It was 10:25 a.m. as my loyal band of followers gathered in my meeting room. I stood at the front, with my other staff members seated around the rectangular table. Beside me was a flipchart, on which was an arrow that climbed steadily upwards on a graph.
"My fellow WarioWare employees!" I cackled. "I am pleased to announce that our latest Game Boy Advance game has driven our profits through the roof! We're practically rolling in dough!"
"Hooray!" cheered Kat and Ana from the back of the desk. "Hooray for Mr. Wario!"
"Aw, you're too kind," I said, chuckling.
"It couldn't have happened without you, man," Jimmy said.
"I know!" I laughed. "That's what makes this so sweet!"
"So, when will we be getting our paychecks?" asked the high-pitched voice of feline cabdriver Spitz. I remained silent for a moment, not because I wanted to beat around the bush, but simply because I wasn't sure how to answer the question. The others looked at each other, and then warily at me.
"Am I to understand there will be no paychecks?" Spitz piped up after a minute or so.
"Oh, there will be paychecks," I assured him. "Generous ones! And to top it all off, I'm having a huge party tonight at my place, and you're all invited!"
"Huzzah!" Mona cheered happily.
"Can I bring my turntables?" 9-Volt asked, his eyes shining.
I laughed. "Well, sure. Where else am I going to get music from?"
"All right!"
I looked to my right. "Dribble! Call up White Castle, and order three Crave Cases."
"10-4!" barked the canine cabbie.
"Dr. Crygor, can you rig up some sort of fancy lighting device?"
"If I build it, you will come." He said with a nod. I gave him a confused look, and he looked down, muttering "I guess that doesn't make too much sense…"
Orbulon said something.
I nodded. "There will be PLENTY of pretty girls there, fear not. Now, why don't we all go home and get ready for a party none of us will ever forget!"
There was cheering the whole table 'round, and then there was the sound of chairs scraping against tiled floor as my staff got up and began leaving.
Mona, however hung back a bit, and met me at the door. "Wario, I have something for you." She said, with a glow in her eyes.
"Ah, ha, ha! I love presents!" I laughed. "Whaddya got for me, doll?"
Mona giggled and removed a "?" block from her bag. "Open it."
A bit confused, I smacked my fist on the block from underneath, and it opened to reveal a large hat, shaped like a hamburger, with soda can holders on either side and straws attached to them.
"I thought it would come in handy for the party," Mona said, blushing.
I slapped her on the back. "You're all right in my book! Thanks!"
Mona giggled again and looked away. "You're welcome."
I leaned back on my heels and gazed off for a moment, then said, "Mona, I think you're the best thing to happen to this company."
"Really?" she asked, beaming.
"Well, sure. I mean, with my big brains and your good looks, this company has an image that nobody can beat!"
"You think I'm good looking?" she asked, her voice dropping a half-octave.
This question caught me a tad off-guard. I had always thought that what I said is something that is always said to women. But I recovered quickly and said, "Well, sure! As good looking as someone who programs nose-picking games can be, at least." I wiggled my jagged eyebrows at her. This caused her to laugh and hug me, which caught me even more off guard.
Pushing her off, I said, "We should get going! Party time is at 8:00 sharp!" I bounded out the door, Mona hot on my heels.