The early afternoon. For most, it's a time of dread -- the highest point of the work day. But down in The Promise Land, there is a sense of jovial fun coming from Mystica's shack. His normal engraved "M" sign on his front door has been plastered over with a makeshift board reading simply, "tea time. Do not disturb."

Inside, the air is thick and hot from the afternoon sun. But the atmosphere is not something to be concerned with. This is the moment of relaxation for Mystica. His normally bare interior has been quickly renovated. The bed has been shoved to one wall, along with the desk. In the center of the room stands a round table, lovingly adorned with a lemon-coloured tablecloth. Atop the table sits an ivory tea pot with two sets of cups and saucers. Also atop the table is a small jug of milk, a ramikin of honey, and a bowl full of sugar cubes.

Seated at the table, Mystica is dressed to the blues in a black suit vest, collared white shirt, red tie, and plain black slacks. He looks rather chipper as he pours the two cups to near-full with the tea.

"I do hope you like Earl Gray," he says to his guest across the table. "I had to actually go back to civilization for all this."

Across from him sits Becky, outfitted in her Sunday best -- a blue flower-print dress. It is modest, yet undeniably nice-looking. She actually appears rather comfortable as Mystica pours her cup, giving him a friendly smile.

"I'm sure it will taste just fine," she replies, happily taking the cup from him and setting it down on her saucer.

"Ever had real tea?" Mystica asks, which only returns a confused look from Becky. "I mean, anything but that sweet tea Eli makes. No offense to him, but it's too much sugar for my liking. Tasty, but...sour sometimes."

"I had tea back before I came here," Becky replied, dropping two sugar cubes into her cup. "Out there."

"You say out there as though it's a bad thing," Mystica notes, pouring a healthy portion of honey into his tea.

"It can be."

"I know that quite well. But it's also full of good things. Some good people. Rare, but...Eli found me Out There."

"Reckon you're right," Becky said, nodding. Implored by Mystica, she sips her tea. "Not bad."

"Not bad? That's the finest!" Mystica laughs, taking a big sip of his own tea. "But yeah. The XWF is Out There. Lot of good and bad people."

"Aren't you a bit worried about tomorrow?" asks Becky with wide eyes.

"Not really," Mystica admits with a shrug. "See, my goal isn't to win. If I do, that's just frosting on the delicious bloody cake. My goal is to beat down whoever comes close. Anyone who would dare think they have the power to take on Eli. Whoever does win is in for the beatdown of a lifetime. Maybe an early grave."

"Quite a way of putting it," Becky giggles, taking another sip. "So what's the prime goal?"

"Kill Gilmour," Mystica replies straight-faced, his voice dropping several steps. There is something in his gaze that changes -- his eyes no longer carry David's friendly glow. Now it's the other one in charge.

"I'd very much like to rip his throat out with my own teeth," Mystica chuckles darkly, sipping the tea but never taking his eyes off his guest.

"That's a bit extreme, don't you think?" Becky asks.

"Not at all! The way I see it, with the Angels of Death all in this...no problem. Friendly competition. If one of them wins, good for them. But anyone else...especially Gilmour...I'll tear them to pieces. And should Duke or McAllister pop their heads in..."

He shivers, thinking of the things he might to do those gentlemen.

"It might get a bit...un-Christian."

Becky shakes her head in laughing disbelief. She obviously is following what he's saying. He's doing it all for Eli in her mind. But Mystica has more than just the good of the entire congregation in mind. He glances to the tag title, which has returned to its decorative place atop his fireplace.

"See, luv...I have something to protect now. The Gauntlet is useless to me. If I won, I wouldn't even bother. The US Championship belongs to Eli. And that..."

He points to the title. Becky turns in her chair to look at it. In the light flowing in from the window, it gives off a nice sheen. Mystica grins.

"That belongs to me and Elisha. And I'll tell you, no man, woman, or beast can take that from me. They'll have to stop my heart from beating before that thing leaves my possession. It will follow me into the ever-after. Some glorious day when I die."

He downs the rest of his tea in one gulp, transitioning back to David Martin. His eyes return to the more human side, and he looks to Becky with a friendly grin. Her eyes are wide in awe at what he's just rattled off on; her hands frozen in place, with the tea cup hovering in front of her face. David looks to the cup to see it is empty. He gestures to the tea pot with a smile.

"Interest you in another cupper?"

Achievements

• 1x Tag Team Champion
  
• August 2013 Superstar of the Month (Thank you all so much!)
  
• 1x US Champion
  
• 1x X-treme Champion