Epilogue
They had won…
But at a cost….
….
(Song Suggestion: Bittersweet – Zac Brown Band)
Thor and Sif stayed behind, picking up the pieces of what was once Asgard, as King and Queen. A massive funeral was held before everyone departed Asgard for their respective homes. Soldiers carried the bodies of Huginn and Muninn, the ravens, and Fandral, one of Sif's three warriors, as well as Brenna and Rocket, the warrior raccoon. Another had died in the battle, but his funeral would be held on earth, where he had lived his life.
Thor watched his friends carry their deceased comrade leave through the bifrost, with the all-father's crown upon his head, as his brother patted his shoulder and walk away.
….
Three of them, land in front of Avengers Tower – Tony, Pepper, and Bruce. Nearby, people and reporters stand motionless, stunned to see the Avengers that had disappeared so many months before, reappear miraculously. People begin taking pictures and the crowd moves to surround the three arrivals. Pepper, Tony, and Bruce push through the crowd and make their way to the Tower. Tony smiles at Pepper and kisses her gently; Bruce smirks and looks away, waiting for the welcome from JARVIS that will not come. Tony releases Pepper, knowing he had to make the call about his friend's death, and set-up the arrangement for a funeral and a death certificate…
At the same time, two others land in England, Jane and Darcy, land on Jane's mother's balcony and walk in smiling, home finally.
….
One lone Avenger, lands in front of a bar in upstate New York. He sighs and limps his way in; he sits down, orders a beer, and stews in his own sorrow and pain over those he lost. Brenna died … and in a way, some part of Clint died with her. The waitress at the bar rushed passed Clint while a drunken man stands and knocks into her. She spills the tray of margaritas all over him. He turned around quickly in frustration, ready to scream and sees a beautiful women with brown hair and brown eyes. He reads her name tag as she frantically apologizes. "Laura," beautiful name for a beautiful woman.
….
The Morgue said he died from crush syndrome … Steve knew that was a painful death. He held Natasha's hand as they both watched them cover the body. "I'm so sorry Steve…," She said as she leaned her head against his chest. Steve could feel his eyes swell with tears. They had to go tell the family now…
They drove in silence to a row home in Baltimore City. When they reach the home, neither wanted to exit the car. When the finally summoned enough courage, they go out of the car and slowly walked to the front door. Steve knocked. Ms. Wilson opened the door and saw two people, in official dress uniforms with sad eyes. She knew instantly that something bad had happened. She called for her husband and he walked to the front door. Steve's eyes widened; Mr. Wilson looked so much like his son…
Steve muttered, "I'm so sorry … Sam was a good man…," Natasha nodded and squeezed Steve's hand tighter; she, too, was sad.
They ended up having a classic military funeral for Sam. It was small, in a small graveyard – no press, no big-wigs – just Sam's friends and family.
After the funeral, Steve and Natasha headed for Sam's apartment. They walked in and drank orange juice, in Sam's memory…