And so our story begins...
"Tell me again why we simply must do this at your place?" The ruby-skinned demon whined for the umpteenth time. His venomous glare scanned the four corners of the room, cringing when he once more noticed the tacky brown sofa, with shoddy stitching and fluff sticking out of the corner of one cushion. "Your taste in decor is absolutely appalling, have I told you, hm?"
His host, groaned, yet again, and rolled his eyes, flaming eyebrows narrowing to a pinpoint, "Yes, yes, for the thousandth time, yes! Aku is gracious enough to invite you not only into his domain, but into his home! His personal living quarters! And all you ever do is complain about his sofa," The tall, black demon, Aku, threw his "Kiss the Cook (Or Face the Consequences)" apron on the floor and glared daggers at his sassy companion, the first guest of the evening to arrive.
The first, however, of many! Yes, soon the castle of Aku would be overflowing with the joyous hoots and excited cheering of party guests.
Just the thought of it was enough to wipe away his scowl with a giddy grin. His guest, the nefarious Him, took notice.
"Just what has you in such a good mood? Do you have plans that, perhaps this time, you won't end up stripped to your, well…nakedness, due to loss after loss at a friendly, completely one-sided game of cards, hm?" He teased with a little goblin's grin.
Aku huffed and hung up his apron, taking the dinner for the night, delicious meat loaf, from the oven. The Master of Masters was not renowned for his cooking prowess, but even the smarmy Him had to commend him on his talent. A creature who loved to eat, quickly learned to make the best food.
"Cease your commentary, Him. Even you can't ruin this evening! Yes, tonight shall be perfect!" He turned to Him with a raised eyebrow, "And what is this nakedness you speak of? For your trivial little games, Aku is forced to dress well beyond his comfort. Behold!" He spread his arms, his apron once again falling to the ground, "If it is the nakedness of Aku you desire, look no further! We need not waste time on stupid games; admire Aku how he is," Aku declared, a bright-eyed grin on his face.
Him stared, his lips moving soundlessly. He crossed his arms, a light pink blush lighting his cheeks, "Well, I can see why you choose to wear nothing at all, your hubris is so thick I can practically taste it!" He giggled.
"Do not dampen your taste buds so soon, Him. You have yet to delight in Aku's succulent meat!"
Once again, Him was struck blushing and speechless. As Aku returned to putting the finishing touches on dinner, Him cleared his throat and struggled to clear his mind.
"So, Aku…just who will be joining us this evening?" he asked. Him paused in front of the couch, bracing himself as he daintily sat down. With a grimace, he proceeded to pick at the fluff sticking out of the cushion.
"Aku has taken great care to invite his most trusted allies to our meeting!" Aku stopped in front of the refrigerator, where a list was stuck on with a magnet. With a poke, the list unfurled and rolled into the living room, stopping near the television.
"You don't say…such a trusting fellow, aren't we?" Him muttered. Aku gave a great, booming laugh and spread his now eight arms to carry the food into the dining room. He had minions to wait on his guests, to prepare the food, to…well do all the work. There was something…so much more satisfying about doing it himself.
Perhaps that was why his "inner chamber" was about the size of a modest apartment in Aku City. Or why he had shag carpeting and a beat up old couch to decorate his living room. Even with all the invites he had sent, Aku made sure to shine favor on those he deemed especially close. The dining room was nothing too impressive. A western-style table, because the Master of Masters wouldn't dare sit on his knees, even in the comfort of his own home, large enough to seat ten people. Miniscule compared to the primary dining hall of the castle itself.
"Yes, everything is going according to plan. The preparations have been met, now we need only wait! And then the GREATEST PARTY THIS WORLD HAS EVER KNOWN CAN BEGIN!" He laughed heartily as he joined Him in the living room, sitting in "his chair", a beat-up Lay-Z Boy recliner to match the couch.
Aku gave a great sigh and laced his fingers, "And so we wait," he repeated.
Him crossed his legs and rested his chin on his claw, sighing, "Yes, I heard you," he replied. Neither said anything else, as the sound of the antique clock was the only sound to break the silence. Him sighed again and re-crossed his legs, checking the polish on his claw. The clock began to chime as it reached nine o'clock.
"What a crowd," Him chirped with a little grin. Aku's smile wavered only slightly.
After five painful minutes, just as Aku's smile began to fade, there was a knock at the door.