Please reread chapter 4 because I have split it into Ch4 and Ch5. There was just something about Ch4 that did not sit well with me. I think I posted it in haste knowing it would be a bit of time before I could get something out. It now flows in a morning pleasing manner that stays true to character. Anyway I hope you enjoy the rewrite.

Ch5 Mind Palace

He cleared his throat. "I felt the moment Sylvie killed Kang as a shockwave that rippled throughout this universe. Then I felt an intense pull on my soul. Pop, I was pulled into another timeline. Then snap, and I appeared in another timeline. I would begin to gain my equilibrium and then crack, I was pulled yet again to another time," He paused and took a deep breath. "I honestly do not know how long I participated in this insane tug of war."

"How did you gain control?" I asked.

"I finally had the presence of mind to open a portal of my own choice and that brought me here to the New York Sanctum. There is a strength within these charmed walls that is protecting me from teleporting it would seem."

"I wonder if you would be safe in the TVA too?" pondered Loki aloud. "Can you portal to the TVA?"

"I did not know of the existence of the TVA until you informed me earlier, Loki. I have not come across any reference to the TVA in my readings. What is different about the TVA?" asked Strange.

"That is an excellent question," said Kang.

"Oddly enough, my powers and Sylvie's did not work in the TVA," said Loki.

Strange took on a thoughtful look, "Kang is in a TVA that exists outside of our worlds, outside of the multiverse."

I was confused so I interjected, "Why do you want my help if your powers do not work in the TVA?" I asked.

"If we can lure Kang out of the TVA then you can enchant him," said Loki. "Our powers worked in the void and in any world we traveled to. Sylvie should have enchanted Kang."

"How do we know it will work?" I asked.

"Because you have enchanted me before," said Kang. "I tried to work with another Wanda but she meddled with my mind and escaped before I could convince her to help us. Hence the necessity of the chains earlier. I couldn't risk having to find another good variant of Wanda to work with."

"Strange, have you tried stepping outside of the Sanctum to see if you are still affected?" asked Kang.

"I have not had a wish to be so out of control," said Dr. Strange.

"You're effectively under house arrest,'' said Kang.

"I have been able to monitor the changes from here. Let me show you." He stood up and took us up the grand staircase, such contrast to the outside world. His home was akin to the Natural History Museum but with all manner of magical items instead of ancient remains. He stopped before a large metal basin settled on dark wooden table imposing with ornately carved dragons, whose tails descended, wrapping about each leg before curling upon the floor. The basin was settled within their teeth was brimming with a silvery liquid. "It is a sort of looking glass into other timelines."

As we watched images of a war play out in the Middle East. Then the surface rippled to show a cascade of water rushing over the banks of a river, flooding a European town. People were in distress as they succumbed to the swirling waters.

"How often does it change?" asked Loki.

"Every 3.14 minutes,'' responded Strange."

"How do you know these are from other timelines, and not this one?" I asked.

"I know," he said, his voice laced with derision. Clearly I should take him at his word. "Like you, the events have a time signature. They are not of this timeline," he spoke as if I had asked a dumb question. I was a famous neurosurgeon before I became Sorcerer Supreme because of my mind. My mind is a powerful tool. I am certain. Try Googling the events and I assure you only a few events, maybe one in a hundred thousand could have happened in this timeline. I know my own mind."

"Right, calm down Strange." Loki turned to him and laid a calming hand on Strange's arm. Strange looked at Loki's hand upon him with disdain. Instead of comforting Strange I had wanted to distance myself. But Loki pressed on in a valiant effort, "I have felt as you do. It's hard to have the rules change and to lose control. There's no need to be rude to Wanda. We are here to help each other. Is there something else going on that you haven't told us?" asked Loki.

Strange glanced to the basin and then to each of our faces. "I can't see the future anymore. I was able to see possible outcomes, like when we were trying to stop Thanos. I can't now," he said as he sighed as his hands came to rest on either side of the basin as he braced himself. "Instead I see the events like those in the basin playout in my mind and rotate every 3.14 minutes. I can't stop seeing the destruction and mayhem."

"What sort of magic is the basin?" ask Loki solemnly.

"It is a reflection of my thoughts," said Strange.

I felt like I was intruding yet I couldn't stop myself from seeing what he was seeing, much like the lookie-loos at a car accident on the freeway. The basin showed people being tossed into a massive grave. A few moved, clearly still alive. Shots were fired into the grave and their limbs ceased movement.

"I can't stop these images from forcing their way into my mind. I am barely hanging on in all honesty. I don't know that I can be of much use to you."

"I might be able to help you," I said quietly.

Suddenly all three men were looking at me. Strange looked as if he were fighting against being hopeful.

xxx

Please be kind and review. I welcome comments to help me improve and wonder what your thoughts are about this story. Ch6 should be out this weekend once edits are done. Wishing you all the best. Happy reading.