Our Friends Pick Favorites

DISCLAIMER: This list is comprised of fictional characters named: Mr. Relax, Mr. Happy, Mr. Recreation, Mr. Pain, Mr. Focus, Mr. Withdraw, Mr. Energy & Mr. Creative. The products represented by the characters are by no means claims related to the English definitions of their last names. The characters have a super power These products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Products are for research only. 

Our Friends STORY

Chapter 1: The DEA's Emergency Scheduling

It was an ordinary Tuesday morning when the news broke. The DEA had announced the emergency scheduling of the Matuso Leaf, a move that would classify it as a Schedule 1 illegal drug. This announcement sent shockwaves through communities that relied on the Matuso Leaf for its purported benefits. One of the most affected was Lucy Ash, a young activist and the founder of the newly-formed American Matuso Association (AMA).

Lucy, a determined woman with fiery red hair and a relentless drive, had founded the AMA in response to the DEA’s sudden decision. Her organization quickly garnered support from thousands who believed in the leaf’s benefits. With the 30-day open comment deadline rapidly approaching, Lucy knew they had to act quickly.

Lucy sat at her desk, sifting through countless emails from concerned supporters. She had successfully gathered over a quarter-million signatures in opposition to the DEA’s decision, but she knew it wouldn’t be enough. They needed a skilled lobbyist to navigate the political landscape and ensure their voices were heard.

“Lucy, you have to see this,” her assistant Jane called out, rushing into the room with a tablet in hand.

“What is it, Jane?” Lucy asked, looking up from her paperwork.

Jane handed her the tablet, displaying a news article about a man named Zach Maddow. He was a lobbyist with a notorious reputation, having been fired for stealing charity funds and later charged and punished for the crime. Despite his checkered past, Zach was known for his persuasive abilities and his knack for getting things done.

“He’s our best shot,” Jane said, a hint of reluctance in her voice. “We need someone who can fight fire with fire, and Zach is the man for the job.”

Lucy read the article, her mind racing. Hiring Zach was a gamble, but time was running out. “Set up a meeting with him,” she decided. “We don’t have a choice.”

As Jane left to make the arrangements, Lucy turned her attention back to the emails. The AMA wasn’t just fighting for the Matuso Tree; they were fighting for the thousands of people who relied on its leaves for their well-being. The stakes were high, and failure was not an option.

Meanwhile, in a quiet suburb not far from the AMA headquarters, Mr. Relax and Mr. Happy were enjoying a peaceful morning. Mr. Relax, with his calm and soothing presence, could diffuse tension with a single word. Mr. Happy, always cheerful and upbeat, had a contagious laugh that could lift anyone’s spirits.

“Did you hear about the DEA’s announcement?” Mr. Happy asked, sipping his coffee as he sat on the porch.

Mr. Relax nodded, his expression serene. “Yes, it’s going to cause quite a stir. The Matuso Leaf has been a lifeline for many, and making it illegal will have serious consequences.”

Mr. Happy sighed. “I hope the AMA can do something about it. Lucy Ash is a force to be reckoned with, but this is a big fight.”

Mr. Relax smiled gently. “She’ll need all the help she can get. We should be prepared for what’s to come.”

As the two men continued their conversation, neither of them knew just how pivotal their roles would become in the unfolding events. They were not yet seen as enemies of the AMA, but their involvement with the Matuso Leaf would soon put them under scrutiny.

In another part of the city, the rest of their group, including Mr. Recreation, Mr. Pain, Mr. Focus, Mr. Withdraw, Mr. Energy, and Mr. Creative, went about their daily lives, unaware of the storm that was brewing. They were buyers of the Matuso Leaf, and while their intentions were not malicious, their connection to the substance would inevitably draw attention.

As the days passed, the tension mounted. Lucy Ash and her team at the AMA worked tirelessly to gather support and prepare their case against the DEA’s decision. The clock was ticking, and the fate of the Matuso Tree hung in the balance. Little did they know, their journey would soon intersect with that of Mr. Relax and Mr. Happy, leading to a series of events that would challenge their resolve and test their alliances.
Chapter 2: A Checkered Past and a New Alliance

Lucy Ash sat in the dimly lit conference room, her eyes fixed on the door. She had never met Zach Maddow in person, but his reputation preceded him. Hiring a man with such a tainted past was a risk, but the AMA needed someone with his skills. The door creaked open, and Zach walked in, his presence commanding the room. Tall and sharply dressed, he carried an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance.

“Ms. Ash, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” Zach said, extending his hand.

Lucy shook his hand firmly. “Thank you for coming, Mr. Maddow. We’re in a difficult situation, and we need your expertise.”

Zach took a seat across from Lucy, his eyes scanning the room. “I understand the urgency. The DEA’s decision is a serious threat to your cause. What exactly do you need from me?”

“We need someone who can navigate the political landscape, someone who can persuade the right people to support our cause,” Lucy explained. “We have a large base of supporters, but we need to make sure their voices are heard.”

Zach nodded thoughtfully. “I can do that. But you should know, my methods are… unconventional. I get results, but it won’t always be pretty.”

Lucy met his gaze, unwavering. “We’re prepared to do whatever it takes to protect the Matuso Tree and its leaves. We believe in its benefits, and we won’t let it be taken away without a fight.”

“Then you’ve come to the right man,” Zach said with a confident smile. “I’ll start by reaching out to my contacts in Washington. We need to create a narrative that highlights the benefits of the Matuso Leaf and the negative impact of making it illegal.”

As they discussed their strategy, Mr. Relax and Mr. Happy were on their way to a local café for a meeting. The AMA had requested to meet with various stakeholders to gather support, and the two men wanted to offer their assistance. They believed in the benefits of the Matuso Leaf and were eager to help in any way they could.

When they arrived at the café, they were greeted by Jane, Lucy’s assistant. “Thank you for coming,” she said, leading them to a private booth. “Lucy will be here shortly.”

Mr. Relax and Mr. Happy took their seats, their expressions calm and cheerful. They were aware of the growing tension surrounding the Matuso Leaf, but they remained hopeful.

“I’m glad to see so many people coming together for this cause,” Mr. Happy said, glancing around the bustling café.

Mr. Relax nodded. “It’s a testament to the impact the Matuso Leaf has had on people’s lives. We need to ensure it remains available for those who need it.”

A few minutes later, Lucy arrived, looking slightly frazzled but determined. “Thank you for meeting with me,” she said, sitting down across from them. “We need all the support we can get.”

“We’re here to help in any way we can,” Mr. Relax assured her. “Tell us what you need.”

Lucy smiled gratefully. “We’re working on gathering more signatures and creating a compelling narrative to present to the DEA. Any influence you have in your communities would be invaluable.”

As they discussed their plans, Mr. Focus, Mr. Energy, and Mr. Creative worked behind the scenes, preparing materials and reaching out to potential supporters. The entire AMA team was mobilized, each playing their part in the fight against the DEA’s decision.

Meanwhile, Zach Maddow made a call from his office, his tone serious. “Get in touch with our contacts in Venezuela. We need to put pressure on the smaller farmers. They need to understand—either they do it our way, or they’ll be pushed out of business.”

Mr. Relax, who had accompanied Zach to the meeting, overheard the conversation and felt a pang of unease. He knew Zach’s methods were aggressive, but he hadn’t realized the extent of his willingness to coerce others.

“Zach, what exactly are you planning?” Mr. Relax asked, his voice calm but firm.

Zach turned to face him, his expression unyielding. “We need to secure our supply chain. The smaller farmers are resisting our terms, and we can’t afford to let them jeopardize our efforts.”

Mr. Relax frowned, his mind racing. He knew they were crossing a line, and the consequences could be severe. The group was teetering on the edge of legitimacy, and one wrong move could bring everything crashing down.

As they planned their next steps, Mr. Relax silently vowed to watch Zach closely. The future of the Matuso Tree—and the integrity of their mission—depended on it.