Signing the Starks

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The meticulously staged car crash wasn't an accident. It was a cold-blooded assassination. Howard Stark, a visionary scientist on the verge of breakthroughs that could revolutionize energy production – a technology coveted by many – lay dead alongside his wife, Maria. Their demise secured Howard's removal and five vials of a game-changing formula – the Super Soldier Serum, rumored to grant unimaginable strength and resilience.

A faint echo, a desperate plea for his wife's life, pierced the unnatural silence. Ivan, the enigmatic master of the Devil's Cabin, a pact Howard had foolishly dabbled in years ago through Agent Carter, materialized beside Howard's lifeless body. With a surge of power that crackled with an unnatural energy, he ripped Howard's soul from its earthly confines.

Bewildered and disoriented, Howard found himself a spectral wisp, confronted by a figure with devilish horns – Ivan.

Fear and confusion colored Howard's voice as he demanded answers. The strange circumstances of his demise, the echo of his plea, and the mention of past transactions with S.H.I.E.L.D. all pointed towards a grim reality – the Devil's Cabin.

"You're the one who controls the Devil's Cabin!" Howard exclaimed, scrutinizing Ivan. While they had never met, Carter's descriptions perfectly matched Ivan's current appearance.

"Indeed, Mr. Howard Stark," Ivan acknowledged with amusement. "A pleasure, though our current situation seems rather dire for you and your wife."

Grief washed over Howard as he remembered Maria's lifeless form. Desperation laced his voice as he pleaded for her salvation.

Ivan, the master manipulator, readily offered a solution, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "Saving her is certainly possible, Mr. Stark. However, remember, I'm a devil. Everything comes at a price." With a flourish, he summoned Maria's soul, reuniting the couple in spectral forms. Their reunion, however, lacked the warmth of tears – a consequence of their incorporeal state.

"Enough sentimentality," Ivan interrupted their emotional embrace. "I didn't bring you here for a tearful reunion. A choice awaits you, Mr. Stark."

Confused and desperate, Howard stammered, "You said we called you here? What do you mean?"

Ivan's facade faltered momentarily, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Don't be ridiculous! Of course, it wasn't you. Why else would I be here? I sensed a soul's desperate cry, a plea that resonated with your past bargain. Are you having second thoughts now, Mr. Stark?"

Howard's mind raced as he contemplated Ivan's words. A flicker of hope ignited – resurrection was indeed possible. But a nagging doubt surfaced. Was this a second chance or a trap set by a devil? The price demanded a steep climb, and Howard wasn't sure what he was willing to sacrifice for a second chance at life, love, and his scientific legacy.

Ivan, the master salesman, readily confirmed. "Mr. Stark. I'm a devil, remember? Anything can be yours for the right price. Resurrection included. However," he added, a sly glint in his eyes, "your current state is rather...ethereal. I don't deal in debts here. Transactions must be face-to-face. The only currency I accept is your ingenuity."

The weight of this revelation settled on Howard. It was intriguing yet unsettling. A spark of defiance flickered within him. "But surely," he countered, "countless others perish daily. Their desperation must be immense. Can they all summon you?"

Ivan's lips smacked with amusement. "Not quite, Mr. Stark. You possess a certain quality—an intellect that promises significant benefits for me. That allows you and a select few to call upon my services. Under specific circumstances, others might attract my attention: a warrior of unwavering will, perhaps even a woman with charisma and leadership." A fleeting, almost imperceptible glance flickered towards Maria.

The carefully cultivated facade of an omnipotent entity crumbled slightly. In truth, Ivan's hold wasn't as absolute as it appeared. He'd left a mark on Howard, a subtle tether. This wasn't unique to Howard – there were others similarly marked. Resurrection was Ivan's tool to amass a collection of talented individuals.

Understanding dawned on Howard's face. "So, that's it. I can summon you because of this mark."

Ivan, ever the pragmatist, didn't deny it. "Indeed. Now, to the real question: the cost of your resurrection and your wife's. It will require your service for thirty years, free of charge. For both of you, that doubles to sixty years. I'll place you in a secluded location, surrounded by...unusual individuals. No contact with Earth during this time. The world will believe you dead. However, I'll keep you young. Upon your return, you'll retain your youthful bodies, but your memories of this time with me will be erased."

The weight of the decision pressed heavily on Howard. Sixty years? When they returned, his son Tony would be an older man if he were alive. What purpose would there be in returning, then?

Sensing her husband's turmoil, Maria stepped forward, her voice unwavering. "What if I contribute as well?"

Ivan's response was blunt. "The price per soul remains the same, Mrs. Stark. Honestly, your value pales in comparison to Howard's. You're a leader, but your earning potential is far less. Howard, with his brilliant mind, could command millions. You, perhaps a few hundred thousand. The disparity is quite significant."

Maria felt a sharp pang of devaluation, the difference in worth starkly laid bare. Howard, the genius inventor, versus her role as a leader – the financial gap was undeniable.

As the Starks wrestled with this agonizing choice, Ivan sighed silently. Even thirty years could bring unimaginable changes to the world, and he couldn't guarantee his survival in the years to come.

"Mr. Stark," he said, a new proposition emerging, "there's another option. Sell your souls to me completely. It allows for certain...discounts. You'd remain in your home and continue your life with Tony. Both you and your wife would be resurrected, and your family could be reunited. All it takes is your soul." A predatory glint flickered in Ivan's eyes as he awaited Howard's response.

Maria's sharp intuition proved invaluable. She vehemently rejected selling their souls, recognizing the exorbitant cost and unforeseen consequences. Her unwavering love for Howard shone through as she declared her willingness to endure anything with him, even a hellish existence.

Said by Maria's conviction, a flicker of despair momentarily shadowed Howard's face before hardening into resolve. He opted for the first plan – sixty years of servitude in exchange for their resurrection. Despite the long separation from their son Tony, they made the difficult decision, trusting him to handle his well-being.

Maria, unwilling to be a burden, also proposed contributing her skills for sixty years. She envisioned using the earned "currency" within the Devil's Cabin to acquire a protective item for Tony, a safeguard for critical moments.

Ivan, ever the shrewd businessman, saw the potential in Maria's offer. He acknowledged her dedication, even offering discounts and conditional reductions in their service time based on performance. He presented Maria with magical items, each boasting unique properties. After careful consideration, she settled on the "Chain of Life Recovery" necklace. The green pendant within could heal injuries as long as worn, potentially mimicking Wolverine's regenerative abilities.

With a preliminary agreement, Ivan took blood samples from the Starks and transported them directly to the Devil's Cabin. Since it wasn't an official business day, Chris was absent. Ivan drafted a contract, which the Starks meticulously studied before their agreement. He then sealed their souls and utilized equipment on Skull Island to begin cultivating new bodies for them.

The process would take time and effort. While Ivan could've stayed on Skull Island for a month to oversee everything, he opted to return to the farm and spend time with Tina. He entrusted the remaining tasks to Kerry and reveled in the success of his transaction. Howard Stark, a brilliant mind, and the alien technology in Ivan's possession promised significant advancements.