Battle's End

As Thanos's massive body crashed to the ground under the heroes' combined assault.

The ominous portal in the sky slowly closed after losing its energy source, and New York City finally welcomed back its familiar tranquility.

The battle was over.

The surviving Chitauri soldiers had lost their command and scattered through the ruins like headless flies. The heroes quickly cleared them out one by one.

The last Chitauri aircraft came crashing down in a plume of black smoke, and the entire city fell into a strange silence.

Only the sirens of fire engines and ambulances echoed from the distance, along with the crackling flames burning atop the wreckage.

The heroes stood on the devastated streets, their bodies covered in dust and alien blood.

Yet every face was filled with the joy of victory and a trace of unbelievable relief.

"So..."

Spider-Man plopped down on a broken stone pillar, removed his mask, and looked at the city before him, as if a demolition crew had paid it a visit.

"That's it? I thought we were in for a three-day, three-night battle for the ages!"

"I thought so too." Tony slowly descended, not a single scratch marring his silver Anti-Superman Armor.

He unlocked his helmet and let out a long sigh.

"Seriously, this guy's oppressive presence was much greater than his actual combat power. I thought he could take three punches from me."

"Two and a half." Doctor Banner's voice came from nearby. He had already changed back from Hulk and was wearily putting on a spare set of clothes.

"He was already having trouble standing after your second punch."

Thor threw the unconscious Loki onto the ground and laughed. "Either way, we won! This was absolutely a great victory worthy of being recorded in history!"

"Victory?" Wolverine Logan reverted from his