Chapter 8: Steve
Steve opened his eyes with a groan. He couldn't move, and as his mind slowly caught up with events, he realized that was because he was lying on his back in the dirt, almost completely buried under a mound of Avengers. His body ached, and he vowed silently not to jump first next time as he struggled to pull himself out from beneath Thor.
Beside him, Wanda rolled off Pietro. "We're not dead," she said, sounding relieved and slightly surprised.
Pietro glanced around at the gloomy, barren landscape. "You're sure?"
Iron Man stood up as Steve finally freed himself. "That was fun," he said, opening his visor. "Everyone good?"
"A little help, guys?"
Steve turned to see Marvel sitting with her leg pinned to the ground by Mjolnir.
Tony nudged Thor with his toe. "Wakie-wakie."
Thor sat up and summoned the hammer into his hand while Steve moved to Natasha. He shook her shoulder gently and her eyes flickered open. "You okay?" Steve asked.
"Yeah." She groaned as Steve helped her up. "Where's Bruce?"
"Over here!" Pietro waved the group over to the unconscious form of Banner, who lay in the center of a small crater a little to one side.
Tony whistled lowly. "Guy must have Hulked out."
Banner stirred and sat up. "Never again," he said groggily.
"Yeah, I'm gonna have to agree with you on that one," Tony said. "Thanks for aiming though."
"Thanks for pushing me," Banner replied wryly. He got to his feet and looked around. "This place is cheery."
"The Dark Elves lived here thousands of years ago," Thor said. "Now there's nothing."
"So we're in the right place?" Steve asked.
Thor nodded.
"Then let's get moving." Steve picked his shield up out of the black dirt and put it on his back. "Lead us to Asgard, Thor."