, come back to me."
"I will come back," he said. "I have to go now. Kuri."
He pulled out a small box. "A present. Open it."
She opened the box, and inside she saw a shining ring with a heart on it.
"Loki...! This...! I'm so happy... Thank you, Loki...! Can I try it on?" Kuri said.
He took the ring and slipped it onto her finger.
He looked at her.
"I love you."
He held her and kissed her deeply.
"Kuri. When I return..."
He jerked back. His body begins to glow green.
Kuri gasped.
His body faded away, in a swirl of green and gold lights.
Kuri fainted.
She fell into the arms of her sister Rei.
"You fool Loki," Thor said. "You didn't listen. I told you of the taboo...I warned you."
Lightning struck Mjolnir as Thor was in anguish.
The Avengers took Thor to a blocked area. Thor shook hand with his team and gave Selvig a hug. Tony opened the Tesseract's case.
Banner took it out and places inside a glass tube, held by Thor.
Thor leapt into the energy beam. Gone.
Then, one-by-one, the group splintered off, strolling into different directions. Banner climbed in with Tony and Rei in his sportscar. Steve rode away in his Harley. Clint climbed back into a SHIELD car. Selvig and Kuri got back in their van and returned to Kansas. They all parted. For now.
SHIELD Analytical Room
Fury was facing once more members of the World Security Council.
"Where are the Avengers?" The third member said.
"I'm not currently tracking their whereabouts. I'd say they've earned a leave of absence." Fury said.
"And the Tesseract?" The second member said.
"The Tesseract is where it belongs: out of our reach." Fury said.
"That's not your call." The first member said.
"I didn't make it. I just didn't argue with the god that did." Fury said.
"So you let him take it and what about the war criminal, Kuri, who should be answering for her crimes?" The second member said.
"Oh, I think he will be." Fury said.
"I don't think you understand what you've started. Letting the Avengers loose on this world. They're dangerous." The first member said.
"They surely are. And the whole world knows it. Every world knows it." Fury said.
"Was that the point of all this? A statement?" The first member said.
"A promise." Fury said.
Fury walked out, towards the bridge.
Helicarrier Bridge
Fury and Agent Hill walked together, toward the window looking out into the world.
"Sir, how does it work now? They've gone their separate ways, some pretty extremely far. We get into a situation like this again, what happens then?" Hill said.
"They'll come back." Fury said.
"You really sure about that?" Hill said.
"I am." Fury said.
"Why?" Hill said.
"Because we'll need them to." Fury said.
Agent Hill turned around. Fury looked out, smiling.
Stark Penthouse
Tony and Rei unveiled a new design for Stark Tower. The letters for 'Stark Tower' had been blown away, and all that remained was a giant A.